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The Bargaining Chip	By : ihatethesnow Category: S through Z > The Walking Dead Views: 3919 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own The Walking Dead or any characters. I will not be making any money from this story.

Chapter List
- 10
- 11
- 12
"Where's my mommy?" asked Alex.
Lori, her face still streaked with tears, looked at Rick. How was she going to explain this to a child? She stood up and worked her way to the second row of seats and sat with Bobby, Alex and Judith.
"Alex, your mom had to go away for a while."
"Like my daddy?"
"What's your daddy's name, sweetie?"
"I don't know."
"Well, we'll make sure we take extra good care of you. How's that?"
Alex smiled. Bobby started to cry.
"My mommy's mean." He said through sobs.
Lori bent down and gave Bobby a hug, and he grabbed onto her. The small child started crying onto Lori's shoulder, not wanting to let her go.
"We'll take good care of you both. I promise." She said.
Luke was asleep on Carol's shoulder, and Mika was sleeping on Sophia's lap.
She gave Judith a kiss on the forehead, and Carl a quick hug, before getting back in her seat.
Rick looked at her and whispered "you always wanted three kids. In this new world, we could claim Alex as ours." Lori nodded her head and wiped her eyes. He reached over and squeezed her hand. "How you doing?"
"I miss her already." She said, on the verge of sobs.
Shane wanted to know if Andrea wanted to trap him with a kid. Andrea said no, but shit happens. She scheduled an abortion three times, but kept changing her mind. She thought about giving it up for adoption, but changed her mind on that too. Now she wishes she had the abortion.
"Sex isn't the same. Guys find out I have a kid and it's just a one nighter. I can't come like I use to."
"How many guys you fuck since you left me?"
She laughed "in five years? God...maybe a hundred? Mainly one night stands. I was fucking guys until I was five months alone. I got drunk enough...oh well. What about you. How many chicks you fuck since the broom closet?"
"Geeze... at least a hundred, maybe two. I fucked that whore twice since we got here."
"Shit...And I just sucked you off?"
"Bitch, you think that's the first time that happened? I'd fuck a prostitute rather than arrest her and go home to fuck you. I've never worn a condom, not ever gonna wear one."
"Pig."
"Cunt."
She reached over and punched him in the gut, and he backhanded her across the face.
They finally got to the CDC, and hopes faded instantly. There were dead bodies everywhere. Rick insisted they take only what they need, everything stays locked up in their cars. Rick saw a security camera move and waved his hands at it.
They were about to give up, before the door opened. A man was there with a shotgun, and Rick ushered the children in first, followed by Lori and the rest of the women. He introduced himself as Rick Grimes, a former Deputy Sheriff of King's County. This is his group, and they need help...a chance.
The man, who introduced himself as Dr. Edwin Jenner, said that a blood test was the price of admission. Rick, speaking on behalf of everyone, said that would be fine.
Shane pulled Jenner aside and asked if he could do a DNA test to see if the boys are his.
Rick was holding Judith while her blood was taken, then she got off his lap and went over to sit with Lori. Dr. Jenner snickered as a line of small children; Mika, Luke, and Bobby waited for their turn on Rick's lap. Bobby hopped up for his turn, and after it was over he went over to sit with Lori. Alex turned around and wrapped his arms around Rick after it was his turn. He scooped him up, and went to sit next to Lori. She whispered to him "maybe you're right...Alex Grimes?" Rick smiled at her and nodded.
Jenner invited everyone to take hot showers before dinner. Rick bathed Alex and Bobby, and was taken aback when he saw the scars all over Alex's back. Cigarette burns and deep bruises. Bobby had what looked like old punches. The only clean clothes for them were Jenner's tee-shirts. Lori gave Judith, Luke and Mika a bath, and was also given a tee-shirt for them. Everyone else found clean clothes that belonged to the people who used to work there.
Carol collected everyone's dirty clothes and used the laundry room. They had their own clean clothes back before they all went to bed.
They had a nice dinner together, and had a good time laughing and enjoying each other's company. Rick made a toast to Jenner, thanking him for his hospitality. Lori had only a little wine, knowing that she had six kids to care for. Rick enjoyed a second, then third glass. The little kids were getting tired, so Lori took them to the room she shared with her family. Everyone started to turn in, and in the Grimes room it was a tight squeeze. Carl slept on the small cot, and Alex, Luke, Mika, Bobby and Judith slept between Rick and Lori. Shane grabbed Andrea's arm and pulled her into his room.
The next morning, Rick and Lori led their suddenly bigger family into the kitchen area. Carl was able to get his own food, Lori got apple juice and eggs for the four little kids and oatmeal for Luke. Rick got coffee, bacon and eggs for himself and Lori.
Everyone sat together again, some quiet from the night before, working off a hangover. Judith climbed onto Rick's lap. She said "I love you daddy" and put her head on his shoulder. He kissed her forehead, and said "I love you too, sweetheart."
Jenner came in and said good morning to everyone. He handed a piece of paper to Shane, who looked at it, picked up his coffee mug and threw it across the room, and walked out. It was DNA proof that both Alex and Bobby were his. Rick, ignoring Shane's tantrum, asked Jenner about what was going on. The doctor said what he's about to say may not be the best for young ears, so Lori took the little kids back to their room.
They all put on their clothes from the day before, grateful that Carol was kind enough to wash them. Lori got the kids dressed, and slipped into the small bathroom to get herself dressed. She put their pajamas in a pile, to be washed later. The kids were talking, and Alex would once in a while call Lori "Mama" before calling her "Miss Lori."
Soon Rick ran into the room, grabbed Judith, Mika and said they have to leave, now. The building is gonna blow up. Lori looked confused, and he yelled at her to get out. She grabbed her backpack, duffle bag and the clothes from last night, and grabbed Luke, Bobby's hand and Carl took Alex's hand. They were knocked back by the blast from Rick throwing a grenade at the front door, and he ran back to get Lori, and the children, and they ran out to their cars. They hopped in, and were a mile down the road and felt the blast from the CDC. They all pulled over, to see how everyone was doing. T was gone. Dale too. Allen, Billy and Ben were gone. Carol was in a panic when she couldn't find Sophia. Daryl hopped in Shane's jeep and sped back, looking for her, and yelling "Sophia!" He looked for her in the woods, before he saw a herd come through, attracted to the sound of the blast. He got back in the jeep and sped back, looking dejected. Carol crumbled over when she saw him come back. Morgan escorted her into the RV.
Everyone was trying to catch their breath, and Andrea ran over and kicked Rick in the balls. He folded over, and Judith screamed "Daddy?"
Lori ran to him, and said "what the hell is wrong with you, Andrea?"
"We are in a dead man's RV. That's all on Rick."
"Don't you dare blame that on him. Dale chose to stay. So did T. Don't you dare blame that on my husband."
Merle grabbed Andrea by the arm and pulled her away. Nobody heard what he said, but she looked shaken.
Rick got up, and went into the RV. Lori, Luke, Mika and Judith followed him. Alex came up and said "Are you okay, daddy?" Rick looked shocked, and looked at Lori. Judith crawled into Rick's arms and hugged him tightly.
"I'm okay kids. Don't worry." He gave Judith a kiss on the cheek. "I feel so much better after that hug. Thanks sweetheart."
Alex and Judith started to look around the RV, and Lori gave Rick a hug.
"Don't listen to her. Jenner fooled us. We thought we could stay...we had no idea what he would do. Don't you dare take that on your shoulders."
He nodded, and she sat with him, holding him closely. "I'll kiss them and make it all better." she whispered, smiling.
"I just might take you up on that." he chuckled.
There was yelling outside as Shane and Andrea got into another verbal fight. Daryl brought a crying Bobby inside the RV. Bobby was hugging Daryl, and asked him "what's a bastard?"
Daryl took a moment to think of a response, and said it was a bad word grown-ups shouldn't use. Merle had to tell Shane and Andrea to shut up, or else they'll attract walkers. They need to get moving. He remembers passing a small shopping center down the road. Maybe they could get something...anything there. Carl and Carol went into the RV and told Rick of the plan. He said fine, and Daryl offered to drive. Lori made sure Bobby and Alex were buckled in, and Judith wanted to stay with her daddy, but Rick had her sit right next to him, using a seatbelt. Lori sat with Luke in her arms and Mika and Carl by her side.
Everyone followed the RV to the shopping center. It was still standing, and there were not many cars in the parking lot. There was a grocery store, a Kohl's, and a Home Depot. Everyone parked their cars in a circle, allowing for some shelter for those in the middle. They made a plan. Rick, Daryl and Merle would clear the grocery store, and then drive a car from the parking lot into the store. The car would offer immediate protection, and allow them to grab extra things. The store was almost untouched. They took a minivan from the parking lot, and folded down the third row of seats. They grabbed everything; cereal, crackers, granola bars, juice, water, powdered milk, and cleared the shelves of all the canned goods. They also grabbed a few can openers, paper plates, and plastic utensils. Rick followed Lori's list and went to the feminine hygiene section. He knew the products she uses, and cleared the shelf of everything else, thinking of the other women. They got to the pharmacy, and Merle easily opened the locked safe and got all the narcotics the store had. Everything from Oxy to Xanax.
They drove out of the store, and when Lori ran over to the driver's window Rick smiled and said they'll be fine...they grabbed a ton of stuff. Things that they'll need for a while. Lori squeezed his hand, and asked about Kohl's. The kids need clothes. Rick said that since the van he was in was completely full, they'll have to take another one. Morgan offered his minivan, and said he'll take Lori. Rick looked around and asked where Shane and Andrea where. Lori and Morgan pointed to an abandoned car, and in the back seat they were having sex. Lori said the little kids are still in the RV, so they don't have to see anything. Rick nodded, and Merle offered to help with Kohl's.
They did the same thing at Kohl's that they did at the grocery store; they drove the van in, and grabbed clothes from each section; men's, women's, teen's and kid's. Lori grabbed packages of underpants for everyone, shoes, and jackets. They got everything they could think of, and drove out of the store, Merle laughed as he used a knife to kill every walker that he saw. They got back to the circle, and Lori got a handful of clothes for the kids and went into the RV. The kids were eating food Rick set out for them...crackers, canned peaches and juice boxes. Lori put their new clothes, including socks and shoes, aside. She asked the kids how they were doing. Alex and Judith were very happy to see her, and both gave her big hugs and kisses. Bobby looked very sad, and said "Hi Miss Lori," but didn't get up.
Rick was holding Luke, and had Mika by her hand. Lori curled up to him and he whispered "we make a good team." She smiled and they gave each other a quick kiss. Lori stayed in the RV with Carol, Carl and the kids, and Rick went to talk to everyone else.
"So, what's the plan, Captain?" Shane said, sarcastically.
"I think we should stay here for the night, three people on guard. We got a good haul at the stores. Tomorrow we go to Home Depot and get anything that can be used as a weapon. Then we move on. We try to find a housing development...something that we can use for shelter." Everyone said okay, and nodded in agreement. Rick pulled Shane and Andrea aside, and asked them if they have even spoken to Bobby.
"Who?" asked Shane.
"Your son."
"Oh...not really, No. I don't want him. I don't want to have him think of me as his father. I'm not ready for that."
"I don't give a shit if you're ready or not. You have two kids, by two different women, both the same age, and they are both inside that RV. Andrea, can you explain the bruises on the back of a four year old?"
Andrea just shrugged her shoulders. "Shit happens."
"When was the last time you spent time with that kid? You're his MOTHER!"
"I never wanted him."
"Obviously."
"Shane and I have unfinished business to take care of. See you tomorrow, Captain."
Andrea laughed as she led Shane over to the car they were in earlier. Rick shook his head. He went back into the RV, and Lori said she heard anything. "Bobby Grimes?" she looked at him with a smile. Rick nodded his head. He whispered in her ear "He's lucky to have you as his mom. You are the best. I love you." He gave her a kiss, and saw that Bobby was looking through the bags of toys Lori grabbed from Kohl's. He knelt down, and asked Bobby to talk with him. Bobby nodded, and flinched when Rick put his arm around him. Lori noticed too. She was sitting on the couch of the RV, and patted her lap.
Bobby climbed up, and sat with Lori.
"Honey, do you remember you asked if I could be your new mommy?"
Bobby looked like he was going to cry, and nodded his head.
"Well, I would love to be your new mommy. And this is your new daddy!"
Bobby looked at her, gave her a hug, and started crying. She rubbed his back, and Rick sat next to her.
"Hey bud...you call me 'daddy' when you're ready."
Bobby tightened his hug around Lori. He said very quietly "I love you." And Lori had to stop herself from crying as she said "I love you too, sweetie." She gave him a kiss on the forehead, and they sat for a while. Rick smiled and whispered in her ear "four bonus kids without the C-sections." Lori smiled, and they sat together for a while.
"A week ago I was so alone. I didn't know if you'd be okay or not, and juggled two kids. Now I have you back and we have six kids." Rick rubbed her back before draping his arm around her shoulder.
Merle, Daryl and Glenn all stood guard that night. The Dixon brothers were on top of the RV, Glenn sat on top of the minivan. Rick joined Daryl and Merle, while Lori and the children slept in the RV.
It was a tight squeeze in the RV. Carol slept on the couch, and cried herself to sleep over Sophia. Carl slept close to his parents, in the same room, but in the corner. The bed, a mattress on the floor, included Judith sleeping on top of Rick, her arms still around his neck. Bobby, Luke, Mika and Alex were sleeping in the middle, and Lori was on the other side. This was their family now. And Lori loved it. Rick reached over and grabbed her hand. "You're a wonderful mother, Lori. These kids are lucky." She squeezed it and gave his hand a kiss. They exchanged "I love you's" and fell asleep.
"I don't think it's a good idea. We haven't spoken in years. Of course I know he's my dad, but you don't understand. Mom, I don't want him around Carl. Don't act like you don't remember. No, Rick's at work. I've been starting to have some flashbacks, and it just doesn't feel right to have him here. I remember lots of things. Like what? Like the night before my first day in high school. Like being forced to take a pregnancy test at fifteen. You know what happened. You know what he did to me and Connie. Rick can put him behind bars. I still have scars. No, I told him that I was a clumsy kid. No, it's not your job to tell him that. I will tell him when I'm ready. I think this phone call was a bad idea. Why didn't you stop him? Do you know what he did to your daughters? How can you not...it was a small house. No, please. No. Do not come over. I may tell Rick tonight, and if I do he'll make sure you never see Carl again. Well sometimes I think it was a bad idea for you to have kids too."
Lori threw the phone down, furious that her mother would refuse to acknowledge what her father did, and also how they tried to intrude on her life, even when she was a grown woman with a husband and child. Her hands shook as she tried to pour herself a cup of coffee. She wanted to talk to Rick so badly. She needed him right now. She looked at the clock...1:00pm. Judy would be waking up from her nap soon. She sent Rick a text message,
"hope you are having a good day. I love you. See you soon."
He replied quickly.
"slow...pretty good. Love you more, baby. See you later."
She was walking around the house with Carl in her arms, wanting to call her mom and apologize, but afraid that her father will answer the phone. The phone rang before she could decide what to do. She looked at the caller ID and saw it was her parents. She slowly picked it up, with an ever slower "hello." It was her father.
"You ungrateful little bitch."
"Daddy, please."
"You don't get to call me Daddy. I'm ashamed that you're my daughter."
"Why are you doing this?"
"You deserved everything you got. Your bastard sister too. Worst things I ever did was to make you two.
"Please..."
"Is that all you say? "Please...please...please?" Do you make your pig husband beg for it? You know that you'll never have it as good as you did with me.
"No."
"Ungrateful cunt."
"That's it...I'm done. Don't ever call me again."
"We're coming by tonight to see our grandkids. There is nothing you can do. You better have everything perfect when we come over. And if you're a good little girl I'll let you suck me off."
Lori's eyes snapped open, thinking of the last ever conversation she had with her parents. She thought about what Rick said "they're lucky to have you as a mom." She had no idea how to be a good mom. She just wanted not to know do what her parents did. She thought about Connie, and looked at her family; Judy was lying with her arms around Rick's neck, Luke, Mika, Bobby and Alex were sleeping next to each other, both sucking their thumbs. She needed to be a good mom. She couldn't have her kids group up the way she did. She trusted Rick completely, and knew he wouldn't do that to Judy or Mika. She sat up, sitting on the edge of the mattress, trying to catch her breath.
Rick felt the small bed move and rolled over. He saw Lori sitting up and whispered "hey...you okay?"
Lori turn towards him and nodded yes.
"The nightmares coming back?"
She nodded again. He reached over and rubbed her back, telling her he was sorry. He gently got out of Judith's grasp and stood up, pulled on his sweatpants before going over to side of the bed and knelt in front of his wife, who wrapped her arms around him and quietly cried onto his shoulder.
"What happened, baby?"
She whispered that he said the kids are lucky to have her as a mom, but she has no idea what to do. She told him about the last conversation she had with them. It was a bad fight over the phone, and within an hour they were dead. He sat with her for a while, rubbing her back and saying that nothing that happened was her fault. "You're not them, baby. You're a good person. The best person I've ever known. I'm so sorry I wasn't there for you." He said, holding her tightly.
- 10
- 11
- 12
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The Bargaining Chip