Both rode in a hurry. They needed to get Rosita back to wherever it was that they called home. The further away we got from where I once was, the more I thought that I should have kept on walking. I didn't know what the hell I was doing here. If these guys were a part of a bigger group I didn't want anything to do with it. These people seemed decent enough to take a complete stranger in and the last thing I wanted was to have them come across Alpha.
As we got closer to their place, I was left in awe. Their walls were unlike anything I'd ever seen in a long time. They had crops growing in the open field right across the gate. Places like this didn't exist anymore or at least I never knew they could. The gates opened and I watched as more people moved about the community, going about their business. Jesus went ahead and took Rosita to a trailer ahead of us. Aaron stopped and had me get off first. I just stood in place and looked around.
"You know, we appreciate you finding Rosita and trying to help her."
I was lost in my thoughts so I hadn't heard what he had said.
"I'm sorry, what?"
"Are you okay?" he asked, noticing my hesitant demeanor.
"Yeah. Fine, I just..." I trailed off.
"You've never seen anything like this place?"
I simply shook my head.
"Well, you're welcomed to stay the night."
"Aaron, that's not up to you," Jesus came over and said.
"Jesus, we can't let her be out there when it's dark. It's too dangerous. Besides, she tried to help Rosita. How can you overlook that?"
"Listen. I'm not gonna beg to stay here if I'm not wanted alright? I'll leave if that's what you want. All I ask is for a little bit of food and water. Then I'll be on my way," I said.
I didn't want to risk anything happening to this community. If leaving was the best option for that, then that's what I'd do. Jesus sighed.
"You got a place to stay for the night?" he asked.
"I'm sure I can find one," I retorted.
He placed his hands on his hips and looked over at Aaron.
"How long have you been on the road?"
"I don't know," I lied.
"Okay. You can stay the night. But if you try anything," he warned.
"Not unless you do first."
He chuckled.
"I dig your spunk. My name is Paul Rovio. But most call me Jesus," he said, holding out his hand to me.
"Cause of the locks?" I asked, signaling to the man bun he was currently sporting.
"Yes," Aaron answered with a chuckle.
I shook his hand.
"Natalia. Natalia Cruz. You can call me Nat."
"Nice to meet you, Nat. If you'd like, you can head over to get some fresh clothes. We have a bathroom that you're welcomed to use. Aaron will show you. I have to take care of some things. Have a good night."
"Natalia, this way," Aaron said, holding out his arm in front of him.
I proceeded to walk next to him.
"So is he the leader of this place?" I asked.
"For the most part."
"You all don't let a lot of people in, do you?"
YOU ARE READING
What We Become
Fanfiction6 years after her father died, Natalia Cruz has been apart of a group called 'The Whisperers'. After the many obstacles she had to not only endure but overcome, she had had enough. No longer wanting to be with them, she found an opportunity to leave...
