|Missing Love|

6) With the Grimes Kids

*Alden's P.O.V*

"Thank you for letting us come out here." I said to Daryl as we watched the kids.

"It's no problem, really." Daryl nodded.

I'm currently watching Adam and Holland play with Judith and RJ. They were playing tag.

"You're it, Adam." Judith said as she started running.

It's just Daryl and I with the kids.

Shelby was supposed to come until she had to stay back at Hilltop and help Maggie with something. She was pretty bummed about missing this but I promised her that she can come the next time they're with the other kids.

"Run! Adam." I yelled, watching him chase his own brother.

"Run, Holland." I then yelled.

The kids were having an amazing time with each other and it put a smile on my face.

"You're good with them, you know that?" I heard Daryl say.

I turned to him. "You think so?"

"Yeah." Daryl nodded. "You're a good father and they're lucky."

"That means a lot, thank you."

"Guys, let's race." Judith said.

I watched on as the four kids were lined up with each other and Judith explained the rules.

"The first person to run to that rock and then back, wins." Judith said.

"Uncle Daryl, can you do a countdown?" RJ asked.

"Sure, buddy." Daryl said.

"1, 2, 3! Go!" Daryl then said.

And then the children were off.

Because Judith and RJ were a bit older than Adam and Holland, they gave them a fair shot and let them take the lead in the race.

I watched on as Adam had won the race.

"Dad, I did it." Adam said coming to me.

"Yes, you did." I smiled and then gave him a hug.

"Adam, you cheated." Holland said walking over to us as well.

"No, I didn't." Adam said.

"Cheater." Holland then pushed his older brother.

Adam then pushed Holland back and that was when I immediately stepped in.

"Hey." I said, "no fighting or we'll go back home."

"But dad, he cheated." Holland whined.

"It's a race, buddy. It'll be okay. Just race again or play another game." I told the both of them before my two sons went back to where Judith and RJ were.

"How about your dad and I race?" Daryl suggested.

"I'm in." I laughed.

"RJ, you're with me." Daryl said and I turned to look at my boys.

"Holland." I waved my youngest boy over and he came over to me and got into the position of giving him a piggyback ride.

"Are you ready? Get set. Go." Judith yelled and then Daryl and I started running.

Daryl and I were pretty even when we were running.

But he was able to get the win.

I was right behind him though when it happened.

"Nice job." Daryl patted my back.

"You too." I then patted his as well.

"Dad, I'm hungry." I heard Adam say and I nodded.

"Lance provided some food for us when I talked to him about this." Daryl said and he grabbed a basket that he brought with him.

"We each have a sandwich, a granola bar, some grapes and because there's a bakery, some cupcakes." Daryl said taking the food out.

My boys and I were handed our sandwich and granola bar.

I had a blt sandwich while my boys had ham and cheese.

"Tell Lance thank you." I said and Daryl nodded.

"Lance is still mad at you and Shelby."

"I'm not surprised." I shrugged.

"He still wants you guys to come to the commonwealth." Daryl said, "But I know that you guys don't want to and I understand why. I'm still not sure about commonwealth as well."

"A community can't be that perfect in a zombie apocalypse."

"Which is why I think commonwealth has secrets but Lance won't say anything." Daryl said.

I nodded. "I know."

The times that Lance had come to hilltop, he's tried to talk to Shelby and I about joining the commonwealth.

But it'll be the same conversation and he can continue to try and reason but like we've said before, we're fine at hilltop.

And especially after what Lance did to Magna, I know Shelby is still pissed at Lance.

I don't blame her.

"Dad, can we continue to race?" Holland asked.

I nodded. "Yeah, we can, buddy."

Once everyone had finished their food, the kids decided to race again.

"Uncle Daryl, countdown, please." Judith said.

"1! 2! 3!" Daryl said and then the kids were off.

They were running and they were laughing as they had a smile on their face.

And that had put a smile on my face and even Daryl's.

I love my kids.

And seeing them having fun with their friends makes me happy.

I'm happy to be their father.

I'm a proud father.

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Hey guys, here's another short story.

I've been wanting to write a short story where Adam and Holland are with Judith and RJ. This was the one that I was excited to write.

Again, sorry that it's talking a while for this to be published. I've just gotten busy.

Okay so I know I said in the last short story that this is the last one.

But I had one more idea for a short story. I'm just wondering if you guys want that one to be written.

Just let me know.

Also I'm sorry that I don't have a lot to say right now but happy Saturday.

I hope you all liked this short story and again, let me know if you guys want the next idea to be written.