We're The Ones Who Live | The Walking Dead (2)

Part 7 - Still Moving On

SIX YEARS LATER...

"Now, are you sure you'll be okay without me for a few weeks?" CJ asked again.

"For the love of God, CJ," Gabriel sighed with a chuckle. "For the fiftieth time, yes, we'll be fine. I can handle being the only head of the council for a little while."

Several months ago, CJ was somehow elected as co-head of the council of Alexandria, working alongside Gabriel. She was worried and confused at first, especially considering that for a long time, she wasn't even living there. But apparently the people still looked to her for some kind of leadership, and whilst she was worried about doing a good job, she had surprised herself by rising to the challenge.

"Good," CJ smiled. "Just don't make any huge decisions without me. You wanna discuss Pizza Fridays, you better wait for my ass to get back before taking a vote."

"I will. I promise," he chuckled. "How long will you be gone?"

"Told you, I don't know yet," she replied with a shrug. "Couple weeks, maybe longer. Been inside these walls a little too long. I just want a little time out, see if there's any good game to bring back, you know?"

"Well, I hope you find something good. You always did before," Gabriel said. "Although, I have to say, I know someone who's not so happy you're leaving."

"I'll handle Michonne," CJ assured him as she moved to leave. "I'll see you when I'm back."

"Be safe out there," the priest smiled.

"Will do!" CJ called, waving over her shoulder as she left the church.

Alexandria had been rebuilt and grown a lot over the past years, and CJ always marvelled at the beauty the place now held. The walls had been expanded, allowing the community to grow. New houses had been built, and old ones extended. The solar panels were still their main source of power, but they had built a windmill which also provided a lot of energy for the town.

Crops were grown all around the allotments, the lake water was being filtered and cleaned. The town was much safer than it ever had been before. The kids had a place to grow up safely, where they could go to school and learn how to help around the community. Everyone had jobs and roles around Alexandria to keep the place running. Thanks to the crops, food was rarely in short supply, and it was an all-round happy place to be.

It was a real home to all, and it was all in memory of Rick and Carl Grimes.

As CJ walked down the road, she spotted her niece sitting on the steps of a house right next to the underground cell and jogged over to her. The girl now around eight or nine years old, and CJ thought she looked just like Lori. She wore her father's hat every day; it was a little big for her, but it still looked perfect. CJ could never look at Judith without being reminded of the rest of the Grimes Family, and it always made her happy.

"Judith," she called. "Hey."

"Hi, auntie CJ," the brown-haired girl smiled as she stood up. "Are you leaving already?"

"In a few minutes," CJ replied, kneeling down to Judith's level. "Now baby, what have I told you about hanging out over here?" she asked quietly.

Judith sighed and looked down at the ground. "I'm sorry," she mumbled. "But I was just doing homework."

"It's true," the raspy voice of Negan echoed in his cell. "Math. Trivia and shit, you know?"

"Language!" Judith scolded.

"Sorry, kid," Negan shrugged. "Forgot."

"Keep outta' this," CJ glared at him through the bars of the window.