MAKNAE [twd]

【144】

Maggie went to tell Earl and Tammy, Ken's parents, of the news, as everyone else readied for a funeral.

Through the chaos, it was hard to find anyone to pull aside to tell of my revelation. I hurry to the grave sight, spotting Jesus and Alden who were preparing the grave.

"Jesus," I call, rushing to his side.

He grunts as he tosses another shovel full of dirt aside, "Need somethin'?"

As he goes in for another dig, I grab his arm, leaning toward him, "Have you seen Daryl? Did he already leave?"

"Yeah," he pants out, "Headed out for the Sanctuary with Rick and some others."

"Fuck," I hiss under my breath.

"Why? Something wrong?" he worries.

Just as I begin to speak, I spot Alden's eyes watching on. I knew the others were suspicious of him.. But, there was no way it included him as well, right?

"Hey, Al?" I ask, hesitant, "Can I ask you something?"

"Sure thing," Alden nods.

"Is there something.." I pause, already knowing he wasn't involved.

"Something.. what?" he asks.

Alden was there to help us end the war. He was here now, a important piece of Hilltop. There's no way any of this could have his doing in it. He hated Gregory like the majority of Hilltop- there's no way he'd ever side with the asshole.

"Never mind," I force a smile.

Just as he begins to question again, we're cut short as a new arrival makes their presence known.

"Gentleman!" Gregory greets, holding a bottle of scotch as he walks over, "Care for a drink?"

My words fall flat as I stare at Gregory, stepping away from Jesus.

"Not quite the time, Gregory," Jesus informs, wiping the sweat from his brow.

"Of course, my apologies," Gregory nods.

His eyes fall to me, a fake smile on his face, "Are you helping prepare the funeral or are you only.. Distracting.. those that are working?"

Jesus' head snaps to look at him, a troubled look on his face.

"No," I answer, "I was just making sure they were all good to go over here."

I hurry my steps, walking away from the group. I could hardly hear Gregory bidding them farewell as I pick up speed. I risk a look back to see Gregory heading in my direction.

I stumble to a stop as he steps directly on Glenn and Jae's graves.

As he steps in front of me, he pauses, giving me another smile before walking away.

--

The funeral was short and to the point. Ken was a good guy and was laid to rest with everyone's love and respect. 

But, as it was over, I quickly hurried to my family as I searched for Gregory in the crowd.

"Hana, whoa!" Cyndie laughs as we bump into each other, "I just got here and you're that excited to see me?"

"Oh.. Hi!" I gasp out, wrapping her in a quick hug, "I'm busy, I gotta hurry."

"I'll help you," she assures, following behind me.

Our footsteps fall in line as she catches up and I run directly to where Taeyang, Ben, Daniel, Jessie, Tina, and dad were gathered.

"Hana!" Taeyang smiles, opening his arm for me and dropping to a whisper, "Figure it's time to share the news."