Putting your trust in a stranger…

10 years earlier….

Two pick-up trucks pulled up into the empty parking lot of a huge warehouse. Once the trucks were parked and the ignition was turned off, the doors opened and people began to come out. There were ten people, a group of six men and four women. They were armed and looked around cautiously. Six years had passed since the unexplained outbreak that claimed so many lives and also resulted in the same dead people to stand up and consume the living.

Rick was one of the people that came out of the trucks. He was nineteen and was accompanying his father. They had settled in a secluded location away from the mayhem, but needed supplies. Rick and his father wanted to be part of the group, because they were desperate to find medicine for Brett, Rick's younger brother. It was a severe case of the flu that claimed many lives including Rick's mother. Rick and his father wanted to make sure that Brett did not meet his demise as well.

Rick's father walked up to Rick and placed a caring hand on his shoulder. "Son, you okay?"

Rick looked at his father and saw the concern in his eyes that squinted with the brightness of the Georgia son. Rick was some inches taller than his father and stronger than him. Rick looked at the man that appeared to have aged drastically in a few years, perhaps due to all the unexpected changes, especially the loss of his wife. Despite having a better physical advantage than his father, he still looked up to him and listened to what he had to say.

Rick nodded and gave his father a small smile. They did not like to venture away from the settlement that was safe. They knew that the undead were lurking and ready to leap on the living at any opportunity. They also knew that they must likewise fear the living.

"Son, we do not know what we're gonna find out here…Keep your weapon ready… But only pull the trigger if needed." Rick's father said as he pulled his colt from the holster and checked the bullets. Rick mimicked his father's behavior. The other people followed suit and removed their sacks from the bed of the trucks. Rick's father was the local sheriff in their town before the outbreak. He was also a natural born leader and people tended to follow him instinctively.

"So, we just want to go in quick and get what is needed and get out." Rick's father looked at the people who were attentive to every word. They were of different ages and races. The youngest in the group was Rick and his close friend Shane.

Rick's father dispersed the people in twos. Rick wanted to explore with Shane, but his father insisted that Rick stayed with him as Shane accompanied another older adult. Rick was very calm and always very thoughtful about acting, but Shane was more impulsive and they were far from their familiar elements.

They entered the warehouse and looked around. Much of what was housed in the twelve thousand square feet plus facility was already scavenged, but that didn't deter Rick and his people on their quest. The smell of dirty water and walker flesh hit his nose, causing him to feel slightly nauseated. His father insisted that they continued although Connor and Shemp, two men in their mid-forties, felt that the exploration was a bust and wanted to head back to the settlement.

"Listen, we did not come out this far for nothing. We need to get medicine and whatever else we can find that will help our people!" Mr. Grimes bellowed.

"There's nothing out here!...You're insisting on something that's gonna get us all killed!" Shemp countered. Shemp turned to walk away and Connor followed.

"Yeah, it's not enough that he let his wife die; now he wants us to do the same for a lost cause." Shemp mocked as he walked side by side with Conner. Shemp abruptly stopped when he heard the clicking of a revolver behind him.

"What did you say?" Mr. Grimes growled through gritted teeth. Shemp slowly turned around to face Mr. Grimes' colt and an angry look right behind the weapon. Shemp raised his hands and shook his head as he plead with the man not to shoot.

"Dad!...Don't!" Rick ran next to his father and placed his hand on his shoulder. "Remember what you always say…We don't kill the livin'" Rick slowly placed his hand on his father's hand that held the gun and lowered it.

"Right…we don't." Mr. Grimes sighed deeply and holstered his weapon. He looked at the other people that stopped what they were doing to watch the display between the men. "We have thirty minutes to find what we can and go…now move out!" Mr. Grimes walked up to Shemp. "You can help and look or you can go back to the truck. I actually don't give two shits what you do but…don't you ever mention my wife or family again. Is that clear?" Shemp nodded quickly as he looked down. Mr. Grimes was a very gentle and fair man, but he also had another side to him. He was also very protective of the people he loved and his intimidating stare was a vivid warning not to cross him or his loved ones. Mr. Grimes walked away to check a portion of the warehouse before heading back. Connor and Shemp walked back out to the truck.

XXXXXXXXXXX

They were driving back without much. The worst thing was that there was no medicine at all. As they were driving back, two trucks caught flats and the day was getting darker. They were driving off the main roads trying to avoid scavengers and other dangerous people that might try to hurt them. They stopped the trucks in the woods for repair. Mr. Grimes wanted to get them back as soon as possible, but it was too late and he knew they needed rest. They set up camp and took shifts watching for danger as some ate and slept. Rick and Shane were given one of the later shifts as Rick insisted that his father rested noticing that he desperately needed it.

Rick looked up at the stars and loved how dark, quiet and beautiful it was. During such a chaotic moment it was all so soothing. He closed his eyes and listened to the sound of the crickets chirping. His mind was finally able to wander freely without the sound of walkers filling his ears.

"Hey…ya dad okay?" Shane interrupted the silence as he walked up to Rick with his weapon hanging on a strap across his chest.

"Yeah…He's been through a lot with mom, now Brett." Rick replied with a slight shrug of his shoulders. He knew his father was strong, but he worried for him.

"Yeah, but those assholes had no damn right sayin' what they did…I wanted to shoot them myself. Ms. Grimes was like a mother to me too."

"Believe me brother, I wanted to kick their asses, but dad's right. We can't go killin' off the livin'. There's more of them than us and we need to conserve what we got. "

Shane shrugged his shoulders. He understood what Rick and his father were saying, but he didn't want to allow abuse either. They stood in silence until a growling sound ended it. It wasn't a walker or an animal in the woods. It was Shane's stomach. He had not eaten in a while and his stomach was begging for some attention.

"Wow! That was loud…Talk about waking the dead!" Rick laughed. Shane had no choice but to laugh with him. "Go get somethin' to quiet that monster inside you."

"Nah man…I can't leave you alone on watch." Shane did not want to budge from his post.

"Listen, I'm okay. Just get something to eat quick and then come back…Oh while ya at it, bring me something before I start soundin' just as sad." Rick looked out for Shane like if he was a brother and Shane did the same for him. Shane did not want to leave, but his hunger was to over powering. He ran the direction towards the area where the can goods were opened and being served.

Rick continued to enjoy the cool air and the quiet night. Despite living in a zombie apocalypse, the night was serene and peaceful. Another soft breeze past through. It was so pleasant that Rick closed his eyes for a second, but they were quickly opened when he heard something move deep within the woods. He had his rifle to the side but quickly brought it up and pointed towards the noise. He looked to the camp, but turned when he heard the noise again. He knew that he should summon the others, but he thought that perhaps it was a slow walker or an animal. He walked into the woods to investigate. He took slow gentle steps as he walked deeper into the woods and away from the camp. He kept his rifle aimed and followed the noise. He noticed that as he walked the noise changed to running water. He didn't know how much he had walked, but had found a creek past the trees. He knelt and touched the water that was cool. He rose to his feet in a second when he heard another noise. He hid between trees with his weapon raised. His eyes grew wide as he lowered his weapon. At the end of the creek stood a girl around sixteen in age, thin build, dark brown skin, long dread locks and what appeared to be a sword across her back. She knelt down and cupped water with her hand and then poured it on the back of her neck. She proceeded to do the same but then poured some on her face. Rick looked at the display and tilted his head.

"Who is she?...What is she doing out here alone?" Rick thought to himself. He didn't know if he should approach her or go back and tell the others or just stare. She turned her head slightly towards his direction and he moved in deeper between the trees that concealed him. She was just getting another angle of her neck to wash. He was able to get a better view of her face. He could see her dark brown eyes and her long eye lashes. He could see her luscious full lips. He swallowed deeply and smiled.

"Wow!" He whispered softly.

She took what appeared to be a piece of cloth and drenched it with the water. She squeezed the excess water and placed it to her side. She bent over and swung her dreads forward to prevent water from dripping onto her top. Rick let go a deep sigh, fascinated by the amazing view of the mysterious woman's backside. She reached under the hem of her tank top and removed it. Underneath was a pink bra.

"Whaaaaat?" Rick thought to himself. He started to think that he was dreaming. The past six years felt like a nightmare, but now he thought he was finally having the best dream ever. He felt sweat beginning to form on his forehead. He could also feel his jeans getting tighter. He could see her pick up the piece of cloth and rub it against her bare skin. Her eyes were closed and her head was tilt back. Rick let go a deep sigh. He closed his eyes and shook his head. Although, he enjoyed the display, he didn't want to keep looking at her from far without her knowledge. "My father taught me to be a man." Rick told himself. He was about to walk up to her.

"Rick!...Rick… ya out there?" It was Shane shouting from far. Rick turned towards the voice and then turned his head at where the mysterious girl was, near the creek. She was gone. He ran to where he saw her, but did not find a trace of her existence.

"Dammit!" Rick kicked some rocks on the ground, shook his head. After taking a deep breath he shook his head again and walked into the woods.

Rick felt something blocking his legs causing him to fall to the ground. He almost fell face first, but put his hand in front of him. He quickly turned and someone was hovering over him. He tried to reach for his rifle but the person held his left hand down with her left foot and out stretched firm leg. He tried to move, but cool steel was across his throat and she slowly leaned in close. He stopped fussing and looked into her deep brown eyes.

"Did you enjoy the view?" She stated and Rick swallowed hard.

Rick could not move and decided not to struggle to much as he felt the cool steal against his skin on the side of his neck. Despite his predicament he could not ignore how close she was and how pleasing she was to behold. Her look was determined, serious and deadly but still very alluring and sensual. There was even a slight hint of mint coming from her that was soothing to his senses. He wanted to say something but despite being attracted to her he was also scared to open his mouth. Water dripped down from her dreads onto his shirt. This was the only close contact he ever had with a woman.

"Rick!...Brother, you out here?!" Shane shouted. His words became clearer as his steps got closer. Rick's eyes rolled up searching the voice as the rest of his body stated in the same position. His vision once again fell upon the mysterious girl.

"I…wasn't goin' to hurt you." He felt the sword press a little more and felt a slight pinch.

"Then why were you out here?" She inquired in a very low tone, almost a whisper.

"My people and I need supplies…We need medicine. My brother is very sick… I didn't mean to stare. I'm sorry." Rick didn't want to make any sudden movements that may prompt the girl to feel threatened and subsequently shorten his life.

"Medicine?" She asked. Suddenly Rick felt some distance between his skin and the sword.

"Yes…My dad, me and some people from my settlement needs medicine… My brother is very sick. We lost my mom… We can't lose him too." The girl looked into Rick's eyes and saw it become glassy as he mentioned his mother. She removed her foot from his hand and slowly moved off him. Rick sat up cautiously and rubbed his wrist. He heard a much closer Shane call out to him again. Rick looked towards the direction of his friend's calls then turned his head to look at the girl.

"Don't worry, he's just my…." She was gone before he fully turned to face her again. He stood up to look around.

"Rick! Man, I was worried sick! What happened?" Shane placed a caring hand on Rick's shoulder.

"I…I saw a…" Rick stammered. He could not put into words what just happened. Shane saw his rifle on the ground and picked it up and handed it back to its owner.

"What's that on your neck?" Shane pointed at a think cut on his neck. "Got cut by a branch or something?"

"A cut?" Rick touched the area. There was a quick sting once he passed his fingers over it. "No… it was a girl.

"A girl?... Out here? Alone?" Shane looked around in the darkness and then looked at his friend and laughed. "No girl will be out here in the middle of the night alone." Shane chuckled and shook his head.

"Shane, she ain't like any girl I ever seen… There's just somethin' about her and she's so…beautiful." Rick couldn't help a small smirk leave his lips.

"Ya know what I see?... I see a friend in need of a girl, like quick. You probably think ya saw somethin' and it's just that ya hormones are playin' tricks on ya. Besides, we have to head back. We shouldn't be this far out here ourselves. Let's head back … I think, when we get back home you should try to talk to McMillan's daughter…What's her name?... Oh yeah, Lori. She's cute."

Rick took a deep breath, shook his head and pinched the bridge of his nose. He nodded to himself and tilted his head. "Yeah brother, you're right… let's head back before dad can't fine us and start to worry." He knew that Shane would not believe the erotic experience he just had.

Shane nodded and started on his way back with his weapon drawn. Rick took a few minutes to look around. He knew he was not making things up and he knew he wasn't dreaming, although she could have perfectly fit in one. He wished that he could see her again and most importantly prove to his friend that she existed, but he figured her quickness to flee stated she did not want to be seen by others. He took a few steps towards their camp when he stepped on something. When he looked at his feet he saw what appeared to be a small piece of cloth. He picked it up and as he examined it, it gave a slight hint of mint. It was the cloth the mysterious girl used to bathe with. He smiled and tucked in his pocket and went on his way. Little did he know, she was watching everything from the tree above him. She crouched down, concealed within the branches and watched as he left.

XXXXXXXXX

"Rick!...You can't believe this buddy!" Shane shook Rick from his slumber as he laid in one of the trucks.

"What the hell?" Rick's arms were waving around as he tried to focus on his friend.

"There's some kind of Urgent Care Clinic not too far from here. We're goin' to go check it out!" Shane stated with wide eyes and with an even wider grin.

"But how do we know it exists?" Rick questioned as he got out of the truck to follow his friend.

"Your dad found a map. Funny thing is, the map was not there yesterday, or at least it was too dark to tell that it was there. He found it early this morning close to one of the trucks…Rick, this is the best damn news we got in a long time!"

Rick followed his friends to where his father and the others were waiting to plan how they were going to retrieve whatever they could and get out. Mr. Grimes warned everyone to keep an eye out for anything. The appearance of a map was a much needed discovery, but it was still a very unnerving one. Mr. Grimes and his community were very desperate for any medicine, even if that meant potentially getting into a trap. Mr. Grimes' plan was ready and accepted by most. Rick was not happy that his father wanted him, Shane and a few others as look outs and basically away from any harm. Rick wanted to be by his father's side at all times, but his father's orders were final.

They reached the clinic which was one mile away from their camp site. They checked the perimeter. Rick, Shane and three more were left out as look outs as Mr. Grimes and the others proceeded inside. There were no threats by the living and just a few walkers that were dispatched quickly. One of the people inside the clinic was a Physician Assistant named Emma and she helped choosing what was needed back at their settlement. The run appeared to be a success and most importantly there were no casualties.

On their way back to the camp site, Rick noticed something shinning in an abandoned car. When he approached it, he saw a golden necklace with a cross attached to it. It was hanging from the rearview mirror. He took it and held it in his hand. There was a small diamond in the middle of the cross. Seeing the way the sunlight hit the diamond and the smooth feel of the necklace reminded Rick of someone he lost, but it also felt like a sign of hope.

"What ya got there kid?... Ya gonna start prayin' now or somethin'?" Shemp laughed and shook his head.

"Pray?...I still do on occasion, but don't know if it's gettin' heard… But my momma always did, right til the end. I'm gonna put this on her tombstone." Rick put the necklace in his pocket.

"Let's trade… I got some things on our run and we can…"

"We ain't tradin' shit Shemp!" Mr. Grimes yelled from far interrupting Shemp's attempts to negotiate with the minor Grimes. "We bring everything back to our people and disperse evenly. That is what we decided when we left and that is what we are gonna do when we return."

Rick shrugged his shoulders and continued to walk with the others. Shemp stood back and stared at the young man and took a deep breath as he held his rifle in a tight clutch.

XXXXXXXXX

It was the final night. The people were settled in the camp and all the items retrieved in the run were all packed and placed inside the beds of the trucks. Rick had a plate of food which consists of can beans, corn, beef jerky and bread. He looked off into the woods. There were laughter and different conversations going on, but all he could think about was the stranger in the woods. Rick stood up and walked towards the woods. Shemp watched from where he sat only a few feet away.

As Rick walked and advanced into the woods the voices and laughed began to sound further way. He found himself near the creek and looked around.

"Hey…Are you out here?..." Rick spoke out, but he knew he could not yell. He did not want to alert unwelcomed guests. He looked at the creek and shook his head and sighed softly and turned with his head down.

"Yes, I am." Said the girl, who stood right before him with a simple stare and a slight tilt of her head. Rick stood with wide eyes as she looked even more astonishing as she did the first time they met.

"Hi…Um..." Rick did not know what to say. He looked around and noticed that he still held his plate of untouched food. He lifted the plate and offered it. "Um… would you like some?...It's not touched or anything.'"

She looked at the plate and then at him and shook her head. "You were looking for me, right?" She asked as she stared into his eyes.

"Yes." Rick smiled. "You just left and didn't say anythin'…Oh, you dropped this." Rick reached into his back pocket and pulled out her clothe. She slowly reached for it and took it from him. He gave her a warm smile and despite wanting to stay stoic, she returned his gesture with a smile of her own.

Rick nodded and couldn't stop smiling. He found her scowl to be intriguing, but her smile literally made his heart skip. "I'm Rick by the way."

"I know. I heard the other guy call your name a few times." The girl stated.

"Why are you here?... I mean out here like this? Alone?" Rick stood with one hand in his pocket and the other holding the plate.

"Who says I'm alone?" She looked around. She kept a distance of three feet from Rick. "I got to go." She turned to leave.

"Wait!" Rick took a couple of cautious steps towards her. She turned to face him again. "Was it your name?" The girl did not answer. "Did you leave the map in our camp?"

"Did you get what you needed?" She asked.

"We got a lot of stuff, actually. Thank you very much!" Rick smiled and nodded. He shifted his weight from one leg to the other nervously trying to adjust his stance. It has always been difficult for him to speak to girls and this stranger was making it even more challenging but worth it.

She looked down slightly, then back up at him and nodded with a smile. "Well, I thank you for returning this to me… it was given to me by someone special, so it means a lot to me."

Rick nodded as well and smiled. "You sure you ain't hungry? We got plenty and my people are good people."

"I'm fine and I have to go." She was about to leave but stopped to address him. "A word of advice?... Always keep your weapon ready when you're out here okay?"

"Yeah, I get it. Not all strangers are like you. It's not easy putting your trust in a stranger." Rick retorted.

"No Rick…" She looked him straight in his eyes. "Don't put your trust in anyone…but yourself when you're out here."

"I get it." He retorted. As she turned to leave. "Say…will I see you again?" Rick asked and held a small breath as he waited for a response. She smiled and felt herself holding a small breath of her own.

*Crunch!...Crunch!* Rick turned to look behind him after hearing crunching of dried leaves under someone's feet. The walk did not sound clumsy so he immediately thought it could not be a walker it must be Shane.

"It's okay. It's my friend…" He turned towards the mysterious girl, but she was gone once again.

"Dammit! Not again!" He kicked some dirt on the ground and then decided to walk towards the sound. "Shane, I'm okay…."

"I'm not Shane." It was Shemp and he was accompanied by Connor.

"Listen kid; just give him what he wants." Connor pleaded.

"What? You mean what I found? I ain't give you shit Shemp." Rick tried to walk past the two men when he felt a sharp pain on the side of his face. The pain was followed by another one. He went for his side gun, but Connor was quicker and took it out of his holster. Rick was disoriented with the two blows he received, couldn't fight Connor. Once Rick hit the ground face forward, he turned to see that he was hit with the handle of Shemp's rifle. Rick could feel blood on his right temple.

"Give it to me you little piece of shit!" Shemp demanded through gnashed teeth. Rick looked Shemp in his eyes and didn't show any fear.

"Just do it kid!" Connor insisted. "Or he'll kill ya."

"He kills me and my father will hunt him down like the sad excuse that he is."

Shemp pointed his rifle at Rick's head. Connor took out his gun and did the same, but unlike Shemp, Connor's hand was shaking.

"Shemp…We can't just kill the kid." Connor looked over at his friend with pleading eyes.

"Yeah…I suppose." Shemp removed the point of the rifle from Rick's head. He looked at him. "You are one cocky little son of a bitch ain't ya?" He laughed and then in an instant turned the rifle around and with one swift blow rendered Rick unconscious on the ground. He reached in Rick's pocket and took the necklace. "Yeah, we ain't killin' the kid, we just leave him here and somethin' will eat him." Shemp walked away with his rifle on his shoulder and admired the necklace in his left hand. Connor looked at the helpless Rick, but followed his friend.

As both men continued to walk quietly through the woods Conner heard the sound of bending tree branches, along with a strong scent of mint that stung his nose. He thought guilt was playing tricks on him so he ignored it. They took a few steps away when someone stood in front of them.

"Whoa!... Are my eyes deceiving me?... Shit! I think it must be my lucky day." Shemp looked up and down at the person that stood in front of him. It was the mysterious girl in the woods.

She looked at the two men. She looked behind them and could see Rick lying on the ground. She took a deep breath, slowly removed her sword from the sheathe and narrowed her eyes.

Shemp looked at Connor and then aimed his gun as Connor did the same. The girl moved quickly in the night. She was lost in the woods.

"Where the hell is she?" Shemp moved around trying to find her. Connor was next to him. "Connor do you see somethin'?..."

"Ahhhhh!" A long piece of steal came out of Connor's chest. He lost the hold of his gun. He tried to reach for Shemp who moved away from him and started to run.

Shemp ran through the trees. He didn't know which direction to go. His heart was beating fast. He pointed his rifle towards his left, then his right. He turned completely around. "I'll kill ya you hear?...Just leave me the hell alone….Aaaaahhhh!"

Metal pierced through his back and came out through his chest. He dropped his weapon. Blood began to spill out his mouth and nose. He fell to his knees. She walked closely behind him and put her mouth close to his ear. "Today was not your lucky day." She moved back and kicked him off her sword. After cleaning the remaining blood off her sword with the flick of her wrist she patted down the victim's body to find anything useful. Digging into his pockets she pulled out a necklace with a cross on it; realizing the jewelry belonged to Rick. She quietly rushed over to the pond to clean off the blood from the necklace. Kneeling down to an unconscious Rick the mysterious woman placed the necklace in his hand and closed his fist.

XXXXXXXXXXXXX

*Vroooooooommm!"

Rick opened his eyes and sat up. He was in one of the trucks. A sharp pain on his head made him reach for his temple and felt something covering a small area. He looked in the rearview mirror and saw that he had a wound that was tended to and patched up. He had a slight headache, but decided to open the car door and walk out. He looked around and saw his people getting ready to leave.

"You okay now son?" Rick turned to the sound of his father's voice.

"Huh?... I'm here? What happened?" Rick was puzzled. His last memory was his altercation with Shemp in the woods.

"You tell me… It looks like you had a bad fall here in camp."

"Here?...You found me here?"

"Yeah, right there next to the trees, not too far. It looks like you bumped your head. So Emma patched you up and we put you in here for a while. You had me scared."

"I didn't bump my head. It was Shemp. He did it to take my necklace. The one I found for mom…"

"Your necklace?...You mean this?" Mr. Grimes reached into his pocket and took out the necklace and gave it to Rick.

"Dad, where did you find it?"

"You had it when we found you. It was in your hand. I didn't want you to lose it since you were out cold, so I held it for you…So that asshole Shemp hit you?"

Rick nodded without looking at his father and just stared at the necklace.

"We haven't seen him or Connor since yesterday. And we ain't waiting for them anymore. You need to get better rest and we all need to go. So just stay in the truck. I'll be back in a few minutes and then we are pulling out."

Rick sat back in the truck. He looked out into the woods. "Was it you?...Did you do this?... What is your name?"

The trucks rolled out one after the other. The girl looked from a hill top as they all left. She stood with rope in her hands. The rope was tide to an arm and jawless Shemp and Connor. They were connected to the rope by their necks. Other walkers walked by and ignore the girl as she stood and watched.

"Bye Rick." She whispered.

She walked into the woods with her pets. She reached a small camp site where she tied the pets to a tree. She sat on a log and another girl sat next to her and handed her a pear.

"So Michonne, any new adventures?... Started anything new?" Asked the girl.

"Well Andrea…It ended before it started." Michonne took a bite of the pear and sighed deeply. She felt confused knowing this was the first person she didn't kill. But at the same time couldn't figure out what drove her to meet Rick at the creek for a second time, or why she chose to help him get supplies. How can she want to help a man she's never met before? Thinking about his glassy blue eyes made her feel a certain type of way. A certain kind of way she never felt before. She kept her head down to prevent Andrea from seeing the small smile on her face. She would have to move on from this feeling eventually but wanted to enjoy it for now.

_0_

Much more to come!

Thanks for reading!