First ever story so please be nice, I accept constructive critism, no flaming, I'm a huge fan of the game and show, never read the comics but I will. You'll notice some characters are not in the first chapter, but there is one character from the show in this episode and I have one OC but don't expect to see more than three throughout my whole story. The chapters will be incredibly long but think of it as an episode on t.v.
Episode 1: A New Day
Atlanta, a city like most, all over the world, streets filled with ordinary everyday people living out their days, working to make enough money to survive. A city where dreams can come true or break, a place littering with the rich and yes the poor as well, a city of safe Haven for some, but even the safest of places contain dangers that lurk in the darkest of places. Was life ever simple? For anyone, No it never is even if it was for some is that a good thing? Everyone struggles in some way, be it physical or mentally. Mankind has fought on through eras upon eras of dangers and struggling, like a small flame it grows and burns life from grass, wood and flesh but mankind hasn't seen something as disastrous as what is on the horizon. Now is the time to survive, day to day as the world goes to shit there will be those who choose to die and there will be those who choose to adapt to this new world as animals who take what they want by fighting for it or there are those who don't forget who they are, those who do not let the dying world take them down with it.
On the long road to Atlanta was a single police car leaving the big city. This police car was driven by a police officer holding the wheel with a steady grip as he watched oncoming traffic from the lane to the left, the officer appeared to be in his mid-50's or so. Judging from his posture he seemed to be a decent looking man who enjoys his work that he has grown accustomed to, by following standard procedures when dealing with a criminal, but somehow the officer did not view the man in the back seat the same way he did with most.
'Lee Everett' that's what his case file reads, don't look like no murderer to me 'The Officer thought to himself as he adjusted the rear view mirror to focus on his 'passenger'. The man in the back seat 'Lee Everett' an African American man, once a University History Professor, age 37. Lee was wearing a blue jacket of some kind with a white polo shirt underneath and he had on blue jeans and a silver watch just below the cuffs. He has Black hair and a light beard that ran around his mouth, under his nose and under his chin. Lee had his head hung low, gazing at the handcuffs holding both of his wrists close together, thinking, wondering, considering or just accepting what he did. Either way it didn't matter anymore, he could never undo what he has done
The Officer straightened himself up by sitting straight and turned his view toward the rear view mirror and said, plain and simple "Well, I reckon you didn't do it, then" the Officer spoke with real honesty in his tone as the words came out and attracting Lee's attention from whatever it was he was thinking about.
Lee was taken aback by that statement and something in his being possessed him to ask "Why do you say that?" curious of this man's reason for believing him to be in some way innocent even though it was quite obvious that he had done what he was convicted for.
" Y'know I've driven a buncha fella's up to this prison, Lord knows how many, usually is bout now I get the I didn't do it" the Officer seemed convinced of the matter and he clearly has the experience to back it up but Lee knew he couldn't hide from this crime he committed but now he his mind was set on nothing else and for whatever reason, he assumed the Officer was a decent enough man to talk to and asked a question regarding the Officers statement
"Every time?" and within an instant the Officer responded "Every time" and then they remained silent for a short while which gave Lee a chance to view the inside of the Police Car and seeing the Officers Shotgun through the diamond shaped bars and the possibly bullet proof glass 'Serious firepower he's get there' Lee thought to himself before a voice through the radio caught his attention
A man on the radio came through and stated "We've got what looks like a 10-iE near Peachtree Exit of 285, All Cars asked to help keep on the lookout for a 9iv in the area". Lee had no idea what any of that meant but he didn't really care either, his mind was too focused on trying to understand why did he do it how could he do such a thing?
Lee noticed through his intensive thinking that the Officer was keeping a close eye on him through the front rear view mirror, not that Lee could blame the man, he was a man convicted of murdering the state Senator, whether the Officer felt he was innocent or not, he had every reason to have some sort of doubt in the matter
"I followed your case a little bit, you being a Macon Boy and all" the Officer replied after staring at the convicted man in his back seat through the rear view mirror for almost a minute and Lee had been doing the same, although he had no reason too but he did grow tired of watching an endless array of similar looking cars with different coats of paint drive by on the left lane
Lee pressed himself to ask a question, not wanting to come across as an asshole or something even if that's what most people will now think of him as but the Officer was at least willing to speak to him and that was worth something Lee thought "You're from Macon then?"
"Yep came up to Atlanta to be a city cop in the seventies, Always wanted to work a murder case like that Senatorial mess you got yourself mixed up in, with all due respect". A Cop car on the left lane suddenly shot past toward the city with sirens blaring and Lee watched with a slight amount of curiousness as to what could be going on in the city while the Officer added "A real shame that is".
Lee was dumbfounded by the fact that this man of the law strongly believed that he really didn't murder the state senator even though the evidence was clear as day. Lee somehow sensed that he was being sympathetic toward him, not that he needed him to be after all he was a convicted killer and Lee himself knew he could never forgive himself for what he has done to the state senator… or his wife.
"Hell the whole family used to be regulars at your folks drugstore right in downtown, still there?" The Officer explained and Lee was happy to hear that, his family and all, considering that he hasn't seen or heard from them in a long while. '2, 3 months ago' he thought to himself and the place was still living and breathing with smiling and familiar faces coming in to browse through their products which was nothing new because most people loved and respected them and Lee's parents were always ready to assist every person that walked through the door, Lee was wishing he could have done the same; helping people but he wouldn't be able to for some time if ever
Lee almost forgot to answer the Officer's question "Sure is" he spoke with a small smile on his face which the Officer caught sight of "Good" he replied and was pleased to hear of the drugstore still being up and running after all those years he's spent in Atlanta.
A second round of Radio chatter came through that sound more serious and easier to understand than the first one. "Be advised to all medical personnel on route to Hartsfield, various 10's and 20's coming in" 'That doesn't sound too good' he thought, from the sounds of it there must have been one big accident in Atlanta to require 10 to 20 'Medical personnel'
It was quiet again which gave Lee more time to contemplate his recent actions "I've got a nephew up in the UGA, you teach there long?" he knew the silence would short lived but he didn't mind learning something about this man, not like he would get the chance to anymore
Lee nodded and responded "Going on my sixth year" 'or was' he added to his guilt ridden thoughts, he knew he was getting what he deserved but he regrets what he's done and it wouldn't be long until he reaches 'the joint' as some of his students have called it or there was 'the slammer', 'the big house' or to his displeasure of hearing this word from his students 'the shit hole'.
The next question was from the Officer and it was a real slap in the face situation "You meet your wife in Athens?". How could he respond to that?, he just found his wife cheating on him with some smartly dressed politician.
Lee lowered his head in disgust not of the question or the impact of the question but thinking back and wondering 'where did I go wrong?'. Lee felt betrayed by his wife after feeling a bit sick while teaching, he decided to call sick and go home and he strongly believed that his wife would be away on business but finds her in bed with a state fucking senator.
Lee was generally disgusted by his wife's actions as he knew he could never do such a thing to her but considering what he did next, it wasn't as disgusting as murdering a man through anger and jealousy, at first he wanted to believe that what he did was an accident but he didn't want to pretend any more, he was a murderer.
The Officer realised that the question would sting but he wanted the man to talk about it and see that it was a big misunderstanding, an accident even "You wanna know how I see it?" he asked hoping to ease his conscience of these demons that didn't seem to exist in his lawful eyes.
Lee was in deep thought, not sure whether or not he should be talking about his wife or whether he wanted too but his deep thoughts were interrupted by another Police siren but louder and he watched as four Polices cars drove by at a break neck pace with one Black Police van in the middle of the four vehicles heading to Atlanta.
Lee hardly registered the Police vehicles going by with their blaring sirens going off, he was in another deep thought and hardly noticed. Lee was very hesitant to talk about his personal life with his wife with a stranger, even if he was a decent man he wasn't sure whether he should but whatever the reason was he took a deep breath and answered "Sure".
The Officer seemed astonished that this Lee Everett character was willing to hear him out but he wasn't sure whether he should when he spotted that look he received through the rear view mirror. It looked like it was a death glare or even a dare, but regardless he felt that as a man of the law it was his duty to help people in dire need, even the falsely accused people deserve a shot.
"Regardless, it could just be you married the wrong woman" the Officer stated after allowing his response to settle in.
In a lot of ways Lee wanted to believe that was true but he knew he was no saint as he never did like the fact that his wife was always away on business, maybe he was too controlling? Perhaps or maybe the Police Officer WAS right… or maybe she married the wrong man. Lee was about to say that she married the wrong man but he felt that meant he was a bad person and he didn't believe he was, he did whatever he could to help his students with afterschool school learning sessions and occasionally lent some money to some for lunch or other necessities. At one point he even willingly filled in for the Math teacher after having a tripping incident and received a very painful leg injury and Lee only knew the basics to teaching maths.
Lee let out a frustrated groan through a deep breath and before long another tale came from the Officer in the driver's seat "I'm driving this man once, h-he was the worst one. He wouldn't stop going on about how he didn't do it." While the man continued talking, Lee couldn't help but notice a helicopter heading toward the city with four more police cars and two more Black Police vans 'What the hell is happening back there?' He wondered before returning to the man's story of a previous criminal he had in this car.
"He was an older fella. Big, soft eyes behind a pair of smart folk glasses, and he's just wailing back there, says it wasn't him. Crying and snotling all over, right where your sitting". Lee found himself interested by this story but then another load of radio chatter came through on the radio but it was quickly cut off by the Officer who was keen on telling his story and he was somewhat glad as well because he was intrigued to hear what happened next.
"Then before long he starts kicking the back of the seat, li-like a fussy baby on an airplane, and I tell him he's gotta stop, that that's government property and I'll be forced to zap him otherwise. So he stops, and having exhausted all his options, he starts crying out for his mama".
Lee felt like chuckling but his guilt weighed heavier than his need to let out a laugh but his attention on the Officer's story was still very much evident as he continued and started pitifully mimicking his previous convicted killer. "Mama , it's all a big mistake. It wasn't me!".
Lee may not know the full story but given what the Officer has said it wasn't very hard to guess this person was a killer. Not that he was one to talk but he admitted to killing the state senator in his head, but told the court it was an accident however the case declared it was an attempted murder to some degree but he knew what he had done and now he was ready to pay for his crime.
Lee had to question the Officer regarding this man he once had screaming in the backseat "So, did he do it?" and in almost an instant the lawmen replied "They caught the fucker red handed! Stabbing his wife, cutting her up as the boys came through the door! He sits in my car screaming bloody murder that it wasn't him! I think he actually believed it himself".
'Seems like he did' Lee thought and then he started comparing his murdering of the state senator to the murdering of another man's wife. In some way Lee believed it wasn't his wife's fault which may explain why he felt the need to attack him in the first place. He hated his wife when he realised that she was cheating on him but he could never stab her for that, hell he couldn't stab a man for that matter, it meant it would be personal and Lee realised that maybe he was never meant to purposely kill the senator, it just happened and now he was getting his just desserts.
However this other man made it personal and denied what he did even after being caught red handed, Lee accepted what he did was evil and wondered how he could live with himself?.
The Officer had more to say and for some reason it felt like the most important quote he has ever heard, it kept repeating in his mind, over and over "It goes to show, people will up and go when they believe their life is over".
Lee couldn't help but believe those words, words of wisdom he believe they were and they contained real meaning. The Officer started talking again, ready to tell another story but something caught Lee's eyes in the distance, he tell what it is and he started squinting his eyes to see what it was and then he realised what it was 'Shit! Civillian!'. "I gotta another good one for ya! This one's a little bit less depressing and a bit more hilarious" someone was walking onto the road and Lee froze with trying frantically to get the words out.
"if I do say so" Lee became horrified and panicked while the cop kept talking, not watching the road. Lee had only a few seconds do something but all he could do was shout ferociously loud "Watch Out!" overlapping what would most likely be the Officer's last words "This other time-".Too late the car suddenly smashed into the civilian sending him flying above the car, most likely dead and the sudden thud made the Officer's heart jump to hell and the impact forced the Vehicle to spiral out of control, toward the metal railing on the side of the road. The speed combined with the strength of the Police car, it rammed right through the railing with such powerful force that everything in the front seat was sent flying all over the place including a red medical kit. Glass began to shatter from the impact of every bump going down what must have a steep hill and the clanking and clunking of the vehicle echoed all the way down as the Officer bashed his head into the ceiling a couple of times with his arms flailing uncontrollably. Lee however was being thrown all about the backseat without a seatbelt to protect him he was flung from side to side and getting pretty banged up until he finally passed out.
Nothing but pitch blackness all around, Lee couldn't find the strength to move, he just lied there wherever he was. Lee was almost completely unconscious, head started to spin, wooziness took its hold and then all of a sudden a flicker of hope occurred when Lee slowly opened his eyes and greeted by blurring vision. Blood stained the backseat and upon the unbroken window and then something or someone in black just past the window and a human figure was looking down from atop the hills where they crashed. An echoing shout ringed in his ears but he couldn't make out any of the words all he could hear was someone shouting and within seconds Lee heard screaming and a thundering sound, gunshot? His eyes closed slipping back into unconsciousness.
It felt like minutes later that he opened his eyes again and everything seemed densely grey like smoke and he could hear the screaming again but it sounded slightly weaker but louder at the same. The screaming suddenly stop and all he heard was a couple of moans before closing his eyes and passing out once more.
"uh…owww…shit." Lee moaned as he woke up moving his leg only to be met with excruciating pain all over but his leg was hurting most, hurting like hell more like it. Lee forced himself to move by sitting on a better angle to get up until he realised that he was handcuffed still, looking at the cuffs and then he lightly jiggled them, letting out a sigh or perhaps a moan and said "…thirsty".
Lee tried to remove the handcuffs forcefully by trying to rip it off with brute strength by flexing his hands apart but was all over him when he did "aahh fuck, my leg". Pain, noticing the blood stains around the knee portion of his jeans, pain was piercing through his body when he moved. Lee turned his head around looking to the front of Police Car to find there was no driver, no chattering Officer, no one.
Lee turned his head back and noticed a broken window and just outside was the Lawmen's shotgun he saw earlier "Why the hell did he have his Shotgun out?" and then a possible answer came to him "Maybe it was tossed from car during the crash". Lee dismissed the shotgun and saw the opening where a blood trail was leading toward an unconscious or perhaps dead Police Officer. All Lee could do was panic, 'he's probably dead' he thought but he needed to sure if he was alive or not "Hey! Hey Officer! Are you all right? I'm still cuffed back here!".
When he was met with no response he decided to try again "OFFICER! That doesn't look good; He wasn't ejected from the car…". Lee realised that the man outside had survived the crash, made it out of this wreck and then what? 'What happened to him?' he questioned himself. Lee tried to get a better look at the motionless man on the ground outside the wreck "He's not moving".
Lee wanted to struggle himself free of these damn handcuffs but he realised he would only risk hurting himself more but while looking at the Police Officers dead corpse, he guessed that the only way out of this mess was to get the handcuff keys "He must have the handcuff keys on him".
Lee remembered seeing the window behind him when he first woke and it was smashed to hell like the one he was looking through now. He knew he couldn't squeeze through the cracked window 'Cut myself up worse if I do' he pondered to himself. Lee looked back at the window behind him and began to slowly and carefully shift himself from his awkward position on the backseat until his efforts had him facing the unbroken window with small traces of his blood on it or at least he thinks it is.
Lee pulled himself back a bit to give his unwounded leg some space, knowing he had to smash the window in order to escape. Lee retracted his good leg until his knee came close to his stomach and forced a good kick at the window, leaving small crack in the centre, giving a slight moan when he did, due to his injuries. Lee repeated this process three times and on the fourth kick he smashed the remainder of the window off allowing him a safe passage out of the car.
"I need to… drag myself out that window" he spoke in a strained voice and that's exactly what he intended on doing. Lee then proceeded to drag himself closer to the smashed out window where he then flung his handcuffed hands forward grabbing on the outside surface of the door and as carefully as he could. Lee pulled himself up and with one more burst of strength pulled himself out through the window where he landed with a thud and a hurt felt groan as he slid up against the side of the Police car.
Lee was struggling to get up to his feet but he managed to do so but the pain in his leg was too intense and ended up falling against the car unable to put much force in his step without his bleeding leg aching. Nevertheless he dragged himself forward, leaning on the car to support his body from collapsing. Once reaching the trunk of the car he got a better sight of the scenery and the motionless Officer.
The Woods seemed to be an appropriate name for this general location, 'Don't want to be out here after dark' Lee thought to himself. The man shifted his view from the downed Police officer toward the Shotgun and a single shotgun shell not far from it, 'Why would I need it? One is enough' Lee voiced in his head, referring to the state Senator. 'Don't need it anyway' he added to his train of thoughts as he looked at the body lying on the ground, strangely enough his instincts were telling him to be careful, his heart was beating slightly faster as he decided to get closer, see if he's alive, if not, get rid of the handcuffs and find help.
Lee was only a few steps away and decided to check again "Officer?" no response, so he approached the man in lawmen uniform until he was standing over him. 'What the…' Lee saw the Officer's pale skin and blood underneath him, 'Oh God' he thought knowing now that the friendly Police Officer who believed him innocent was dead. Lee would say something before he leaves but for now, the hand cuff keys were his main priority right now. Keys were hanging from the man's belt, he didn't want to loot a dead man it was wrong no matter how you look at it but he had to just this one time. Lee had no other option, his leg was severely injured and if he showed up to a hospital with handcuffs around his wrist, lord knows what'll happen.
He reached for the keys that turned out not to be attached the man's belt at all, thankfully and brought it up to his wrist and placed the key inside the key hole, it was hard enough to do it in this angle and when he started twisting the key some more and it slipped out of his hand landing right beside the Officers face.
"Shit" he blurted and 'it had to land right there, didn't it?' he sighed, annoyed but why was suddenly nervous as he bent down a bit and slowly lowered his hands halfway down to the handcuff keys, hands shaking, twitching, attempting to grab them but stopped for a second. Lee took one quick breath and quickly nabbed the keys from the ground, letting out a small frightened yelp as if he was about to get up and grab him. Much to Lee's relief, nothing happened and he proceeded with his second attempt at removing the cuffs from his wrist.
Lee again put the key inside the key hole rotating it until he heard a satisfying click and off came one cuff and he placed the key into his free hand and repeated the same process until the handcuffs fell to the ground making a small clink upon impact. Lee massaged his sore wrist when a sound caught his attention, it came from… "Guuhhhh" and then the man's arm flinched.
"uh Officer?" Lee questioned when suddenly the Cop lunged toward him knocking Lee to the ground but he quickly recovered, taking quick notice of the 'things' face, skin pale as snow and blood foaming from the mouth like a rabid wolf. "Holy Shit!" he shouted as began to frantically reverse himself, crawling backwards away from the crazy Lawmen until his back was resting against the cop car. Lee was frantically searching for a way out but his leg was busted, he caught a quick glimpse of the shotgun shell from before and remembered the Shotgun being on the left. "Get away from me!" he shouted but the man was looking to claw his face off, Lee was terrified as it made disturbing sounds and Lee realised he would die if he didn't do something quick.
Lee made a reach for the Shotgun shell why? He didn't fucking know and then to his left the Shotgun itself, he snatched the gun an instant while shouting "What the hell are you!?" but got no response only more clawing and more gagging noises. Lee quickly shoved the shell into the barrel of the gun but he was fidgeting too much that he dropped it "Shit!" he shouted. Lee reached for the shell one more time and this time he was able to load the gun more steadily this time. Once loaded he aimed the shotgun at the feral man's head and giving one last warning "Don't make me do this!". He dreaded doing this but (BOOM).
The Officers head was blasted, leaving a large section of the man's head… gone. The body fell to the ground truly dead, Lee held the Shotgun close to him not quite sure it was dead but then again nothing could survive that. Lee watched as the blood came pouring out from what was left of the Officer's head and brain. Lee was breathing heavily for a few precious seconds before his widened but what he just did 'NO' he mentally said as he tossed the gun away from him, away from his killer hands. Not wanting to be believe he just killed another man, even if it was self-defence, he felt worse for killing a good Police Officer than some smartly dressed politician "Man…" he replied still in quite a shock.
Lee just stared at the dead body of good Police Officer that he killed, catching wind of the smell, disgusting stench and he quietly whispered to himself "His skins all rotten… and he smells like shit. What the hell is this?". Lee looked up searching his surroundings for something, anything to take his mind away from this. Nothing but tree's, rocks bushes and… wait, 'Who's that? '.
Someone in the distance, someone in white clothing from the looks of them. Lee knew exactly what it looked like from that person's angle but he was injured and scared to hell. Lee shouted to the unknown figure "HELP! Go get someone! There- There's been a shooting!". The figure must have sensed the lie in his words as he or she turned around and ran.
'Shit' he mentally slapped himself for lying but what else could he say? the truth? He'd be worse off given his current predicament. 'What do I do?' He asked himself when something caught his ears 'wait what was that?' he wondered. Sounds like moaning similar to the noises that the rotten fleshed Officer made 'Oh shit' the moans were getting louder, he turned to his left and spotted another one of those 'people' emerging from behind a tree, wait… two of them?
Lee literally pushed himself to his feet, enduring the agonising pain in his leg. He took only two steps forward forgetting about the Cops body and tripped over landing on his shoulder, groaning in pain but forcing himself to move faster as they were almost near him. Lee was moving as fast as his leg could manage, looking back to see they were too close and he had to get some distance from them. Looking to his left he saw three more rotten flesh people growling, gagging noises aiming for him and he let out a frightened gasp when saw there were more. He moved faster passing one leaning against a tree missing a fucking arm 'What the fuck is this!?' he screamed in his head while looking away from the feral creature. Lee's leg gave in to the pain and tumbled to the ground and one of those things was almost on top of him but he made an effort to crawl to safety, over the hill, he saw a tall wooden fence and managed to get back on his two feet. Three of those things were right on his tail and another appeared on his left, he looked back until he came to the fence.
Lee used both arms to grab onto the top of the fence using all of his remaining strength to pull himself over but lost his balance while climbing over and landed in someone's back yard, hard on his ass.
Those things kept coming until they were all flailing there rotten, fleshy arms against the fence causing Lee a scare and frantically crawled away from the fence knowing those things could tear through the fence with the amount he saw. Lee came to a stop when he reached a wall by what appeared to be a garden but he was still generally afraid as those things continued pounding their arms against the fence trying to get to him just like the Cop did.
Out of nowhere a gunshot went off drawing Lee's attention to it and within a few seconds the thudding sounds came to a halt as those things decided to draw their attention elsewhere. Then there came another gunshot echoing through the town, almost taunting those foul creatures. Lee used the wall to support himself as he stood back up still facing in the direction of the gunshot.
Lee took a moment to catch his breath, having endured such horrors for too long with a busted leg it was nice to catch his breath through a sigh of relief, 'safe… for now at least' he head was right about that.
Lee moved his way to the centre of the back yard and out of sheer fright and loneliness he shouted "HELLO!... Anybody!" hoping that someone from before would appear to help him or anybody that didn't have blood dripping from its lips. 'Shit' realising no one was around 'where is everyone?'.
Lee was in the clear for now, and took his time to observe the back yard that he had rounded up in, while trying to regain his strength. Lee took notice of the small red wagon parked near what seemed to be a tree house. The wagon wheels were rusted and there were traces of dirt marks in the wagon and on the outside too, it was obvious that it had not been used in a long time.
The air smelled of smoke, burning metal, car crash possibly if there is more of those 'things' in fact when his was climbing over the fence he noticed smoke that looked fairly close to here.
The middle aged man looked slightly to the left of the wagon and just by the tree house was some teacups place on top of a nicely laid out mat, purple frame on the outside and white in the centre. "I'd fill one of those teacups with some bourbon if I could" after everything he just saw in the woods, he definitely knew he needed some sort of alcohol right about now, or any kind of liquid for that matter, still very thirsty. Lee didn't think much of the red garden chair it seemed out of place in his opinion at least. He also noticed a big amount of space taken up by a pool, covered of course and humourlessly thought of going for a dip.
After looking away from the pool he took a quick glance at the tire swing, he looked up at the tree house and believed it could serve as a good hiding place from those things until he noticed 'No ladder' Lee gave out an irritated scoff and added to his mental statement 'I'm not getting up there anyway, this leg the way it is'. Lee was annoyed by the injured leg of his; it was slowing him down and… Lee suddenly thought of something about the tree house, 'maybe someone's up there' perhaps. Lee was hoping there was and not a rotten one but he hadn't heard or seen any movement from the tree house but he needed to be cautious in his current position. Lee cuffed a hand to the side of his mouth so he had less of a chance at attracting them things and spoke at a medium level volume to see if someone was inside "Anybody up there?". Lee got no response but he recalled the events that just took place in the woods and the person he saw, he believed it was a little girl now that he had time to think about it "I thought I saw a little girl in the forest". The desperate man tried again this time with hope that there was a little girl in there "Are you up there? I'm not one of those things" and again he got nothing.
Lee came to a conclusive answer "I guess it's empty". He felt like falling to the ground, feeling now more alone than ever, there were sounds but the gentle echo of the wind, he felt like there was no one left in this world. Lee then shouted "Please… please… Someone… someone… anybody" his voice weakening with each word that slipped from his mouth, like he was going cry or something, lowering his head til he was staring at the ground. Lee felt like shit, mentally and physically, busting his leg and having to kill that Police Officer really put a toll on his soul. If he didn't find help soon those things would surely get to him, perhaps there was someone inside the house that could help him.
The sky was a yellow, orange, grey colour, his watch read '5:20' which meant he needed to hurry, something told him things would get much worse after dark.
Lee limped his way toward the steps, managing to get up the steps no problem and he made his way over to the glass door. 'I wonder if anybody's home' he thought to himself, but judging from how dark it was in there and the TV screen beaming blue, he guessed someone WAS but not anymore. Regardless he couldn't take the chance and be accused of being a burglar so he lightly knocked on the glass door "Hello, Anybody home? I need a little help" but unfortunately no one replied which was both unfortunate and concerning "There's something going on" he murmured with a worried look in his eyes.
Lee couldn't wait outside with those things walking about, Lee reached the door handle with his right hand and tugged at it, 'jammed? No need to give it a bit more umph' he needed to use more force and using both hands to got the door open easily "Comin in, don't shoot, OK?".
Lee stepped inside the house, closing the door behind, the light from outside created a dark shadow on the floor. Lee turned around and another blast of pain pierce through his aching knee "Ah! Shit?" placing his hands on the wound hoping to ease his pain but it did nothing 'Need help' he thought before taking a step forward and calling out to let whoever might be in the house aware of his presence "Hello?... I'm not an intruder… or one of THEM".
'Holy Shit' was his first thought that came to mind when he saw the TV turned on with a bright blue screen, no lights on, a stool tipped over, the kitchen ravaged to hell and the most concerning thing was blood staining the kitchen floor. Lee's eyes were widened almost abnormally with horror, his heart beat was racing by the sheer look of this place and by the fact that there was no one around, probably better that way, could've been those things from the woods. "These people might need more help than I do" was all he could say as he observed the place once more registering everything out of the ordinary.
Lee noticed a bowl of fruit on the table; it felt wrong to just go into someone's house and have a snack but it seemed to be empty and Lee hadn't eaten all day, well unless you count a ham and cheese sandwich that was thrown at him by an aggressive Police Chief looking feller, chubby and bald. Lee walked, or rather he limped toward the table, looking at the bowl of fruit; oranges, apples, pears and banana's. He reached for a banana and quickly realise it was hard plastic "It's fake, Damn" he cursed as his stomach grumbled in frustration. Lee took notice of the plate on the table, no food on the plate and a cup lay down beside it, empty as well "Furniture overturned, blood everywhere… Jesus".
Lee turned to the counter behind him; one chair was standing whereas the other one was tipped over on the floor. On the counter was an opened book with a blank page with white, green and black crayons on top of the page. The other page was a picture of a happy unicorn with a bushy tail and two uncoloured stars around it while standing on a patch of grass 'Something must've happened while the kid was colouring'. Lee couldn't think of a kid becoming one of those things, it wasn't possible but from what he saw maybe it was.
Lee had to back away from the counter unable to think of the possible horrors going on in the streets and wondering maybe this house belonged to that little girl he saw in the woods but where was she?, on second thought he didn't want to think about it right now. The atmosphere seemed very grim, hopeless and if there was no one here?, what would he do then? He didn't have anywhere to go and his parents would know by now what he did, he was somewhat convinced they were dead anyway.
Lee dismissed his worst fears for now and headed for the kitchen, gazing down at a puddle of blood "Jesus…" he couldn't hold it in any longer or he'd throw up, but he decided best to check the kitchen for a drink or food or something useful. Lee tried to step over the blood spill but he couldn't and had to put one step in the puddle but next thing Lee knew he had crashed to the floor, almost bashing his head into the wall, moaning in agonising pain. The pain surged through his whole body as he carefully placed his hands on the blood puddle floor lifting himself to his feet, groaning the whole way up. Most of the blood on his hands spilled back onto the floor, but his pants had a bigger blood stain and he brushed his hands on his thin layer jacket getting what he could off.
After a quick recovery from his trip he walked over to sink following the blood stained footsteps, he wouldn't gone to the refrigerator but a desk was blocking Lee from getting in to it but he noticed a cup of water by the sink so he decided to take that instead. It was refreshing, he smiled, just what he needed but it was not enough to quench his thirst but for now it would have to do.
Lee checked most of the cupboards and saw nothing worth taking "This place has been ransacked, just about anything worthwhile is gone". Lee checked a few more draws but all he found was kid friendly silverware, paper towels and flour nothing useful at all, although he could use the paper towels to clean his wound but first he needed to be absolutely sure whether or not someone was home. Lee made sure to leave every cupboard door open if he has checked them, in case he checked the same one twice but there was one drawer he hadn't checked; beside the refrigerator.
Lee limped over to the last drawer, opening it to find what looked like a walkie-talkie, he had a feeling that it would come in handy 'Should be useful, once I find the other one' he explained to himself not knowing why, maybe it made him feel less alone.
Again he heard the answering machine beep and then the male voice repeated "There are Three New Messages", Lee had chosen to ignore it when he first came inside, needing to be sure if the house was safe or not first but apart from the furniture being 'rearranged' there didn't seem to be anyone home.
Lee shoved the Walkie-talkie in his back pocket for now, and made his across the kitchen and making sure to avoid the blood puddle altogether by keeping his left hand on the counter and he made it safely enough with more on his shoes as the only consolation. Lee saw the red light on the answering machine flash every two seconds and headed over to the machine sitting on a small table with a box underneath the table. Lee gazed at the answering machine panel for a moment to find the 'play' button, he found it, wasn't hard it was glowing red, the circular button with a glowing red triangle pointing east, Lee pressed the glowing button creating that piercing beep noise again.
The Machine was ready to read out the messages "There are Three New Messages" Lee gave a light frustrated groan and muttered "I know that already".
"Message one, left at five-forty three, pm." Lee had no idea what day these messages were sent but he was guessing maybe a day or two ago, it was hard to say.
"Hey Sandra, this is Diana. We're still in Savannah. Ed had a little 'incident' with some crazy guy near the hotel, so we had to get him back to the ER and have it checked out. Anyway, he's not feeling well enough to drive back tonight, so we're staying an extra day. Thanks so much for looking out for Clementine, and I promise we'll be back in time before your spring break!". Lee placed his hand under his chin trying to piece the situation together in his head. 'A crazy guy? I wonder if it was one of those things I saw in the woods… shit'. 'Clementine… hmmm could that have been her I saw earlier?, and that must've been her mother, and if that was Clementine I saw… where is she now? And where is this babysitter? Shit! I don't like this'.
The next message played out "Message two, left at eleven-nine-teen pm." Lee was expecting this message to be more depressing as he calculated the time since the first message to this one and it had been five hours and thirty six minutes sine the first message was sent.
"Oh my god, finally! I don't know if you've tried to reach us; all the calls are getting dropped. They're not letting us leave and aren't telling us anything about Atlanta. Please, please, just leave the city and take Clementine with you back to Marietta. I've got to get back to the hospital. Please let me know that you're safe". 'Savannah must have been quarantined when it got out of hand, and if those things are in Atlanta… Jesus, this isn't good'. The world was falling to shit and things were getting worse, Lee decided once he listens to this last message, he needed to find this girl, find any survivors and figure out a way to fix whatever's going on, if there even was a way.
"Message three, left at six fifty one am". 'At that hour, shit… this can't be good'.
"Clementine? Baby if you can hear this, call the Police. That's 9-1-1. We love you… we love you… we love y-". Lee wiped his hand over his face and then using it to cover his mouth in shock realising how this little girl would feel if her parents were dead, she'd be devastated by this. Lee noticed a family photo sitting on the table beside the machine; he picked it up for a closer inspection. As Lee observed the picture he realised something, squinting his eyes to focus 'Wait a second that's-' "Daddy?".
Lee heard a little girl's voiced coming from his back pocket, the walkie-talkie, he had almost forgotten about it and he reached into his pocket and pulled it out holding it in his hand for a second. He was sure it was the girl Clementine from the photo and her mother's message but decided it was best he keep it all to himself until he knew more, he pressed and held the button, limping over to the glass door and spoke into the walkie-talkie "…Hello?" releasing the button and waited for a response.
The little girl's voice came through seconds later "You need to be quiet." Lee was caught off guard by the warning, but realising why, he decided to move away from the glass door so he would not draw too attention heading toward the table.
Lee needed to be sure the little girl was all right, her parents were gone and she could have been injured by those things, he was deeply hoping she wasn't hurt and he wanted her to know he was friendly. "Are you OK?" he asked in a soft voice to keep her calm and he had to get her to trust her and let her know he means her no harm.
The little girl seemed to find the man nice enough to trust but she wasn't sure what to think yet "I'm OK, they tried to get me, but I'm hiding until my parents come home". Lee couldn't tell her about the fate of her parents, he may not know for sure they were dead but if they weren't chance were they had become one of creatures. Hearing that would break her heart and he didn't wan't to that to a little girl who believes they're alive.
Lee needed to gain her trust by showing compassion, Lee limped his way into the living room standing beside the couch and asked in his soft voice "What's your name?".
Lee took a seat on the couch as replied "I'm Clementine, this is my house." He had a feeling it was her and responded in a polite manner "Hi Clementine, I'm Lee" telling her his name would help the girl know his was a good man, albeit a convicted killer but he could never hurt a little girl, that would be sick.
Lee was becoming concerned about Clementine, she was all alone and those things were in the woods and possibly in the streets. Lee didn't want to lie about her parents but telling the truth would devastate her and had to pretend he had no prior knowledge of her parents in Savannah as she might view Lee as a stranger and most parents tell their kids to stay away from strangers but this case was different "Where are your Parents?".
Lee got up from the couch and took another quick browse through the house and heading back into the kitchen, leaning, moving against the wall and avoiding the blood spill entirely this time and listening to the little girl on the walkie "They took a trip and left me with Sandra. They're in Savannah, I think. Where the boats are".
Lee stood over the sink by the window and he felt like he was gaining her trust and he was worried about her and where she was hiding, wondering whether or not it was safe "Are you safe?".
Clementine replied "I'm outside in my tree house. They can't get in" and Lee was very impressed by her logic, for a little girl she was very clever "That's smart". Lee's hasn't ever really interacted with little children but he was glad to hear he was doing a fair job of it which would be necessary as he will have to take her with him or eventually-.
"See? Can you see me? I can see you through the window" Lee quickly returned to reality and saw the little girl in the tree house, black curly hair, wearing reasonably warm looking clothing for this kind of weather, a white undershirt, dark legged pants, and a baseball cap. Lee recognised her immediately as the little girl in the woods and the one in the photo. Lee waved at Lee through the window and he smiled happily knowing she was safe and waved his hand without motioning it, she looked happy enough.
Suddenly out of the blue Clementine screamed through the walkie-talkie which startled Lee greatly but then he heard a growling sound behind him and he turned around and the creature was already on him, Lee grabbed the arms, holding it back as it mindlessly attempted to bite him. Lee was able was able to shove it away from him and it fell to the floor leaning against the oven and Lee seized his chance and ran but forgot about the blood puddle, slipping and bashing his head on the edge of the counter pretty damn hard. Lee's vision when blurry, distorted but he could see it crawling toward him growling and Lee put his foot up and kicked it in the head falling back. Lee forced himself up, moaning from his leg injury and he made another attempt to escape but the thing grabbed his foot causing him to fall to the floor again. The creature was top of him again; unable to kick it this time instead he punched it in the face.
Clementine had climbed her way down from her tree house holding a blunt hammer and she frantically ran up the steps to help the man as he seemed nice enough to her and she opened the sliding glass door watching, horrified to see her babysitter trying to get him. The creature grabbed at Lee's foot, pulling at him, Lee tried to kick it again but failed as it climbed on top of him flailing it's arms at him and Lee was struggling to stop it until he was able to force it off with his bare hands. Lee started to reverse away from it, crawling backwards to the door where Clementine was standing with the hammer trembling in her hands "Here" she said, holding the hammer. Lee reached around seeing the frightened look on her face and he took it as gently as he could, so as not to her hurt her.
The female creature was on top again but it was the last time as Lee swung the hammer to the cranium and immediately stood up and the thing looked like it was backing away until put his foot down on the upper chest holding it in place and he repeatedly bashed it in the head with the hammer, getting weaker with each blow to the head. Blood was running out from its head as he delivered the final blow, aggressively shouting as he dug the hammer fair between the eyes and brutally yanked it from the head with Blood simply pouring onto the carpet.
Lee stood up with fresh blood now staining his jacket some more. He bent down placing both hands on his knee's trying to catch his breath "Man…". Lee noticed the little girl Clementine standing by the door horrified by what she saw, all of it. "Hi there" breathing heavily as Lee glanced over at Clementine, slowly and cautiously moving away from her babysitters dead corpse that she wasn't sure was dead "Did you kill it?".
Lee was sure it was, nothing could survive a beating like that but something confirmed in his mind as he thought back to the Police Officer and noticed the same thing for this one as well. Lee looked at the little girl noticing the anxiousness in her eyes, she was afraid it was still alive but Lee had ease her concerns without scaring her, although she looked pretty scared already "I think something else did. Before me, I think".
"I heard her scream two nights ago. Maybe one of the monsters got her" the little girl replied 'shit, not something she should ever have to go through… Jesus poor kid'. Lee remembered the call from her parents, Ed's 'incident' he recalled was most likely him being attacked by one of those things 'damn it' he cursed mentally as it all made sense, Ed gets attacked then uh Sandra's both of which happened in two days or more but it wasn't anything conclusive, shit, he only just saw his first rotten body ten minutes ago in the woods "Two nights ago? Yeah, that's probably what happened".
Lee was concerned for the little girl; Clementine, her parents were missing as far as she believes and her babysitter turned cannibal and it looks like he might be the only living person she's seen in a few days. Lee bent down to his knee's and he had worry written in his eyes, tone and voice "You've been all by yourself through this?".
"Yeah I want my parents to come home now" Clementine was rocking her body from side to side, scared and missing her parents, 'poor kid'. Lee knew she believed her parents were still alive and maybe they were but chances of them being alive were slim. Lee had to keep hope alive for this little girl despite his beliefs he needed to protect her, starting by keeping her alive and finding her parents.
"I think that might be a little while, you know?" It hurt him to keep those messages he heard a secret but she was just a little girl and hearing they were dead would eliminate her trust in this man who only wants her safe, she has so many years ahead of her and would be damned before leaving her to fend for herself. Clementine knew what he meant, those creatures were probably in Savannah too "Oh" she responded with a slight look of sadness brewing on her face
Lee knew what he had to do, keep her safe from those things and he would do just that, no matter what. Lee inched closer to her, looking considerately at the saddened Clementine and spoke in a soft and honest tone "Look, I don't know what happened. But I'll look after you until then".
Clementine was somewhat reassured and glad that this man… Lee wasn't going to abandon her but she was deeply worried about her parents but she believed her parents were alive and looking for her but she also knew Lee was right about it being a while before they return "What should we do now?"
It was dangerous out there, but it would worse at night, there'd be more of those things at night he was guessing and it seemed likely plus it would be harder to see, they have to find other survivors "We need to find help before it gets dark" choosing the safety of daylight was a smart move.
Clementine agreed as the streets had lots of those monsters last night, making those creepy sounds and he had nightmares of her parents turning into those things and she didn't want to stay here any longer by herself "Yeah, it's not safe at night".
Lee climbed to his feet and stood beside Clementine and held his hand out for her, she was hesitant at first but the thought of holding his hand reminded her of when she and her daddy held hands wherever they went places, so she gladly accepted with a small smile "Let's go stay close to me" he said.
They made their way outside on the back porch, Lee eager to find survivors and possibly someone to help his injured leg, Clementine was not so ready and he understood why, if her parents did come back how would they find her? He decided not to dwell too much on the question but the time will come. Clementine stood there staring into her empty house one more time before she pulled the glass door shut behind her. She turned around and looked up at Lee, obvious that she did not want to leave; she didn't look happy, hard to believe she could be in these dark times but Lee made a promise to himself then and there, he would protect Clementine with his life and do whatever he can to make happy.
The sky hadn't changed much but it wouldn't be long before nightfall so they had to get a move on. Clementine ran ahead, down the steps and waited by the green recycling bin for Lee to catch up. Lee was still limping but with any luck they may not encounter anymore of those things as long as they remain quiet. Lee was careful going down the steps, he's hit the ground too many times all ready so he was making sure he didn't rush himself.
Lee smiled at Clementine as he past her she gave him a slight smile which he could tell was fake but she was obviously still getting used to him as her protector and guardian but he would be patient and he'd grow on her.
As Lee and Clementine got near the gate they noticed some people pushing a car. Lee wasn't sure whether they were actually people or more of those things but then he heard them muttering to each other.
They turned out to be a man and younger guy possibly in his 20's. One was a fairly big man, fat even, he was wearing a moss coloured vest over his greyish blue shirt, dark brown pants and he also wore a moss coloured had on his head. The large man had a beard around his mouth, not much only under his nose leading around his mouth and under his chin, the bottom half of his beard was light grey and the top half was dark grey. Strapped to his back was a rifle of some kind, Lee wasn't sure but it looked like a Remington 700 BDL, he's read a few things about guns when he lectured his students on World Wars.
The other guy was slim sized; he has black hair brushed back with pointy ends. He was wearing a moss coloured shirt with a few pockets on them and wearing brown jeans, but he was unarmed which was strange, but then so was he.
Lee and Clementine stood there watching as they were trying to move a medium blue car and the large fella looked at the younger kid and said "Come on Shawn just a little more" trying to support the struggling young man, groaning from being exhausted.
The young man named Shawn withdrew from pushing the car and looked at the large man who had removed his rifle from his back, possibly thinking one of those things were nearby. Shawn pointed out to the older, larger man about their situation "Those things are everywhere, Otis can't we just hotwire that car over there?" pointing to a brown station wagon parked by the alley between two houses.
The man known as Otis was thinking a few seconds before responding "Hmmm too close to the alley, and my guns down to six bullets, too risky". Besides Otis wasn't about to leave the truck behind as it did not belong to him and he was wise about conserving his ammo but Shawn was annoyed mainly because he was nervous about more of those creatures showing "Man, this sucks".
Otis responded calmly, trying to keep the boy optimistic and scared-free "Don't worry Shawn we'll be out of here in a few minutes" and Otis returned to pushing the car and Shawn shortly followed.
After eavesdropping on to the two people Lee figured that they might be able to help and he looked back at Clementine and noticed she was depressed, staring at the ground in front of her. Lee was concerned by this "What's the matter?" bending down to her level.
Clementine didn't look at him, still looking at the ground she asked "Should I stay?". Lee was puzzled by the question, not sure what she meant "What?". Clementine was afraid to ask Lee her question slightly fearful that he might leave her but it was something her since they decided on the plan to leave her house. "I don't wanna sleep in the tree house tonight, but I don't know if I should leave. What if my parents come home?".
Lee understood now what she meant, he knew Clementine would bring this up but she seemed afraid to talk to him about the issue, perhaps she think Lee would leave her which he wasn't planning on doing ever "I won't leave you alone".
The little girl was relieved to hear that as it was scary being by herself "Let's go somewhere safe that's close, OK?" she suggested. Lee thought it was best for now, but depending on how things decide to play out they may have to leave this town but he decided not to be concerned by that right now and replied "That's a good idea". Lee stood up and slowly walked toward the gate while Clementine was right behind him with small, happy that Lee understood what she wanted to do.
Lee was about to open the backyard gate to the streets, but Clementine was slightly ahead of him, she pushed the gate open making a squeaky metallic whistle that the two men didn't notice and Lee made sure to stay in front of Clementine just in case things went south "Hey!" he spoke aloud.
The two men immediately two around panicking like they've been shot at or something but the second they did, the large man known as Otis already had aimed on Lee, Clementine was behind Lee but slightly beside him as well. Otis had his rifle targeting his head, making sure they don't get near Shawn "You stay back!".
Lee stopped in his tracks as did Clementine who leaned against his leg, partially out of sight. The kid Shawn was it? was slightly trembling and it looked like he was bracing himself for a tackling or something, either way he was nervous just like Clementine was a few minutes ago when meeting him. Lee decided it was best he did as the man said, not wanting anything to happen to her from him being reckless and placed his hands up, surrendering himself "We're not going to hurt you" he spoke calmly to the two men.
The large man was sceptical at first but when he noticed the little girl behind the unknown feller, assuming that she was his daughter, which seems like a good thing because if he's her father, he wouldn't risk putting her in danger. Otis lowered his gun, but kept it rested against his stomach, the rifle was facing to the left "Oh lord, Good thing you're live ones, don't got many bullets left" Otis responded having sensed the goodness in the man or maybe it was his own good hearted nature.
Shawn sighed a breath of relief, standing up straight, no longer nervous once the guy said he wasn't going to hurt them, even though Otis could handle him but he knew he would never shoot a child whether or not they became one of those monsters or not. Shawn had a relieved smile on his face as he added to what Otis said "Yeah, I thought for a second you and the little one were BOTH going to give us the chomp".
Lee looked desperately at these two men, hoping maybe they could provide him and Clementine with some assistance "We need help"
Otis opened his mouth ready to say something but Shawn cut him off "Are you trying to get outta here? Because you should be. Those things are all over the damn place". As if their minds were all connected, they each looked of in different directions but no one saw anything, it was like a ghost town inhabited by monsters. Lee was looking at a house further down the street from their location and he thought he saw something by a white picket fence but when he blinked his eyes and looked again there wasn't anything there, Lee's paranoia was starting to get to him or maybe it was the guilt, guilt from what he did to the State Senator, catching up to him.
Otis looked at the man and started talking about how bad things were getting not just here but in Atlanta "This here neighbourhood… is overrun, we haven't seen anything this bad since downtown Atlanta, fifteen miles back". Lee thought to himself 'Good thing I was on my way prison after all' he knew what he did was wrong but he couldn't help but notice the convenient timing of the arrival of these monsters and wondered maybe this was his second chance at redemption.
Otis took off his hat placing it over his chest and holding his gun in one hand pointing up to the sky and spoke politely "My names Otis" and then the other but younger man introduced himself "I'm Shawn, Shawn Greene".
Lee was glad to meet new people and Clementine was too, albeit very nervous around them but at least they weren't like those monsters that have been trying to get her.
Lee made his introduction quick and then he introduced Clementine as he could identify that she was very shy around new people. "Lee. This is Clementine" she didn't say anything but she received a very bright smile from Otis and hand wave from Shawn, she was leaning up to Lee's leg and smiled back at the two people, a cute smile that melt a man's heart. Otis understood why the little girl was shy as Shawn was the same way when he first met the boy but now Otis was like a second father to him
Otis assumed that these two have come across those monsters before, more up close and personal than they had hoped as he had the blood covering Lee's jacket and pants, but it was the huge blood stained area around his knee that spooked him but he politely stated "Your leg don't look too good fella".
Lee looked down at his leg, still feeling his aching knee throb something awful "You weren't bit were you?" Shawn questioned and slightly backed away against the car they meant to be moving.
He thought that was very strange question, was that how the Police Officer turned?, maybe, he was alive before and after the crash, those things must have got him while he was unconscious. "No Car accident". Shawn took a breath of fresh air, relieved to hear that, as was Otis who nodded his head understanding.
Shawn would have asked more questions but it was getting dark "We shouldn't be out here in the open like this".
Otis turned his head facing Shawn nodded his head in agreement as they were highly exposed and said to Shawn "Yeah you're right Shawn", Otis then looked at the African American man and the little girl by his side, Lee was hoping they bring them along when Otis added "There's a farm belonging to this boy's father we can take you and your daughter with us, it's safer there than it is here".
Lee wasn't sure how to say this but he had to "I'm not her dad; I'm…" he was frantically trying to decide whether he should be honest about stumbling across Clementine or lie and say something like he was her babysitter or a neighbour. Lee got a warm sensation flowing through his body when thinking of himself as her babysitter and caretaker but he didn't want to lie if someone decides to put Clementine on the spot, but he wasn't sure how they'd react to it, would they still help or leave them. Lee knew it was right thing to be honest and hopefully they'll help Clementine and him "just some guy"
Shawn responded with a rather sceptical expression as he repeated the man's words "Some guy?". Lee was concerned by the look he received, he couldn't read the boy's face but he couldn't change the story now. "Yeah" he spoke with a hint of nervousness in his tone. Otis was most concerned, about the little girl, his mouth slightly opened, not because of the fact that Lee had just found her but Otis noticed how he made it sound like he found her by herself "Where are her parents?".
Lee lowered his head very slightly trying to remember the message that seemed to prove they were most likely dead but he had to remain hopeful for Clementine; Otis seemed to get the message but then Clementine's voice come out of the blue "Sa…Savannah". Lee didn't expect Clementine to say anything in front of these two strangers but they were parents Otis was asking about.
Shawn had a small smile on his mouth as he glanced down at the shy little girl who was probably worried sick about her parents and spoke in a soft tone "I heard it's not too bad up there". Clementine smiled at those words but didn't make direct eye contact with Shawn but she felt slightly better knowing that her parents were most likely safe "Hope so". Lee was staring at Shawn while he was speaking and when looking at his eyes he saw uncertainty, like he didn't really know but Clementine was smiling which was good to see, and he appreciated Shawn Greene's words.
Shawn then turned to his head to Otis who was looking down the street making sure no stragglers were sneaking up on them "We should get going, staying put for too long is a mistake", Shawn was looking at Lee when he finished talking.
Otis nodded in agreement before looking to Lee and lifted his arm, using his thumb to point out the wreck that was right behind them "We need to clear the way for the truck, then the Hershel can fix that there leg of yours". Lee wanted to reply in agreements to the plan, wanting to do what was best for Clementine but he thought it was best to ask what she wants "What do you want to do, Clementine?". Clem nodded her head left to right, unsure what she wanted to do, go with Lee to somewhere safe? Or stay in the house until her parents come home but she was nervous "I…" looking back at her house and the address number 5240.
Suddenly Shawn's voice caught Lee and Clementine's attention, well that and the groaning gurgling sounds coming from those things in the streets "Oh no the monsters are back, we gotta hurry". The creatures had already spotted them, there were probably a dozen or more of them and Otis was looking back and forth between them and Shawn, Lee and the girl, he held his rifle out aiming to the streets and ordered "Move the car I'll keep em off our backs!".
Shawn was already up against the car ready to push and looked over his shoulder "Lee! give me a hand". Lee immediately did just that and started pushing the car with full force ignoring the pain emanating from his leg and the echo of Otis shooting them things.
Otis was standing beside the red truck, with his Remington Rifle in both hands. Otis was making sure each shot hits its mark, through the scope he targeted the monsters that were closest, aiming directly for the head before pulling the trigger. Otis was starting to panic, hoping Shawn would say any second that they were ready to leave, but looking back they were still getting it out of the way.
Clementine was getting scared, jumping at the sound of every rifle shot echoing through the streets and she decided she didn't want to stand by anymore so she ran to help Lee and Shawn move the car, she couldn't contribute too much as she wasn't very strong but Lee was glad to have her close to him, safe and helping anyway she can.
Otis was down to his last bullet and aimed it at a female creature in a green dress stained by blood that was dangerously close, so he targeted the head and fired watching as the body fall to the ground and heard the click of his rifle as he took aim at another one but he was out "I'm out of rounds; we gotta leave now". As if on cue, Lee, Shawn and Clementine were done and Otis shouted "Shawn! You drive" as he tossed his empty Remington into the back of the truck, Otis pretty much threw himself into the back of the truck, staring at the small but horrifying group of monsters reaching for him as he backed away from the edges of truck.
Shawn shouted "Sure, let's go!" Lee limped his way to the truck opening the door for Clementine to hop in, Shawn was already in rotating the key to start the engine, once Clementine took her seat in the middle next to Shawn, Lee was about to get in but one of the things was coming straight for him. Lee growled at the approaching creature before delivering a powerful kick that sent it tumbling backwards to the ground.
Lee jumped into the truck, sitting next to Clementine and pulled the door shut and then Shawn punched his foot into the accelerator, the wheels screeching as they took off. Shawn was trying to avoid driving into any of those things not wanting to damage the truck. Shawn looked back to see Otis was doing OK, even though it was probably cold in the back, Otis wouldn't complain about it, then Shawn looked at Lee while keeping one eye on the road and commented "For just 'Some Guy' it seems like you just saved a bunch of lives today". Shawn rammed through a roadblock sign and took a right turn, out of town, heading home.
Lee didn't want any praise he was just doing what was right but he appreciated those words of Shawn and the help he was giving them. Clementine was sitting on her knee's staring through the trucks back window, where Otis wasn't leaning against. The little girl was staring at her house, where she has lived her entire life and now it was getting further and further away, she lowered her head, depressed and for some reason she felt she was never going to see her home again. Lee knew exactly what she was sad about as she turned around to face the road and Lee couldn't help but concern himself, she's lived their her whole, everything and everyone she loved lived in that house. Lee lifted his arm and slowly put it over around her until his hand gently rested on her shoulder. Clementine looked at Lee with sadness dwelling in her eyes and he looked back with a look that said it'll be alright. Lee then gently pulled her close to him until her head rested on his side and he rubbed her shoulder reassuringly as she drifted off into deep thought. Shawn had seen it all unfold beside him and he was feeling somewhat saddened by the pain the little girl was going through and the things she's probably see, enough to scar her for life, but with Lee, maybe she still a chance… to be safe.
It was now nightfall, dark, and the air was getting colder, Otis had his arms crossed in the back of the truck trying to keep his uncovered arms warm. Lee still had Clementine rested against her, awake, but she was tired and exhausted from everything that's happened today; Man in the woods, Babysitter tries to him, Meets two more people, leave home and now they were going to Shawn's farm. Suddenly Shawn made a right turn down dirt road through a corn field and just ahead they could see a white farm house on a very wide spread of land and driving down the long road made it all seem like a settlement, a safe haven. Shawn drove the truck right beside the house on an angle that was pointing toward a rickety old barn house, very creepy looking barn house.
Otis was the first to climb out of the back, patting the truck as Shawn climbed out of the truck, following Lee and then Clementine who Lee helped get out by offering his hand. Clementine accepted his hand with a smile and Otis looked on smiling as well before he grabbed his rifle and place the strap over his head and nested the rifle on his back.
The large man then looked at Shawn and declared "I best be on my way, Patricia's probably worrying more than she needs to, say hello to your dad for me, I'll drop by tomorrow, we'll need to work on securing this place". Shawn nodded his head acknowledging his statement and plans for tomorrow.
Otis had started walking down the dirt road when shouted "Hey!". Immediately catching Otis's attention as Lee limped his way toward him and said "Thanks for helping us out back there Man". Otis stared at Lee for a few solid seconds before reaching for his hand and cuffed it with both of his hands. Lee was startled by this action, unsure of what the larger man was doing until he said something both sincere and serious "Keep that girl safe, you're a good man, I can see it". Lee nodded in acknowledgement as that is all he has concerned himself with doing since he met Clementine. Otis smiled at Lee before turning around to head home to his wife.
Lee returned to Clementine, looking at her and gave her a reassuring smile that said it'll be all right, she wasn't sure about that but she followed him as the front door of the house came open. It was an older man, dark brown pants and dark green coloured jacket with a strange yellow symbol above a pocket, bushy white eyebrows and white silk like hair, he did like a doctor Lee took quick notice of as he came down the steps. "Thank God, you're OK" the older man known Lee was the Hershel that Otis mentioned walked over to Shawn with a relieved smile and Shawn was the same, making his way to his father and embracing him in a tight hug "I was worried it'd be bad here, too".
Hershel was somewhat taken back by the hug mainly because he didn't know how bad things have gotten in the town but he returned the hug as he explained "It's been rather quiet out here; Nervous Nelly's acting up a bit but nothing I can't handle". They separated from the hug and Shawn smiled but he was also annoyed that his father wasn't taking much of it seriously. "I wouldn't have made it back without Otis being there" Shawn mentioned hoping to get his father to realise that they had some close calls. "Good thing you asked him to go with you then, where is he?" his father asked looking somewhat concerned as he considered Otis as his best friend and neighbour.
Shawn's eyes popped, forgetting to inform his father where he was or rather where he was heading "Oh he walked home". Hershel understood nodding his head up and down before responding "Good, Patricia called she was worried sick about him". Lee was thinking to himself 'he's a good man who wouldn't?'.
Hershel hadn't noticed the man and girl standing there on the sidelines and turned to face them placing hands on his hips and speaking aloud "You brought some guest" acknowledging the situation.
Lee was happy to see a father and son reunited but he wasn't sure whether that statement sounded like a good thing or a bad thing but regardless he thought it was best to point out how helpful Shawn was to him and Clementine who was listening to everything that was said. "Your boy is a lifesaver" Lee gestured his hand at Shawn when he spoke which in terms made Shawn scratch the back of his neck nervously "Glad to hear that he was helpful to you" the older man responded, pleased by his son's actions to help people.
Hershel wasn't sure whether the little girl was this characters daughter, mainly due to um… colour but wondering also whether there were others coming here "So it's just you and your daughter?".
Lee wasn't sure how to respond as he looked at Clementine beside him who was just as confused as he was, granted that she was more nervous than Lee because of this new older man. Luckily Shawn broke the ice by explaining Lee's tale of how met Clementine, the short and cut version at least, Shawn had almost forgotten to mention "Oh, not his daughter, he's… well… just some guy who found her alone".
The older man's mouth dropped halfway looking at the girl then back at his son looking very confused and concerned "Alone? Was no one with her?" Hershel asked looking at Lee who scratched the corner of his nose wondering how to respond without upsetting Clementine. However the little girl was the most unexpected one to break the short silence, although she was very quiet and nervous when she spoke "S-Sandra was". Hershel and Shawn weren't sure what she said and what she meant as she did not explain things too well especially when faced with a group people but Lee decided to add more context "Her babysitter she umm…".
Nothing had to be said both Hershel and Shawn understood, perhaps Shawn more so but Hershel knew what he had happened and decided to change the topic to something less depressing and concern himself with Lee's injury "I see… well looks like you hurt your leg pretty bad, if you want I can have a look at it and see what I can do". Lee was glad to hear that his leg would be healed after all these hours since the incident with the Police Officer and the car accident "Yes please, it's not doing so good".
"OK I'll have a look at it, Shawn run on in and check on Maggie and Beth, but quietly, your mother's asleep" His father warned Shawn out of respect for his family, guest and his son-in-law and he simply nodded and he turned to head up the steps and opening the door before Hershel looked at Lee and suggested "Take a seat on the porch and I'll get my things".
Lee did just that, limping up the steps and headed for the wooden bench where he sat down waiting for the Hershel to return. Lee was been carefully watched by a concerned Clementine, he decided to try and talk to her as she hasn't done so since back at her house "Are you doing OK Clem?" he don't know why he called her Clem but is sounded like a cute little nickname for her. Clementine hadn't expected a question but she answered with a nervous hitch in her voice "Yeah it's just…" Lee could relate to her in some way as he doesn't know what has become of his parents either "I miss my parents too". Clementine looked at Lee, worried about him because she didn't know he would be worried about his parents let alone knew he had any and she said to Lee "I hope their safe" trying to cheer him up. Clementine's concern for his parents was touching and he smiled and responded "I'm sure they are and I'm sure your parents are too". Clementine looked quite happy to hear that Lee had hope for her parents as well as his own.
Hershel suddenly returned after hearing them finishing a talk, he stood there for a second, looking at Clementine who shrunk down to a nervous pulp and he looked at Lee and walked toward him with a roll of bandage in hand "Let's have a look". Hershel made a quick observation at his blood stained knee and having a feel of it before drawing a conclusion "Yep this is swollen pretty darn bad". Lee could feel the aching pain as the older man touched it before touching a painful section letting out an aching moan "It hurts like hell". Hershel quickly responded to his statement by laying down his first rule for his newest guest "Hey no cursing please, but yeah I bet it does".
While examining the man's knee some more, Hershel thought it was a good a time as any to learn more about his patient "Shawn didn't say your name". Lee realised it was rude of him not to have mentioned it already but given his identity as a convicted killer he thought it was best to drop his last name for a while "It's Lee" smiling down at his healer "Nice to meet you Lee, I'm Hershel Greene" returning with a friendly smile as well.
The injury was pretty bad Hershel had noticed and wondered what could have caused this swollen leg of his so he decided to question Lee some more "How'd this happen anyway?". Lee had already told Shawn and Otis about it being a result of a car accident, which it was but if he switched the story now he might get himself cornered later. When it comes to the who, what, when, where and why, he thought it was best no one knew of his past especially not Clementine, he needed her to stay close to him and protect her "Car accident". Hershel wasn't completely convinced and Lee could tell by how he responded "Is that so?" it sounded like 'I'm watching you' situation but he dismissed as being concern over nothing.
Hershel was always wary of guest especially ones who sounded like they had something to hide "Where were you headed? before this car accident?". Lee was annoyed by a constant stream of questions but Hershel seemed like a good man, but he had to lie his ass off so no one knows that he is a convicted criminal "I was getting out of Atlanta". Hershel just didn't believe this 'thing' was as big as people like Lee, Otis and his step-son Shawn are making it out to be. The news made it sound like everything was under control "The news says to stay home and keep doors locked while they sort things out"
Lee remembered riding in the back of Police Car and seeing all those cars, vans and helicopters heading for Atlanta and that was enough information to prove just how serious this shit really is "Yeah, well that's a mistake. We hit a guy, one of those things, you've been hearing about, on the road". Hershel wasn't convinced in fact he ignored his statement the second he said 'we' who was he with? "We? I thought it was just you, who else were you with? the girl?".
'Shit' Lee thought as he immediately realised a mistake in his false explanation but he remained calm and decided to tell it how it was without the fine details, plus he remembered Clementine saw him near a Police car so maybe she'll believe him too 'God' he was feeling like shit for lying so much "I was with a Police Officer. He was giving me a ride". Hershel found himself believing that statement as true because who would randomly bring a cop into the story without some kind of significance and replied with a delighted smile "Awful nice of him" and Lee summoned a small chuckle as he replied "I'm an awful nice guy".
"My house is full, we have a family of three in the barn, you and the girl are welcome to sleep in the barn as well, once I'm done with your leg" Hershel turned his head to look over his shoulder at the shy little girl and said in a gentle manner "I didn't catch your name, sweetheart".
The girl wasn't fond of being put on the spot like this, especially with strangers "Clem-Clementine" she nervously stuttered and Hershel looked at the child with a sympathetic look in his eyes as he replied softly "Can't imagine what you've been through, Clementine". Lee knew full well that no one could, but he knew based on little bits of information he gathered from those answering machine messages and walking dead babysitter in her home. Lee pointed out his intentions as her new caretaker "I'm looking after her until we find her parents"
Hershel was about to respond when he heard that front door open and close and knowing it was Shawn having something to say about what's been happening of late and what he thinks they should be doing to prepare for an invasion or something out of proportion. "Hey dad, so I'm thinking. First thing tomorrow, we gotta reinforce the fence around the farm" Shawn seemed hesitant in his words like he was expecting to be yelled at but instead his Father responded in a rather dull and plain manner "I don't think that's necessary".
Shawn knew just how lightly he was taking what was happening and hearing his dad show little concern was making more annoyed and more concerned for his family and decided to dig deeper until he got his approval "I don't know what you saw on TV, or heard on the radio but there's some serious…" Shawn looked back at Clementine, not wanting to curse in front of her but maybe it would highlight how serious he was but he whispered the first word "shit hitting the fan".
The father was none too pleased with his choice of words especially since Clementine heard him too but she decided to be quiet, but Hershel wasn't going to let it just slip "Watch your mouth Shawn",
Lee wasn't too pleased with his choice of words either, even though he got told of for swearing as well, but he understood why Shawn was pushing so hard "Sorry but I don't think anyone knows how big it is yet, including you".
Lee had to help Shawn convince this man how dangerous those things were, as he barely escaped from two of them and he couldn't let Hershel make a mistake that could potentially get his family killed if he refused to take proper precautions "Your son's right. You're going to want to fortify this place".
Hershel grew tired of the over reactions mostly from Shawn and Lee was only adding more gas to the fire he thought "We don't have much to worry about out here Shawn. It's safe". Lee was irritated by the fact that though he believed it was nothing to fear he seemed so sympathetic of Clementine being left alone, figuring that Hershel knew there was something happening but he didn't believe it could be happening, not sure whether Lee believed it himself.
"Dad I'm serious. Otis says we should too…Lee come on, tell him what you saw out there man" at this point Shawn was basically begging for Lee's support in this and Lee respected his reasons as to why and remembered what happened after having to shoot that decent but turned Police Officer and replied "I got chased by a couple of dead people".
"Well do what you have to, but we've got plenty of chores as it is" Hershel still didn't get the message but he didn't say 'no' at least that was something and Shawn was relieved to hear that he will allow him, Lee and the others to fortify the place. Shawn knew he could count on Lee, Otis and the other survivors to help and added "Lee and those folks in the barn can help out in the morning a-and Otis too. We gotta do it, really" Shawn had made his point but his Dad was not convinced which frustrates the hell out of him and his father responded "I said OK let's leave it until tomorrow" hoping to end the conversation.
After what seemed like the longest medical examination for a busted leg ever, Hershel wrapped a long thin white bandage around his leg causing Lee to moan as the older man made contact with the wound, he tucked the end of the bandage underneath the rest of the bandage already sealing his injury "Well that should do it, it'll feel better by tomorrow".
Lee was grateful for Hershel's help "Thanks" he replied at the older man who seemed happy enough as well, he brushed his hands and placed them both on his hips and added "If your leg gets worse, you're probably dealing with an infection". Lee didn't think that sounded too bad and Clementine looked happy, knowing he'd be OK but Lee was curious as to what would happen if it got worse "What do we do then?".
Hershel aimed his hand at Lee like a gun and replied with a serious look "We'll probably have to shoot you". Lee's eyes were widened in disbelief and Clementine looked just as shocked, she stepped back, mouth open and eyes widened to no end and Lee was thinking 'Crazy old man'. However Hershel grinned from ear to ear and explained "I'm just joshing, we'll clean it, re-dress the wound and you'll live". Clementine looked peeved at that, thinking he was actually going to shoot Lee, she nodded sideways, clearly not impressed by the old man's sense of humour.
Lee quickly realised it was a joke and was quite the relief, believing for a second that Hershel was actually crazy but Lee responded with a smile "OK that'd be preferable" and a look of gratitude for not actually meaning that he would shoot him.
Hershel explained "There are blankets in the barn; we'll see you bright and early in the morning". After everything that has happened today it would be a miracle if he or even Clementine got any sleep, Lee was wondering in his head 'I wonder how bad things really are, everywhere else I mean?'. It was a strange question but compared to everything else that's happened, the question was the strangest "Tomorrow where are you headed?" the Hershel ask, cutting Lee off his train of thought but honestly he hadn't thought about it much but he would like to find his parents "Towards Macon, I suppose".
Hershel simply nodded his head understanding the plan, but he wanted Lee to keep this girl safe, that's all he wants apart from the safety of his family of course, and without another word he headed back into the house.
Lee thought that was odd and to a degree rude "All right then". Lee spoke aloud looking at Clementine whose eyes could barely stay open so they both decided to hit the haystack almost literally. When they got into the barn they were greeted by to blue sleeping mattresses and a blanket on both, the kinds used for camping, and a grown man's light snoring on the second level of the barn 'Probably safer up there' Lee was thinking. It wasn't a cold night by any means so Lee and Clementine both lied down on the mattresses without worrying about the blankets, it was just nice to rest their heads on actual pillows but Lee thought the place smells like horse shirt, understandable.
Clementine could smell it too as she rested her head against the pillow "It smells like…" Lee quickly responded "I know what it smells like" and Clementine said what it smelt like in the cutest way a child could say it "Doo-dee". Lee thought the way she said it was cute. Lee and Clementine were both lying on their sides staring at one another; it was quiet, well apart from the wind and the stranger above them snoring.
Clementine whispered to Lee "I miss my Mom and Dad", Lee wanted to do something to make her feel better but what could he do? I felt like shit for all the lies he's told already but he replied "I bet, Clem". "How far is Savannah?" the little girl ask hoping it wasn't far as she has only ever been there once but Lee has been there a couple of times, rather passing Savannah but it was "Pretty far".
Clementine looked disappointed "Oh OK" closing her eyes, quickly drifting off into a deep sleep. Lee was thinking through what he should do 'find the girls parents' or 'stay here at Hershel's farm if he allows it that is'. Lee didn't think about it for too long as he was extremely tired, falling into an unconscious state in the back of a wrecked Police car was not considered sleep, more like the beginning of a horror novel.
Lee drifted off to sleep, thinking of his family, Clementine, the people he's met, the car crash, the courtroom, the dead body of the State Senator, Lee's wife in bed, the word's she said the night before he found her cheating on him "I love you so much, baby". The echo of her laughter followed by the smashing of glass, screaming and the moaning gagging noises of those things and then images of them biting into his face. Lee woke up in shock, breathing heavily as he looked down at Clementine, fast asleep and safe, no walking dead anywhere, 'good' before resting his head back onto the pillow, drifting back to sleep, ending the first day in living hell.
"Hey, get up" a voice called out to Lee, who opened his eyes, vision slightly blurry, as he rose from his slumber with a yawn to see a man with a black hillbilly styled moustache, black shaggy hair dragging to his neck staring down at him. The man was wearing a trucker hat, brown and white; he was wearing some kind of brown and white handmade necklace. He was wearing a White shirt with the outline of a fish and Blue jeans. Lee returned to reality remembering Hershel saying there were other guest, he must be one of them and probably the one who was snoring. The overall appearance of the man was the very image of a hillbilly or redneck but he didn't look dangerous or hostile so Lee simply sat up and looked to his left to see Clementine already standing up shaking herself a bit "I'm itchy" somewhat annoyed as she softly replied.
The man that woke Lee and Clementine up had a devious look in his eyes as he watched the little girl turn to his direction. Lee lifted himself up, no pain in his leg or not much at least. The stranger had a bit of a smirk on his face, Lee noticed and the man responded to Clementine's statement "Well, you slept in a barn, little lady. Lucky you don't have spiders in your hair" pointing to her hair. Clementine gasped in horror at the very thought, looking up to her hair but the man quickly added a reassuring statement that was humorously aimed at Lee "But I bet your daddy scared em all away huh?".
Lee was wondering why everyone suspected Clementine was his daughter, they weren't even the same colour, but Lee thought that if he did have a daughter someday, he hopes for her to be like Clementine; smart, strong, cute and kind hearted. Lee was staring down at her humorously before looking to the new person to explain the situation "I'm uh not her dad. Name's Lee"
"I'm Kenny" the man known as Kenny looked like a fairly decent man, he was humorous for one thing, polite, well apart from the wakeup call, but a quick glimpse of his watch read '9:12', compared to Lee's usual wake up schedule of 7:10 every morning, he considered it a sleep in. Suddenly an excitable boy, short black hair, freckles on his cheeks, wearing a red, grey and white flannel jacket over his white undershirt and also wore blue pants came running to the barn, leaning against the side of the barn wall near the door, shouting happily "Dad! We're gonna build a fence! There's a tractor and everything!".
The boy was hyper active Lee thought but he looked like a good kid, an excitable one at that, keen to reinforce the fence is probably what he meant as Shawn was talking about working on it today, in preventing those things from invading the farm. The boy was there by the barn door then suddenly gone again, Clementine noticed that too, smiling as Kenny turned to face Lee and remarked "We better get going or we won't hear the end of it".
As the left the barn the first thing Lee and Clementine noticed was just how beautiful this place is, a sight to behold, they could see the fields from here, beautiful, untouched and untainted by those dead people. Clementine was holding onto Lee's hand, she did it with her parents and her babysitter sometimes but now Lee was taking care of her, Lee didn't mind in the least, it kept him reassured that she was safe and close to him. Lee's thoughts of Clementine, was interrupted by Kenny as they slow walked to the house "That's my boy Ken Junior. We call him Duck though".
Lee was baffled by the fact that who would call their kid Duck? Lee wanted to ask that but it sounded rude, plus it's not a bad name, it was more of a question of trait, was he like a duck or was that a nickname for Ken Junior if so how'd the name Duck translate from anything. "Duck?" Lee questioned curiously but Kenny wasn't surprised, he's heard that question plenty of times, even Shawn, but Hershel just went with it. Kenny answered as if he was somewhat embarrassed by why they call him Duck "Yeah, nothing bothers him. Like water off a duck's back, y'know?".
Lee thought that was a very logical reason and a valuable trait to have during these dark times "That's a valuable trait lately" he replied, understandingly and Clementine was kind of the same, not hyper, and some things bother her like being alone, but that's every child's worst fear, but Clementine was a sweet little girl who he needs to protect from the dangers that lurk around dark corners.
Kenny agreed "No kidding. But frankly, I think it's because he's dumb as a bag of hammers", maybe that wasn't the nicest way to describe his son, Lee thought but he figured Kenny was just joking however Clementine didn't seem to think so as she looked up at Lee, with a slight unimpressed expression but one look from Lee told her not to worry about it.
"DAD!" the little boy known as Duck shouted to his father to hurry, like most kids his age do, Clementine thought for a second that the boy heard his father call him dumb and Lee did for a second too, Kenny then added "But he makes up for it with enthusiasm", appreciating his son's bouncy nature he always had with a smile on his bright face and Lee thought the same about Duck, he was enthusiastic about building this fence.
At the front of the Hershel's house, by the porch was some bales of hay that could be seated on as Lee saw a lady with blonde hair that wasn't very long, she was wearing a yellow dress with pink flowers on them and long brown pants sitting on a bale of hay fixing up Duck's flannel jacket. Lee suspected this was Kenny's wife as they got close enough Kenny stopped next to her, smiling at one another and he turned around, facing Lee and he remarked "The word is you were on your way to Macon?".
Lee smiled at the man and happily replied "My family is from there", 'I hope they still are at least' Lee was worrying at the back of his mind but he dismissed his concerns for now as he was quickly taking a liking to Kenny, knowing for sure he was a good man and a good father and as far as he could see a good husband. Kenny seemed interested in this piece of information as he thought for a second and suggested "Well Macon's on the way and, personally I'd appreciate the company of a guy who can knock a couple of heads together, if he has to".
Lee appreciated this man's concern but he wasn't sure whether he should as he had promised Clementine that they would stay close to her home and Macon was at least a four hour drive and breaking his promise to Clementine would be the worst thing he could possibly do, but he needed her to stay close and needed to know what has become of his parents "I'll see what the girl would like" he responded hoping to explain it to Clementine first. Kenny seized the opportunity to mess with the man "Ah, gotta consult the missus. I understand" Lee smiled, knowing what he meant.
Next thing Kenny turns to his wife and explained to her "Honey, Duck this is Lee and uh. What's the girls name?", Lee hadn't had a chance to mention her name as Kenny was too busy teasing her with spider talk but Lee was happy enough to respond for her as she was being quiet, she's probably a bit shy again like with him, Shawn and Otis "Clementine" and Kenny acknowledged and repeated to his wife "Clementine".
Kenny's wife was rather happy to see another child especially a little girl as cute as she was, and it was nice to see any child these days, and ones that weren't as hyper as Duck or one of those things "That is a very pretty name" the kind lady replied to Clementine who was standing close to Lee in a shy manner but she appreciated the compliment. "Thanks" she softly replied and she found herself liking the lady already, her kindness and how she spoke to her reminded Clementine of her mother.
Just then another source of voice joined in and everyone looked to see it was Hershel's bright minded son, the boy who convinced his father to allow Kenny, his wife and Duck to stay, the boy who offered Lee and Clementine a safe place to stay when they had nowhere to go "Well, we should get to work. We've all what those things can do out there, so the faster we can get this fence up, the better". Kenny and Lee both nodded their heads in agreement, both eager to keep this place safe for everyone, most of all the kids needed to be safe.
Kenny, Lee and Shawn weren't the only eager people in the group as Duck was bursting with enthusiasm in building a fence but perhaps he doesn't realise just how much hard work it would require. Kenny knew his son would think it's all fun and games "I wanna build a fence" he happily cried turning to his Mom and Dad who weren't exactly keen on seeing Duck holding a hammer or any tools for that matter.
Shawn could read his parents faces and decided to give the boy a more suitable position "Yeah? Well I need a good foreman. You can sit on the tractor and yell at me whenever I take a water break" chuckling at the end of that sentence. Duck seemed even happier "On the tractor? Cool" the little boy remarked with bright enthusiastic smile, grinning from ear to ear and Shawn looked to the boy's mother and said "Duck and I will hop to it", Shawn stood there for a second to get his mother's approval but she seemed more than happy for something to keep their son's mind off of what they've seen in the past couple of days.
Shawn made his way to the other side of the house with Duck following close behind with his arms spread out like a plane making the engine noises and laughing excitably. Kenny's wife looked at Lee and saw he wanted to help Shawn secure this place, heck Kenny did too once he makes some repairs on his blue pickup truck "I can keep an eye on your little girl here on the porch. We can visit". Lee wasn't sure by what she meant by those last three words but he appreciated her support in looking after Clementine while he attends to protecting this farm.
Lee decided it was best if he got to know these new people, but he couldn't get over just how amazing this place looks, growing up in Macon was as amazing as this, in reference to the sights that is. Lee looked over at Clementine and Kenny's wife engaging in conversation and heard the older lady mention to Clementine "You have such pretty hair" and Clementine replied "It gets lots of tangles", both Lee and Kenny's wife were probably thinking 'I bet'.
Kenny had made his way to his Blue pickup truck, making some sort of repairs, Lee thought he should check up on him and offer a hand as he liked Kenny and he looked he was a bit lost as to what exactly he was doing. Lee walked over to Kenny, no pain in his knee 'That's good' Lee thought to himself. Once he got to Kenny who was fiddling with the engine of the truck, as he observed for a minute before saying anything "Hey there, uh Kenny".
Lee felt like helping him out a bit "Need any help?", Kenny kept focusing on the task at hand before forgets where he was at but responded "Naw, I think I got it". Lee was about to go and check in with Shawn who might need help reinforcing those fences or handling Duck but then Kenny asked "Do YOU need any help?". Lee wasn't really sure what he meant by that "What do you mean?" asking out of curiosity and Kenny politely answered with some concern evident in his tone "I mean, in taking care of that little girl. You know what you're doing? You got kids of your own?".
Lee hadn't had that much experience with younger kids like Duck or Clementine but he believed he was capable but Kenny was asking if he's got any kids, he wished he did but his wife was never really fond of the topic "Nah, nah. No, no kids". Kenny could read that look in Lee's eyes that pretty much sold it for him "Woulda liked one then". Lee always wanted kids but since they married, they have only drifted apart since they both had separate jobs but yeah he would love to have a kid someday, someone like Clementine, a sweet little girl maybe "You know" Kenny shook his head, understanding what he meant.
Speaking of kids he was wondering how much has Duck seen, if its anything like what Clementine has been through then 'hell' he didn't want to know what it's done to the boy but Kenny was concerned for Clementine so he felt he had the right to be worried for Kenny's son too "How's your son doing?". Kenny looked nervous at first, like he was holding something back, something bad maybe "Good I think. Katjaa's got a sister up in Memphis; We were coming back from visiting her".
Lee thinks he knows where this was going but he listened intensively to Kenny's story, concerned by what happened and what they've seen. "We were in a gas station and some guy grabbed my boy. I thought he was kidnapping him. I was on the fucker in about two seconds and…"
Lee's eyes widened as he realised the kidnapper was actually a dead man trying to chew on his boy, Kenny had paused for a second to get his mind straight "Christ. Just lucky I was there. We saw a lot of bodies before we stumbled upon Hershel's, but we're a tough family, Lee. Ain't nothing gonna faze us". Lee believed the man too, he was the same, but he was chased by dead bodies and it's hard to believe a reasonable way to dealing with such trauma, hell he almost got chomped more times than not.
Lee has his own plan set of plans for what happens next. Find his parents alive hopefully, keep Clementine safe and maybe even find her parents, with any luck they might be still alive or at least Clementine's Mom, remembering 'Ed' getting attacked by 'some crazy guy' through the answering message. However he decided to question Kenny on what they would do "So what's your family's plan?". At this point Kenny was tweaking with the radiator using a screwdriver from his tool box in the back of the pickup truck and explained as he worked "Get back on down to Lauderdale and let this mess get sorted out. Government will start handing out shots and the National Guard will do its thing. On the odd chance things got too bad, we could hop on my boat. I guess".
Lee was curious by that last statement, why would he have a boat? did it have something to do with logo's on his shirt "You've got a boat?" Lee asked somewhat sceptical, Kenny could tell where he was getting at and replied "I'm a Commercial Fisherman, catching mackerel, dolphin. Whatever's biting and paying. Katjaa wouldn't be wild about it but the boat's not that bad".
Lee was glad to learn more about this man as he seemed like someone he'd like having around but time will tell, right? But Lee still had to go and help Shawn with that fence so he decided to bid Kenny farewell for now "See ya".
Lee was looking over at the chicken pen, no chickens? Or were they inside the pen? Or were they moved? Lee didn't know but it helped to keep his mind occupied knowing that the world was going to hell. Lee was about to head off to the other side of the farm but Lee found himself looking over at Katjaa and the little girl he's protecting and thought 'I should check up on Clementine'.
Lee walked over to Clementine and Katjaa; Kenny's wife who doesn't like the boat he remembered. "Hey there, girls" Lee replied, they just smiled at him. The two were quietly seated on the bales of hay enjoying the peace and quiet and occasioning getting into a conversation, most like about Clementine from Katjaa's question. Lee smiled at the two and pointed out to them "You two, actually looked relaxed".
Katjaa could tell that Lee was simply concerned for Clementine because as of right now he might be the only person left that is willing to protect her but if it should come to it and something happens to Lee, maybe she and Kenny could take care of her but she dismissed those thoughts for now and replied "I think we're doing just fine. Clementine was just telling me about first grade". Lee realised he hasn't had much time to get to know Clementine so he decided to seek out any useful bit of information he could, so he could get to know her better "Oh, uh. How is that?" he asked. Clementine looked at Lee with a bright smile, eyes happy to see him and remarked "It's easy" and Lee chuckled on the inside thinking to himself 'cute' the way she looked at him and how she said it was adorable but the obviousness of the topic got him "Well Yeah" first grade is always easy he believed.
Lee didn't know how to keep the conversation going because he was still getting used to caring for Clem and learning the ropes as he went "So, you're good?". Katjaa could tell he was having trouble talking to her, almost as much as she does with Duck some days when he got way too hyperactive so she stepped in and changed it back to the original topic of relaxation "Anyway, it's almost like we didn't see people eating each other for the past three days. It's peaceful here, no?".
Lee agreed it was peaceful here, the birds were singing their melodious tweets around them and as Katjaa said it's almost easy to forget what's going on out there but Lee had question, one he was going to ask Kenny but he seemed busy and somewhat distracted from talking to him. "How did you handle getting through the city?"
Lee wasn't expecting a tale of a hero triumph over evil and from the distraught look in Katjaa's eyes, it was bad, probably worse than what he had to go through "Kenny just… drove. We passed so many people that needed help, and… we just… passed people, over some. Just… just…" Katjaa was starting to tear up and her voice was breaking.
Lee cut Katjaa off before she broke into tears "It's OK, it's fine, you don't have to say anymore". Clementine was listening and watching and seeing the nice lady tear up was hard for her to watch and felt sorry for the lady. Katjaa continued "I want to go home tomorrow, but even then I can't take away the things we… the things Duck- went through" Clementine knew the feeling, she wanted to go home tomorrow to find her Mom and Dad waiting with open arms, smiling at her and Clementine smiling back, embracing a familiar warmth.
Katjaa was curious as to what Lee thought of all this happening "Don't you want to go back to moment before you knew about all this?". The world was never perfect, Lee was thinking but this was hell, the dead have risen and it was turning them into flesh eating crazies so who on earth would think this is a better life "Anybody in their right mind would. Families and BBQ's and Beers with good friends".
Katjaa nodded in agreements as it was true, there really wasn't anything worth living for, but as long as she has Kenny and Duck she'll fight for survival and hold onto those precious memories of a better time "All of those things". "Those are the things we live for, right? With those gone, what's the point?" Lee explained while wondering apart from Clementine what did he have left that was worth fighting for, his wife was probably dead, his parents and his brother might hopefully be still alive, his new friends? Maybe but… nevermind.
Lee became curious as to what Katjaa does, Kenny's a fisherman but he doesn't know all that much about her "So uhh what do you do when… corpses aren't walking around?" he asked with a hint of humour in the last portion of the sentence.
"I am veterinarian back in Fort Lauderdale-like Hershel here, except more with dogs and cats and not horses" Katjaa explained, 'that's funny' Lee thought and continued 'I thought Hershel was a doctor, show's how much I know'.
Katjaa felt like knowing exactly what Lee did before all this "What is that do you Lee?" but Lee had no problem telling her as she answered his question "I used to teach up at the University of Georgia". Katjaa hasn't lost hope and she needed to be sure Lee doesn't either, not while he has Clementine
"We need to HOPE that we can go back to our jobs soon, Lee, back to normal. It can't stay like this". Lee hoped it wouldn't either, but it was highly unlikely. Lee responded, somewhat embarrassed by Katjaa's logic "Yeah, my mistake" however she didn't seem fazed and her next words had real meaning to him "We'll all be home soon". 'I hope so' looking to little Clementine who was equally happy to hear that.
Lee could hear Shawn's hammering from the other side of the house so he decided it was best he go help the boy get the job done but before doing that, he thought it best to let Clementine know in case something happens.
Lee bent down to Clementine's level, smiling as he looked at her and said "OK Clementine I'm gonna go and help Shawn with the fence, if you need anything you let me or Katjaa know, OK?". The little girl shook her head and softly replied "OK".
Lee stood up, turned around, taking a few steps forward when Clementine's soft voice called out to him "Lee?". Lee turned around to see Clementine leaving her position on the hay bale, walking toward Lee with curiosity evident in her eyes, her hand placed on top of the other and her head was aiming slightly down not looking directly at the man.
Lee bent down to her level again slightly concerned by the fact that she was looking sad or worried "Yeah?" with his eyes completely invested in whatever the little girl had to say and Katjaa was watching in the background. Clementine was clearly nervous, keeping her head down and struggling to speak while playing with her fingers "Do you think… my parents are safe?".
Lee was at a loss for words, trying to figure out the best possible way to respond to that question but making sure she didn't lose hope "I don't know, Clem". Clementine slumped her head and softly and sadly lowered her head "Oh" thinking for a second that Lee's response meant 'no' and she felt like shedding tears but Lee wasn't finished yet "But if they're any bit as smart and strong as you… I don't think we have much to worry about, do you?".
Clementine hadn't really thought about it like that "Yes, I think you're right", Clementine was smiling remembering she survived two days with those monsters roaming her streets and she had two in her yard the first day, she was smart and strong, both are things she learned from her Mom and Dad, they must be alright.
Lee was happy to see Clementine her smiling, hopeful eyes, something she hasn't seen from her until now and he felt good "Good, just remember that I won't let anything happen to you, I'll protect you".
Clementine looked at Lee directly into his eyes for the first time; she wasn't shy of him as asked "Promise?" Lee just smiled at her and replied "Promise" he would let anything or anyone hurt her, maybe this was his meaning to keep going, to protect a little girl who may have lost her parents but regardless he had meaning to his life again.
"Thanks for helping me" Clem thanked Lee now that she believes that her parents might be alive, she didn't know for sure but she has hope and that was she needed. "You're welcome Clementine" he responded with a glimmer of hope in his eye too, as he stood, watching Clementine run back to sit next to Katjaa, who smiled at Lee, thinking for a man who is not this girl's father he handled it like a father would which she was happy to see.
Lee decided to head over to where Shawn was working, already hammering away, like Lee had heard him, it started 5 minutes ago. Lee was watching Duck vigorously turning the steering wheel of the tractor, that wasn't running, thank god, and Lee had his hand up, a motionless hand gesture to the boy who brightly smiled and enthusiastically waved to the man he knew very little about, but it was nice to see such a happy-go-lucky kid who looked slightly older than Clementine.
Lee wanted to know how the boy was coping with the things his mother said he's been through "How you doing Duck?" and Duck quickly replied with a burst of energy, jumping up and down on the seat and rocking side to side "Good! I'm gonna drive the tractor! I'm the foreman! Lift with your back, Shawn". Shawn chuckled and replied "Yes Sir!, Mr Duck" and using his arm to salute the boy.
Lee was inspecting the tractor, noticing the trailer hooked to it, Lee was taking a closer look at the motor and Shawn was wiping the sweat from his forehead, looking to Lee and asked a question about the tractor "You know how to drive it?" wondering if Lee knew how to use it.
However Lee had no clue how to drive the tractor but he knew plenty about it "Sure don't, I can give you a hell of a critique of the US farm bill though". That didn't sound as interesting to Shawn he was more for learning to drive the damn thing "Ah I'm good" trying to weasel his way out of it, then again Lee only said that to mess with the boy. "How are these things to drive" Lee asked simply curious as he was a hometown kid not a farm boy like Shawn here. Before Shawn could respond Duck shouted "AWESOME!" but Shawn had other words to describe it "Pain in the ass mostly. Big, heavy as hell and slower than uhh…" Lee knew he was about to swear, but probably best if he didn't, he barely got away with saying it quietly to his father, in front of Clementine, but Duck might be more susceptible to swearing.
Lee was the one to back up Shawn last night about fortifying this place, and Shawn basically saved their lives back in town so it was only fair to lend a hand in protecting this place from those monsters "Need a hand?" he asked, eager to assist. Shawn was grateful as he needed a little break and more wood "That'd be great, if you could cut those two-bys to length that'd sure speed things up".
Lee went over to where a fresh two by four was already laid out ready to be cut, as the saw was resting on top of the two by four, Lee picked up the saw and started through it while Shawn began talking to Lee "My dad doesn't know how bad it is". Shawn was actually wondering whether Lee agreed with him on the matter "No, he doesn't".
Shawn, Otis and Kenny's family were probably the only people who truly knew how bad it was out there, Lee and Clementine have only seen what those 'things' do, but Shawn has seen some pretty fucked up shit from the living "I saw a guy in Atlanta kill a kid, a boy. Just shot him right in the face".
Lee was disgusted "Damn" but he wasn't sure whether he meant a turned one or just a kid, either way, Lee believed he could never kill a kid, turned or not "No shit, damn" Shawn added.
"He didn't even hesitate. He just turned, put the barrel of the gun right between the kid's eyes and pulled the trigger. You don't see things like that. It's not like in the movies". Lee would rather watch a movie of this kind of shit than actually having to live it, but how could it be so easy to kill someone like this man Shawn saw in Atlanta?
"They don't fall like you think" remembering how hard it was to take down the babysitter in Clementine's house by having to repeatedly bash its brains out, he wished Clementine didn't have to see that, no little girl should.
"Did you have to do it?" Shawn asked, Lee didn't understand the question "Do what?" Shawn wasn't eager to know but maybe the information could get his dad to understand and to learn how Lee has made it this far "Kill, have you had to off one yet?", Lee wasn't sure how to answer that "Oh uh…". Lee had just finished the first two by four and started looking for an answer to the question.
Lee wanted to say that he bashed a babysitter's brains out but that didn't sound like something a role model for kids would do, but the Police Officer was the first one he encountered, he remembers the part when he thought the Officer was alive, but Christ it wasn't good. Lee went with his first kill, the Police Officer he shot "I had to shoot one", Shawn was somehow OK with the idea of shooting those things "I could shoot one, maybe, if it were far away".
"I'm just glad we're getting this fence built. Dad just wants to keep the family safe and thinks inviting people in is a bigger threat than whatever's out there", in a way the living were probably just as dangerous because for starters, they're smarter, stronger and more adaptable, those things just kill what they can get a hold on. Lee could relate to Hershel, his parents would protect Lee and his brother when they were kids but that's a parent's job, right?
"How about yours?, How's your family?" Lee wasn't sure but he was hoping they were alive; he had a lot of issues he wanted to patch up with his brother, his Mom and Dad, why he was never there, how he could make things better? "My brother and parents are in Macon, I hope".
Shawn was hoping for Lee's folk's to be OK as Lee seemed like a decent man, like he Otis say he was a good man "Oh man I hope so too. Maybe it's not too bad there" Shawn was trying to offer Lee some hope as the man was probably worried sick enough as it is.
Lee just finished cutting through the second and final piece of wood, Shawn figured he should get back to work but Lee probably had other things to do "That's probably all I need cut for now. Thanks".
Lee was always happy to help someone in need especially a good kid like Shawn "Hey Shawn, thanks again for the ride" Shawn wasn't expecting any thanks but he appreciated it "No problem, Lee. Couldn't leave you behind" Shawn saw Lee as a good man probably one of the better people in this world.
Lee was looking at the trailer again, no reason just interested but through the corner of his eyes he notices the man Hershel, he was walking into the barn most likely to tidy up the area where he and Clementine were sleeping. Lee decided to go and see if Hershel needed any assistance, if it weren't for him, Lee's leg would still be limping everywhere.
Once Lee entered the barn he saw Hershel picking up hay in the messy area's and putting it in a neat pile in the corner of the barn. Hershel saw Lee come in and he stop shovelling the hay for a second, looking at the man suspiciously, returning to his work. Lee didn't like the look he received and then Hershel asked as he worked "Mind if I ask how you got out of Atlanta?". Lee thought he already answered this question "I got a ride and then I was in a wreck. I walked until I found Clementine and then your boy and Otis found us".
"No worse for wear I see" that sounded like doubt, was Hershel doubting his story? He decided to change the topic "This farm's a nice plot of land". Hershel agreed but never used to believe that "There was a time when I hated this place. My father was a satanic drunk, after he died, my family and I moved in. It never was my plan but I thought I could raise my girl's and Shawn here safely. Family's important, to me it's all that matters" Lee agreed, he just wished he could have a been a better family member like his brother "Do you agree with me?" Hershel asked.
Lee did agree but he never had the time to be there for his family, if they were still alive, he would try to make things right "Was brought up to, yes".
"Where's your family now, parents? wife? girlfriend?" the Hershel was asking a very strange question, wife or girlfriend? Did he know, regardless he responded "My parents are in Macon, with my brother". Hershel showed concern for the obviously touchy subject matter "Well I hope they're all right". "But now you got this little girl to take care of, Clementine right?" Lee nodded in agreement and acknowledgement as he continued "You just stumbled upon her?".
Lee remembered looking for help in her house, but then that babysitter got the jump on him, if she hadn't come down from that tree house with the hammer who knows how much longer he would've lasted. "I was being attacked and she came to my rescue" Hershel suddenly stopped working, finishing his job and leaned the pitchfork against a bale of hay.
Hershel didn't look like he believed the man's explanations of a little girl saving his ass "Can I give you a piece of advice?" Lee was hesitant for a second but he replied "Sure". Hershel stood a metre from Lee and explained "I don't know who you are and what you did. Let's say things don't get better, or it gets worse. You're going to have to depend on the honesty of strangers but if they start questioning you and you're not honest about the kind of person you are. Then you might be running into some serious trouble".
That was a lot to take in but it was useful advice, but does he know what he did? Regardless Hershel was right he had to be honest to people he meets from now on or it might get him, or even worse Clementine killed, but he would do his best to make sure that doesn't happen. "But at least you have the common sense to listen to a man giving you advice" Hershel added, despite how much he knows about him, Lee appreciated the advice and would try to keep it in mind.
Suddenly "AARRGGHHHH" Shawn screams and then the Tractor engine came on. Lee's eyes shot open horrified, mouth open as he ran out of the barn, Hershel shouted "GO! I'll get my gun!" running to the house at breakneck paste. Lee sprinted to the scene, past a panicking Katjaa, behind the house where Shawn was lying on the ground with his leg stuck under the wheel of the tractor; Duck must've started the engine by accident. Clementine was already there, watching unsure of what to do, but the worst part was that those 'Things' were on the other side of the fence trying to get at Shawn who was petrified, screaming for help. Duck wasn't sure what was happening, leaning to the side to see what was wrong with Shawn, before another one of those things showed up behind the fence, grabbing a hold of Duck by the leg, then holding him by the shoulders, he screamed yelling "Help!, Help me", Lee looked at Shawn pleading "My leg is stuck". Lee was shitting himself on what to do; Save Shawn, the guy who gave them a ride and place to stay or save Duck, Kenny and Katjaa's son. 'Maybe I can save them both' Lee went for Duck first because that thing was almost on him, Lee punched it in the face which did nothing. Then Kenny showed up climbing onto the tractor, putting his arms around Duck while Lee went for a second punch, but still nothing, it held on tight so Lee put full force into his right fist and smashed it into the face this time managing to make the creature lose its grip on Duck. Kenny jumped off the tractor "Kenny, Lee help me please!" Kenny was conflicted on what to do, he wanted to get his boy to safety first. Kenny ran off to get Duck to safety "KENNY!" but Lee couldn't abandon Shawn not after everything he's done for him and Clementine. Lee shouted "SHAWN! I'm coming!" and he ran around the tractor to Shawn looking up him, petrified but glad to see him "I thought you had left me!" and Lee shouted "NEVER!". Shawn shouted "Get it off me!" he shouted Lee reached for both his hands, hoping to yank him free. It wasn't working "Fuck, it's crushed. Move this thing!" voice breaking as Lee moved to the front of the tractor, trying to avoid those things from him, or he wouldn't be able to save Shawn. Lee was pushing the tractor with full force but it wasn't working, the tractor wasn't moving an inch, but he kept trying, not wanting to lose him to those monsters. 'What was that noise?' he thought before looking back at Shawn and the 'Things' were breaking through the fence until suddenly. The monsters broke through the fence; Lee backed away petrified, wide eyed, mouth open in horror as one of the creatures bit down into Shawn's leg, causing him to scream in agonising pain and then the second one bit into the boy's neck.
Hershel was rushing toward them, Clementine looking horrified by what she was witnessing, backing away, whimpering. Hershel had his shotgun at the ready but paused in shock at the sight of the 'things' chewing into his step-son. Hershel aimed his shotgun, shooting the one eating at Shawn's leg in the head, causing the one eating at Shawn's neck to growl and look at him, Hershel shot in the head as well, then the one that grabbed Duck was moving forward to feed off Shawn, but Hershel fired at the head, falling to the ground.
Hershel stood there for a second trying to take in what he just did, furiously angry but his expression softened as he looked down at his dying step-son. Shawn was weak, hurt, dying as he looked at his father through the corner of his eyes, too hurt to move "I'm OK pop…I'm OK…" Shawn's voice was weak, he was not OK. Hershel could barely summon the words to speak, when he did it was a broken saddened voice "I can fix you, don't worry, we'll stitch you up" he couldn't believe it was happening to Shawn, a good boy, a boy willing to help others no matter what.
"It almost… almost got me, man. Lee tried to save me" Shawn had no energy, no strength but he used it all to shift the position of his head to stare at Lee with a weak smile. Hershel was taken aback by those words as he looked to Lee who looked shocked, scared, saddened to see Shawn like this, he couldn't save him in time, Lee felt horrible, wanting to look away but he couldn't, Shawn was dying because he didn't try hard enough. Hershel however was grateful that Lee tried unlike… that… he decided not to think about that other man, Hershel responded to Shawn and Lee in a way of acknowledging his good deed "I know, son". Hershel was close to tears before his step-son uttered his last word "I…". Hershel's eyes widened in utter shock, his step-son, his son, Shawn was dead.
Hershel broke into tears leaning against his son's head, silently crying, with a hand resting on the back of the boy's neck and the other resting on his hand, holding him close. Lee stood there saddened, not knowing what he could have done to save him, he couldn't look at Shawn's dead body, he didn't deserve to die, and he was a good kid.
Kenny, Katjaa, Duck and Clementine arrived at the scene. Katjaa was horrified by what she saw, she tried to keep Duck and Clementine back, not wanting them to see Shawn dead, for Clementine it was already too late, she saw it all, Lee saving Duck and then trying to save Shawn. Kenny was shocked to see the boy he neglected to help, dead, dead because he didn't help Lee, like he helped him save Duck. Kenny looked at Lee with an 'I'm sorry' look in his eyes, Lee understood but it didn't change the fact that Shawn was dead, Keeny felt like shit, he should've helped.
Hershel suddenly slowly rose to his knees, staring down at his only son, dead "Get out" he whispered, no one but Kenny and Lee heard him. Kenny realised Hershel said that to him, but Kenny couldn't move, he was just… shocked, Hershel gritted his teeth together, seeing Kenny just stand there and immediately stood up, furiously shouting at Kenny, but everyone else too "GET THE FUCK OUT OF HERE!".
Hershel looked wild; everyone jumped at those words most of all Clementine, hiding near Katjaa, scared. Duck held on tight to his mother while Kenny just stood there frozen, too afraid to move but he uttered weakly "I'm sorry". Hershel was in mood for an apology from the man who neglected to help his boy, he shouted the first word at the top of his lungs "SORRY!? Your boy is alive. You don't get to be sorry!". Kenny knew that he was right; he could never undo his mistake. Hershel turned to Lee with softer eyes, but his face drenched with sadness, voice cracked "You…You tried to help him, but that piece of shit let him die!", shouting into Kenny's face, who didn't say a word, he just stood there letting Hershel's words hit him. Lee appreciated Hershel's words but Kenny didn't kill Shawn, those things did "You shouldn't blame Kenny for this". Hershel was annoyed that Lee was siding with the guy who didn't even try to help "Hell! I CAN'T!, wait until it's your little girl and YOU NEED HIS HELP!". Lee couldn't think of anything happening to Clementine, he wouldn't let it.
Hershel turned around gazing down at his son's lifeless body again, not wanting to believe it "Please, just go. Get out and never come back!". Hershel kept his back to Lee and the others as he bent down to mourn his son. Clementine walked around Katjaa and made her move to Lee, holding onto Lee's hand, leaning up against him, saddened by Shawn's death, Lee was sad too as Shawn was a good kid and he wouldn't forget this boy ever.
Everyone was silent, looking at one another, seeing how each person was taking it, Kenny was taking it the hardest, apart from obviously Hershel. Lee looked at the Commercial Fisherman, who looked at Lee, emotionally hurt, and then Kenny looked at Clementine beside Lee, holding onto his hand for dear life. Kenny looked up at Lee again, hurt by what he did, and spoke almost like a whisper "You've got that ride to Macon, if you want it".
Kenny, Katjaa and Duck slowly walked over to the blue pickup truck of Kenny's with Lee and Clementine following close behind. No one spoke, there was nothing to say, Shawn was dead but as they got to the pickup truck, down the dirt was a familiar figure running to them. Otis was huffing and puffing, running to them with his Rifle strapped to his back, no one knew how to tell the man what just happened. Otis halted as he got to Lee and Kenny, a look of panic and exhaustion on his face "I heard gunfire, what happened?".
Kenny had his head planted to the ground unable to speak, he sat inside the truck closing the door. Otis was concerned even more now that no one was telling him anything, he shifted his view from Kenny to Lee. Lee looked at the truck's door, opening it for Clementine who slowly climbed in, seating herself beside Katjaa, who was keeping a close eye on her and Duck beside her, both quiet. Lee was unable to sum up the power to speak, so he turned his head to face in Hershel's direction and Otis saw the older man kneeling to the ground before… "My God" Otis whispered, wide eyed in disbelief. Otis eyed Lee hoping for answers, all Lee could say was "Those things… we couldn't save him". Lee looked at Otis apologetically; he took his hat off, placing it over his chest and walked slowly over to the older man, with his head facing the ground the entire way. Lee's eyes closed, breathing through his nose, he closed Clementine's door and watched Otis kneel down beside Hershel placing his hand on his back in support of this tragedy. Lee hopped into the front of the truck, he looked at Kenny, both men were in a state of shock and disbelief, Kenny turned the key, starting the engine, and started driving down the dirt road, away from here. Clementine turned herself around looking back at the farm one last time before it slowly disappeared from her sight and everyone else's.
The whole trip was a quiet one, but they had made it to Macon, Lee was taking in the sites or rather the horrors, this place was a ghost town, with ghost towns came more of them dead things. Kenny was looking at the fuel gage when suddenly the truck was slowly coming to a halt "Well this is as far as we're going" Kenny spoke unenthusiastically as Lee responded "Then it's far enough". They would have to go find some gas, Lee was the first to exit the truck followed by Kenny and then the rest, Lee was very keen on finding his parents. Clementine walked over to Lee and started stretching having been in that truck almost eight hours or so, and only one pit stop, that didn't go bad, thankfully. Lee looked at his watch '5:19', still daylight but the sky was orange yellow, night time was approaching quickly. Lee looked to the little girl, he smiled at Clementine trying to forget what happened on the farm, but that would take some time as Lee enjoyed Shawn's company and his heart, the love for the safety of his family, which was Lee's fuelling system at the moment.
The place was quiet; no one was around, cars were crashed against wall's, electricity polls and one had even crashed through a building, Lee could see a television store straight ahead, Lee's family drugstore wasn't very far from here now. 'Where is everybody?' Lee was wondering, but Kenny was thinking the same thing. They hadn't seen a single one of those things yet, that was a good sign but that didn't mean there were none around, but as long as they were quiet like Clementine said the first time he and her met, they should be fine.
"AAAAhhhhh" a female screamed and everyone jumped into panic mode, "What the hell!" Kenny blurted, not sure what to do, Lee for whatever reasoned ran forward to the screams, Clementine, Kenny and his family quickly followed him. Lee steered around the cars, running at full speed toward the scream, until he made it near his family drugstore. Lee was wide eyed, alert and panicking as he looked to the left and saw a big grey van parked near a boarded up store, the van was surrounded by 'shit' those monsters.
The worst part was that those screams came from atop the van, a lady, white buttoned shirt, three quarter pants, she was short, slightly taller than Katjaa maybe, long dark brown hair that came down to the neck and her lips red as a rose but she was beautiful nonetheless, she was panicking, scared and defenceless and she was struggling to keep her balance on the van's roof. There was also a guy, medium weight, dorky looking guy, chocolate coloured hair, medium green coloured shirt with an image of a white bunny, also wearing greyish brown shorts, he had already lost his balance, resting his chest on the roof of the van, and both of them were looking down at a herd of hungry dead people. "Jesus we got to help them!" Lee shouted and Kenny replied "Damn right but how!?" Lee was about to respond when suddenly more of those things started coming.
One of those things crawled out from under a truck, legs broken and another one walked around the truck and to their left one rose to its feet and then they were being approached from every direction, Katjaa shouted "We're trapped!". Lee noticed a handgun within the crowd of dead people, it looked like a Glock 17 model. The van, he thought, one of those two on the roof must have dropped it, if he could get to it maybe "Aahhh".
Duck was screaming, everyone turned around horrified to see one of those things climbing over the boy, Katjaa and Kenny were frozen in place, and Lee was looking back between Duck and the two people on the van not sure what to do as those things were getting too close. Duck was shouting from the ground "Ahhh! NO! No!" but just before the creature was able to bite him, a gunshot went off.
The creature fell beside the boy, now covered in blood, everyone turned to the corner of the Drugstore where a guy in his early 20's was standing, aiming a shot gun. This person was about Lee's weight, wearing oval shaped glasses, he was wearing a blue shirt with red and white words on it '251 East 4th street. METALWORKS DEPT, NYC', long black track pants, wearing a brown jacket over his shirt but the jacket was unzipped. The kid's hair was messy looking; he too was slightly taller than Katjaa.
Everyone stood there gawking until he bent down to the ground reaching into a back pack near his feet, and pulling out two hand guns. Lee and Kenny weren't sure what the person was doing, he looked at the two men before standing up and shouting "Hey, you two, catch!". The guy hurled the two guns over to Lee and Kenny, catching them, realising this guy was helping them, they turned back, looking at the van when one of those things was about to climb on Lee, Kenny didn't hesitate and shot the monster, saving Lee from being bitten.
The younger guy was placing his back pack on his back, picking up the shot gun and started walking over to the new people, his shotgun ready. "Shoot the one's surrounding the van!" the guy shouted, Lee was the first to fire, taking one down instantly with a head shot, Kenny quickly followed, hitting another one. The guy came in between Lee and Kenny looking at both of them and said "Cover me while I get that gun for those two on the van!". Lee knew he was a friendly one eager to assist, Lee shook his head in agreement and replied "You got it!" and Kenny added "But make it quick kid" not wanting to stick around much longer, then again neither did the new guy.
The guy walked forward firing at the close ones, keeping them away while he did his thing, pulling the slide on his Shot gun after every shot, the people on the roof of the van were wondering what to do, as the kid was getting closer to them. Lee fired another shot at one just in front of the kid saving him a shot gun shell; he looked back at Lee who shook his head, while thinking 'I got you covered'. There were more of those dead bastards on the other side of the van but they were no threat at the moment, the guy made it to the van, reaching down to the hand gun, but as he stood up, another one of those things snuck up on the kid about to bite down on his shoulder however Lee hit it first with a well-placed bullet. The kid noticed Lee saved him, smiling at one another, then the kid looked up at the distressed woman and said "Heads up" tossing the gun to her, who instantly reloaded a fresh clip and aimed toward the group, Kenny thought she was about to kill one of them, she fired, blasting the brains out of one of those 'things' that had snuck up on Katjaa, Kenny quickly realised that and was thankful.
The lady jumped off the van beside the new kid who was leaning against the van, trying not to let the dead on the side of the van notice his presence, and then the dorky looking guy followed but stumbled a bit as he landed. Lee and Kenny were still shooting but they just kept coming, Lee shouted "Damn! They just keep coming!" and Kenny answered "There's too many of these fucking things!", they were quickly running out of ammo, Lee knew this, as did Kenny.
The new kid that showed up and saved their asses ran toward Lee and the group with the two new people frantically following him. The kid halted at the group and shouted "Everyone follow me, there's a safe place not far from here. Stay close, kids stay close to your parents, everyone else shoot and don't stop moving unless I do!". Lee and Kenny agreed, shaking their heads and the lady replied "Then let's get of here".
The group of survivors ran; back down the street Lee and his group came from, with a dozen or more of those things close behind. Clementine was keeping herself close to Lee, just like he needed her to, the kid leading the group to safety stopped near the truck that Kenny had been driving for a long time. Lee and Kenny were baffled, "Why did we stop?" Lee questioned. The kid and the lady stood beside one another, firing at the incoming herd, the dorky guy was standing behind the lady with a frightened expression. The kid shouted "Get what you need from your truck, we have to keep moving, so hurry!".
Lee, Kenny, Katjaa, Duck and Clementine rushed to the truck, reaching into the back of the truck to grab the three back packs, Kenny lifted each bag out of the back, handing the first one to Katjaa "Honey, take this!, Lee you take this one!, and the last one is mine" they each strapped the bags to their backs and Kenny shouted "OK that's all we need!".
Lee then shouted "Then let's get the hell out of here", Lee quickly looked at the little girl who was scared, trembling as she looked at the herd of monsters then at Lee who spoke softly enough to her, without shouting "Clementine stay close to me" she shook her head, the unknown kid shouted "We gotta keep going!" no one hesitated, they just kept running, occasionally they had to shoot one in front of them. They followed the kid to an alleyway, where he stopped, quickly facing the group yelling "Alleyway!" and the lady shouted "What?" looking at the young man like he was fricking crazy. The alley contained a dumpster leaning against the building, dark it was and Kenny shouted "Yeah, hell with that!" not risking his wife and son like this.
The kid was becoming stressed, frantically trying to get them to follow him, so he could help them, he had to quickly think how to convince them, but he quickly shouted "It's that dark, empty alleyway or them" pointing at the herd of flesh eaters, everyone looked at how many there were, 30, 40, 'shit' there were too many.
The Kid ran down the alley way not noticing a single flesh eater hiding in the darkness between the dumpster and a trash can, but the others followed not wanting to be devoured by those 'things', Lee and Clementine were at the rear of the group, no one noticed the dead thing hiding either. Lee and Clementine rushed down the alley, when all of a sudden the dead creature pounced from the darkness, grabbing a hold of Clementine's legs, she screamed and everyone looked back, the new kid quickly aimed his shotgun for its head, trying not to hit the little girl but "Darn, out of shells" and Kenny immediately shoved the boy, not hard, just enough to convey his annoyance and shouted "Damn it!".
Lee was furious at that dead bastard, running to Clementine and reaching for the monsters shoulders, forcing it off of Clem and shouted "GET AWAY FROM HER YOU SONOFABITCH!". Lee was now struggling to overwhelm the dead creature as it forced its jaws closer to him, it was about to bite him, but a bullet pierced through the things skull. It tumbled to the ground, Lee and Clementine looked to the group wondering who shot it, the new lady had done it, Lee yelled "Good shot" but she replied "Thank me later". The young kid shouted "Uh guys? They're coming!" the herd was entering the Alley.
They all panicked, Kenny and the new girl were about to fire but both their guns clicked and Kenny cursed "Fuck!, out of ammo!" but the new kid got their attention "Let's keep moving!". The kid made a right turn with Kenny and the others following him, Lee held onto Clementine's hand not wanting to let that happen again.
The group were out of ammo, and up ahead were two more of those things blocking their way, Kenny shouted "What the fuck do we do now, kid?" he didn't respond, he flipped his shotgun around, holding the metal nozzle end and ran toward the first one, screaming, like a war cry as he smashed the wooden end into the monsters head, and quickly repeating the process with the second, bashing it's head in, blood splattering across the ground.
Kenny, Lee, the dorky guy and the lady were all met with disbelief, impressed that he was able to take down two almost bare handed, he looked back and replied "Something like that! Now let's keep going, we're almost there!". The group didn't hesitate, they continued on following this kid who had basically saved seven lives today, but not quite yet.
They kept running forward for three minutes not stopping, not far ahead was a motel sign, Kenny and Lee suspected that's where they were heading and their 'guide' shouted "The motel!". When they got there, they saw it was barricaded by dumpsters, desk, boxes, planks of wood, barbed wire, steel, chairs and one old pickup truck, it was like a fortress.
The new guy ran to the barricaded wall, to an old pickup truck used as part of defending the area, keeping the things out, and he threw himself into the back of the pickup truck, he quickly stood up, looking at the group and shouted "Wait by the dumpsters, I'll let you in!". The kid jumped over the side of the pickup truck, running to what was the gate, Lee waved his head to the rest of the group to what the young man asked, Kenny was slightly suspicious but he saved Duck, that was enough to convince him that he was a good one.
The guy pulled the bar attached to the constructed gate, having a tough time doing it by himself; he was able to open it enough for everyone to come through. "Help me close the gate" the guy asked, pleading for help, Lee was the first to make it by his side, followed by the dorky looking guy, and the three of them forced the gate closed. The kid was looking directly to the right, down the street where they came from, there were so many of the monsters, if they didn't hide now, they'd all be chewed on.
The kid quietly remarked "OK everyone, follow me up the stairs", the group followed the guy's orders, making their way up stairs to the second floor, the kid stopped at the first door of the floor, turning the knob and gesturing his hand, whispered "Get inside, go, go, go", no one argued, the dead people were too close, they all ran into a darkened room, a small amount of light was seeping through the curtain. The room had two beds spread away from one another against the left wall, a small table with two chairs near the right wall, a door at the very back of the room, a bathroom most likely.
Everyone rushed inside, the younger person closed the door behind him, he looked to everyone who stood there, remaining quiet, the kid bent down, gesturing the others to do the same. The kid whispered "Stay down, don't make a sound", Clementine's face was horrified, holding onto Lee who kept his eyes on the new kid who inched his way to the curtains, Katjaa was wiping the blood off of Duck's face with a clean white towel, laid out on one of the two beds. The two other people were behind everyone else, the kid slowly pulled the curtain back; Lee came next to him, getting a peek out the window. The herd of dead people were passing the motor inn, but there were a couple of stragglers stopping by the gate, the kids face went all screwy as he silently begged 'Please, keep moving away from here, follow the other dead creepers'.
It was complete silence for five minutes, no one moved, no one spoke, the sound of everyone breathing was the only sound they made, Lee had placed his arm around Clementine, rubbing her shoulder, keeping her settle, Kenny and his family were huddled together, the other two remained where they were, the kid was just waiting by the window, most of the herd had passed, but there were four stragglers still out there by the gate, but it looked like they were losing interest and then finally they turned around, slowly heading for the woods.
The kid finally sighed, backing away from the window, leaning his back against the door, sitting down "They're gone" the kid replied, everyone sighed with relief, they all stood up, glad to hear those things were gone. Kenny was the first to speak "Christ that was close", Lee added "There were so many of them". The new guy was trying to catch his breath, he couldn't breathe while in a situation like that, but he smiled and replied with a light chuckle "So much for spring break, right?" everyone looked at him with a dull expression, the kid rolled his eyes, no one thought that was funny? Geez he thought.
The kid stood up, brushing the dust off his pants, receiving strange looks from everyone, he didn't like it, Kenny couldn't handle the silence anymore and spoke out "What the hell was all that?", everyone knew he was referring to those things just herding through the streets, "THAT was a herd of Walkers" the kid replied aloud, no one understood what he meant, Lee replied, somewhat puzzled by that word "Walkers?". The kid looked at Lee and replied "Yeah that's what I call them", Lee shook his head, understanding.
Katjaa had picked up another clean towel while everyone else was preoccupied, but the new guy was concerned "The kid OK?" he asked as she was wiping his arms, covered with red and black muck. The caring mother looked over her shoulder to see the young man who saved her son and Katjaa replied with a small smile "Yes, just a little scared". The young man lightly smiled, but he was a bit nervous about the next topic he had to bring up "No bite?".
In that moment everybody was looking at him, worried, except Kenny who was confused and slightly irritated by this strange question "What the hell you talking about?". The kid studied the facial expression of all these people and he came to a conclusion "You don't know?", Kenny looked slightly annoyed, gritting his teeth together, Katjaa and the two new people were very curious and Lee was concerned by what he means "Know what?" he asked.
The kid leaned against the door, sighed, looking down at the floor for a second to collect his thoughts before he responded "You get bit… you become one of those walking flesh bags". Everyone in the group, including Clementine, went wide eyed and silent as they took in that statement, the lady didn't seem as shocked, possibly seeing it happen to someone she knew.
Kenny was taken back, shocked, scared, horrified, his son was almost bitten by one of those bastards, his eyebrows frowned and blurted "Are you fucking serious?". The kid could sense the doubt in the man's voice, but it didn't offend him, he hardly believed it himself, but he slowly shook his head and explained "Yeah… you get bit, or scratched or any of their blood in your system, you'll turn into one of them".
Lee crossed his arms going into deep thought about the dead people he's encountered and their situation, the Police Officer, attacked by 'Walkers' and then he tries to kill him and the Babysitter who attacked him in Clementine's house, 'Shit' he thought, but now he knows how it spread so quickly. Kenny placed his hands on the sides of his head, grasping his hair, frustrated, angry, scared, as he whispered so the kids couldn't hear "Shit, Fucking… just fuck!". Lee looked around the room, the look of fear and hopelessness plagued their faces, even Clementine looked like she was losing hope, the kid realised this, looking at the little girl and decided to change the topic.
"Enough about all that, if you're hungry or thirsty, there's food stockpiled in the cupboards and in the fridge, feel free to take what you like, but… not too much, gotta make sure these supplies last, OK?". The kid pointed to the back of the room, in the corner was a refrigerator, no one had noticed til now and he pointed to the cupboards along the side wall, by the table.
Lee and the others headed for the refrigerator and the cupboards, while the kid walked over to the window, taking another glimpse out the window, no walkers, which was good. Kenny was the first to open the refrigerator, everyone behind him or beside him was shocked to see heaps of foods and drinks such as Yogurts, soda, grapes, soft drinks, alcohol, chocolate bars, bottles of water, milk and heaps of other stuff, everyone was looking happy, like they had hope again. The dorky looking guy and Lee went for the cupboards, they were just as awed by the amount of food this kid had gathered, there was cheese and crackers, chips, boxes of cookies, beef jerky, candy, breads, fruity bars, a bag of apples and lots of other delicious goods.
Lee and dorky guy grinned from ear to ear, as they stared at all the food that the kid had 'Enough to keep a group like us going for months, but where did he get all of this food?'. Lee looked at the kid who had a chair pulled up by the window, peeking every so often, Lee was suspicious but he dismissed for now and grabbed some food he would pass around. Kenny started handing out drinks, giving a bottle of water to his wife, an orange juice box to Duck "Here ya go Duckie", his boy smiled, happily excepting the drink "Thanks Dad" before he immediately ripped the straw from the plastic, poking it into the juice box and started drinking delicious orange juice. Lee squeezed past Kenny grabbing a bottle of water and an orange juice box.
Lee looked to Clementine who had a big smile on her face, which made him happy, and he responded "Here Clem, you need to eat" he handed to Clementine some cheese and crackers and she smiled and replied "Thank you Lee, a sundae would be better, next time" she added humourlessly chuckling and he lightly chuckled as he replied "I'll keep that in mind, oh and here's some juice Clem" handing her the juice box, smiling even more at the man who had rescued her today. Clementine looked over at Duck who was rubbing his hands against his tummy, Clementine looked back at Lee and said "Duck is hungry too".
Lee adored her caring nature and replied "Don't worry Clem I'm gonna give him some food as well, enjoy your food Clem, you've earned it". Lee made his way over Duck who was waiting for food from his dad, who was scrounging around for something in the fridge for something for his wife first, Lee came up to Duck "Hey Duck, how about some food?". The boy instantly perked up, wide smile, eyes brimming with excitement as Lee handed him some cheese and crackers, the boy was immediately overjoyed "Yeah, AWESOME, Man I'm so hungry". Duck was quickly munching through his crackers, and scooping the cheese with his fingers, Lee was happy to see the boy fed, Kenny tilted his head in Lee's direction, smiling at the man who has once again helped his son, Lee shook his head at Kenny before turning around and decided to meet the two new people, starting with the lady who saved him, when he was protecting Clementine from those things known as 'Walkers'.
Lee made his move toward the lady who was observing Kenny and Katjaa by the refrigerator, she looked eager to get a drink or something, Lee looked at her from the side on 'cute' he thought before he politely stated with a smile "You're pretty good shot".
The lady turned her head at the voice, then she faced him whilst responding "Well, you don't fuck with a reporter, especially one that's three days out from her last cup of coffee" it was almost an attempt at humour; she smiled while glancing at the man and everyone past him.
Lee appreciated this lady for saving him when he was toe-to-toe with that 'Walker' and decided to thank her with praise "You seem to handle yourself pretty well", her eyes slightly sloped, but Lee couldn't tell why, she didn't look sad, she lightly chuckled "Ha, really? I'm a disaster". Lee couldn't believe that, she seemed nice and normal enough and replied "I can't tell". The short reporter lady was silent for a few seconds, in deep thought before revealing a tragic thing she had to witness "My News editor was eaten about five feet away from me, and I would've joined her if it wasn't for that dorky guy drinking Mountain dew over there".
Lee and the Reporter guided their eyes toward the dorky guy she was referring to, drinking a 600ml bottle of Mountain Dew, Lee looked at the Reporter with a sympathetic expression "I'm sorry", she appreciated his sympathies but added "She was an asshole, but, you know", he shook his head replying "Yeah" remembering the nice Police Officer and Shawn, the boy who died doing what was best for his family while holding onto his humanity as a good kid, who tried to help people.
The Reporter noticed the man was in deep thought, a bit concerned for the man and realised she hadn't introduced herself and she spoke to the man, catching his attention "By the way I'm Carley", Lee smiled at the Reporter known as Carley and said "Nice to meet you Carley, I'm Lee, and she's Clementine" standing to the side to see the little girl, drinking her juice box with Duck standing in front of her, he was excitably ranting about cyborgs and robots, who'd win in a fight or something, Clem looked a bit baffled by the topic, which put a bit of a smile on Lee's face, and Carley even smiled at the sight of a little girl being lectured about mechanic monstrosities by a hyperactive boy strangely named Duck.
Carley's smile quickly faded as she came to the conclusion that the little girl and this man in front of her were not related, her reporter side kicked in and looked at Lee with scepticism, which easily caught his concern, until she replied "She's not your daughter?".
'Strange' Lee thought, Carley was the first persons he's met who didn't mistaken Clementine to be his daughter 'guess that's why she's a reporter' he thought. Lee was oblivious to the idea of telling Carley his backstory before everything went to shit, but she deserved to know what Clementine has gone through, and he owed her for saving him earlier "No, I found her alone with her um babysitter".
Lee struggled with those last three words, Carley's realised exactly what he meant, her reaction was concern and horror mixed together, thinking of a babysitter turning into one of those freaks, and how it could traumatise a little girl "Wow that's gotta be rough", she spoke sympathetically, that little girl seemed sweet when he was watching Lee give her food before. Lee looked to Clementine who had seated herself on the bed closest to the bathroom door and Duck was still going on about lasers and rockets and stuff. Lee cared for Clementine even if she was not his daughter, he wanted to keep this little girl safe "Yeah, she'd been surviving on her own, I told her I'd help her find her parents but they were in Savannah and I heard them on an answering machine, it didn't sound good" he kept his voice down as he explained, also making sure Clem was out of earshot so she couldn't hear them.
"Holy shit" Carley replied, not wanting to think about how the little girl finding out that her parents may be 'Walkers' or whatever they are, she realised that for Lee it must be hard to keep that from her, but given the circumstances, and if that were her, she'd probably keep a thing like that secret too. "Holy shit is right, but I promised I'd protect her until we find them" Lee explained to Carley after seeing her reaction about the answering machine comment, that was the reaction he had too, he looked back at Clem, Duck still going on.
Carley remembered how Lee forced that Walker off of Clementine back in the alley, he showed real determination in getting it away from her, he protected her, even if that meant putting himself in danger, he did a very heroic thing to save a little girl who he had just found alone. Carley could tell Lee had a protective bond over Clementine, it was sweet of him to be doing all he can to keep her safe and she seemed happy around him. Carley smiled at Lee's statement and responded "Well you did just that back in the alley, she's lucky to have you looking out for her", Lee was grateful to hear her praise him for his deeds, he sometimes wasn't sure if what he was doing was the right thing to do, but he was happy to hear from Carley that he was "Thanks" smiling at her. Carley returned the smile, always happy to help out those who need it.
It became silent between Lee and Carley for few seconds as Lee glanced over at the dorky guy who was sitting on the second bed with his back to the kids, holding a remote, observing it, looks like a TV remote, but there was no TV in here he started messing around with the buttons, Carley was watching him now too, Lee then responded "You said that guy saved you?". The dorky guy kept pushing buttons; Carley started ranting "Yeah, can you believe it? Those creeps or-or ghouls or whatever the hell they are, they were pulling our van apart and that guy, Doug just came to the rescue".
Lee was surprised to hear that about the dorky guy known as Doug, a hero, in Carley's eyes but when hell breaks loose, people's inner hero can be brought out to shine; Doug seemed to be one of those people who does the right thing and help people "You can never tell who the heroic ones are going to be I suppose".
Lee noticed the intensive look she had on Doug and she mumbled to herself "He's kind of cute, in that parent's basement sort of way", Lee didn't quite hear all of that and questioned "Huh?", Carley eyes quickly widened and then they quickly un-widened when she realised she said it out loud, her cheeks were as red as her lips and she quickly responded "Huh? Oh…nothing" she was a bit embarrassed; she'd be more so if Doug heard her.
It was somewhat obvious that Carley wasn't from Macon, he didn't recognise her, so why was she here in Macon in the first place he wondered, plus he was interested in learning more about Carley "How'd you end up here?" she seemed a bit proud at that moment as she replied with enthusiasm brimming in her eyes "We drove up to cover the Cherry Blossom Festival, real hard hitting stuff". Lee was wary about what exactly happened, but he remained focused on the current topic and answered "Sounds worth it". That response actually sounded pretty stupid now that realised it but Carley didn't mind so much, regardless she gave Lee a light smile and replied "If the dead hadn't come back to life, I'd agree with you" she did a slight chuckle at the end of her explanation and it put a smile on Lee's face, glad to hear she was trying to be optimistic about it all at least.
Lee thought Carley must be hungry, who knows how long they've been stranded atop that van, he thought an apple was something she may like, most people love apples, maybe Carley did too "Have an Apple Carley" he held out the apple and Carley looked delighted "God I used to eat apples every morning with granola and six almonds, it was never enough even then, but OK… Thanks", she was grateful for Lee's kindness "You're welcome" he responded politely to the nice reporter who respected Lee for what he was doing to help people and protect that little girl, her cheeks were red, blushing as she looked at the apple then at Lee "I'm going to find out more about that kid" nudging his head in the direction of the guy that saved them. Carley shook her head in understanding and replied "Good idea, but go easy on him, he did save our asses" Lee agreed, he shook his head, before turning around and walking over to the kid sitting by the window.
Doug was watching Lee hand Carley the apple and he felt a bit jealous for not offering her something, he wanted to talk to her but he wasn't sure he could. He just stared at Carley biting down on that apple, he was in a love trance, he tried looking away but he found his eyes stuck on her. Eventually he forced himself to look away, staring down at the floor, trying to sum up the courage to talk to her, and thinking of what would he say to her, obvious to the fact that he was no Prince Charming, but he did save her from those monsters, maybe he has a shot. Carley had secretly noticed Doug staring at her through the corner of her eye but she didn't mind, in fact she kind of liked it.
Kenny had just finished a bottle of water, he had been paying attention to what Lee was doing, handing food to the reporter 'Carley' was it, the one that saved his wife from one of those things. Kenny would thank her later, but at the moment his mind was focused on what happened back at the farm, and what happened to Shawn.
Kenny was reliving the event over and over again, each one worse than the last, Shawn on the ground, foot crushed by the tractor, Kenny was standing there looking down at the boy yelling out "Kenny, help me, please". Kenny just stood there frozen on the spot until he saw what looked like to an echo of him holding his son, running away, Shawn's voice echoed through his senses "KEEENNNNNNNNNNNNNYYYYYYYYYYY!". Kenny cuffed his ears trying to block out the intense ear piercing shriek of the boy he neglected to save.
"Kenny" a voice called out "Kenny", the same voice called out a second time "Kenny" Katjaa's voice broke through to him. Kenny's eyes widened as he returned to reality, his wife staring at him, her face filled with concern "Ken are you alright". Kenny didn't want to concern her as she worries way too much about him, so he shook his head and answered "I'm fine, Hon", Katjaa wasn't convinced but given his sometimes stubborn nature she doubted he would say anything anyway. Katjaa shook her head before focusing on Duck who was having excitable conversation with Clementine, she remembered how Duck was attacked by that walker on the street, if it wasn't for that unknown kid showing up when he did, she'd hate to think about what might have happened to her boy, she loves Duck more than life itself, Kenny loved his boy and his wife equally and he'd do whatever it takes to keep them safe. Katjaa hardened herself just thinking about her little Duckie becoming one of those things, she looked to her husband and spoke in an almost pleading manner "We can't let anything happen to Duckie", they stared into each other's, they were on the same page, Kenny's thoughts were clouded by what happened at Hershel's farm, but he dully nodded his head and responded "I know, Hon". When Katjaa looked away, his head and shoulders hung low, slumping even as he wondered 'Duck was almost bitten, Christ!, was that a warning for not saving that boy?' Kenny figured he should talk to Lee about it later, Kenny and Lee were pretty much friends, considering what Lee did to save Duck, plus Lee was trustworthy, and a good enough man to have by his side.
Lee decided it was best to learn more about the kid who put his neck on the line to get them someplace safe, he didn't have to, but it was a good thing he did. Lee approached just as the kid had finished reloading shells into his shotgun, then placing the strap over his shoulder, with the shotgun resting against his back. The kid looked up at Lee with a plain expression; he was a bit uneasy around these new people despite that they seemed to be decent people.
The kid stood up from his seat, slightly shorter than Lee he was, the kid decided to speak first "Rallying through the streets like that wasn't a part of my scheduling today but I'm glad we all made it safely" Lee found himself crossing his arms, no response, Lee just looked at him with suspicion in his eyes, the kid realised this and sighed a fresh breath of air, stuttering as he added "I-I-I'm sorry about what happened in the alley I-I ran out of shells and I had none left and-" Lee cut the kid off "Hey, don't worry about it, if you hadn't showed up we'd probably be dead right now".
The kid shook his head, understanding that the man was trying to reassure him, he pushed his glasses back up higher on his nose "I'm just glad I was able to help, Macon has been going to hell these last few days and I had doubts that I'd ever see a living breathing person that didn't have blood dripping from the lips" he gave off a light chuckle. The kid was maintaining a level head about it all but Lee could detect the hurt in his eyes, like he's seen as much messed up shit as he has. Lee shook his head, understanding what he meant "Yeah I know, I felt the same way".
The kid was glad to hear he wasn't the only one who initially doubted his chances of finding other survivors, when he found his way into Clementine's backyard, he felt the exact same, like there was no one left in the world. Lee looked back over his shoulder, Clementine and Duck were talking, Clem was smiling at whatever they were talking about, Lee formed a smile seeing her smiling was truly special to him, he cherished every moment she was able to smile.
The kid wasn't always very bright around new people, regardless of the kind of person they were, but Lee wasn't a hard book to read, he would protect the little girl no matter what, he'd do his best to keep people safe and he was a friendly man, but despite all these factors, the kid knew that Lee and Clementine were not related, it was pretty obvious "I know she's not your daughter but you're doing a great job as a caretaker", the kid complimented.
Lee let out a small chuckle "Is it that obvious?" the kid returned a smile and replied with a hint of nervousness, shrugging his shoulders to two occasions "Well she's… and your… you know". It wasn't set in stone, but Lee got the gist of what he was trying to say, he was slightly irritated, and to a minor extent offended "Are you saying what I think you're saying?". The kid put his hands in front of himself, like a stopping symbol, nervous; wanting to defuse the small fire he started in Lee "Sorry, I-I-I didn't mean to offend you".
Lee wasn't really affected, the kid reminded him of Kenny, and it sounded like something he would say, although he couldn't say that for sure, they only met that same day. Lee reassured the kid, casually responding "It's fine", the kid took a breath of fresh air, calm knowing that Lee wasn't offended, not that he intended to offend him in first place, he was struggling to keep his head on straight right now.
There was a weird sensation aching in his stomach, like a message being sent to his brain, maybe he was hungry, regardless it was more a signal to do a double check through the window, make sure no Walkers had breached the Motor Inn's defences.
"Are you OK?" Lee suddenly interrupted his train of thoughts, Lee noticed a bit of concern in his eyes, it caught his attention quickly "Yeah, I'm OK, just gotta check on what's happening out there, make sure no stragglers breached the wall". The kid went back to the window, shifting the curtains to the right, Lee decided to take a look as well, looking over the kid's shoulder, there was no movement outside, but there would be soon, it was close to nightfall.
When the kid said he was going to check for Walkers through the window, Carly, Kenny and Doug simultaneously perked their heads. Carley had sat down on the second chair near the table, Doug was still comfortably seated on the bed, soft sheets and bed springs made for a comfy spot to rest, and Kenny was eager to go outside and clear his head, his thoughts were a cluster of guilt ridden memories and depressive thoughts, fresh air would do them all good.
"Looks pretty quiet out there" Lee's words brought relief to the group, it wasn't wasn't exactly ideal to be cramped together in a small room. Doug was keen to check out the infrastructure of the wall, Carley wanted to stretch her body outside, Kenny just needed some air and some space, Katjaa would respect that and she could keep an eye on Duck and Clementine, she was good with kids, Katjaa often treated kittens, puppies, birds and hamsters owned by young children, it was one of the highlights of being a vet, and she enjoyed it.
"You're right, we can all head outside now" Carley was the first to make her way to Lee and the kid, hearing that they could go outside was music to her ears. She stopped closest to Lee, placed both hands on her hip as she responded "Good I could use some fresh air", another voice came from behind Carley "That makes two of us" Kenny replied with an unreadable facial expression that made Carley a bit suspicious of the man, but given that he was a family man, she figured he was trustworthy enough.
The kid figured since they weren't going anywhere, and the Motel was built like an armed fortress, albeit a poorly structured walled up fortress, it does keep Walkers out, he thought they should learn the layout of the motel, most of it "Well I guess I should give you all a bit of a tour then" he spoke with a slight smile and a bit of a chuckle in his voice.
Lee was grateful for the kids hospitality, he saves Duck, brings them all to his safe haven, shares his food and supplies with them, Clementine was safe, and now it seemed like he was welcoming them to stay, he didn't want to get his hopes up, that and he was still slightly suspicious as to how he managed to fortify this place or where he retrieved all this food.
Lee smiled, leaning himself a little bit forward "We appreciate everything you've done to help us", Lee felt a small hand squeeze into his, he looked to see it was Clementine, gazing up at him with a look of happiness glinting in her eyes, and heartfelt smile on her face, he returned the gesture, before looking back to the kid nodding his head, gratified by the praise he received from the man.
The kid liked this man known as Lee, he had his back in the streets, taking down two walkers before they got to him, then again the kid believed all of them were decent people who did what they can to keep each over alive. He remembered a string of events back on the street; the hillbilly saved this Lee fellow, the reporter um… Carley? Yeah she saved the hillbilly's wife, and that dorky guy Doug apparently saved the reporter at one stage and Lee protected that little girl, and almost got bit, the kid had very little doubt about these people, they seemed trustworthy enough so he would give them the benefit of the doubt.
The kid smiled rather sheepishly as he looked at the group, Katjaa and her son were still at the back at the room he decided it was best to check on them later but for now he had to give them the lay of the Motor Inn "Your welcome, by the way, my names Gus, Gus Jacob" the kid known as Gus replied with a quick hand gesture.
Lee, Clementine, Carley and Doug returned the smile, Lee introduced himself "I'm Lee, this is Clementine" looking down at Clem who stood there nervous about how Gus looked at her. Gus smiled, bending down to her height and replied "It's very nice to meet you Clementine, I'm Gus".
Clementine was shrinking away behind Lee, nervous but she managed to softly "H-Hi" Gus didn't mind her shy mannerism, most kids are shy about new people, he knows that for a fact. Lee realised she was nervous but he didn't believe she needed to "Its OK Clem, he seems friendly". There was gratitude in Gus's eyes as he stood up and exclaimed "Well we should get this tour underway".
The group was obviously eager to go outside, safely for once, Carley reached to the door first, opening and exiting the room to be greeted by a gentle warm breeze, Lee and Clementine followed right behind her equally as happy to feel that warm breeze. Doug followed then Duck and then his parents, Gus was waited for Kenny and Katjaa to exit but the lady stopped in her tracks as did Kenny and the both looked at the young man known as Gus, they looked worn out and scared, a very normal thing these days.
"Thank you for saving our Duckie" Katjaa spoke with gratitude in her voice, Kenny nodded his head swiftly and replied "Yeah we appreciate what did for our boy", and Gus formed a smile, nodding his head and softly responded "You're welcome".
After Gus was thanked by Kenny and Katjaa, Gus squeezed past the group members who were waiting just outside the room, they all looked down where the RV was parked in the parking lot horizontally taking up three parking spaces, and it was mostly white with five yellow strips along the side. The RV had blue coloured sails used as a shading area, there were four windows on each side, blinds were placed from the inside, and atop the roof of the RV was a foldout camping chair used to keep watch presumably. There was also two other foldout camping chairs on one side of RV, where the door was but it was facing the wall, why two? Was Lee's question he had in his head.
Gus walked ahead, heading down the stairs with Carley close behind, Lee and Kenny had taken note that each had its own number; the room they were hauled up in was an unknown room, no number, second floor of the building.
Anyway Gus lead them all over to the RV, he stopped, turned around identifying the sceptical look on some faces like Kenny, Carley and Lee "This RV was here when I first got here, sadly I don't know much about vehicles, the engine appears to be busted".
Kenny was quick to respond "Give me a flathead and I'll get her running". Gus was glad to hear that "Awesome, there's a toolbox over there, it should have the necessary tools you need". Kenny nodded understandingly and replied "If this place gets overrun we'll need a quick exit" and Gus replied "Yeah that's why I've been trying to get this thing moving".
Kenny was happy to do something constructive, something to keep his mind off of what happened back at the farm "I'll get to work then" Kenny replied passing Gus, browsing through the red toolbox that was resting on the ground in front of the RV, he pulled out a screwdriver and a flathead and immediately started tampering with the radiator or the engine or whatever he was doing, Gus didn't have a clue.
Doug knew the best way to get it started was to give the radiator a good whack with a wrench or something, but Kenny was already at work but he might point it out later.
Lee realised that Kenny had some understanding on how to fix these things; he seemed to know what he was doing back on Hershel's farm with his pickup truck.
Carley had a question pressing on her mind, two questions actually; how was Gus able to build the wall and where did he get all that food?, she gave him a suspicious look, thinking he might be up to something, but Gus seemed like a good kid, he risk his life to help everyone back at the drugstore, she was about to ask her question but Gus cut off from saying anything.
"Inside the RV we have more food and drinks a-a-and some additional firepower such as three hunting rifles and a couple of handguns, just in case I ever come across bandits" he explained, turning around to go inside the RV but Lee responded questionably "Bandits?".
Gus turned around with a look of confusion but he quickly turned back and explained "Yeah Walkers aren't the only threat that Macon's had, when all hell broke loose, people started to commit all kinds of unspeakable things, bandits rolled in, took anything they wanted by force, they… they murdered people… good people".
The look on Gus's face was enough to realise just how bad things were for him, he screwed his face up trying to get the words out. Carley felt sorry for the poor kid who's obviously seen more shit than she has, she looked up at Gus with sympathetic eyes. Kenny raised his head with a look of pity for the kid; he digested this information before he got back to fixing this RV. Lee was the most sympathetic, his eyes were sloped, he bit down on his lip, looking at Gus before responding "Sorry".
Gus nodded his head and added "When all the chaos started I left Macon to find survivors, I didn't last long, I came back and settled into the Motor Inn, its kept me safe for the last week, the only place that didn't get looted by bandits was the drugstore, because as you all saw, Walkers own that part of town".
Lee's eyes widened when Gus mentioned the drugstore, what happened to his parents? Was his first thought, his shocked expression didn't go unnoticed by Gus or Carley, "Hey Lee you OK?". Lee tried to hide his fears, not wanting anyone to know who he was and he especially didn't want Clementine to be concerned, but she was, she was gazing up at Lee as he replied "Yeah" but she could tell he looked sad. Carley looked concerned for Lee as he looked pretty sad, Gus realised what it could be "Did you… know the people who owned the drugstore?".
Everyone looked at Lee curiously, even Kenny perked his head up, and looking at Lee's facial expression was enough to confirm that statement "Yeah, they were… they were good people".
Gus looks at Lee sympathetically, knowing what happened to them, he didn't want to explain it with Duck and Clementine around but the man deserved to know "I'm sorry… I-I pulled a couple of body's out to make sure they were really… dead". Carley had moved closer to Lee placing her hand on his back, to reassure him, which made Doug very unsteady, he bit his lip at the sight of Carley and Lee… together, he felt worse when she started rubbing her hand against his back, Doug was really jealous right now.
Carley looked up at Gus who had a look of regret planted on his face as he stood in the doorway of the RV and spoke somewhat forcefully "Uh we should keep going on with the tour". Clementine held Lee's hand tighter which made him look down at her forcing a small smile for Clem's sake. Clementine didn't like seeing Lee be sad and neither did Carley, to some degree she trust him because he put his life on the line to help her and Doug and the same goes for Gus.
Carley moved her hand off Lee's back as Gus continued the tour "Uh y-yeah you're right um anyway there's food, ammo and… " Gus went into the RV to grab something, Lee was suspicious, Carley was too, keeping a firm grip on her trusty pistol. Gus came out holding coloured chalk, blue, pink, green, white and yellow "Maybe you kids can draw something colourful these, here you go" Gus smiled as he handed the chalk to Clementine who smiled as he put it in her hands, Duck was standing next to Clem with a bright smile brimming on his face as he added "Awesome!" and Clementine nodded in agreement as she looked back at Gus and said "Thank you".
Gus was touched by how sweet and innocent the little girl was, everyone in the group smiled at Clementine's good hearted nature, Gus replied softly "You're very welcome Clem". Clementine turned around, taking one look at Duck and responding "Come on Duck" almost as happy-go-lucky as he was, and Duck fist pumped the air and shouted "Yeah!" before they both ran off in the direction of the first motor inn block, passing Gus who chuckled in amusement, they chose to set up at the corner of the parking lot.
"I'll keep an eye on them" Katjaa came forth from the back of the group, Gus had no problem with that considering that she was a parent so he expected her to be overprotective even if they seemed pretty safe it was within a mother's duty to worry for her child.
Gus nodded understandingly and as she passed him he said "Go ahead, but if you see anything strange, holler we'll come running" she shook her head and grabbed a camping chair positioning halfway between Kenny and the kids.
Now there was only Lee, Carley and Doug left of Gus's so called 'tour' but then again there really wasn't much to show them that was anything special, Kenny was fixing the RV and Katjaa was watching the kids do chalk drawings on the concrete road.
Gus then pointed past Clementine and Duck to an icebox "There's an ice box over there, where I stored some meat but there isn't much left, I was planning to go hunting but… well a part of me was hoping to find survivors, I've never liked being by myself especially now that monsters roam the streets".
All three of them shook their heads and Carley sarcastically remarked "Yeah they're not exactly appealing", Lee gave her a look of agreement on the matter, giving a light chuckle at the start of his response "That's an understatement", she smiled realising he was making an attempt to tease her.
"If I may ask, how did you managed to build such a well-constructed fortification" Doug brought up, which became a question that Lee and Carley had also wondered. Gus had a look of fear in his eyes, he breathed through his nose, he struggled to strum up a full sentence without nervousness being identified in his voice "Oh um the uh basic structure was already built when I got here, I just added some bits and pieces but it's safe so it doesn't matter".
If that wasn't anything short of suspicious nothing was, Lee and Carley both had narrowed their eyes, even Kenny heard what Gus said and he squinted his eyes in suspicion, Doug was more confused by his tone and why was Gus all of a sudden nervous about a fortification job.
The suspicious look he received made him more nervous but he quickly brushed it off, clearing his throat and responding calmly "However I've been meaning to reinforce the wall some, but I'm no architect, and Walkers don't make things any easier, if you're willing to help me out it shouldn't be too hard" mainly speaking to Doug at this point.
Doug shook his head willing to participate anyway he can to keep this group safe, that and maybe impress Carley to some degree "Sure, reinforcing this wall would be an excellent use of time before it gets dark" smiling at Gus, while eyeing Carley through the corner of his eye.
"Great, we should get to work" Gus responded rather enthusiastically, Doug simply shook his head ready to follow Gus who was about to turn around but he halted in his tracks a spoke aloud to the group "Everybody you can set your stuff in any room you like, Room 9, 6, 5 and 4 have double beds, just as a heads up, but uh room 8 on the other hand is my room and I would uh app-appreciate it if no one goes in there please".
Gus then headed over to the wall with Doug following in his footsteps, ready to work on making the barrier more secure in case Walkers show up, or if the bandits make a move.
Kenny eyed Gus heading for the wall with suspicion lurking through his thoughts, he then turned his sight on Lee and that reporter, before placing the flathead on top of the closed toolbox and making his way to them.
Carley looked at Lee with deep concern, knowing he had a good connection with owners of the Drugstore, which had taken a toll on him when Gus revealed their fate, she spoke in a soft reassuring tone "Are you OK?". Lee gave Carley a curious look, before nodding his head in a dull manner "Yeah, I'm fine" he appreciated Carley's concerns but he didn't really want to talk about it, she understood and got the idea and simply replied "OK".
Carley watched Doug holding up a plank of wood against the wall while Gus was holding nails in place and using a rock as substitute for a hammer to bash the nails through the board. Lee found himself watching them as well, he knew something was up with Gus regarding his response on how he built the wall, and there was something he wasn't telling them.
Carley's narrowing eyes returned to the back of Gus, suspicious "He's hiding something" Lee was taken aback by that statement but he agreed, Kenny made it in time to hear what she said and join the conversation with a stern "Damn right he is".
Kenny was very observant when it came to the safety of his family, and identifying potential threats was something he was good at picking up on, and Gus was ringing some alarm bells. Lee shook his head, acknowledging and agreeing with Carley and Kenny "I think you guys are right but what could he, be hiding?".
Carley placed one arm on her hip, looking over at the two guys reinforcing the wall, then again she actually had her eyes on Doug, he was a useful guy to have around and he was kind of cute. Kenny was glaring in Gus's direction who didn't notice due to his continuing work on the wall, now him and Doug were using big sheets of steel to barricade the wall further, smart in case bandits show up, that and its harder for a Walker to break through.
Kenny shrugged his head in annoyance "He wasn't keen on telling us how he built the damn wall that's for certain" Carley nodded in agreement looking at Lee who also shook his head as well, understanding exactly what Kenny was referring to, Gus had secrets that could potentially put the group and Clementine in jeopardy, they needed a solution.
As if on cue Carley perked up and responded "He said don't go into Room 8, might be worth investigating, make sure we're safe here". Lee crossed his arms agreeing that they need to absolutely sure this place was safe but he felt like they might be judging Gus too much, invading on his privacy didn't sit well with Lee, Gus appears to be a good enough kid "I don't know if that's a good idea, he seems OK to me".
Kenny was slightly irritated by Lee's good nature showing up right now, Lee's a good man, that's how Kenny has viewed him as since Hershel's farm but he wasn't about to trust this kid especially if he has something to hide, something about this put him on edge "That kid seems shiftier than a weasel on Thanksgiving if you ask me" pointing in Gus's direction.
Lee was making sure to think ahead, and what the repercussions would be if it turns out they are wrong, Lee knew Kenny was looking out for his wife and son but he didn't want to ruin their chances of having a safe place for the kids, Lee was also concerned about taking advantage of Gus's hospitality and then sticking his nose in his business, it wasn't right "We can't go snooping around; he might decide to make us leave".
Kenny was determined to make sure that never happens, he has high doubts that Gus would throw them out; he won't stand a chance by himself. Kenny scoffed at Lee's statement, tilting his head up then responding in an overconfident and somewhat aggressive tone "Fuck those odds, he's outnumbered, that and he won't last long on his own".
Carley was stuck in the middle, looking back and forth between Lee and Kenny, feeling like it was getting out of hand between Lee and Kenny, she didn't distrust Gus as he practically almost died trying to help them, she just wanted to be sure they weren't in an any danger "We just need to be sure we can trust him".
Carley felt that Lee was making a good point; she didn't enjoy the thought of snooping around on other people's business, despite being a reporter, she was an honest reporter, she digs up information the polite way; by asking, but their lives were at stake, and if Gus turns out to be a liability or a threat then they needed to know one way or the other.
Lee was trying to explain to Kenny that betraying Gus's trust by sneaking around wasn't the right thing to do "He saved our asses back there when he could've left us to die, besides what if he's not hiding anything?". Carley looked at Lee, knowing he could be right, she shook her head when he looked in her direction, she supported his theory, to some degree.
Kenny would've gotten angry at Lee if he didn't consider him a good friend, but he did consider Lee to be his friend, plus Kenny realised that Lee was simply being precautious for the groups sake "Lee I'm not advocating anything but we need to be sure this place is safe for the kids, if he has some dangerous secrets, we need to know em, we put the kids in harm's way we don't get any second chances, you know that right?".
Lee knew it was wrong but compared to what he did to the state senator, it barely mattered, Kenny was right, he didn't want to put Clementine or Duck or Carley or anyone in a dangerous position, he would do anything to protect them, maybe a quick peek in Room 8 wouldn't do too much harm "Yeah, you're right, so what do you guys suppose we do?".
Carley already had a pretty solid idea of what they should do, the easiest and safest way to find out if Gus was hiding something. Carley placed both hands on her hip, and explained her idea to both Lee and Kenny, but more so Lee as she decided it would better to have Lee a calm and collective man over Kenny who was way too stubborn. "Searching his room would be a great place to start, if you find anything suspicious then we'll go from there, let me know when you want to investigate, I'm very thorough" Carley planted a smile at the end of the sentence, looking in Lee's direction.
Kenny liked that idea, giving a quick nod to the plan and responded "Sounds like a plan but make it quick while he's distracted with that wall, I'm gonna get that RV working". Kenny turned around, looking at the RV and walked back to it, wanting to get that bitch moving in case things go south.
Lee and Carley looked at each other, knowing what needed to be done, Carley didn't like the idea but neither did Lee, Kenny was right about not getting second chances if they put Clem and Duck in harm's way.
Carley decided it was best if Lee know how she felt about the matter, and tell him it's necessary "Lee I agree it's wrong but we need to know if he is hiding something", Lee shook his head, understanding that she wasn't wrapped in the idea either, Kenny on the other hand couldn't care less about this kid's privacy, he was more focused on his family, he understood Kenny's position as a family man but that doesn't make it any less right.
"I know we do, just doesn't feel right but I need to keep Clementine safe" Lee responded with general concern in his voice, and his arms crossed trying to process his thoughts. Lee appreciated Carley's support despite knowing each other for half an hour, he felt she was a nice person, at least she was thinking about negative outcomes of snooping around.
Carley looked up at Lee with a serious expression and replied "Come talk to me when you're ready for the moment of truth" Lee shook his head, acknowledging what to do once he was ready, knowing full well that he wanted to get it over and done with.
Carley gave Lee a reassuring look in her eyes, before walking over to the door, she looked to her right, Gus was still working with Doug, holding the steel sheet while Doug bashed nails through it, not exactly safe but Lee doubted there was a welder around here. Carley stood a good two meters away from Gus's door, not wanting to arouse any suspicion, leaning against the wall looking to Lee waiting for him.
Lee would have offered to do it now but he looked over at Kenny and Katjaa, he hadn't properly checked on how they were coping, especially after what happened this morning and what happened to Duck by the Drugstore. Kenny hadn't spoken much to Lee or Katjaa since the farm, Lee was worried for the man's condition and how Katjaa was holding up, he noticed her looking back at Duck and Clem every minute, drawing on the concrete.
This matter of snooping around could wait; he needed to check up on Kenny and his wife, Kenny was obviously holding back on what happened with Hershel's son; Shawn, and Katjaa was more concerned with Duck's safety. Hershel's advice was strongly evident in Kenny, who saved his son over Shawn, he couldn't blame Kenny, if it was Shawn or Clementine he would have saved Clem before Shawn but he'd go back for him, Kenny was a good man, he'd do what any family man would have done.
Kenny had gone back to fixing the RV just as he said he would, Katjaa was keeping an eye on him too, Kenny was working hard to get this rolling heap of metal working, guarding against the worst possible scenarios that either involve Walkers or Gus throwing them out on their asses. Lee slowly walked over to Kenny, and Katjaa who had shifted her chair earlier to be closer to Kenny while keeping eye on the kids.
Kenny tilted his head to the side, seeing walking toward him, he smiled at the man, the man who chose to save his son over someone else's, not that it made him feel any better. Kenny brushed off his guilt for the moment as responded to Lee's presence "Hey Lee" happy to see the man, Lee was glad to see Kenny in a good mood as he didn't appear to be ever since he got suspicious over Gus having possible secrets.
Nevertheless Lee responded in a polite manner with a smile "Hey there guys" Kenny had almost forgotten his wife was right near him, she hadn't said a word. Lee looked over at Clementine who drawing what looked like a big yellow circle while Duck watched while raving on about something called 'Super Dinosaur' imitating dinosaur roars and shouting "Oh man" and then imitating laser fire? While pretending to hold an imaginary gun? He was lost on the topic.
Kenny was ready to listen, while he kept working on the RV, Lee could see Duck was OK but given what he's been through, maybe he wasn't OK mentally, he was concerned for Duck's wellbeing.
"How Duck doing?" Katjaa looked back at Duck and she, Kenny and Lee could faintly hear Duck "It would be so cool to have a super dinosaur, he'd fly and fight other dinosaurs oh yeah he'd be friends with Batman, they'd work together and…".
Katjaa and Kenny smiled "He seems OK" Katjaa responded with a hint of uncertainty in her voice, Duck certainly seemed OK but Katjaa couldn't help but worry about him
Kenny decided to stop working on the RV for a bit and voice his thoughts and opinions "We're lucky as hell no one got nabbed on the way here", he used hand gestures as he spoke. Kenny was right about that, Clementine and Duck; both almost got hurt by those things Gus calls walkers.
Lee nodded, agreeing with Kenny "No kidding, if Gus hadn't shown up when he did, who knows what would have happened". Lee knew Kenny didn't have much trust in Gus at the moment, but he could at least give him the benefit of the doubt for saving Duck from that thing.
"I know but the sooner we know he's got nothing to hide, the better" Kenny realised what Lee was trying to do, if Gus has nothing to hide then he will be in his debt, but if he has secrets that could potentially endanger his family then who knows? He was grateful for what Lee did back at the farm and he was thankful that Gus saved Duck but his family was too important to risk on trusting an edgy character like Gus with something to hide.
"How's she doing?" Katjaa asked out of the blue, looking over at Clementine drawing on concrete with yellow chalk, Lee wasn't entirely sure, she hasn't said much since he gave her those cheese and crackers.
Clementine seemed happy for the moment, but she's probably worried about her parents, how could she not? Lee figured he'd give her some time to herself and have fun, and talk to her later "She's good, I think" Katjaa wasn't convinced, judging from her concerned expression at least.
Kenny however wasn't so easily concerned, remembering what Lee has told him "She's a tough one right there" he discreetly pointed at Clementine, Katjaa wasn't as convinced, but then again Lee didn't say very much to Katjaa back at the farm since Clem was there.
"She's just a little girl, Ken" Katjaa explained to her husband, she was very concerned about that little girl, considering what Lee did to protect Duck it was the least she could do, worry for Clementine that is.
Kenny simply shrugged his shoulders, hardly phased by his wife statement, turning to Lee and pointing out "What were you saying Lee? She spent days surviving on her own?". Lee figured he was trying to make his case so he simply responded "That's right".
Katjaa was taken aback by this new piece of information about the little girl, Lee had obviously rescued from certain death, Kenny looked to his wife who seemed a little bit stunned as he was when Lee told him "Not just any little girl can do that".
Lee shook his head, agreeing, Clementine was smart to hide in that tree house and brave to come to his aid with that hammer when he was attacked by her babysitter but still, Katjaa was right about Clem being just a little girl, and the shit she might and already has seen could very much mess her up, he would do his best to make sure she wasn't exposed to the unspeakable shit that lurks at every turn.
Kenny was beside Katjaa who was still seated while Kenny stood at her side, Lee had noticed how off Kenny has been acting, probably feeling bad regarding what happened to Shawn, Katjaa was most likely carrying that weight too, Lee was worried for these two parents who obviously have a lot of concerns right now "Are you guys alright?" Lee asked with general concern.
"We're just fine, considering" Kenny smiled at Lee for his concerns, Kenny wasn't telling him something, he knew it but decided to drop it for the meantime as Katjaa added with a pained expression "We've all been through a lot" Lee shook his head understandingly.
Kenny looked at Lee and remembered how he gave Duck some food, he forgot to thank him for it "Hey Lee" he started, Lee looked to Kenny who continued "thanks for feeding my boy before, he gets impatient when he's hungry" Lee smiled at the fisherman, shrugging his shoulders, he didn't need to be thanked he thought but he appreciated it "No problem Kenny".
Lee was thinking what would happen after they sort out this 'mumbo jumbo' about Gus, or at least what Kenny believed they should do, personally Lee wouldn't mind staying here at the Motor Inn, it was safe, plus if he gets the chance he'd like to go back to the drugstore… and figure out what happened to his parents and his brother.
Lee didn't want to think about finding his family as those things; he turned his thoughts on what to do next "What's the plan?" Lee asked knowing Kenny would have a reasonable idea, although honestly Kenny didn't have much to go on.
Kenny responded with uncertainty "Hang tight for now, seems pretty dangerous out there, but if we can trust this guy it might be worth staying, this place is hauled up tight, not exactly Fort Knox but it'll do, we'll cross that bridge later". Lee agreed, this place was pretty secured and with Gus and Doug already working to make it better, they would manage for a while unless invading Gus's privacy was enough to get them kicked out.
Lee's train of thought was suddenly cut off by Katjaa asking "You said your family was from here in Macon?" Lee wasn't too keen on the subject but as his closest friends, never had that many friends, he figured Kenny and Katjaa deserved to know "That's right".
"Where are they? Should we go looking for them?" Katjaa asked, willing to help Lee find his parents as thanks for saving Duck, Lee appreciated how enthusiastic she was about finding but based on what Gus had told him, he wasn't sure he wanted to.
Lee looked over his shoulder to see Gus having a chat with Doug, before a saddened frown appeared on his face, eyes sloped and mouth frowned, just thinking about it made it worse, the Everett family was a great family, he was the lesser of the family, he wished he had time to mend his mistakes but it was too late.
"They owned that Drugstore, Gus said he found a couple of bodies…they're gone" Katjaa moved her hand close to her lips, shocked, saddened and concerned for the man, feeling bad for bringing it up, she wished she hadn't now "Oh sweetie" she replied sympathetically and Kenny intervened not wanting his wife to say anything more to upset Lee "Kat".
"They were good people. I wasn't around much but yeah, they're dead" his voice filled with regret and eyes foreshadowing sadness.
Kenny looked at Lee for a second, unsure of whether he should talk to him about what happened earlier, but considering that Lee has been in good terms with him since the start and he's proved to be supportive when others need him to be, so he decided to talk to him about his mistakes "Lee you got a second?".
Lee wasn't sure what to expect from a conversation with Kenny but judging from the hurt in Kenny's eyes he had an idea "Sure" he walked to the side of the RV by the door, Kenny followed close behind, head slumped, and eyes sloped. Katjaa watched as her husband and Lee walked away, slightly concerned but whatever was wrong with Kenny, Lee would help him. Carley was leaning side on the hotel wall, waiting for Lee to get the their little 'stake out' underway, but she watched as the fisherman Kenny, followed Lee, he didn't look good, she ran her hand through her hair, as she watched Lee console him, at least that's what it looked like to her.
Carley was curious as to what Lee and Kenny's story was, did they know each other before the shit hit the fan?, doubtfully but if they had only just met, then they got along quite well, her mind was funnelling through theories and possibilities not so much on Kenny but Lee… what kind of person is Lee? She wondered.
"Back on Hershel's farm…" Kenny started in a low regretful tone, Lee was worried, did he blame himself? "Yeah?" he asked, questionably with concern in his voice.
"I didn't even try to save him, that blood is on my hands, you know?" Lee shook his head to the side, it wasn't his fault, he needed Kenny to realise that "It happened pretty fast Kenny". Kenny gave him a depressed nod knowing it was true but he wasn't sure he could live with it "I guess, but I can't stop seeing him in my head".
It was a hard choice to make, but Kenny had to save Duck, he is his son, Lee knew he couldn't have asked Kenny to leave his boy, Lee felt responsible for what happened to Shawn, he was unable to save him but tried to convince Kenny "You can't kill yourself over it".
Kenny gritted his teeth, angrily responding "I killed that boy. I could've helped you save him" his expression softened, regretting never making the right call to save Shawn, after saving Duck, he just panicked.
Lee considered Kenny a good man, he did what any father would have done, Lee looked at Kenny with reassuring eyes and explained "You did what you could, a bad thing happened, you didn't make a decision that killed Shawn. You think you do, when you look back on it, but in the moment. When things are really out of control, you don't have any choice".
Kenny felt somewhat better, not entirely convinced, and fearing his actions may come back and bite him in the ass "I guess" he replied with minimal effort "Try to let it go" Lee replied with sympathy Kenny stared back silently and blankly, before he gave a slight nod of his head, understanding.
Kenny figured maybe it was time to find out what Gus might be hiding in that Room 8, it would take his mind off of the shit he was dealing with "You... You wanna scope out that room, now?". Lee didn't want to, no but he would for Clem and Duck's safety.
Lee shook his head, remaining silent as he turned to see the door of room 8, Carley standing off to the side, Lee walked toward the door, and Kenny slowly followed him.
When Carley saw Lee and Kenny approaching she moved herself from her position against the wall, she headed to the door as well, Carley looked at Kenny then at Lee with curious look, while pulling out her handgun, a Glock 17, holding it up to her face, pointing skyward and asked in a soft and sensitive manner "Are you guys ready?".
Lee looked back at Kenny who shook his head, confirming that he was, then they each looked in the direction of Gus and Doug with their backs to them "Yeah" Lee responded, Carley was temporarily transfixed by Doug until she heard Lee's voice.
They turned back to the door, Lee was in the centre, Kenny on the left and Carley, each gazing at the door, no one did anything but Kenny looked at Lee and asked "Hey Lee you know how to pick a lock, right?"
Lee was slightly offended by that statement, screwing up his face and responding "No, no why would you say that?" Carley was the innocent bystander at this point, Kenny realised he had to say it now, he nervously replied "Well you're… you know… urban?" Kenny made an attempt to smile to try to make it sound less, well racist.
"Jesus Kenny" Lee retorted, offended quite a bit, Kenny panicked, trying to spit out a quick apology "Shit, man! I'm from Florida! Crazy shit just comes out of my mouth sometimes. Sorry". While Kenny explained himself to Lee, Carley had reached for the door handle and turned it, Kenny and Lee were having a silent stare off and she spoke to get their attention "Uh the doors unlocked".
Carley removed her hand from the door knob looking at the two men with somewhat embarrassed looks, Lee was the one to break the silence "OK then" Kenny nervously rubbed his neck, both men rather sheepish.
Lee then realises it was time to get serious and focus on the task at hand even if he didn't feel that Gus was hiding something, the kids needed to be safe, it was better to be safe than sorry.
Lee slowly reached for the door handle, placing his hand over, looking to Kenny, who nodded, ready to brace himself, standing in a 'prepared for any fucking thing' position, Lee then looked to Carley with a look of seriousness, her gun at the ready, also ready, given Lee a quick nod. Now or never, Lee looked forward, turning the door handle slowly, until it wouldn't turn anymore, Lee gave the door a light push, the door slowly swung open, it was dark but what light there was came from bits of sunlight through the trees.
It didn't look there was anything, that was until the door was fully open. Lee's serious look turned to pure shock "Good God" his voice weakened and his eyes were widened, mouth ajar, stunned and horrified. Carley was just as stunned "Oh shit" putting her free hand over her mouth, trying to hold back her puke, eyes as wide as Lee's were. Then Kenny saw what it was, making a similar expression as Lee, jaw dropped, eyes widened, shocked, horrified and angry as all hell "What the fuck is this?".
On the floor, a puddle of red, a puddle of blood, lying over the blood bath was a body, a dead lifeless body, face first in the blood in their direction, or what was left of the head, a huge gaping hole in the head. The body laid there, skin pale and dead, the smell was rotten, floor completely drenched with blood, it was likely the work of a murderer.
Carley, Lee and Kenny were stunned by this horrific display of death "You-you shouldn't have looked in there" they turned around with a look of panic, it was Gus.
Gus stood there with a powerful and unmistakable death glare, face shrouded with anger and mystery "I asked you not to" he added in a tone that was almost too calm and it didn't match the anger in his eyes. Gus had this dark presence as he walked straight towards them, Carley was about to hold up her gun but Lee figured she would, using his hand he covered the gun letting Carley know not to use it.
Lee moved to the side, Carley did so as well, allowing Gus to pass, going for the door. Carley was pretty frightened by whatever was happening, Gus had darkness in him, she saw it, Lee wasn't sure what to think, he was startled, confused, concerned and now afraid, afraid by what would happen next.
Kenny couldn't believe this, there was a dead body in this guy's room and Lee just let him pass? Kenny had his eyes narrowed, a snarl bearing from his teeth and a surge of anger and Gus to take it out on. "You mind telling us why the actual fuck you've got a dead thing in here?" he retorted, keeping his eyes on the kid who passed him. Gus showed no reaction, he simply pulled the door shut, not turning around to face them, and he mumbled something to himself that could be heard "I said please stay out… that's all I asked".
Lee and Carley were thinking the same thing, was there pain in Gus's words, he placed one hand on the door while staring into space but Kenny was more concerned with the corpse clearly existing in the kid's room "Why would you keep a goddamn body in here?!". Everyone could hear the commotion, Doug, Clementine, Katjaa and Duck approached cautiously to the scene that Kenny had instigated. Clementine and Duck remained close to Katjaa who was clearly concerned by what was happening, not knowing what Kenny was so uptight about, keeping herself and the kids a few feet away, Doug kept himself back as well.
"A simple please wasn't enough?" Gus once again mumbled under his breath, angered by these people ignoring his request, with the father throwing accusations his way only making it worse.
Kenny was fed up from not receiving an answer, pulling the gun out from his back pocket, holding it on Gus "You better talk before I waste a bullet" Kenny threatened. Katjaa was scared by Kenny's sudden move, she placed her hand over her son's eyes, not wanting him to witness a gruesome if it should come to that.
Doug's face turned to panic, holding up his hands slightly above his waist, bracing himself, terrified by what might happen next.
Lee realised this was getting out of hand, Lee knew he had to get Kenny to back off "Kenny, calm down, let's hear him out". Kenny looked at Lee in disbelief, frustrated by his lack of support, his mind was set on what Gus has done "Hear him out?" he scoffed "Fuck that, he's gonna murder us like that poor bastard he's got in there".
Clementine was scared, not understanding quite what the man meant, Lee was glad Clem didn't see the body but Kenny was pushing things too far, Gus deserved to explain himself, maybe it was a walker that he had killed and meant to dispose of the body.
Kenny's harsh accusations were infuriating Gus, he slowly turned around with a look of pure rage on his face, the darkness evident on his face like Carley thought, he responded in a low voice, not wanting to scare the kids "I save your boy's life… I put a gun in your hand and this… this is how you thank me? By sticking your nose where it don't belong?".
Kenny and Gus glared at one another, both scared, breathing hard breaths, Carley watched as Lee intervened, his expression soft and concerned as he looked at the kid, clearly agitated until he heard Lee's voice "Gus, why?".
Gus panicked, he didn't want to say anything, he looked at the faces of everyone, they were judging him, he thought, it only made him more afraid to reveal the truth, Lee would understand maybe but he wasn't sure about everyone else. Gus shifted his position by nervously trembling, put on the spot and scared, placing a hand over his face, his thumb resting on his cheek and two fingers touching his forehead, stressed and unable to sum up a coherent sentence "I-Its… its… no… I don't… don't want to talk"
Kenny was fed up with the kid's ramblings, gritting his teeth before shouting "Why the fuck do you keep a dead corpse in this room?!" Kenny's voice pierced through Gus's head, echoing, triggering every emotion that he had been holding back all day to just come out, tears filled his eyes.
"HE WAS MY BEST FRIEND!" Gus shouted at the top of his lungs.
The look of shock and horror filled the eyes of everyone, Carley and Lee were awestruck and Kenny… his face was filled with guilt, he had no idea, none of them did. There was a solid moment of pity for the kid, his vision swimming with tears, feeling the weight of sorrow pulling him down. Kenny just stared at the kid, the pressure of guilt weighing heavily upon him, eyes filled with regret; his jaw was ajar, lowering his gun.
Gus stared into space, slightly backing away until his back rested on the door, he slid to the ground, tears streaming down his face, he rested his head in his knee's quietly sobbing.
Lee looked to Kenny thinking 'Are you happy?' Kenny knew what Lee would've been thinking, he got Lee's message from the look in his eyes, he felt that guilt return, he didn't save Shawn and now he had hurt another kid, he felt like a piece of shit.
Gus just cried into his arms and knee's, he felt a hand being placed on his shoulder; he looked through the corner of his eye to see it was the reporter, Carley. She was crouched beside him showing great concern, her hand gently rubbed against his back, doing her best to reassure him but he continued to tear up. Gus slowly lifted his head to see the baffling and concerned looks he was given, he took off his glasses and wiped away some tears with his sleeve.
"He was my… my best friend" he explained, sniffling on occasion, trying his best to look at them while he talked about his heart wrenching events "I found him a Walker this morning" he added, Carley continued to reassure him, rubbing his back, like she was consoling a younger brother or something, but she didn't like to see him so depressed, it made it all the more hopeless.
Kenny's jaw remained opened, eyes filled with regret, looking down at the pained kid, who suddenly looked up at him, tears flooding in his eyes, with a look of rage and sorrow and responded in a weak and stressed voice "Do you know how that feels?".
Honestly he didn't, Kenny felt like looking away but he was frozen in shock of what the Kid's been through.
Gus tried keeping his head at a reasonable height, glancing at each individual person as he spoke "My parents… my friends… everyone… gone… I've lost everything" before he stopped to wipe his eyes again.
Carley looked up to Lee who had the same sympathetic expression as she did, Lee had no idea how much this kid has gone through, most of it by himself 'Poor fucking kid' he thought. Lee felt something hold him; he looked to his right to see Clementine, wrapping her arms around his waist, with her head resting against him. This story was almost identical to Clem's except her parents might still be alive, Lee did the first thing that came to mind and gently stroked Clementine's back, doing what he could to make her feel better.
Gus struggled to get the next words out of his mouth, talking about it was forced, but he obviously needed to confess what he's gone through, and get it all off his chest "My brother and sister might be out there somewhere… alive? I don't know".
Katjaa had taken her hand away from covering Duck's eyes and held him close, Doug crossed his arms while looking down at the ground, Carley still kept her hand on Gus's back, Lee held Clementine close to him and Kenny… he looked down at the kid, apologetically and uttered weakly "I'm sorry".
Lee recognised Kenny's tone, it was how he apologised to Hershel for the death of his step son, Gus looked up at the man, bearing an unreadable facial expression before looking to Lee, Carley and everyone else responding "I didn't… I didn't know he was bitten".
Gus shook his head and started talking almost to himself "Didn't know he was bitten" he shifted his view to Kenny, highlighting how hard it was to the father "I raised a gun on my best friend… my best friend since fifth grade".
Gus's voice was breaking, struggling to get the words out, and dropping his head, staring at the ground "I… I killed him, I was on watch last night… he was asleep… I came in this morning".
Everyone silently gasped at how rough Gus has had it, Carley stopped rubbing his back, shocked as he sniffled and used his sleeve to wipe his eyes then his nose. Carley looked like she was having an internal struggle, she wanted to console the kid but she wasn't sure she was capable given Gus's fragile state.
Carley was about to apologise to him when the caretaker of a little girl bent down, looking at Gus with sympathy, showing great concern in his words "Gus… we're sorry, we never meant to hurt you".
Gus gave a weak nod before looking at the man crouched down before him, Gus knew he was telling the truth, Kenny is a good man too, despite his sharp tongue and strong use of curse words "I… I know, I just don't want to be alone… he was the only person left that I cared about… now I'm all alone" bowing his heading, a few more tears came out.
Carley gave Gus another stroke on his back and responded with sincerity in her voice "We're so sorry" he did not motion, everyone around him shook their heads, they were all sorry, Doug, Katjaa, Duck, Clementine, Lee, Carley and especially Kenny.
Lee decided to point out to the kid just how much he's done for them, maybe he needed some praise right now to lift his spirits "Gus you saved us today, you could have left us for dead… but you didn't". Gus slowly lifted his head from his slumped position, considering Lee's words before looking at him with his mouth slightly open and stuttered "I-I-I-I didn't want to see anyone else, die… I just wanted to do some good".
Katjaa and Doug already believed he has; as they looked at the kid with accepting eyes as did Carley, Kenny and Lee. Lee was the one to speak directly to Gus and say "You did good, today". Gus was quite modest sometimes but he did save Duck and basically gave them all a safe place to stay, he did do some good today, he shook his head again "I guess" he responded plainly.
"If there's anything we can do to help, you name it" Lee responded, Carley gave Gus a quick nod, Kenny was standing behind Lee and Carley, giving Gus a sympathetic look almost begging for forgiveness for what he did, Clementine was standing beside Lee, hands clenched together with a worried look in her empathetic eyes for Gus who gave her some chalk for colouring.
Gus appreciated Lee's offer, he forgives them all for snooping, even Kenny, he had his family to look out for and it would have had to come out eventually but right now there's only one thing he wanted help with "I… just… I just want to bury my friend; I want him to rest in peace" he spoke in a weak depressing tone.
Everyone slumped their heads, believing it was a noble thing for Gus to want, they understood his reasons, Lee respected Gus's noble request and gave him a swift nod "We can do that" but Gus quickly reacted by retorting "Lee I just want you to help me" giving Lee a serious stare, Lee simply shook his head and calmly responded "OK Gus, OK".
Lee had just finished burying Gus's friend, and now they were walking back to the Motor Inn. They had taken the body at least a good ten minute walk away from the Motor Inn so they didn't attract attention from the nearby woods. Before they left the Motel, Gus had suggested someone stay on watch atop the RV, Carley was willing to do it, Gus gave her one of the three Hunting he had in case of Walkers, Bandits or other possible threats.
Gus hadn't said a word since they left the Motor Inn, he remained silent on the walk back, even when Lee asked if Lee had any words to say about his fallen friend, all he did was close his eyes tight, obviously too pained to say anything, Lee understood, Gus has gone through some heavy shit today, and who knows what else he's been through.
Lee was concerned by Gus's distant state, Gus was walking in front, Lee was cautious as to how he spoke, choosing to talk in a low volume in a sympathetic tone "Are you OK Gus?". Gus simply turned his head to the left, looking at the man through the corner of his eye "I'm fine" he muttered, Lee was not one bit convinced but he said nothing, there wasn't anything to say that would make him feel better.
Lee kept silent for a short minute before asking "If you uh need to talk", Gus didn't say anything, but then he suddenly stopped dead in his tracks, Lee came to a stop as well, not sure what to expect. Lee was a little startled by his sudden halt, Gus slowly turned around, his face was unreadable but he seem calm, Gus stared directly at Lee, he looked like he was trying to say something but no words came out, he breathed in some air .
Eventually Gus formed a coherent sentence "I… I just want to say thank you", Lee wasn't sure what he was being thanked for but he accepted it but telling him "You don't have thank me Gus".
Gus was facing internal conflict, looking down, then back at Lee and after a bit of solid thinking he responded "No I do, I mean I know it wasn't your decision to go into my friend's room but I-I understand why you and Kenny were suspicious about me, I mean you had the safety of these kids to think about".
Lee shook his head, agreeing that he had to be a parent figure for Clementine now; keeping her safe was now his duty, his main priority, his job. Gus was slightly nervous, Lee being a stranger to him and all, made it harder for him to speak confidently but he trusted the man, why? 'He seems OK' he pushed his concerns aside and added "I'm guess I'm trying to say that I don't hold any ill will against you guys, I just wanted you to know that".
Lee appreciated Gus's understanding of what happened earlier, considering the kid's honest and welcoming nature, he wished they trusted him from the get go, anyone that sticks there neck for someone they don't know, risking his life like he did, is someone Lee could trust, 'hopefully Kenny sees it that way' he thought.
"I'm glad to hear that, and I'm sorry for the pain we caused" Lee replied with a sympathetic edge in his voice, Gus just smiled, a look of hope surfaced in his eyes, he gave Lee an appreciating nod, before they continued down the road on their way back to the Motor Inn, a safe haven as far as they were concerned.
Once they returned to the Motor Inn, Doug and Kenny opened the gate, Gus glanced at Kenny as he entered, bearing a look of regret, Gus forgives Kenny, he had his reasons, he gave Kenny a slight nod and whispered to the man "We're cool".
Gus walked to the RV, Carley sitting on a lawn chair with a rifle on her lap, he looked up at the reporter and questioned "Anything unusual while we were" she shook her side to side and responded "Nope, nothing" Gus gave an understanding nod as he replied "Good, good job" she formed a small smile but she was simply putting on a brave face for the kid's sake.
Lee had stopped next to Kenny when he entered; they both closed the gate behind him. Once the gate was closed Lee looked to Kenny who was simply staring into space, Lee knew he was going to say something so he waited patiently for his friend to speak.
"So uh how'd it go" Kenny suddenly questioned, Lee could tell from his facial expression that he was still holding guilt regarding what happened to Shawn and more recently hurting Gus but Lee complied to his question "I don't know, he was quiet… he says he's OK, I'm not sure".
Lee could hear the doubt in his own voice, Gus was in a poor state at the moment, and Kenny shook his head, understanding Lee's uncertainty and he hesitated for a second before making a response to Lee's statement "We'll keep him in check, make sure he ain't do something stupid". Kenny wasn't talking about distrust for Gus but a concern that Gus might do something permanent, Lee agreed "Yeah".
Kenny looked to the sky, Lee copied him, and they both noticed that it was within minutes away from nightfall, it was dark, and soon it'll be darker, the threat of 'walkers' would be far worse at night, Lee realised he did the right thing to leave Clementine's house while it was light out but now they might have to just deal with it and hope for the best, not a comforting thought but they had no other options.
"It's getting dark" Lee said to Kenny, who realised his concerns "Yeah fuck, this place's gotta have a backup generator or some shit in case the power goes out" Kenny retorted, obviously worried about his family's safety that and they'd be wide open if those 'fuckers' break through the wall or something.
Lee nod in agreement, and added "Yeah, you're right" about the generators, hotels usually have backup generators in case of a long term power outage. Lee and Kenny looked to see Gus heading toward them "Me and Katjaa are gonna make dinner if that's OK with you" the question was obviously directed at Kenny, Lee watched Kenny, who might've been slightly uneasy regarding the idea but he owed him and he has done right by them so far.
"Sure thing kid" Kenny replied giving him an approving nod and smile before Lee intervened "Hey Gus has this place got a backup generator?" Gus wasn't sure what Lee was getting at but responded "yeah, why?", Lee continued "It's getting dark, we need light so those things don't get in".
Gus understood now and he meant to do it sooner but now was fine "Don't worry I'll go get it up and running", Carley had climbed down from the RV to figure out what was the commotion all about. As she approached she heard Lee mention getting the Hotels lights on using a backup generator, that doesn't sound like a good idea.
Gus was just turning around when Carley's sudden appearance and voice caused him to immediately halt "Wait won't that make us a target for those ghouls?" she questioned, Lee and Kenny hadn't taken that into account but Carley had a point.
Gus understood her thinking but based on his knowledge and experience that wouldn't be the case "Nah Walkers detect using mainly smell and hearing, they can see light but it's nothing serious, they usually walk past, we've had none break in, so don't worry as long as someone's on watch… we're good".
Gus then left to get the generator up and running, Lee headed over to Clementine who was sitting down on a piled up plank of wood, Lee hadn't checked on her for a while and she's probably struggling enough as it was without her parents.
Clementine had her hand over her other hand, with a slight pained look bearing on her face, she was staring at the ground when Lee bent down in front of her and spoke with a smile "Hey Clementine".
Oddly enough to Lee, Clem didn't look at him and simply said "Hey" her voice was weak, she sounded sad which was enough to grab Lee's full concern, he analysed the possible causes of her sadness but there were numerous things that could be wrong, he asked in a soothing tone "Clem, what's wrong?".
Clementine looked at her hands before slowly taking her top hand of the bottom to reveal a bloody finger "I hurt my finger" she spoke with pain in her voice. Lee was instantly concerned hoping to God it wasn't a 'Walker's' bite, it didn't look like it "Let's have a look" he added softly, he began to inspect her finger covered with blood.
"Ow" Lee retorted, sympathetically as he caroused her finger gently "It hurts" she squeaked through her teeth "We just need to bandage it" he replied in a caring manner "Yes please" she softly added with a cute light smile, she was so sweet and cute at the same time Lee thought.
Lee remembered the ride to Hershel's farm with Shawn and Otis, he had checked the glove box and found a few randomly placed Band-Aids, Shawn said he could take one, good thing he did.
Lee held onto Clem's finger ever so gently while reaching into his pocket with the other, he pulled out the Band-Aid "Let's see if we can do something about that" he said, Clem shook her head and hummed "hmm mmm", as he wrapped the bandage around her finger he asked "How did this happen anyway Clem?" 'Great now I'm talking like Hershel' he thought humorously.
"When I sat here I got a splinter while resting my hand" she explained, Lee was glad she wasn't bitten he thought as he finished the bandaging of her finger "There we go" Lee spoke, Clem had a sweet gratified smile and she answered with a soft "Thank you".
Now that her finger was bandaged she was happy for it, and should heal in a day or two, he decided to check if she needed anything, he kept at knee high level and struggled to talk as mentioned that he hasn't spoken to many younger children other than a nephew or two down his family line.
"You uh need anything?" he asked with general concern for the little girl as she replied "No… Lee?" she asked sweetly which immediately pulled his interest, "Yeah?". Clem was slow to bring up what she wanted to say but eventually her soft words of concern and fear came out "What if my parents come home and I'm not there?".
Whenever Clementine brought up a topic on her parents, his heart would start to race, his fear was upsetting her and if he told her what he heard or that he had doubt, it might hurt her leading to uncertainties. Lee hated to lie to this sweet little girl, she was his moral compass, he needed to keep her happy, but lying was beyond him, he knew a lie when he heard one, some students would lie about not completing homework, that annoyed him, but now he had to lie to Clem so as not to upset her or make her lose hope.
"They'll uhh… track us down… don't worry" Lee explained nervously, pausing for a second to compose in between words, doing his best to stay positive and move on from this topic to avoid any negative comments that might slip out.
Clem shook her head slowly; a more positive Clem smiled as she said "Yeah, OK. We should keep a look-out. I've got my Walkie-Talkie in case they try that way". Lee had forgotten about the Walkie-Talkie strapped to his pants, but at least the Walkie should provide her with something reassuring, something as small as that should keep hope alive that her parents had a means of finding them.
Lee smiled, agreeing with her method and further explained "Stay close to me until then, OK?" she gave him a light nod, she had some obvious concerns about Lee based on how she first met him, seeing him in a wreck, getting inside Clem's home and killing her babysitter Sandra, who she liked a lot.
Clem had more than a few reasons to be cautious, she liked Lee but her parents always said never to trust strangers, but given the circumstances; no one at the Motor Inn had any connections prior to the apocalypse, except Kenny and his family, no one else had any familiar face with them.
Lee thought it was best to clarify this to Clementine; he gave her a partial look of concern and seriousness, trying to be as gentle and understanding as he could as he stated "I know I'm not your dad but if you need anything I'm your guy".
"OK, same" she happily responded, she trusted Lee in most cases, anyone else might have left her in her tree house, not Lee.
Lee made an attempt to tease the little girl "You're my guy?" he made a light chuckle in his voice as he spoke; Clementine was temporarily confused at Lee's tease "What? No I mean…" she paused but Lee understood what she was trying to say "We're gonna try to help each other" and Clem immediately jumped in with that statement "Yes, deal".
Suddenly the Motor Inn's sign lit up, eliminating the darkness that fell upon them, 'Gus must have got the generator working' Lee was thinking. The man stood up to gaze at his surroundings now that he could see better with the place lit up.
"Let there be fuckin light!" Lee heard Kenny say out loud from the front of the RV, still tinkering with engine or whatever parts were broken, he wished Kenny wouldn't curse so much it would set a bad example for the kids, Clementine mostly since Duck was probably older and familiar with his father's foul tongue language.
Gus suddenly appeared coming toward the RV, for the door, Katjaa was inside the RV probably preparing a meal for everyone and Gus was ready to assist. Gus looked at Lee and decided to walk to him "Well we have lights; the generator should last for a week or so".
Lee was glad to hear that, that meant they weren't completely vulnerable to Walkers at least at night in this case; Lee shook his head and formed a light smile and responded "At least those things can't sneak up on us now".
Gus agreed but to a point "Yep as long we got someone on watch at all times we should be good" he then turned his back on Lee, head aiming up to the top of the RV where Doug had planted himself on the lawn chair, the rifle was nowhere in sight, Lee hadn't noticed he was even on watch.
"Hey Doug can you see over the gate?" he asked, Doug did a quick double-check and responded in nerdy type fashion "Yes I have clear visuals beyond the gate, no decaying corpses in sight", Gus gave a light chuckle and added "Good". Gus then turned his attention back to Lee and explained "Well me and Katjaa will something cooked up in no time" Lee simply shook his head and watched as Gus retreated for the RV, he was sceptical regarding Gus's behaviour, was he bottling up his emotions? It seemed very likely but he decided it was best to let Gus deal with it in his own way.
Dinner consisted of cooked rice mixed with beans, capsicum, corn and carrot with heated canned spaghetti, no one spoke during their meal, too many thoughts rushing through their heads, too much to comprehend, let alone deal with it, some have suffered worse than others but regardless it was still hard to grasp for everyone whether it was Gus, Clementine, Kenny or even Lee.
Everyone has suffered some form of loss; Lee lost his wife, Clementine has missing friend, Gus has lost his best friend and his parents and most likely his brother and sister. Life seemed to have changed in the spam of one week, the dead have risen, walking the earth to eat whatever lived, the military was their only chance, Kenny was sure the military could make it so but until then they were day-to-day surviving.
Gus retreated to his room, room 7 straight after finishing his meal, stating that he needed some time alone to think, no one delayed him from doing so, they were all sympathetic of Gus's loss, he was still just a kid, probably 20-24 years of age.
Lee, Kenny, Carley and Doug had all agreed to watch duty, four hours for each person however Doug established that he'd commit to daytime watches due to lack of firearm expertise, not that it stopped Lee who has never held a gun but knew how they functioned. Kenny has shot ducks before, not that his son knew of this, thankfully, Carley had the most experiences of any one in the group, having to handle it during more 'in-depth' news reports, yes during a war or two, 'nothing fancy' she would say.
Carley agreed to take the first watch followed by Kenny then Lee "We're low on meat, we should do some hunting tomorrow" Gus had mentioned to the group before he left for his room, it was a good idea to keep at a stand-still level of food regardless of how well stocked they were.
Lee, Kenny, Carley and Doug agreed with the set times for watch duty, no one considered Gus for watch duty, he needed time to digest his emotions, unless he felt he was up to it.
Lee was taking a quick peep at his watch, according to his watch it was "8:47" he decided it was time for Clem to get a good night's rest, Kenny and Katjaa were in agreements as well that Duck needed sleep as well. Lee told Clementine it was time for bed, she didn't argue as she seemed tired from all that has happened today, "Room 9, 6, 5 and 4 have double beds" Gus's voice echoed in Lee's head, he figured it was best to sleep in the same room as her, so that she doesn't get scared or feel alone at night when she would need someone to watch over her.
Lee was just glad at the thought of sleeping in a nice warm comfy bed for a change, a sleeping bag or the beds in jail cells weren't very appealing or comfortable in the least. The hotel had very little amounts of clothing stashed inside the drawers of each room, mostly socks and some sweatshirts, no pyjamas, Clementine would have to sleep in the clothes she wore all day, most of them would have to, Kenny and his family were more prepared considering they had just come back from a visit to Katjaa's sister.
As they entered Room 9, Lee noticed light stained blood in the carpet 'something happened here' he thought to himself but Clementine hadn't noticed 'better that way' he believed.
Clementine didn't raise any complaints in fact she was surprisingly quiet as she climbed into the bed furthest from the door, there was a little side table next to the two beds, Clem took of her hat and placed it beside the bedside table as well as her Walkie-Talkie.
Once Clem was comfy, Lee gently pulled the blanket until it covered her from the neck down, Lee noticed an edgy look in the little girls eyes "Clem, what's wrong?". Clementine didn't respond immediately, she held the blanket with hands and looked around the darkened before her scared voice said "It's… its really dark, I don't like it".
Clementine was right, the room was pretty dark even with the Motor Inn sign shining a thin beam of light through the curtain of the window, luckily there was a night lamp sealed to the wall, between the two beds high enough for Lee to reach
"How's that?" Lee inquired, Clem gave him a quick nod and smile as he turned the nob on the lamp adjusting the level of brightness "That's better, thank you". Lee sat at a lounge chair that was in the very corner of back of the room beside Clementine's bed, holding his hands together as he smiled a friendly smile and asked "How's your finger?" wondering if it was feeling better.
Clem turned to her right to look at Lee, she smiled grateful for his care and replied "It's OK, thanks for fixing it" Lee didn't need to say anything he could see that she was happy to see him smile which was enough.
There was a brief silence; Lee had just drifted into a memory or a vision of sorts "What the hell is this?!" his own voice echoed, a white sheet flashed across his field of vision, a silhouette of a man, a woman and another man "Sweetie it's not what it looks like" a female voice echoed with panic evident in the woman's voice, crinkles began form in the white sheet. "I'll kill you motherfucker!" the first male voice cried as the silhouette lunged for the other male silhouette ending with something red that resembled blood poured over the white sheet "NNOOOOOO-".
"Lee, Leeee" Clementine repeated, a worrisome tone in her voice caused Lee to lightly jump at his name, startled only to realise it was Clementine who looked confused at how strange he was just then. Lee's eyes immediately focused on Clem, trying to avoid remembering whatever it was he just saw "What is it Clem?" he asked softly.
Clem arched an eyebrow, squinting her eye in confusion "Are you OK?" she asked sweetly, Lee didn't want to alarm anymore that he already has, providing a gentle nod as he fumbled to string a coherent sentence "Yeah I-I-I-I'm fine, I've just worried about Gus" he blurted the last part, Clem's eyes sloped at the mention of his name "He looks sad".
Lee confirmed her theory with a slow nod, "He's having a tough time, he's lost his family and friends-" Clementine suddenly interrupted "Like me?". Lee was shaken by her response, even if it was more than likely true, she needed to remain positive that her parents were safe and alive, Lee had to handle this gently, and she was just a little girl after all.
"No, I don't think so, but you have to believe it yourself Clem, they would want you to be strong, if not for them, but yourself, don't lose hope Clem, remember that" Lee explained, it was a lot to take in but he knew she was smart enough to get what he was trying to say.
Clementine knew that Lee was right, she wasn't about to give up hope, not yet, a bright smile revealed itself on Clementine's lips as spoke in her soft voice "I won't lose hope, I pinkie swear" holding out her pinkie for Lee, he got the message and gently locked his pinkie with hers "I'll be holding you to this" he chuckled and Clementine joined in shortly after.
Lee decided he should go outside and check on Carley, see how her watch was going, hoping to hear that there were no walkers or bandits or anything unusual, but he has yet to hear any shouting or gunfire so that was a good sign, so far.
Suddenly Clementine's voice paused his train of thought "Lee?" she asked in her typical sweet manner and Lee responded in his soft voice "Yeah?" Clem was sitting up in the bed looking straight at Lee, slightly nervous but curious of something important.
Clem hesitated temporarily; she had a slight quiver in her lip at the thought of what happened earlier when they first arrived in M-Ma-Macon? Yes and Gus was leading them to a safer place "There was that thing in the Alley. It tried to get me".
How could he forget, he had shown great courage and experience a strong level of anger that killed the state senator, to protect Clem "I Know" he shook his head, understandingly but failed to see what she was getting at.
"But you stopped it" she added, he smiled down at her and happily added "Yeah I did" he wouldn't let anything happen to her, she gave him a second chance at redemption, considering his committed sins that was all he could ask for, he isn't a bad guy.
"Can you do that more?" she asked, kill dead people? If he has to he would, but he wasn't keen on getting himself killed, he decided to joke about the fact "Well, I'm not gonna go looking for them" he smirked but Clem seemed to miss the funny bit, looking slightly perplexed as she explained herself better "I mean get the dangerous ones".
The 'dangerous ones' were no different from any other walking dead, it all depends on the person who becomes their feeding target, if you're not careful, you die, if you're reckless, you die, if you leave yourself vulnerable, you die.
Lee made it obvious that he wouldn't let himself, or Clementine, Kenny, Gus, Carley or anyone get bit "I'm going to try" Clem was glad to hear that, knowing Lee would do anything to keep her safe "Good" she smiled.
Outside the room, while Lee was getting Clementine prepared for bed, Gus was resting against the railing on the second floor, feeling the warm soothing wind on his face, it felt nice, relaxing even, Gus was just reflecting on the events that occurred that morning, his hand pressed up against his forehead, the memory slowly presenting itself.
Gus slowly opening the handle, a gloomy moan edging its way out into the senses, a foul but weak stench wisp through the tunnels that were nostrils, hand lifting, shielding from bacteria, a shadow falling into the room, a hunched friend, trembling. "Yoooouuuuuuu OOOOKKKKKKKKKKK?" the first friend ask, the hunch came to a turn, a familiar face, no longer, drips of blood, bloodshot soulless eyes, grey moulding flesh. A squint, a look of denial, a silent "No" the reincarnation targeted the one that could not comprehend it.
Resisting oneself from accepting this fate of a long-time friend, a storm of tears blurring what could not be reality, the menacing shadow slowly lumbering toward the snivelling soul, instincts force a sudden shove, only to shove it a second time, no longer could he bear it.
Reaching for his weapon of thundering doom, a final look into the non-human creature, a tear filled with immense regret and sadness, a finger forcing itself to condemn this demon shell, fire bursting from the tip of the weapon, a body, rotten and dead, falls, blood soaking the carpet, thundering heart beats, uneasy breathing, this broken soul, losing more than possible, an eruption of tears and cries "I'm sorry Tom, I'm so sorry this happened to you".
Gus used his sleeve to brush off the tears forming in his brown coloured eyes, mouth slightly quivering "Hey kid" a sudden voice scaring him, Gus looked; It was Kenny, sighing before he said "Hey" back.
Kenny had been meaning to apologise for earlier, it seemed like bad time he knew, but he needed to fix at least one thing today, the guilt was eating at him like piranha's eating flesh. Kenny rested his arms on the railing as he looked at Gus who finished wiping his eyes again, Kenny bit his lip and blurted "I'm sorry" Gus gave him a very emotionless expression and he gave him a very plain and calm response given the timing.
"Don't be, you had your reasons" Kenny wouldn't let Gus take his apology without knowing he truly meant it, Kenny tightened his grip on the railing as he pressed on with his apology "You saved my boy, and I trespassed on your business, I'm sorry".
Gus was quite awed by Kenny's sincere apology, seeing how real the guilt was hanging on him, Gus lightly shook his head, processing his apology but also considering his reason and his 'rock and a hard place situation before stating in a very understanding manner"You were looking out for your family, I… I respect that".
Gus smiled at Kenny, he returned with a relieved smile "but maybe you could do me a favour" Gus proposed whilst resting his elbows on the railing, Kenny was curious, eager and accept whatever his favour was, regardless "Name it kid" he spoke immediately.
Gus pointed at the RV and said "If you get that RV running, you could teach me how to drive it perhaps?" Kenny planted his hand across his forehead, a little annoyed by the favour "Duck will never let me hear the end of this… but deal".
Gus was pleased but not thrilled, not right now, he had too much to think about, despite accepting Kenny apology, he need some time to reflect, time to himself "That'd be great" he pretty much mumbled to himself.
Kenny heard him and understood that he wasn't in a good position at the moment, Kenny felt bad for the kid, losing his family and all, it made him appreciate the value of having his family alive and safe "So you gonna be OK?" he asked clearly concerned.
Gus tried to compose himself but in no manner did he bother; he was weak, he knew that, his best friend, it wasn't easy plus he hasn't had enough time to mourn his family, he needed that "I'm trying to be, but the pain doesn't go overnight I just… I just need time" Kenny simply shook his head, understanding as Gus stared at the hillbilly, before resuming staring into space. Kenny went to check on Katjaa and Duck, shortly after Gus decided to head to his room as well, to think.
Carley was standing up, on top of the RV, having relieved Doug of watch almost an hour ago, she was just sweeping her head from left to right making sure they were relatively safe from 'walkers' as Gus calls them, the rifle was leaning against the lawn chair, she felt she didn't need if there were no ghouls present to shoot.
Carley was just remembering what life was like a week ago, noisy, busy, enjoyable and most importantly safe, she barely made it through today, hell if it wasn't for Doug, Gus and Lee's group showing up to put out out the fire she would've got burned. It was now close to 9'o clock, the light breeze was refreshing as it blew through her hair, sending a satisfying tingle through her body, she was never a 'stop and smell the roses kind of gal' but this was actually enjoyable she thought.
Suddenly the RV shook as Lee appeared, climbing up the ladder to join Carley for an update on those walking ghouls, Carley looked at Lee with a hint of mysteriousness, as he pulled himself up he greeted her followed by his question "Hey Carley, you see anything?" he asked with a curious stare.
Carley felt the question was a little obvious or could be considered rhetorical, she placed her hands on her hip, sarcastically remarking while observing "Just a long stretch of road and beyond that is the woods, but no ghouls". Lee noticed the sarcasm but he feigned ignorance and took note of the important part of his question, responding "Good, hope it stays that way".
There was a momentary silence between the two, Carley looked around, checking to see if anyone else was up and about, most had retreated to their rooms, except for her and Lee obviously, she narrowed her eyes a bit as she turned to bear it at Lee who was keeping an eye on the road and their surroundings.
"I know who you are" Carley stated, looking straight at a startled Lee, 'she knows?' he wondered, what about? The state senator? That was the only plausible explanation, 'not surprising, she is a news reporter' he realised it made sense for her to know this, it is her job nevertheless he wasn't sure whether this was good or bad but given the latter it wasn't good.
"You're Lee Everett. You're a Professor at Athens who killed a State Senator who was sleeping with your wife. That drugstore was owned by your parents; folks around town know the owner's son got himself a life sentence, but I'm a reporter for WABE in Atlanta". As Carley explained her immense knowledge of the trial, he didn't like where this was going, he crossed his arms as she continued.
"I paid attention to that trial. Maybe you're a murderer. But I don't really care. Frankly that's a skill that might come in handy" he wasn't pleased with that statement, he had no intentions of killing anyone, what he did was wrong and he regrets killing the state senator, not because he was on his way to prison only yesterday, he hurt his wife, lost his job and if his parents were still alive now, their love.
"Hmmph" he scoffed, before Carley went on to press more uncomfortable question and accusations, he was already convicted, now a news reporter was trying to get the scoop of a lifetime, it seems, not that it may matter.
"Have you told anyone here who you were? Or that you were tied to the drugstore?" why would he? He stood a better chance of keeping Clementine safe in a group, plus Kenny would probably distrust him if he told him.
Lee wanted to tell her to mind her own business but that would surely create some tension in their developing friendship, plus he was sick of lying, or keeping secrets, he hated both of these things. Despite her knowledge of his criminal acts, she seemed trustworthy, and making enemies wasn't something he felt was necessary.
Lee decided to give her a straight honest answer "No I've been sticking to first name for a reason". Carley gave him a concentrated look, observing how he spoke, before realising "You seem like an OK guy and the last thing we need is drama around here. You've got this little girl to take care of, and… look, don't make me wrong on this".
Lee quickly replied his was not his intentions "I don't plan to" before Carley immediately added "Good. Because if this lasts longer than a few days, and you're a detriment to the group then we have a problem" that sounded almost like a threat "I hear you" he replied, slightly annoyed by Carley acting rather hostile given how nice and accepting she's been to him so far, but he understood her doubts.
Carley was making a quick last confirmation with herself before stating "I'll just keep it to myself" he may not know much about her but she seemed to be trustworthy, and he appreciated her understanding and keeping his past a secret from the others "Thanks" he softly replied, with a gratified smile.
Carley had a slight blush; she looked away, noticing Kenny leaving Room 6, the room he and Katjaa chose for themselves and Duck. Carley looked at Lee with a smile, appreciating his trust in her "Don't worry about it" she softly replied before splitting apart to avoid a snive comment from Kenny or suspicion.
Gus suddenly emerged from his room, carrying a box into the RV, most likely more supplies, no questioned him, Kenny was just about to climb up the ladder of the RV when suddenly the sound of a helicopter came into earshot.
A Helicopter, a military helicopter most likely, Gus came outside the RV, not sure what it was at first but now it was obvious, Doug suddenly emerged from his bedroom, room 3. They all gathered to the RV, Kenny climbed up and valiant assertion "I hope that's the sound of us winning this thing" finishing with a small fist pump.
"Yeah I'm sure it is" he stated with a positive smile looking at everyone else who looked quite hopeful, help was coming, Doug's IT intellectual side formed through his opinion of the situation "They'll contain this plague and every decaying body will be removed, I hope" everyone shook their heads, agreeing and hoping they would be alright.
Gus enlightened them with a most likely scenario "It'll be a few days, maybe a week or two but I actually have hope" he surprisingly smiled, much to everyone's dismay but Carley agreed "I agree, I think it's all going to work out".
Everyone continued to look up at the night sky, the humming of the helicopter became faint, Kenny then pointed out the positive position they were in "This Motor Inn's pretty damn defendable" giving Gus an approving nod "We got food, we got cars and most importantly we got light… and each other, there are worse places to call home", no-one could argue with that, it was the truth.
"Everything will work out" Carley added for good measure and Lee agreed with everything that's been said; they would be saved, they were safe until then and they had hope, he gazed up, smiling at these predictions "I think you guys are right, everything is going to work out, we have each other, we'll get through this".
The world is withering away, like a dying plant, a dying form of life, the world has hope? Or is it starting to wither away and die, Survivors fighting to preserve it or potentially destroy it or is it the future that tells us "The weak will inherit the world" we have to clear.
On the next episode of AMC the Walking dead
AAAHHHHHHHHH
Gus "I found this" photo of Lee's family "I thought you should keep it"
Clementine "You said they'd find us"
Kenny "You do what ya been doing Lee, for some random guy who's never had kids of his own, ya good at the whole parent thing"
Ben "My names Ben, Ben Paul"
Gus "You're not suggesting we leave him out there to die?"
Kenny "WALKERS"
Lee "CDC?"
Kenny "Right, the Centre for Disease Control, their probably sitting on their asses, with the doors sealed shut"
Carley "the CDC is our only hope right now"
Lee "Why'd you help us out back there?"
Gus "Maybe if I was ever in a situation like that; Someone might spare a bullet or two for me, naïve right?"
Lee "What are you messing around with there?"
Carley "A Radio, I can't get it to work though"
Voice on the radio "Broadcasting on Emergency Channel, Police will be approaching Atlanta on Highway 85, Anybody read? Please respond"
Kenny "What the fuck?"
"Please no more…uh please, no more no no please aaahhh hoo hoooooo aaahhhhhhhh"
Please review and if you have some suggestions for the story, fill free to, and just a heads up, I am a slow writer and I try to give a spotlight to each character so I will not update reguarely, but I'll try. Now if ya'll excuse me I'm got episode 2 in the works, that and season 1 of the show to watch again x 4, I love it. FYI Telltale has announced season 2 of the Walking Dead; you play as Clementine, awesome but I am cautious, farewell zombie fans