Farmer's Daughter (Daryl Dixon Love Story)

Chapter 35

Melinda's POV

"How much does Charlie know about the walkers?" I whisper to my former partner that sat at the foot of the bed. I stroked my daughters now clean and combed hair as she slept peacefully.

Daryl and I had gotten back a few hours ago just before dark. We told Rick all the details of the trip, minus the tender kiss I longed for again. We handed him our supplies so it could be rationed properly and stored for later use. Then parted on our own ways.

The walk back was very awkward. I wanted to tell him the three small words that meant so much. I wanted to tell him just how badly I yearned for his touch. I wanted to tell him how crazy he drives me on so many levels. I wanted to tell him that in a way he brings me peace at mind, while also making my brain spin. Luke warm was not an option with the man. It was either boiling. Or ice cold. My emotions swam each day I spent with him. But always at the end of the night they went back to the one thing that mattered the most. I love him.

"She knows they're 'bad guys'" he slightly chuckles as he brings his legs up to the bed and crosses them Indian style. "She made that up on one of the first weeks the outbreak started."

A smile etches across my face as I look down at the small girl. Even with her eyes closed, I can see the bright blue eyes that resembled mine so much.

"She also knows not to go near them. And if she sees one, to tap me." He continues.

"So she knows to be quiet?" I ask in astonishment. I look up to his dark chocolate eyes as he examines me.

"Surprisingly; yes." He confirms. "She picks up on things very fast. I've noticed that over the past few months. She may be only five, but she's smart."

I nod my head. My eyes drift down to her once more as I think about the things she's had to have been through already. She's had to see people die. She's had to see both of her parents just fall off the face of the earth. She's had to see the dead start walking. She couldn't be a normal kid.

Her small eyes soon flutter open, a yawn leaves her parted lips. Once she looks up and notices my stare she scoots closer to my warm body and throws an arm around my lower stomach.

"Momma, I'm hungry" she half heartedly whispered. I chuckle as I rub her small back.

"Are you now? How about we go and fix that." I feel her small head nod into my side. I slid off the bed and held my arms out for her, signaling for her to come closer.

A wide smile comes to her lips as she rolls to the other side of the bed and stands. She jumps up and down a few times before giggling loudly.

"Catch me!" She shrieks. I dramatically plant my feet to the ground and open my arms wider.

"Okay! One! Two! Three!" I yell just as loud as her as she takes off running and soars into the air. I catch her light body in my arms and spin her around a few times. I lay flat on my arms as she sticks hers out in front of her.

"Charlie's an airplane!" I make obnoxious airplane noises as I run out of the room and down the stairs. I make my way through the living room so the people seated can see her beautiful flying.

A loud laugh comes from the small child as I plop her down on one of the sofas. She pushes the hair out of her face as she jumps off the couch.

"Race you!" She screams as she takes off in the direction of the kitchen. I follow close behind her, making sure I let the small child win.

"I'm gonna beat you!" I call up to her as I walk faster. She pants as she rounds the corner.

"I beat yo- ugh" I hear a small thud. I quickly round the corner to see what happened. She giggled as she lays on the floor at his feet. Daryl reached down and took her hands in his, pulling her up to his hip.