I stayed up there until sunset and saw Rick, Daryl, and most others who went to go supply hunting come back. I continue to sit and keep guard. Although I know Dad's traps are kept maintained and I make sure to check everyday, you could never know when something bad is going to happen.

"Hey, Cassandra! Come down!" A voice called out as I looked around and it was Rick holding up something. I couldn't tell and I didn't have my binoculars to look. I climbed down and head downstairs and head towards Rick as he walked towards my house and through my backyard.

"What is it?"

"We found these. You missed them or something?" Daryl held up walking talkies.

"Not that I recall..." I said as I looked at it carefully and found batteries. My eyes bulge.

"...Did you get found?"

"We didn't see anyone but walkers,"

I didn't say a word.

"...You were not followed?" I asked.

"Of course not. We always check our backs." Daryl replied.

I felt my blood run cold. I remember having a run in with this other group a few months ago while I was Scavenging. They really wanted to claim my land and would've killed the bees if I didn't. I haven't seen them in a while. I thought they turned but...

"What's got you all riled up?"

I fidgeted my hair nervously.

"Tell me." Daryl said threateningly as Carl overheard and took a step forward.

"Guys stop." Carl said.

I took a step forward.

"I don't know their name. The leader is... a creep. He wanted this cabin and..." I flinched.

"Jesus Christ." Rick said out loud.

"That explains why you wanted to kill us on sight." Daryl said as I nodded.

"That and I just can't trust anyone." I added, "But make a pile. At this point I'm not picky." I said sounded uninterested before I head inside.

"Kid you do realize sooner or later your share is going to be ours..." Rick said as I didn't say a word before heading back to my roof and this time brought binoculars.

Now because of Rick and Daryl, I have to make sure the other group followed them here. Although I have some traps up front—

I saw Carl trying to climb his way up here. I just put my binoculars down and stare at him as he struggled and finally got himself up here.

"Don't know how you can do it so easily."

I didn't say anything, continuing on scanning for any signs of any of the other gang.

"You okay?"

I ignored him, looking for any signs of that group.

"Cassandra?"

My hands clenched onto the binoculars. Instead he kept quiet before I finally put them down, loudly sighing. He looked into my direction, waiting for me to say something. I just instead stared out into the distance. He looked at the skies as well.

"This is... nice." He said like earlier, breaking the ice.

I just looked in his direction.

"Mm..." I only responded with a low grunting noise.

He can tell I'm still shaken up and angry. Although the group was partial reason why I almost attacked Rick and his group. But mainly... my parents' false promise is what broke me.

"Sorry I'll just—"

"No." I finally spoke.

I'd finally admit that the presence of not just him... butq someone around my age is what I need.

"Like I said... I almost accepted that you and the group won't leave me alone." I reminded.

He nodded.

"I know. I do want to gain your trust, as well the others."  He admits with an awkward neck scratch.

I just looked away for a moment.

"Well... other than what I said the other day— since I know it's hard for you to stay away. I can see it in your eyes." I admitted.

"It is. Because I hate for you to feel alone— left out." He also admitted.

There's... something I want to do. I don't know why— but I just want to...

"Carl..." I began, "Can I... hug you?"

Carl's face turned red. Yep. He's been crushing me the whole time. I've been so dense...

"Sure!" He said out of excitement before clearing his throat, "But is this a trick?"

I shook my head before I moved closer to hug him. He hugs me back and holds me in his arms.

"No trick it's just... I hadn't had a hug in awhile." I admitted during the hug.

"Well I can— I mean—" he stuttered.

"Carl..."

"Yea?"

"...It's obvious."

His cheeks turned red again as he pulled away.

"Shit." He blurted out, "I'm sorry it's just—"

"Go on." I said as I crossed my arms.

"It's just— when I first saw you, despite your rough exterior, I wanted to see the interior. I know I saw someone else who's going through this hell. Plus— I never had a friend around my age." He admits.

I feel bad to make him admit but at this point it was obvious that even the brain dead walkers would know.

"But tell me is this a trick before you— uh..."

At this point... I want to be nice... show them my "interior" although I can't always go soft but I just know now... I feel guilty. And they all know what I've been through and no matter how many times I tried to act hostile and aloof — they still remain and show me kindness. I think that's what eventually broke me.

"Cassandra?"

I snapped back to reality.

"Sorry... I'm just thinking about things." I put it as that.

"I was asking if this is a trick?"

I shook my head.

"No... no tricks," I repeated taking a deep breath, "I want to... be nicer, since I think with your dad and group's kindness... it's what broke me." I admitted as he warmly smiled.

"We're all good people..." He said softly.

I nodded.

"I can tell now..." I responded as I looked back at each and every one of them.

Carl smiled.

"Cassandra I know it's random but since you know now— I like you. I want to stay with you."

My eyes bulge at the last part.

"Carl you shouldn't."

"I want to. You can't be alone. I want to be there."

Damn it... that fuzzy feeling I'm now starting to have.

"Carl.... I think it's best you go with the group."

"Are you staying?"

Before I could make an answer I heard something from the distance and immediately turned around and pulled up my binoculars. Carl heard it too as he looked.

"...Go tell your dad and Daryl." I commanded, "And I want you to open the beehives when you hear my scream."

Carl immediately nodded and left without hesitation. Time to handle the group... again.