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

Part 14 - Headed to Kingdom

"Okay," the doctor said, stepping back from the bed CJ was laid on. "I can indeed confirm you have three broken ribs."

On reaching Alexandira, there had been some hesitation at the gate as whether or not to let CJ and the others inside the walls. Michonne and Aaron were a little reluctant what with Lydia being there, but they trusted CJ and Daryl enough to know that they wouldn't have the girl with them if they didn't trust her. 

They had made their way to the infirmary once they arrived. Once Henry's leg had been stitched up, CJ had been checked over, Daryl standing beside the bed across from the doctor the whole time. 

"Well, I did get thrown through a wall," CJ winced as she tried to sit up. Daryl placed a hand on her shoulder to support her. "Few broken ribs is getting off lightly."

"The black eye will also take a while to heal," the doctor added. "Had this man you called a 'giant' hit you much harder, your right eye socket could have cracked. And let's not forget your left wrist is sprained and bruised."

"Oh, let's not forget that," CJ deadpanned.

"She gonna be okay?" Daryl asked the doctor.

"She'll be fine," he replied. "Pain meds, and a lot of rest. So, you-" He pointed at CJ. "-No strenuous activity and no heavy lifting. When you sleep, lie on your back, and don't push yourself to do anything."

"How long before I can ignore all that and go back to not walking like an old lady?" CJ asked jokingly.

Daryl bit back a smile, and the Doc tutted with a chuckle. "Your wrist should feel better in a week or so. As for your broken ribs, give yourself six weeks or so," he explained. "With painkillers, you'll be fine. Just come back to me if anything changes."

"Thanks, doc," Daryl nodded. 

"You got it," he replied with a faint smile. "Well, you're good to go. I'm gonna check on Henry."

As Daryl helped CJ off of the bed and they headed outside, Michonne was already waiting for them out on the porch. She had been keeping a close eye on Lydia and Henry through the window, still not convinced about the girl.

"Everything good?" Michonne asked.

"Yeah, yeah," CJ brushed off the question. "Couple broken ribs among other things. I'm fine."

"Good. Gabriel has a list of stuff for you to see to when you're able," Michonne said with a hint of a smirk.

"Okay." CJ pointed around at everyone. "All of you: if Gabriel comes looking for me, you never saw me."

The others chuckled as CJ sat down on the porch step beside Connie. Daryl went over to the bucket of water to wash the blood off of his hands and face. It had been a long couple of days, and he wasn't even fully sure all the blood was his own. 

"So, where to now?" Michonne asked him, leaning against the wall. "Straight to the Kingdom?"

"Well, probably not straight," Daryl replied. "But eventually, yeah. Carol and Ezekiel should know."

Connie stood up and wrote in her notepad to speak to Michonne, telling her 'thank you' for letting them in. Once Daryl was done cleaning his hands and Michonne and Connie were headed inside, he came to sit beside CJ on the steps.

"Hey, Michonne?" CJ called back.

"Yeah?" Michonne looked over her shoulder.

"Thank you for sending the others to the fair," CJ smiled softly.

Another thing CJ had learnt on arrival to Alexandria was that Michonne had finally come around to sending some people to the Kingdom for the fair. On first hearing about the fair, CJ made the call that Alexandria would go, but Michonne shut it down. CJ knew that changing her mind wouldn't have been an easy decision for Michonne to make, and she felt a sense of pride for her friend.