Those that Gather
Sunday
Harry pulls into the parking lot and they exit the vehicle. Daryl watches the throngs of people move around him like a well choreographed pageant. The colors, hats, well shined shoes, welcoming voices and the sounds of children. The atmosphere was simultaneously foreign and comforting. Harry handed him a roll of hard butterscotch candy, "You will need this to survive; pace yourself."
Sasha turned to face him; adjusting his tie. She re-worked his signature black suit with a white shirt and black vest. He peered down at her. The green sheath dress with the intricate pleats across the chest was modest. She had a floral print clutch under her arm and nude heels. "Why do I feel like a prized hog at the fair?"
She laughs, "Because we both of are. This is Mama's moment and we will grin and bear it."
Lonette approaches wearing a purple suit; carrying her Bible and an over-sized linen and lace handkerchief in one hand with her clutch securely under her arm. A saucer-sized hat with stiff netting twisted and folded into a dramatic bow graced the front right side of the headpiece. "Come on now…Gladys is waiting," she instructs.
They dutifully follow her toward the front of the church. Every few feet they stop to greet a deacon, deaconess, member of the usher board or choir or various church goers happy to see her again. By the time they reach Gladys Daryl is weary. "If it isn't the man of the hour," she embraces him.
He hugs her tight, "Morning pretty lady." They make their way inside and he immediately observes the curious faces and welcoming smiles. Harry seems to ignore it all and Sasha only rolls her eyes occasionally.
Harry leads them into the third pew by entering first. Daryl stands aside to let the ladies follow. He bookends the group sitting next to Sasha and retrieves the roll of butterscotch. He pops one in his mouth and relaxes-two hours to go.
Michonne and Rick walked one block over hand in hand to attend the neighborhood 'Coffee Clatch'. The flyer was attached to their Sunday morning newspaper. Mrs. Neidermeyer greeted them warmly, "Oh my goodness…the Assistant District Attorney and Deputy Grimes. I am so flattered you would attend," she gushes loudly.
"Please, just Rick and Michonne…we are your neighbors," she charms. They move further into the house introducing themselves and learning names and faces. The host moves to the front of the room, "Thank you all for coming. This is our monthly gathering. Today we have two guests: City Council Representative Jones and a presentation from the Captain of the Kings' County Security Firm.
Rick's back stiffens as he and Michonne share a curious gaze. Why would he come here? Ignore his ignorance. "I know many of you but I see we have some new faces," Rep. Jones smiles, "I like to keep my constituents abreast of my efforts to uphold my campaign promises. First, I have voted to keep your taxes low by blocking wasteful spending by local agencies. I am pursuing efforts to increase penalties for behaviors that interfere with law and order. I am sure you appreciate that Deputy Grimes." Never miss an opportunity to make an ally.
The room turns in the direction of Rick seated in the middle of the room on a folding chair. His jaw tightens before attempting a diplomatic response, "Not being familiar with your specific efforts I am glad to say that maintaining law and order in Kings' County is a reasonable task given all of our upstanding citizens including those in this room," he delivers a pointed stare at the older gentleman at the front of the room. Do not try and play me.
Jones pivots, "I think I will take questions," he opens the floor. After twenty minutes the host directs the group to refreshments and reminds them to re-assemble for the KCSF presentation in fifteen minutes.
Michonne fills a small paper plate with fresh cut melon and Rick rubs her lower back, "I know you want to before they arrive but unfortunately our departure would be conspicuous," she reads his mind.
"True but if this drags on too long I am excusing us. I am a little curious," he shares.
"My guess they are trying to expand beyond the mall; the crime rate is low but sometimes it is all about how people feel." She turns to him and smiles, "I have my own home security system that covers me from head to toe. I have never felt safer or more satisfied," she flirts seductively.
"Look here Mrs. Grimes…we should try to behave the first month before we get caught. I already have a list that includes the garage and when the weather gets warmer the pool," he divulges.
"Did you forget how pregnant I will be sooner rather than later? Pick up the pace Husband," she winks returning them to their seats.
More than an hour later
"Good Mornting…I am Sister Womack with the Church Bulletin. I bring you corresponderence from Faith Tabernacle who is hosting their Pastor's Anniversary next month. Now for our Sick and Shut in list…" I know some of those weren't real words?
Daryl reaches for his wallet for the second time as he takes the gold collection plate with the burgundy velvet bottom to make a donation to the Building Fund. How many funds are there?
The piano player starts a mid-tempo gospel rhythm for the Men's Choir to exit the choir stand in a syncopated march down the right aisle while the Young Adult Choir enters marching up the left aisle. Their procession includes a kick-ball change and a turn. How many choirs can sing during one service?
"I want to call those in need to the Alter…Those that are in need of his comfort…his grace…come lay down your heavy burdens." People assemble at the front of the church kneeling in prayer; those that remained seated bow their heads. "Father God, the Alpha and Omega, Lily of the Valley, Our Great Comforter…"
Daryl leans over to Sasha whispering, "Wouldn't God be listening by now?" She chokes back a laugh and snort. Jesus I am in need-not the giggles.
Lori and Shane enter the large elegant home, "I always wanted to live in this neighborhood. The Martin's home was the best that Kings' County had to offer. We should check it out while we are here," Lori states.
"I doubt we have time. I need to follow up on last night's patrols," he attempts to re-direct.
"Please…it won't take long. Maybe we could just drive by," she pushes.
"We'll see," he is cut off by the host.
"Oh, good you are right on time-this way," she gestures toward her living room.
They move to the front of the room. Lori holds a stack of brochures and smiles as her eyes take in the gathered group. Her heart stops because she is forced to watch Rick open his mouth and Michonne place a chunk of fruit on his tongue. He discreetly closes his lips over her fingers and she giggles. This cannot be happening. Why here? She cannot make out anything that Shane is saying until he nudges her politely.
"Ready to start?" he asks again. He knows why she is disturbed and distracted but there is no way around this reality. Mr. and Mrs. Rick Grimes have returned to Kings' County.
"Ready when you are," she responds. Fake it 'til you make it. Lori moves through the room handing out service brochures and doing her best to steal glances at the happy couple.
Shane finishes his presentation and offers to answer questions. "Mr. Walsh why is your response time better than the Sheriff's Department?"
"We are designed to put our client's first regardless of the nature of the call. No prioritizing what we deem important," he explains.
"Captain Walsh, why would I pay extra for something my tax dollars already provide?"
"Our staff would take the time to get to know you which allows us to be preemptive to maintain your safety. The crime rate is rising; more cases go before a judge every day," Shane sells hard.
"ADA Grimes I hate to put you on the spot but do you agree. Are you prosecuting more cases?"
Michonne clears her throat. She had tried to be invisible but this was a no win situation. "The number of cases varies and not all cases are equal. I can assure you that our data does not reflect a rise in crime; if anything we have cleared a back log of old cases," she explains to the room.
The attendees begin to engage in side-bar conversation and the hostess jumps in to bring order to the event. "Thank you Shane and Lori…the presentation was informative. If anyone has more questions they have the brochure and can follow up with KCSF directly." she shakes their hands and turns back to the room, "Thank you all for coming."
Shane watches Rick guide his wife out of her seat. They are trying to exit as quickly as possible. He turns his attention back to the room to engage those that linger. Why must they tarnish everything?
Four hours later
Daryl lies across the bed in his black boxer briefs. Sasha is tucked in tight across his back in her bra and panties. Lonette and Gladys provided a Sunday meal worthy of an award and they were supposed to be sleeping it off. "And another thing I may not be the sharpest tool in the shed but some of those words were over pronounced or made up," he continues his litany of complaints, "And why would the Pastor ask the choir for another selection. Just because the Lord put it on his heart does not mean everyone else felt the same way."
Sasha laughs, "The Lord works in mysterious ways."
"There wasn't anything mysterious about all those collections plates. The Auxiliary Fund, the Building Fund, the Pastor's Fund," he huffs. "We could have been home at least an hour ago without all that extra-ness. What was it again?"
"Call and response," all the laughter is causing her stomach to cramp.
"They don't even know what they were agreeing with there was so much back talk. Plus, they talked enough during Devotion. I think they need to re-name that portion of the Service-Humble Brag…I did not need to know about the man the Lord sent Sister Campbell."
"So I guess you do not want to attend Evening Service?" she instigates.
"What?" he rises up slightly, "People are going back?"
AN: I was raised in the Black Church and I love it in a special way but there are some things that are just hilarious. Thanks MannaRN!