The Secrets We Keep

Good Talk

PRESENT DAY

I woke up with RJ's foot in my face and knee in my back. I rolled out of bed and checked the time.

5:30am

Daryl was already in the kitchen cooking breakfast. I walked by him and gave his ass a pat. "You look hot all the time, but this is superior." I sat on the counter by the stove.

"Watch yerself." He grinned.

"I was hoping you were watching me." I licked my lips.

"I'm always watching you." He leaned over and kissed my cheek.

"Are you giving each other hickies?!" Judith squealed.

These kids, man. How parents can ever be intimate is a question I'd like the answer to. They are always right around the corner. "I'm gonna teach little Rosie what hickies are so she can embarrass her parents." Daryl laughed at that one. I hopped off the counter and went to wake RJ.

---------------

"Judith, you have 15 minutes to eat your breakfast and be out this door." I shouted from the kitchen.

"I have nothing wear!" She stomped out of her room.

"You have plenty of clothes."

"Yeah, clothes that look like I live in an apocalypse!" She huffed, trying to braid her hair.

"Umm, you do live in an apocalypse."

"Ugh! But my friends wear clothes from before. I look like I keep watch on the wall." She wasn't wrong.

"Ok, sit." I guided her to the table. "Eat this," I said, sitting a plate in front of her. "Let me do your hair."

"Thank you." She murmured.

"When I get back, I'll take you to pick out some normal clothes." I put air quotes around the word normal. "We can go shopping."

"Really?! I've never been shopping." That made me sad. I wish Michonne was here to do that with her.

"There." I secured her braid with a little rubber band. She finished her eggs just as Daryl came out of the bedroom. He was dressed in all black, poncho on, and pack in hand.

"Let's roll." He twirled his finger in the air.

"Whoa! Chill out, dad." I laughed. He rolled his eyes.

We walked the kids to school and said our goodbyes. I waited back while Daryl said his.

"I'll be back within a week. No longer, I promise." He pulled RJ's book bag strap back onto his shoulder.

"You shouldn't make promises you can't keep." Judith didn't look up.

"You're right. I promise I'll try to be back in a week." He corrected. "Alright," he stood. "Carol or Ezekiel will be here to get you. Be good, love you." They hugged him then walked inside.

Since Daryl was coming, we were taking the bike. As much as I love being on the bike and being pressed against his body, but it is November and I'm already cold and we're not even moving. I looked at my watch, we were getting started later than I'd like. It was about 2pm. I wanted to be on the road 2 hours ago, but Daryl was giving the bike a 'tune up'. Another reason to not take it.

"Is there any way at all I can talk you into taking a truck?" I pleaded. "I'm gonna be so cold."

"Nah, you'll be fine. I'm blocking ya from the wind." He handed me my hat and I pulled it down over my ears. I pulled the hood of sweater up and tied it. I zipped my coat and slung my backpack on. He handed me his crossbow and I put that on, too. This is also why I dislike taking the bike on runs. I must hold all the shit.