Heal: Horizons ~ A Sequel

Chapter 1: Velvety Red

                              Peace

     There was nothing but peace within me as I watched the sunrise. It was another start to a new day. I'd learned not to take such a thing for granted.

     My skin began to tingle as I felt the Sun's warmth slowly engulf me. A smile tugged at the corners of my mouth subconsciously. Birds flew in the distance, making silhouettes when they flew in front of the Sun. I sighed as I stared at the beautiful scene unfolding before me.

    For a few moments, it almost felt like the world was normal again.

    This was my daily routine. I always woke up before the crack of dawn, having to slowly unravel myself from Negan's arms and get out of bed. Then, I'd quietly race out to the watchtower to watch the sunrise.

    It was so serene, mainly because it had such a deep meaning to me. After going through hell and back just some months ago, I felt like a destroyed person. The healing process took a long time. Somethings will forever be drilled into my head, such as Erik and the sinister things he did to me. Or being separated from my family and community.

    The list can continue on and on. But there was one morning where I first decided to watch the sun come up, and it made me realize something.

    As the sun first shone on me in all it's glory, it dawned on me (no pun intended) that it was a new day, which meant that I had the opportunity to start fresh. I would never have to deal with Erik nor the Alexandrians again. Somehow, I gained the strength to put the past behind me.

      It was a huge pill to swallow, but all of those experiences made me a much stronger and matured person. I became a tougher girl, more stern, and less timid. So, I was able to swallow that metaphorical pill.

     "I'm fine. I'm okay." I whispered to myself that first morning.

     Ever since then, I was able to cope better. Especially since I had Negan to confide in. I could finally say I was happy again. It had been quite a while since the last time I said that and actually meant it.

     I sighed as I thought about how content I felt. But the sound of engines and squeaky breaks suddenly stole my attention. My eyes wondered to the road and saw several trucks pulling in. "He's back!" I announced to no one but myself. Negan and the Saviors had gone on a four day supply run. Quite frankly, I missed him like hell.

    Don't get me wrong, I knew that Negan was more than capable of handling himself. But I still couldn't help but worry about him. Anything could go wrong on those supply runs. Gosh I wish there were cell phones in the apocalypse, that way I could call up and check on him, I thought.

    Eagerly, I raced down the tower and made my way back to our room to put myself together. I allowed my long, wavy hair to flow down my back rather than putting it up. Before heading out to greet him, the most wonderful idea popped into my head. A devious smirk spread across my face.

     I peeled off my clothes and changed into some velvety red lingerie. For some reason, Negan had always loved how that color worked so well with my pale skin and red hair. I figured it would be an interesting way to welcome him back to sanctuary.

    Hurriedly I fixed the sheets and comforter, lit some candles, and laid down on our king-sized bed.

    'Should I be doing some kind of sexy pose?' I thought awkwardly. Before I could make another move, there was a knock on the door. I assumed it was Negan but I found it odd for him to knock since it's his room.

     "Come in. I've been waiting so long for you." I said in what was probably too much of a seductive tone.

    The door slowly opened, and sure enough it wasn't Negan. It was Dwight. His eyes widened and his mouth dropped into an 'o' shape as he took in the view of me.

    "OH MY GOSH!! What the hell? I thought you were Negan!" I shouted at him, getting under the covers to keep my modesty.

    "I-I'm sorry! Negan is in the mess hall. He needs to talk to you... It's urgent." Dwight spoke with his head down. He was clearly flustered.

    I paused. "Why? Is he hurt?"
    "No. You just need to come see this."
    "Oh... Well okay. I'll be right down." I said.
   
    Once Dwight left the room, I quickly put my outfit back on and headed out for the mess hall. My mind was racing with worrisome thoughts. What could possibly be so important that even Negan considered it to be urgent? In all honesty, I felt a little scared to find out.

     Negan was standing in front of the entry doors to the mess hall when I got there. Once his eyes found mine, he smiled hugely. "There you are, doll." He purred as I approached him. Without hesitation, I gave him the biggest hug I could possibly ever give. "I missed you so much." I cooed.

     Negan kissed me softly for a just a few seconds. "I missed you too.. But I've gotta show you somethin'." He said with a small smile. If I wasn't mistaken, he seemed slightly nervous as well. "I'll let you open the doors to take a look in there." He continued.

    I grabbed Negan's hand that wasn't occupied with Lucille, and gave it a light squeeze. Then, I slowly twisted the knob to open the door.

    Standing there before me, was someone I never thought I'd see again.