Till You Need Me

Broken heart

After that fight with Rick you try to avoid him as much as possible and concentrated on getting things done around the prison. Hershel had shown you had to start a garden out of some seeds that been taken from the farm before it had been overrun.

So, you spend most of your day breaking the ground and planting. You worked though day despite the heat. "Young lady you need to come in and eat something and rest " Hershel hobble out to where you were still working. You looked up

" I am ok " you told him " it going to be dark soon not much more you can do out here today Hershel said. and you stood up pulling off your gloves. " I know your hurting but you don't need to make yourself Sick "Hershel said.

" I just got a little too involved in the work that all you said as you walked back to the prison. " he didn't mean what he said. he needs you those kids need you" Hershel said I think when you left on that run it scared him because he wasn't there to protect you he said.

" I can take care of myself " you said. "yes, I know you can so dose he but after everything he went through with Lori he doesn't want to lose another person he cares about "Hershel said. "go get cleaned up eat something and rest " he said patting you on the shoulder before walking off.

Heading back to your cell you thought about what Hershel said. It all made sense but it still hurt to hear those words from Rick after everything. You sigh and went to take a shower. after you cleaned up you were heading back towards the common area to grab something to eat when Rick step out of his cell

" Can I talk to you for a second " he asked. you hesitated. "Please?" he said motioning for you to come into his cell. You sigh and nodded walking into his cell. you noticed Judith sleeping in her crib that had been moved into his cell a couple days ago, you settled yourself up against the wall arms folded across your chest.

He sat down on his bed leaning on his knees he looks down at the floor first. For a minute, no one spoke. Then he sighs " I know what I said hurt you and I am sorry I didn't mean what I said. about needing you." he said. your heart flip in your chest.

we do need you me and the kids. you have done lot for us since.... Lori died." he said stumbling on the words. It was the first time he had mention her since she died." and I am very thankful for everything. " he said looking up at you he gave you sad sort of smile.

" I know I overreacted about you going out on the run but I just worry about your safety." he said. you nodded. unable to speak still. He stood up I just wanted to say I am sorry but to also thank you for being a really good friend. " he said and you felt your heart heal a little but also break at the same time. you forced yourself to smile it ok " you said softly. he smiled looking a little relived like he hadn't though you would forgive him.

Of course, you would forgive him there was no question about that. because if friendship was all that he could offer you that would be enough for you. You would just have to find a way to heal your broken heart and move on.

Life was to short now a day. So, after that apology you guys went back to an easy friendship like it had been. but you made yourself keep a little distance it helps and as each day passed it help a little more. You were entirely sure it you would every stop loving him but at least you would be so broken heart over the man anymore.

One day you and Maggie were out walking the fences taking down walkers that were leaning against the fences. That when you notice something. or someone walking out of the woods." hey look " you pointed it the man out to Maggie Both of you pulled out guns as he staggered towards you.

"Help please..." he yelled as he took down a couple walkers near him but nearly collapsed in the processes. "Go get Daryl and Rick and Glenn " you told Maggie. Then you turned to the Stranger "Walked to the gate and keep your hands where I can see them ok " you pointed the gun at him " he nodded and started towards the front gate.

"You going to have to wait till my friends get here " you said. " how many are you?" he asked in a tried tone " more than you " you replied. earning a small smile out of him. you couldn't help but notice he wasn't bad looking despite the dirt. He looked like he hadn't eaten well in days or slept. Suddenly everyone beside you ...

"Told him he had to wait till you got down here " you told Rick who nodded and looked at the stranger." What 's your name?" he asked. "Michael " he replied "Are you alone?" Michael looked down " I am now. I had a camp but a herd came and wiped everyone out.

" I was lucky I had been out looking for food and when I came back they were gone "he replied. " How long has that been? Rick asked him. "A week or so Michael replied. As you listen to Michael and his story you believed what he was telling you.

You just hope Rick did to. "Hold for a second ok?" Rick said and turn around to talk with you Daryl, Glenn and Maggie. "We can't turn him away " you spoke up causing Rick to look at your funny

I wasn't going to suggested that but we need everyone input on this inviting a stranger in " he said." we cant be too careful he could be lying "Daryl said and Rick nodded. But on the other hand, he could be telling the truth " you said and Maggie nodded agreeing with you.

"Alright for now we bring him in and put him in one of the cells until we can have decided if he safe enough to let out." Rick said. You still didn't like it but it was better than nothing.

"Y/n go talk to Hershel Carol and Carl. let them know what going on" Rick said to you and you nodded taking one last look at the stranger over your shoulder before walking back into the prison.