A Hard Lesson to Learn

Chapter 4

Kali just nodded her head. A small smile slid across her face. Negan was coming. "So, what are you going to do Rosita? Kill me," Kali laughed. "I don't think Rick would appreciate that very much."

"Then I guess it's a good thing Rick isn't here right now, ain't it," Rosita said putting the cell key into door turning the lock. "No one is here to hear you scream so go ahead," she said pulling the cell door open.

Kali felt her heart rate pick up when the cell door creaked open. She could feel the sweat on her palms. Quickly, she jumped to her feet facing Rosita. "Are you going to shoot me? If so just go ahead, shoot me."

Rosita chuckled. "No, I'm not going to shoot you. That would too quick," she said stepping further into the cell. "I think you deserve to die the same way that you people did. A nice long slash across your throat. Letting your blood seep from your body slowly. Then you'll turn, and we'll send you in a box to The Sanctuary so that Negan can see what we are capable of."

Kali raised her hands, trying to will Rosita to stop. "Are you fucking crazy? Y'all want to call me a sick person, but I see the shit that you all do. Now you want to kill me for doing what exactly? I've done everything you fuckers have asked me to do."

"This isn't about cooperation. This is revenge. Negan killed two of ours so I'm going to kill one of his," she seethed. Rosita was on her quick. She had Kali pinned against the wall, hands wrapped around her throat. "I'm going to kill you."

Kali tried to pry the hands off her neck but had little success. Throwing a quick elbow that luckily made contact with Rosita's nose gave Kali a quick second to catch her breath. Taking steps towards the woman, Kali was ready to fight. Rosita lunged knocking the pair to the ground. Fists landed harshly on her face as Rosita unleashed a string of punches. Kali squirmed under her trying to throw her off. She brought her hands up and delivered an unexpected punch to Rosita which caused the woman to roll off her.

"Just stop this. You can go back to whatever you were doing, and I won't tell Rick," Kali pleaded trying to catch her breath.

"I think it's time you shut up," Rosita yelled lunging back towards Kali. This time Kali was ready and caught her. Rosita grunted as she swiftly kneed Kali in the stomach. Kali dropped to her knees doubling over, pain radiating through her body. A couple of kicks to her stomach caused Kali to fall over onto her side. A hand pulled her hair harshly making Kali let out a yell as she pulled roughly back to her knees. She felt Rosita's weight on her back.

The cold blade of a knife pressed against her throat. Kali's hands grabbed Rosita's arms trying to dislodge her but to no avail. "Any last words," Rosita said a murderous tent to her voice.

"Please. Don't," Kali gulped causing the blade of the knife to nick at her skin. "Don't do this."

"I have to."

Kali threw her head back knocking making contact with Rosita, knocking her off. The knife clamored against the cement floor. She heard Rosita scream. Looking towards the woman, a crimson river of blood was making its way from her nose.

Scurrying to her feet, Kali took off out of the cell. If she could make it outside, she could find someone. Not that they'd believe her, but there was a chance she could get away. Just as she was about to climb the stairs, a body crashed into her from behind causing her to fall and a loud crack echoed through the basement.

Rosita smiled triumphally rolling a defenseless Kali onto her back. Kali was lifeless under her. Her head was bleeding from where she had struck the steps. Rosita had the knife in her hand from where she picked it up in the cell. She had put it against Kali's neck when the door at the top of the stairs bursts open. She stopped when she caught sight of the man at the top of the stairs. "Rick, I-," she stammered before being cut off by the look in his eyes.

"What happened," he said lowly making is way down the stairs. Each step on the way down creaked with his weight. Maybe it was time he fixed these stairs. He kept his eyes on Rosita as he walked. "What did you do," he yelled.

He watched as Rosita drew the knife back. "I-I-I...I wanted to...um," she stumbled, "ugh...She...I."

"Stop. Get off her," he demanded.

Rosita complied quickly. Rick's boots had just touched the concrete and her heart rate skyrocketed. She watched as he dropped to his knees and gently picked up her head. "Go get the doctor," he said gruffly.

"Rick...She's one of Negan's, just let it happen," she tried to reason.

"GO GET THE DOCTOR," he yelled this time. A look of betrayal washed over her face before she stepped over the pair and ascended the stairs. Rick cradled Kali's head in the crook of his arm. She looked so peaceful right now. Rick sighed as he leaned back against the wall holding an unconscious Kali in his arms. He let out a shaky breath. Softly he brushed the hair out of her face. "I'm so sorry," he whispered. "I tried to protect you. Things are going to change around here, I promise. I promise," he told her. He leaned his head back letting out a breath waiting for the doctor to come. Things were going to be different for her, for everyone.