The next morning, we all gathered around the courtyard near the gates. Daryl, my dad and I would be going to Alexandria. Dawson and Dwight were to go to the Hilltop, and Simon and Joey were going to the Kingdom. We specified to everyone to not use violence or kill anyone unless absolutely necessary. I stared directly at Dwight when my dad ordered his words. He rolled his eyes and hung his head down.
"Now, when we get back here and I hear anything about killing, injuries, anything, you'll be next to the grave." My dad said sternly. We piled out. Each of us had three extra men in case anything were to happen. My only fear was dealing with Alexandria. Once they saw my dad and I, they'd be sure to try something but I hoped with Daryl, they would comply, especially after hearing our plan and knowing Daryl helped come up with it.
My dad took the wheel and I sat between him and Daryl. I knew they weren't each other's best friends, but they were willing to work with each other, and that's all I needed. The ride was quiet, the only sound was the warm air coming through the vents of the truck. Finally, after two hours, we pulled up to the gates of Alexandria. Daryl stepped out first and we stayed behind, watching the interaction between him and Glenn who stood at the top of the post. I made eye contact with him and he nodded his head, indicting to drive inside.
My dad and I stepped out, I was hesitant, he didn't show any signs of fear.
"Where's Rick?" My dad asked.
"In the armory, I'll go get him." Glenn ran to get Rick.
"Do you think it will work?" Asking no one in particular. Daryl nodded.
"Has to, if we get all the other groups on board, they have to comply. They know we aren't messing around. I came up with the damn plan, they're going to have to listen." Daryl said matter of factly.
"I have to agree, as much as I don't want to." My dad chimed in. Soon, we saw Glenn come back with Rick, Michonne, Carl, and Rosita.
"We have our things, piled up in the back." Rick said, assuming we were here to take his things.
"I'm not here to take your shit today, Rick. Somehow my daughter here and her boyfriend convinced me otherwise. We need to have a long fucking talk." My dad said. It was more of a statement, forcing Rick to listen.
"Come on." Rick motioned for us to follow him. We piled into his house, my old home. "This better be worth our time." Rick mumbled.
"I can change my mind as quick as I made it up the first time so don't fucking talk back to me." My dad ordered. "Daryl, go ahead and explain before I forget my own damn rules." He moved to a chair at the kitchen table and waited for Daryl to speak.
"It's getting more dangerous outside of the walls. There's more groups out there ready to kill rather than to help. Rowan and I came up with something. Some of the members of the Sanctuary are up at the Hilltop and the Kingdom right now explaining the same thing I am. We want to trade, with everyone. All four of us, instead of stealing, Negan's willing to set up a trade deal. We know it's more dangerous to go on runs farther away, even if there is a large group. I'm willing to go make the trades for everyone, with help, and we can work together. No more taking shit, no more going against one another." Daryl explained.
"How do I know you aren't lying?" Rick asked.
"Would I fucking lie to you Rick?" Daryl got angry. Rick shook his head.
"I'm sorry, it's just hard to trust people nowadays." Rick said, shooting his eyes at me. "I think it's a good idea. I guess I'm just afraid that you'll change your mind." Rick looked at my dad and he spoke up.
"Listen, I'll do anything for my fucking kids Rick. I'm sure you can understand. That's probably the one thing we have in common. Their safety will come first over anyone else. If they think this is a good idea, and I have Daryl here on board, I think it's safe to say you can have my trust." My dad explained.
"Rick, we've thought this out, talked it out. We understand what we're going to be doing and we know it's going to get dangerous. That's why we need everyone onboard. We're hoping this can change things. We need to all work together. We're stronger working together, especially with the numbers each community has." I explained to Rick, hoping he'd listen to me. Rick took a few moments to ponder but Carl spoke up.
"Dad, I think we need to do it. I believe them."
"Okay, okay. We'll do it."
"Good to have you on our side, Rick." My dad smiled. "We'll find a meeting point, somewhere safe we can meet at once every two weeks, trade supplies that the other communities are low on. If it comes down to it, we'll fight together, we'll do what we can to ensure safety to everyone."
We headed out of their house and back toward the gates.
"You're coming back with me, right? Just for a little?" I asked Daryl.
"Yeah, of course." He said. I knew he was still hesitant around me but we working on things, well actually. My dad, Negan, and I walked back outside. I turned around once more and thanked Rick for agreeing to our plan. He nodded and I swear I saw the slightest smile on his face. Daryl tugged on my hand, indicating we needed to leave. I sat between them again and we headed back home.
