The Girl Next Door • Carl Grimes

Chapter 1: Before

Grace

Damn it, I'm gonna be late for my last first day of middle school. I jumped out of bed quickly. I started to get dressed, brushed my hair and teeth, then ran down the stairs. I quickly made 2 toaster waffles and put one in a plastic bag. I hugged my parents goodbye and ran out the door as fast as I could. So much for an easy morning.

"Carl!" I yelled.

"Grace!" He shouted running towards me.

Both of our parents watched the two of us leave, and we rolled our eyes when they started clutching their chests like this was the last time they'd ever see us. They were totally dramatic.

When I got on the bus I heard Carl whine.

"What's the matter?" I asked him.

"Oh man, I'm just so hungry!" He groaned.

"Did you really think I would leave my house without something for you?" I asked while waving the toaster waffle in his face.

His face lit up as he excitedly whisper yelled, "Thank you, thank you!"

I giggled. The other kids on the bus went "ooooh" and Carl and I just rolled our eyes and continued having our own conversations.

***

My first day passed and it was pretty fun. Carl and I ran up to Lori since she was bringing us home. Shane was standing next to Lori. As I walked closer to her, Carl and I both had puzzled looks upon our faces.

"Hey that guy works with your dad right?" I asked.

"He does. I'm not sure why he's here though." Carl said.

We both shrugged it off and continued walking. Once I got closer, I realized that both adults had a very worried look on their faces. I shared a concerned look with Carl, we both ran up and hugged Lori.

The other man pulled me away to introduce himself. I'm smart, so I could tell something was up and that he was trying to get Carl and Lori alone.

"I'm Shane. I'm a cop with Carl's dad, Rick." He spoke.

"Oh cool, I'm Grace. I'm the Grimes' next door neighbor." I said awkwardly.

I was standing there in silence fiddling with my bracelet until I heard quiet sobs. I looked over to see Carl crying into Lori's chest. Before I even started to run, Shane grabbed my wrist and gently pulled me back. Now I was really worried.

"What happened? Why are they so upset?" I asked quietly.

Shane cleared his throat and took a deep breath and sighed, "Rick was injured on a call today. He's in the hospital and he's in surgery."

The expression drained from my face. Rick was like a very close uncle to me, so obviously I was very upset.

"Wh- what? How... why?" I asked.

Shane told me about the men and what happened, how Rick was shot. My next door neighbor, my parents best friend, my godfather, shot. I couldn't believe it.

Lori wiped her eyes and said, "Okay, get in my car guys."

I walked up next to Carl and looked him in the eyes and gave him a sincere hug. I didn't say anything during the car ride home, but we just shared looks with each other. Those looks spoke louder than words. We both walked into our own homes without even waving goodbye. Before I went inside, and after Carl had already gone into his house, I ran up to Lori and gave her a big hug.

I whispered, "I'm so sorry. I'm here for you."

She let out a small smile and a single tear fell down her face. I felt terrible. There was nothing I could do.