Madison Grimes

23

I check the perimeter for an hour before taking watch of Randall to let Glenn have a break. As I walk to the barn, I see Glenn sitting criss-cross with his head in his hands. I think he's sleeping but I can't be sure. I sneak next to him and sit down, plotting my next move. I look and see he is, in fact, sleeping. A smile pulls at my mouth as I extend my arms and engulf him in a hug. He lets out a girlish scream, making me let go of him and bust out in laughter. He holds his hands to his heart as he regains his breath.

"You c-can't do that to me. I-I could have shot you." He pants. I compose myself so I can speak.

"No you wouldn't have. You're too busy sleeping." I let out a few more laughs before I stop and see him stand up. "What wrong, pretty boy?" He smirks at his name as he extends his hand, which I gladly take.

"Thought you forgot about that name by now, haven't heard it in a while." I shrug.

"Wouldn't want Maggie thinking I'm stealing you from her." I feel arms grab me, making me grab one of my throwing knives and turn around. I sigh as I see Maggie with a huge smile on her face.

"I wouldn't think you're taking him, he's too hard to handle as it is." I laugh as I put the knife back. I hear Glenn and Maggie both laughing as I glare at the two. Maggie goes beside Glenn so they can use each other to lean on.

"Haha." I say and roll my eyes.

"Paybacks a bitch, Maddog." Glenn says as they stop. After a few minutes Maggie gets a serious look on her face.

"Food'll be done in about ten. You want us to bring you some out?" I nod my head a little.

"Yeah, get me when we have the meeting after dinner." She nods as they turn and walk away.

"Have fun!"

"Always do!" I watch as they enter the house and I slump on the ground, having nothing to do. After about ten minutes, I hear talking in the barn. I furrow my brows as I stand up and press my ear to the door.

"Your dad's the officer, right?" Randall asks. "And your mom's the real pretty lady with long hair?" How did the kids leave the house? How didn't I see them? After a few minutes of silence, I hear the chains move. "They're real nice people, I can tell."

"You don't know anything about us." I hear Carl grumble.

"How about you guys run off to your parents? I'm sure they're worried about you. They wouldn't be too happy to find you in here with me." This just proves my point that he's not a bad guy. He could have asked them to set him free but he didn't.

"They won't care, we're big kids now." Belle retorts. I roll my eyes at how grown she thinks she is. After a few seconds, I feel someone storm by me and push into the barn. I jump a bit, startled by the sudden movement.

"What the hell are you guys doing?" I hear Shane. How fun! I rush in and grab his arm as he punches Randall across the face.

"What the hell, Shane?" I yell, making him turn to me in anger. He looks at me for a few seconds before turning to the kids, who are standing at the top of the barn.

"Get down. Now!" The kids jump in terror and climb down, Carl going first. Carl helps Belle down and Shane grabs the two by the back of their necks and pushes them out of the barn, sending them to the ground. I storm out, shoving him to the ground. I turn to the kids who still have terrified looks on their faces.