Divided Destiny: A Rick Grimes Love Story

Chapter 6

As you slowly approach the court, the sound of laughter and the sight of smiles surrounds you. You look to your left and you see Rick smiling at the group. He starts to walk a little faster than you as you stop and stare. You haven't seen anyone smile since before Jessica, you haven't been able to escape from the torture that is reality. 

"Come here." Michonne says extending a hand. 

You look at her puzzled, as if this was going to be shattered as you grasp her hand. When you take her hand, she pulls you beside her and Glenn in the kitchen hands you a glass of some tawny- colored liquid. 

"What in the actual hell is this?" You ask. 

Michonne lets out a little chuckle while Glenn looks at you with a stunned stare. 

"That," He says pointing to the glass, "is Mr. Jack Daniel's." 

You look at it again and put it to your nose. Definitely whiskey. You take a sip and cringe as it slightly burns your throat. Michonne does a shot, then Daryl, and then Rick. Glenn sets out a platter of food. You look up at Glenn with an awe-struck face. 

"Dude, how did you find this?" You say taking another sip of the whiskey.

Glenn smiles at you, "There was a freezer, in the back. It was still cold and the light was working." 

Its been at least 4 years since this food court has been in use, how would a freezer and a light go for 4 years, even the best generator should last that long. 

"Someones here." Rick says. 

You look at him and see hes looking down the strip. You follow his glance and you see three figures walking towards the group. They have their guns pointed at you all and approaching too quickly. 

"Put you weapons down!" A woman yells. 

You look around confused, you don't recall anyone drawing their weapons. But when you turn around, Maggie, Glenn, Daryl, Carl, and Rick have all pulled their guns. They look at each other before resuming to point. 

"Just do it." You whisper to Rick. 

He gives you a quick glance before returning his gun to the holster. Maggie and Glenn still hold their guns high. Rick stepped forward with his hands raised. 

"Rick, get back here." You whisper. 

He shakes his as he slowly approaches the people ahead. 

"Rick?" The same woman asks. 

"Carol?" He asks lowering his hands a little. 

The woman drops her gun and rushes towards Rick at lightning speed. Glenn, Maggie, Daryl, and Carl all put their weapons and rush towards them. You stand there, a little confused, with Michonne at your side. Her look was filled with uncertainty. 

"Should I be concerned?" You ask Michonne under your breath. 

She doesn't make any movement, nervous that something would happen, "That's up to you." 

You look down, and cringe a little. As you look up, the figures are closer. There are two women, one blonde and the other, with grey-ish hair, and then there is a man, black, tall, and muscular. He carried a bag on his shoulder. When Rick came into view, was holding something to his body. There was a faint sigh from him and then a slight cry. 

You start towards him, trying to understand. As you look closer, he was carrying a child. There was a soft cry from the little girl and then a slightly louder one from Rick. 

"Are you okay?" You whisper as he approaches you. 

His eyes are bloodshot and watery with tears. His smile is so large and his brilliantly bright teeth are showing more than you have ever seen. Rick nods and grabs your hand as he places the little one down on a bench. Carl comes up behind you and you hear a gasp from him. He drops to the ground and starts to cry. 

"This is Judith." Rick whispers. 

"Y-your daughter?" You ask, choking up. 

He nods and a tear flows down his cheek. He wipes it away as the little girl looks up at him and away from Carl. She smiles, as if somehow she remembers the early days. Rick smiles back and picks her up. You sit down beside them and admire the scene. 

All too suddenly, your memories with Jessica flood your mind. You start to tear up, Where was she now? You fold over and out of your chair.  You hit your head hard on the tiles. Things start to go blurry and black. Feeling in your hands and legs start to go. What the hell did you do? The voices fade as you close your eyes. 

***

The unfamiliar comfort of waking up in a bed startles you. Its light outside but there's no one around. As you look about, you guess that you are in a furniture store. There is a glass of water and a piece of paper on stand by your bed. You take up the water and grab the note. 

"Stay here until we come back. It shouldn't be long. There is a bag under the bed. Your Spey is in there ~Rick"