Surviving. (Book Two.)

Chapter Thirty One.

When afternoon rolled around, Daryl was still tinkering around with the bike while I was inside, reading a book from the 'study'.

Deanna had come by just a few minutes prior; saying that since her party was such a huge success, she had told everyone that they could just have a day off instead of going to work.

After a while of listening to the banging of the hammer and stuff from outside, I got up and went to the door, telling Daryl that I was going to go over to Rick's to see if there was anything they needed help with for tonight.

"Alrigh'," he nodded, wiping his brow, "See ye' when ye' get back then?"

I smiled and gave him a soft kiss on the cheek before leaving, walking the short distance down the quiet street to Rick's house and after knocking on the door, I entered.

"Rick?" I called, closing the door after me, "You home?"

"Give me a couple of minutes!" I heard from upstairs, "I'm putting Judith down for a nap."

I meandered into the kitchen, leaning up against the counter as I looked out at the large wall that was surrounding the community. I then saw Carl making his way over to it, turning to tell Zeus something, most likely to stay, and I watched as he looked around to make sure no one was watching before placing his foot on the bottom.

"Wha-"

"Right," Rick suddenly said from behind me, "Sorry about that."

"No, no. It's okay," I murmured as I looked back at the spot where Carl was moments ago but he had gone and I finally turned to look at him, "She go to sleep okay?"

"Yeah," he murmured, "Finally getting her back into her routine. Anyway, did you want something?" 

"Yeah actually, I just wanted to ask if you wanted me to bring anything over for tonight? Food wise."

"I don't think so," he said quietly, "Carol says that she and Sophia have everything under control. Just bring Daryl."

I gave him a smile and passed by him, "Okay. I'll try my hardest."

"Hey, do you know where Carl is?" he suddenly asked, "I know that he was taking Zeus out but he should be back by now."

"He'll be fine," I said quickly, "He's probably just got caught up talking to his friends."

I didn't want to get the kid in trouble so I didn't say anything and I was grateful when Judith started crying upstairs, "I think that's my cue to go," I laughed, backing up towards the door, "I'll see you tonight. What time?"

He was already halfway up the stairs, "Just come over whenever."

*************

Daryl was in the kitchen when I returned, glass of water in his hand as he stared at something that was on the counter and when I got closer, I saw that it was picture frames with smiling faces in them.

"They're all probably dead, ye' know tha'?" he asked as I slid onto a stood across from him, "Why would they take someone's photos?"

"Maybe they were hoping that the people they've brought in would find a way to make new memories. I wish I still had that photo of you."

"Was a horrible picture." he muttered, turning to put his glass down in the sink.

"So?" I shrugged, "Was the only one I had of you."

"When did ye' lose it?"

"Terminus," I whispered but then smiled at him, "But then I got the real thing back."

He walked around the counter and rest his hands on my shoulders, "'nd I'm not goin' anywhere," he then pressed a kiss to my cheek, "I'll be outside."

"Ah, no," I mumbled, catching his arm, "We're going to Rick's soon and you're covered in grease and...sweat. You're going to shower."

"We're not goin' 'till later. Let me fix the bike 'nd then I'll think about showering."

"You will shower!" I called as he left, "I'll get in with you..."

His head suddenly appeared back in the doorway, "Now tha', I can get on board wi'."

I smiled and picked up my book again. I knew that would work.

***********

Later on, after Daryl had taken his shower, without me getting in, we started walking to Rick's, meeting Glenn and Maggie at the path.

"How are we all tonight?" Glenn asked, pulling his coat tighter around him.

"Starvin'." Daryl muttered, walking into the house without knocking.

"He's been working on a bike all day," I said as we all followed him in, the smell of whatever Carol had been cooking hitting my senses immediately.

"Smells good," I hummed, hanging my jacket on the banister.

I noticed that Carl had headed into the kitchen and while everyone else went to into the sitting room, I followed him. I needed to know what he was doing out there and why.

I found him pouring himself a glass of water and he smiled when he saw me, "Hey."

"Hi," I said, leaning against the counter in front of him, "So I uh, I saw you climbing over the wall today..."

The smile slipped from his face and he turned to put the jug of water back into the fridge, "Yeah, so?"

"Why would you wanna go out there?" I asked.

"I followed Enid." he mumbled, "She went out with nothing to protect herself with. So I went to make sure that she was okay. Have you said anything to my dad?" 

"No," I said softly, "I thought maybe I could talk to you about it and then maybe convince you not to go out there again. You know how dangerous things are out there." 

"Exactly. But she doesn't. I wasn't going to let her go out there on her own." 

"I get it," I mumbled, "I do, but Carl, I just want you to be safe." 

"Well stop," he hissed, voice raising ever so slightly, "You're not my mom."

"I know that." 

"Then shut up," he muttered as he passed by me, "And stay out of my business." 

Once he was clear of the room, I leant against the counter, resting my head in my hands. 

No, I wasn't his mom. Nor was I trying to be but I really just wanted him to be safe. I could tell Rick what I saw but then Carl would never forgive me. On the other hand, if he went out there and got hurt, or god forbid killed, that would be on my shoulders and I'd never be able to forgive myself. 

I didn't look up when I heard someone came into the room but soon felt warm hands rest on my shoulders.

"Ye' alrigh'?" Daryl asked, "Been through here for a bit." 

I nodded, turning to look over my shoulder at him, mustering up the best smile I could, "I'm fine."

"Really? 'Cause ye' don't look it. Somethin' happen wi' Carl?" 

"No," I said again, "Nothing. Come on, let's go back through, yeah?" 

If he didn't believe me, he didn't say anything, which I was grateful for, and followed me back into where everyone else was waiting.