The rumble of the RV drifted inside through the open windows and reverberated around my bedroom. Rays of light from the eastern sun illuminated the silver buckle band of my cowboy hat as I grabbed the crown and placed it on my head.

"Y'all ready?" I shouted, readjusting the denim jacket on my shoulders.

"Yeah!" my sisters answered simultaneously.

I chuckled to myself, happiness rising in my chest. Even though I almost died yesterday, I had Dakota back, I had a man who would do anything for me, and--if things went according to plan--I would soon have a new group of people to build fresh relationships with.

It never ceases to amaze me how quickly life can take a turn in either direction.

"Then let's head out." As I reached the top of the stairs, Blair and Dakota trailed behind me.

Dakota had a lightweight pistol strapped to her thigh. It was one she could easily operate with one hand. Blair had an automatic rifle strapped across her body.

I glanced back at my littlest sister and asked, "You sure you're ready for this?"

"I have to be," she confirmed with a nod. "I need this. Like you've said, I can't stay in these walls my whole life." She was the first to the door and swung it open. "To experience is to survive."

I smiled at her statement. "That's right."

As we walked out into the morning air, I spotted Rick talking to Carl with Judith in his arms. The two Grimes boys met my eyes and quickly looked away. I raised a questioning eyebrow.

Well, they're obviously talkin' about me.

Everyone except for Rick and Carl had taken their seats in the RV.

"The beautiful Hawk sisters!" Abraham greeted with an exaggerated slap of his knee. "Come onboard!"

I chuckled and shook my head. "You're too much, Abraham."

"Better than bein' not enough, if you know what I mean."

I rolled my eyes as a smile escaped onto my lips. Then, I promptly sat in the passenger seat. Blair didn't have a chance to even think of where to sit because Dakota immediately took the last spot next to Abraham and Michonne. Her only option was to sit in the back with Daryl.

Dakota sent me a wink while Blair finally realized her predicament.

'Good job,' I mouthed.

Putting on a brave face, Blair made her way to the back towards the man she pined over.

"We're glad you decided to come," Glenn told Dakota as his arm wrapped around his wife.

"Me too." Dakota nodded, her leg bouncing. Glenn's eyes darted toward her movement.

"You don't have to be worried. We're taking every precaution we can. It'll be okay."

Dakota grinned. "I'm not worried. I'm excited, actually. I had no idea there was still so much more to this world other than Alexandria."

"We didn't know either," Maggie added, leaning into Glenn. "This could be a new beginning for all of us."

"It will be," Jesus confirmed.

Rick entered the RV alone and took his place in the driver's seat.

"Where's Carl?" I asked.

He put the vehicle in drive. "He's not comin'," Rick said through a deep sigh.

"Why not?"

"He wants to protect this place. He also said a kid with a messed-up face wouldn't make a good first impression."

My heart sank. "You think he meant it? Or was he just messin' around?"

Rick lazily shrugged, his expression twisting into one of sorrow. "Both, probably."

"I'll talk to him when we get back. I know a thing or two about what he's feelin'," I told him, referring to my scars.

Rick leaned over and gave my thigh a quick but loving squeeze. "Thank you."

I felt instant eyes on us. I had almost forgotten our relationship was exposed early this morning. So much had happened in the past twenty-four hours that it was easier to be in the present moment. Besides, I didn't really care what they saw anymore. It was out in the open so might as well embrace it.

In the air, I could sense the collective thought each of us had;  that Jesus was leading us into a trap and it would be Terminus all over again, or something much worse.

About 15 miles into our journey, I spotted a large, out-of-place object on the side of the road. I squinted and saw that it was a car lying on its side. I pointed. "Heads up."

Rick leaned forward, his eyes turning into slits. "Good lookin', Hawk eyes."

The RV slowed as we approached.

"Yo, Rick, what's goin' on?" Daryl shouted from the back.

"We got a crash ahead," he answered. "Looks like it just happened."

Blood was splattered all over the road accompanied by mangled body parts. A cloud of smoke rose from the damaged engine and oil dripped into the ditch. A walker reached out from under the car toward the RV in a desperate attempt to get a meal.

"It's one of ours," Jesus said frantically, rushing back to the exit.

My eyes asked Rick if this was a trap. His mouth scrunched in anger and frustration which told me he wasn't sure.

We had to assume it was because we couldn't afford not to. Letting our guard down before has gotten people killed. It's almost killed me more times than I'd like to admit.

Before we got to a complete stop, Jesus was out the door.

I stood. Blair was in the tiny hallway behind Daryl. I pointed to her and Dakota. "You two stay here. If anythin' goes wrong, honk the horn."

Blair nodded, holding the rifle tight in her grip. "We got this, Jo. Don't worry about us."

The rest of us filed out.

Rick beelined for Jesus with his gun drawn. "If this is a trap, it won't end well for you," he warned.

I unholstered my revolver and walked around the back side of the crash while scanning the area. A single walker was stumbling down the street past some crumbling homes. The wind blew through the overgrown grass and weeds. There wasn't a person in sight.

"We got tracks right here," Daryl announced, drawing our attention to footprints in the dirt.

I took a deep breath and followed the group.

___

Rick pressed on the gas. The engine revved and the wheels spun, but the RV didn't move. "Dammit," he cursed in frustration. "A storm must've passed through." He turned to the back before announcing, "We're stuck."

"Great," I sighed. "Let's start pushin' her."

Jesus stood, placing his hand on my seat. "No need. We're here." The man walked away, leading the charge out the door.

I looked at Rick with my eyebrows raised. "Kind of figured we were considerin' the giant log wall in front of us."

He snickered with a shake of his head. "Was goin' to save you some walkin', but I guess not."

Everyone had gathered in front of the vehicle, taking in the view.

"Ready to take another leap, cowboy?"

"I'd go anywhere with you, Jo." His voice was sincere and hopeful. Rick stood and held out his hand. "Come on."

I smiled before eagerly grabbing him. 

The mud squelched under our boots as we stepped out of the RV. Crisp autumn air washed over me. It felt refreshing after being jammed in that stuffy box with twelve other people. But anything felt refreshing after almost being suffocated, so I wasn't complaining.

"You know the drill," I whispered, gaining my sisters' attention. "Stay behind me. Stay alert." My eyes darted over to the strangers. Any one of them could be another Govorner or another Tate. "We don't know these people and we don't know what's in there. I give the signal and you run."

"We know, Jo," Dakota insisted.

We followed Jesus up the dirt path to the gate.

I suddenly realized that we were putting all of our faith in a man named Jesus. The last time I did that, my mother died. From that day forward I vowed never to trust a man with that name for anything.

Were these the gates to heaven or hell?

Was he leading us to our salvation or damnation?

"Hey," Rick whispered, lowering my gun which I had unconsciously begun to aim at Jesus.

I blinked away the memories of the sirens, broken glass, screeching tires, silent prayers, and blood.

"You okay?"

I nodded, fronting a fake smile. "Yeah," I answered.

"Stop right there!" a man commanded from atop the wall. He held a spear, ready to launch it toward us.

I raised my gun at him and positioned myself in front of my sisters.

"Woah," Jesus said as he lifted his arms.

"You gonna make us?" Daryl shot back.

"Jesus, what the hell is this?" the man asked.

"Open the gates, Cal. Freddie's hurt." Jesus turned to us, a worried expression on his face. I gripped my gun tighter. "Look, sorry about these guys. They get antsy standing up there all day doing nothing."

"They give up their weapons, then we'll open the gates."

I chuckled dryly, "Yeah, right."

"You don't follow our rules, you don't get in, lady."

"Why don't you come down here and get 'em if you want 'em so bad?" Daryl added, coming to my defense.

"Stop this," the doctor interjected. "Look, we vouch for these people, all right? They saved us out there."

"Lower the spears," Jesus stated.

Rick stepped forward and said, "Look, I'm not takin' any chances. Tell your guy Gregory to come out here."

"No. Didn't you see what just happened? I'm letting you keep your guns. Look, we ran out of ammo months ago. I like you people. I trust you. Trust us."

If Rick trusted his word, I would follow him, but I would stick to my vow until Jesus proved me wrong. Words meant nothing to me when my sisters' lives were at stake. On the other hand, this could be a huge opportunity for us. My walls would be up, but I had to move forward.

Rick met my eyes. He was looking for my opinion. With clenched teeth, I gave him the go-ahead. He waved his arm above his head.

"Open the gates, Cal."

The heavy metal gates squeaked open to reveal a pristine colonial mansion surrounded by wooden shacks and trailer homes. A woman led a cow behind her. Although it was grim, my first thought when seeing the animal was food. I hadn't had real beef in so long. My mouth salivated thinking about eating a fresh hamburger.

There were saws and machinery for woodworking, a blacksmith shop, a garden, and a chicken coop.

I'm sure they wouldn't mind sparing a few eggs.

Jesus brought us inside what they called Barrington House. My eyes were like saucers when we stepped into the foyer. I had never been in a home so large and fancy.

"Good gracious, Ignatious," said Abraham as he scanned the room.

"Took the words right out of my mouth," I spoke. The crystal chandelier sparkled above me.

"Most of the rooms have been converted to living spaces," Jesus told us. "Even the ones that weren't bedrooms."

"People live here and the trailers?" Rick pressed.

"We plan to build. There's babies being born."

Instinctively, Maggie placed her hand on her stomach. I smiled at her and she smiled back.

A pair of large doors opened suddenly. An older man in a suit appeared from behind them. "Jesus," he said. "You're back. With guests."

"Everyone, this is Gregory. He keeps the train running on time around here."

Gregory raised his eyebrows, his hands sat on his hips. "I'm the boss."

"Well, I'm Rick, we have a community-" Rick began before he was cut off by the boss.

"Why don't ya'll get cleaned up, hmm?"

I squinted at the man. Something was off about him. That something, well, I couldn't quite place yet. All I did know was that I didn't like him.

"We're fine," Rick told him while trying to hide an annoyed look pulled at his face.

"Jesus will show you where you can get washed up. Then come back down here when you're ready," Gregory commanded. It was not a request. He then got only a few inches away from Rick. My hand itched to punch him just like I had done to Morgan. I didn't mind busting open the scabs. "It's hard to keep this place clean."

"Yeah. Sure."

Begrudgingly, we did as he told us.

"I know we need him," I whispered to Rick as we ascended the stairs, "but I already can't fucking stand that guy."

"You and me both. But wait until after we've made the deal to hit him."

"Wha-" I began, my mouth falling open. "How?"

Rick watched me playfully. "I know you better than you think."

___

"Nathan, what happened to everybody else?" Gregory asked his returning citizens. "Where's Tim and Marsha?"

There was tension in the air fueled by worried glances and whispers. There was more going on here than they were telling us.

I crossed my fingers below my waist, our secret signal to stay close and be careful. When I looked back, Daryl was already moving close to Blair. I felt Dakota's fingers brush against my arm.

"They're dead," Nathan responded.

"Negan?"

Negan. His men tried to kill Daryl, Sasha, and Abraham when the quarry opened. What did he have to do with this?

"Yeah."

"We had a deal."

"He said it wasn't enough," another man informed him. "Was the drop light?"

"No," Gregory insisted.

"They still have Craig," the woman chimed in.

Nathan moved to Gregory. "They said they'd keep him alive, return him to us, if I deliver a message to you."

"So tell me," Gregory said.

Nathan placed his hand on the man's shoulder. "I'm sorry."

Gregory let out a gasp of pain as his flesh was punctured.

The danger was here, I wouldn't let it get to my family. I rushed the man, taking one of his arms while Rick took the other.

"Get off of me!" the man roared. "I had to!"

When Nathan freed his arm from my grasp, he elbowed my face. The sharp bone clashed with my temple, causing my feet to falter. I slammed into the unforgiving earth, black spots entered my vision. Through them, I saw Rick punch my attacker to the ground.

"Don't touch her!" Rick growled as he kept swinging. Droplets of blood flew from Nathan's mouth and painted the dry grass red.

"Jo!" Blair cried out as she fell to her knees next to me. "Are you okay? You're bleeding."

I touched my head, feeling the warm liquid. My stitches had been split open.

"Yeah, yeah, I'm fine," I said, my mind clearing. "Get me up."

She hooked her arms under me and pulled me to my feet. When I was upright again, Rick's eyes flickered over to me to check if I was okay. In this brief moment of distraction, Nathan got the upper hand. He rolled on top of Rick and put a knife to his throat.

My revolver was in my hand and pointed at Nathan before anyone had a chance to blink. Glenn was by my side, his hand hovering over his pistol.

"Stay back! Anyone who tries to stop me is killing my brother!" Nathan shouted.

Rick's hand crawled toward his pocket. The outline of a switchblade pressed through his jeans. He needed a distraction.

I cocked the hammer and my finger twitched on the trigger. Nathan moved his glare from Rick to me. "You and your brother will both be dead if you don't let him go right now," I demanded.

The switchblade clicked and a shower of blood covered Rick. He shoved the dead man off of him with a grunt.

"You good?" I asked, holding out my hand.

"Yeah," he responded before taking it. He then used the sleeve of his jacket to wipe some of the blood from his mouth that ran down the bottom half of his face.

Despite Nathan's death, the situation wasn't resolved. The entire settlement watched us in horror and the tension was stronger than ever. I couldn't blame them though, a stranger had just killed one of their own. I knew he had to, but did they? I crossed my fingers again.

"What?" Rick questioned, confused by the visceral reactions.

"Nathan! You killed him!" a man screamed on the ground while holding his broken arm.

"He tried to kill Gregory, then me."

The woman who came in with Nathan ran over and punched Rick in the face as tears streamed down her cheeks.

I took her left arm, bent it behind her back, and shoved her to the ground. My knee pressed into her spine. She struggled against my weight. "You won't win this. Stay down," I told her.

"Jo, she's been through enough. She doesn't need this," Dakota said.

I sighed, knowing she was right. I stood. The woman's shoulders shook with sobs. "I'm sorry about your friend. Truly."

"Drop it!" Cal commanded. He aimed a spear at Rick while another man wielded a shovel.

Rick stood his ground. "I don't think I will."

"Everyone!" Jesus yelled as he got in between the men. "This is over! It's over. Nathan was our friend, but let's not pretend he was anything more than a coward who attacked us. He did this. And these people stopped him."

"What can I do?"

"Put the gun away. You've done enough."

Reluctantly, the sheriff lowered his weapon.

"You need to know that things aren't as simple as they might seem," Jesus informed us. "Just give me some time."

My stomach twisted. There was something sinister happening with whoever this Negan guy was and were getting right in the middle of it. There was way more happening in this world than we ever realized. We knew there were evil people because we had encountered some of the worst, but this was different. I could feel it.

"We need to have the doctor look at you," Rick said, freeing me from my thoughts. He examined the open gash.

"He needs to help Gregory first. I'll survive," I urged.

"You need to slow the bleedin'," Blair added, moving some of my hair away from the injury. "It looks pretty bad."

Rick nodded. "I saw bandages in the upstairs bathroom."

"Yeah, probably should." Rick and I began walking to Barrington House. I observed his less-than-pleasant appearance. "You need to get cleaned up. You look like Carrie."

He chuckled. "You're gettin' there too, hon."

I looked to the right, hiding the blush creeping on my cheeks.

When we got to the bathroom, Rick wet a rag and began wiping my head free of blood and grime. He used another one to soak up the fluid that continued to gush from my wound. Then, he fixed a large bandage on it. Rick was so gentle with me despite being so violent moments ago.

"Your turn," I said.

I began by wiping down his face. It took a little bit of scrubbing to get the stickiness off of his beard. I smiled lovingly up at him.

"What?" Rick asked with a curious expression.

"How can you still be so handsome lookin' like this?"

He shook his head and bit his lip to stop a grin. "I don't know about that."

I pushed his chin up so I could see the blue of his irises. "I do and I'm always right, soooo."

"Mmhm," hummed Rick.

I squeezed the bloody rag into the sink, turning the white porcelain crimson, before I continued to clean the man.

___

"Dr. Carson was able to patch Gregory up," Jesus said as he entered the room. "He's in pain, but he'll live."

"So what happens now?" Michonne asked, a question on all of our minds.

Jesus wrung his hands nervously. "Things like that don't usually happen here, but, uh, it's settled."

Rick stood up from the desk he was leaning against. "We heard the name Negan. A while back, Daryl and Abraham had a run-in with his men. Who is he?"

"Negan's the head of a group of people he calls the Saviors. As soon as the walls were built, the Saviors showed up. They met with Gregory on behalf of their boss. They made a lot of demands, even more threats. And he killed one of us-- Rory. He was 16-years-old. They beat him to death right in front of us. Said we needed to understand, right off the bat."

A cement block felt like it had been tied to my stomach as the image of Carl being that boy popped into my mind. How could anyone be that cruel to kill a child so brutely? A sudden bloodlust spread throughout my body. Negan would not take Carl away from me.

"Gregory's not exactly good at confrontation," Jesus continued. "He's not the leader I would've chosen, but he helped make this place what it is, and the people like him."

"He made the deal," Maggie stated.

"Half of everything. Our supplies, our crops, our livestock, it goes to the Saviors."

"And what do you get in return?" asked Glenn.

"They don't attack this place. They don't kill us," Jesus said, a hint of sadness and regret in his voice.

"Why not just kill them?" Daryl wondered.

"Most of the people here don't even know how to fight, even if we had ammo."

"Well, how many people does Negan have?" Rick pressed.

Jesus shrugged. "We don't know. We've seen groups as big as twenty."

"Now, hold up," Daryl interjected. "So, they show up, they kill a kid, and you give 'em half of everythin'? These dicks just got a good story. The bogeyman, he ain't shit."

"Well, how do you know?"

"A month ago, we took his guys out PDQ. Left them in pieces and puddles," Abraham said from his chair in the corner.

"You know, we'll do it. If we go get your man back, kill Negan, take out his boys, will you hook us up?" spoke Daryl with momentum behind his words. Blair watched him with admiration. "We want food, medicine, and one of them cows."

Jesus looked toward Rick for his thoughts on the proposal.

Rick shrugged before saying, "Confrontation's never been something we've had trouble with."

The long-haired man pondered for a moment. If he stuck his neck out for us, then maybe I'd be able to put my faith in him.

"I'll take it to Gregory."

From that moment, my vow began to break.

___

Maggie had made the deal. I didn't doubt for a second that she would get it done. She had her father's spirit and his way with words. She was ensuring a better life for her future child. No one else could have accomplished it, especially with that man.

Glenn pulled a picture out of his pocket. "Here," he said, holding it out to me. "Take a look at your Godchild."

A grin spread across my face as I took the sonogram. The baby was small, but it was there. I already couldn't wait to meet it because if it was anything like its parents, that kid was going to be wonderful.

As the picture was passed around the RV, I looked at Rick in the driver's seat. He had two brilliant children who I felt were my own even before we got together. I'd always wanted my own kids, but I would be more than happy to live the rest of my life helping raise Judith and Carl by Rick's side. That would be enough.