Radioactive Chapter Twenty
Taylor smiled as he watched Ezra play with Sophia and the Morales children. It had been a bit since Shane had his confrontation with Jim and now Jim was tied to a tree not far from the tents. Taylor had missed the confrontation but he had heard all about it thanks to Zac.
"Maybe Jim is just losing his mind," Taylor voiced as he shrugged his arms. "You know I almost lost mine those first few days," he frowned as he thought about it.
"But it's been almost a month now Tay," Zac reasoned as he turned his head to where Taylor was looking. Ezra was off having fun and just being a typical child. Something he always should have been. "I think it's a little late for the crazy card."
Looking away from his son Taylor sighed, "I don't. Everyone deals with loss differently and sometimes though I know I am better thanks to my dream from Natalie, I feel like I could snap if I lost anyone...if I lost my son," he said honestly. "Ezra's my rock right now and to be honest I can't see how our sister is getting by without hers."
"You think Merle was Jessica's rock?" Zac asked feeling rather perplexed by that idea. Merle was a horrible man and Jessica was too good for him. She deserved to find someone better. Someone like Glenn, he was a nice guy.
Nodding his head Taylor shrugged again, "He helped her in ways no one else could so yeah I do think that he was her rock."
"I think you are wrong," Zac said before standing up. "But he did help her. That doesn't make him her rock though," he nodded as he walked towards the tour bus. Kate had went in there earlier saying she was tired and he wanted to check on her.
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After speaking to Glenn, Avery stayed silent until they pulled up at some brick structure looking thing. Seeing the unknown men get out she watched as two came back to get her and Glenn and she closed her eyes as she was grabbed from behind, "Our group will kill you," she spoke to the man as she was lead inside of the building. She was doing her best not to be scared of him touching her but like Merle grabbing her it was bringing back awful memories.
"Avery shut up," Glenn hissed to her as he looked back trying to keep his calm. He was sure if she kept talking they'd just wind up in even worse of a situation. "Just shut up," he told her as they were brought to an empty room. A room that that almost looked like one you'd see in a medical place but there was no way this building was medical.
"Your friend shootin our boy in the ass," Jorge grumbled as Felipe followed him inside the room the arrow still in his ass. He had asked one of the others to get G so they could fill him in on the situation. That the guns and Miguel had been left behind while they had taken two hostages.
Avery made a face, "He deserved it and you'll get worse once our friends show up," she nodded as she eyed the man talking.
Jorge eyed the girl and he pushed her down in a chair, "Too bad we probably have more men than they do and they'll be the ones who get the shit end of the stick," he said right as the door opened and he watched G walk in the room.
Guillermo walked into the room as he took in the scene in front of him. The two hostages standing in one corner and Jorge and Felipe in the other. Felipe with an arrow still in his ass. "You couldn't take that thing out?" he asked as he walked over and pulled the arrow out. "What happened?" he asked as he eyed Jorge.
"We went to get the guns," Jorge answered as he sighed. "We were ambushed by their group," he said as he pointed to the corner. "The boy's been silent but the girl is mouthy and keeps saying the rest of their group is gonna come. They probably will. They have Miguel."
Guillermo closed his eyes as he listened to the details, "And just how bad is this group?" he asked his tone almost sarcastic. They had people to protect. They didn't need this shit.
"Girl says they'll make us pay," Jorge answered again looking down.
Felipe finally turned around and sighed, "It's not like we are actually keeping them prisoner," he said as he looked at the two. "I mean we aren't like that," he said as he shook his head. "We aren't that mean."
"You're right we aren't," Guillermo said as he nodded. "But if the group shows up we have to make it seem like we are. Only way we will get the guns and help us protect ourselves more."
Avery who had been listening moved closer to the men, "Why do you guys need the guns?" she asked raising an eyebrow. "Why do you need them bad enough that you'd lie about us being prisoners here?"
"If you want to know the answer to that go look around," Guillermo told the girl as he turned to look at her. "You aren't a prisoner here. You are free to roam around."
Hearing the guy speak to her Avery blushed some but turned to Glenn, "You're coming with me," she told him as she grabbed his wrist and pulled him out of the room they were in. Once they were out of the room she let go of his wrist and began to walk around, her eyes wondering into the rooms they passed seeing mainly old people. People she knew couldn't defend themselves in times like this.
Turning to look at Glenn she ran a hand through her hair, "I..I think this place is a nursing home," she said knowing it made sense now why the room they had been brought too first looked like it belonged in a hospital.
Glenn nodded agreeing with her, "And if our group shows up this place is screwed," Glenn said as he came to a stop outside one of the rooms. "But you don't think they will show up do you?" he asked under his breath. "I heard you in the car saying we were screwed."
"I had to lie to them. I didn't want them to know they could kill us if they wanted too," Avery shrugged. "But if Daryl has his way I doubt they'll come. They'll finish finding Merle and do something with the Miguel kid and leave us behind," she said as she looked down remembering him telling her if she got hurt he wouldn't save her.
Glenn just leaned against the wall hoping that Avery was right, "Figures my luck would have me getting stuck with the wrong Hanson chick," he said as he ran a hand down his cheeks. "I have a crush on Jessica and I have to get stuck with you. The girl who has no hope. At least your sister would have hope of us getting out of here."
Avery whipped her head up when she heard Glenn had a crush on his sister, "You...Jessica," she muttered not even able to make complete sentences. "I never expected that," she said as she laughed some. "But correction Jessica would have no hope either. Seeing Merle's hand would have made her lose any hope she had. You may have a crush on her but she is in like with the asshole Dixon brother."
"Don't remind me," Glenn whispered as he rolled his eyes. He knew Jessica liked Merle and to Jessica he would only ever be a friend. A friend whom she had taken a run into Atlanta with. A friend who was just a nice guy. He'd never be Merle Dixon or ever be able to help her in the ways Merle had.
Avery sighed but before she could say anything she watched as a few men obviously from this gang of people walked over to her and Glenn. When they put duct tape on Glenn's mouth she looked at them confused but before she could protest they were soon putting duct tape on her mouth and binding her hands.
Closing her eyes she felt them lead her somewhere and she sighed. So much for not being prisoners. It seemed like the fools had went back on their words and now she and Glenn were prisoners. Opening her eyes she tried to push out thoughts of these men touching her and holding her against her will. She had no good memories of times like this and she could feel her heartbeat quicken as she started to remember some of those times but she couldn't let herself get lost in those thoughts instead she tried to think of anything to help with them. The only thing coming to mind was the face of the man she had the most quarrels with besides Merle. She was thinking of Daryl as she tried to remain in control of her emotions.
When they got to the top of a roof Avery looked around. She could faintly hear voices though she couldn't tell what they were saying nor who they even were though a part of her had suspicions. Suspicions that she hoped she was right on even if they did prove her initial theories wrong.
Looking over at Glenn who was being held beside her she could see a much more relaxed feeling on his face. He too must have known who the voices probably belonged too. That they may be getting saved from this place soon. Hearing the voices getting louder she could hear that guy, Felipe. He was confirming her thoughts when he said to someone that one of the dudes was the guy who had shot him with an arrow.
Their group including Daryl had come to save her and Glenn and Avery felt slightly relieved by that. She was relieved they hadn't just left them and a part of her was relieved that Daryl was still with them.
When she heard G holler at someone she made a face as she was pushed close to the front of the roof along with Glenn who was now acting more scared. When they got to the edge she looked down seeing Daryl and Rick with some the dude from the alley. With Miguel.
Not spotting T-Dog she looked around finally seeing him on a roof not far away with a rifle pointed down to where G and more of his gang stood in front of Rick and Daryl. Apparently whatever they were discussing wasn't going well and as she was being held over towards the edge of the roof she felt fear for her life even as she looked at Daryl down below. Seeing his face couldn't calm her nerves now.
Listening intently she heard G telling Rick he had two options, to come back with Miguel and his bag of guns and everyone could walk or Rick could come back locked and loaded and see which side spilled more blood. It was after that she felt the man holding her lead her away and she watched as the same was done with Glenn. Avery again now couldn't help but be nervous and unsure of what option Rick would choose.
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Avery wasn't sure how much time passed after they were brought inside to them being unbound but they had been and before she could even question Glenn on the show he had put on she watched as he was carted off by one of the senior's an older female woman and she couldn't help but laugh.
Following behind him she came to a stop when they came into a room that looked almost like a dining area that was full of more older patients of what used to be this nursing home. When they stopped in front of an old man Avery sighed, "What do you think Rick will do?" she asked Glenn wanting his opinion.
"He'll give the guns up," Glenn nodded as he looked at Avery. "At least I hope so because those guys seemed pretty serious about spilling blood if it came to it."
Avery chewed her lip knowing Glenn had a point. They had seemed serious when it came to spilling blood and she was sure if they did everyone here would be at risk. The walkers would hear the gunfire and they'd come swarming in which would only make things worse. She really hoped Glenn was right and that Rick chose to give up the guns at least some of them anyway.
Turning away from Glenn as the older man's breathing got labored she made a face. "I think he is having an asthma attack," she spoke not sure if anyone would hear her though it was after she said that, that she watched the old woman who had lead Glenn here leave the room.
Walking away from the man having an asthma attack she sat down at one of the tables and ran a hand through her hair. If she had known the day would come to this she probably wouldn't have agreed to come. She would have stayed back at camp. It was safer there and at least she didn't have to worry about maybe dying or even being kidnapped in the first place.
Looking up when she saw people coming in the room she felt herself relax as she saw the woman come back followed by Felipe and eventually Rick, Daryl and T-Dog followed behind as well along with a few of the men from G's gang. Smiling she stood up and walked to where Glenn was,seeing Felipe and the old woman come to a stop in front of the man having an asthma attack.
"What the hell is this?" Rick asked as he turned to Glenn feeling confused.
"Asthma attack," Glenn answered as he turned to face Rick. He was sure the concern he had for the old man was written on his face. "Couldn't get his breath all of a sudden."
T-Dog just made a face as he listened to Glenn, "We thought you were being eaten by dogs," he snapped at both Glenn and Avery.
At those words both Glenn and Avery turned to look at three small dogs sitting in a dog bed. They were small enough they could probably fit in someone's purse.
Avery just laughed at the thought watching as Rick asked to have a word with G. When they walked away she walked over to the dogs and bent down petting one. "Aren't you just the cutest thing?" she asked it as it barked at her in reply.
"Actually I think it has some competition for being cute," Miguel smirked as he walked up beside the girl and bent down. "I'm Miguel," he offered holding his hand out to her.
Making a face at the guy Avery shook her head, "And I'm not interested," she muttered before rolling her eyes. "But my name's Avery."
Miguel felt himself blush at Avery's rejection of him, "Of course you aren't interested you're probably dating the redneck hick with a crossbow," he nodded turning his head to see the man giving him a look. "He threatened to cut my foot off if one hair on your head was even out of place."
Pausing at Miguel's words Avery made another face. This one out of shock at Miguel's words. Daryl had threatened this guy over her safety. The same man who had said he wouldn't save her ass if she got hurt had threatened someone in case she had been hurt.
Avery shook her head finally, "We aren't dating. You must have just misheard him."
"I didn't mishear him," Miguel spoke as he heard the officer speak up calling the others to leave the room with him. "You know you could stay here with us," he smirked trying to flirt again. It had been forever since he'd seen another female his age and he was a typical guy.
Shaking her head again Avery stood up, "Sorry but no," she told him as she followed behind the rest of her group out of the main room and into another room. It was when she came to a stop that she heard Rick ask G about the rest of his crew.
"The Vatos trickle in, check on their parents, grandparents. They see how things are and most decide to stay," Guillermo nodded at Rick's question. "It's a good thing too we need the muscle. The people we've encountered since things fell apart, the worse kind," he spoke eying Rick the whole time. "Plunderers. The kind that take by force."
Rick shook his head at G's words, "That's not who we are," he stated wanting the man to know his group wasn't like that.
"How was I to know," Guillermo said to Rick's statement. "My people got attacked and you show up with Miguel hostage. Appearances," he nodded as he leaned against a desk.
"Guess the world changed," T-Dog added from where he was sitting listening to the conversation.
Guillermo shook his head, "No, it's the same as it ever was. The weak get taken so we do what we can here. The Vatos work on those cars, talk about getting the old people up out of the city but most can't even get to the bathroom by theirselves so that's just a dream. Still it keeps the crew busy," he said as he looked up towards Rick still. "And that's worth something so we bar the windows and bolted all the doors shut except for one entrance. The Vatos they go out, scavenge what they can to keep us going. We watch the perimeter night and day and we wait. The people here they all look to me now. I don't even know why," he shrugged as he still didn't break eye contact.
"Because they can," Rick said finally breaking his silence. Looking away from G's gaze Rick looked at the rifle in his hand before handing it over to the man. Once he had taken it he bent over to where the bag with guns was laying and opened it. He had to leave some of the guns here with them. It was the least he could do.
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Catching her breath as they walked under the bridge heading to where the truck they had used to get to Atlanta was Avery was starting to second guess her decision of not staying at the nursing home. At least then she wouldn't be walking in the hot sun on her way to a truck. At least she wouldn't have to see Jessica become more unglued when she learned about Merle.
"Admit it," Glenn spoke as he looked at Rick who was now wearing his sheriff's hat. Something he had stopped to pick up when he grabbed the bag of guns. "You only came back to Atlanta for the hat."
Rick chuckled at Glenn's words. "Don't tell anybody."
"You've given away half our guns and ammo," Daryl spat after listening to Rick and Glenn talk.
"Not nearly half," Rick said as he looked at the man who was coming up beside him.
Daryl just shook his head, "For what? The old farts gonna die momentarily anyhow. Seriously how long you think they got?"
Avery rolled her eyes at Daryl's comment but she kept her mouth shut.
"How long do any of us got?" Rick asked after they rounded the end of the bus they were walking along side. Coming to a stop he made a face when he saw the truck was gone from where they had parked it.
"Oh my god," Glenn muttered as he took in the site.
"Where the hell is our van?" Daryl asked as he raised an eyebrow.
Avery shook her head, "We left it right there. Who would take it?" she asked as she sighed to herself. Today was just a really shitty day.
"Merle," Rick answered his tone coming out cold. This was something Merle Dixon would do.
Daryl looked down at Rick's words knowing the man was right. His brother would do this. "He's gonna be taking some vengeance back to camp," he muttered as he looked at Rick.
Avery rolled her eyes, "Then we better start walking and hope we get there before he does," she spoke as she pushed past the men and headed off watching as Glenn caught up to her and got in front of her to lead the way.
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Taylor smiled to himself as he sat outside the tour bus with Ezra. Ezra was playing in the dirt and acting like a normal child would. He was glad that his son seemed to be adjusting to life without his siblings or his mom. He was glad that Ezra had seemed to adjust better than he had.
"Daddy," Ezra said as he looked up at his dad. "Once I am gone can you promise me you won't miss me too much?" he asked innocently as he raised an eyebrow.
Making a face at his son's comment Taylor shook his head, "I'm not gonna have to miss you silly," he laughed as he reached out to ruffle Ezra's hair.
Ezra grumbled as he made a face, "But you might," he said sounding serious. "I mean Penny,River and Viggo are all gone. I could leave you too."
Taylor shook his head again, "You aren't going to leave me," he said his tone too becoming serious. He didn't even want to think of Ezra leaving him. Just the thought of losing the one person he was living for was enough to make his heartbreak. He didn't want that and he prayed that his dream from Natalie was a sign that he wouldn't.
Hearing his dad's tone get serious Ezra nodded before looking back down at the dirt, "Can I stay on the bus during the fish fry tonight?" he asked hoping his dad would say yes. "I don't really like fish and there is still a can of spaghetti o's left."
"Of course you can," Taylor said feeling himself relax again, glad that Ezra had dropped the subject.
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Kate smiled as she sat beside Zac at the fish fry that night. It was dark out and she figured the others should have been back from Atlanta now but of course she didn't mention her worries. Everyone else seemed to be having fun and that was all that mattered.
"Where is Zoe at?" Kate asked as she turned to Jessica seeing the younger Hanson sister missing.
After getting some fish on her plate Jessica turned to look at Kate, "Asleep in Merle's tent. She was tired and since Ezra and Mac both decided to stay on the bus I told her she could sleep in the tent."
Kate nodded but didn't say anything else. Instead she turned to look at Morales as he spoke to Dale.
"I've got to ask you man," Morales started as he looked across the fire at the older man. "It's been driving me crazy."
Dale made a face feeling confused, "What?"
"That watch," Morales said as he pointed to the watch on Dale's wrist.
"What's wrong with my watch?" Dale asked before looking down at the watch he wore on his wrist.
"I see you," Morales chuckled in between bites, "every day at the same time winding that thing like a village priest saying mass."
Nikki nodded her head, "I've wondered this myself," she spoke after swallowing the food in her mouth.
Dale shrugged, "I'm missing the point," he said honestly as he looked at the people around him.
"Unless I've misread the signs the world seems to have come to an end," Nikki spoke again as she turned to look at Dale. "At least hit a speed bump for a good long while."
"But there's you every day winding that stupid watch," Morales added in again.
Dale just smiled as he leaned back in his chair, "Time is important to keep track isn't it? The days at least," he said before turning to Andrea. "Don't you think Andrea?"
Andrea just made a face as Dale whispered for her to back him up.
When Andrea didn't speak up Dale just shook his head but kept smiling, "I like what the father said to the son when he gave him a watch that had been handed down through generations. He said I give you a mausoleum of all hope and desire which will fit your individual needs no better than it did mine or my father's before me. I give it to you not that you may remember time but that you may forget it, for a moment now and then and not spend all of your breath trying to conquer it."
"You are so weird," Amy spoke up breaking the silence that had gathered after Dale's words.
Dale laughed and turned to look at Amy, "Not me it's Faulkner. William Faulkner. Maybe my bad paraphrasing."
Amy just rolled her eyes but stood up.
"Where are you going?" Andrea asked as she looked up at her sister.
Amy made a face feeling herself blush, "I have to pee, geez you try to be discreet around here."
Kate couldn't help but laugh at that, "I think I have to go to the bathroom too," she whispered to Zac as she put her plate down and stood up heading towards the tour bus. The baby it seemed was already sitting on her bladder and deciding to show just how much of a Hanson it was.
Getting on the tour bus she smiled seeing Mac and Ezra sitting on the couch. Mac was reading a book to his nephew which warmed her heart. Smiling more when Ezra looked up at her she headed to the bathroom and shut the door.
It was after she used the bathroom and was in the process of washing her hands that she heard a commotion outside. Screaming and what sounded like gunshots.
Feeling her heartbeat faster Kate opened the bathroom door seeing the front of the bus open and Mac and Ezra both missing. Spotting one of Zac's guns laying on the counter she picked it up. She knew he had one on him and the other was with Avery.
Walking closer to the door she got off the bus and stopped in her tracks. There not far from the entrance was Mac with Ezra cradled in his arms. It was apparent that Ezra had been bit in the neck and the walker who had done it was laying beside both of them dead on the ground from what looked like Mac beating it with his shoes which looked dirty.
Mac frowned as he looked up at Kate hearing more chaos coming from behind the RV, "We went to go see what the commotion was," he chocked out as he shook his head. "That dead fucker just came out of nowhere," he frowned as he looked back down at Ezra who was now no longer struggling to breath. Ezra was dead.
Kate nodded and bent down moving closer to Mac. She could tell Ezra was gone and she knew they'd have to put him down. Moving the gun in her hand up to the boy's temple she sighed and closed her eyes. Counting to three she pulled the trigger and then opened her eyes.
Feeling tears in them she stood up to see Taylor standing behind Mac his face one of horror and shock.
"Y..you killed my son," Taylor spat as he walked closer to Kate. "You killed him," he yelled before falling down beside Mac and taking his son's body from his brother. "How could you?" he asked as he looked his son over. He had came here after the walker's started invading the camp. He had wanted to check on Ezra and make sure he was safe in the bus but no he had seen Kate shooting him.
Kate shook her head as she wiped at the tears going down her cheek, "I had no choice Tay," she whispered as she looked down at him. "He was already dead. He got bit and he was dead," she spoke as she gave him one last look and headed around to the RV where she heard more commotion and screams and gunshots.
"Kate," Zac called from where he stood still near the fire. He was relieved to see his wife especially after hearing the gunshots from behind the bus.
Stopping when she heard Zac, Kate took in her surroundings. All around her was chaos as walkers where going after people and just a few feet from where she stood now she saw Andrea hoovering over Amy who too had been bitten. Making a face she looked back up at Zac as she heard Shane telling everyone to make it towards the RV even as walkers kept closing in around them.
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Avery who had been running with the rest of the group came to a stop as they got closer to camp. Hearing gunshots and screams she made a face and turned to look at Rick when he muttered oh my god. It was the expression on his face that scared her.
Reaching for the gun in her back pocket she held it tight in her hands as the group started to run faster towards the camp. It was when they finally reached it that Avery took in her surroundings. There were walkers all around and the place was like a war zone. Raising the gun in her hand Avery started firing shots as she made her way through camp.
Seeing the walkers drop each time she shoot one she couldn't help but feel proud knowing Zac had taught her well, though her proud feeling soon faded when she fell over a body lying on the ground. Coming to a thump beside it she swallowed hard as she turned her head and she let out a scream as she came face to face with Zoe or what was left of her sister.
It was her scream though that attracted the attention of a walker and before Avery could even get up she felt the weight of the walker fall on top of her and she reached out her hand trying to keep it up and away from her as she screamed more. She really didn't want to die like this. To die beside her sister on the ground of some camp.
Feeling the walker go limp on her body she made a face afraid that it would fall on her but before it could she saw it being lifted off and Daryl was staring down at her.
Making a face at Avery, Daryl just held out his hand to help her up and the moment she took it he sighed, "Saved your ass twice today little girl," he hissed out once she had stood up. "You owe me," he said before walking away from her.
Avery didn't say anything to him, instead she just remained silent. Giving one last final look to Zoe she frowned before following after Daryl towards where everyone else was. The chaos around her had ended and now people were crowded around together facing the RV.
Jessica who was standing in the crowd smiled slightly as she saw Avery and she ran towards her wrapping her arms around her sister, "Amy is dead," she whispered as she hugged Avery close to her, her words coming out as sobs. "Amy got bit and she's dead," she frowned hearing Andrea yelling from the RV.
Hearing her sister's words Avery felt herself start to cry. Zoe and now Amy were gone. Two people who she was close too. As she pulled away she watched as she saw Kate walking away from the RV and coming to the group. It was when Kate reached Zac that she saw her sister-in-law break down telling everyone that Ezra was dead. That he had been a causality of this mess.
"I think you need to catch me again," Avery strangled out as she looked at Jessica feeling herself starting to fall towards the ground, though before she could reach the ground she did feel arms around her though she knew they didn't belong to her sister's. Turning to see who had caught her she saw Daryl and she let herself lean into him as she broke down crying over the losses. Three people who she had cared about were dead. Three people who should still be here.
Closing her eyes Avery couldn't help but feel guilty as well. Guilty because despite the losses she was alive and for the first time in a long time as Daryl held her she felt safe. She felt safe when she really had no reason to feel safe.
Zac turned to look behind him as he heard Avery and he sighed to himself as he let himself hold Kate. Seeing Jim standing near Dale he heard Jim tell Dale he remembered his dream now and why he had dug the holes earlier in the day. At that though Zac just shook his head before rubbing Kate's back. Tonight was the first time a long time he found himself wishing too that Kate wasn't pregnant, especially since they had probably lost the safety of the camp.
Taylor smiled as he watched Ezra play with Sophia and the Morales children. It had been a bit since Shane had his confrontation with Jim and now Jim was tied to a tree not far from the tents. Taylor had missed the confrontation but he had heard all about it thanks to Zac.
"Maybe Jim is just losing his mind," Taylor voiced as he shrugged his arms. "You know I almost lost mine those first few days," he frowned as he thought about it.
"But it's been almost a month now Tay," Zac reasoned as he turned his head to where Taylor was looking. Ezra was off having fun and just being a typical child. Something he always should have been. "I think it's a little late for the crazy card."
Looking away from his son Taylor sighed, "I don't. Everyone deals with loss differently and sometimes though I know I am better thanks to my dream from Natalie, I feel like I could snap if I lost anyone...if I lost my son," he said honestly. "Ezra's my rock right now and to be honest I can't see how our sister is getting by without hers."
"You think Merle was Jessica's rock?" Zac asked feeling rather perplexed by that idea. Merle was a horrible man and Jessica was too good for him. She deserved to find someone better. Someone like Glenn, he was a nice guy.
Nodding his head Taylor shrugged again, "He helped her in ways no one else could so yeah I do think that he was her rock."
"I think you are wrong," Zac said before standing up. "But he did help her. That doesn't make him her rock though," he nodded as he walked towards the tour bus. Kate had went in there earlier saying she was tired and he wanted to check on her.
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After speaking to Glenn, Avery stayed silent until they pulled up at some brick structure looking thing. Seeing the unknown men get out she watched as two came back to get her and Glenn and she closed her eyes as she was grabbed from behind, "Our group will kill you," she spoke to the man as she was lead inside of the building. She was doing her best not to be scared of him touching her but like Merle grabbing her it was bringing back awful memories.
"Avery shut up," Glenn hissed to her as he looked back trying to keep his calm. He was sure if she kept talking they'd just wind up in even worse of a situation. "Just shut up," he told her as they were brought to an empty room. A room that that almost looked like one you'd see in a medical place but there was no way this building was medical.
"Your friend shootin our boy in the ass," Jorge grumbled as Felipe followed him inside the room the arrow still in his ass. He had asked one of the others to get G so they could fill him in on the situation. That the guns and Miguel had been left behind while they had taken two hostages.
Avery made a face, "He deserved it and you'll get worse once our friends show up," she nodded as she eyed the man talking.
Jorge eyed the girl and he pushed her down in a chair, "Too bad we probably have more men than they do and they'll be the ones who get the shit end of the stick," he said right as the door opened and he watched G walk in the room.
Guillermo walked into the room as he took in the scene in front of him. The two hostages standing in one corner and Jorge and Felipe in the other. Felipe with an arrow still in his ass. "You couldn't take that thing out?" he asked as he walked over and pulled the arrow out. "What happened?" he asked as he eyed Jorge.
"We went to get the guns," Jorge answered as he sighed. "We were ambushed by their group," he said as he pointed to the corner. "The boy's been silent but the girl is mouthy and keeps saying the rest of their group is gonna come. They probably will. They have Miguel."
Guillermo closed his eyes as he listened to the details, "And just how bad is this group?" he asked his tone almost sarcastic. They had people to protect. They didn't need this shit.
"Girl says they'll make us pay," Jorge answered again looking down.
Felipe finally turned around and sighed, "It's not like we are actually keeping them prisoner," he said as he looked at the two. "I mean we aren't like that," he said as he shook his head. "We aren't that mean."
"You're right we aren't," Guillermo said as he nodded. "But if the group shows up we have to make it seem like we are. Only way we will get the guns and help us protect ourselves more."
Avery who had been listening moved closer to the men, "Why do you guys need the guns?" she asked raising an eyebrow. "Why do you need them bad enough that you'd lie about us being prisoners here?"
"If you want to know the answer to that go look around," Guillermo told the girl as he turned to look at her. "You aren't a prisoner here. You are free to roam around."
Hearing the guy speak to her Avery blushed some but turned to Glenn, "You're coming with me," she told him as she grabbed his wrist and pulled him out of the room they were in. Once they were out of the room she let go of his wrist and began to walk around, her eyes wondering into the rooms they passed seeing mainly old people. People she knew couldn't defend themselves in times like this.
Turning to look at Glenn she ran a hand through her hair, "I..I think this place is a nursing home," she said knowing it made sense now why the room they had been brought too first looked like it belonged in a hospital.
Glenn nodded agreeing with her, "And if our group shows up this place is screwed," Glenn said as he came to a stop outside one of the rooms. "But you don't think they will show up do you?" he asked under his breath. "I heard you in the car saying we were screwed."
"I had to lie to them. I didn't want them to know they could kill us if they wanted too," Avery shrugged. "But if Daryl has his way I doubt they'll come. They'll finish finding Merle and do something with the Miguel kid and leave us behind," she said as she looked down remembering him telling her if she got hurt he wouldn't save her.
Glenn just leaned against the wall hoping that Avery was right, "Figures my luck would have me getting stuck with the wrong Hanson chick," he said as he ran a hand down his cheeks. "I have a crush on Jessica and I have to get stuck with you. The girl who has no hope. At least your sister would have hope of us getting out of here."
Avery whipped her head up when she heard Glenn had a crush on his sister, "You...Jessica," she muttered not even able to make complete sentences. "I never expected that," she said as she laughed some. "But correction Jessica would have no hope either. Seeing Merle's hand would have made her lose any hope she had. You may have a crush on her but she is in like with the asshole Dixon brother."
"Don't remind me," Glenn whispered as he rolled his eyes. He knew Jessica liked Merle and to Jessica he would only ever be a friend. A friend whom she had taken a run into Atlanta with. A friend who was just a nice guy. He'd never be Merle Dixon or ever be able to help her in the ways Merle had.
Avery sighed but before she could say anything she watched as a few men obviously from this gang of people walked over to her and Glenn. When they put duct tape on Glenn's mouth she looked at them confused but before she could protest they were soon putting duct tape on her mouth and binding her hands.
Closing her eyes she felt them lead her somewhere and she sighed. So much for not being prisoners. It seemed like the fools had went back on their words and now she and Glenn were prisoners. Opening her eyes she tried to push out thoughts of these men touching her and holding her against her will. She had no good memories of times like this and she could feel her heartbeat quicken as she started to remember some of those times but she couldn't let herself get lost in those thoughts instead she tried to think of anything to help with them. The only thing coming to mind was the face of the man she had the most quarrels with besides Merle. She was thinking of Daryl as she tried to remain in control of her emotions.
When they got to the top of a roof Avery looked around. She could faintly hear voices though she couldn't tell what they were saying nor who they even were though a part of her had suspicions. Suspicions that she hoped she was right on even if they did prove her initial theories wrong.
Looking over at Glenn who was being held beside her she could see a much more relaxed feeling on his face. He too must have known who the voices probably belonged too. That they may be getting saved from this place soon. Hearing the voices getting louder she could hear that guy, Felipe. He was confirming her thoughts when he said to someone that one of the dudes was the guy who had shot him with an arrow.
Their group including Daryl had come to save her and Glenn and Avery felt slightly relieved by that. She was relieved they hadn't just left them and a part of her was relieved that Daryl was still with them.
When she heard G holler at someone she made a face as she was pushed close to the front of the roof along with Glenn who was now acting more scared. When they got to the edge she looked down seeing Daryl and Rick with some the dude from the alley. With Miguel.
Not spotting T-Dog she looked around finally seeing him on a roof not far away with a rifle pointed down to where G and more of his gang stood in front of Rick and Daryl. Apparently whatever they were discussing wasn't going well and as she was being held over towards the edge of the roof she felt fear for her life even as she looked at Daryl down below. Seeing his face couldn't calm her nerves now.
Listening intently she heard G telling Rick he had two options, to come back with Miguel and his bag of guns and everyone could walk or Rick could come back locked and loaded and see which side spilled more blood. It was after that she felt the man holding her lead her away and she watched as the same was done with Glenn. Avery again now couldn't help but be nervous and unsure of what option Rick would choose.
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Avery wasn't sure how much time passed after they were brought inside to them being unbound but they had been and before she could even question Glenn on the show he had put on she watched as he was carted off by one of the senior's an older female woman and she couldn't help but laugh.
Following behind him she came to a stop when they came into a room that looked almost like a dining area that was full of more older patients of what used to be this nursing home. When they stopped in front of an old man Avery sighed, "What do you think Rick will do?" she asked Glenn wanting his opinion.
"He'll give the guns up," Glenn nodded as he looked at Avery. "At least I hope so because those guys seemed pretty serious about spilling blood if it came to it."
Avery chewed her lip knowing Glenn had a point. They had seemed serious when it came to spilling blood and she was sure if they did everyone here would be at risk. The walkers would hear the gunfire and they'd come swarming in which would only make things worse. She really hoped Glenn was right and that Rick chose to give up the guns at least some of them anyway.
Turning away from Glenn as the older man's breathing got labored she made a face. "I think he is having an asthma attack," she spoke not sure if anyone would hear her though it was after she said that, that she watched the old woman who had lead Glenn here leave the room.
Walking away from the man having an asthma attack she sat down at one of the tables and ran a hand through her hair. If she had known the day would come to this she probably wouldn't have agreed to come. She would have stayed back at camp. It was safer there and at least she didn't have to worry about maybe dying or even being kidnapped in the first place.
Looking up when she saw people coming in the room she felt herself relax as she saw the woman come back followed by Felipe and eventually Rick, Daryl and T-Dog followed behind as well along with a few of the men from G's gang. Smiling she stood up and walked to where Glenn was,seeing Felipe and the old woman come to a stop in front of the man having an asthma attack.
"What the hell is this?" Rick asked as he turned to Glenn feeling confused.
"Asthma attack," Glenn answered as he turned to face Rick. He was sure the concern he had for the old man was written on his face. "Couldn't get his breath all of a sudden."
T-Dog just made a face as he listened to Glenn, "We thought you were being eaten by dogs," he snapped at both Glenn and Avery.
At those words both Glenn and Avery turned to look at three small dogs sitting in a dog bed. They were small enough they could probably fit in someone's purse.
Avery just laughed at the thought watching as Rick asked to have a word with G. When they walked away she walked over to the dogs and bent down petting one. "Aren't you just the cutest thing?" she asked it as it barked at her in reply.
"Actually I think it has some competition for being cute," Miguel smirked as he walked up beside the girl and bent down. "I'm Miguel," he offered holding his hand out to her.
Making a face at the guy Avery shook her head, "And I'm not interested," she muttered before rolling her eyes. "But my name's Avery."
Miguel felt himself blush at Avery's rejection of him, "Of course you aren't interested you're probably dating the redneck hick with a crossbow," he nodded turning his head to see the man giving him a look. "He threatened to cut my foot off if one hair on your head was even out of place."
Pausing at Miguel's words Avery made another face. This one out of shock at Miguel's words. Daryl had threatened this guy over her safety. The same man who had said he wouldn't save her ass if she got hurt had threatened someone in case she had been hurt.
Avery shook her head finally, "We aren't dating. You must have just misheard him."
"I didn't mishear him," Miguel spoke as he heard the officer speak up calling the others to leave the room with him. "You know you could stay here with us," he smirked trying to flirt again. It had been forever since he'd seen another female his age and he was a typical guy.
Shaking her head again Avery stood up, "Sorry but no," she told him as she followed behind the rest of her group out of the main room and into another room. It was when she came to a stop that she heard Rick ask G about the rest of his crew.
"The Vatos trickle in, check on their parents, grandparents. They see how things are and most decide to stay," Guillermo nodded at Rick's question. "It's a good thing too we need the muscle. The people we've encountered since things fell apart, the worse kind," he spoke eying Rick the whole time. "Plunderers. The kind that take by force."
Rick shook his head at G's words, "That's not who we are," he stated wanting the man to know his group wasn't like that.
"How was I to know," Guillermo said to Rick's statement. "My people got attacked and you show up with Miguel hostage. Appearances," he nodded as he leaned against a desk.
"Guess the world changed," T-Dog added from where he was sitting listening to the conversation.
Guillermo shook his head, "No, it's the same as it ever was. The weak get taken so we do what we can here. The Vatos work on those cars, talk about getting the old people up out of the city but most can't even get to the bathroom by theirselves so that's just a dream. Still it keeps the crew busy," he said as he looked up towards Rick still. "And that's worth something so we bar the windows and bolted all the doors shut except for one entrance. The Vatos they go out, scavenge what they can to keep us going. We watch the perimeter night and day and we wait. The people here they all look to me now. I don't even know why," he shrugged as he still didn't break eye contact.
"Because they can," Rick said finally breaking his silence. Looking away from G's gaze Rick looked at the rifle in his hand before handing it over to the man. Once he had taken it he bent over to where the bag with guns was laying and opened it. He had to leave some of the guns here with them. It was the least he could do.
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Catching her breath as they walked under the bridge heading to where the truck they had used to get to Atlanta was Avery was starting to second guess her decision of not staying at the nursing home. At least then she wouldn't be walking in the hot sun on her way to a truck. At least she wouldn't have to see Jessica become more unglued when she learned about Merle.
"Admit it," Glenn spoke as he looked at Rick who was now wearing his sheriff's hat. Something he had stopped to pick up when he grabbed the bag of guns. "You only came back to Atlanta for the hat."
Rick chuckled at Glenn's words. "Don't tell anybody."
"You've given away half our guns and ammo," Daryl spat after listening to Rick and Glenn talk.
"Not nearly half," Rick said as he looked at the man who was coming up beside him.
Daryl just shook his head, "For what? The old farts gonna die momentarily anyhow. Seriously how long you think they got?"
Avery rolled her eyes at Daryl's comment but she kept her mouth shut.
"How long do any of us got?" Rick asked after they rounded the end of the bus they were walking along side. Coming to a stop he made a face when he saw the truck was gone from where they had parked it.
"Oh my god," Glenn muttered as he took in the site.
"Where the hell is our van?" Daryl asked as he raised an eyebrow.
Avery shook her head, "We left it right there. Who would take it?" she asked as she sighed to herself. Today was just a really shitty day.
"Merle," Rick answered his tone coming out cold. This was something Merle Dixon would do.
Daryl looked down at Rick's words knowing the man was right. His brother would do this. "He's gonna be taking some vengeance back to camp," he muttered as he looked at Rick.
Avery rolled her eyes, "Then we better start walking and hope we get there before he does," she spoke as she pushed past the men and headed off watching as Glenn caught up to her and got in front of her to lead the way.
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Taylor smiled to himself as he sat outside the tour bus with Ezra. Ezra was playing in the dirt and acting like a normal child would. He was glad that his son seemed to be adjusting to life without his siblings or his mom. He was glad that Ezra had seemed to adjust better than he had.
"Daddy," Ezra said as he looked up at his dad. "Once I am gone can you promise me you won't miss me too much?" he asked innocently as he raised an eyebrow.
Making a face at his son's comment Taylor shook his head, "I'm not gonna have to miss you silly," he laughed as he reached out to ruffle Ezra's hair.
Ezra grumbled as he made a face, "But you might," he said sounding serious. "I mean Penny,River and Viggo are all gone. I could leave you too."
Taylor shook his head again, "You aren't going to leave me," he said his tone too becoming serious. He didn't even want to think of Ezra leaving him. Just the thought of losing the one person he was living for was enough to make his heartbreak. He didn't want that and he prayed that his dream from Natalie was a sign that he wouldn't.
Hearing his dad's tone get serious Ezra nodded before looking back down at the dirt, "Can I stay on the bus during the fish fry tonight?" he asked hoping his dad would say yes. "I don't really like fish and there is still a can of spaghetti o's left."
"Of course you can," Taylor said feeling himself relax again, glad that Ezra had dropped the subject.
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Kate smiled as she sat beside Zac at the fish fry that night. It was dark out and she figured the others should have been back from Atlanta now but of course she didn't mention her worries. Everyone else seemed to be having fun and that was all that mattered.
"Where is Zoe at?" Kate asked as she turned to Jessica seeing the younger Hanson sister missing.
After getting some fish on her plate Jessica turned to look at Kate, "Asleep in Merle's tent. She was tired and since Ezra and Mac both decided to stay on the bus I told her she could sleep in the tent."
Kate nodded but didn't say anything else. Instead she turned to look at Morales as he spoke to Dale.
"I've got to ask you man," Morales started as he looked across the fire at the older man. "It's been driving me crazy."
Dale made a face feeling confused, "What?"
"That watch," Morales said as he pointed to the watch on Dale's wrist.
"What's wrong with my watch?" Dale asked before looking down at the watch he wore on his wrist.
"I see you," Morales chuckled in between bites, "every day at the same time winding that thing like a village priest saying mass."
Nikki nodded her head, "I've wondered this myself," she spoke after swallowing the food in her mouth.
Dale shrugged, "I'm missing the point," he said honestly as he looked at the people around him.
"Unless I've misread the signs the world seems to have come to an end," Nikki spoke again as she turned to look at Dale. "At least hit a speed bump for a good long while."
"But there's you every day winding that stupid watch," Morales added in again.
Dale just smiled as he leaned back in his chair, "Time is important to keep track isn't it? The days at least," he said before turning to Andrea. "Don't you think Andrea?"
Andrea just made a face as Dale whispered for her to back him up.
When Andrea didn't speak up Dale just shook his head but kept smiling, "I like what the father said to the son when he gave him a watch that had been handed down through generations. He said I give you a mausoleum of all hope and desire which will fit your individual needs no better than it did mine or my father's before me. I give it to you not that you may remember time but that you may forget it, for a moment now and then and not spend all of your breath trying to conquer it."
"You are so weird," Amy spoke up breaking the silence that had gathered after Dale's words.
Dale laughed and turned to look at Amy, "Not me it's Faulkner. William Faulkner. Maybe my bad paraphrasing."
Amy just rolled her eyes but stood up.
"Where are you going?" Andrea asked as she looked up at her sister.
Amy made a face feeling herself blush, "I have to pee, geez you try to be discreet around here."
Kate couldn't help but laugh at that, "I think I have to go to the bathroom too," she whispered to Zac as she put her plate down and stood up heading towards the tour bus. The baby it seemed was already sitting on her bladder and deciding to show just how much of a Hanson it was.
Getting on the tour bus she smiled seeing Mac and Ezra sitting on the couch. Mac was reading a book to his nephew which warmed her heart. Smiling more when Ezra looked up at her she headed to the bathroom and shut the door.
It was after she used the bathroom and was in the process of washing her hands that she heard a commotion outside. Screaming and what sounded like gunshots.
Feeling her heartbeat faster Kate opened the bathroom door seeing the front of the bus open and Mac and Ezra both missing. Spotting one of Zac's guns laying on the counter she picked it up. She knew he had one on him and the other was with Avery.
Walking closer to the door she got off the bus and stopped in her tracks. There not far from the entrance was Mac with Ezra cradled in his arms. It was apparent that Ezra had been bit in the neck and the walker who had done it was laying beside both of them dead on the ground from what looked like Mac beating it with his shoes which looked dirty.
Mac frowned as he looked up at Kate hearing more chaos coming from behind the RV, "We went to go see what the commotion was," he chocked out as he shook his head. "That dead fucker just came out of nowhere," he frowned as he looked back down at Ezra who was now no longer struggling to breath. Ezra was dead.
Kate nodded and bent down moving closer to Mac. She could tell Ezra was gone and she knew they'd have to put him down. Moving the gun in her hand up to the boy's temple she sighed and closed her eyes. Counting to three she pulled the trigger and then opened her eyes.
Feeling tears in them she stood up to see Taylor standing behind Mac his face one of horror and shock.
"Y..you killed my son," Taylor spat as he walked closer to Kate. "You killed him," he yelled before falling down beside Mac and taking his son's body from his brother. "How could you?" he asked as he looked his son over. He had came here after the walker's started invading the camp. He had wanted to check on Ezra and make sure he was safe in the bus but no he had seen Kate shooting him.
Kate shook her head as she wiped at the tears going down her cheek, "I had no choice Tay," she whispered as she looked down at him. "He was already dead. He got bit and he was dead," she spoke as she gave him one last look and headed around to the RV where she heard more commotion and screams and gunshots.
"Kate," Zac called from where he stood still near the fire. He was relieved to see his wife especially after hearing the gunshots from behind the bus.
Stopping when she heard Zac, Kate took in her surroundings. All around her was chaos as walkers where going after people and just a few feet from where she stood now she saw Andrea hoovering over Amy who too had been bitten. Making a face she looked back up at Zac as she heard Shane telling everyone to make it towards the RV even as walkers kept closing in around them.
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Avery who had been running with the rest of the group came to a stop as they got closer to camp. Hearing gunshots and screams she made a face and turned to look at Rick when he muttered oh my god. It was the expression on his face that scared her.
Reaching for the gun in her back pocket she held it tight in her hands as the group started to run faster towards the camp. It was when they finally reached it that Avery took in her surroundings. There were walkers all around and the place was like a war zone. Raising the gun in her hand Avery started firing shots as she made her way through camp.
Seeing the walkers drop each time she shoot one she couldn't help but feel proud knowing Zac had taught her well, though her proud feeling soon faded when she fell over a body lying on the ground. Coming to a thump beside it she swallowed hard as she turned her head and she let out a scream as she came face to face with Zoe or what was left of her sister.
It was her scream though that attracted the attention of a walker and before Avery could even get up she felt the weight of the walker fall on top of her and she reached out her hand trying to keep it up and away from her as she screamed more. She really didn't want to die like this. To die beside her sister on the ground of some camp.
Feeling the walker go limp on her body she made a face afraid that it would fall on her but before it could she saw it being lifted off and Daryl was staring down at her.
Making a face at Avery, Daryl just held out his hand to help her up and the moment she took it he sighed, "Saved your ass twice today little girl," he hissed out once she had stood up. "You owe me," he said before walking away from her.
Avery didn't say anything to him, instead she just remained silent. Giving one last final look to Zoe she frowned before following after Daryl towards where everyone else was. The chaos around her had ended and now people were crowded around together facing the RV.
Jessica who was standing in the crowd smiled slightly as she saw Avery and she ran towards her wrapping her arms around her sister, "Amy is dead," she whispered as she hugged Avery close to her, her words coming out as sobs. "Amy got bit and she's dead," she frowned hearing Andrea yelling from the RV.
Hearing her sister's words Avery felt herself start to cry. Zoe and now Amy were gone. Two people who she was close too. As she pulled away she watched as she saw Kate walking away from the RV and coming to the group. It was when Kate reached Zac that she saw her sister-in-law break down telling everyone that Ezra was dead. That he had been a causality of this mess.
"I think you need to catch me again," Avery strangled out as she looked at Jessica feeling herself starting to fall towards the ground, though before she could reach the ground she did feel arms around her though she knew they didn't belong to her sister's. Turning to see who had caught her she saw Daryl and she let herself lean into him as she broke down crying over the losses. Three people who she had cared about were dead. Three people who should still be here.
Closing her eyes Avery couldn't help but feel guilty as well. Guilty because despite the losses she was alive and for the first time in a long time as Daryl held her she felt safe. She felt safe when she really had no reason to feel safe.
Zac turned to look behind him as he heard Avery and he sighed to himself as he let himself hold Kate. Seeing Jim standing near Dale he heard Jim tell Dale he remembered his dream now and why he had dug the holes earlier in the day. At that though Zac just shook his head before rubbing Kate's back. Tonight was the first time a long time he found himself wishing too that Kate wasn't pregnant, especially since they had probably lost the safety of the camp.