Waiting Game (SWB)

Waiting Game is the eleventh episode of Season 5 in Survivors We Become. It is also the 49thth episode overall.

Synopsis
''Mitch tries to make things right. With the school left at risk, Billie makes a hard choice to save everyone.''

Plot
The highway is illuminated by the moonlight. A walker limps around a van with a hoarse growl.

Suddenly from behind it, a blond woman approaches quietly. She reaches an arm out and wraps it around its neck. It lets out a growl before going limp as the woman stabs it in the back of the head.

“You see? Just like that.” She says out of breath as she shoves the corpse forward. “Piece of cake.” She raises a hand to fix her cap as her partner walks forward.

Billie and Maggie Kyle. The siblings look ahead before continuing to walk the highway. They’re both silent.

The blond gives her brother a guilt ridden glance. “I did this for both of our best interests.”

Billie nods, glancing at her. “I’m aware.”

“But you’re still angry about it.” Maggie adds softly. “It’s okay to be mad. You don’t always have to be chill Bill.”

Billie lowers his gaze. The two walk in silence again. The only sounds they hear are few snarls from walkers close by and an owl somewhere in the trees.

Maggie sighs and breaks the silence again. “Stevie should have come with us. She’s more our family than theirs.” She shrugs, looking up to admire the full moon in the sky. “I get it, though. She just wants to make sure everyone is okay. Typical of you two.”

“Mitch and Stevie will do the right thing.” Billie says but Maggie stops him where they are.

“Stevie will. Mitch is probably going to get someone killed. I’m sorry, Bill, but your choice in men… subpar. I mean, he’s… he’s irrational. We watched him… he shot his own father! And I know he was defending you, but shooting your own dad ‘cuz he doesn’t accept that you’re gay? Come on!”

“Actually, Mitch is bisexual.” Billie starts adding.

“No, he’s not.” Maggie retorts before continuing her rant. “That isn’t the point. You told me he accused you of never killing a walker the other day. He blamed you for not defending yourself when that ass hat and his friends attacked us, yet he legitimately did nothing to defend you that night either.”

Billie raises a hand. “Maggie, chill—“

“No, you’re my little brother. I don’t chill when it comes to people putting you in danger. I should have stabbed him in the neck for that.” Maggie says before looking up to the sky again.

Billie stares at her in shock. He is silent for a moment as he tries to think of what to say. “Mags… we aren’t killers.”

She closes her eyes, shaking her head with a scoff. “I don’t think that’s true anymore.” She replies. “The way things are now… maybe that’s what we have to do to live. We have to eliminate people like Peter and Gavin.” She looks to him again. “And Mitch.”

Billie doesn’t respond.

The two hear it then. Someone whistling in the distance. It’s long, drawn out, clearly to get their attention. The siblings look ahead of them to see a silhouette of a man walking towards them. He raises a hand, waving them down.

“Can we help you with something?” Maggie asks as he approaches. She steps in front of Billie defensively.

Billie looks around and notices a few other survivors closing in on them. They’re armed with rifles. The man with the moustache smiles at them. He and his group stop.

“Sorry. I don’t mean to alarm you. I’m just looking for my son. You might know him. His name’s Spencer Allen.” The man says.

When the realization hits, Billie swallows down his terror. Maggie tries to look unphased and she just shrugs. “Sorry. Never heard of him.”

The man nods before chuckling. “Where are my manners… name’s Micah.” He looks between the siblings. “What’re the two of you doing alone out here?”

“We left our group. Decided it’d be safer if my brother and I stuck together.” Maggie says.

“Smart. You gotta keep family together. Which is why I’m looking for Spencer.” Micah turns to look at Billie now. “So where is he, Kyle?”

Maggie and Billie both look shocked.

“What? You thought Micah Allen the drunk didn’t know who he was living with in Crestview?” The man laughs. “I knew Janine and Will. Great couple. Gotta say, they made quite a lovely family.”

The woman takes a breath. She’s worried, but she won’t show that. Especially not to him. “I won’t lie to you, Mr. Allen, we haven’t seen Spencer in a while. Our whole group was split up.”

Micah nods. “Well why don’t you two come with me? Have some shelter for the night.”

“Not to be rude,” Maggie shakes her head, “but no. We know what you did to one of our friends.”

“Ah… the doctor?” He nods. He sighs, giving them a sheepish look. “I gotta admit, I get trigger happy from time to time. But I didn’t kill the vice principal and the english teacher, if it makes you feel better.”

The siblings both look around. They’re not buying it. Micah suddenly drops the smile. With an irritated sigh, he waves a hand. “Fuck the good guy act. Take them.”

A few of Micah’s group close in on them. Maggie sees a man named Eddie reach for Billie. She swiftly reaches to her belt to reveal a knife before spinning around and throwing herself forward. The blade digs deep into Eddie’s chest, making the group freeze as she rips it out.

As Eddie drops forward dead, Maggie points her pistol forward now, handing Billie the knife. The group surrounding them begin to raise their rifles. Micah raises a hand, a smirk reappearing on his face. “Hold on.”

“We don’t want trouble.” Maggie says calmly. “We just want to be on our way.”

Micah nods. “I get that. I do. But think about it. If you joined us, you’d be unstoppable. Usually I kill at least one person to strike fear in the rest but I gotta say, I like you two. I might have to make an exception for now. Just stay with us.”

“Fuck that.” Maggie responds.

Micah frowns. “Blake, grab the boy.”

Maggie turns as the pudgy man steps forward and points her pistol to him. The man ducks as she fires, a few others dropping as well. “Run!”

Billie darts to the woods as Maggie turns to Micah and fires a couple more rounds. He takes a few steps on the grass before he is tackled to the ground. Clawing desperately, he feels the weight of someone getting on top of him. The man’s breath hits his ear.

“I’d stop resisting. I like it better when there’s some compliance.” Blake whispers with a chuckle.

Billie cries out, elbowing the man in the face and making him grab his nose in pain. The boy scrambles out from under him but Blake grabs his leg before he can get away.

Meanwhile, Maggie’s pistol clicks. She stares in horror realizing she’s empty. The blond known as Kenzie steps forward but ducks as the pistol is chucked at her.

Maggie runs past her and Micah, who watches her. Kenzie pursues, Micah grinning as she chases her behind a moving van.

Billie continues to struggle getting away from the man before a gunshot is heard, making him freeze. Blake grabs him by the throat, slamming him hard against the grass. He lets out a choked cry. “Ma… Maggie!”

Kenzie walks out from behind the van. A look of remorse on her face. Micah sighs, rolling his eyes at her. “Really? Did you have to shoot her?”

“She stopped running, didn’t she?” Kenzie says quietly.

Micah rolls his eyes again, grunting in disappointment before hearing the begging cries behind him. “Let me go! Get the fuck off me!”

Micah approaches quickly, seeing Blake pinning Billie down by his neck. “Blake, get off the poor kid!” Blake doesn’t budge. “Christ, you can fuck him later!”

Billie feels the knife handle beside his hand and instantly wraps his fingers around it. He quickly swipes it, the blade cutting Blake’s cheek and making him cry out, finally releasing him.

“You little shit!” Blake shouts.

Micah quickly raises his booted foot and kicks the larger man off of Billie, who gasps and tries to scramble away. Micah holds a hand out, shushing Billie. “Hey, hold on, Billie.”

“Fuck you!” Billie screams angrily, raising the knife to point it at Micah, who just lifts his hands up.

“Relax, Kyle! No one’s gonna hurt you.”

Billie pants, staring at the group as they surround him. He stares at the rifles and shotguns in their hands. Micah immediately notices and waves them away. “Rory, take them to the road, you’re freaking him out.”

Rory nods, several group members turning away. Rory steps forward and grabs Blake’s arm, tugging him away.

Micah turns back to the tear soaked eyes of the teen. He slowly reaches for the knife, taking it from him.

“If it helps, I won’t let him touch you. I know, he’s a scary looking guy. I wouldn’t want him touching me either.” Micah chuckles. Seeing the boy almost break before him, he breathes a disappointing sigh. “I know. That was shocking, wasn’t it?” Micah turns to Kenzie and motions to her. “Look, she’s sorry. Kenzie, say you’re sorry!”

Kenzie looks to Billie. There’s genuine sadness in her eyes. “I’m sorry.”

“I didn’t want her dead either. Your sister was fucking awesome. Did you see the way she stabbed Eddie back there? Damn! What a lady!” Micah laughs.

“Please… Let me go, I really don’t know where Spencer is. I can’t help you.”

“No. But there’s probably someone who does back at whatever camp you were staying at.” Micah grabs him by the collar of his shirt and stands him up. He pulls him close, now sneering at him. “And I suggest that if you want to live, you don’t pull any fuck shit with me like your sister did. Got it?” Billie gulps, nodding quickly. Micah smiles again, shoving him to the road. “C’mon, Billie Boy, you help us and you get to live on! I see this as a win for you!”

Micah throws an arm over Billie’s shoulder and the group starts walking back which Billie and Maggie came. Billie turns his head to look back as walkers approach the van.

Stevie sits in front of Billie on the mattress in his room. She’s shocked. She’s heartbroken. Her hand reaches to Billie’s, gripping it tightly. Billie sits with an unreadable expression. He stares down at their interlocked hands.

“I was so angry when he had me working for him. He did that so he could make me suffer.” He says.

Stevie bites her lips nervously. “What did… what did he make you do?”

“I served him food. Water. I dragged out corpses of people that he shot. I did whatever he told me to. If I didn’t… he said he’d hurt someone.” Billie explains. “And I wasn’t letting that happen.”

She looks at him nervously. “He never… he never hurt you, did he?”

“Only once. To frighten Mitch.” Billie recalls with a careless shrug. “After his stupid plan screwed us all.”

Stevie snorts. With a shake of her head, she looks towards the window. “Of course Mitch got you hurt.” She looks back to her friend. “Mike said that you got him demoted. Honestly, all I can say is it’s about time.”

Billie doesn’t speak. He just licks his lips as she shakes her head. “He should have been exiled. Or just killed.”

“He doesn’t deserve to be killed...” Billie says.

“That’s funny, you sounded like you meant that.” She scoffs. “He was willing to let me leave by myself after we found out Clair was a murderer. You two got together because he cheated on his girlfriend. You said yourself, his plan split you guys up and got Cleo killed.” She crosses her arms. “Tell me one good thing he’s done for the group. One thing at all.”

Silence. The best friends stare at one another. Billie lets out a sigh of disappointment.

“I’m not trying to make you feel bad. This is survival, our survival, we’re talking about. I’m not letting anyone get in the way of that.” She reaches a hand to him which he accepts with a grin. “Always remember our vows. It’s you and me.”

“‘Til the end.”

“Alright, I don’t want to talk about this negative shit anymore.” Stevie huffs as she releases his hand, turning to look out the window. “Let’s talk about… anything else.”

“Can I ask you about your new friends?” Billie asks. Stevie nods, prompting Billie to scoot closer to her. “Are they good people? Do you trust them?”

Stevie shrugs. “I’ve known them for a few weeks now. Haven’t stabbed me in the back yet.”

“Don’t you get scared that they will?”

She shakes her head. “They had a chance to go against me a while back. Yet they stood by my side. They’re trustworthy.”

Billie nods, smiling. “Tell me about them.”

“I’ll start with the siblings, Sawyer and Harper. They’re… charming, to say the least.” Stevie says.

“What does that mean?” Billie asks with a tilt of his head.

Stevie licks her lips and tries to explain the siblings. “Harper’s got an attitude, Sawyer thinks he’s the smartest man to roam the earth. After getting to know them, they’re both actually nice people, but they’re on a different planet every single day. And they’re so annoying.” The two laugh quietly. “Absolute nutcases, I tell you.”

Billie chuckles. “And Ray?”

Stevie smirks. She tilts her head, peering off as she thinks about him. “What can I say about Ray? He’s been through a lot. He’s tough, no doubt about it, but he’s got this soft side that he doesn’t like to show everyone.” Her grin grows even wider. “And he likes to sing, Bill. You should hear his voice. He likes to sing Elton a lot and he’s just got this lovely voice.”

“Is he your boyfriend?” Billie asks curiously. Stevie nods in response. Billie suddenly pauses and blinks. “Wait, how old is he?”

“Not important.” She pulls herself forward before laying on her stomach. “What about you? Is there any man in your life making you happy?”

“No, most men that have come into my life the past few months have been disappointing.” Billie responds.

Stevie shrugs a shoulder at him. “I don’t know, man. Chase is fine as hell to look at. He can’t be that disappointing.”

“Shut up, I’ll tell your forty year old boyfriend you’re staring at Chase.” Billie laughs.

Stevie picks up the pillow and lifts herself up. “He’s not forty, asshole!” She laughs before beating Billie, who just erupts into laughter.

Their joy is short lived as the door swings open, Angel practically falling into the room. The two stop laughing, looking at her. Stevie uses a finger to brush a strand of hair from her face.

“They’re back.”

TWO DAYS LATER

Mitch sits up in his bed, staring at the empty mattress beside him. The bed that belonged to Spencer. Around him, his other roommates, Chase, Kenny and Billie, all get ready for the day. Billie, taking notice of Mitch, stops buttoning the blue shirt to look at him.

Kenny leads Chase to the door before turning to them. “Bill, you coming?”

Billie looks to him. “I’ll catch up. Tell Mike we’ll be right there.” Kenny and Chase both nod before heading out the door, leaving the former couple in the room. “Up and at ‘em, Harris. We got shit to do today.” The younger man says.

It’s been two days since the group returned. The school is preparing for what’s to come.

Billie walks over to Mitch’s bag and pulls out a grey t-shirt, tossing it at the shirtless man. “You’ve already skipped out on the last two days. C’mon, get dressed.”

Billie starts walking to the door. Mitch raises an eyebrow. “Hold on, you’re not gonna ask me what’s wrong?”

Billie turns on his heel. “I’m not your therapist, Mitch. I don’t really care about what’s dragging you down.”

Mitch pulls the sheet off his legs to stand, crossing his arms over his bare chest. “Yeah… but we’re friends. Or we were until Stevie came back.”

“We have a fight coming our way. I don’t have time for drama.” Billie tries turning away but Mitch suddenly snatches his wrist, pulling him back. The shorter man winces, attempting to pull back.

“What did she say to you?” Mitch asks angrily.

The shock is melted as a fire lights in Billie’s eyes with an angered glare. “If you want to keep your hand, I suggest you let me go.”

Mitch, almost as if he hasn’t realized what he’s doing, releases him. He stammers, apologizing. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have…”

“We have a fight coming. I’ll say that one last time so you fully get it. We have a fight coming to us. Do you get that? That’s why I don’t care about what’s hurting you inside. I’m trying to focus on saving everyone here, I’m trying to protect the people I love.” Billie starts stepping forward, making Mitch step back. “You didn’t get to rescue Spencer and that tears you down, but you know what you do with that, Mitch? You live with it. You let your mistakes motivate you to get better. You don’t mope in your room all day.”

Billie bends down and snatches the shirt up again before roughly throwing it at him. He steps back, looking Mitch up and down. “Get dressed and get your ass to the field for training.”

Bang!

The rusted can flies off the table as the survivor stands far away, lowering the pistol to turn to Mike. Mike nods approvingly, slapping a hand on Cal’s shoulder with a grin. “Nice shot. Hit the one next to it.”

More gunfire sounds off. The survivors set some tables on the field for target practice, the survivors standing in line. Karen and Amber walk side by side, approaching Mike as they watch cans fling in the air.

Amber turns her head as she sees Billie approach from the building. She holds a hand up to block the sun from her eyes. “You’re late!”

“I was dealing with something.” Billie responds as he approaches. He looks over the group, noting a few faces are missing. “What, Stevie and the others didn’t want to join?”

Mike shakes his head. “Her friend Ray said they didn’t need to practice. I gotta say, I don’t like the way he looks at her.”

“How does he look at her?” Amber asks.

“In a way I don’t like.” Mike responds, earning an eye roll from Karen.

“Real descriptive, Danvers.” Karen chuckles. “She’s an adult now. I know she was your student, but why do you care so much about how some guy looks at her?”

Mike doesn’t respond to her question. He steps forward and shouts for the gunfire to stop, quickly being followed by silence as the survivors turn to him. “Let’s reset, everyone. Reload.”

Amber and Mike start walking towards the tables to set up the cans again while Billie and Karen walk to the survivors to help with bullets.

Billie first approaches Karen’s son at the end of the line, noting that none of his cans have moved. The two look to one another. “Hey, I still miss sometimes, too. You’ll get it.”

Alex snickers, turning to look back down the range. “I didn’t miss my target.”

Alex points to the large sign hanging on the scoreboard. PETERSBURG FOOTBALL: GO TITANS! Bullet holes litter the center of a few of the letters as well as the image of the school mascot. Billie raises an eyebrow as he sees, clearly a bit impressed with Alex, who just gives him a cocky grin.

“I know, I amaze myself sometimes, too.”

Next to them, Brie Dewolfe rolls her eyes before nudging Billie lightly. “He’s humble, as you can see.” She teases.

He chuckles as he takes Alex’s pistol, pulling out the magazine to refill the bullets. He eyes the other man. “He’s got it down, I’ll give him that.” He places the pistol back in his hand. “Your mom teach you?”

Alex nods with a proud smile. “She did. No offense but if you still miss, I should be teaching you.”

“You probably should be. I wouldn’t be mad at that.” Billie chuckles before handing Brie a magazine. “Keep it up, guys.”

The younger man walks towards Russell next, the other two watching as he does. Brie turns to her friend suggestively, raising an eyebrow as she catches Alex watching him closely.

“And I’m sure you’re more than happy to teach him any time.” She teases.

“Eat a dick, Brie.” Alex smirks shamelessly, shrugging as he holds up a middle finger.

She shakes her head before gesturing to Billie as he hands Russell a magazine. “From the looks of it, I think you’re the one that’s doing that tonight.”

As Billie helps Russell with the magazine, he looks up to see Stevie crossing the field from the building. She gives Russell a polite greeting before turning her attention to her friend again.

“Hey. Whenever you’re done, I was thinking we could take a walk.” Stevie suggests.

Russell gives Billie a confused glance. “You’re not planning on leaving the gates, are you?”

Stevie shakes her head with a scoff. She points over to the track further down. “I don’t have a death wish.”

Billie nods before bending his knees to place down his box. Straightening up again, he smiles. “Of course. I can meet you there.”

“See you then, love.” Stevie grins before turning to walk away.

“So… is she your girlfriend?” Russell asks Billie with a smirk.

The young man slowly turns his head to Russell before cracking a smile at him.

“No. She’s my future wife.” He replies before using his foot to push the box away.

Mike and Amber return to their spots, Mike shouting, “Proceed!”

“You’re disgraceful!”

“Oh, am I now? You’re a dumbass.”

“I’m not the one that thinks Batman’s the superior hero!”

Chase and Persey go back and forth with one another. They both stand at the counter as Kenny works in the kitchen, smirking as he listens to their argument.

“Batman is superior, it’s a fact.” Persey states.

“Superman is the man of steel! He’s stronger, faster and could beat the shit out of Batman—!”

“Oh blah, blah, blah. They literally made up Kryptonite so that way he had a weakness. Batman is a human with weaknesses. He has a lot more to fear. Regardless of that, he stands up to his fears to save the day. Therefore, Batman is the better hero!”

Chase nods slowly, seeming to understand her better. “Okay… but can he shoot laser beams from his eyes?”

Persey backhands his arm, making him burst into laughter. Persey looks to Kenny. “Can you believe this shit?” She chuckles.

Kenny shrugs, smirking. “If it helps, I agree with you, Pers.”

“Thank you, Kenny!” She turns to Chase again. “I should dump you and date Kenny instead. He listens to reason.”

Chase shrugs. “I can do things he can’t though.”

Kenny eyes him from the pot, raising an eyebrow at him. “Oh yeah? Like what?”

“I can’t say. I don’t want to curse your poor virgin ears.” Chase teases.

Kenny rolls his eyes as Chase laughs, taking Persey’s hand. The couple stand up, Persey giving Kenny a smile. “We’re going to the field. Mike wants us to help train.”

Kenny nods, smiling at them as they leave. “Alright, see you guys later then!”

The couple walks away, giggling and poking at one another. As they leave, Mitch enters and holds the door for them. He lets the door close behind them and makes a beeline through the empty cafeteria to Kenny.

“You’re up at last.” Kenny smiles as he continues to reorganize the kitchen. “How’re you doing today? Better, I hope.”

“I am now. Billie gave me some tough love after you left.”

Kenny raises an eyebrow, giving Mitch an uncomfortable glance. “Tough love as in… you know… or like a pep talk?”

“A pep talk, Ken.” Mitch shakes his head as a small laugh escapes his lips. “He told me I needed to let my mistakes motivate me to do better. And I want to do better.”

“That’s good to hear, Mitch!” Kenny beams.

“Which is why I need your help with something.” Mitch continues, Kenny’s smile faltering as he utters words of disappointment. “We’re going to save Spencer.”

“No, no, no, Mitch, we can’t! Look, I’m proud of you for wanting to do better but this is… risky. Dangerous, even! It was hard enough to get out with Becca undetected!” Kenny tells him. “And you know how I feel about violence and confrontation! If one of those things catch us…”

“It’s a risk we need to take! Spencer is still alive over there. He’s been with us throughout all of this, we can’t just leave him behind.”

Kenny shakes his head. He is still uncertain, biting on his lower lip nervously.

“Lisandra and Caroline could be there, too.” Mitch says. “Waiting… probably begging to be saved by now.”

Kenny gives Mitch another glance. He lets out a sigh, shaking his head before throwing down the rag he has in hand. “Fine. But I’m blaming you for it if we’re caught.”

He shrugs, a smug grin on his face. “I’m doing the right thing here. I’ll die with a clear conscience and in peace now.”

Some time passes and Chase and Persey are helping Mike and Amber. Everyone now holds either a machete or a hatchet or an ax.

Billie and Stevie watch from the track, walking side by side. Stevie turns to look back to Billie.

“I can’t tell you how relieved I was that you were alive.” Stevie says, earning a smirk from Billie.

“Did you think I was dead?” He asks.

“No, I just… I worried. You weren’t the most capable survivor way back when is all.”

Billie shakes his head. “Are you kidding? I was awesome! Remember that time that I got the shit beaten out of me by that one guy? All part of my plan.”

Stevie laughs before he goes on. “Or that time I screamed like a little bitch so Peter’s group would let you go.”

“Okay, sure.” Stevie rolls her eyes.

“Hey, without me slipping you that knife, Terry probably would have killed you.” Billie adds.

Stevie nods. “I remember. I still carry it in my boot.”

“See? Best survivor right here.” Billie smirks before getting a light shove from her.

The two go silent, both smiling as the walk.

Billie’s smile slowly fades. “If I’m honest, I was jealous of you. You were… a badass even back then. You adapted quicker than I could and I was just watching from the sidelines while I thought about some stupid boy.”

“Boys ruin your life.” Stevie sighs. “Regardless, I can see how far you’ve come. I mean, you’re helping Becca and Mike lead now? When did that happen?”

“Fairly recently. They’ve had their eye on me since we left the airport. Honestly, I feel like Tobias or Chase or Amber would have made more sense. When they asked me to start helping out more, I was surprised. Apparently Caroline and Becca both said something to Mike.” He shrugs. “It just… took me more time than everyone else to get my shit together. I thought I was the least qualified.”

“We’re surviving, Bill. Adapting. This… all of this is just a big waiting game. Something always comes at us. And when it does, we make a choice.” Stevie turns to him, grabbing his hand to stop him. “These choices are hard and dangerous and risky but we all make them. We make them to protect ourselves. Our friends.”

Billie licks his lips. Nodding slowly. “How… how do we know if it’s the correct choice?”

Stevie shrugs. “We don’t always know. We just have to hope it is.”

Their conversation stops there. Billie sees from the side of his eye a pair of survivors running onto the track. He and Stevie look to see Alex and Brie.

Billie smiles at them. “Hey, guys, what’s up?”

Alex runs to them with a panicked look on his face. “Mitch left.”

“Don’t take this the wrong way, but how does being a pharmacist qualify you to being in charge of the clinic?”

Under the pavilion, Monet sits with Clair and Nadia at one of the tables set there.

Monet raises an eyebrow, immediately making Nadia shake her head. “Oh, I don’t mean to sound rude, I meant… how do you go from being a pharmacist to a surgeon?”

“Well, I’ve picked up tricks from other doctors at the different camps I’ve been to. Being a pharmacist, I knew about practicing medicine to begin with. On the bright side of this dark world, I’ve gotten to meet talented doctors who have taught me a great deal about helping people.” Monet replies.

Nadia nods. “I see… but you’re not a qualified doctor?”

Monet is astounded at the remark but doesn’t get a chance to speak. Clair smiles politely, reaching a hand to grab Monet’s. “Nadia, what did you do before the dead?”

The subject changing, Nadia smiles at her as well. “I was the manager of a boutique. It was quite popular in our area, actually.”

Clair feigns interest, nodding. “Oh, that’s amazing!”

Nadia reaches her hands to her hair, pulling it back into a ponytail as she stands. “Well, I have to get going. Don’t want to miss the rest of training. I’ll see you ladies around!”

Monet and Clair both politely wave, saying, “Bye, Nadia.” The two watch as she walks away before Clair turns her head to Monet beside her.

“The manager at a successful boutique. How good for her.” Clair rolls her eyes.

Monet chuckles, shrugging. “She’ll thank me when she’s in pain and there’s no one else to help her.”

Clair nods. “I think you’re very well qualified to be a doctor, Monet. You’ve been more than helpful since… you know.”

“Since The Mob?” Monet shrugs. “You can say it, Clair. I won’t burst into flames if you do.”

Clair sighs. “It was such a bad time for you, though. Being away from Amber, held against your will.”

“I know. It was hard.” Monet turns to the other woman with a reassuring smile. “But I made it out alive.”

Clair returns the smile. The brunette looks forward again, smile dropping. “Oh…”

Monet follows her gaze to see Gale walking towards them. The woman looks down at the table, her fingers curling to fists. The man approaches warily, scratching the back of his head.

“Is it alright if we talked?”

Monet finally looks up to him. She sees the guilt. She sees the cautious look he gives her and Clair.

She just shrugs. “You can talk. I don’t have much to say to you.”

“I… I just wanted to tell you that I was sorry. For…” He hesitates, lowering his gaze. The guilt overcomes him.

Monet sits there patiently, while Clair tries to focus on literally anything else but the tension between them.

“Sorry for selling me for drugs?” Monet shrugs.

Gale closes his eyes, sighing deeply. “Monet, I—“

“I don’t want an excuse, Gale.” Monet stands up, stepping over the bench. “I want two things from you. Stay away from me. And stay away from my daughter.”

With one final glare, Monet leaves the shade of the pavilion. Clair scrambles to follow her. The two leave Gale alone to sit at the table himself, letting his head fall into his hands.

“Fuck.”

“Gale?!”

Gale groans, lifting his head to see Alex Michaels and Brie Dewolfe running to him. As they come to a stop, he looks between them with confusion. “I’m sorry, do I know you?”

“No… but we need your help with something.” Alex responds.

Meanwhile, Billie runs down the hallway of the second floor before skidding to a stop in front of one of the doors. He knocks frantically on it before reaching to the handle, opening it.

Becca turns around to see the worry on his face.

“We have a problem.”

Stella stands up out of breath as she stares at the young man on the floor before her. His naked body pulls itself towards the wall and he curls up, pulling his legs close to his chest. A proud smile is plastered on her face as she throws her hair back, reaching to grab the black shirt from the floor.

She pulls it over her head before reaching to her jeans, tugging them up as well. “You’re a natural.”

Spencer doesn’t answer.

“It’s always fun to be someone’s first, you know. Especially when they’re… well equipped.” She kneels down to the naked man, tilting her head. “Though it’s more fun when there’s effort on both ends, I assure you.”

Stella stands again, grabbing Spencer’s clothes as she does. “Regardless… you’re going to make a lovely pet.” He watches as she grabs his boxers last.

“I’m sorry about tearing up your clothes. You’re just quite the fighter.” She chuckles as she turns to leave the mausoleum, turning her head back to Spencer again. “I’ll bring you new clothes, don’t worry. But you should probably get used to the idea of not having any while you’re here.”

Spencer watches as she leaves. When the door shuts, he lets out a shaky breath, clenching his eyes shut. He shivers, hugging himself tighter as he lets out a soft whimper.

Stella walks away from the mausoleum, looking at the bloodied and torn clothes in her hands. She passes a few headstones to find a couple survivors hanging out together.

“Hello, boys! How’s everyone doing today?” She asks as she approaches.

Kianu smiles at her, as do his friends. The red headed man known as TJ waves a hand at her. “Stella! We were just talking about the school.”

Chance, the native looking young man, nods. “When do you think we’ll be going to strike? The wait is killing me!”

Stella raises an eyebrow at him. “Ah, eager, aren’t we? Don’t fret, boys. The time is coming.” She looks down at Kianu. “Anyway, I wanted to ask you to take these clothes and dispose of them in the woods.”

Kianu uses the headstone to help himself up, nodding. “Anything for you, Stella.”

The final man, Drew, turns to her. “Hey, how is it fair that you’re the only one that gets to keep one of them?”

Stella raises an eyebrow at him. “For one thing, I’m in charge.”

“Don’t listen to him, Stella.” TJ hits his friend’s arm. “Drew’s just butthurt ‘cuz he hasn’t gotten off in weeks.”

“Well how about this. The camp is full of beautiful men and women. I want to keep a few more as well. If there’s anyone that surrenders, I’ll let you four have first pick.” Stella grins at them as Chance and Drew give each other a high five, both exclaiming.

She turns to Kianu. “Off you go, sweetheart. Bring it close to the school, if you don’t mind. I’d prefer if they stopped looking for him.”

The man nods, heading off to find his suit while Stella turns the other direction.

Soon, Kianu, dressed as a walker, is leaving the gates with the clothes in hand. He walks across the road into the woods.

He walks for a while, remembering where the school is before stopping where he is. “Far enough.” He whispers before tossing the bloodied and torn clothes.

He starts turning around only to be met with a tree branch hitting his face with great force, sending him stumbling and tripping onto his back. The person races forward, tossing the branch aside and pulling out his knife. Kianu can’t see. He reaches to pull the mask from his face, pulling it off just for a knife to stab into his eye.

He chokes on his last breath of air, being shushed by Mitch as he twists the blade, killing the skinner instantly. He yanks the knife from his skull, wiping the blade against his shirt.

Kenny emerges from behind a tree, dressed in the skinner costume from the other night. From behind another, Marnie and Trace emerge as well.

Mitch kneels and starts unbuttoning the shirt, turning to Kenny and the others. “Ken, hold him up while I take the clothes.”

Kenny walks over to him slowly, stopping at his feet. He looks at Mitch, who looks back at him expectantly. “Mitch, this is really dangerous.”

“Don’t puss out on me now, Ken. Spencer needs us. Lisandra needs us.” Mitch says.

A huff of uncertainty escapes his throat as he walks around the corpse, grabbing his arms and lifting him up while Mitch begins undressing him.

Trace and Marnie watch, both eyeing one another. Trace beckons her to follow him, taking a couple steps back.

“We’re about to be in trouble.” Trace tells her.

Marnie frowns. “How can you tell?”

Trace looks past her, eyeing the two again. He stares at Mitch with a look of distrust. “Remember what Chase told us about him? He’s a loose canon, that guy. Does what he pleases. Someone always dies when it comes to his plans.”

“If you don’t trust him, why did you agree to come along?” Marnie asks.

“Why did you?” Trace crosses his arms.

“Because I wasn’t going to let them go out alone.”

“And I wasn’t gonna let you be alone with him. We’ve been through too much together.” Trace responds. “Besides, I’m thinking I can get him to change his mind.”

Mitch tosses his grey t-shirt aside, looking down at the faded bloodstained shirt he has on now. He looks to Kenny, smirking as he presents himself. “Well? Do I look like one of them?”

Kenny nods, worry still clear on his face. “Mitch… I really don’t know if this is a good idea.”

Trace and Marnie walk back to them again. “Yeah. What’s the plan anyway?”

“Ken and I are going to sneak ourselves in while you two take watch. We’ll find our friends and get out undetected.” Mitch replies.

“But what if you get caught? What’s the plan then?”

The question makes Mitch stare at Trace for a moment before crossing his arms. He tilts his head suspiciously. “You don’t seem to have a lot of faith in me.”

“We came out here without telling anyone.” Trace crosses his arms, challenging Mitch. “Also when it comes to plans, your track record has shown to be disappointing.”

Mitch snickers. “You don’t know me.”

“I know you’re a danger to be around.” Trace states. “I’m not letting you go through with this.”

Mitch steps closer to him. “Oh yeah, Tate? And what are you going to do to stop me?”

Trace, however, stands his ground. “Whatever I have to. And my name’s Trace.”

Silence. The other two watch as tension builds between their friends. Mitch and Trace stand toe to toe, glaring at one another.

Mitch nods slowly, unfolding his arms and lowering them to his sides.

Then he throws the first punch.

Trace ducks beneath his fist, instantly lunging forward to grab Mitch by his waist and shoving him back. The two drop to the ground, Trace scrambling to get on top of Mitch, who reaches for his throat as he does.

Kenny stumbles back, holding an arm out to stop Marnie. The two watch in shock as Mitch gains the upper hand, pushing Trace to the side. The teen rolls before getting himself to his knees, seeing Mitch do the same.

Mitch feels a rock with his hand and glances at it. A rough edge, fits in his hand, still a bit heavy. He grips it, looking forward to see Trace charge him again. He acts fast, raising the stone above his head and bringing it down again, slamming it into Trace's forehead as hard as he can.

A hard thud is heard as Trace hits the ground. Marnie and Kenny both stare in horror, Marnie running forward and dropping to Trace’s side. Wide eyed, she cups his face, staring at his now closed eyes.

“Trace… Trace, wake up!”

Mitch is in his knees a few feet away, panting as he looks up to the sky with his eyes closed.

Marnie gasps, turning her head to Kenny. “He… we need to help him! Help me get him home!”

“We’re not going that way.” Mitch says, opening his eyes.

Marnie turns to him angrily. “You’re the one that did this shit! Help me, damn it!”

Mitch stands, pulling his pistol out from his holster and pointing it at her. Marnie’s face sinks and she chokes as she stares down the barrel to meet Mitch’s eye.

“I won’t miss.” Mitch warns her.

“Mitch, cut it out!” Kenny begs.

Mitch turns the pistol to him now. Kenny holds his hands up. “Shut the fuck up, Kenny! Keep your mouth shut or I’ll kill you too!” He turns back to Marnie, who gapes at him. “Get up! Now!”

She does. She’s slow, trembling in fear as she feels a tear falls from her eye.

“Ken. Lead the way.” Mitch demands.

“But what about Trace…”

“Kenny, I swear, I will shoot you dead!” Mitch shouts.

Kenny looks down, quickly stepping away to lead Marnie. She follows, glancing at Mitch as he begins to follow.

Rebecca and Gale lead a group through the woods. And Rebecca is angry. “He would do this shit. Only Mitch is stupid enough to do something like this.”

Billie and Stevie trail her, Alex and Brie just behind them.

Billie tries talking her down, following after quickly. “Becca, please, just listen to me. We’re all angry with this—“

“Oh, I’m not angry. I’m furious, Billie.” Becca turns her head to look at him, still storming on. “He’s putting everyone, including himself and Kenny, in harm’s way! He’s done!”

Billie’s eyes widen. “Done? Hold on, what does that mean?”

Further behind them, siblings Sawyer and Harper follow them, listening in on the conversation. Harper turns her body around to her brother with a chuckle, walking backwards now. “This group is intense.”

“I know, I love it!” He laughs, stumbling along and turning his sister around. “Stevie, this group is chaotic! Can we keep them around?” Stevie covers her eyes, shaking her head.

“I mean what I said! He’s put us all in danger for the last time!” Becca shouts.

“I don’t mean to intrude but from what I’ve heard, he deserves whatever punishment she gives.” Gale adds.

Stevie catches up to Billie and walks beside him, grabbing his shoulder to get his attention. “This is for the best, Bill.”

Billie goes quiet, shaking his head. Stevie stares at him sympathetically before looking ahead again.

“I see someone.” Gale announces to the others before speeding into a jog. Rebecca follows suit, leading the others to the two bodies on the ground.

Becca recognizes the dark haired boy on the ground. “Oh, shit!” She drops to her knees beside Trace, slapping his cheek lightly. “Trace, are you okay?”

His forehead is bloody, his eyes are still closed, but his chest continues to rise and fall slowly. His eyes begin to flutter open, a soft moan escaping his lips.

“Trace, it’s Rebecca Armstrong. Are you okay?” She says.

“... fuck…” He groans, reaching a hand to his head.

Gale, Brie and Alex watch on. Gale looks to them, tapping Alex on the shoulder and nodding. “Let’s keep a lookout.”

The two nod, separating to keep watch while Rebecca, Stevie and Billie help Trace sit up.

“Sawyer, who’s the other guy?” Stevie calls.

Sawyer and Harper stand a few feet away from the corpse. He turns to look but shrugs. “I won’t lie, I still don’t know any of these people by name.”

“Well, have you seen him at the school before?” Stevie asks.

“Nope.” He responds with a shake of his head.

Harper stares at the undressed corpse. “But whoever he was, he was kinda cute!”

“Did you just call the dead guy ‘cute?’” Sawyer grimaces.

Harper turns to him with a glare. “I said ‘was,’ you ignorant slut!”

“Oh, I’m the slut? You called a dead guy cute!”

“I meant he was cute when he was living, jackass!”

Stevie practically breaks her neck turning to them. “Will you two please shut up?!”

“M… Mitch…” Trace murmurs.

“Mitch did this to you?” Becca clarifies, earning a nod. Trace points in the direction they went. Becca barely looks, knowing exactly what’s down that way.

“The cemetery. Just as I thought.” Becca grumbles before looking to Brie. “Brie, help me out here.”

The red head walks over as Becca helps Trace to his feet, Brie and Becca both slinging an arm to help him stand. Becca huffs, turning her head to Gale. “I need to help him back. Can you lead them to the cemetery?”

Gale nods. “Of course.”

“I’m trusting you, Gale. I mean it.” Becca warns, but Gale just nods.

“I swear. They’ll get there and we’ll be back in no time.” Gale says.

She then looks to Billie and Stevie. She sighs, giving Bill a pitied look. “If you really don’t think you can do it… I can handle it at the school. This is going to be hard, but you and I both know it has to be done.”

Billie hesitates before nodding slowly. “I know…”

Becca sighs before her and Brie start walking Trace back to the school, leaving Billie, Stevie, Gale, Alex and the Stoneman’s alone in silence. Everyone stares at Billie, except the Stoneman siblings who seem to always be in their own world as they bicker back and forth. Billie notices the eyes. He takes a breath and looks to Gale. “Lead the way.”

Gale beckons for the group to follow him.

Billie and Stevie walk side by side. Sensing the tension, Stevie gets closer to him, taking his hand in hers and giving a light squeeze. “I know how it feels. Believe me, I’ve been there, too.”

“You’ve killed someone you were close to?” Billie scoffs.

“Actually, I have.” She says softly. “His name was Anderson Woodsen. I met him a week after I left the mansion.” She uses her free hand to wipe her eyes, turning to Billie. “The easiest thing to do is tell yourself that no one’s innocent. Because no one is. Not even us.”

Billie closes his eyes, gripping Stevie’s hand in his as they walk.

The door to the mausoleum opens, light shining in to reveal Spencer huddled in the corner with his head down. Two masked skinners walk in, the shorter one closing the door behind them. They both stare at Spence as he awaits for them to do something.

The shorter one reaches to his mask. “Spencer?” He whispers. Spencer recognizes the accent.

Kenny pulls the mask above his head, Mitch doing the same with his as they both stare at him in shock. He cracks a relieved smile at them.

“Jesus, what the hell did they do to you?” Mitch questions as he steps closer.

Spencer practically breaks down there, holding himself tighter as his friend kneels down beside him. Tears sting his eyes as Mitch reaches a hand to him slowly and carefully. He places it tenderly on the pale man’s arm.

“You’re okay, Spence. We’re getting you out of here.” Mitch says with a reassuring smile. He turns to Kenny. “Go find him some clothes.”

Kenny hesitates before nodding, pulling the mask back over his head before turning around. He reaches to the door, pulling it open before stepping out and closing it again.

Kenny takes a quick look around the camp, seeing several unmasked skinners associating with one another. Taking a deep breath, he starts walking through the camp, avoiding any contact with the group as best as he can.

He walks past a group of men who glance his way. He tries not to pay attention, cursing under his breath before he makes it to a few tents set up a distance from the populated area. He peers into one of the tents, finding clothes and a bag all scattered about. He reaches inside, digging through the clothes and picking out a few.

He emerges from the tent, looking around to assure no one has seen him before quickly making his way around the tents to find a different way to the mausoleum.

Kenny enters the dark again, taking steps down as Mitch stands. Kenny hands him the clothes, who turns to Spencer and offers them. Spencer takes them, the other two stepping away and turning to face the wall.

“No one saw you?” Mitch asks.

“I don’t think so.” Kenny replies.

“Good. So far, so good, right? What did I tell you?” Mitch asks.

Kenny shrugs. He doesn’t seem as enthusiastic. “Depends on what your perspective is, I guess.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

Kenny sighs. “Well, from your perspective, this is all going fine, but from someone like Trace’s perspective…”

“Hey, I did what I had to do, Kenny.”

“Bollocks.” Kenny crosses his arms, turning away from Mitch.

Spencer buttons up the flannel, looking between the two. “Hey. No shoes?”

Mitch looks down to his bare feet before looking to Kenny. “What the hell, Ken?”

“You want to go look for a pair? Why don’t you ask around, Mitch?” Kenny whispers, irritated with Mitch.

“Hey, argue later!” Spencer whispers. “We have bigger problems. How am I supposed to get out of here without them recognizing me?”

Mitch gapes for a moment. The brit rolls his eyes, lifting his mask up and holding it out to Spencer. “Of course you didn’t think this part through. Here, wear this.”

“Kenny, hold on…” Mitch tries to talk.

“We need to find Lisandra and Caroline. Let’s go.” Kenny turns away, ignoring him.

Spencer scrunches his face. “Hold on a second. Lisandra and Caroline aren’t here.”

Kenny stops. He turns to Spencer with disbelief. “What do you mean? They… they have to be somewhere. You… you don’t know that, you’ve been here…!”

“I’ve been here with Stella. Who tells me exactly what she’d do if my friends came to my rescue again.” Spencer says coldly. “Even if they were here, they’re not anymore.”

Kenny lifts his hands to his head. He shakes his head, mumbling the word, “no,” repeatedly. Mitch looks at him with pity and guilt.

“Ken, I really thought…”

Then the door opens. The three of them turn around to look at the light. The woman standing at the doorway grins. “Oh, Spencer… your friends are here!”

Soon they are all dragged outside. Kenny by Drake, Mitch by Chance and Spencer by his collar by Stella. As Kenny and Mitch resist, the other skinners are drawn closer.

Stella smiles, Drake and Chance stopping and shoving the two forward. Kenny and Mitch roll into each other, both looking up to the skinner leader.

“Did you think we wouldn’t notice?” Stella asks them, looking over the two. “I saw you creeping around. Going into the mausoleum. You never would have gotten away with him, even with this mask over his face.” She tosses the mask forward before turning to Spencer. She strokes a finger over his cheek, making him flinch at the touch. “Despite that, you are Spencer’s friends. So we’ll make this quick.”

Mitch crawls forward, pushing Kenny behind him. “Fuck you, bitch! The others will kill you for this!”

“Chance, kill the annoying one.” Stella sighs.

The long haired man smiles, gripping his machete and stepping forward eagerly. He lifts it up above his head, ready to strike against Mitch.

Before he can bring the blade down, a gunshot fills the air and Chance suddenly drops the machete to the ground, his hands going to the blood forming through his shirt.

Stella’s smirk drops as Chance collapses. She and everyone else turn to look at the young man in the crowd holding a pistol. Mitch and Kenny stare in amazement, Mitch grinning. “It’s Billie!”

“Stevie, let’s go!” Billie yells before pointing the pistol to another skinner, firing a round into his shoulder, then another into his skull.

From another direction, Stevie and Gale run side by side towards the crowd from behind, Stevie armed with a shotgun. She points it forward, firing at the first skinner she sees, blowing his head apart. Screams erupt before she pumps the shotgun and fires at another.

Gale uses two similar sized blades, pouncing one skinner and stabbing him in the chest with both blades. As the man hits the ground, Gale pulls them out and grunts, bringing them back down to stab them into both his eyes before getting to his feet and charging another.

As the camp goes into chaos, everyone running in different directions to either arm themselves, attack or flee, Kenny and Mitch look around aimlessly, standing up slowly. Kenny’s eyes then land on the machete.

Crawling forward, he grabs it and stands before spotting the red head TJ closeby.

As he turns around, Kenny charges forward. TJ shouts out before he is impaled through the stomach.

Stella starts to pull Spencer back to the mausoleum but the man pulls his arm back. She turns her head to him with surprise. “Come with me—!” She shouts before Spencer suddenly punches her in the face, sending her stumbling to the ground.

He pauses, gripping his fist with a hiss. “Son of a bitch!”

Stella suddenly turns around again with a knife in hand. Spencer steps back, but she’s quicker than he is. She grabs his wrist and pulls him back into the knife, stabbing him in the side.

Mitch comes up behind, pulling him back and shoving Stella away. He makes eye contact with Drake, who comes running to Stella’s aid. He puts Spence’s arm over his shoulder, Kenny pushing them forward before swiping at another Skinner.

Billie shoots another skinner. He notices Mitch leading the others out and turns to Gale and Stevie. “Let’s get out of here!”

The three catch up to their comrades, Billie, Stevie, Kenny and Gale continue fighting off the skinners. Mitch leads the way to the gate. Kenny swipes at another skinner, Billie and Stevie both shoot at a couple more. Gale swipes one blade at one man, slitting his throat.

The gate, as they approach, is blocked by four more skinners, armed with axes and machetes. Mitch and Spencer stop where they are.

Before anyone can react, a series of gunshots erupts behind the skinners. All of them drop to reveal Sawyer, Harper, Marnie and Alex behind them.

Sawyer lowers his rifle and lets out a loud laugh before leaping in the air. “Holy shit! I bet that looked awesome!”

“Sawyer, shut up and go!” Stevie yells.

The survivors dart for the woods, leaving the skinner camp behind.

Stella and Drake walk towards the gates, looking around at the many casualties before looking ahead at the group fleeing to the woods.

“Do we go after them?” Drake asks.

Stella shakes her head, raising her chin. “No… not yet.”

The group comes to a stop to catch their breath. Stevie and Billie all lean against a tree while Marnie and Kenny both drop to their knees. Mitch lets Spencer sit against the trunk of a tree. The others stay on their feet.

Gale turns his head, keeping a lookout for anyone following them. “I think we’re good.”

As he catches his breath, Billie notices the blood on Spencer’s feet and the stab wound in his side. “Christ, Spence… we should have gotten him some shoes. His feet are injured pretty badly.”

Harper raises a hand before reaching into her backpack. “I have a pair!” She pulls out black sneakers, tossing them in front of the two. “I took them from the dead guy!”

Billie grabs the shoes, helping Spencer put them on carefully. The black haired boy winces as he pulls the first one on.

“Hang on, let me loosen it for you.” Billie says before tugging at the laces.

“Where did you find those two?” Kenny turns to Stevie with shock.

Stevie doesn’t answer his question. Her eyes fall on Mitch. She steps closer to him, crossing her arms over her chest. He meets her eyes. “What the hell were you thinking?”

“I was thinking that my friend is in danger and no one’s doing anything about it.” Mitch replies, frowning at her. “Why don’t you stay out of it, Stevie, this isn’t your business.”

He starts walking away. “How is this not my business?”

“Because you left us. You’re not one of us anymore.” Mitch says.

Kenny, Spencer and Billie all turn their attention to Mitch now. Gale huffs, stepping away so he doesn’t get involved. Alex and Marnie watch on, glancing to one another awkwardly. The Stonemans stand closeby wide eyed, clearly entertained.

“Dra-maaa…” Sawyer says in a sing-song tone.

“So don’t get yourself involved.” Mitch shakes his head, giving her an annoyed glance before walking towards Billie as he laces up Spencer’s other sneaker. “Look, Bill, I’m sorry for just leaving but you have to understand that I just wanted to make things right. Like you said.”

Billie stops what he’s doing, his jaw dropping. Spencer sits forward as he turns himself around, standing. “I told you to go to training and let your failures motivate you. I didn’t tell you to screw up the entire school’s chances of survival.”

“We saved Spencer. He’s one of us, I don’t know why you’re mad at me for that.” Mitch furrows his brows.

Billie steps forward, snapping on him. “You all almost died! If we didn’t come out here, Trace would be dead! Kenny would be dead! Because of you, Mitch!”

“Spencer would be dead if I didn’t come out here! She was raping him, Billie!” Mitch argues. “What the hell is wrong with you people?”

“Hey!” Spencer shouts, earning their attention. He uses the tree to stand up. He wobbles forward when Gale appears, helping him stand up straight. “Thanks… Now listen. I’m thankful that you came to save me, Mitch, but you didn’t get anyone’s permission to. You risked the lives of everyone at the school to save me, and that is something I can’t live with had someone gotten killed.”

“So you’d rather have kept fucking that nasty bitch? Christ, Spencer, I didn’t think you were as stupid as the rest of them.” Mitch says before looking down to Billie again. “And I can’t believe you’re still everyone’s bitch.”

“Pardon?” Billie raises an eyebrow.

“You listen to exactly what everyone tells you! You shift sides just so you can live! You’re friends with me until Stevie says so, you agree with me until Maggie says so. You’re a pathetic crotch dog to everyone! You’re Stevie’s bitch. You’re Spencer’s bitch. Micah made you his. And your dead sister made you hers, too!”

The outburst makes Billie choke, blinking as hurt washes over his face. He lowers his arms down, letting out a shaky breath. Mitch goes on, stepping closer to tower over him. “All these people are slipping their cocks down your throat and telling you what to do and you’re thanking them for it like the little bitch you are. Just so you can live another sad pathetic day.”

“At least he’ll still be alive tomorrow.” Stevie says, Mitch turning his head to her. “Don’t you think your stupid ideas can only go so far before the people around you decide enough is enough?”

“You know, Stephanie, someone really needs to teach you when to shut your mouth.” Mitch says as he takes a few steps towards her.

Out of nowhere, The Stoneman’s act fast. Sawyer pushes himself in front of Stevie defensively while Harper steps in Mitch’s way with a loud slap across his face, pointing her finger at him.

“Another step and you lose a leg, dickwad.” Harper threatens.

“No, guys.” Stevie intervenes, softly pushing herself past them and making them move. “I feel like he should know this. Rebecca wants you dead.”

Spencer’s eyes widen as he hears this. “What?”

Mitch doesn’t react at all.

“She said she’d handle you at the school as soon as we got back. But quite frankly, Mitch… I think we should end this here and now.” Stevie says, taking her backpack off and dropping it to the ground.

Mitch snickers, crossing his arms with a nod. “Ah… so you’re going to kill me?”

“No. I’m not.” She nods her head to motion behind Mitch. “He is.”

Mitch furrows his brows and turns around only to be greeted with the image of Billie Kyle lunging at him with his knife. He doesn’t react until he feels the blade plunged into his neck, letting out a shocked cry.

Eyes wide, he reaches for it as Billie tears it out. Mitch desperately grips the wound as blood begins to pour from it. He gasps quick breaths as he stares in horror as Billie before he feels blood trickle from his lips.

“B… B… Billie?!”

Billie raises his arm and strikes again, this time stabbing Mitch in the chest with an angered yell and using the force to knock him onto his back. Mitch cries out, spitting blood. Blood runs down his cheek and his chin and neck. With tear soaked eyes, he stares up at an enraged Billie.

“I’m no one’s bitch, Mitch.” Billie lifts the knife again, quickly bringing it down again for another stab in the chest. Mitch chokes, gurgling the blood filling his throat. Billie quickly pulls it out, swinging it around for a final stab into his ex-boyfriend’s eye.

The sounds cease. The older boy freezes, letting out a final breath of air.

And Billie just stares. Blankly, he rips out the from the socket and slowly rises to his feet, wiping the blood on his blue button up. He can feel the rest of the groups’ eyes on him. Billie lifts his head up to see them all.

Spencer stares in shock as Gale holds him up. The man looks both impressed and slightly amused.

Alex looks at Billie with a bit of fear in his eyes.

Stevie, on the other hand, just nods to him. She takes a slow step towards him. Not speaking. Not giving him some bullshit supportive words. Just holds out her hand to him.

He reaches out to take it. Their fingers interlock and she turns to lead the way. He sticks by her side, the others beginning to follow them.

Gale continues to assist Spencer, walking past Harper and Sawyer, who both continue to stare at the body.

“Damn… all the cute ones are dying.” Harper murmurs.

Sawyer just shrugs a shoulder. “He was kinda attractive I guess. But his personality was garbage.” He nudges her. “Let’s go.”

“Wait, one minute.” She says before walking to the corpse.

Sawyer raises a brow as she gets to her knees. “What are you doing?”

Harper reaches for the boot laces at Mitch’s feet.

“Oh, my God, Harper.” Sawyer groans, slapping a hand against his forehead.

“What? He doesn’t need them!” Harper defends herself as she loosens them, taking them off Mitch’s feet before standing with a proud grin.

She walks past Sawyer as he stares with a hand on his hip. He follows her, leaving the corpse alone under the trees. “You’re going to hell, you know that?”

“Whatever.”

“His body wasn’t even cold! What’s wrong with you?”

Some time passes before the survivors return to the school.

Lorenzo, Rikki and Dewey sit at the gate with lawn chairs. Rikki stands from hers, distracting the men from their conversation. “They’re back!”

They open the gates, the group entering as Rikki dashes to the courtyard where their friends and families all wait.

The groups converge.

Ray immediately gives Stevie a lung crushing hug, the two sharing a kiss before he looks to the Stoneman siblings. He pulls them both in for a hug, which both of them seem confused by. The rest of Mike’s group join in as well.

The first thing Mike sees is a bloody Spencer. “Monet, hurry!” He calls. Spencer is taken from Gale by Monet and Mike, who begin to help him to the infirmary while asking him questions on what happened. Rebecca watches and turns back to Gale. She nods to him appreciatively. He gives a nod back before leaving the crowd, going off to be alone.

Chase and Persey push through the crowd before bumping into Kenny and Marnie, who both have stuck together the whole trip.

“Christ, Ken, don’t do that shit to me again!” Chase says as he hugs him.

“You guys had us scared shitless!” Persey tells Marnie as she hugs her as well.

“Kenny! Where have you been? Why’d you leave?!” Patrick shouts as he pushes his way in.

Becca looks over the crowd as Karen and Alex hug tight, Kenny and his family reunite again.

Then she meets Billie’s face. The blood on his hands, face and shirt says it all. Becca makes a beeline towards him, reaching to him and guiding him away from the crowd.

Behind the building by the field, Rebecca and Billie sit side by side with a bucket between them. Becca has a rag in hand, squeezing the water out before wiping the blood from his cheek as he stares off into space. “I shouldn’t have asked you to do that.”

Billie shrugs. “He was going to die regardless, wasn’t he?”

Becca sighs, dipping the rag back in the water before repeating the process. “That doesn’t mean you should have been the one to do it.”

“I don’t know. I’ve been around him for so long. I watched his plans get people killed. I’ve watched him wreak havoc all over the place.” He shrugs as Becca takes his hand and begins wiping that. “I think I had more reason than anyone to do it.”

Becca nods in agreement. “You did. I just… knowing who you are. You’ve always been so sweet. A diva, but still sweet.” The two chuckle. Billie takes the rag from her now, wiping off the blood himself. She sighs, crossing her arms uncomfortably. “Killing just… I never really thought you could do it. Especially not to one of our own.”

“He… he called me a bitch. He told me I was everyone’s bitch. That I just do whatever everyone tells me so I can keep myself alive.” He drops the rag back into the now mucky water. “And then he went for Stevie and I just… I felt this rage. This voice in the back of my head saying, ‘That’s it. Enough’s enough, make a choice, Billie.’ So I did.”

The two sit in silence for a minute. They both stare off to the field.

“Plus the fucker dragged Maggie into it.” He says before snickering.

Becca chuckles, too. She turns to him with surprise, her jaw dropped. “What the hell? Damn, kill the bastard for that alone!” She laughs softly. “I didn’t know her well, but I liked her. She seemed to know what she was doing.”

Billie nods with a smile. “Yeah… she did.”

Another wave of silence falls over them before one of the doors opens behind them. Becca turns to look. She raises an eyebrow before glancing to Billie. “Oh… I uh… I’m gonna check on Spencer.”

Billie is about to respond but sees Alex standing at the door from the corner of his eye. He gets to his feet, quickly adjusting his shirt. “Oh, Alex! Hey.”

Becca quickly leaves them, heading inside as Alex steps outside with a shy smile.

“I’m sorry…” Billie says nervously.

“What for?”

Billie scratches the back of his head. “For what happened back there. I’m not… I’m usually not that angry or violent.”

Alex shakes his head. “No no, don’t apologize! I get it. That guy seemed like a jackass. I would have stabbed him if he brought up my brother, trust me.”

Billie sighs. “Yeah. Honestly our siblings should have been here. Not him.”

“Couldn’t agree more.” Alex nods.

The two go into an awkward silence, looking at each other with nervous smirks on their faces. “But I was curious… is he your type? Cocky, rude, a total jackass?”

Billie snickers. “No, he’s the exact opposite of what I’m actually into.”

“Ah cool, just wondering.” Alex begins walking towards the door again. “Now I know I have a chance.”

Billie blinks, looking to Alex as he pulls the door open. “H-hey! You can’t just end the conversation like that!” He calls as he follows after the grinning man.

BANG!

“MAGGIE!”

THEN

Maggie opens her eyes. She looks down, seeing she’s unscathed. She then looks up to see the rifle pointed a few inches to her side. “Wha…?”

She meets Kenzie’s eyes as the woman raises a finger to her lips. She takes a step back, motioning for her to stay put before turning to leave behind the van.

“Really? Did you have to shoot her?” Maggie hears Micah’s voice.

“She stopped running, didn’t she?” Kenzie responds.

“Let me go! Get the fuck off of me!” She hears Billie’s desperate screams, making her cover her mouth with both hands. She drops down, quickly moving to peek out from behind the van. Micah grabs Billie. She can’t hear him very well.

Not until he turns around. “Kenzie, say you’re sorry!”

Maggie’s eyes dart to the blond whose back is turned. “I’m sorry.”

Maggie ducks back down, sitting on the gravel now. She clenches her eyes shut, feeling around herself. No gun. No knife. Defenseless.

Shecan hear the growls around her. She can see the dead starting to approach her from further down. “Fuck.” She whispers to herself before turning herself around, poking her head out again.

The large group begins to walk away. They’re leaving. With her little brother in their clutches. She shakes her head shamefully. “I’m so sorry, Billie.” She whispers.

As a walker rounds the corner of the van, Maggie starts running. She races to the trees, disappearing into the dark.

Deaths

 * Eddie (Flashback)
 * Kianu
 * Chance
 * TJ
 * Mitch Harris
 * At least 13 Unnamed Skinners.

Special Guest Cast

 * Skylar Samuels as Maggie Kyle

Co-Starring

 * Max Adler as Blake
 * Troy Baker as Patrick Jameson
 * Emma Bell as Tina Andrews
 * Danielle Campbell as Abbie Andrews
 * Rafi Gavron as Drew
 * Rupert Grint as TJ
 * Jeremy Jordan as Rory Motta
 * Rami Malek as Russell
 * Madelaine Petsch as Tori Hill
 * Emma Roberts as Kenzie Monroe
 * Sadie Sink as Carly Dewolfe
 * Booboo Stewart as Chance
 * Bella Thorne as Brie Dewolfe
 * Ben VanderMey as Kianu

Uncredited

 * Penn Badgley as Keegan
 * Ben Barnes as Nick
 * Ian Casselberry as Eddie
 * Tracy Dinwiddie as Ellen
 * William Fichtner as Lorenzo McCaul
 * Stuart Greer as Chaney
 * Sara Paxton as Melissa
 * Lindsay Pulsipher as Talia
 * Gabourey Sidibe as Ganj Granger

Trivia

 * First appearance of Blake. (Flashback)
 * First appearance of Drew.
 * First (and last) appearance of Eddie. (Flashback)
 * First (and last) appearance of Chance.
 * First (and last) appearance of TJ.
 * Last appearance of Kianu.
 * Last appearance of Mitch Harris.
 * With Mitch’s death, there are no surviving members of the Harris family.
 * During the argument between Mitch and Stevie, Mitch calls her “Stephanie.” The creator has since confirmed her name is really Stephanie Leigh.
 * Maggie Kyle is revealed to have not been killed, but her current status is still unknown.