The Perfect Family

Time Jump

Alexandria had been through a lot. The wolves, Negan, the whisperers. It took a toll on everyone, but they stayed strong.  They always stayed strong.

It was now Strykers 10th birthday. The little girl could not wait to see what her parents got her. She knew it was a big surprise because her daddy had gone out every week for at least a month in search of it.

"Mama!" Stryker yelled, running down the stairs. Her sneaker covered feet causing light clicks on the floorboards. "Whens my party?" Stryker was panting excessively as if she had just run a marathon. Truth is she was just overly excited. You only turn 10 once. Tegan chuckled, as she pushed her red hair out of her face.

"Babygirl, its only noon. Its not for a few more hours," she said, placing a small hand on her protruding stomach.

"What's all the racket in here?" Daryl asked as he came through the back door. He placed a soft kiss on Tegans cheek as her right hand trailed its way over the bump.

"Daddy! You know what day it is, don't you?" Stryker pouted. Her small arms folded across her chest.

"Christmas?" Daryl teased. Stryker saw no humor in her fathers words.

"No!" She stomped her foot and let out a slight growl.

"Stryker Dixon! You don't behave like that," Tegan scolded.

"Hunny, go outside and play with your cousins. We will let you know when its time for your party," Daryl said. Stryker huffed, but didn't argue. After hearing the front door close Daryl spun Tegan to face him. Her yellow sundress that usually came to her knees rested on her mid thigh. She had a radiant glow about her that Daryl was mesmerized by. He always thought her skin looked the most beautiful while she was pregnant.

"What are you doing?" Tegan giggled as Daryl placed soft kisses on her warm neck.

"Have I ever told you how beautiful you are?" He mumbled against her. She couldn't reply with words so she hummed in response. His lips traveled to her chest. With her breast just slightly exposed he kissed there as well. Traveling over her dress, he kissed her stomach.

"You know, a teenager and a toddler at the same time is going to be hectic," Tegan laughed. Daryl stood straight up, leaning into her so their bodies touched.

"Whose idea was this?" He asked with a knowing smirk on his face.

"I mean, you're the one who didn't pull out," Tegan laughed.

"I didn't hear you complaining as you screamed my name," Daryl said. Tegan rolled her eyes and gently slapped his chest.

"Come on, we have to get ready for her party," Tegan said, shoving him back.

Later that afternoon the whole community gathered around for Strykers birthday. The kids were all chasing each other, the adults were mingling. It was, dare they say, fun. It felt like before. Before the walking dead. Before all the death and chaos. Of course, the kids knew no different, but the adults. Tegan, Daryl, Angie, Negan, and all the rest, they knew. They remembered. Even with everything going to shit, they wouldn't have traded this for anything.

"Mama! Can I open presents now?" Stryker asked as she ran up to her mother. Her freckled face was beat red. Sweat dripped down her forehead causing red hair to stick to it.

"Alright, come on," Tegan smiled at the excited girl. Stryker squealed and ran to where the small pile of presents laid.

First, she opened a knife from Negan, Angie, and the twins. Then she opened a doll from Rick and his family. Everyone else got her small things.

Ezekiel gave her a portrait of Shiva. That made the young girl tear up. She missed the tiger. Shiva had passed from old age when Stryker was 8. Shiva was about 10. The wolves where still alive, but were getting old. They both were now around 12 and Angie wasn't sure how much longer they really had. No one would speak about it though, unless the kids asked questions.

Tegans heart ached as her daughter stared at the picture of Shiva. Her slender fingers tracing the face of the tiger she loved.

"You have one more," Daryl grunted. He set down a poorly wrapped present next to her. Stryker wiped her eyes and set the painting to the side. She whispered a small thank you to Ezekiel before opening the present from her parents.

"Is this......." she trailed off staring at the black weapon in front of her.

"Its a Stryker StrykeZone 380," Daryl smiled proudly. Strykers eyes lit up as she glanced between her parents.

"We figured it was time you got your own," Tegan said. Her heart filled with joy seeing the excitement on her daughters face.

"Now I can be just like you," Stryker smiled up at her parents. Daryls heart swelled with pride.

"When are we going to get weapons like that?" Colt asked, staring up at his father. Negan gave Angie a side glance before bending down to colts height.

"I've got a special surprise for you on your birthday, slugger," Negan chuckled, gently punching his sons arm. Colts eyes lit up, but Blade pouted.

"What about me?" She whined. Angie raised an eyebrow at Negan.

"What about your daughter?" She asked. She had no idea what this surprise of his was. She also didn't want him to leave Blade out of it because she was a girl.

"I got something for you too, my little spitfire," Negan said, patting the top of her head.

"Should I be worried?" Angie asked, crossing her arms.

"Only time will tell," Negan smirked with a shrug. Angie rolled her eyes, but placed a kiss on his cheek.

"Time for cake!" Carol sang, setting her homemade cake down on a folding table.

"Mama wants some of that," Tegan said, basically drooling.

They all sang happy birthday and ate the delicious cake. Stryker looked up at her parents. Her mothers baby bump gently gracing her fathers stomach as they stood near each other laughing. She loved the happiness and love between the two. She only wished one day she could have something as amazing as they have.

This was the best birthday she had ever had.