SIXTY NINE. left behind

ADELINE Walsh felt disoriented. Like she had woken up from a coma and found herself in a foreign world that she knew absolutely nothing about. She wondered if it was the same feeling her brother described that night in the Quarry, the mere thought of the memory causing a sickly chill to run down the widow's spine from where she sat. Then again, it was possible that she let Rick give her one too many pain pills for the infected cut on her forearm; her sore eyes moving down to eye the sling that supported the searing limb.

There was a buzz of chatter that emitted throughout the interior of the RV, her back pressed against the soft cushions of the vehicle's dinette chairs. Only a few minutes ago they stopped their drive in order to switch out the battery for a new one that Glenn had thankfully known was hidden underneath the entrance stairs.

After her conversation with Eric the night before, it didn't take long for Rick and the others to find them by the warehouses near the water tower━━which led to the group collectively deciding the sleep for the rest of the night and continue their journey in the morning. During the drive, Adeline couldn't help but tell herself the same thing over and over again in the depths of her mind.

There isn't an enemy waiting behind those gates.

It was all she could let pass the high defenses of her mind, terrified of the possibility that the small amount of hope her family gained would be torn away from them. She didn't want that for them. Especially not after seeing the heavy relief that touched the faces of Carl and Theo at the sight of food out of all things.

She was sure they were getting close, the appearance of Aaron making his way to the front of the vehicle almost confirmed it for her. Adeline felt a movement in her lap as their new friend moved past her, her attention falling to the opening eyes of the once sleeping Theo. The eleven-year-old body was curled up on the short length of the dinette chair, head resting on the legs of the widow as her right arm lay across her stomach.

"Are we there yet?" She questioned, her small voice coming out groggily as she reluctantly scooted to sit up, Adelines' arm carefully moving out of the way for her. Stray strands of brunette hair stuck to the left side of Theos' face, her features twisting in discomfort before tucking them behind her ear.

"Probably about to be," Addy informed, her words spoken softly as the little girl stretched into the back of the seat with a loud yawn that went on for miles. "Get enough sleep?" She added, moving to the side as Theo began unbraiding her now messily styled hair only to push the tangled locks into a low ponytail.

"I can never get enough sleep." The eleven-year-old spoke with honesty, exasperatingly flopping forward onto the surface of the table. The contents scattered across it clattered at the movement, an attentive Glenn that was sitting on the other side hastily reaching out to stop anything from falling over.

"Watch the windmills, Thee." He warned, his lips turning down into a playful grin as Theo peered up at the nickname.

"You called me Thee." She stated, squinting her eyes slightly to eye her friend.

Adeline furrowed her brows in confusion, a tight-lipped smile forming against her features, looking between her best friend and sort-of (she was unsure about what she was supposed to call it) adoptive daughter. Glenn only shared the same look as Addy, his attention shifting over to the kid as he tilted his head.

"Is that uh... not allowed?" He inquired carefully, the sound of the conversation gaining the attention of Maggie who sat alongside her husband with curious eyes.

For a second, Theo stayed silent, her stare trained on Glenn who was slowly starting to grow uncomfortable underneath the tense moment. Adeline actually started to believe the girl was being serious until a grin curled onto the features of the eleven-year-old━━"Duh. Of course, it's allowed! I just think it's funny to see you freak out." She assured, awkwardly leaning over the surface of the table to pat the top of his head.

But, it made a smile crack at Maggies' lips. And that sight counted as something for the four, the moment being the first happy one they've had in a while. And Adeline felt calm. Though the reminder of where they were about to be caused it to fade, she still felt grateful towards Theo for giving her the chance to feel... okay.

"Freak out?" Glenn retorted, making a pssh sound with his mouth as used his hand to wave off the words of the eleven-year-old. "I didn't freak out." He added, looking to the side at the smiling face of his wife. "Did I freak out?" For a moment, his lips twitched upward in motion━━eyes softened at a sight he hadn't seen since they lost Beth.

"Totally not." Maggie patted, her hand moving to lay onto his forearm as Adeline felt her attention pull to the small gesture. The first thing she noticed was the familiar rings that sat perched on the woman's finger, her heart instinctively aching at the sight as she turned her head towards the uncovered window of the RV.

Just as she did, the breaks of the vehicle hissed to a slow stop; the worn in tires squeaking against the concreted pavement of the road. Ahead of them was the leading car, they were on the left side, eyes taking in the distant abandoned buildings that sat bordered around numerous sheets of metal that stood at a good fifteen feet tall. Thick beams were planted into each wall, protectively placed into the ground that surrounded it for support.

All Adeline could feel was disbelief. There was once a time in which she believed the thin fences of the prison harbored a safe haven, and this compared to that had mile-long differences. She even began to wonder how long it had been since the ones inside felt genuine fear.

There were probably some mile-long differences between them, too.

"Yeah, right here will be fine." The sound of Aaron's voice caused a swarm of nerves to form in the pit of Adelines' stomach, the conversations within the vehicle withering down to silence once the RV stopped. Their newfound friend clasped his hands together from where he stood in the front, turning around to look at the group behind him. Rick, Michonne, and Judith were absent, but everyone else somehow managed to squeeze in the RV.

"Uh, I just want to say one quick thing before we make the big introduction." Aaron broke the silence, clearing his throat to gain the attention of the survivors around him.

A movement in the back caused a curious Theo to turn her head to spot a limping Eric entering the space with the help of Wesley and Noah, her hand falling down to pick up her new(ish) backpack that claimed the walkway space. "So. Hi. Even though we might've had our differences at first," Aaron began, motioning to the bruise that sat planted on his cheek.

"I just wanted to say that I really hope this works out for all of us. Alexandria needs this. And so do you." He spoke, bowing slightly as a thank you before moving forward to help Eric.

Feeling the RV shift from the standing bodies of the group, Adeline felt her hand clam up in her lap as she searched for the man that claimed the spot behind her. Daryl Dixon sat perched against the counters of the quaint kitchen area, his fingers fiddling with the fringes of the ripped knee on his brown jeans. His tanned skin was dirtied due to the lack of showers they all suffered from, crossbow leaning against the counter surface he rested on.

The widow reached back with her good arm, gently tapping the side of his leg with the tips of her fingers the gain his attention. "Hey, stranger."

Daryl turned his head, the length of his brunette hair hanging over his eyes which caused him to shake his face in order to see her completely. "Funny." He retorted, using his hand to untie the knot he made from the loose strands of his jeans.

Adeline gave a tightlipped smile at his remark, "So uh... are you nervous any?" She questioned, keeping her voice low as a joking Tara and Noah passed by to exit the space of the RV.

Truth be told, she was a little nervous just asking the question. It felt weird. It was like she was supposed to be on guard, but there was something in her gut that told her that she could trust these people, and that wasn't anything she ever wanted to begin fathoming. Adeline didn't know if she could trust herself.

Theo scooted out from the dinette table, following behind Wesley after slinging her bag over her shoulder. The vehicle shifted underneath the weight, Glenn and Maggie following after the two which eventually left Adeline, Daryl, and Abraham who stood from the driver's seat to wait at the front. "Nah." The archer hummed, the boots he wore smacking against the flooring as he pushed off the counter; standing at the back of the seat.

Adeline furrowed her brows, hastily sliding across the cushioned seats to stand to her feet━━her right hand moving to grab her bag off the surface of the table only for Daryl's careful hands to grab it for her, beating her. "Hey, there's... classified documents in there." She spoke, stepping back to rub her sweaty palm against the fabric of her tight jeans.

Daryl huffed, the sound of a chuckle heard underneath his breath as he shook his head. "Like what?" He inquired, following the widows' footfall once she began making her way down the thin hallway of the RV. Passing Abraham with a tight-lipped smile, he returned her gesture with a soft nod before she attentively moved down the set of stairs with the archer in tow.

"That's for me to know and you to hopefully never find out."

The golden touch of the sun brushed against their skin the second they stepped out of the vehicle, it shifting underneath their exit as Adeline's voice quietened as her careful eyes spared a second to make sure everyone in the group was there. And they were. She couldn't help but feel relief at the sight, all of the survivors crowding around the currently closed gate of the community before them.

Rick stood by the car he drove in with Michonne and Judith, the back door remaining open as he leaned closer to pick up his daughter from the inside.

"Hey." The sister announced, her voice soft and easy. She approached her brother, her one good hand moving to rest against the back of the car. "You okay?" Adeline questioned, watching as Rick straightened his back with Judith now attached to his hip. He closed the door with her words, his stare falling back to Daryl who stepped forward before returning to his sibling.

He nodded in confirmation, "I'm good. Are you?" he repeated, head gingerly tilting in her direction.

Adeline paused, her chest rising as she inhaled deeply. For a moment, she heard the shuffling of footsteps from her family. Then she heard the wind slithering through the evergreen that kept the community guarded. Then she heard the laughter. Not from adults, either. It was from the children within the walls. And they sounded safe. And that was something she hadn't heard in a while.

So, the assured words of, "I'm good." left her lips in a timely manner. Feeling as if a huge weight had been lifted from her chest, Adeline met her brothers' eyes with a confirmation. "I'm good."

The squeals from the wheels of the covered gate put an end to their conversation, a swarm of anxiety taking the widow hostage as she felt her right palm grow clammy. She breathed a sigh, her boots scuffing against the concrete below her as she moved towards the group. Wesley stood nervously by Noah, his anxious eyes moving around to glance at the approaching bodies of their esteemed leaders.

Of course, Rick made the calls. But the decisions were always influenced.

As the entrance was pulled open by someone behind the walls, Adeline turned her head in search of her nephew and Theo. Carl stood quiet, his attention droned in on one of the burned houses behind them, and by the time she saw that, Theo had already started making her way towards her-- her hand finding its way curled around the widows.

Addy was quick to take notice of the nervous antics that clouded her child's features, to which she gave a gentle squeeze of assurance, her fingers caringly clasped around her small palm.

Aaron stood at the gate, his arm secured over the shoulder of his boyfriend. Eric limped, careful to keep the weight off his sprained ankle as a person from behind the walls turned to help. Adeline's eyes followed the exchange, staying quiet as she moved through the weary bodies of her family-- Theo staying attached to her side as they stopped to stand next to Michonne.

The first thing she took note of was the gate.

There was two, a flimsy one that reminded her of the prison's defenses that hid behind a strong metal one. The first was covered by the ratted cloth, hiding the insides from the peering gaze of the survivors as it only sat opened halfway. Remaining in the midst of her family, Adeline was sure to catch sight of the weapons they each held in their grasp-- but there was none in hers.

But, she wouldn't allow herself to grow accustomed to the fact that they were protecting her.

It seemed to always be the other way around, which was honestly how she preferred it.

A loud rattle followed by a series of high-pitched squeals busted through the air, Adelines' arm instinctively moving Theo behind her as the group rushed to raise their weapons. In an instant, an arrow bolt found itself to be embedded into the stomach of an innocent opossum that had scattered out from behind a trash can. A breath of relief fell from the widows' lips, heart pounding a harsh rhythm in her chest.

Wesley lowered his slingshot as he stood by his brother, Theo's hand finding its way to the right forearm of Adeline. Daryl eyed the animal his arrow killed, wheels of the gate squeaking against the pavement as it was rolled the rest of the way open. The movement revealed two more figures, one standing with a look of shock as the other silently switched his sapphire-colored eyes between the archer and the now-dead animal.

"We brought dinner."

Remaining quiet and seemingly unseen, Adeline Walsh kept her hold on Theo gentle, the girls' hand moving down to her palm once again as Aaron turned to look at the two men by the gate. The more calm one met the mans gaze, irises widening the slightest amount in a questionable manner as his head tilted in a way of saying─ what the actual hell is going on?

His hair was dark, slicked back in a way that reminded Adeline of Shane before the world ended- a few loose pieces falling messily like he'd run his hand through them due to stress, but it somehow looked like they were seamlessly placed to frame his forehead.

Aaron shook off the look he received from the man, instead moving his eyes to look at the group of survivors outside of the gate. "It's okay," He spoke assuringly, waving them inside. "Come on in, guys."

With a careful look of one more final consideration that was passed through the family, their attention fell to Rick who nodded his head. Adeline felt her skin grow warm, a wave of nausea washing through her stomach as she breathed what felt like her last breath of fresh air.

The sounds of shoes scuffing against the concrete was all she heard, feeling a soft tug on her arm from Theo who waited patiently beside her.

"Just picture them in their underwear."

The words of advice caused a warm smile to curl around the widows' lips, softly squeezing the eleven-year-olds hand before nodding softly. "Just stay next to me, okay?" Addy spoke, keeping her voice quiet and out of reach from the men behind the safety of the gates.

Theo took the words in, a careful look overcoming her humorous one. "I pinky promise," she assured─ using her hand to gently pinch the small finger that was wrapped around her palm.

Before she could enter, Adeline found herself sparing her final glance at the world behind her. And she felt a reluctance pull at her. Lizzie and Mika should be here. Bob should be here. Beth should be here. Tyresse should be here.

She felt guilty as her eyes pulled from the looming road behind them, heart aching in her chest as the boots she wore scuffed against the concrete. The last thing she ever wanted to do was leave them behind.

They deserved to be there. And that phrase couldn't seem to leave her mind.

Not when she forced herself into the community, reluctant eyes falling upon the row of expensive homes that lined the clean streets ahead of them. Not even when the gate rolled shut behind their figures, locking them into the foreign place named Alexandria. This whole time, Adeline Walsh had thought of this place as a dream.

Something they would never have, something that was an impossible stretch of her imagination. Yet, here she was.

Standing in the middle of her biggest fear; hope.

"Before we take this any further, I need you all to turn over your weapons." The more nervous one out of the three spoke, short curly hair framing his sharp features.

Almost immediately, Adeline grew defensive at the thought─ eyes falling to Shanes' pistol that rested emptily in its holster.

"Stay, you hand them over." He added, clearing his throat.

"We don't know if we want to stay." Rick was quick to interject, a babbling Judith perched against his hip, stepping forward as his free hand curled his infamous colt python.

The calmer one felt his eyebrows raise, "You'll have to excuse my dear friend Nicholas here," He shattered the tense moment with his voice. He wore a comforting smile, hands clasped together as he glanced over to the boy with a questionable stare. "We're just bein' careful. Like you are." He informed, Adeline curiously eyeing the rather clean outfit that he wore.

There was a dark grey button-up, pockets lined with a black fabric that was nearly hidden underneath the umber-colored, windbreaker-like jacket. She took notice of the patches on the sides, reading the words Commonwealth of Virginia that had Law Enforcement stitched underneath the sigil of a balancing scale.

Slightly ripped black jeans framed his legs, cuffed just above the ankles. A pair of white converse were paired to match with the outfit, and that seemed to be the part that surprised Adeline the most.

It wasn't even the fact that there was a form of law enforcement within the community. Or the checkered socks he wore underneath.

"Thank you, Milo," Aaron spoke, sparing a glance in the man's direction. The name couldn't help but run through Addy's mind. Milo and Nicholas. That's two more.

Rick clenched his jaw, his head tilting slightly at the interaction. "If we were gonna use them, we would have started already." He assured, his sisters' eyes falling over to his figure.

Nicholas seemed to step back at the threat, swallowing the retort that itched to crawl from his throat before nodding.

"Let them speak to Deanna first." The words left Aaron's mouth, reaching the curious ears of an attentive Abraham that stood at the back.

"Who's Deanna?" He questioned loudly, making sure he was heard by their friend.

Turning to the inquiry, Aaron gave a tight-lipped smile. "Deanna knows everything you'd want to know about this place." He informed, the statement causing Adelines' brows to furrow slightly.

Though, the infection that coursed through her veins led to her staying quiet─ allowing the conversation to continue as their newfound friend turned, "Rick, why don't you start?"

Before her brother could answer, Adeline found a sickly cough crawl through the barrens of her throat─ her free hand pulling from Theos' grasp to cover her mouth as it escaped. A silence befell the group, a hot flash running down the widows' spine as she pulled her hand from her lips.

Daryl found himself shifting in his place, his stare focused on the woman to his left as she spoke. "Rick," She started as her eyes moved to lay against the figure of the eldest Grimes.

"I'm not going anywhere until my sister sees your doctor." He was quick to inform, tearing the worry from his features once he turned to face Aaron who nodded in confirmation.

"Oh- of course." He confirmed with words of assurance, shifting his eyes over to the figure next to him.

"Uh, Milo. Can you take Adeline here down to the infirmary? Eric should already be there by now and so should Pete." Aaron informed, gesturing towards the woman in the crowd.

Milo moved his attention to the widow, his eyes falling upon the sight of her noticeable pale skin and lips. He watched as the little girl by her side wasted no time in situating her hand back around the woman's. It didn't take much to grasp onto the fact that she was actually sick, looking to the sling that kept her left arm captive.

So, he nodded in agreement━━ hands clasping together. "Of course." He assured, stepping to the side before motioning to the road that curved down the apparent streets of the neighborhood.

After all, he'd prefer to keep his head attached to his body.

Adeline kept quiet, eyes trained on the man before her as her right hand remained curled around Theos'. For a second, she contemplated on going with the stranger. But then she was reminded of the numbness of her left forearm, unable to swallow the reluctance in her throat.

She wasn't sure she could protect Theo in this state of something went wrong, and that thought alone seemed to dip her into an uneasy amount of fear. And only one person among them caught onto that.

Daryl Dixon stepped forward, the tail of the dead possum he had shot tightened in his palm. "Wait up." He assured, voice lined with a familiar rasp warming the reluctance that held Addy hostage.

Rick looked to him, a sense of gratitude sent in the direction of the archer from his words as he moved to stand next to the sick widow. Her attention drifted to her bag that he carried, the thought of taking that weight breaching her thoughts as he looked to her.

"Don't worry 'bout it." He added, the assurance lacing his tone.

Before Adeline could think of her response, she heard the scuff of footsteps━━ her eyes hesitantly moving from Daryl's careful stare and onto the face of Milo. His hand was outstretched, yearning for hers as he held it out; her legs leading her forward only slightly.

"It's really nice to meet you, Mrs...?" He started, his voice trailing off in a tone of question. He wanted to know her name.

Mrs. That part couldn't help but latch onto her mind.

Adeline swallowed away the ache of pain that pinched her heart at the title, Theos hold falling from her arm. Her hand found it's way to Milo's, her fingers carefully curling into his palm━━ the warmth of his skin strangely comforting her.

"Ms." She corrected, feeling as he shook her hand, his touch as gentle as a falling feather, which was how she felt when she spoke the next two words. "Adeline Grimes."

━

AUTHORS NOTE.
that last bit brought tears to my EYES.

WORD COUNT.
4075