This Is Reality

Chapter 16

Chapter 16

-Carl's POV-

When Dodger and Daryl went out, shit hit the fan. My dad was tied to a post, Michonne and I were put in separate corners of the shed. Abraham was going on about how Eugene had a cure and they needed to go to Washington. No one in the shed besides Maggie, Tara, Michonne, my dad, and I trust Dodger. They just don't know her like we do...

Carol stepped forward to my dad, "Choice is yours Rick. I take over or we leave without them"

"Carol you don't have to do this" My dad pleads

"Ever since you brought her back, you and Daryl haven't been the same about leading this group!"

"Just because she is 'interfering' with your crush? Carol don't bring that into this..."

"That's not it! You brought her in saying you were done leading us and there was the new leader. How could you do that?"

"It's not like that. I'm still the leader around here. I asked her if she would consider it, she didn't have a set decision. I brought Dodger back with me because I couldn't just leave her out there. She saved me, Carl, Michonne, and Daryl. She didn't know us and I probably would have done the same for her. I didn't bring her back to become leader right away. I brought her back because I believe in her. So should the rest of you..." I haven't seen my dad speak like that since we left the prison...

"So you don't believe in the rest of us? You believe in a stranger? Since when do you accept strangers Rick? What has gotten into you..."

"Carol, it's not that either. When I look at each one of you I see a different strength. When Daryl brought Dodger over, when she gave me the plan about saving everyone from Terminus, I saw a leader. I saw someone better than myself. Everyone is different Carol, maybe my days of being leader is over" My dad spoke slowly and persuasively

"Abraham, bag him. We're moving on from here, without them" Carol spoke sternly

Next thing I saw was my dad looking me in the eye, asking for a way to turn this situation around as Abraham took the butt of his rifle to my father's head.

I pulled a slip of paper from my bag and found a pencil on the bench, rushing to write a note for Dodger and Daryl to return before anyone else saw. I kept it short and simple. Dodger will catch along with my note and come for us, I know she will.

Abraham put my dad's limp body over his shoulder and Carol went around making sure everything was packed. Just before we left, I put the piece of paper on the bench. I hope her and Daryl come back soon...

Michonne and I were placed in the back of the group with Rosita and Eugene. I held a stick in my hand, dragging it behind me, leaving a deep line in the dirt. Dodger should be able to pick this up for sure.

-Dodger's POV-

*after dinner*

"So, head out in the morning?" I ask stretching on the floor by the fire

"Just as the sun starts rising"

I nod slowly and stare into the fire. Daryl tightens the place up before laying next to me and holding me close. He gently places a few kisses on my neck.

"Daryl..." I say taking his hand

"What's wrong?"

"Not now, not here"

He was caught off guard and became disappointed, I had read his mind, "Fine..."

"I'm sorry I just ain't in the mood..."

"It's alright sunshine, I promise"

I kissed him sweetly before burying my face into his chest, snuggling close to him like a teddy bear.

"Night sunshine" He whispers into my ear, holding my close

"Night..." I drifted off to sleep, wrapped in his arms

I woke up to him gently stroking my hair, looking down at me his blue eyes brighter than ever.

"Mornin' sunshine" Daryl smiles and kisses my cheek

"Morning..." I say yawning

"Sleep alright?"

"Yeah" I sit up and stretch

"Just relax for a bit Dodger" He says holding my waist

"But Daryl-"

He cuts me off, "I know ya worried 'bout 'em but please, rest, calm yourself some... for me"

"He asked me to be leader, he ain't here right now so I have to be"

"Dodger, I ain't tellin' you to not to do anything today. Just lay here for a hour, the sun just broke the horizon" He pulls me closer

"One hour, that's it" I give in and lay next to him

"That's all I ask..." Daryl says taking my hand into his, tracing circles on the top of my hand

I get comfortable and let out a soft sigh, relaxing was never my thing but Daryl's right, I need it. It wasn't too long before I found myself drifting off into sleep. Just before I completely fell into the darkness of my dreams, he gently placed a kiss my temple.