War on the Body [1]

[15] The Helicopter

Paige was doing a great job of ignoring Matthew and Miranda, she was helping with medical situations and going on runs with Daryl.

She had just returned from another run as Rick approached her.

"Hey, how was the run?" He asked Paige

Paige sighed, "There isn't much out there anymore, but we didn't run into any trouble"

Rick nodded his head and then gestured for Paige to follow him.

"Carl had asked Daryl to pick up some seed packets on his run yesterday. He said you would know what each was for, and it would help us out. Not sure what half of them are but I'm betting you do" Rick said as they walked to the crops

"I think Carl might be listening to his lessons" Paige said as she admired the various plants that could someday be used for medical purposes.

"What lessons are you teaching him exactly? I thought it was just the basics"

" He wanted to learn about medicine, don't worry he is still learning how to spell and count. You know they both have to do with medicine. Most prescriptions are very difficult to spell, and he needs to learn the safe amount of milligrams to give to somebody based on their age, weight, height. He is helping me out a good bit, along with Beth. "

Rick smiled at the woman, "You really are something else"

"It's the Greene in me, we are odd people with intelligence just pouring out of us. It would be a shame to not share it with the youth of today"

"How are you holding up? With Matthew and Miranda being here?" Rick asked genuinely concerned for the woman

"If I ignore them enough it's almost as if they aren't even here, I am fine. How are you, it must be difficult to not make the decisions that affect us anymore?" Paige asked referring to Rick stepping down.

The council made up of a few prize members made the decisions now, Rick decided he couldn't do it anymore and decided to focus on his children and help with the crops and livestock.

"I think it's what's best for everyone here, I need to give Carl and Judith my attention."

Paige nodded her head at the man before they were joined by Carl.

"Sorry I slept in; you didn't wake me" he said to his father

"Because I knew you were up all night reading comic books with a flashlight" Rick said smiling at his son.

Paige patted both makes on the shoulders before walking to the courtyard, meeting Daryl and Carol by the food.

"What's for breakfast Chef Carol?" Paige asked the older woman.

Carol had started to warm up to Paige, still being wary of her.

"Whatever it is it smells good" Paige replied after Carol just slyly smirked

"You joining in on the run today? Or is the doctor off duty?" Daryl asked warning a smile from Paige

" I'll be there, but you get yourself hurt and you'll regret it. I have too many patients already"

Daryl scoffed, "I don't get hurt"

Both women laughed at that, Daryl was reckless at times. Usually, his recklessness was because of protecting someone else.

"I need you both to see something" Carol told them, " Patrick do you mind taking over? "

"Yes, ma'am" Patrick said walking over to the three adults