Found Book One

Stranger

I sit up again but this time not from a bad dream, this time Judith was pinching my nose. I smile at her, I sit up and I place her in a laundry basket with her homemade toys. Rick and the other adults move to the other room.

I turn to Carl who is carving a piece of wood with his knife, I lean against his shoulder. "Morning," he whispers, "Morning," I say back. 

"How long have you been up?" I ask him, "About twenty minutes," he says. He hands me a water bottle and I take it. I drink some of the cool water, "Thank you," I say. "You're welcome," he mutters, I smile when he places a kiss to my temple.

 I take a deep breath and stand so I can find my things because we'll more than likely be heading out soon. I grab my belt and put it on, I straighten the leather strap of the messenger bag that normally carries food. 

I secure my belt before I clip the strap to my left thigh. The one for my left holster broke about a week ago so I tie the strand of homemade rope. Carl hands me my knife as he stands. I watch as he puts his hat on. 

I jump when I hear foot steps from outside. "Guys!" Maggie's voice sounds from outside the creaky barn doors.

I let out a sigh, Michonne walks over to the door and unlocks it. Maggie walks in with a man behind her.

Mika puts down her book, she stands and draws her gun. I grab Judith and her blanket before standing as well.

"Everyone, this is Aaron," she says motioning to a man in a blue jacket. Weapons fly up, Sasha rolls her eyes as she walks in behind the other two.

"We met him outside, we took his weapons and his gear," Maggie says still holding onto his arm.

Daryl rushes forward and frisks him despite her words. I hike Judith up on my hip and walk to stand next to Carl. "Carl, 'Laine, Mik," Rick says holding his hand out. 

Mika steps out from the cover of the room. Rick grabs her shoulder and pushes her behind him so Aaron has a blocked view. 

Carl drags me out next, he stands behind his father, Rick grabs my arm with a calloused hand and pulls me behind him. Rick pushes me gently into the alcove with Mika. 

Carl stands his ground behind his father with Michonne. "Is there something you need?" Rick asks, Sasha steps in.

"He says he has a community nearby. And he wants us to audition for membership," she says.

"Yeah I know I wouldn't go either," the man assures. "Not until I knew exactly what I was getting into," Aaron says. "I think you would all be amazing additions to the community. But it's not my call. My job is to convince you all to come back with me," he says.

"Sasha, could you hand Rick my pack," he asks. I turn to Carl, "Do you think this is for real?" I whisper.

Carl shrugs, "We'll just have to wait and see," he mumbles rubbing Judith's back lightly. I look through cracks in the wood to see Sasha handing Rick the pack.

He gets into the front pocket. He pulls out the envelope Aaron told him to get out.

Rick looks through the black and white photos of the community, "I apologize in advance for the poor photo quality, we just found an old-," Daryl steps forward.

"Nobody gives a shit," he growls. Aaron chuckles dryly, "Yeah I-I guess not," he mumbles wringing his hands together.

Rick gets out the first picture and Aaron explains about the security of the place. Before he can continue talking Rick rushes over and socks him in the jaw. Aaron falls to the ground, Maggie gasps and kneels beside him.