Officer Blue (Rick Grimes FF)

Chapter 40

Today is another day in this town where everything seems...normal. My feet mark the ground after every step i take with Judith in my arms. I didn't get to see Rick today since he and everybody else woke up early. Although, Daryl wakes up early he just sits outside contemplating life.
"Mommy" My attention goes directly to Judith. "Did you just call me mommy?" Her fingers extend to my face. Her eyes and mouth smiling at the same time. I mean she is two but this is the first time i heard her say something in a long time. Normally it would be hi or she'll giggle but instead mama filled her mouth. Her little hands cup my face. "Mommy" i cannot be called mommy again. I don't think I'm ready for this again. I smile at her as my heart aches. "Come on, let's find your dada" "daddy" She exclaims louder. He's going to love this.  Placing a kiss on her forehead, we continue to walk down the street.
Judith points and smiles at people who return it back.  They probably haven't seen a child this young in years.

"Iris!" I turn around facing a small shop with a blonde lady standing up front. I don't know her. Who is she? Nothing but confusion and worry takes over me. How does she know me name? Has she been watching me? "You're Iris right?" I walk over still with my mouth glued shut. "I hope i don't sound like a  stalker. Deanna told me your names. Everyone knows about your group." She smiles, unknowing if this is the truth or a show. "The name's Olivia." She gestures her hand as i take it. "Iris." She already knows.  Nice going. "This here is my daughter Judith." She looks at Olivia with a wide smile. "Hi!" She tucks her head in my neck. "Is she shy?" I bounce her on my hip.  "No...she hasn't talked in a few months.  She stayed mute after everything that's happened."

"It must of been tough out there. I'm sorry." She gives an apologetic look.  "Why don't you guys come inside? I can give you a tour around the place." I follow her into the house, leading to the kitchen. Everything is squeaky clean. Freezers and refrigerators all over the place. There is another room that i walk by filled with guns. "We keep the ingredients in here and the weapons there. We have to check them out." My eyes go back to her. "Deanna never told us about it." Her face goes to shock. As if she wasnt supposed to show me. "Would Judith like a cookie? I bet you havent had one in a while." I sit her down on the counter as she giggles away. "Thank you." And she chomps on it. "So how does in here work? You get all the food supplies?" I place my hand around Judith as Olvia goes in the refrigerator pulling out water and cups. "My job is to cook,bake and ration the incoming supplies." Baking. What I love doing but havent done in forever. "And the gun room? Who is in charge of checking the weapons?" Her face drops silent. Something is odd here. She gets frozen about this room. "I uh...do." i change the subject. "I used to bake before everything." Her smile grew. "Did you hear about the party?" One eyebrow raises. "I should just shut my mouth. There will be a party for you guys. I have to cook.  Would you like to help?"  Memories flood back.  Maybe this is time to start fresh.  Make new memories with Judith and Carl.  "Yeah.  I'd love to."
The door opens, coming in Carol. "You finally woke up Iris!" I laugh a bit and so does judith. "Yeah yeah make fun of me."

Rick's P.O.V

My job starts early morning. I didn't wake up anyone as Michonne and i had to get to work. We were going to find more about our jobs. Job. That's  a word i can barely get used to.
"Not going to wake them up? Say goodbye today?" Michonne keeps me away from my thoughts as i look at my son, my beautiful daughter and amazing girlfriend. She needs this but will she be okay?she has everyone in here though.  "She should sleep. All of them should." "You and me both Rick." She laughs as she opens the door.

Deanna talks to us about our jobs and how much effort we need to put into this.  My worry is that no one is looking out 24/7.
"We need somebody to watch over us. It's not walkers we should be scared of Deanna." My voice stern and demanding this happens.
"I know but we never had that problem before. I know what you've guys been through-" Michonne scuffs slightly. I don't blame her. "But...here we have no problems. We know how to handle situations." My mind flicks back to my family. "We have children here. My family is here. All of us has been through hell out there. Adding a look out isnt so much to ask for." My breathing gets hard as Michonne touches my shoulder. Im fine. These people don't know what theyre doing.
Right away Sasha interrupts. "I'm willing to be the look out. 24/7." Deanna hesitates looking back and forth between all of us. "I'll have Spencer take tonight then ill come back to you." She looks at me. "This is my town Rick." I flinch at her words. "A town that has my family in it.  Im willing to do whatever it takes to protect them." She will not get to me.

Walking the streets, fighting off situations is what I've been doing. Jessie stands on the porch waving for me to come over.  My legs automatically push me there. What am i doing? "Rick." Her voice. Iris catches me in a transe. Her smile lightens up as she looks at Judith. Her brown hair flowing behind her. "My two favorite girls standing in front of me." I grab Judith, kissing her cheek and Iris allowing her soft lips to touch me. "Ew daddy!" "I've been meaning to find you. She's speaking full now." "So my princess is." "Cooties." She points at me. "She's been calling you daddy and me...mommy" Hurt hits Iris all over. "Do you want to be called that?" I understand her. "If you want her to." I quickly wrap my arm around her. "of course i do love."
"So that party." She bites her lip while saying it. "What?" Her smiles doesnt fade away. Maybe bringing them here has been better for us. Will be better for us. She shakes her head. "Nothing." "Now you're teasin."
I turn around seeing Jessie is still watching us until a man comes outside next to her. Who the hell is that?