Unbreakable threads

Chapter one Hundred and Twenty Two: Journey to Hilltop.

Carl rolled his eyes, smirking. "You don't have to worry about that," he replied, shaking his head.

Suddenly, Michonne appeared from the house, her pack slung over her shoulder. She looked at the group before her eyes settled on Alyssa.

"Alyssa... you're putting Carol in charge of everything?" Michonne asked, her tone calm but questioning.

Alyssa immediately tensed, straightening her posture. "Yeah, obviously. Why?" she replied, her voice sharper than she intended.

Michonne folded her arms, meeting Alyssa's gaze. "Your dad and I can handle deciding who looks after them while we're gone."

That struck a nerve. Alyssa's eyes narrowed, and her voice rose, frustration bubbling over. "Just because you're banging my dad doesn't mean you get to start jumping in and making decisions about my brother and sister!"

Rick, hearing the commotion from the RV, quickly jumped out and made his way over. He wrapped an arm protectively around Michonne's waist, his face a mix of confusion and annoyance.

"What's going on?" Rick asked, looking between the two women.

Alyssa turned to him, her tone biting. "Tell your side piece not to worry about Judith and Carl. I've got it covered. Carol's looking after them."

Rick bristled at her tone, his jaw tightening. "Alyssa, don't talk about her that way. And I know. Carol has always been the one to take charge of them when we're gone."

Alyssa folded her arms, her frustration evident. "Then tell her that. She said I should step aside and let you and her call the shots."

Michonne's expression hardened, and Rick stepped forward, his voice firm. "Well, you don't need to be all over them, Alyssa. They're my responsibility after all. You're their sister, sure, but—"

That was it. Alyssa was ready to blow. Her eyes flashed with anger, and her fists clenched at her sides.

Carol, sensing things were spiraling out of control, quickly stepped between them. "Alright, enough! We don't have time for this. Everyone's doing their part, and Alyssa's always been a good big sister to those kids. Now let's get this show on the road before someone says something they can't take back."

Alyssa huffed, stepping back, but her glare didn't waver. Rick sighed, glancing at Michonne, then at Alyssa. Without another word, he turned and walked back toward the RV, Michonne following closely behind.

Carol placed a calming hand on Alyssa's shoulder, her voice soft. "Don't let it get to you. He's just trying to figure things out like the rest of us."

Alyssa took a deep breath, her tension easing slightly. "Yeah, well... I've already got it figured out," she muttered, before turning and walking toward the RV.

The RV rumbled to life as Rick took the driver's seat, Michonne wedged right up against him. Their fingers were intertwined, and they were exchanging affectionate looks. Alyssa, sitting further back, couldn't help herself. She let out an exaggerated, loud fake gag.

Glen, sitting across from her, immediately started laughing, earning a sharp look from Rick.

Rick turned around, narrowing his eyes at Alyssa. "You're being childish. Just shut up and sit down."

Alyssa grinned smugly but slumped into her seat beside Jesus, crossing her arms and leaning back with a satisfied expression.

As Abraham and Daryl climbed into the RV, Daryl's eyes immediately locked onto Alyssa sitting next to Jesus. His jaw tightened. He stepped further into the RV and gestured for Alyssa to move.