Chapter Twelve

Rick got up early the next morning, and did his usual routine of waking his son and getting Judith out of the crib. He saw that Morgan was up meditating on the floor of the room he stayed in last night. He seemed to be chanting something to himself. Rick decided not to disturb him.

After Carl and Rick were dressed and had Judith squared away, they ate their breakfast of eggs and hash browns in silence. They had no idea what to expect now, but after last night it won't be good.

Morgan came down stairs, and helped himself to some apples and eggs. He sat with them and smiled. "This feels good to have this again," he told them. "This is a good place."

"But it has problems," Rick added. "These people don't know how to defend themselves properly against walkers and the living."

"Walkers are one thing, Rick," Morgan told them. "But the living, that's another story."

"But the bad people always try to kill you," Carl defended himself. "I should know. A lot of people tried to kill me."

"Yes, but you have to remember, they weren't always like that," Morgan replied. "That man you killed last night may have been a good man before. But then he became frightened and angry. Just like the people who try to hurt you. It's fear that makes us vulnerable. It's fear that will continue to drive us apart."

"So, when someone has a gun to my head, and tell me they're going to make me watch my family die before they kill me, I should just not fear them and they will run away?" Rick was trying to understand what Morgan was saying, but a lot of it didn't make a lot of sense. Not to kill those who try to kill you? Insane!

"What I'm saying, Rick, is that you do have to protect yourself. You just can't kill them. You give them a second chance, like I was."

"What happened to you," Carl asked him, eager to learn about his transformation.

"Well…"

There was a knock at the door, and Carl and Rick instantly looked at each other. It was the knock they dreaded, for it was to let them know of the decision about Rick. He got up and answered the door. It was Spencer, his face sad and mournful. "Spencer," he started. "I am very sorry about…."

Spencer waved for him to stop. He didn't want to listen. "My mother wants to speak with you right now. Also, there is to be a service for my father today at 2 o'clock."

Rick nodded and grabbed his coat. He told his son he would return in a bit. He then left for the townhouses, following Spencer, not asking more than he already knows.

…..

Rick arrived at Deanna's house and was allowed to enter her home. She sat on her sofa, dressed in her black dress, her face exhausted and filled with sorrow. She asked her son to wait outside, for she had very important business to discuss with Rick. Spencer stepped outside and closed the door. She motioned to the chair where he had sat before while he was being videotaped for his interview with her. Is this going to be another one now?

"You know, when we first met, Rick, I told you had a bullshit detector. That I could tell when someone is lying to me." She sighed and continued. "I knew you were telling the truth, Rick. And I knew that Glenn told me the truth about Nicholas. Only I didn't want to believe it. Your friend Danielle brought up a lot of things about myself I refused to see. You especially, about Pete. About how we run things, and I wouldn't listen." She paused for a second. "I let my people down, Rick. And Jessie. She screamed at me last night, saying she stopped coming to me for help because every time I warned Pete, Pete would beat her. She lived in fear, and I allowed it. What kind of person does that? How could I have let her and her children suffer?" She sniffled. "We have other doctors here, other surgeons. Pete was talented, but I feared losing more of the resources we needed and he was a valuable resource, at least that's what I thought."

"Pete was the town drunk, Deanna," He told her. "He could've killed someone if he operated while plastered."

Deanna nodded. "I know. And when I observed what you had done with your gun, I resigned myself to the delusion that I was right. And I was about to send you away to protect falsehood. At least that's what I told myself. But the real reason that I know of is because you were telling me the truth." She then stood up and walked over to Rick. "Last night, my eyes became wide open, and I had to remind myself on why we need you and your people. We do need you, Rick. That is why at Reg's funeral, I will announce that I recommend you as our leader of the Alexandria Safe Zone."

Rick sat there, stunned. But he nodded silently.

"You know, Rick, you have very loyal people behind you. Especially Dani. She told me of all you went through. How you survived cannibals, evil men who destroyed your prison and the cops who ran Grady Memorial like a slave camp. And she told me about herself a little." She looked down in sadness. "It was so easy for us not to want to see because of these walls that we built to protect us. But now, I see it blinded us."

Rick nodded. "They will still protect us," he said. "We just need to know how to defend them." He got up and walked slowly toward her. "You're sure you want this, Deanna? To have me as the leader? Because I will tell you, I never wanted this position. But it always falls on me anyways."

She placed her hand on his shoulder. She smiled faintly but with confidence at him. "I'm very sure, Rick. You are the leader we need."

Rick smiled at her, and nodded. "Thanks, but I think it's wise to have two funerals today."

…

Sasha went to retrieve her weapon from Olivia. She was surprised to see no one guarding the armory. She got her rifle and ammo and proceeded to leave. As she walked toward the gate, Rick stopped her.

"You know about the funerals this afternoon," he asked her. Sasha shook her head.

"I don't want to go to funerals anymore, Rick," she told him. "I've been to too many of them as it is." As she walked through the gates, she stopped and turned around, facing Rick. "I don't even want to think of them anymore. Of Bob and Tyreese. It's just too much." She then left to go to the tower.

Rick looked down and walked back to his house. He had good news to share with his family. He stopped at Carol's first to tell her about the funerals.

…

Dani woke up in her car, her eyes still sore from her tears, her head throbbing from the stress of the previous evening. She felt hung over, yet didn't have a drop to drink last night. Feeling exhausted, she lay in the back seat, looking up at the top of her car, remembering last night's events. She felt such shame and guilt that she couldn't bring herself to get up. She thought all of those horrible things she had said to Deanna right before her husband were killed. Deanna may have been indifferent, but that woman had suffered so much in the last two days losing both her son and her husband. Even if this did wake her up it wouldn't change the fact that Dani challenged her authority. She remembered how her mother had always warned her that sometimes she herself could get carried away.

Put yourself in their shoes before you judge them, she always told her.

And Deanna did bring in Rick and his group. She gave them beautiful houses to live in, fresh clothes, food and a new start. She was actually kind to them. It was them that bit her hand. She had no idea how in the world she could ever make it up to Deanna, and if Deanna was going to exile them all, so be it. They may not be ready for this normalcy yet.

She sat up and yawned. She rubbed her eyes and began to push the front seat forward and open the car door. As she pushed the car door open, she felt something blocking the way. She crouched forward and saw it was Daryl Dixon, sleeping on the concrete floor. Confused, she gently nudged him using the door. He woke up and grunted, looking right at her.

"What do you think you're doing," she asked him as he was getting up. He didn't answer her right away. He growled and yawned. "Why'd you sleep out here?"

"Why'd you sleep out here," he asked her, standing up. "You have a bedroom here, don't ya?"

"I asked you first, Daryl. Why are you here?"

He shrugged. "Don't know," he replied. "I like garages."

Confused, Dani shrugged her shoulders and proceeded to climb out the back seat of her car. She pushed herself out of the car, with Daryl grabbing her arm to help her. She patted his hand away. "I can do this," she told him. After she was out, she leaned against her car, keeping her head low, not wanting to look at him. She still felt too much shame to face anybody. Especially with what she had said last night. "I suppose you heard, right," she asked him. "Is that why you slept out here? Making sure I didn't run?"

Daryl started to pace a little, not looking directly at her. He stopped himself and looked her over. She saw a hint of sadness behind those hard eyes of his. "I heard what you said 'bout us," he said. "I know….'bout Louisville, 'bout Tobias…."

"Please," Dani cut him off. "I never want to talk about that again." Daryl nodded. "I just don't want anyone to pity me, all right? I told them everything for my own reasons, even though it backfired." She gave a stern look at him. "I'm not a victim, Daryl. If I was a victim, I wouldn't be here at all. I'd be dead."

Daryl grunted at that statement. "I never thought of you like that," he told her. "You can handle yerself well. It aint' easy out there anymore."

"Well, I'm nobody special. I'm just me, Danielle Peterson Evans, loud mouth know-it-all tough bitch wannabe. That's what I am."

"That ain't true," he replied.

"What? That I'm not tough?"

"No. All what you said is true, except you ain't a bitch. And you may be a know-it-all but you ain't no loud mouth." He chuckled. "You're all right by me." He nodded at her and smiled at bit.

Dani nodded at him. "Thanks, Daryl." She then pulled out her revolver from the small of her back. She took out the magazine and put it in her jacket pocket. "I don't know if I really want this on me in here."

"Keep it," he told her. "I'm done trustin' these people."

"But Daryl, after what happened….."

"They let Noah die, Dani. That son of a bitch Nicholas got him killed." He paced towards her, his eyes growing stern. "Don't let these assholes guilt you, Dani. They're to blame for what happened. All you did was point out what they did wrong."

"But the things I said to Deanna….I was way out of line. I…."

"No you weren't, Danielle," Carol's voice boomed from behind her. She spun around and saw her standing by the door to the garage, her arms folded across her chest, looking very determined. "Last night, you told them the truth. You had them all listening to you. Even if Pete hadn't killed Reg, they would have sided with you." She then walked towards both of them. "I really hate to say this, but last night had to happen. Pete was out of control. He had been this way for a very long time. Deanna knew this, and wouldn't do a thing about it. Now that her husband is dead, she'll have no choice but to know that we as a group are the only things that are protecting these people from the dead and the living." Her face slowly became kinder, as she sighed with relief. "Now, with that said, both of you come inside. I made breakfast. And then this afternoon we're going to Reg's and Pete's funerals."

"We're having a funeral for Pete," Dani asked. "I don't think he deserves one, after what happened."

Carol shook her head. "It was Rick's idea," she said as she went back inside the house.

…..

It was now Eugene's turn to watch Nicholas with his revolver in his hand. He kept his eyes fixated on him as he slept on the mattress, never letting them waver for a second. He wasn't going to fuck this up for the man he owes his life to. He wasn't going to let anyone down.

And his thoughts reverted back to Tara, who thank God had recovered. She had thanked him gratefully last night for rescuing her. He smiled thinking about her pretty brown eyes and beautiful smile.

He began to feel disappointed then, for he knew nothing would ever come of it.

….

And hour later, Dani and Daryl left together for the makeshift church. Dani had freshened up, and wore black pants with a dress shirt. Because of the chill in the air, she wore her black leather jacket. Daryl had put on his usual black buttoned shirt with his black leather vest, but at least he showered. Carol said she would arrive in a little bit and to go on without her. As they walked, Daryl began to slow down, not wanting to go any further.

"What's wrong, Daryl," she asked him as she saw a look of disappointment on his face. He started to fidget a little. He was nervous. Over what?

"They don't like me," he replied. "Look at me. I don't look right."

Danielle looked him over. And it was true, he wore a beaten black leather vest with the angel wings on the back, and his black shirt isn't tucked in. His pants though are newer. They were black and didn't have holes in them. She nodded. "Do you trust me, Daryl?" He shrugged. "Tuck in your shirt," she commanded. Unsure, he obeyed her, stuffing the ends of his black buttoned shirt into his jeans. She then walked around him, observing anything else that needs a bit improving. "That red rag, give it to me," she ordered. He looked at her, confused. She held out her hand, waving at him to give the rag to him. He reluctantly gave it to her, and she stuffed it inside her jacket. "I promise to give this back to you later." She decided that he should keep the vest on, for it suited him fine. She smoothed out his hair a bit, with Daryl clenching his eyes shut at her touch. "Hey," she said sweetly to him. "I won't bite."

"Just ain't used to this," he replied, trying not to look at her directly as she fixed him up. After she was done, she took a step back and nodded with approval.

"You look good," she told him. "Not too much, but just fine."

"Thanks," he told her, still unsure of himself. They saw the people heading toward the church. "Still don't think they'd like me."

"Hey, don't be hard on yourself," Dani replied, patting his back. "Rick likes you. So does Carol, Glenn, Maggie, Sasha, Aaron, and me."

"You like me," he asked her, taken aback by what she said.

"Well, you were kind of gruff when we first met, but I can see that you're a good guy," she told him. "You're protecting your people. And you try very hard to help them. I think that's great."

"Yeah, well, a lot of good I did Noah," he bitterly stated as he looked down toward the concrete under his feet. "I shouldn't a left."

"Well, you're here now," she told him. "And we need you. And these people, they will appreciate everything you will do for them."

"Ya think so," he asked her. "Ya barely know me."

"You barely know me, and you said to me this morning that I was all right by you."

Daryl kept silent, still walking straight forward, letting the words she said sink in.

"And Noah is not on you. That's on Nicholas. He's the bad guy here, not you."

Daryl stopped in his tracks and sighed. "I knew he was a bad guy," he told her. "The guy was smarmy as fuck! I knew there was somethin' wrong with him." He then paced around a bit, feeling the shame creep up on him. "Aaron said I can tell the good from the bad," he sadly stated. "I knew there was somethin' 'bout him that was off. "I shoulda done somethin'."

"And what could you have done, Daryl? Warn Deanna immediately that her son's best friend and trusted ally was a creepy bastard that would get his people killed to save their own necks as soon as you first step through those gates? Deanna never would have listened to you. She would have shook her head at you, and call you paranoid." Dani sighed. "Who knows what last night will bring today, but all in all, it happened and what comes next we'll deal with it." She looked into his eyes, and saw them soften. "And to be honest, I am so glad I came across you guys before I met Aaron. Especially you."

"Me? Why would…"

"Hey you guys," a voice called to them. They turned around and saw Maggie and Glenn headed their way. Glenn nodded at them. "Everything okay?"

"Yeah. We're just hanging back a bit, talking about what happened."

Maggie looked angry, holding her arms in front of her. "Did you know that Nicholas tried to kill Glenn last night?"

Dani and Daryl looked at each other, stunned. "Oh my God," she exclaimed. Glenn nodded at her, very frustrated.

"He threw three walkers at me when I was trying to tail him, see what he was up to," he said. "It turned out he was out there getting Rick's gun, and wanting to shoot me." She shook his head. "Thank God he failed."

"After today, I'm going to tell Deanna I'm not going to work for her anymore," Maggie replied. "I heard about what happened, and I don't think I can learn from someone like her. I'd rather learn from Rick."

Dani nodded. "I think we can all agree, that this place needs a lot of improvement."

Daryl scoffed. "This place needs its' ass kicked. Let's go get this thing over with."

They walked together towards the church, where everyone was milling in. Daryl lagged behind for a moment, unsure if he would be welcomed. Dani touched his arm, and it sent tingles down his spine. She pleasantly looked at him, as if she was saying that he was accepted. Despite everything that went down last night, especially with Carol, he was content to see Dani again. There was something about her that was comforting, something hopeful. She wanted him to feel comfortable, to feel accepted.

She gently led him into the church and had him sit down next to Maggie and Glenn who sat in the middle isle. Dani took a seat next to him, making him feel a little better. He looked around and saw Carol walking in, nodding towards him as she took a seat behind him. There were no more chairs left, so others had decided to stand. Daryl looked over at the front and saw Rick speaking with a grief stricken Deanna, who wore a black dress. In front of the altar were two coffins made of plywood for Pete and Reg. Father Gabriel was reading through his notes at the table/alter, and his thoughts began to be consumed with anger. Carol had told him what Gabriel had said to Deanna, that Rick's group were not to be trusted. How dare that scared fuck say that, after they saved his sorry ass from a small group of walkers? He looked over at Dani, and saw the same face of disdain he felt. She looked at him and nodded.

"If that prick makes a bad statement against us…." She trailed off. "Just looking at him makes my skin crawl."

"I hear ya," he told her. He turned his attention back to the front, and noticed that Gabriel had looked over his flock and raised his hands to them, signaling that it was time to begin the mass.

"Please rise," he asked, and everyone obeyed. Dani stood up, looking down and a bit pious. Everyone lowered their heads.

"Lord, hear our prayer," Father Gabriel began.

Everyone at once began to say the prayer all together. Daryl didn't participate, for he had no idea what they were saying;

"Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen."

Father raised his hands up. "Please be seated," he commanded, and everyone sat down. Daryl looked around and saw Abraham up front sitting with Rosita. Jessie sate up front with her children. He also saw the back of Carl's head, Judith peering at him over his shoulder. Rick sat next to him, looking on. Deanna was sitting next to Rick. That caught his attention. He nudged Dani gently with his elbow and pointed out what he was seeing. She looked amazed as watched Rick and Deanna. They turned to face each other, Dani giving him a hopeful look. Maybe it won't be as bad as they thought.

"We are here to celebrate the lives of Pete Anderson and Reginald Monroe," Father Gabriel began. "I know it is very hard to understand the will of God, for in these times of grief, pain and sorrow, we ask ourselves, 'Why does this happen? Why have I lost my family, my friends, my loved ones? Why am I still here when so many are gone? So many more deserving than I am?'"

Dani huffed at that statement. It was obvious where he was going with this.

"And then, we remember that God has a plan for us all. It is not for us to understand, but to accept. As it is God's plan for Rick Grimes and his people to be here." He paused for a moment. "They rescued me and they kept me safe. I was wrong about them at first, because what they had to do keep me alive, to keep each other alive, was hard and filled with blood. But they remained good, honest and trustworthy people who were fought against the wolves and the dead."

Dani and Daryl looked at each other once again, their eyes widened. Daryl looked back and Carol and smiled at her. She smiled back in approval.

"Now, before we continue, Rick Grimes would like to say a few words to you." He then motioned for Rick to come up to the altar to have his say. He took a deep breath and began to speak to his people and the people of the safe zone.

"Everyone, I know that last night, what had happened had caused pain to both families," he began, looking wearily among the crowd. "I know that a mother lost her child and her husband and a woman and her children lost their husband and father. What I can tell you is that people act differently now than they did before, and that what they do does not define who they really are. If it were not for this situation we are in now, neither Pete, nor myself or anybody would have done the things they did. So instead of blaming the individual, we blame the situation itself."

Daryl nodded in solemn agreement. Rick continued on.

"Everybody should remember Pete for the brilliant surgeon he was, not….."

BAAAMMM!

A gunshot rang out from outside. Everyone immediately sprang to their feet and headed out the garage door. Dani grabbed Daryl's arm. "What the fuck was that?" He jumped to his heels and ran with Dani outside. Another gunshot was heard, following by laughter over a PA System that echoed across the safe zone. It was a wicked laughter of madness. Followed by the most eerie voice Daryl had ever heard who spoke a very strange sentence.

"Little pigs, little pigs, let me in," the voice of the loudspeakers chimed through the safe zone. "Little pigs, little pigs, let me in!"

Dani and Daryl looked at each other. Rick came up right behind them.

"What the hell is that," he asked, fear creeping into his eyes. He then ordered Daryl and Dani to go into the armory to grab their guns and ammo. He told Carl to run into one of the townhouses with Judith and to stay there. Everyone was starting to panic. Even Glenn and Maggie started to hold on to each other.

Dani and Daryl headed for the armory and retrieved AK-47's and their respective rifles. Dani still had her revolver. Olivia didn't try to stop them. She was too terrified to even speak.

Daryl then heard a very loud crash outside. They all ran back outside and saw a big freight truck that had smashed through the walls by the back end. The laughter got even louder and more sinister. Everyone screamed.

"Then I'll huff," the voice continued, growing deeper and rougher. "Then I'll puff." A blowing sound coming over the speakers mockingly could be heard. Dani clutched Daryl's arm, and he clutched it. He knew what this was. He remembered that he saw that very same truck yesterday. His eyes widened in fear, especially since he knew what was inside that truck.

"Everybody! Get into your houses," Daryl screamed at the people. "That thing's filled with walkers!"

But it was too late.

"I'LL BLOW YOUR HOUSE IN!"

The back door of the freight truck opened.

And everyone screamed in terror

For what came out was the Alexandrian's worst nightmare since this all started. Because for the first time, the walkers are invading their home.