Saved

XXXV

It's been about two months since we came back with Dwight. We intercepted him that day, driving a motorcycle with Sherry, claiming he was on his way back to the Sanctuary to surrender. He had half his face burned off that day, and his wife was married off to Negan. 

I haven't been allowed to see Dale in a month and a half. They've been keeping us separated. I think because they have a feeling that the next chance I have I'll run, but they know I won't leave him behind. So they keep him with the other children at all times. 

They've also moved me into one of the cells right next to the damn boombox, so I get to hear that... godforsaken song every minute of every day that I'm not working myself to the bone. Negan says it's because I haven't improved yet, and that the punishment will help my will to improve, but I don't see.... I don't know how it could help. It's not my fault that I still can't remember what certain things are. It's not my fault that I can't recognize some people, and it's not my fault that I was hurt. It's his. 

Fuck. 

I'll kill him the first chance I get. Not even for hurting me, or giving me brain damage or any of that. But for keeping me from my son. That's unforgivable. And who knows what he's telling Dale. He could be telling him I'm dead, or that I deserted him. And there's no way of knowing. I've asked. I got two days with no food because of it. And even those nasty ass dog food burgers are better than nothing. 

"Riley! Let her out." I heard Negan yell from outside the darkness of my cell, and I felt my stomach clench, the nerves getting the best of me. The metal door creaked open, and there he was, standing over me, nose scrunched up and face looking pissed, and I couldn't help but worry that he was about to take it out on me. 

"Get up." He growled, and I stumbled up to my feet, using my hands on the walls around me to support me so I wouldn't fall. 

"Come with me." He said, still looking pissed, and then he turned away from me, and started practically running back towards the main part of the Sanctuary, and I hurried after him, holding up the sweatpants, that used to fit fine, and were now barely hanging on, and would definitely fall down if I let go of them while jogging. 

"Hurry up!" He yelled, and I did, running until I was right behind him, and then working hard to keep my speed the same as his, so I wouldn't slow too far, and I also wouldn't be right on his ass. It wasn't until we were in the hallway that I realized we were headed either to his bedroom, or my old room. 

He picked his room. He held the door open for me, and practically shoved me in when I hesitated. Once I was in, he followed, and slammed the door shut behind him. He didn't say a word to me, didn't even look at me as he moved over to his minibar and poured himself a drink. 

"I'm sorry I hurt you. I didn't think that it would hurt you so badly. If I had know that hitting you would've screwed up your brain I wouldn't have done it." He grumbled, downing the glass of bourbon and pouring another before he finally turned to look at me. I nodded, but didn't say anything else, so he kept talking. 

"I know that you've been working as a slave for a while now. And I know it sucks. But you had to remember who was in charge. You had become too familiar with me, and you didn't respect me anymore. So you needed to be punished. But now, I've decided to forgive you. You have your old job back, as my right hand, and you can see your son and move back into your old room with him." I couldn't help but let my jaw drop. He what now? This is ridiculous. How could he ever think I'd want to do this again? He almost fucking killed me last time! I can't do this, I... wait. Yes I can. This is perfect. This will give me the perfect opportunity to escape. And, he wouldn't doubt me now, since I've been 'trained' to serve him. This will work. I'll make it work. 

"Yes sir." I said simply, and he let a smirk slip onto his face, and hid his grin with his drink, sucking it dry again and pouring another glass. 

"Great. So listen. I just got word from Simon, he killed two people and captured a third from Hilltop on my orders a week ago. The delivery has been light for months now, as you know, and nothing was working with them. But apparently, when he sent in some men to get their shit, they were killed by some other guys, from a different group. I want you to get some men to scope out this group, figure them out. See what they got, and how much it'll take for us to take em. We can't have another group taking our shit, and that's the only reason another group would be visiting the Hilltop. Shit. They could've been here under our noses for a fucking long time. Get on it. ASAP. And as soon as you know something, let me know. I think I wanna be in on this one." Negan ordered, and I nodded, and turned to go to the door. 

"Riley." Negan called before I could leave, and I turned to look at him. 

"Before you do anything, get your kid, give orders, whatever. Make sure you take a shower. You smell and look like shit."