Rise Up

Chapter 32

We had finally reached the familiar gates before I knew it. Michonne opened the gate and let us in. She looked very shocked to see us there. But at the same time, she was relived. Once Daryl had parked his bike, I got off and went to hug her.

“How’s everyone? They all okay? Carl? Judith?” I asked her when we parted.

“Yeah. They’re fine. We’re all okay. What are you guys doing here?” she replied.

“Get Rick and the others. There’s a lot that you all need to catch up on,” I said.

She nodded. I went and closed the gate. We all made our way down the street. It felt like I hadn't been here for a longer time than it actually had been. Rick came out of the house just when I passed it.

“Amelia?” he said.

He quickly made his way to me and hugged me. I held him tightly.

“Everything okay?” he asked.

“Yes and no. Meeting at the church?” I said after we parted.

“All right. I'll get everyone together and we'll meet you there,” he said.

I nodded. Daryl, Enid, Jesus and I headed to the church. When we got there, we placed our things near the door.

“Feels weird being back,” I said as I made my way up the aisle.

“It's been awhile. I remember everything Glenn had said when we came back after those people attacked us,” Enid said.

She then went silent and looked down. I looked over at her.

“Come here,” I said.

I hugged her tightly. Glenn was the first person to break down those walls she had up.

“He’d be real proud of you. I know he would. And so are we,” I whispered.

She sniffled. We parted and she wiped her eyes. The doors opened and Carl came up to me.

“Hey,” I said clearing my throat.

“Dad said you were back,” he said.

He hugged me.

“Yeah. It was important that we came,” I said.

“Everything okay?” he asked.

“You'll know everything as soon as everyone gets here,” I replied.

A few minutes later and the church was full. The sun was starting to set so I lit a few candles. It was so great to see everyone again. As soon as the last person came in, I told them everything that had happened.

“And that’s everything. That’s why we came here. We wanted to see what the next step should be,” I said once I was finished.

Rick then came and stood next to me.

“Tara informed me earlier that while she and Heath were on their run, she came across a community that have weapons. They know about the Saviors. Tara said that the Saviors don’t know about them. Tomorrow, we're taking a group to try and discuss a peaceful trade. Tara knows them so she's the one to come up with the plan. Those of you who will be staying here, be prepared for anything,” he said.

The crowd stood up and started to leave. I looked around and saw Heath was nowhere in sight. I went up to Tara.

“Hey. Where's Heath?” I asked her.

“I don't know. We got separated when I came across Oceanside. That's the name of the community I got to know. I think he may have found a vehicle and taken off. At least that's what I hope,” she said.