EXT.- WOODS- DAY
Tessa examines the ground where the last of the season's peaches rot away. These won't do. She looks up to the tree top at the fresh, ripe fruit beyond her reach. Tessa takes the spear and tries to shake loose the choice produce until a snarl catches her attention. She turns to the Walker coming at her. Tessa kicks it to the ground and stabs the spear through it's skull. Blood splatters and she eject the weapon reviling the soiled tip. She tosses the spear to the side before looking up at the tree once more.
Now at the top of the tree, Tessa picks the peaches of her liking. She selects another and sticks in the pouch she made out of her over shirt.
Tessa empties the peaches into the basket and heads off with the bloody tipped spear.
INT.- ALEXANDRIA- DARYL & TESSA'S HOUSE- KITCHEN- DAY
On the kitchen counter lay baking ingredients and peach pits. Tessa finishes layering the pan with dough and tops it off with cinnamon and sugar then places it in the pre heated oven. Suddenly there is a knock at the door.
She goes to open it.
TESSA
Tobin. Hi.
TOBIN
Morning Tessa. I just wanted to bring you the
first fresh jar of the week. Straight from the hive.
Tobin hands her a jar of honey.
TESSA
Aww... You even have a piece of the comb inside.
TOBIN
From the queen to a princess.
TESSA
You're to sweet.
TOBIN
Wow, what's baking? Smells lovely.
TESSA
Thanks. Peach cobbler. I'll cut you a slice when it's ready.
TOBIN
Naw don't worry about it. I'm not much of a
peach lover but apple... now I'd have to beg.
(Beat) Well I got a couple other things to catch up on.
TESSA
Sure. I'll see you around in a bit.
Tessa closes the door.
EXT.- ALEXANDRIA- DAY
The day is in full swing around the community and Tessa tends to her usual duties at the greenhouse and more.
A little girl about eight years old, LIBBY, stands near Tessa and watches her scoop soil into a pot. Tessa then takes an odd looking seed from the bag and places it in the soil.
LIBBY
What kind of seed is that?
TESSA
A Jack Fruit seed.
LIBBY
What a Jack Fruit?
TESSA
It's gonna be a massive tree that produce big,
spiky, watermelon size fruit. Usually grows in
tropical regions and really good too.
LIBBY
Then it may not grow here. We're not it in the jungle.
TESSA
You're right but it's worth a shot. Who knows
it could adapt to the climate here. Become a new
type of it's kind.
LIBBY
Well, if it's going to be big I don't see where you're going to plant it.
TESSA
Outside the walls in the forest.
LIBBY
That could be a bad idea.
TESSA
Why's that?
LIBBY
Because plants and animals that aren't native
to an area could throw off the ecosystem.
Tessa is pretty impressed but is amused by the little girls response.
TESSA
Who told you that?
LIBBY
Mrs. Roswell has been teaching us science
lately. And I read about it in a book.
TESSA
She's right, Libby. That can happen but it would take
something in drastic numbers and a short amount
of time to really do damage to the environment around it.
So when something like non native snakes or insects
reproduce rapidly it will cause an imbalance because they
are destroying resources or competing with the native
species. Species that took time to coexist. It'll be many
years and take many more of these trees
before it change with the environment.
LIBBY
Will the animals like it?
TESSA
Maybe. If this tree survives the climate it could provide
a new source of nutrition to support animal and
insect life here. So change can be good. Besides, plants
are masters at evolving and have found many ways to
spread their seeds far and wide be it through animals,
insects or elements like wind and water. Humans are apart
of those methods.
LIBBY
So we're like bees?
TESSA
Kind of. Some plants use pollen that disburse through
the air, some seeds have hooks to stick to you.
I call 'em Hitchhiker Seeds and most seeds, if you
eat them, they resist your stomach acids so where
ever you defecate the plant will grow right there.
LIBBY
Defe-a- what?
TESSA
Means it'll come out in your poop.
LIBBY
Eeeewwww.
Tessa smiles with amusement at her disgust.
VOICE (O.S.)
They're back!
EXT.- ALEXANDRIA- DAY
The gates close as the Daryl, Aaron and Abraham steps out of the vehicle followed Francisco, George, Trey and Derrick as Audrey and Joann supports the sick one, Laura, down the steps of the R.V. They stop at the sight the others were beholding. Their faces as if seeing a city of gold.
AARON
Welcome to Alexandria. I'm sure you'll come to love it here.
ERIC (O.S.)
Baby!
Aaron turns just as his partner Eric fly into his arms. Recovering from the impact, Aaron returns the love just as Sasha walks over to show her love for Abraham. Aaron breaks away to face the group.
AARON
Everyone this is Eric.
ERIC
Hi! Welcome in.
Soon Daryl's heart is uplifted when he hears that sweet familiar voice.
TESSA
Daryl!
He turns in the voice's direction to see his lady welcome him with open arms. He eases his crossbow to the ground to embrace her fully. Tessa initiates an affectionate kiss as the survivors watch warmheartedly- all but one. Trey has a look of disapproval as he eyes the pairing down. After bunting heads, Tessa breaks the bond to address the survivors.
TESSA (CONT'D)
Hi. Welcome to Alexandria. I'm Tessa.
DARYL
Rick around?
TESSA
He went out with Michonne and Carl but you all will meet him soon.
Though unnoticed, Trey has a glare of interest as he eyes Tessa.
AARON
Tessa, one of the survivors, Laura...
Aaron gestures towards Laura being supported by her sister Joann and George. She looks frail and on the last limb.
AARON (CONT'D)
She needs Dr. Ferrell now.
Tessa looks to them bringing forward the sick woman.
TESSA
Yes. He was at the pantry last I seen him. That
wasn't long ago. Get her to the house. I'll send for him.
SASHA
We'll get him.
Sasha and Abraham head off.
ERIC
And we will escort them to his house.
Aaron and Eric aid Joann and Audrey with Laura to Dr. Ferrell's house. The others watch as half their group split off.
FRANCISCO
Thank you so much. As I told Daryl, whatever
needs to be done my group and I are in your debt.
TESSA
We will need to store away your guns when
inside the gates. If you go outside them you're
welcome to check them out. Knives you can
keep but, firearms... there are children about.
You understand.
The group looks to Francisco who assures them and hands over his rifle to a community members. The others follow suit even Trey though not so enthused.
DERRICK
We've been on our own for a while now.
TESSA
We'll get to know each other in time. For now,
just unwind and someone will show you your new home.
Tessa flashes a smile and turn to walk away. Daryl nods to Francisco, before following his lady off.
EXT. ALEXANDRIA- DAY
Things are at peace in the community as members either cheerfully go about their daily duties or relax. Daryl stroll with Tessa to their home in the community.
TESSA
Seven. Not bad for your first time back on the job.
DARYL
We were about to call it off until we drove upon
them fighting with Walkers. Wasn't sure about
bringing 'em back. You want someone to keep an
eye on them?
TESSA
D, they seem like a decent group. You brought
them back and I trust your judgement.
DARYL
I wish I could. One guy don't seem so.
TESSA
You weren't a piece to the puzzle once upon of
time either. But it was a stranger that took a chance...
Daryl just drops the subject.
DARYL
(Beat) Where did Rick and 'em go off to?
TESSA
The Kingdom to meet with Ezekiel. They left two
days ago. I've been holding it down since. But now
that you're back...
DARYL
Naw. You're doing just fine.
TESSA
What? Can't filled the boots?
DARYL
I'm tired, Tess.
They arrive at the porch of their home. Tessa takes a seat on the top steps. Daryl sits between her on the step below and rears back into her lap.
DARYL (CONT'D)
Shit I got a headache.
TESSA
(Messaging his temples)
The doctor may have something for that.
DARYL
Nah, this straight right here.
Daryl shuts his eyes and relaxes as Tessa soothes him.
TESSA
Well, if it keeps up, I'll make some
ginger and cinnamon tea for you.
Moments later, Francisco, Derrick, George and Trey walk past the dead end street where the archer's house sits.
The other three move on but Trey stops to look down the way and notices the couple on the porch bonding. He studies them with that same hasty look as before. The affection she is giving him, the charm he is receiving. It annoys him.
TESSA (CONT'D)
Oh... I went into the forest, picked some
peaches and made your favorite.
Daryl looks up and over his head at her.
DARYL
Stop playing.
Tessa smiles.
TESSA
I knew my Georgia boy was coming home. C'mon.
From the distance, Trey sees Daryl and Tessa get up. Francisco, Derrick and George stops for Trey.
FRANCISCO
Trey, you keeping up?
Trey looks over to the trio but says nothing but gives another glance to the house where D & T now enter. After the couple closes the door, Trey rejoins his crew.
