Beginning of the End

XX

I sit on my couch, looking at Edge, still covered in blood. I smirked. It adds character. I hear a knock on the door, I turn to see Aysa walk in.

    "Hey, Jade..." He walked over. I stood up and hugged him. He pulled up, still holding me, looking into my eyes, "Are you doing okay?"

    "I'm fine. Why is everyone asking me that?" I pulled away and walked over to my tea pot, pouring myself a cup.

    "Well," He sighed, "Everyone is talking about how you're the fucking badass, and they're kinda scared." I looked at him.

    "I did what I had to do. I am a woman of my word. No one, and I mean no one, will cross that line. She fucked up." I took a sip of my tea, then walked over and sat down on my couch.

    "Do you..." He cleared his throat, "Did you mean what you said to Alek?" He looked at me. I sighed.

    "Yes. I loved him. But, he fucked it up. He betrayed me. He left me. He fucked me up. And I think we could've been a power couple, but nope." I smiled and took another sip of my drink.

    "I want that for us..." He kneeled down in front of me, "I don't want you to carry all this on yourself. I want to help." I looked into his eyes, then smiled.

    "I appreciate the offer, but I can do this. But, I'll think about your offer." He smiled and stood up walking over to my calendar.

    "Who's on night watch tonight?" He asked.

    "I think it's 'Khalil and Lamar?" I said. He looked at the dates.

    "It is," He turned, "I'll go tell them." He walked over, kissed my forehead then walked out. I sat there, drinking my tea. I looked over at Edge. I grabbed him, staring at the head. Blood stains. I closed my eyes and heard the crunch of her skull caving in. I opened my eyes suddenly. I let out a deep sigh, setting Edge down. I shake my head.

    "You can get through it," I whisper to myself, "You're strong, they need you..." I walk over to my China cabinet. I sigh as I grab my bottle of Scotch. It was a quarter full, "I'll have to ask my runners to find more." I mutter to myself. I pour a half glass then place the bottle back. I sat at my table, running my finger around the rim of the glass. I sigh, the silence of my house was killing me. I grabbed my glass and made my way outside. The sun has already set. I make my way to the gallows and sit on the steps. I sip my drink as Edge is leaned against my leg.

    "Hey there," Khalil smiled, "Mind if I join you?" I scooted over and patted the spot on the stairs beside me. He walked over and sat down, "How you doing?" He asked.

    "Good. Just needed some fresh air, I guess." I took a swig of the drink.

    "I'm just checking. I know that must've fucked you up a little." He patted my back.

    "I've never had to shoot the living. Let alone cave a skull in. But, I had to. I have to prove my points. I stand by my words. I won't let someone threaten me or my people. Especially my people." I gulp down the rest of my drink.

    "Well," He stands up and looks down at me, "But, we're ready to fight for what's ours. For you, for this community. For our lives. Lamar and I were talking about it. Lamar was ready to kill Alek. And he better never show his face again. It won't be pretty." He smirked then walked off towards the Front Gate. I stood up, grabbing Edge. I slung him over my shoulder and walked to the Back Gate. I saw Lamar looked out through the chain link.

    "Hey there." I smile as I approach him.

    "Hey Ziggles, how are you?" He asked, turning to face me.

    "I'm alright, I'm good." I smile.

    "I think there's something out there, I can hear the groans. A few walkers, I suppose." He turned back, looking through the Gate.

    "Probably, just keep an eye out. If there is anything suspicious, come get me." I turn to walk off.

    "I'm ready for this, Jade," He announced. I turned to him, "I'm not going to let those fucks ruin this place. I'm definitely not going to let someone ruin our lives." He smiled at me.

    "It's funny to think that when this first happened, we were worried about the dead," I chuckle, "Who knew it was the living we'd have to fear?" I shook my head slightly.

    "We got this, Ziggles." Lamar nodded.

    "I know." I smiled then walked off. I made my way to my home. I opened the door and walked over to my cabinet to pour another glass, but my bottle wasn't there. I looked at my table, it wasn't there either. I stood silently, pondering where it was. I heard a movement. I held Edge up in defense.

    "Is this what you're looking for?" Alek walked out from the darkness of my room.