meanstreak
rick grimes 𝘹 fem!𝘰𝘤
© WANDARYEN ──── 2024

I carefully got up from the ground and searched for my jeans — putting them back on with haste before shrugging on my tank top.

My boots laid waste beside my weapons and I quickly scooped them up, not waiting to put them on while Rick laid there asleep. I wasn't even entirely sure if he was asleep — but I couldn't look at him.

The guilt weighing on my chest was beginning to suffocate me.

I needed to get out of this tower.

Once I stepped out onto the perch and carefully shut the door behind myself — I slipped on my boots and quickly tied two strong knots with the laces.

Idiot. Idiot.

Once the feeling of bliss wore off — realization quickly settled in, just like I knew it would and I was vastly regretting it the longer it dawned on me what I had just done.

I jogged up towards the prison while anxiously tossing my short hair into a low ponytail.

When I swung the first door open, I was immediately greeted by four people sitting at one of the cafeteria tables in silence. My gaze lingered on them briefly, "hello?" I waved awkwardly then quickly shuffled towards the cell block that separated me from my bed.

Carl came into view, juggling the keys in his hands. My fingers wrapped around the bars as I nodded once towards the random group of people behind. "Who are they?"

"They came in from the back of the prison." He opened the cell door, allowing me to pass by before quickly locking it behind us.

"Where have you been?" Glenn was suddenly standing in front of me — holding my arm and guiding me towards the cells. "We've been waiting for you and Rick — "

I wiped my hands against my jeans — anxiety beginning to cloud my system while I avoided my friend's gaze. "I fell asleep. Broke down while talking with him and ended up passing out from exhaustion."

Glenn remained silent for a moment before nodding his head. "Okay."

Beth emerged from one of the cells while rocking the baby in her arms. It was one of the situations I managed to forget within an hour and guilt ruptured my heart like a title wave.

I nervously shuffled closer towards my sister, peering down at the small child but immediately noticing the stark resemblance between her and Lori.

The cell door opened and closed with haste behind us. I briefly looked over my shoulder and saw Rick entering our cell block.

Beth turned to him with nothing but smiles and I anxiously stepped backwards to put distance between him and I. He didn't say anything to acknowledge what happened earlier — thankfully.

"Her name is Judith." Rick carefully took the child in his arms while the rest of the group surrounded him.

I took the opportunity to slip into my private cell. Pushing the curtain back and abruptly stopping with realization that it was only me. T-Dog was gone and I was going to be completely alone here.

We didn't share the same cell for long, but the memories of one of our late night conversations just about life suddenly flooded my mind and my heart ached with devastation.

I stared down at his mattress in silence.

I told him about my school, the degree I earned, and the money I worked for to provide for the family. It was always easy to talk to him because he understood and he never judged. T-dog was always willing to give someone a chance — even if it was wrong.

I closed my eyes briefly then looked down at my shirt, taking a small whiff of the dirty fabric then scrunching my nose as I pulled it over my head.

It smelt like sweat and disappointment.

I quickly tossed it onto the floor and reached for another shirt. "Sienna, come out here when you're ready," Glenn's voice carried through the curtain blocking me from the others.

Stepping out of my cell and placing myself between the group, I tucked my hands into the back pocket of my jeans and nodded towards the strangers sitting a few feet away from us. "So, when are we going to address the giant elephant in the room?"

My father nodded his head agreeing, "We could use some reinforcements."

I looked up at him, my eyebrow arching curiously. "You think they would be willing to help?" I cautiously looked back through the cell door — peering over at the group while they talked amongst themselves silently. "They seem harmless."

When I shrugged my shoulders, Rick turned away with a hand over his gun. "We shall see."

"You think the Governor will retaliate?" Axel asked, both of his arms crossed over his chest while he stood beside Carol.

"Yes." Maggie responded while Glenn nodded. "Let him try."

"Sounds like he's got a whole town." Carol spoke. "We're outnumbered and outgunned."

My gaze wandered around the cellblock until I found Rick standing by the door, intently watching the group of people waiting patiently on the other side.

"Well, then let's go see what we can do to get some help." I walked away from the group and followed Rick into the cafeteria.

One of the guys stood up first. He was tall with big arms and a broad chest with a blue beanie on top of his head. He had a gentle face, his eyes filled with hope and calmness as he turned to Rick. "Im Tyreese," he introduced himself, holding out his hand politely.

When Rick didn't return the gesture, my father quickly spoke up and pointed to the others at the table. "That's Sasha, Allen, and Ben."

"How'd you get in?" Rick questioned.

"Fire damage to the administrative part of the prison. Wall's down." Tyreese replied.

Rick eyed him closely, "that side's completely overrun with walkers. How'd you get this far?"

"We didn't. We lost our friend Donna."

"They were lost in the gyms." Carl's small voice spoke up. Rick turned to look at his son, "you brought them here?"

"We had no choice." My father defended. Rick let out a breath and slowly nodded his head, turning back to Tyreese. "I'm sorry about your friend. We know what that's like."

"Hershel said you could use some extra hands. We're no stranger to hard work. We'll go out and get our own food, stay out of your hair. You got a problem with another group, we'll help with that, too. Anything to contribute." Tyreese spoke to Rick. I smiled a bit, appreciating his want to be respectful. He seemed like a decent guy, and the others in his group weren't making a fuss.

The room fell silent for a moment, and I was almost sure Rick would agree until his next syllable hit us like a truck.

"No," Rick spoke bluntly.

I quickly looked over at him with furrowed eyebrows. "Rick?" He glanced at me from over his shoulder — as if to tell me to remain silent, which only made me glare at him harder. He didn't hesitate to close them off and truthfully for the first time — that aggravated me.

Sasha stepped next to Tyreese, her eyes filling with plead. "Please. Its like "10 Little Indians" out there. It's just us now."

Rick placed his hands on his hips as he lowered his head, denying their request again. "Lets talk about this," I suddenly spoke, stepping past the table to stand by my father. "We're all fighting for survival here. This place is big enough, we can include four—" Rick turned to me with a stern look, "we've been through this. With Tomas, Andrew. Look what happened."

"Axel and Oscar weren't like them." Carol defended. "And where's Oscar now?" Rick shot back, soon turning back to Tyreese. "I can't be responsible."

"You turn us out, you are responsible." Tyreese spoke.

"Rick." My father called out. He turned to face me and my dad, slowly walking up to us as Hershel leaned forward. "You've done so much for us. I appreciate that — we all do. We owe you our lives. We've done everything you asked without question. And I'm telling you, you're wrong on this."

"You've got to start giving people a chance." I whispered. "Not everyone is out to get us." My gaze lingered towards the group of strangers and I purposely pointed a finger in their direction. "They're willing to help us — whatever we need. We should take advantage of that."

I watched as he started shaking his head with his eyes still wandering across the ground. I pursed my lips, ready to plead another case just as he raised his head and his glare shifted to something over my shoulder.

I followed his gaze questionably — a long metal perch with no one or no thing standing along it. "What is it?" I asked before turning back.

Rick pinched the bridge of his nose, closing his eyes briefly while silently chanting a string of 'no's.'

He stumbled backwards. "Why are you here? What do you want from me?"

I quickly turned to my father but he didn't move or speak. The room was silent — a puzzled expression falling onto everyone's faces until Rick started to suddenly yell. "Get out. Get— get out!"

Tyreese threw his hands up in defense, watching Rick pace. "Whoa, its all good." I watched as Rick stumbled back and forth, his eyes not meeting Tyreese but his anger slowly rising.

"Rick, calm down." I quickly spoke up.

Rick pulled out his gun, the room falling into a quick line of defense as the four people on the table jumped to their feet. "You don't belong here!" He shouted out. My eyes widen, wanting to take a step closer towards Rick but my father grabbed my arm. When I looked back, he was slowly shaking his head in silence.

"We'll leave. We're going." Tyreese held his hands up in defense as his group started to pack their things. "Okay? Ain't nobody got to get shot here. We're going."

Glenn rushed over and quickly led the group out, leaving everyone else to stand and watch as Rick began to have a mental break down — not knowing what to do.

I looked up at my father for an answer but his eyes remained solely focused on Rick — as if he understood his sudden chaotic nature.