The Next World

Chapter 21

A few minutes passed but they finally came out. Four people that I didn't recognize following behind our people. We loaded back into the RV.

"You good?" Daryl asked once we were settled.

"Yeah. You?" I retorted.

"Mm-hmm," he mumbled.

"Good," I said.

"One of them's a doctor," he said.

"Really? That's good. Maybe he has some prenatal vitamins for Maggie," I said.

I looked over at Glenn who was at the end of the RV. Maggie along with the man I assumed was the doctor were sitting down.

"Yeah. Maybe," he said.

"You okay, Freddie?" Jesus asked one of his people.

"For a second back there, just when I thought he was gonna...I saw my wife. She died before all this. Just when I thought it was over, there she was. Clear as day," he replied.

He had a smile on his face after that. I then started to wonder what or who we saw when we died. I'd like to think that all my loved ones would be there. Welcoming me after all this time. My train of thought was suddenly interrupted by the sound of the tires getting caught on something. I looked over at Rick and saw him struggling to get the RV moving again. From the sound of it, mud was probably the cause to it.

"Damn it. A storm must've passed through. We're stuck," he said turning to look at us.

Jesus then stood up and looked out the windshield.

"No worries. We're here," he said.

Rick put the RV in park and we all filed out. A huge area of mud greeted us as we exited.

"That's us. That's the Hilltop," Jesus said.

I was surprised at how secure it looked. The walls held well and were pretty high. We ventured forward.

"Stop right there," a man on guard ordered once we'd reached the entrance.

We all picked up our weapons and aimed at him.

"Whoa!" Jesus exclaimed, turning around and holding his arms out.

"You gonna make us?" Daryl asked.

"Jesus, what the hell is this?" the man on guard asked.

"Open the gates, Cal. Freddie's hurt. Look, sorry about these guys. They get antsy standing up there all day doing nothing," Jesus said turning to look at us.

"They give up the weapons. Then we'll open the gates," another man said.

"Why don't you come down here and get 'em?" Daryl said.

"You seriously want to give that ultimatum?" I asked raising my gun higher.

"Gentleman, look, we vouch for these people, all right? They saved us out there," the doctor said.

"Lower the spears," Jesus ordered.

"Look, I'm not taking any chances. Tell your guy Gregory to come out here," Rick said.

"No. Don't you see what just happened? I'm letting you keep your guns. Look, we ran out of ammo months ago. I like you people. I trust you. Trust us," Jesus said.

Rick looked over at me. I took a second but eventually nodded my head. He did the same then signaled us to lower our weapons.

"Open the gates, Cal," Jesus ordered again.

The gates were opened a few minutes later and we walked in. I was able to see the livestock Jesus had mentioned back at home. That along with a blacksmith. That's how they got their weapons. That was smart. Right at the center of the settlement was an old colonial looking house. I think it might have been a museum of some sort from what I remember studying. It was fascinating to see.

"There was a materials yard for a power company nearby. That's how we put up the walls," Jesus said.

"I have to say, it looks impressive," I said.

"Well, a lot of people came from a FEMA camp. Those trailers there came with them," he continued.

"How did people find out about this place?" Michonne asked.

"That's called Barrington House. The family that owned it gave it to the state in the '30s. The state turned it into a living history museum. Every elementary school for 50 miles used to come here for field trips. The place was running a long time before the modern world built up around it. I think people came here because they figured it'd keep running after the modern world broke down. Those windows up there let us see for miles in every direction," he said once we stopped in front of the house.

"Convenient," I said.

"It is. And perfect for security. Come on. I'll show you inside," he finished.

We made our way inside. I was filled with wonder and amazement at the sight of the front foyer. It was beautifully crafted. Very much like what a museum would look like.

"Good gracious, Ignatius," Abraham said.

"Most of the rooms have been converted to living spaces. Even the ones that weren't bedrooms," Jesus said.

"People live here and the trailers?" Rick asked.

"We plan to build. There's babies being born," he said.

A door to the left opened making us all shift.

"Jesus. You're back. With guests," a man that looked like he was full of himself came out and said.

"Everyone, this is Gregory. He keeps the trains running on time around here," Jesus said.

"I'm the boss," Gregory said emphasizing the word 'boss'.

"Well, I'm Rick. We have a community..." Rick started moving forward to shake his hand.

"Why don't y'all go get cleaned up, hmm?" Gregory said cutting Rick off.

Rather rudely I might add. Was this guy being serious? No one moved.

"We're fine," Rick said.

"Jesus will show you where you can get washed up. Then come back down here when you're ready," he said.

"Are you serious?" I asked.

He turned and looked at me.

"It's a common courtesy, honey," he said.

"The hell do we need to wash up for if we just came to talk?" I asked.

"I like to keep things neat around here," he said, looking me up and down.

I advanced him. Rick quickly came and pulled me back.

"We're in his settlement. It's best we do what he wants. For now," he whispered.

I glared at Gregory.

"We'll go," Rick said louder.

"Follow me," Jesus said.

I was hesitant. Daryl came along and grabbed hold of my hand.

"Come on," he said.

I followed the rest of the group upstairs.