Life Isn't Fair

23

"I lost Vera trying to get away from them. I tried going back for her but I didn't see her anywhere." He explains why he is alone and where his friend went, Vera was her name, and what he saw. "So you weren't alone?" Rick asks Aiden, and folds his hands together in a patient way. "Nah, I was with Vera when it all happened." Aiden explains. "There were military officials and soldiers coming in our neighborhood, and dragging people out of their homes only to shoot them dead in the street if they looked sick. It was painful to watch." He looks between Rick and me to see our expressions. I shake my head and Rick just sits there, unamused. I nudge him under the table with my shoe and he finally talks. "I'm sorry you had to see that. But what difference does it make now? None. Which is why you have to be strong for the people in the present instead of in the past." Rick says. I completely agree with him, he's in total control here and he's not wrong. "Okay. You may stay and when we find Vera or she finds her way here herself, you guys can become members of this community. It's the least we can do." I say and look at Rick who seems pissed, but I give him a look that says, 'Leave it alone or else'. He nods and looks between me an Aiden, and then shakes his head. "Well, you're welcome to stay here as long as you don't cause problems." Rick sighs and then leaves to go home. "If you want, for now you can live with me, so people don't get hostile with you if you live alone, and because you might be leaving soon anyway if that's what you want." I finish and he just nods his head. "Okay I'll show you to my place and then you can wash up." I stand out of my seat and make my way to the door, open it, and go home with a curious Aiden following my trail. I open the door and toss my weapons on the dining room table along with my jacket, and point to the couch where Aiden goes and sits down. "So, how long have you been by yourself?" I sit on the rocking chair next to the couch and begin to rock back and forth while tapping my fingers on the side of the arm. "For about 2 and a half months now." Aiden replies and looks away in distraction. "Well, you and Vera are welcome to stay here if that's what you want." I rub my temple and bounce my foot on the floor. I stand and go to walk upstairs, when I turn around and nod my head in the direction to the upstairs area. "I'll show you where you can stay for now. But when the community warms up to you and when Vera comes back, you could get your own place if you want." I inform him. I continue the walk upstairs and turn to my right where there is a guest room. "That's yours. Go on in and get some rest." I open the door for him and he walks into the room. I leave after shutting the door and make my way into my own room. I take a long shower and think about how much good I've done, and compared to how much bad I've done. Thinking about everything that has happened really makes me feel like crap. Even the good times. I rub my temples and I get out of the shower. I dress in something simple, Rolled up light blue jean shorts, A black sweater, and my combat boots. I just let my hair down, which has grown tremendously, and I go into Dallas' room to collect him and make some lunch. As I'm walking down the stairs, Rick opens my door and greets me with a nice warm smile. "Hey." I say, while bouncing Dallas on my hip. "Hey. I'm just going to get straight to the point. I need someone I trust, -the other leader of Alexandria-, to come with me to check out a community Daryl and Glenn found while out on a run. So I'm just asking-" I cut Rick off, telling him that he didn't have to worry because I would go either way. "Thanks Skylar." Rick said softly. "No problem.  I'm making lunch. Want some?" I ask nicely, a warm smile spreading across my face. "No thank you, I just had some earlier." Rick says and goes towards my door. "Bye Skye. Thanks, too, by the way." He says and leaves my house. "Okay. Sandwich, or oatmeal?" I ask Dallas, and he points to the oatmeal. "Good choice." I smile. I fill a small bowl with some oatmeal and bring Dallas and his food to the table, where we both enjoy lunch. The crunch of the lettuce calms me from the butterflies that are starting to form in my stomach. I felt nervous because my mind was already playing all of the scenarios in my head of what could go wrong, and who I could lose in the process of this mission. I push the thought out of my head and stand up to clean up lunch. I bring Dallas to his room and put him in his crib, kiss his forehead, and say goodbye to him. I leave the room waving, and close the door a pinch. I quietly walk over to Aiden's room and I knock on it lightly. "Hey." He says once he opens the door. "Hey. I need a favor. I'm going on a run with Rick to go find out what this community wants from us, and I wanna know of you'd like to babysit while I'm gone." I raise my eyebrow, and he just nods. "Thanks. I'll see you in a couple days." I give Aiden a hug, and walk back to my room to pack a packback. I stuff some clothes in the biggest pocket, along with a water canteen, a bag of medical supplies, and a couple other things. I put my knifes in the middle pocket, and I zip it up. I go down to the kitchen and pack some food, some water bottles and I place my bag on the counter, because I'm ready. I put my holster belt on and put my pistol and Machete in the holsters on each side, for easy access. I grab a dark green jacket that's supposed to reflect heat, and I tie up my combat boots. I swing the bag over my shoulder, yell a quick, "Bye love you!" And I walk out of my door. I meet Rick by the gates, where he's in a car with Glenn and Daryl, his most trusted right hand men, and I climb in the back with Glenn. "Let's get this show on the road." I wave my hand at the people watching us leave, and we finally exit the gates and travel further away from Alexandria. "Well, this should be fun." I chuckle.