I Love You So

Part 32

It was midday when the group arrived at Alexandria.

Amanda was carrying Judith in a sling, humming softly as she carefully concealed the blade of her knife with the sheath and slid it inside a small pocket in Judiths sling, trying to hide the knife in case anything went south. The group walked
in silence, until there was a loud rustling noise.

Daryl quickly spun around, shooting an arrow in the direction. He exhaled deeply as he bent over,
"brought dinner." He said as the gates opened

Amanda followed Aaron and Eric, letting out a breath as she saw children running in the street and heard laughter. She squeezed Judith tighter, looking at Aaron and Eric, "Thank you guys." Amanda said

"You've earned it." Aaron said, "Now, before we get everyone settled in, we need to meet Deanna. She's the person you guys wanna talk to. She knows everything about Alexandria." He smiled as he walked down the path. He led them to the armory, "You guys have to turn in your weapons, though. You can check them out as you please." Aaron smiled

Amanda nodded as she handed over her rifle and her pistol, looking up at Aaron as an older woman came over

"Hello!" The woman smiled, "Who wants to go first?"

"I'll go." Amanda said as she swayed her body slightly, soothing Judith with her movements

Rick went to object by Glenn grabbed his arm, "she's probably our best bet." Glenn said, noticing how Rick looked off putting with his cold demeanor.

"Come with me." Deanne smiled as she led Amanda down the path. She opened the door to a home, allowing Amanda inside

"Thank you." Amanda smiled kindly as she stepped inside. She stood to the side, looking at Deanne for further instructions

Deanne noted Amanda's behavior, appreciating how she was respectful of boundaries, "Please, sit." Deanne said

"Oh, no thank you. I'm dirty, these couches look too.. too nice." Amanda laughed softly

"They're meant to be sat on. Please, sit." Deanna smiled at her

Amanda nodded as she sat down, looking at Deanne curiously

"Tell me about yourself, Amanda. What did you do before this all went down?" Deanne questioned

"My name is Amanda Grimes, I'm 27, I served in the Army and deployed three times, after I completed my service I became a pediatric nurse." She said

"Is this your daughter?" Deanne questioned

Amanda nodded, "That wild looking man with the scraggly beard is my husband, Rick."

"How lovely you two survived this together." Deanne said, "was being pregnant on the road difficult?"

Amanda laughed softly, "Judith isn't my daughter by blood. Rick and I met before this all happened. I was in an estranged relationship with his best friend. While on duty, Rick got shot protecting me. He was in a coma at the hospital I worked at. When everything went down, I made my way to his room and barricaded myself with him in the room. We've been together ever since. His wife had an affair with my estranged boyfriend, and then Judith was created." Amanda explained, "So, it was like... An odd love square." She laughed softly

"From what I'm hearing, you stayed loyal to Rick - throughout everything. He must be very grateful for you." Deanne said with a smile, "Judith is lucky to have you as her mother." She said, "Amanda, here, we have jobs. Everyone has a job. Would you be interested in working in our infirmary?" She asked

"I would love to." Amanda smiled happily, "you should talk to Rick next. He's the head honcho. He's such an amazing man, truly. We wouldn't survive without him."