The Dead Among Us

The time has come

    Fabia's POV

    Once everyone is looking their Sunday best, we head into Jon's Jeep while Manny and Kenji ride with Jason's family in his vehicle. Benji sits between Pedro and me; Sabin's a bit too big for the back and us.

    As we approach the event, I find myself in a state of anticipation. What will it be like? Will it resemble the scenes from Little House on the Prairie? The thought of stepping into a church, something I've never experienced before, adds to the mystery. 

    It's not long before we pull up to a large, imposing building, with the entire town here ascending the steps. The building's architecture is grand, with intricate designs adorning its facade.

    I'm staring out the window when Jon parks and cuts off the engine. A second later, everyone starts stepping out of the Jeep. I'm too freaked out to breathe, let alone move.

    Sabin approaches my door and opens it, offering his hand. I still don't move. I stare with my heart racing.

    He steps closer and whispers in my ear, "You okay?"

    I don't know why I was expecting him to say something like hurry up or quick lollygagging.

    No, I'm not okay... I'm literally paralyzed with anxiety...

    Pedro's concerned expression is evident as he approaches from behind.

    "Miss Fabia?" he softly calls out.

    With a gentle nudge, he maneuvers past Sabin and extends his hand to me.

    "You can sit with me. Come on, my dear," he reassures me.

    Taking his hand, I draw in a shuddering breath. Stepping out of the vehicle, Pedro slides my right hand into the crook of his elbow, cradling it between his forearm and bicep.

    If there was any good in this peculiar village, it was this man. He managed to both calm my frayed nerves and shield my injured hand from any unwanted attention.

    As we stroll towards the grand building, Sabin walks to my left while Pedro matches my pace on the right. Jon takes the lead with a confident stride, tenderly holding Benji's hand as they move ahead. Gradually, Manny, Kenji, Jason, Jessica, and the other boys join us.

    They greet people as they enter, seemingly knowing everyone we pass. I get a few stares and crinkled brows in my direction, and Pedro notices all of them, his tender hold on me, giving a reassuring squeeze each time. 

    "It's not you. It's Sabin," he whispers in my ear.

    "What about him?" I ask back as we make our way to a pew.

    "He was outspoken once about not ever wanting a slave... they just don't understand the full story... and some here like to gossip.

As we all take our seats, I can't help but grimace as the stiff wooden bench meets my sore rear end.

    Glancing over at Jon, I notice him whispering something to Jason, who's seated behind him, leaning forward to hear. However, it's not their conversation that catches my attention; it's the way Jon hasn't let go of Benji since we left the Jeep. His arm is tightly wrapped around her shoulder. She seems to be leaning into him, clearly enjoying the cuddle. But what is causing him to be so nervous about her?

    Suddenly, my gaze falls upon Eliza entering the building, and my spirits instantly soar to this high roof.

    Jothan has her in his arms as they walk in, just as Pedro has me, but the missus is nowhere to be seen.