Beginning of the End

XXII

I woke up and rolled over on my side to an empty bed. I leaned up, looking around.

    "I guess it was just a dream..." I whispered to myself. I slid out of bed, changing my clothes. I slipped on some mid thigh lengthed overalls and a ripped up white shirt. I walked into the living and I noticed a piece of paper on my coffee table. I walked over and picked it up. In a blue Sharpie, it was his handwriting, "Tonight. Town intersection. At dusk." I read aloud. I sighed and shook my head. I folded the note, walked over to the dresser in my room and slipped it into my photo album. I walked into the living room, grabbing Edge from where I dropped him near the table last night. I walked out the house, seeing people walking about. I smiled. I looked at the cafeteria to see my dad smoking a cigarette, talking to my stepmom, while my little sister, Gabbi, ran around and was playing with Aysa. My smile fell as I pictured Alek... I cleared my throat, and shook my head.

    "Issy!" I heard Gabbi yell. I drop Edge as she ran towards me, I grabbed her.

    "How are you today?" I smiled as she smiled up at me. Aysa walked over to me.

    "Morning. Did you sleep well?" He kissed my cheek. I set Gabbi down and she ran back up to my dad and Jenni.

    "I slept really well," I smiled as I looked over at him, "What about yourself?

    "It was alright. Elyas decided to talk about what it would like if it was like World War Z." He rolled his eyes.

    "Be grateful these fucks don't run and shit like that." I chuckled.

    "That's exactly what I told him." Aysa laughed. I smiled, then a slight frown covered my face. He tilted his head looking at me. 

    "I was just thinking," I cleared my throat, "I don't think we should sleep together anymore. I know you don't love me, and that's okay. I care about you, you care about me. But, it's just never going to be what it was." I smiled weakly, picked up Edge, then walked away. I made my way over to the Back Gate, where I saw Lamar, Khalil, Tyler, Nick, Tanner, and William all sitting in a circle.

    "Ziggles!" Lamar called, "Come join us." He patted the empty spot next to him. I walked over to him and sat.

    "Hey guys." I smiled.

    "Okay, first things first," Tanner started, "Can we just talk about how fucking epic that headshot was?" He was smiling extremely wide.

    "Yeah! Like, I wasn't ready." Tyler commented.

    "I knew some shit was gonna happen when she punched you, but that was... Just wow." Khalil chuckled.

    "Thanks, guys." I smiled, shyly.

    "Man, you're lucky I didn't fucking blow Alek's head off." Lamar said. I fake laughed.

    "Yeah, I wanted to." I looked off in the distance, passed the fence.

    "You good?" Nick asked. I turned back.

    "Crushing in a person's skull kind of stays with you for a while." I give them a side smile, stand up, then walk away.

I made my rounds around the Community, waiting for the sun to set. I noticed almost everyone has retired to their houses by this time. I walked over to the horses. I stood on the outside of the fence and sighed.

    "You're out late." I turned to see Lamar walking up to me.

    "Yeah, thinking about going on a night ride." I say, turning back to the horses.

    "I don't want you going out there alone, so I'll join."

    "No." I answer quickly. He looked extremely suspicious.

    "You wouldn't want me out there by myself, so you're not going." He smiled at me as he stood beside me.

    "Wisconsin, it's seriously nothing, I can handle this myself." I insisted.

    "It's really no trouble." He went to open the gate to the horses.

    "Lamar!" I said in a hushed whisper, "Stop." He looked extremely caught off guard.

    "Where are you going? At least tell me that."

    "Town intersection." I sighed.

    "For?" He pressured. I shook my head and opened the gate. I walked over to the all black stallion. I placed Edge in the holster on the saddle. I looked back at him.

    "Please, don't worry. I'll be fine. I always am."

    "What if a walker gets you? What if Alek is waiting for you?" He was extremely worried.

    "I sure hope so." I smirked. I jumped up on the saddle and positioned myself. I looked down at Lamar, who was frowning.

    "Please be safe." He smiled weakly.

    "Safe is my middle name."