Beginning of the End

XXVI

I was standing against the Gallows smoking a cigarette, talking to Audrey and Lamar, watching the sun begin to set.

"I don't think another run has to be done for a while." Audrey said. I nodded.

"Yeah, even the clothes were a big help," I turned to Lamar, "I know you and the guys get restless behind the fences, but, with everything that's going on, it's for the best."

"Yeah, I know, I just..." He runs his hand over his head, "This kinda shit makes me anxious."

"I know the feeling," I chuckled as I inhaled my cigarette. I looked up to see Aysa walking towards us, "Well, fuck." I said as I exhaled.

"Hey, Jade." He smiled weakly. I closed my eyes.

"What?" I asked, slightly annoyed. Lamar and Audrey walked off toward the Front Gate. I watched them as they walked away.

"I, uh," He scratched the back of his head, "I was wondering about the other night. Like, uh, what is going on?" I turned and looked at him.

"I'm not gonna fuck you and sleep in the same bed as you when you don't fucking love me anymore." I leaned off, grabbing Edge, I slung him over my shoulder and turned to walk towards Lamar and Audrey.

"Jade..." Aysa grabbed me by the arm, turning me to him, "It's the end of the fucking world and you're worried about love?" He laughed. My face fell with anger.

"Maybe if someone would've given it to me when the world was alive and well, I wouldn't have to fucking worry about it!" I spit at his feet. I turn and begin to walk.

"JADE!" I heard Lamar call. I begin to jog towards him. I approach the Gate and see Audrey and Lamar facing me.

"We got company." I look beyond the chain link and see Alek walking up to it. I pick up my speed and run.

"Open the gate!" I order. Lamar does as I ask, allowing Alek to step in. He collapses on the ground. I run over to him, "Are you okay? Are you hurt?"

"No," He coughs, "I ran here." He looks up to me, grabbing me and pulling me onto his chest. I looked up and see Aysa walking over, looking pissed. I stood up, pulling Alek up with me.

"What the fuck is going on here?" Aysa said, getting into Alek's face.

"Goddamn, dude. Chill the fuck out." Alek stepped back. Lamar grabbed Alek's stuff and gestured for him to follow him. I looked at Lamar and nodded. Audrey walked up.

"What IS going on?" She asked, confused.

"You're just as confused as I am..." I answered honestly. I sighed, "Alek and I met last night, secretly. Lamar followed me out because, you know, protective and shit. And everything was fine. Like, we were talking about calling off the war, trying to coincide," I glance over at Lamar, who's talking to Alek outside of my house. Alek's just nodding.

"Whoa, whoa, whoa. What?" Aysa asked. I turned to him.

"What part didn't you understand?"

"If it's the Alek and you part, I'm not following either." Audrey crossed her arms. I sighed.

"Yes, Alek and me. Alek and I. I and Alek. Me and Alek. Can we get passed that?"

"I thought we were passed that a long time ago." Audrey chuckled. I gave her a mean look.

"So, that's why," Aysa chuckled, "You stop sleeping with me to be with him again? Unbelieveable." Audrey turned to him.

"You left Jade for a bitch that LITERALLY looked like a man, I truly do not want to hear shit," She turned to me, "But, goddamit, Jade. What the fuck happened? You literally had a gun pointed at his head the last time I saw him."

"I'm gonna go talk to him. See what's going on." I turned and walked over to Lamar and Alek.

"Jade..." He hugged me. I pulled away.

"What's going on?" I asked, looking from him to Lamar, who cleared his throat.

"Well, supposedly, Cj freaked the fuck out on him because Brittany's bitch ass told Rachel about the affair. And then as Alek was leaving, Chris pulled a gun on him. Told him he couldn't leave. But he got away somehow." Lamar shrugged. Alek closed his eyes and breathed in deeply.

"I shot Brittany," He opened his eyes to see our shocked expression, "I was aiming for Chris, I think? Like, Chris pulled the hammer back, I pulled the gun out and shot. I wasn't even really aiming. I don't know if I killed her or not." He shook his head. Lamar shrugged, then turned to me.

"Karma sucks, I suppose." He said. I smiled widely, then looked at Alek.

"Well... Lamar needs a roommate now that she's gone." I nodded.

"I was expecting..." Lamar muttered.

"Oh, that he'd be with me? Because that'll look great to the group." I gave a sarcastic smile. Alek turned, looking at the gallows.

"What if they all try to kill me?" He whispered. I frowned slightly.

"Lek..." I turned him around and looked in his eyes, "You came here willingly," I turned to Lamar, "Tomorrow. Community Meeting. We all need to talk about this," I turned back to Alek, "Just... avoid Aysa. Okay?" I gave a weak smile. He nodded and hugged me.

"I'm just scared..." He whispered in my ear. I hugged him back.

"I know..."