Adult-FanFiction.org : Television / Streaming

Safe Haven in the Chaos	By : IdrilsSecret Category: S through Z > The Walking Dead Views: 6517 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own the walking dead or any of the characters. No money is being made from the writing of these stories

Chapter List
- 39
- 40
- 41
Chapter 40 Walking the Thin Line

A pickup truck pulled up fast at the Hilltop gate. The guards at the top of the wall readied their spears and yelled down to the vehicle for the inhabitants to come out slowly. Aaron didn’t listen. He jumped out with his hands raised in the air and called up to them. “I’m Aaron. I’m from Alexandria. I have two women with me, one who needs to see the doctor. Maggie. Maggie Greene. She’s pregnant but something’s wrong.”

The guards stared down at Aaron, unsure what to do. Sasha came out of the passenger side. “Please, we need your help.”

“What’s in the back?” one guard asked when he saw the bundles of canvas in the bed of the truck.

“We were … attacked by Saviors,” Aaron said with a lump in his throat. “Those are our friends.”

“Open the damn gate!” someone yelled from inside. The guards looked backwards and down, and then called out their orders. Paul was standing inside the yard, pacing impatiently as the gate seemed to take forever to open.

Aaron and Sasha jumped back inside the truck, and when there was just enough room to squeeze through, Aaron punched the accelerator and drove inside. Paul ran to the passenger side door and opened it before the truck came to a stop. Aaron noticed that a couple other people came out to help him. Sasha jumped out to let Paul inside. He came out of the cab helping Maggie, who was a horrible shade of ashen gray, dark circles under her eyes, and hunched over in pain. Aaron was amazed at her strength earlier. After enduring fever and pain, fear, shock and great sorrow, she was still ready and willing to go after Negan. He had a newfound respect for her. Maggie was tougher than anyone he knew, except maybe Daryl.

Thinking of Daryl made his heart hurt. What happened to him? Where had the Saviors taken him? What were they doing to him? The urge to jump back into the truck and take off to try and find him was strong, and Aaron had to talk himself out of it several times as the others were tending to Maggie. She was his main goal at the moment, he reminded himself. He needed to make sure she was alright before he did anything else.

Aaron had an arm around Maggie. Sasha was on the other side. Paul tried to take over for Sasha, but she insisted that she could handle it. No one said anything after that. They followed Paul, and rushed Maggie into the great house and straight to the infirmary. A man with short blond hair came out of another room when he saw the commotion. Paul's eyes went straight to him. “Get the Doc,” he demanded, and the blond man took off up the stairs, no questions asked.

Aaron recognized the blond right away. He was the man who he’d seen going to Paul's room when Aaron visited Hilltop not that long ago. He was the one who kissed Paul on the balcony as Aaron waited for Paul to take him back to Alexandria. It was Alex, Paul's part time lover, and assistant to Doctor Carson.

They got Maggie into the infirmary and onto the exam table. It took only seconds, and Doc Carson came in with Alex in tow. He started asking Maggie questions about her condition. Sasha was there to help her answer. Paul pulled Aaron away so he could speak with him. Alex, Aaron noticed, kept an eye on them.

“What happened?” Paul asked with concern.

“Maggie got sick. We were all afraid it was the baby. We were on our way here to get her to your doctor when we were stopped by Negan and the Saviors.” As he finished the sentence, Aaron hung his head. “It was awful. They held us captive for hours, and Negan … he–”

“You saw Negan?” Paul asked.

“Yeah.” Aaron looked up at Paul's shocked face. “Haven’t you ever seen him before?”

“No,” Paul said shaking his head. “He’s never come to Hilltop. He always sends his right hand man, Simon.”

“You don’t want to meet him. He’s psychotic. The things he did … I … I can’t right now,” Aaron said, the memories too new, too raw.

“Don’t talk about it. It’s okay. I understand,” Paul soothed.

Alex came up to them. When he spoke he looked at Paul, not Aaron. “The Doc said he needs to give Maggie a full examination. I think it would be better if you stepped out of the room for now.”

“Yeah sure,” Paul said. “Come on,” he said to Aaron. Turning back to Alex he said. “Let us know as soon as you hear anything about her condition, okay?”

“I will,” Alex smiled. Aaron was reminded of Eric, who used to smile at him in a similar way.

“Hey, Aaron,” Maggie called out from the exam table. Aaron turned and went to her. “Take care of Glenn and Abraham.”

Aaron took her hand and squeezed, smiling down at her. “I will.”

Paul led Aaron back into the foyer and outside into the yard. He gestured for Aaron to go wherever he felt comfortable, but Aaron stayed at the bottom of the steps, away from the people busy carrying out their day. Paul continued with his questions. “What happened?”

“There was a bunch of us.” Aaron paused to think about what led up to everything. “I don’t know what happened. It just went crazy. Carol left in the middle of the night. Daryl left in the morning. Rick and Morgan went after Carol. Glenn, Michonne and Rosita took off after Daryl. Rick came back alone. And then Maggie got really sick. We decided to take Maggie to Hilltop, and got her in the RV. It was Rick and Carl, Sasha, Abraham and Eugene and me with Maggie. We kept getting road blocked by Saviors. At first it was just a few, but at every stop there were more and more. We were running out of road, and came up with a plan to let Eugene take the RV while the rest of us made it the rest of the way here by foot. We put Maggie on a litter and were carrying her through the woods when … all of a sudden there were people whistling. At first it was only a few, just like the road blocks. And then the whole forest was nothing but whistling. And then we were surrounded, trapped just as they had planned. They opened up a truck and out came Rosita, Glenn, Michonne and … and Daryl. We were all there together. The Saviors must have captured them too.”

“Where is everyone now?” Paul asked. His questions were short and to the point as he tried to make sense of what had happened.

“Rick took the rest home to Alexandria … Rosita, Eugene, Michonne, Carl,” Aaron counted. “Sasha and I brought Maggie here. And . . .” He paused, finding it difficult to continue.

Paul glanced at the truck and the canvas bundles in the back. He put a hand on Aaron’s shoulder to comfort him. “Glenn and Abraham,” he said as gently as possible.

Aaron looked toward the truck, and swallowed the lump in his throat. “Yeah.”

Paul hung his head in sorrow, but he knew there was one name Aaron hadn’t said yet. “What about Daryl?” Paul asked carefully.

“Negan took him.”

“So he’s alive?” Paul wondered.

“As far as I know, but … Shit, I don’t know what they’re going to do to him,” Aaron said worriedly.

“Did they say why they took him?”

“Negan said he needed collateral. He’s coming to Alexandria in a week, and if we don’t cooperate, he’s going to . . .” Aaron couldn’t finish that sentence. He shook his head in frustration.

“Listen, if Negan said he’s keeping Daryl as insurance, then that’s what he’s doing. One thing about Negan is, he keeps his word. He’s probably just got Daryl locked up, waiting until he goes to Alexandria to collect his payment. You just need to make sure Rick gives Negan whatever he’s asking for.”

“He wants half of everything, but we don’t have that much to begin with. Shit, we’ve been taking contributions from Hilltop, and that’s been slowly dwindling away. What if we don’t have enough? What happens if Negan isn’t satisfied with what little we have?” Aaron shook his head as he started shifting from one foot to the other. “I have to go and see if I can find Daryl. I have to get him out of there.”

“You can’t do that,” Paul said. “It’s too risky. What if you’re caught? You won’t be helping Daryl or Alexandria.”

“Well, I can’t just sit here and not do anything,” Aaron said with frustration.

“Negan doesn’t give leniency. You break his rules and people die,” Paul said. “Do you even know where the Saviors compound is?”

“No,” Aaron said, shaking his head. “But I’ll find out. I know which way they left. I’ll just go in that direction.”

“You’ll be going into their territory blind as a bat. I’ve got to put my foot down, Aaron. You can’t take the chance at getting you, Daryl or anyone else in Alexandria killed, and that’s exactly what will happen when you’re caught.”

Aaron thought about what Paul said. He knew the man was right. Negan repeated several times about his rules and following them or pay the consequence. Daryl had broken his rule when he punched Negan, and the punishment was another death, Glenn. What must Daryl be going through? Aaron knew he’d blame himself for what happened, but he was trying to help. No one else was doing anything, least of all Rick. “Okay,” Aaron finally agreed for now. “I’ll stay. Besides, I want to help with the burial. I promised Maggie that I’d see to it.”

“Burial?” Paul said, confused.

“Of course. We’re not taking them back to Alexandria. It’s already too much on the women. I know they weren’t residents, but we thought Hilltop was as good a place as any. At least they’ll be put to rest in a–”

“I’m sorry, Aaron, but we don’t bury our dead,” Paul interrupted.

“You don’t? Why?”

“I don’t know. Gregory always said to burn the dead. Maybe it’s because we don’t have a lot of room. No one has ever challenged it. We just do as Gregory says,” Paul explained as best as he could.

“Maggie isn’t going to want to do that. She’s expecting a burial. That’s how we do it in Alexandria, and that’s how Maggie has always done it. People die and they are buried,” Aaron demanded. This was why he was here, to take over for Maggie when she couldn’t do it herself. “It’s not that big a deal.”

“It is to Gregory,” Paul said in a hushed tone.

Aaron furrowed his brows. “How the hell did you let such an asshole become your leader?”

Paul huffed a laugh, obviously in agreement with Aaron. “I don’t know. I guess he was in the right place at the right time. He came here with a bunch of other people, looking for help from FEMA. Then the government left, as well as most of those people. A few decided to stay. Gregory kind of slid into that leadership role, told the people what they wanted to hear, got the walls built, claimed the Barrington house as his, and, well, here we are today.”

Aaron was feeling defeated. He just wanted one thing to go his way. Maybe Paul saw the anguish in his face, because he sighed deep and looked toward the pickup truck, a plan forming in his mind. “Alright, we’ll make an acceptation. There’s a spot around back that I think will make a nice resting place.”

Aaron smiled with relief. It was one less thing to worry about. “Thanks. If you need me to speak with Gregory or–”

“I’m not going to Gregory on this one. I’m making the decision. He can take it up with me if he doesn’t like it,” Paul said. “So let’s pull the truck around back. I’ll show you the place.”

As they went to the truck, Paul stopped a couple people, the same men that helped him earlier, and asked them to help him accomplish something without Gregory’s consent. The men seemed glad to do it, obviously not fans of their leader.

The spot Paul told Aaron about was out of the way and quiet. It was close to the wall with a line of hedges on one side. “This is nice,” Aaron commented. “Maggie will like it.” He turned to the truck and stared at the covered bodies of his friends. It was still difficult to believe they were gone. It was even harder to accept the way they died. Aaron couldn’t shake the feeling that something needed to be done, but Paul was right that he might cause more harm than good. Still, the need was stronger than the outcome. His biggest fear was having to do for Daryl what he was doing for Glenn and Abraham.

“You don’t have to do this,” Paull offered. “We’ll get the graves dug. Why don’t you go back to the house and check on Maggie. I know you’re worried about her.”

“I want to help. I feel like I need to do this,” Aaron said.

“Alright,” Paul agreed with a smile.

>>------->

The graves were dug and the bodies placed within each one. Paul had recruited a few more men to help, and they were finished quickly. The men seemed happy to help. Aaron noticed the respect they held for Maggie. They had heard of the way she stood up to Gregory the first time she came to Hilltop. Aaron thought that they seemed to wish Gregory was more like Maggie leadership wise. He had to agree. He’d recently seen her strength and ability to take over even during a difficult situation.

By the time Aaron and Paul made their way back to the foyer, Sasha was standing outside of the exam room with the doctor. They looked up and waited for him to approach. Doctor Carson smiled, and it was a welcome sight. “I’m glad you’re here,” the doctor said. “The good news is that Maggie and the baby are alright.”

“Oh thank God,” Aaron said, relieved to hear. “What’s the bad news?”

“Well, it seems that the cause of her pain is due to the placenta separating from the uterus. It’s called placental abruption, usually cause by some kind of trauma, such as a car accident. Now, I’ve talked to Maggie, and she told me that her and Carol were taken hostage a while ago, and that one of the Savior women violently kicked her. I saw the bruises on her back and abdomen, and I’m fairly sure that’s when the damage was done. My suggestion is that she should stay at Hilltop for the remainder of her pregnancy. As long as she takes it easy and doesn’t do anything too strenuous, she should be able to carry to full term. But just in case something goes wrong, she’ll already be here for me to help her.”

“And what does Maggie think of this?” Aaron asked.

Sasha answered. “We talked, and she’s agreed to stay. The problem lies with Gregory. Doctor Carson says he’s not sure Gregory will allow it.”

“I’ll talk to him,” Paul said.

“Thank you,” Sasha smiled.

“How’s Maggie now?” Aaron wondered. “Can I see her?”

“She’s sleeping. Better to let her rest,” Doctor Carson suggested. “I want her to stay in the infirmary for a couple days for observation.”

“I’m sure you’re in need of some rest too,” Paul said to Sasha. “I’ve got a trailer you can use.”

Sasha shook her head. “I’m staying with Maggie.” She was firm on her decision.

“Aaron?” Paul offered.

“I don’t want to put you out,” Aaron said. He still hadn’t made up his mind whether or not he was staying.

“You won’t be. I never use the place. I’m not usually here long enough to settle in, and I just stay in one of the guest rooms in the great house.” Paul glanced at Aaron and Sasha. “If you want to get cleaned up, you can use the bathroom in the house. It’s on the second floor and half way down the hall. If you give me a minute, I’ll find some clothes for Sasha from one of the women. Aaron, we’re about the same size. Help yourself to my clothes. I’ve got to go speak with Gregory, and then I need to check on a few things. As far as I’m concerned, you’re more than welcome here.”

“Thank you, Jesus,” Sasha smiled at him kindly. It felt good knowing someone was on their side. Then she looked at Aaron. “Why don’t you go first.”

Aaron looked down at his dirt covered arms. He must look a mess after digging the graves. “Thanks. I think I’ll take you up on that.”

“Good,” Paul said, glad to know he was helping. “I’m going to find a cot and have it brought to the infirmary for Sasha, or I’d take you to the house. Do you remember where to go?”

“Yeah,” Aaron said. He remembered his way around from his first visit to Hilltop.

“Great. I’ll catch up with you later.” Paul gave him a friendly pat on the shoulder.

Aaron nodded in agreement and watched Paul leave. When it was just the two of them, Sasha approached him and gave him a hug. “It’s going to be alright,” she comforted him. “We’re going to get him back.” She was speaking of Daryl, of course. Obviously, Aaron’s anguish hadn’t gone unnoticed, and with everyone worried about Maggie, the subject of Daryl hadn’t come up.

Aaron made his way upstairs and down the hall to Paul's room. It was small, just a bed, a chest of drawers, a chair and a table. The bed was neatly made. Paul's coat was hung over the back of a chair, and his cap and gloves were on the seat. There were only a few personal belongings in the room, a stack of books in the corner, a bracelet made of wooden beads and twine, a picture of two young men leaning against a tree, smiling at the camera. It looked like Paul spent hardly any time here, just as he’d said. Aaron went to the dresser and found a shirt and pants.

He made his way into the bathroom and looked at himself in the mirror. He looked worn, beat, defeated. Aaron wondered how he was still managing to keep going. People talked about getting a second wind, but he felt as though he didn’t have so much as a wisp for a whistle left.

For the first time, he noticed a dull pain at the back of his head. When he reached up, he felt a bump, and remembered being hit by the butt of a gun. He’d been trying to get help for Maggie and spoke one too many times. He remembered the look of concern on Daryl’s face as he watched, helpless to do anything. It was a much different expression from the one he’d earned from Daryl after finding out Paul took him to Alexandria. Daryl had been furious when he came back, after losing Denise, and Aaron wasn’t there. So much hate and mistrust reflected in those eyes. The same eyes had watched him across the forest floor, full of apology and fear, sorrow and love. The hate was nonexistent. That had only been a reaction, not Daryl’s true feelings. They hadn’t had a chance to talk it out and make up. Both of them ended up at Negan’s mercy. Now Daryl was gone again, and Aaron feared for what would become of him. The only reassurance came from Paul, who said Negan was good to his word. If Daryl was collateral then that’s all he was. It didn’t mean he wouldn’t be tortured or taken to the brink of death. It was all too much to think about and not a good idea to dwell it on while he was alone. Aaron turned back to his image in the mirror, took a deep breath and cleared his mind for now.

After his shower, Aaron made his way back to the infirmary. There was now a cot in one corner, and Sasha was sitting on it, a pile of folded clothes on her lap. She looked lost in thought, overcome with sadness, and frustrated. Aaron understood. He felt the same way. For the first time they had no plan, no advantage. Negan had destroyed their whole group. Who was to say he wasn’t doing that to Daryl right now? Aaron pushed the thoughts aside when Sasha glanced up at him.

“The shower’s all yours,” he told her. “It’s not hot water like at home, but warm enough not to freeze.”

“At this point I don’t care. I just want to feel clean again,” she said as she got up holding her change of clothes. “Want to show me where to go?”

“Yeah, no problem.” Aaron looked at Maggie. “How is she?”

“I don’t think she’s waking up any time soon. Dr. Carson gave her a sedative too. I’m glad he did that or she’d be up and trying to work a plan.”

“Yeah,” Aaron said, smiling as he looked at her sleeping form.

As they walked to the house, Aaron asked, “So what are we doing?”

“For now, we’re taking care of Maggie and making sure she has a place here. Paul's talking Gregory into letting her stay. I’m staying with her no matter what. As for you, you’ll have to decide what you want to do.”

“I already know what I want to do. I want to get Daryl back,” Aaron said determinedly.

“I know, but is that really the right thing to do? Jesus made a good point about getting caught sneaking into the Saviors compound. If you’re caught–”

“I won’t get caught,” Aaron said. “I used to sneak around all the time when I went on recruiting missions. I had to get in close enough to hear conversations without anyone knowing that I was listening. Remember? You and Maggie didn’t know I was there until I walked out in front of you.”

Sasha laughed. “I remember. Clean shaven, handsome man in flannel and kakis popped out of nowhere and said, ‘Hi, I’m Aaron.’”

Aaron laughed too. “Yeah, you should have seen your faces.”

“I could have shot you. Maggie too.”

“But you didn’t, thank goodness,” Aaron said. “The fact is, you never knew I was there. I can do it again. I can get into their compound and find Daryl.”

“You don’t know where their compound is, and you don’t know what it looks like.” Sasha shook her head. “I don’t know, Aaron. It’s your decision, but I think you’d be making a huge mistake. Just give it a few days. Wait until Maggie’s out of trouble like Dr. Carson said. I’d feel better if you did.”

“Alright,” he said, but he was defiant in his answer.

>>------->

The next few days passed uneventful. Paul talked Gregory into letting them stay until Maggie was better, but he insisted that as soon as she was stable, they all needed to leave Hilltop. When Aaron approached Paul on the matter, he said he had to choose his battles with Gregory. It seemed that every conversation with Gregory was a battle of one kind or another.

Aaron was resting in the trailer, trying to get some sleep, but dreams kept his slumber light. They weren’t so much dreams as they were memories of recent events. Daryl was all he could think of, and Aaron tossed and turned with despair. He didn’t know how much longer he could sit around not doing anything to get him back. They always watched out for each other. Whether they were fighting off walkers or bad people, they had each other’s backs. It had been that way since they met, and it had always been that way. Wouldn’t Daryl be expecting him soon? Aaron couldn’t leave him with the Saviors and not try to get him out. Everyone kept telling him they would find Daryl soon, but no one was coming up with a plan.

Aaron remembered what Paul told him, about costing people their lives if he was caught trying to save Daryl. That was the only thing stopping him at the moment. He just needed a plan, but that was difficult to come up with when you were going blindly into a new place. The only plan he had was to get Daryl home, and do whatever necessary to accomplish that goal.

A couple hours must have passed by when there was a soft knock at the door. Aaron sat up and swung his legs over the edge of the bed. The door opened slightly, and Paul poked his head in. “Hey, I was seeing if you were up.”

“Yeah. Didn’t sleep much anyway.”

Paul came into the room. “Maggie’s awake. Thought you’d want to know.”

“Great. Thanks,” Aaron said as he stood from the bed.

“You sure you’re okay?” Paul said as he looked him over with a skeptical eye.

“Sleep is overrated,” Aaron jested. It was time to put on a front and face whatever the rest of the day had in store for him.

Maggie was sitting on the exam table, and Doctor Carson was giving her a few instructions. She smiled when she saw Aaron enter the room, stood from the table went to hug him. She still seemed weak, but better than she had been when they first arrived a few days ago.

“How are you feeling?” Aaron asked her.

“Better … considering. What about you? How are you holding up?” she asked in return.

“Ready to tear my hair out, but okay overall.”

“I want to see the graves,” Maggie said. Obviously she’d been thinking about it for a while now.

Aaron shook his head. “I’m not so sure you should–”

“Please,” she begged, and Aaron knew he couldn’t deny her.

They looked at Doctor Carson for resistance, but he shrugged his shoulders and gestured toward the door. He must have already seen Maggie’s determination, Aaron thought. “Just take it easy,” the doctor warned.

Aaron led Maggie and Sasha to the graves. Maggie knelt down and put her hand on the fresh dirt. She stayed that way for a while, silently praying for her lost love. Sasha stood next to her, looking at the other grave, the one that held Abraham. Aaron knew they had just recently become a couple, but in that short amount of time, they had shared a special bond. Sasha would mourn Abraham’s death, but in a different way than Maggie, and right now, she was there for Maggie in any way needed.

Sasha took something out of her pocket and gave it to Maggie. Aaron recognized it as Glenn’s pocket watch, a gift from Maggie’s father. She’d told him the whole beautiful story once. Hershel would have been someone Aaron thought he would have liked to have known. Damn this cruel world.

Maggie kissed the watch and laid in on the grave. They knew they couldn’t mark them with names, but they could leave small mementos instead. Paul appeared, carrying a bouquet of flowers he’d just picked. He divided them and laid flowers on both graves before taking a step back. Everyone was silent while the women mourned. Aaron looked over at Paul, and found him already looking back at him. Paul gave him a smile before his eyes turned to the ground.

The solitude was broken when Gregory came out of a nearby door and marched up to them. He didn’t look too happy, Aaron noticed. Maggie and Sasha stood and regained their composure, ready for whatever Gregory had to give.

“What’s this?” he said looking at the fresh graves.

“We buried our people, my husband,” Maggie said. She was instantly on the defense.

“We don’t bury our dead. They should have been burned like all the rest. Who gave you the–”

“I did,” Paul spoke up, challenging Gregory.

“And what if the Saviors come snooping around, and want to know why we have outsiders buried here?” Gregory said.

“The graves are unmarked,” Maggie said squaring off with the man.

Gregory turned to Maggie, getting in her face. “What happened to our deal? You said you were going to take out ALL the Saviors.”

“Well, someone forgot to mention that the compound we hit was only a small portion of their size,” Maggie scowled.

“How was I supposed to know that?” Gregory said. “Most I’ve seen come to Hilltop was about fifteen or twenty. If you want someone to blame, blame Jesus. He’s the one who gave you the numbers.”

“I didn’t know any more than you did,” Paul defended himself.

Gregory was outnumbered, but his attention was still on Maggie. “What did you tell them? Do they know we were working together?”

Maggie was fed up with Gregory’s lack of concern for anyone but himself. “We didn’t say anything. We took the brunt of the storm and people died. Hilltop’s numbers remain the same.”

Gregory looked around at the angry faces surrounding him. “Good. That’s good. So here’s what you’re going to do. You’re going to burn these bodies and then you’re going to leave Hilltop. I want you gone by morning. We’re expecting the Saviors any day. Last thing I need is for them to find Alexandria people here.

Aaron finally spoke up to defend the women. “You can’t do that. Doctor Carson said Maggie needs to stay here until the baby comes. She’s suffered serious injury and–”

“If the Saviors find you here, they will kill me and burn down my house,” Gregory said, gesturing to the building behind him. “It’s not worth the risk for a pregnant, loud mouthed, disrespectful–”

Maggie’s pugnacious expression was enough to make Aaron go to her and hold her by the arm. Gregory was about to learn never make a pregnant woman angry. “Why you son of a–” she loathed.

“You’ve got until morning,” Gregory said, and he stepped aside to clear a path for them to leave.

“Come on,” Aaron whispered to Maggie, and he led her from the yard back into the house. Sasha followed, but he saw Paul hesitate in front of Gregory.

“We’re not done discussing this,” Paul threatened. Gregory gave him an arrogant smile.

Back in the house, Aaron was insisting that Maggie take the trailer, but she was refusing. “It has a kitchen, a table, a couch and a bed,” Aaron tried to convince her.

“Then where are you going to stay?” she argued.

He wanted to tell her he was leaving to find Daryl, but he couldn’t let her know. He didn’t like lying to her. She trusted him because of their honesty with each other. “I don’t know. I’ll find a room somewhere. It’s only for one night.”

“Jesus said he’s going to work something out with Gregory,” Sasha said, thinking that the reason it was only for one night was because Gregory told them they had to leave in the morning.

Aaron decided to use that to his advantage. “Whether he works something out or not, I should probably get back to Alexandria. Look, Gregory doesn’t want us here. With one less of us to worry about, maybe it will help persuade him.”

“He can have my room,” Paul interrupted after coming in from the yard.

“What? No, I can’t do that,” Aaron declined.

“It’s only for one night. I’ll bunk up somewhere else,” Paul said, and Aaron thought he meant Alex.

“You’re sure?”

“Absolutely,” Paul smiled.

Maggie was suddenly a bit wobbly on her feet. Sasha put an arm around her waist and said to Paul, “She needs to lay down.”

“Take her to my trailer,” Paul said. “I’ll bring you all some supplies.” He dashed off to gather the necessities, and Aaron and Sasha took Maggie to the trailer.

Once there, Maggie took a seat on the couch. Sasha looked around, searching the kitchen cabinets and the fridge. “Hey, there’s milk in–”

“The fridge works?” Maggie interrupted.

“Yeah,” Aaron answered. “Paul said this was one of the few trailers whose solar panels still worked.

It wasn’t long and Paul arrived with a wooden crate filled with food and topped with a couple sets of sheets and blankets. Sasha ran to him and took the bed linens to help lighten his load. She instantly started making the bed, and put the extra sheets on the couch where she was obviously going to sleep. Sasha would not leave Maggie’s side.

Maggie got up from the couch and started rifling through the box of food. She took out an apple and devoured it in just a few bites. With a mouthful, she noticed Paul and Aaron watching her with surprise. “I think my only problem right now is that I haven’t eaten in a while.”

Paul glanced at Aaron and smiled. They were both thinking the same thing. Her ravenous appetite was proof that she was feeling much better, and that the baby was safe for now.

Maggie pulled out and examined the food Paul brought, as though she was looking for something. “There’s milk in the fridge. Do you have any cereal?”

“Maybe,” Paul said. “I can check. What kind–”

“Doesn’t matter. I’ve got a craving for it, if you have any,” she said sweetly.

“Wanna go with me?” Paul asked Aaron.

“Sure,” he agreed. They stepped towards the door, but Sasha stopped Paul with a hand on his arm.

“I’m worried about taking her back to Alexandria. She really needs to stay here. Can you talk sense into Gregory? Tell him he doesn’t need to worry about us. I’ll earn Maggie’s keep and go out scavenging for both of us if he’s worried about supplies.”

Paul smiled warmly and put his hand on Sasha’s arm. “I’ll handle Gregory. You’re not going anywhere, and you don’t need to scavenge. We have plenty of supplies.” He paused and looked at Maggie, who was opening two cans of soup. He laughed. “Even enough for a pregnant woman.”

“Thank you,” Sasha said, the worry already seeming to disappear from her countenance.

Aaron followed Paul out of the trailer. As they headed back towards the house, people stopped them and asked about Maggie’s welfare. Each person who approached them seemed genuinely concerned for her. Aaron was amazed by the friendly reception, which was complete opposite of Gregory’s disapproval.

“Well, bless her little heart,” said one woman when Paul told her about Maggie’s misfortunes. She was an older woman, probably in her early sixties. “I’m going to make her a pie, and you can tell her that. I know it’s not much, but I want her to feel welcome, especially if she’s going to be staying with us.”

“Thank you, Mrs. Grant. I’m sure she’ll be very grateful,” Paul said with a kind smile.

“I may be old, but I remember what it was like to be pregnant, and I had five children, God rest their souls,” Mrs. Grant said. Aaron felt a pang of hurt. She must have lost her family during the outbreak. “And who is this handsome young man?” she asked, as she looked at Aaron. His thoughts of love and loss disintegrated when she addressed him.

“This is Aaron,” Paul introduced him. “He came with Maggie and Sasha from Alexandria.” Paul smiled at him as he spoke.

Mrs. Grant watched the look on Paul's face a moment before her eyes switched to Aaron. “It is very nice to meet you.” She shook his hand, and Aaron noticed her firm grip.

“Nice to meet you too, Mrs. Grant,” Aaron responded kindly.

She waved a hand at him. “Please, call me Alice. Everyone else does, except Jesus. Such a sweet and respectful man, and not to mention handsome, don’t you think?”

Paul blushed like Aaron had never seen him do before. “Mrs. Grant,” he complained.

Alice turned her attention back to Aaron after she was satisfied with the amount of fluster she caused. “Will you be staying with us too, Aaron?”

“Oh, well, uh, I should probably get back to Alexandria. They’ll be wondering about Maggie and all,” Aaron answered.

“You’re not staying tonight?” Paul asked. They hadn’t discussed it yet.

“I don’t know. I haven’t given it much thought, and space is limited,” Aaron said.

“I told you it’s no problem to have you stay at my place,” Paul offered. Aaron saw Alice smile from the corner of his eye.

“I … I’m not so sure that’s–” Aaron stammered.

“I’ll leave you two to discuss sleeping arrangements,” Alice grinned. “Again, nice to meet you,” she said to Aaron. She caught him with her eyes, and then suggestively swept them over to Paul. Was she trying to set them up?

“Likewise, Mrs. Gr . . . Uh, Alice,” Aaron corrected himself.

Paul watched her walk away, and when she was out of earshot, he spoke. “I’m sorry about that. She means well.”

“It’s okay. I like her,” Aaron said.

“Anyway, as I was saying, you can take my room,” Paul offered.

“Oh, I don’t want you to have to–”

“No, it’s okay, really. I insist,” Paul said.

Aaron couldn’t turn him down. “I ... l guess so.”

“Good. It’s settled then. Now let’s go find Maggie her cereal.”

“Are you going to be able to convince Gregory to let the girls stay?” Aaron asked as they walked to the house. If he was leaving, he wanted to know they would be alright and cared for.

“He might change his tune when I tell him how many people already think their staying. Last thing he wants is to look bad in front of his people. Don’t worry. Maggie and Sasha are staying,” Paul said with confidence.

>>------->

That evening, Aaron went to Paul's room in the great house, and settled into bed. It was a fairly comfortable bed, but he couldn’t enjoy himself knowing that Daryl was still out there somewhere. He couldn’t enjoy much of anything without Daryl, and sleep seemed to escape him too. He tossed and turned, but his thoughts always went back to Daryl.

“This is ridiculous,” he told himself. “I can’t just sit here and do nothing.” He started to devise a plan. “I need to head out there, and see if I can pick up a trail and find out where Daryl is.” He wasn’t the best at tracking, but he’d learned from the best. Daryl had taught him everything he knew, and he would put all of that knowledge to use. It couldn’t be that difficult. There were maybe a hundred men, some with cars or trucks, some on foot. Surely, he’d be able to find a trail easily. But with that thought, he realized that the Saviors weren’t worried about leaving a trail because there were so many of them. Only a fool would try to take them on in their own territory. Aaron didn’t want to fight them, though. He just wanted Daryl back. His biggest worry was stealth. No matter what, he couldn’t get caught. He was afraid Paul was right. If Aaron was caught it would mean both his and Daryl’s deaths, not to mention the death of more Alexandrians when Negan showed up to punish them. He felt reason slowly talking himself out of making a move.

Somehow, he managed to fall asleep, but he wasn’t sure for how long. He was awakened by a soft knock on the door. Aaron thought it must be Paul coming to check on him. He got up and threw on his shirt and pants in a hurry. Another knock sounded as he made his way to the door. As he turned the knob and pulled, he spoke. “If you’re wondering how I’m doing, I’m just about to–” Aaron cut his words short when he looked up and saw that it wasn’t Paul at the door. It was Alex.

“Oh, uh, you’re not Paul,” Alex said awkwardly.

“No. At least not the last time I checked,” Aaron joked. That only gained him a look of confusion.

Alex glanced down and saw that Aaron’s disheveled clothes meant he’d gotten dressed quickly. He looked over Aaron’s shoulder, trying to see into the darkened room. “Is … Paul … here?” Alex asked. He seemed afraid to know the answer to his own question.

Aaron, who always jested when he was in an uncomfortable or embarrassing situation, laughed nervously and rolled his eyes up. “Well, if you’ve been talking to Mrs. Grant . . .” Aaron decided not to continue that sentence. He closed his eyes and shook his head. “No, Paul is’nt here. I’m … I’m Aaron, by the way. We haven’t been properly introduced.”

“I know who you are,” Alex stated. “Everyone is talking about it. And I guess you know I’m Alex.”

“Yeah,” Aaron said, palming the back of his neck. It was such a strange introduction. At the last moment, he offered his hand. “Nice to meet you.”

Alex shook his hand, but it didn’t feel sincere. “Yeah, you too.”

“I’m afraid I don’t know where Paul is. He let me have his room for the night. My friends are staying in his trailer.”

“I hear they might be staying for a while,” Alex said.

“Yeah, if Gregory agrees to it. Maggie, well, you’d already know her story, wouldn’t you,” Aaron said, realizing that Alex was Doctor Carson’s nurse.

“Mind if I come in?” Alex asked, but he was already pushing his way past Aaron before he could answer.

“I guess not,” Aaron mumbled.

Alex glanced around the small guest room. Aaron felt like he needed to see for himself that Paul wasn’t inside. Surely he didn’t think something was going on between Paul and Aaron. Satisfied that it was only Aaron in the room, Alex turned to him with a more relaxed look on his face. “I just wanted to say that I’m sorry about what happened to your friends … Maggie’s husband … what a tragic thing to happen, and with her pregnant.”

“I think we’re all still shook up. It almost doesn’t seem real. Anyway, thanks,” Aaron said.

“So, will you be staying at the Hilltop too?” Alex said, fishing for information.

“I’m leaving in the morning. I need to get back to Alexandria.” Or go rogue and try to find Daryl, he thought.

“Will Paul be escorting you back to your home?” Alex asked.

“I don’t know. It hasn’t come up in conversation. I don’t think he needs to do that. I know my way back,” Aaron answered.

“You might want to tell him that. He has a tendency to want to be everyone’s guardian.” Alex came the rest of the way into the room and took a seat on the unmade bed. “Hmm,” he said, glancing at the bed. “This would be a first.”

“What’s that?” Aaron asked curiously.

“Paul doesn’t like anyone in his room when he’s not here,” Alex said with accusation.

“It was kind of last minute. And it’s only for one night. I’m sure I’m leaving tomorrow.” Aaron glanced at the window seeing that it was still dark outside. “Or today.” He didn’t know what time it was.

“Look, I think we both recognize the amount of tension here, so I’m just going to come out and address the elephant in the room,” Alex said. “You need to be careful with Paul. He’s a very honest, sweet, loyal guy who, once he puts his mind to it, will do all he can to help others, especially those he takes a liking to.”

“Excuse me?” Aaron said, feeling his defenses going up. Where exactly was this conversation going?

“When I said I knew who you were, I meant that I’ve heard your name mentioned several times. Ever since Paul, and don’t think I haven’t noticed that you call him by his real name … Ever since he discovered Alexandria, it’s all he talks about, at least to me. He tells me what a great community it is, and how strong their leader is, and how Hilltop needs to establish a good relationship with them. And then there’s you, Alexandria’s recruiter, the boy scout, the nice guy, the guy who can do no wrong.”

“Whoa, what are you saying?” Aaron replied out of instinct, throwing his hands up in submission.

“Do I have to spell it out for you? Paul has a hard on for you,” Alex admitted bluntly.

“Wait just a minute,” Aaron said defensively.

“And yes, he knows you have a boyfriend, and that there’s little chance you’d see him as anything but a friend. But I’ve seen how he lights up when he mentions you by name. I’ve seen him rush out of here when he knows he’s going to meet your people, in hopes that you’ll be there too. He hasn’t said it out loud, but I’ve seen it in his eyes, and heard it in his voice. He’s willing to do whatever it takes to help Alexandria, but most of all you, and it scares me to death. I’m afraid he’s going to put himself out there for you, and it’s going to go too far.”

Aaron was dumbfounded by this confession, but Alex’s last sentence sparked anger in him. He couldn’t let it slide by. “You’re afraid it’s going to cost Paul? You can sit there and say this to me when it was my people who just put themselves out there for the Hilltop, and it cost two of them their lives. Shall I explain to you what a bat wrapped in barb wire does to the human skull? Would you like to know how many hits it take until the head is nothing more than mush, and blood and brains? Or maybe you’d like me to tell you in detail how the body still moves and convulses even after the person is obviously dead. I know all of these things because I was there front and center, watching my friends die. And my ‘boyfriend’ that you mentioned, was taken by these brutal murders. He’s being held captive until we give Negan half our stuff. So you want to talk about being scared? I’m beyond worried for what’s being done to him at this very moment. I’ve been second guessing my choice to even be here right now, when deep down in my heart I know I should be out there doing everything I can to find him and bring him home. And you want to sit here and accuse me of having something to do with Paul's irrational behavior, as though I’m responsible for his feelings towards me, which I’m convinced is something you’ve conjured up in your mind. You know what? You’re right about Paul. He’s a good man. He’s honest. He’s loyal. He’s also willing to put himself out there because he wants to be out from under Negan’s thumb. He’s willing to do what it takes to make that happen instead of bowing down and being Negan’s bitch. People make sacrifices when they want something bad enough. And then there’s those who would rather sit around and wallow in self-pity. So if you’re jealous because you can’t keep your man in your bed, just remember what he’s out there fighting for, and stop laying the blame on someone else.”

While Aaron berated him, Alex covered his hand over his mouth, letting his fem side show for the first time. He probably didn’t think Aaron would fire back. Now he knew what he was dealing with, and he had no words to give back in response. Aaron threw his hands in the air and stormed out of Paul's room, leaving Alex befuddled and staring at him as he left.

Once outside, Aaron realized that it must be late. There wasn’t anyone roaming around the yard and most of the occupied trailers were dark. The stars were out, but the moon was low in the sky. There were probably several hours left before sunrise. Aaron struggled with the idea of finding Daryl. What the hell was he doing here besides helping Maggie and Sasha? They were two strong women. They could help each other. And Maggie looked so much better than she did when they first arrived. He didn’t need some whiny jealous boyfriend accusing him of the same thing Daryl had accused him of before all hell broke loose. And what gave them the idea in the first place. Paul was a friend and nothing more.

“This is all bullshit,” he told himself as he paced the yard. He couldn’t go back to Paul's room for fear of running into Alex. That would not bode well for the man should he want to challenge Aaron again. There was no room for him in Maggie’s trailer. Besides, he noted that theirs was dark too, and Maggie needed sleep more than anything right now. “I’m going,” he said. “Enough is enough. I can’t stand not doing anything. Daryl needs me. To hell with everything else.”

He had no belongings with him. The Saviors had taken his knife and his gun. His pack was in the RV that was now with the Saviors. All he had was himself, hope, a prayer, and whatever tracking smarts Daryl taught him. A weapon would be nice, though. He shouldn’t head out without something. Hilltop didn’t have any guns, but they had knives. The blacksmith shop would have something. Part of the building was open to the air. He remembered seeing knives hanging on a back wall. He’d just grab one, maybe two and disappear. Maggie would understand. So would Sasha. Both of them had seen his intense worry because both had tried to comfort him. When they woke in the morning and found him gone, they would know where he went. They might not like it, but they would understand.

Aaron walked to the blacksmith and pushed the half gate open. It made a creaking noise that sounded like a cat in heat, but no one was around to hear it. He went to the wall with the knives and picked out two that seemed the sturdiest, with wooden handles and thick metal blades that were sharp enough to split a single hair in half lengthwise.

“Earl’s got some nice pieces there,” Paul said from the shadows.

Aaron jumped out of his skin, spun around and had one of the knives at the ready. “Christ, man, give a guy some warning next time.”

“Sorry,” Paul apologized. “I heard the gate and came to check it out.”

“I didn’t think anyone was out here,” Aaron admitted.

“Neither did I. Except for the gate guards, the yard is empty at this time of night.”

Aaron glanced back toward the gate. He’d forgotten about the guards. That didn’t seem to matter now. He went back to the knives and started looking around for a holster or something to put them in and keep at his side. Paul stood by and watched him.

“Going somewhere?” he asked. Aaron expected Paul to stop him.

“I’m going after Daryl,” Aaron said, sifting through the blacksmiths things. His work bench was cluttered with different bits and pieces.

“What about Maggie and Sasha? I thought you were waiting to see whether or not they could stay.”

Aaron paused and looked at Paul. “You said you were talking to Gregory. What did he say?”

“He said yes,” Paul said.

Aaron was surprised. “Just like that and he agreed?”

“Well, not exactly, but when I told him how everyone heard about Maggie and her pregnancy, and all the events from earlier, and how they assume he’s letting her stay, he had no choice but to say yes,” Paul said proudly.

Aaron was glad to hear it. “That makes my decision to leave that much easier.”

“How are you going to find the Saviors?” Paul asked calmly, as though he was making polite conversation.

“I’m going back to the woods and tracking them from there,” Aaron said, finally finding something he could use. It was a leather belt with a pouch on the side. It was just big enough to hold one of the knives. He would just carry the other.

“Don’t you think it would be better to wait until the sun is up?” Paul continued with the questions.

“I’m thinking they left an obvious trail and I’ll be able to pick it up easily. Daryl taught me how to track. I know I can find them,” Aaron insisted.

“Well, I guess you have to do what you feel is right. I just thought you changed your mind after we talked about the risks involved with going out on your own. But you seem to know what you’re doing.”

Aaron stopped and turned to Paul. “Don’t use your reverse psychology on me. Save it for your jealous boyfriend.”

“Wait. What are you talking about?” Paul asked. Now he was concerned.

“Alex paid me a visit. Actually, he was looking for you, but found me instead. I don’t think he liked the fact that I was staying in your room. He also accused me of leading you on, among other things. I don’t know. Whatever he was trying to pull, it just made me realize that I’m wasting my time here, and if no one else is going to look for Daryl, then I will.” Aaron was still on the defensive, and his anger was apparent.

Paul palmed his face and ran his hand through his hair. “I didn’t think he would . . . Listen, you can’t trust whatever Alex says about me or him. He’s upset with me because … well, it’s a long story, but … he’s my problem, not yours, and if he said something to upset you then I apologize.”

Aaron knew he was being sincere, and he could hear the embarrassment in his voice. He’d rather the apology came from Alex, but he wouldn’t hold his breath. Aaron attached the belt to his waist and turned to Paul once more. “Do you have a backpack and a few food supplies you could spare?”

“You’re still going?” Paul asked.

“I have to,” Aaron said determinedly. His mind was made up.

“I wish you wouldn’t go, not with anger driving you at the moment. That’s when people make mistakes.”

“I think I’m acting rationally. I know what’s at risk, and that’s why I have to go.”

Paul stared him down, folded his arms across his chest and flatly said, “No.”

“No?” Aaron said, raising his eyebrows. “You can’t keep me here.”

Paul instantly softened his mood, seeing that aggressiveness would just make matters worse. “Make a deal with me.”

Aaron tilted his head to the side, trying to read Paul. “What kind of deal?”

“You let me try to convince you not to go, and if I don’t succeed, you leave at sunrise instead of the dark of night.”

Aaron was sure that Paul wasn’t going to talk him out of going, but if he postponed leaving until morning, that wouldn’t be too much of a burden. He was probably right to tell Aaron to wait until the sun was up. He thought about it another moment, and Paul patiently waited for a response. “Alright, fine.”

“Great. So … how about I show you a place that only the special tour groups got to see when they visited Barrington House. And by special, I mean they paid more than other people,” Paul said.

“Well, I’m not going back upstairs, and I’m not falling asleep any time soon. Where is this place?” Aaron asked with curiosity.

“It’s through the kitchen. There’s a narrow stairway that leads to a trap door in the roof. I think it was used in revolutionary times, or something like that. Supposedly, a person could sneak up to the roof and be a look out or even a sniper. There’s a clear view of the entire property and the lands leading up to the hill. The people of the house could be alerted in plenty of time before an enemy approached. We’ve used it for that reason too, but sometimes I just like to head up there to get away without going away, if you know what I mean. And it’s a hell of a spot to see the sunrise.”

“We’ll see,” Aaron said skeptically. Paul glanced down at the knives. “I’m keeping these,” Aaron stated, and he followed Paul to the house.
- 39
- 40
- 41
You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.
Report Story

Safe Haven in the Chaos