crossfire » c.g.

two

I stare at the people pointing the weapons at me. The man in the centre stares me down, I catch his gaze. He looks rough. A beard covers the bottom of his face, his hair falling into a curly mess on the top of his head.

I hold my breath. My hand slowly reaches for the gun on my right hip. I was just about to whip it out when a deep and croaky voice stops me.

"I wouldn't if I was you."

▼△▼△

"Hi Scarlett."

I look up trying to find the source of those words. I meet eyes with the friendly Korean man, Glenn. I smile and give a small wave.

After taking my weapons and bag away, the group questioned me. They asked about whether I have a group or camp, where I'm from etc. I've been here for a few hours now. I can roughly put names to faces of most people. It was dark outside, the only light illuminating the room coming from a small fire pit in the corner of the barn. I was sitting in front of it, warming my hands.

"So, how did you wound up on your own?" Glenn questions as he sits down next to me.

I think about the answer to the question.

"My older brother and I got separated a while ago. Been on my own since then." I reply truthfully. Everyone listens in, probably wanting to know the answer as well.

"What about your parents?"

I let out a chuckle.

"Oh how I wish I knew."

He glances to the side of my head before looking back at me. "Oh. I see. I'm sorry."

I nod my head in acknowledgment. I zone out and start drawing on the floor with my finger. There is so much dust here. Well of course there is Scarlett. This is the beginning of the end of the world, no one has the time to clean anymore.

"He's gonna be okay." Carol says, looking over at Rick.

I look at him but all I can see is the back of his head. I follow his gaze and land my eyes on the teenage boy, I think his name was Carl, who has baby Judith wrapped in his arms as he sleeps.

I haven't spoken to him at all since my arrival. We shared a few looks and such but nothing more. He's the type that keeps to himself. I smile at the sight of him and his sister. My heart pangs as I remember Jamie hugging me the same way back before the outbreaks. We had separate beds but I would always sneak into his, needing his arms wrapped around me to let me know everything was going to be okay. I miss him. So so much.

Rick turns to look at the older women. She continues speaking.

"He bounces back. More than any of us do."

I get up from where I was sitting and move further out, getting away from the warmth of the fire and the conversation being held. I find an unoccupied spot and lay down in hopes of getting some sleep. Today has been a long day, and right now I want nothing more than to just let my brain and body relax.

The sound of fire cackling and rain soothes me, and before I know it I am fast asleep.

▼△▼△

I jolt awake to the sound of banging. My wide open eyes scan the room to find the source. They land on the entrance to the barn. There with his back pushing against the doors is Daryl. Through the gap between where the two doors should meet are walkers. A whole herd of them.

By instinct I quickly rush to help. My shoulder pushes against the tall frame. Daryl's face is seething with concentration, he looks at me and we both grunt as there's a heavy push on the doors.

The others must have heard the raucous as one by one they all come to help keep the barn safe. Even Carl, who softly laid Judith on a blanket before running to help.

Everyone stands their ground, not budging; our boots digging into the ground.

We stay like this for god knows how long. Eventually the walkers get drawn away and everyone disperses. I slide down, my back pressed against the wooden door and eyes closed. My body feels like it's on fire, especially my arms.

I open my eyes when I feel somebody's gaze on me. I'm met with icy blue eyes. Carl. He follows my action and slides down next to me. I let out a deep breath and offer him a small smile as that's all I can manage. I'm exhausted. Everyone here is exhausted. He returns the smile and looks down at his legs which were bent.

In my hazy state I didn't see that he was holding Judith. The small girl looks up at her brother with her big baby blue eyes. She's sucking on her fingers, oblivious to what just happened.

"Can I hold her?" I ask in a quiet and tired voice. He looks up and doesn't answer for a few seconds, probably wondering whether he should trust me. A few moments later he gently picks Judith up and places her in my legs, positioned like she was with him.

"Be careful with her."

This is the first time I've heard him speak. His voice is soft and gentle.

I nod my head in response and look at the girl in my lap. She grabs my thumb and squeezes it gently. I bop her nose to which she replies with a frown and then a giggle. I hear Carl let out a chuckle as I also laugh.

I put my hands over my eyes, keeping them there for a few seconds before quickly moving them to the sides of my head.

"Peekaboo!!"

Judith giggles yet again. Her laugh echoing around the room. Thank god the weather is making a lot of noise outside otherwise we'd be drawing in walkers. Again.

Some of the adults look over at Carl, Judith and I, smiles on their faces. After such a stressful day it's nice to relax, even if it's just for a little bit.

These people aren't half as bad as I thought they'd be. They're like a tightly knit family. A family that one day I hope to be a part of.

hope you enjoy!! the chapters will get longer and more interesting as the story progresses.

how did everyone like the new episode (9)? i personally liked it and am excited for the rest of the season. rick at the end!!

~ k