Gym Socks

Chapter 5

"So this is where you'll be staying." Frankie smiles opening a door that leads to a bedroom.
"So, what happens around here." I ask somewhat scared to know the answer.
"Honestly, it's quite boring. Occasionally Negan has us spend the night in other men's rooms."
"HE WHAT?"
"Don't worry, there are rules. Like no sex. Negan despises cheating. Although sometimes... he makes exceptions. But only on our terms. And by exceptions I mean with his men and his approval. And we have to agree."
"And if we don't."
"Nothing bad happens. You're just seen lower on the spectrum."
"Is that a bad thing?"
"Let's just say... Negan has a sick way of convincing you to do stuff and make you agree. No physical harm. Usually bribery works in his favor."
"I see."
"We just kind of sit around all day miserable until Negan calls for us to attend to his needs. It's really not that difficult and you don't have to work for anything. I have to explain the rules to you... please remember them because Negan may ask and it's my ass on the line if you don't remember them."
I nod processing everything she is informing me. Taking mental notes.
"Rule one: No cheating. You are Negan and only Negan's. That is the most important rule.
Number 2: if someone asks who you are, you say Negan.
Number 3: Don't disrespect or disobey Negan's orders unless they make you uncomfortable.
And that's pretty much it. Oh! How could I forgot. You have to wear this... uniform." She states pulling out a dress from the closet. It's a black skin tight dress with black flats.
"Everyday?" I ask.
"Unless he says otherwise. And obviously we can wear whatever to bed."
"I'm good." I state disregarding the outfit. I'm not wearing skin-tight anything. What if there's an emergency? How am I gonna fight walkers in this?
"Please wear it. I don't want to get in trouble."
"It's fine. I won't let you."
She sighs in defeat. "Suit yourself." She mumbles. Soon enough there is a knock at the front door. We rush to the main room.
"Hello Negan." The woman say flirtatiously.
"Frankie. Does she know the rules?" He asks.
"I told her them."
"Then why isn't she dressed?"
"She-"
"I didn't want to wear it." I say boldly as the women's mouths drop.
"And why the hell is that?" He asks
"Don't feel comfortable wearing it. I'm not one for dresses everyday." I explain as the women wait for him to explode angrily onto me. But surprisingly, he doesn't.
"We'll discuss it later. Come on let's go."
"Where?"
"Don't question me Brooke and lets go." He says signaling for me to follow. I follow him outside of the sanctuary where there are a bunch of vehicles on. We get into a truck and he tells me to sit in the passenger seat.
"Where are you taking me?"
"Damn it Rookie, what is it with all the fucking questions today."
We drive for what seems like hours. But then the terrain becomes more and more familiar to me. I then realize where he is taking me. Is he letting me go home? Why is he bringing me here? We pull up in front of the familiar gates and I become overwhelmed with emotions.
"Get out." He orders as I comply. "Stay there until I say. Run and one of them dies." He threatens. He walks to the gate and bangs on it using Lucille "Little Pig, Little Pig! Let. Me. In." He announces in a sing songy voice.
"Who are you?" A voice calls.
"You have GOT to be kidding me." Negan laughs.
"You said a week!" Rick yells. The sound of his voice warms my heart. Oh how I've missed him. I want to run to him but I know Negan meant his threat and I couldn't risk it. "I've come to check out the place, and take some of what we need." He explains walking in.
"But that's wasn't the-"
"Ah. Ah. Ah." Negan warns. "Brookie. Come say hello!" He calls as I approach the familiar gates. I pass through them and look at everyone's faces. Would they disown me for going with the enemy? Is he here to let me come home?
"I'd like everyone to meet my new wife."
My heart jumps through my throat. That's why he asked me? For leverage! My blood is boiling as I've finally caught onto his demented plan.
"W-Wife?" Michonne asks, eyebrows furrowed.
"Tell them kitten. Tell them how you accepted my proposal."
"Proposal?" Rick asks.
"It's not what you think." Is all I can say. It feels as if cotton is filling my mouth and it's suddenly hard to speak.
"Oh but it is right darling?" He asks pulling me closer to him. He puts his lips on mine. This wasn't consensual and he said nothing that makes me uncomfortable and frankly, I'm super uncomfortable. Before I can react I slap him right across the face. He looks shocked for a moment.
"Oh, playing hard to get I see." He smirks playing it off as a joke. But for a split second I saw hatred and fury in his eyes and I knew I was gonna get it later.
"Negan I-"
"Think we are going to have to have a talk later about your sudden outbursts." He says.
Great.
"Take half men, nothing more." Negan orders. He follows Simon leaving me alone. Once they are out of sight everyone looks to me. I'm flustered and begin to panic. They hate me. I know they do. My mind is eased when Michonne engulfs me into a hug.
"We've been worried sick." She comforts.
"I've- ive been fine. But I'm scared and I need help." I ramble
"We are gonna get you out of there one way or another." Rick promises as I feel a glimmer of hope.
"I didn't want to be his wife. I just thought-"
"Hey you don't have to explain yourself." Rick says his words soothe me.
"How is everyone here?" I ask.
"Hanging in there?"
"And Maggie?"
"She's hidden and has fully recovered. But we are gonna tell Negan she died if he asks." Michonne informs me.
"Hang in there Brooke." Carl states. "We are gonna get you out."
"I'll try. It's just difficult. He's not the man he was. He's a monster." I explain as hot tears spill over.
"Get in the car Brooke!" Negan yells his voice causing me physical tension. I don't move.
"NOW!" I say my goodbyes and go. Silently crying the rest of the way to the sanctuary.