It was midday when the group arrived at Alexandria.
Amanda was carrying Judith in a sling, humming softly as she carefully concealed the blade of her knife with the sheath and slid it inside a small pocket in Judiths sling, trying to hide the knife in case anything went south. The group walked
in silence, until there was a loud rustling noise.
Daryl quickly spun around, shooting an arrow in the direction. He exhaled deeply as he bent over,
"brought dinner." He said as the gates opened
Amanda followed Aaron and Eric, letting out a breath as she saw children running in the street and heard laughter. She squeezed Judith tighter, looking at Aaron and Eric, "Thank you guys." Amanda said
"You've earned it." Aaron said, "Now, before we get everyone settled in, we need to meet Deanna. She's the person you guys wanna talk to. She knows everything about Alexandria." He smiled as he walked down the path. He led them to the armory, "You guys have to turn in your weapons, though. You can check them out as you please." Aaron smiled
Amanda nodded as she handed over her rifle and her pistol, looking up at Aaron as an older woman came over
"Hello!" The woman smiled, "Who wants to go first?"
"I'll go." Amanda said as she swayed her body slightly, soothing Judith with her movements
Rick went to object by Glenn grabbed his arm, "she's probably our best bet." Glenn said, noticing how Rick looked off putting with his cold demeanor.
"Come with me." Deanne smiled as she led Amanda down the path. She opened the door to a home, allowing Amanda inside
"Thank you." Amanda smiled kindly as she stepped inside. She stood to the side, looking at Deanne for further instructions
Deanne noted Amanda's behavior, appreciating how she was respectful of boundaries, "Please, sit." Deanne said
"Oh, no thank you. I'm dirty, these couches look too.. too nice." Amanda laughed softly
"They're meant to be sat on. Please, sit." Deanna smiled at her
Amanda nodded as she sat down, looking at Deanne curiously
"Tell me about yourself, Amanda. What did you do before this all went down?" Deanne questioned
"My name is Amanda Grimes, I'm 27, I served in the Army and deployed three times, after I completed my service I became a pediatric nurse." She said
"Is this your daughter?" Deanne questioned
Amanda nodded, "That wild looking man with the scraggly beard is my husband, Rick."
"How lovely you two survived this together." Deanne said, "was being pregnant on the road difficult?"
Amanda laughed softly, "Judith isn't my daughter by blood. Rick and I met before this all happened. I was in an estranged relationship with his best friend. While on duty, Rick got shot protecting me. He was in a coma at the hospital I worked at. When everything went down, I made my way to his room and barricaded myself with him in the room. We've been together ever since. His wife had an affair with my estranged boyfriend, and then Judith was created." Amanda explained, "So, it was like... An odd love square." She laughed softly
"From what I'm hearing, you stayed loyal to Rick - throughout everything. He must be very grateful for you." Deanne said with a smile, "Judith is lucky to have you as her mother." She said, "Amanda, here, we have jobs. Everyone has a job. Would you be interested in working in our infirmary?" She asked
"I would love to." Amanda smiled happily, "you should talk to Rick next. He's the head honcho. He's such an amazing man, truly. We wouldn't survive without him."
"Great, thank you. That's all." Deanne smiled as she stood up, leading Amanda outside. She stepped down the stairs, "Mr. Grimes?" She called
Rick looked up, exhaling deeply as he made his way after her
Aaron watched Rick walk up the stairs, "This may take a while. Let me show you guys to your home." He grinned as he led them down the path.
Amanda reached over and squeezed Carls hand, "You get your own room." she whispered as she looked at a massive home, "you ready?" she asked as she stroked his hair back gently. Amanda kept Carls hand entangled with hers as she walked up the stairs, looking around the house in awe. She watched closely as Carl walked over to the sink, turning on the water. Amanda laughed happily, "I'm going to go shower." she said excitedly as she walked up the steps, Judith asleep in her arms. Amanda gently laid her down on the bed, careful not to wake her. She heard rustling downstairs and she walked to the source of the noise, smiling when she saw Rick
"Wow." Rick said as he looked around the house, exhaling deeply, "Deanne wants to see you and Abraham again." He said softly
"Okay. Why don't you go get a shower and I'll be back when I finish?" Amanda smiled
"Do not leave Abrahams sight." Rick said worriedly
Amanda rolled her eyes as she walked outside, smiling as she saw Abraham waiting at the bottom of the stairs for her, "ready?" she asked, walking alongside him.
Deanne was standing on the porch of her house, "You two have prior military history, I need you both to help train our people. You two are strong. We need strength here." Deanne said, "I want you two in charge of our watchmen and runners. Be their oversight."
Abraham laughed, "you don't even know us." he said
"I don't have to." Deanne smiled, "Now go home. Shower, rest.. Do whatever you need to do."
Amanda nodded thankfully as she walked back towards the house. She stepped inside and cleared her throat, seeing Rick shirtless with a woman standing besides him, trimming his hair, "get out." Amanda warned her
"Oh no no! No, It's not what it looks like. I'm just giving him a haircut. My names Jessie." The blonde woman smiled
Amanda walked into the kitchen, grabbing a large knife out of the drawer, "Leave." Amanda said again, "Now." Amanda warned, her eyes burning with rage
"Okay, uhm, maybe i'll see you guys later?" Jessie smiled worriedly
"Doubtful." Amanda replied, picking up the knife, staring at Jessie as she walked out the door. Amanda directed her attention to Rick, "do you always get shirtless and let random women cut your hair?"
"No, just this once. Figured I'd try and clean myself up before you came home." Rick said softly
Amanda cleared her throat, rolling her eyes as she put the knife down. She walked up the stairs of the house, sighing as she heard Rick trailing behind her
"Amanda, nothing happened. It was all friendly." Rick promised
"I don't care." Amanda said truthfully as she walked into the bathroom, turning on the shower, "it's not like you and I are on the best terms right now. If you want to scope out your options, be my guest." Amanda said
Rick looked at her in disbelief, "Not true in the slightest." He said, "Look, I'm gonna go next door and see what everyone else is up to. Come join me when you're finished, yeah?"
Amanda nodded as she shut the door behind Rick. She took a quick shower, sighing happily as she felt the warm water. She wrapped herself in a towel before going into the bedroom and grabbing Judith. She carefully took off her clothes and diaper before climbing in the shower with her, laughing when Judith looked taken back. She cleaned Judith carefully before wrapping her up in another towel. She put new clothes on Judith before she changed into clean clothes as well. She sat down on the bed, Judith on her chest as she looked at the TV. She took the remote carefully and turned it on, looking in disbelief as a cartoon came on. It was prerecorded and old but still, better than nothing.
Rick waited for about an hour before he came back to their house, "Hey." He said, stepping inside the bedroom. He looked at the TV in disbelief before looking at Amanda, "We're all sleeping next door, c'mon." he said
"No." Amanda said
"Yes, c'mon, it's for our safety." Rick said
"No." Amanda said again, "Judith and I are staying here."
Rick clenched his jaw angrily, not in the mood to argue. He walked downstairs and went to the other house, sighing deeply.
After a bit, Amanda walked downstairs with Judith in her arms. She hummed softly as as she opened the fridge, grabbing a glass carton of milk. She gently poured some into a bottle, smiling as she gave some to Judith. She wrapped them up in a blanket and went outside, sitting on the porch as she watched the sunset quietly, Maverick by her feet.
Aaron and Eric were on a pre bedtime walk. Aaron smiled, waving at Amanda, "hi you!"
Amanda smiled, "Hi, Aaron! Hi, Eric." she said kindly, watching as they walked over
"Can i hold her?" Eric asked excitedly
Amanda smiled, nodding slowly, "yeah, she's chugging on some milk right now." She noted as she handed him Judith carefully
"We've always wanted one." Aaron smiled as he tickled Judith's foot. He heard noise coming from next door and he looked over, watching as Tyreese walked over.
Tyreese smiled as he looked at Amanda, "Rick told me you don't wanna stay over there in the house with everyone. You tired of sleepovers?" he asked
"That's not a sleepover, that's a slumber party. 15 people in one room is too much." Amanda laughed, "do you wanna stay in this house? There's extra bedrooms." Amanda asked hopefully, not wanting to stay alone but also not wanting to sleep in a room with 14 other people
"I'd love to." Tyreese smiled, "thank you."
"Were you given a job?" Amanda asked him
Tyreese nodded, "I work in the daycare center." He said with a grin
"That sounds perfect for you." Amanda smiled kindly, looking up as Eric handed back Judith
"We should get back home, it's late." Eric sighed, "let's meet up tomorrow for lunch?" He grinned
"It's a date!" Amanda smiled, "see you guys!" she grinned, waving goodbye. She led Tyreese inside, "Judith and I are in the master bedroom, let us know if you need anything." Amanda smiled at Tyreese as she walked upstairs. She peeled off her clothes, sliding on one of Ricks t shirts. She laid down in bed with Judith, sighing softly as she pulled her into her body, "I love you." Amanda said softly as she played with Judith's hands, massaging her chubby fingers.
~*~
Amanda woke up early the next morning when Tyreese walked into the room, "I can take Judith. I'd like to go see where the daycare is." Tyreese said
Amanda rubbed her eyes, looking over at Judith who was sound asleep, "yeah, sure." Amanda said as she picked up Judith and handed her over to Tyreese carefully. Amanda watched as they walked out of the bedroom and she stood up, closing the door carefully before she opened her duffle bag. She pulled out a pair of running shorts and a tank top. She slid on her gym shoes before walking into the bathroom. Amanda stared at herself in the mirror, her eyes welling up with tears. She looked at her wedding ring before she walked downstairs, sighing softly as opened the front door. She stretched her quietly before she began jogging down the sidewalk. She knew that being inside the community had the potential to make her weak, so she opted to
keep up with her health by training frequently.
After running 3.5 miles, Amanda finished her run in front of the house. She had sweat trickling down her face and chest as she looked at the porch, seeing Rick. He was wearing a policeman's outfit.
Rick was sitting on the porch step, staring at the ground. He looked up when he heard Amanda coming over, "I got a job today." He said softly
Amanda was breathing heavily, trying to relax after her run, "You look very handsome."
Amanda smiled as she tried to regulate her breathing, "I'm proud of you." She said
"I'm trying." Rick promised softly, "I'm trying. For you.. For us." Rick said, "For Ophelia and Leo or Elijah. Maybe all three. Who knows?"
"I know. Only one." Amanda laughed softly as she sat down on the step besides Rick, resting her head on his shoulder, "I think we have a lot to work on - internally with ourselves and externally with our relationship." Amanda said softly. She leaned down, kissing Ricks wedding band, "I love you, let's meet later up? I gotta shower and then meet up with Abraham and some guy named Aiden, to talk about runs and watch shifts." Amanda said as she hesitated before she leaned in and kissed Rick gingerly
Rick cupped her cheek, pulling her closer to him, deepening the kiss, "I love you, you know I love you?" Rick asked quietly
"I know." Amanda whispered softly as she pressed her forehead against his. She stood up, rubbing his back before walking inside the house to shower. After she finished, she slid on a hair of jeans and a tank top. She walked outside, looking up when she heard commotion besides the gate. She jogged over and saw Aiden arguing with Glenn
"You're under my command when we're out there! I'm in charge!" Aiden shouted, his face red with anger
"I guess we're as screwed as your last group." Glenn laughed, shaking his head
Aiden walked closer, "say it, say it again." He dared, pushing Glenn a few steps back
Amanda's eyes widened as she ran over. She quickly hitting Aiden in the nose with her elbow, causing him to fall back
"Hey! Hey!" Rick yelled, running over to Amanda, "What's going on? I thought we were trying to be civil?"
"He pushed Glenn!" Amanda said angrily as she watched Deanne walk over
"Officer Grimes, as the constable, can you please handle this?" Deanne asked, "You two, my office - NOW." she said to Aiden and Nicholas, leading them to her home
"You come with me." Rick told Amanda, grabbing her arm and dragging her back to their house, "Get inside." He said as he opened the door and pushed her inside, shutting it behind them
Amanda sat down on the stairs, looking up at Rick, "What? Now what, Officer Grimes?" Amanda mocked, "What are you gonna do? Toss me in a cell? Make me pick up trash on the side of the road?" Amanda said, rolling her eyes, leaning back on the stairs, looking irritated
Rick sucked on his teeth, shaking his head before he laughed, "You're treading on thin ice." Rick warned her
Amanda stood up, rolling her eyes as she shrugged, "I'll take my chances." She said, thinking Rick was talking about her position as the overseer of the watchmen and runners.
"Upstairs. Now." Rick snapped
"Oh no." Amanda said as realization set in, "No, no." Amanda said, laughing nervously
"Now." Rick said again, placing his hand on the stairs banister
Amanda chewed on the inside of her lip, hiding a grin as she nodded. She walked up one step before she turned around and tried to run under Ricks arm and down the stairs
Rick laughed as he caught her, "nice try." He said as he picked her up, tossing her over his shoulder, "let's go." He said as he carried her up the stairs. He shut the bedroom door with his boot before he tossed her onto the bed. He climbed on top of her, kissing her hungrily
Amanda moaned in excitement against his lips, kissing him back eagerly, "Fuck." she mumbled as she fumbled with the buttons on his shirt
"My clothes stay on. YOURS come off." Rick demanded as he disconnected their lips, pulling away from her embrace
Amanda looked up at Rick but nodded as she obliged. She slid off her jeans and tank top, staying in her white bra and red panties. She stood in front of Rick, waiting for his next instructions
"Come here." Rick demanded as he sat on the edge of the bed
"What if I don't wanna?" Amanda asked, feeling brave
Rick laughed as he grabbed her arm, dragging her over to him. He laid her across his lap, humming softly as he trailed his finger down her spine before he gave a hard smack to her bum.
Amanda jumped a bit in surprise, but hummed out a quiet moan, closing her eyes blissfully, "Again." Amanda begged
"It's a punishment, not pleasure." Rick said as he smacked her bum again, but harder
Amanda's breath hitched as she looked up at Rick. She wiggled her way out of his embrace and got onto her knees between his legs. She kisses his bulge through his slacks, looking up at him with her sweet green eyes, "Please?" She begged, kissing his clothes buldge, "pretty please?" she begged
Rick felt himself lose grip of himself for a moment before he snapped out of it, "no." he said, pushing her away. He pushed her onto the bed, holding her down with the weight of his heavy arm. He pulled down her panties, kneeling behind her. Rick let out a quiet hum as he kissed the inside of her thighs
"Rick please." Amanda mumbled as she arched her back, desperate for his touch
Rick moaned lowly as he slowly dipped his tongue inside of her, savoring her taste. Rick knew he was meant to be punishing her but he loved when he caused her pleasure - it also got him off as well.
"Please baby?" Amanda asked sweetly, "I promise I'll be a good girl." She begged, "Please, daddy?" Amanda asked, letting the word roll off her tongue slowly
Rick groaned loudly against her body as he leaned up, quickly sucking on her clit, closing his eyes happily
Amanda gasped excitedly as she pushed back into his touch, "so good." Amanda praised, "that's so good daddy."
Rick groaned loudly, his bulge fighting against his body in his slacks
"Let me please you baby." Amanda said, "Mm?"
"No." Rick snapped, pulling away, "you're gonna get fucked." he said as he stood up, unbuttoning his pants and letting them fall to the ground. He gripped her hips, digging his finger tips inside as he lined his tip up with her entrance. He hesitated before he slid inside, pushing his hips to her backside as he groaned loudly
Amanda moaned happily as she bounced back on his length, rolling her eyes back gratefully. She gripped the sheets, bowing her head
Rick slid his hands up her body, gripping her hair as he pulled on it, forcing her to lift her head up. He reached forward, hooking his finger into her mouth as he thruster harder
Amanda sucked on his finger, moaning loudly as she leaned back, pressing her backside against his body, "shit." she whimpered as her eyes rolled back again
Rick pulled away, laying Amanda on her back. He slid his length back in, cupping her neck with his hand and squeezing lightly as he thrusted roughly
Amanda gripped his wrists, spreading her legs more as she locked eyes with him, "Shit, Rick." Amanda cried as she arched her back, cumming on his length
Rick groaned as he continued to thrust, watching her shake underneath him from pleasure overload. He groaned as his thrusts began erratic before he released his load inside her. He slid out of her, collapsing on the bed besides her
Amanda closed her eyes as she tried to catch her breath. She sat up, covering herself with a blanket as she made her way to the bathroom
"What? No post sex cuddles?" Rick questioned
"There's a party at Deannes! I gotta get ready! You do too!" Amanda called as she shut the bathroom door, humming softly as she turned on the bath.
Rick laughed as he stood up, unbuttoning his work issued shirt, taking it off and placing it carefully inside the hamper. He slid on a clean baby blue button up, rolling up the sleeves so they rested high on his forearms. He walked over to the bathroom door and knocked quietly, "Hey, babe? I just remembered I gotta meet Carol and Daryl real quick. Wanna meet at Deanne's?" He asked
"Yes please! I'll see you there! I love you!" Amanda called from the bathroom
"Love you!" Rick called as he jogged down the stairs. He grabbed his keys, walking over to where Carol and Rick were standing, outside.
After about 45 minutes, Amanda arrived at the party. She was wearing a fitted black dress with matching heels. She had her hair curled loosely and wore soft makeup, bringing out her natural features. She walked inside, looking around for Rick. She hummed softly, unsure of where he was. She walked down to the back of the home, looking outside the window. She looked up when she heard footsteps
"Hi, I don't believe we met." A handsome young man said, "I'm Spencer." He said, flashing her a charming grin, "Why're you hiding out here all alone?" He asked, "Here." Spencer said, handing her a glass of champagne.
Amanda smiled, "I'm looking for my husband Rick. My names Amanda." She smiled as she shook his hand gently. She took the glass from him, knowing she didn't drink. She gently touched the windowsill as she looked at Spencer, smiling softly
Spencer turned his head when he heard Judith cooing. He saw Rick and Jessie talking, Jessie bouncing Judith in her arms. Spencer glanced over at Amanda, noticing that her jaw was clenched. Spencer gulped quietly when he saw Rick lean in and kiss Jessie's cheek very carefully.
Amanda gripped her glass of champagne, the glass shattering in her hand, slicing the palm of her hands and her fingers
"Oh jesus." Spencer said as he stepped back, "C'mon, let's go upstairs and clean you up." Spencer said as he led her upstairs. He opened the door to the bathroom, "sit down." he said, closing the lid of the toilet for her, "I'm assuming that was your husband." He said
"You would be correct." Amanda said as she held her hand out, watching as Spencer wrapped her hand up in gauze
"I have something that might cheer you up." Spencer grinned as he took her good hand, leading her down the stairs quietly. He grinned as they snuck out the backdoor and into the yard. He turned on the porch light, revealing a trampoline
Amanda laughed softly as she examined it, "no." she said, shaking her head
"C'mon." Spencer grinned as he picked her up, tossing her over his shoulder and climbing up the small ladder. He grinned as he took her hand and began jumping
Amanda let out a loud laugh as she squeezed his hands, "I don't like this!" She said she jumped alongside him.
Spencer grinned, "but you're laughing!" he noted as he stopped jumping. He grinned as he stood besides her, "look at the moon." he said, examining its crescent shape
"It looks like a toenail." Amanda said as she looked up at the sky in fascination
Spencer laughed loudly, "I've never heard it described like that." he said as he looked at her curiously
"It does." Amanda argued, her eyes glued to the sky, "I always was so fascinated by space." Amanda said, "There's so much going on in the world but the moon gives consistency. You know what shape it's gonna be, you know what color the sky is gonna be and you know no matter how cloudy it is, the stars will always be there." Amanda said quietly, "I've always wondered if we're the only ones in the universe. I think it's selfish to think we're the only people ever." Amanda rambled on, her eyes looking to the sky, feeling at ease
Spencer looked at Amanda in fascination, "you think other life exists?" He asked as he laid down on the trampoline
Amanda laid besides him, "yeah, i think there's multiple universes. Like, alternate universes." she said, "I think somewhere up there, there's somebody just like me. Who just watched their husband kiss a pretty blonde girl at a party." Amanda said, "But the whole universe is so big and I'm so small. At the end of the day, nothing matters." She admitted, "nothing."
"Or maybe there's a universe where someone like you gets a fresh start. Someone whose husband was undeserving and now someone like you can find someone who can offer you a normal life." Spencer said quietly
"I hope she's up there having fun. Enjoying a normal life. I don't think that's for me. I've killed too many people, too many walkers.. i've done things." Amanda said quietly, staring at the moon
"You can come back from it. You're not unsalvageable. You deserve to be saved." Spencer said, examining her delicate features
"I should go home." Amanda said quietly, sitting up. She slid off the trampoline, "it was nice meeting you." She said, grabbing her heels. She quickly walked around the house, jogging down the street, hoping to avoid any other interactions.
"Hey! Slow down." A raspy voice cracked out
Amanda turned around, smiling softly as she saw Daryl, "what's up?" She asked as he walked over
Daryl eyed her up cautiously, looking at her runny mascara, her red eyes and her bloody gauze covered hand, "who did this?" he asked angrily
"Nobody. I did. I saw Rick kissing some girl and I squeezed a glass and it shattered in my hand." Amanda said, "I'm fine." she said
"Rick what?" Daryl asked
"I don't wanna talk, Daryl. I'm so tired." Amanda said softly, reaching over and squeezing his hand, "this stays between us, please." she begged as she let go of his hand, walking towards her house. She stepped inside, locking the front door and placing a chair in front of the door, jamming it under the handle so Rick couldn't come inside. She walked to her room, sliding off her dress and sighing softly as she crawled into bed. She peeled the gauze off her hand and began picking at the red, tender skin, in hopes of feeling something. She didn't like being sad nor did she intentionally like hurting herself. She was just drawn to the idea of feeling pain in that moment. Amanda closed her eyes tightly, feeling tears well in her eyes. She had images of Rick running through her head. Pre apocalyptic Rick, When they were stuck in the tank together, when they first hooked up at the CDC then at Hershel's, when he proposed to her at the prison and when he saved her from The Governor. She blamed herself, knowing she added an unnecessary stress to Rick by being in his life. One more person for him to worry about. Amanda opened her eyes, sighing softly as she stared at the empty dark ceiling in her room, trying to soothe herself to sleep