Beginning of the End

XVII

"It's unnerving, I guess would be the right word." I said to Audrey, who sat on my couch.

"What makes you say that?" She asked, sipping her cup of tea. I turned and looked at her.

"I guess I just expected more to happen?" I shrugged, taking a seat next to her, "Where's Jed?"

"Oh, with Elyas. Talking about weird things I don't understand." She waved her hand, gesturing.

"Probably about how much they miss Star Wars." I laughed.

"Honestly..." Audrey chuckled. I heard the sound of the Front Gate opening.

"Looks like they're back..." I hopped up, grabbing Edge. Audrey and I made our way outside. Lamar, Aysa, Tyler, William, and Devin all walked in, with a few bags over their shoulders each.

"Jesus Christ..." Audrey smiled. I whistled at them.

"Look at that!" I pointed Edge at them. They all turned and smiled at me, "That's what I'm talking about! Going above and beyond! What did you get?"

"Little bit of everything." Aysa smiled and winked at me.

"Food. Medicine. Clothes. Ammo." Devin said.

"Alright guys, take the things to their areas," Lamar turned to me, "Can we talk?" I nod, and we make our way to my house. I hold the door open for him and follow behind him.

"What's up?" I ask as I set Edge down on my table.

"Earlier... I didn't mean to snap at you. Brittany and I got into a fight... And, your name came up." He ran his hand over it head. I tilted my head, confused.

"Interesting?"

"She thinks you're going soft. That you're making everyone do the dirty work. She wants me to stop running, and I just can't do that." He sat down on my couch, head held in his hands. I chuckle, sucking my teeth.

"Really?" I smirk. He looks up at me.

"She's just been bitching nonstop. I'm not home enough. I don't talk to her enough. I snore too loud. The sun's too hot. The water is too wet." He shook his head.

"Well, I can settle this." I grabbed Edge then walked outside. I heard Lamar walking behind me.

"What are you gonna do?" He asks, worried.

"Just wanna talk to her," I smiled. I made my way over to Lamar and Brittany's trailer. I banged Edge on the door, "Little pig, little pig. Let. Me. In." I smirked. She opened the door a crack, peeking through the opening.

"Yes?" She whispered. I pushed open the door.

"Now, is that anyway to open the door to me?" I smirk at her. She shakes her head, "Didn't think so," She just stood there, "Well? Are we just gonna stand here all day? Or are you gonna invite me in?" She steps to the side and gestures for me to walk in. Lamar enters in behind shortly after. I turn to Brittany, "Now that wasn't so hard, was it?" I walk over to their couch and sit down, propping my feet up on the coffee table. Keeping eye contact with Brittany.

"You need a water or anything, Ziggles?" Lamar asks as he walks into the kitchen.

"No thanks," I kept eye contact with Brittany, who was sitting in the chair across from me, "So. Word in the wind is that you seem to have a problem with how I run this place." I state, biting the inside of my lower lip.

"What? I-"

"DON'T!" I slammed my feet down on the floor, "Don't lie to me!" I pointed my finger at her. She was shaking, tears in her eyes. She turned to look at Lamar, "Uh uh! You look at me! We're talking, not him!"

"Yes ma'am." She turned to face me again quickly.

"Do you, or do you not... Have a problem with how I run my Community?" She looked down at her hands, "Answer me, or it won't be pretty..." I said through gritted teeth.

"Kind of," She said abruptly, "I'm worried about how you're going to handle the other group." I smiled.

"Well. Good thing that's my problem to deal with and not yours," I stood up, grabbing Edge, "And also, where do you stand to judge my decisions? Do you go out there and scavenge?" She shook her head, "Didn't think so. Do you honestly do anything other than slack off in the kitchen and make my own father do your dirty work?" She went to say something, but I cut her off, "Cool. Glad we could have this talk," I walked by her towards the door, but stopped. I turned my head slightly, to speak to her behind me, "And also, Lamar has every right to walk through these gates. He's my right hand. You can be replaced. Always remember that." I Turned and smiled at Lamar, then closed the door behind me.