|Hero|

Chapter 39

Author notes will now be back at the end of the chapter.

*Ali's P.O.V*

I figured that I'll go tell Jesus how I went to go see Negan.

I'm a bit nervous to find out his reaction because again I don't want to make him mad. I hate making him mad.

So I saw him sitting on a bench and I walked over to him.

"Hey Jesus." I said sitting next to him.

"Hey Ali. How are you?" He asked looking at me.

"I've been better."

That was the truth. I'm just trying to be stronger than I was before. I hope he knows that and can see that.

"Yeah absolutely so what's up? What's on your mind?" He asked.

"I need to tell you something but can you please not tell Maggie or anyone else?"

I know I can trust him with anything but I still want his word. I want to hear him say it.

"You have my word. I won't tell a soul."

"Okay so a while ago, I went to go see Negan." I said and just waited for his reaction.

He wasn't saying anything at first but then he started to form some words.

"You went to see Negan? Why?"

He said it in a way in a form of being curious. He didn't seem mad but he seemed to be confused and I can understand.

"I felt like I needed to. After losing Carl, I needed to have some reassurance. Negan was giving me some advice when I was there and he was trying to make me feel better, I think." I said

"What did he say?"

"He says that I'll have to become a leader. He knows I can become one and that I can lead. He knows that I'll have to because when Carl was taking lead, I would just follow. I feel like this is what is needed. Carl wouldn't want it any other way." I admitted.

"Is he trying to get into his head?"

I wanted to laugh at what he said.

"If it wasn't, I didn't noticed." I shrugged.

"If carl wanted this, then do it. You look like you're ready to be the leader though. You've shown it. I have faith in you and so does Carl. He may not be here but he's in your heart, telling you that you can do it." Jesus said with such sincerity.

I smiled at his words and then hugged him.

Jesus hugged me back and I just wanted to stay there. With Carl gone, I felt like Jesus is another home. I never wanted to leave.

"I'm proud of you, kiddo." Jesus whispered.

Heading those words made my heart melt.

Jesus is truly like my older brother.

————

A couple of hours after the talk with Jesus, it was now nighttime at the Hilltop.

Everything was normal until trucks started to come in. Everyone was confused until we saw that it was Simon and the saviors. I saw Dwight in plain sight but I'm sure he's pretending to be on their side because he's really on our side.

"Everyone, do exactly like we practiced. We were waiting for this." Maggie said.

"You guys know what to do." Maggie then added and then she went to talk with Simon via the walkie talkie.