The Gospel of Guys - Chapter 239
"Now, listen carefully boy, 'cause Reverend Shane knows what he's talkin' about. He preaches about the ways of women and how men need to deal with them in order of gettin' some well deserved peace of mind. Thanks to his advice you managed to score, so, keep quiet and give the Word a little respect here, bud."
She won't touch him no more, not even look at him in the eye. Same hands that once reached for him in the dark, trembling, whispering her grateful words over how glad she was for having him with them? Now they won't even hand him a canteen of water no matter if he's dying of thirst. He's made mistakes in the past, they both did, but he never meant to do no harm to anyone. He never intended to lie or hurt her and the little boy he loves as if he was his own flesh and blood.
"Women like to play house and expect ya to follow their rules. Second you make the wrong move? Say the wrong thing? No three strikes. You're out in the dang dog house."
Lori loved playing the part of the good supportive wife, even though he's heard both sides of the story before. The disappointed remarks she'd throw at Rick in the safety of their home. How many times Rick hurt her. How he would rather do his job than be home in time for dinner or go to Carl's soccer match.
Shane never tried to be that for Lori, not matter that there's no more matches to attend. He's no Rick and comparing himself to who he thought was a dead man, disgusted him. Instead, all he could do was protect his best friend's loved ones, the people he considered his own family as well. He wanted to make sure Carl would grow in a way both Grimes would be proud of.
The second Rick came back? He's ashamed of himself. Not of what he's done or didn't do. At least not straight away.
He's ashamed of feeling cheated. Lori's eyes are the same Lily Bird gave him the day she walked away. Loathe.
"Sure, she might be the hottest piece of ass out there. But, you know how bitches claim men are all the same? Well, I could wikipedia women's goddamn instructions manual, man. Same way of thinking. Every. Damn. Case."
At first he'd look at Jess and only thing he was able to see was a kid that needed to be taken care of. A kid with the curves of who he could have considered a woman if he had met her in the right time.
In time Jessika proved to be more: a hot tempered brat, cheerful at the darkest of times, straight to the point, a know-it-all, down to earth at times and, like Lori, stubborn like a mule. Her most remarkable quality? She always managed to drive him up the fucking wall. It only took a couple of words with her.
For some time he thought she was just the kinda girl that rubbed him the wrong way. But he enjoyed her company at the same time. It was as if the woman had bitch pheromones that eventually always managed to get to him.
And yet, no matter how the others clearly felt about him at times, or even what he feels himself, she's now always the first to be by his side and offer him a poorly tasted joke, like she's always been one of the boys. In screwed up times like this that means a hell of a lot.
If only he could figure out how to turn off her 'bitching button' he'd be one happy man.
"'Cause at the end of the day, brother, pussy comes and goes. Bros need to stick to each other."
Lori can't make her own mind.
"Get away, Shane," she says. "Stay, Shane," comes what? Five minutes later?
Like he's some goddamn bad dog that's supposed to wag his tail to every command.
Then there's Jessika. He could have sworn the girl was psychic; she practically read his mind when she started insisting that the best choice was leaving the group and try to make it on their own.But he knew he had few chances surviving alone, there's no way he could have kept her alive no matter how much she claims she's self sufficient. Another ass to cover is just that. And then there was Andrea...
It's Carl the one that helps him choose. If there's someone they need to find a secure place for, that's the kids. With Sophia lost and Carl fighting for his life, its easier to see. Even Lori has to admit it.
"We can keep our mouths shut when they yap and yap about remodelin' your own damn TV room. But, when you're watchin' the game in the stylish leather couch that cost you half your left ball? They still demand your attention. All we want is some beer and a little peace and quiet. The simple things."
He wasn't sure if his Pops had been the one to put in his head that life was about meeting certain expectations. Wake up early, have a drink with your best bud, be good at the job, meet a girl, get a house and give Ma the grankids she's been begging you for.
Protect the innocent.
Protecting Carl cost him whatever was left of his soul. Not Rick, Lori or Jessika know what he's turned into in order of keep going. If he's lucky, no one will ever know who he's become. If he's real lucky, he'll live long enough to watch the most simple of things.
The boy that's practically his own flesh and blood growing up to be a better man.