The New Job

Around ten, they arrived at a small town. A brown, worn out sign read:

Welcome to Woodbury
Population: 1,103

"Woodbury, huh?" Amanda looked at Milton.

Milton nodded. "Founded by Mr. Blake." Milton pushed his glasses up.

Martinez stopped in front of a tall, mansion like building. "Stay here." He told Amanda.

Amanda watched Martinez open the door and walk upstairs.

"Nice meetin' you, Amanda. See you around." Merle left the car.

Amanda watched Merle go into another home which must be his.

Martinez whistled. "Chica!"

Amanda and Milton left the car and escorted Amanda upstairs with Martinez.

Milton smiled at her as he walked her up the stairs. "Got any gum?"

"Yea." She reached into her bag and gave him a piece of Trident gum. She popped a piece of citrus gum in her mouth as well.

Martinez opened the Governor's door. "Here's the newcomer."

Amanda entered the office of the 'Governor'.

A man in his 40's with brown hair and grey streaks smiled at her. His looks were quite charming to Amanda. He fashioned a white elbow sleeved shirt, suspenders, jeans, and boots. He had a five o'clock shadow but Amanda didn't mind.

The Governor shook her hand. "Martinez tells me your name is Amanda."

Amanda nodded and shook his hand. "That's right."

His charming smile drove Amanda crazy.

"Great, please take a seat in front of my desk." The Governor went to the next room to talk to Milton.

Amanda took a seat in a wooden chair. In the other room, she could hear their conversation about her job occupations and housing.

"Alright." The Governor sat at his desk.

Milton took a seat next to Amanda.

"You could call me Governor but if you want, Philip is just as fine." He smiled.

Amanda smiled back. "I'll probably call you Governor. Seems more fancy."

Philip chuckled softly. "Anyway, about your job in Woodbury.."

"Any job is alright with me, sir. I won't complain." Amanda leaned back in her chair.

Philip looked at Milton. "She's your assistant, Milton."

Amanda stood up. "What? That's a real job?"

"We have enough people for the dirty jobs. Milton has you to do his tasks for him." Philip explained.

Amanda chuckled. "You don't think I could handle anything else?"

"Oh, I'm sure you could but we really don't have anything for you to do. Now, about your housing." Philip continued.

Amanda sat back down. "Fine."

"You'll be in apartment 2B. That's right above Milton's. That way when he needs you to do a task, you'll show up no problem." Philip offered her the key.

Amanda took it from his warm hands. "That's it?"

"That's it. Oh, but there are some rules. Do you have any weapons on you?"

Amanda reached into her bag and pulled out a revolver. "It's out of ammo. You can keep that if you want."

Philip took it from her and gave her twenty dollars in return.

Amanda took the bill from his hand. "What is this for?"

"So you can pay for your things around here. We use the barter system here in Woodbury. Now I suggest you by yourself some new clothes." Philip explained.

Amanda stuffed the bill in her backpack. "What's wrong with the one I'm wearing now?"

"We have better clothing here in Woodbury. Just, see what they have. We'll see you here in the morning around ten." Philip stood up.

Amanda smiled. "Okay, this shouldn't be too hard."

Philip smiled. "Welcome to Woodbury. You'll make a fine tribute to us."

Amanda and Milton left the Governor's home and walked towards their apartment.

"Sorry you got stuck with this job." Milton offered a smile.

Amanda smiled back. "It's fine. I better head to the clothes shop for new threads."

Milton nodded. "See you in the morning."

Amanda entered the dimly lighted building.

"Hi, new face." The little kid waved.

An older woman joined the little kid at the front desk. "Welcome." She smiled.

Amanda smiled back. "Hi, I'm Amanda. What can I get for twenty dollars?"

The woman shrugged. "I dunno. My name is Rita and this is Juliet."

"Nice to meet you. I'll look around if you don't mind." Amanda turned around.

Rita nodded. "We close in ten minutes."

Amanda ignored her and looked through the bins of clothes. She picked out a black tank top, a green zipper hoodie, some shorts and black converse. Wasn't really her style but it would have to do. She took her things to Rita and she rang her up.

"Thirty dollars." Rita smiled.

Amanda frowned. "I only have twenty dollars. Could you help me out a bit?"

Rita sighed. "You're new so I'll let you off this time. But next time you have to pay in full."

Amanda took her clothes. "Thank you so much, Rita. Bye Juliet." She waved.

/

Amanda opened her apartment door and a scent of coconuts traveled up her nose. The place was not that bad compared to her house before the outbreak. Amanda didn't live well. She sat her bag and new clothes on the table then crashed on the sofa.

Philip Blake knocked on her door. "I've got a small present for you, Mandy."

Amanda has never been called that but it sounded sweet coming from his lips. She walked to the door and opened it for him.

"Here." The Governor handed her a black T-shirt and some pair of shorts.

Amanda kindly took it from him. "Wow, thanks. I will work this off and-"

"No, no. It's quite alright. Consider it a welcoming present from me." He walked down the steps.

Amanda closed the door then changed into her night-clothes Philip got her. As she lied in bed, she looked at the ceiling. She thought about her new job for Mr. Mamet and how easy this will be for money. Philip was so nice to her.