A blue race car bed takes over the corner along with a dresser on it. Shelves are filled with little cars, monster trucks and many more a child can imagine. Teddy bears lay on floor while pictures hang of her family. Drawings are put around the room. Stick figures of people. I turn around to Iris, seeing she has completely broke. I've never seen her like this.
"I tried so hard to protect him Rick. " she wails as i scoop her up and cradle her on my lap.
"You've done the best you can." Streams trace down my arms as she cries harder. I hold onto her hand as she turns to look at me. "I didn't! " She cries.
I put both hands on her face.
"Yes you did. You did what any mother can-"
"I didn't!" She repeats while looking at me with swollen eyes. My heart shatters looking. I know she did the best she can do. "I didn't...i want to give up." She's beaten and she wants to be taken away from me.
I look deeply in her face as i say this. "Iris, you did and you may not believe so. I've seen the way you are out there. You're strong, beautiful and a fighter." I connect our lips together.
"You keep on fighting. Do this for Carl, Judy, your son, me-" i grab her hands, pressing my lips gently on them with her eyes still blue. "We'll do this together. I will protect you with my life Irs Scheer. Don't give up baby." And i kiss her forehead as she cries.
~
The drive back to the church was silent. She sat looking out the window like a statue. I know she's hurt inside, needs to have alittle time to herself so i let the drive turn to a vacuum of space.
As. Ithought to myself, that's why she teared up when she held Judy.
~
It's mid day and everyone is gathered inside the church. "Dad." Carl hugs me. "You keep an eye on the place for me?" I ruffle his hair. "Where's Iris?" He says worriedly.
"She's in the car..." i pull him to my side. "We're going to stay at Iris's house. It's in the woods, hidden and reserved." Everyone looks at me.
"We need to rest Rick." Carol pleads as she holds Judith. "I know. I know and we will until we-"
"Until we start heading to Washington. It's a missiom that needs to be completed." My anger fumes as Abraham tries to convince my family we should go. His eyes grow fierce at me. Two can play at this game.
"We discussed this, we're not going to Washington." Daryl looks just as pissed as me. This brings awkwardness into the room. "Then Rosita,Eugene and I will be on our way. We fixed the bus in the back." He points at Gabriel. "Thank you-"
"No body is going anywhere. We're stronger as one. Splitting up is just another stupid reason to get us killed. The bigger we are the better chance of surviving." The entire time my hand has been layed on my Colt Python. All eyes are on me.
"Well isn't that too bad for you. Rosita, Eugene lets get movin." I walk in front of Abraham. "No body is going no where." Our eyes stay locked as my anger builds.
"Both of ya calm down." Darl pushes us both back. "Settle this by talkin and save the fightin for the real threat." I nod at Daryl for stopping me before i lose it in front of my kids. He takes over my spot. "Aint no body stoppin ya. Go out those doors but you're week without us."
"Guys." Glenn steps in. "Nothing helpful is going to happen if we keep insulting eachother....it's going to lead to another blood shed." "May i inform you that-"
'Eugene shut up." Abraham spits.
The silence slips yet again. "We need to get going now." I demand. "If we don't go?" I ball up my fist ready to strike him until Daryl stops me yet again.
"Enough!" Glenn yells. "You're both men. Act like it...Abraham, I'll go with you to Washington if you cooperate with us for the night. Do what we say for one night, and I'll go." He thinks about it. "One night. As soon as noon hits, we're leaving."
As everyone heads out, fitting into either the car or the bus, i stop Glenn. "You sure about this?" "Maggie is coming too Rick. And i can't stop her. All these girls, you jsut can't. " i chuckle a little as Glenn brings humor into the room. It makes me think of Iris and her stubbornness. "No, you can't."
***
IRIS P.O.V
Rick got into the car first, giving me a kiss on the cheek. I can't help a little smile that forms on my face. As much as i want to push everyone away, he isn't going to go far. The corner of his lip turns to a smile too.
I keep my arm around Carl who holds Judith. Daryl takes the passenger seat as Michonne enters the back. That's when Rick starts the car and leads the group.
"Did you tell him?" Carl whispers to me but i think everybody heard. They're bound to know soon. "I showed your dad...Judy will have a bed to sleep on. A room you guys can share." I hug him tighter as i smile down to Judith.
"He knew?" Rick takes a quick glance at me in the rear view mirror. I nod my head but not in shame. "Knew what?" And that ride to my house has sunken my heart even more.
***
Everyone has gotten settled in my house. I've let the kids, Carol, Gabirel and Noah take Adrians room. Bob and Sasha take the guest room and Glenn and Maggie in my room. All of them bring too many memories. I let everyone pick where they wanted to sleep where that left me on the floor with two pillows and a blanket.
"I went through the same thing... i know how it feels." Michonne takes ahold of my hand in comfort. "Till this day i blame myself but I'll keep on fighting for him." With a little smile, she walks to the kitchen to take watch. Examining my surroundings show happy memories that once took place. Where Adrian first learned how to walk in the corner. From all the dents and cracks make my home. Aron is placed on a different sofa, knocked out like a baby. His memories come back to me too.
The floor creeks as Rick makes his way over to lay down next to me. The house finally going dark and silent while the others are sleeping or on watch.
"I'm sorry i didn't tell you." I'm glad he can't see me right now. I have guilt written in big neon lettering all over my face. His hands find my waist as he pulls me closer, with no words. "Are you mad at me?" I whisper. I can feel that he wants to know who Adrian's dad is. Who Adrian was.
"There's no reason to be mad. No parent should never have to go what you went through." Without having the use of a light, Rick's lips find mine.
"Go to sleep sweetheart." And i lay against his chest, falling asleep to the white noise of Rick's heart beat.
YOU ARE READING
Officer Blue (Rick Grimes FF)
Fanfiction25 year old Iris, has not seen a human since the 3 years she's been alone. It is until then she discovers that it's better for herself. She has secrets that need to be hidden and that's what separates her from the rest of everyone else. She may...
