Too Far Gone // D. Dixon

chapter five

Gabriel began to lead the group to his camp.

Of course, everyone was weary of this man. The same man who wore a priest uniform and continued to spread the word of God to seemingly no one. It had irked everyone in the group. They knew something was up.

Maren found herself watching his every move, waiting for the moment she knew was coming. He couldn't be who he said he was. The group had been on edge, but Maren had become entirely rigid and stiff in his presence. It was certain to everyone that by her demeanor and silence, she in no way trusted this man, the group had gathered that much.

"Earlier..." Rick started, addressing Gabriel directly, "were you watching us?"

"I keep to myself," Gabriel said to the group, "Nowadays, people are just as dangerous as the dead, don't you think?"

"No," Maren spoke aloud, breaking her eery silence, "people are worse."

Rick and the group looked back at Maren, watching her demeanor change. His suspicion of her had not faltered much, having found himself with more questions that answers from her. There was something, he couldn't quite put his finger on it, but he knew there was more to her story than she was letting on.

Rick Grimes made a mental note to himself to check in with her later.

- TOO FAR GONE -

There it was; the church. St. Sarah's Church.

"Hold up..." Rick started as he walked up to the doors, "Can we take a look around first?" Gabriel handed over the keys and allowed the group entry to his safe haven.

With her gun gripped in her arms, she stood just to the left of the church doors. She stood, ready to clear this church. With the wave of her hand, Rick pulled the door open, allowing them entrance for the first time.

The group was met with a dark room, with rows upon rows of church seats. Row by row, the group checked for walkers or anything suspicious. But there was nothing. The church was so clean, cleaner than most places they've been. So untouched by the dust of the apocalypse, the very same dust that seemed to cover the entire Earth by inches.

As they searched the church room by room, it was clear. No walkers in sight. They were safe...for now. Alas, Maren and the group had decided to stay at the church. With the abandoned bus out back, very few supplies, and nowhere else to go, staying there was the best option the group had.

It was also, arguably, the only option they had.

Abraham had set out and made it his mission to get the bus up and running within the next few days. In the meantime, the remainder of the group was planning on staking out where to hunt for supplies.

"I should go with you, you've seen what I can do with a gun." Maren suggested in an attempt to make herself useful and trustworthy, but Rick stopped her.

"No," Rick told her, "I think it's best if you stay here. I need you to help look after Judith. Tyreese will stay with you."

"Rick, I'd be more useful if I went-" Maren urged, but didn't persist much further. She thought for a moment about why he might be doing this, leaving her with his toddler and one of their most capable men. She stilled at that thought. But maybe he wanted to see if she'd run, or maybe she would prove her trustworthiness to them once and for all. It was all a test.

"Maren, I'd really appreciate it if you'd stay here. Keep my daughter safe..." Rick spoke, handing her a cooing Judith as he whispered to her, "Or you know what I'll do about it if you don't." 

"Yes, sir." Maren spoke to him directly, not mistaking Rick's stern face so close to her. He had made himself quite clear, and she would certainly protect this little girl with everything in her.