Side-by-Side

Chapter 9

Pulling over for the night; Dad, Daryl, Merle, Glenn, and T-Dog went into the three story home to clear it out. When they walked out, I quickly grabbed a few things that belonged to Daryl and I, and brought them inside. The house was a big as it looked from the outside, and seemed to be abandoned. There was no marks of blood from walkers that should be killed and there barely is any mess.

Taking a look around, I saw pictures that once belonged to a couple in their mid-thirties. There was a picture with a date on it.

09-01-2007

There was a baby in the picture. It was dated back to the first of September, 2007. If that baby was still alive, he or she would've been 8 years old. Tears stung their way into my eyes as I thought about this child. Millions of questions made their way into my head.

I put my head down at some of the negative thoughts and made my way into the family room. Daryl placed a hand on my back, as Dad spoke.

"Everyone choose your rooms, we will make a guard schedule soon."

Daryl and I made our way up the stairs, to the third floor. I walked to the far right of the hall, and into the bedroom on the left. It was a small room, with a bed, a dresser, a desk and a small closet. For one night, it didn't really matter to me. I placed our stuff down onto the floor next to the bed and turned to look at Daryl. He wrapped his arms around, and leaned down to kiss me.

"Eww..." We heard a small voice.

"Shut up, Carl." I said as I placed my lips against Daryl's. Quickly stopping, I gave Daryl a look that was mimicking mine. Turning our heads, we didn't see Carl...

"Who are you?" He asked. A little boy with black hair and brown eyes stood at the doorway.

"Where are my mom and dad?" He asked again. Daryl and I stayed silent. We were too stunned to speak.

"We don't know." Daryl spoke at last.

"Who are you?" He asked.

"My name is Carly. This is Daryl. What's your name sweetheart?" I asked as I bent down to his height and walked forward a little.

"Chase." He said, backing up a little.

"I'm not going to hurt you. I want to help you." I said softly. He nodded his head and stood in his place.

"We are going to bring you to my daddy. He is a good person, he won't hurt you either." I said. He nodded his head as I stood to my full height. I looked at Daryl who nodded his head and took the lead, walking to go find Dad.

"Am I safe here?" He asked me. I nodded my head to his question.

"Will you protect me?" He asked. I nodded my head. As we walked down the stairs, I heard dad asking Daryl a million and one questions.

"She is going to be here soon, so do not flip out." Daryl said. I took the last step, and helped Chase.

"Dad, this is Chase. Chase, this is my Daddy, Rick." I said. Rick said hello as he dropped to his knees.

"Where are your mom and dad?" He asked.

"They told me to hide in the house until they came back. They left a few days ago. I only know that because I counted the moon 5 times. They left me lots of food and water." He said.

"How old are you?"

"8 years old." He said, holding up eight fingers, proudly smiling.

"You are mighty smart for 8 years old." I said.

"My momma always said I have my dad's brain. I'm not really sure what she meant by that." He said scratching his head.

"It means yer smart." Daryl answered.

"Oh."

I pulled Dad away, bringing him away from the others. I knew that Chase was still new and we don't know if he was hiding something, but I can't help but have this feeling in me, telling that his parents aren't coming back. We can't leave him.

"I know the rules. But, within 5 minutes, I'm attached to him. I don't think his parents are coming back." I said to dad.

"You want to keep him?" I nodded my head.

"You know, you will need to take responsibility for him. Taking care of children isn't easy. Especially in the world now."

"I know, I know, but we can't just leave him here. Obviously his parents aren't coming back. It's been a week almost... Please?" I begged.

"What's going on?" Daryl asked coming to my side.

"She wants to keep him." Dad answered, running his hand over his beard.

"Carly? Do ye think its a good idea?" Daryl questioned.

"Yes." I said, no hesitation needed.

Daryl sighed as he motioned for dad to walk. He brought me into a different room and sat me down into a chair.

"Are ye sure ye want to keep him?" Daryl questioned me. I nodded my head.

"Do I have a say in this?" I nodded my head again.

Daryl sighed as he thought for a bit. I know he wants to keep him, but I know he is debating because he is scared. He is scared that he will grow too attach, and Chase will be taken away from us. He is also scared that he will end up like his father. I know that, it's come up more than once in our conversation.

I placed my hand on his. "Baby, you will never be him. You will keep this boy safe, you would hold him close as he cries, and your heart will tear in three. You will kiss his booboo's better, and tell him funny stories. You can teach him to hunt, and track when he is a little more older and comfortable with us. You can tell him your chupacabra story, and he will laugh every time."

As if on point, Chase's laugh echoed into the room we were sitting in. His laugh was so affecting, I found myself smiling at the small voice.

"Point is, you'll make an amazing father."

"Ye really think?" Daryl asks, an eyebrow risen.

"I know." I said with a smile. I stood up and held my hand out to Daryl's.

"Let's go to our little boy."