WITH YOU | TWD

[23] BEING A WIFE

Day 1 of being a wife

She followed Will through the cold corridors, her heart heavy and stomach twisting with every turn.
Charlie was rolling the bead from Gabriel, her fingers so tight the bead almost molded with them.

Her brother was ahead with his shoulders tense and fists clenched. He hadn't said anything at all, even a word about the situation and her new title.

Finally, they stopped in front of big doors.

"If you need anything-"

She passed him by without giving him a glance. Charlie pushed the doors open and stepped inside of a big room.

Even though it was spacious, Charlie felt suffocated. It was bright, decorated with dark leather furniture and a piano. The air smelled like perfume and alcohol, making Charlie's stomach churn.

And then there was them.

The wives.

They were all dressed in black dresses, just like hers. Their hair were nice and clean, they looked good. Some of them were sitting on couches, some of them standing by the bar, all chatting quietly. Until she walked inside, of course.

She felt like a prey.

But she got used to this, so she decided to ignore the stares. She sat down away from everyone, on a windowsill, looking outside of the window. Her thoughts were still in Alexandria, wondering what is going on back home and how they are all holding up.

"So, you're the new one."

Charlie's eyes were still glued to the window. Somewhere behind those trees, far beyond the woods was her home, her people, and her old life.

"I'm not one of you."

"Of course no," Sherry smiled and leaned against the windowsill. "We've all been through this."

She finally torn away her eyes and looked at the woman beside her. The woman was young with huge and bright eyes. Charlie could immediately tell that she's different than other women here.

"You don't have to like this. None of us does," she added. "You smoke?"

"No," Charlie answered.

"You might want to start," she said and lighted a cigarette. "Sherry."

"Charlie."

The names hung between them.

Charlie watched as Sherry smoke her cigarette. The smoke framed her face, making a few of her wrinkles more visible. She looked like someone who made peace with her destiny, but there was still a hint of determination in her eyes. Charlie felt an unexpected sympathy towards the girl.

She just met her, she was one of the Saviors, but something in the way she carried herself was familiar.

Charlie rolled the bead in her hand. "How long have you been here?"

"Long enough," Sherry looked at her, her voice flat and tired.

"Why did you choose it?"

"Did you choose it?" Sherry snorted. Once Charlie shook her head, the woman sighed. "I thought I could protect the ones I love. Like all of us here. Love doesn't make it easier in this world."