What's Next

Chapter Twenty Six 🦋

Val's POV:

I woke up in my own bed this morning, something I haven't done for a long time. A proper bed, not like the bunks we had back at the prison. I was still in Daryl's arms, I could hear him snoring. I snuggled into him more, revelling in the warmth that radiated off of his body, smiling as I did so. I knew he would be wanting to be outside the walls very soon, as I knew of the secret meetings between him, my brother and Carol. I was the only one they trusted to even know a single thing.

I heard light knocking on the door, soon watching it open ever so slightly. "Everybody decent?" My brother questioned. I noticed Daryl stir a little. This was the first time he was awake before everyone else, and I wanted to let him sleep a little longer. I knew he would've been exhausted. It's the first time he was completely on edge. Probably will be the only time. "Shhh... he's still sleeping." I scolded quietly, trying not to wake Daryl.

Realisation and Guilt took over my brother's face as he took in what I said. "Sorry, just I will be heading out soon is all, same with Carol. I thought he would've been awake by now." Rick whispered back. I looked back at Daryl and sighed. I nodded my head lightly, "I'll wake him up and let him know." I muttered, with a small smile. Rick nodded and then quietly closed the door.

I waited a tiny moment, just giving him an extra minute of sleep before I nudged him lightly. He only stirred a little, so this time I nudged him a little harder finally waking him. "Morning beautiful." He muttered groggily with a smile as he looked down at my face. "Morning handsome." I greeted back, returning the smile.

"I'm sorry to wake you but Rick just came by, said he and Carol would be heading out soon." I explained, tracing circles on his bare chest with my finger. "That's alright darling. I guess I should get up and head out then." I watched hm think for a moment as he looked between me and the bedroom door. "Nah, yer more important." He mumbled, pulling me in for a kiss.

"Well it's too bad I have to pee then huh?" I giggled, planting a kiss on his cheek as I began to sit up. "Wait sunshine, I'll help ye." He stated, immediately getting out of bed, and rushing over to my side. Gently lifting me onto my feet. "Dare, I'm pregnant, not disabled." I laughed. He gave me the most serious look. Although he didn't say anything the look he gave had been enough. He walked me all the way to the bathroom, just so I could make it to the restroom.

When I was done, he was even waiting by the door for me, walking back to the bedroom with me. "Baby, you need to get going soon," I said softly. I noticed he was all ready to leave. I felt as though I was holding him back. "I know sunshine, but I'm not leavin' until yer ready." Daryl explained.

"Dare, I can get ready by myself. I don't need help."

"I know sunshine. I'm still goin' to wait for ye." He said with a smile. I rolled my eyes jokingly at his stubbornness.

I went through so many different clothes it wasn't funny. Nothing was fitting me anymore. Every single item of clothing I owned was all I had from before I got pregnant and I definitely not the same size anymore. I didn't mind my top not fitting completely over my bump but not having any pants to wear that was another thing.

I finally found a pair of overalls that were three sizes too big for me when I got them, but now when I tried them on, just fit me.

I walked over to the standing mirror in the room, examining myself from head to toe. Rubbing my hands over my very large bump. I was definitely around 31-32 weeks at least and even then my bump was definitely bigger this time round compared to when I was pregnant with Emerson. I started to cry, I couldn't pinpoint what triggered the tears, but they started to roll down my face any ways. "Are ye all good sunshine?" I heard Daryl questioned, clearly becoming worried since I haven't walked out the bedroom. "Darling what's wrong?" I heard the change in his tone, as he heard the sniffles that left my mouth. "Just nothing fits me anymore! I feel huge! I feel even bigger then the last time I was pregnant." I cried out, letting the tears fall down even faster.