The Pain We Face

Birthday Boy

~~~~~~~about one month later~~~~~~~

Today is May 23rd. It's Jett's birthday. He is turning fourteen. He's grown up so much since the apocalypse happened. He was eleven when the apocalypse started. It's been almost three years. Wow. Our group has survived three years. I'm about three months pregnant, and I'm starting to show. I basically wear Carl's clothes since it fits better. It's starting to get warmer out and we are seeing more squirrels and birds. About a week ago Daryl caught a turkey. It was sooo sooo sooo good. Tonya isn't allowed to be trusted. Daryl and Phil have to watch her now. Her and Tina still give me nasty looks. Matt apologized for believing Tonya, and he also broke up with her.

We know it's the 23rd because we keep track of the date, but only the month and the date. We don't keep track of week days. It could be Monday, or Thursday or even Sunday, we don't know. I'm sure we could figure it out if we really wanted to, but we don't see a point in it. Jett is in his bed across the room. I sit up in bed. What can I give him for his birthday? I think to myself. Then I get an awesome idea. I get up carefully. I don't want to wake Carl, since he's been doing an amazing job of protecting me and helping me out with this pregnancy. I slip on some flip flops and walk out to the kitchen. Daryl is at the kitchen table drinking a cup of water.

"Hey" I say sitting across from him.

"Hey...." He says looking confused.

"I know I'm up early but I need you to do me a favor." I say staring at him.

"Oh god." He whispers while leaning back in his chair.

"I need you to get me something....." I say looking out the window.

"What?" He asks looking at me. I turn back to look at him.

"Ok. So you know how it's Jett's birthday?" I ask completely serious.

"Yeah but-" he stars to say but I cut him off.

"Jett used to love hockey cards.... So do you think you could run up to that old store that we get stuff from and see if you can find a pack?" I ask giving him puppy dog eyes. He just looks at me, I figure he's thinking about it. He sighs.

"I'll only do it because you're a Nikki, and I can't say 'no' to Nikkis." He says smiling at me. I stick my tongue out at him.

"Oh you love me!" He jokes.

"You sure about that?" I tease.

"Yes I'm sure!" He says getting up. I stand up as well.

"Just tell the others I went on a run, and I'll be back soon." He says walking over to me.

"Ok, and thanks" I say hugging him. He hugs back.

Once he lets go and starts walking away I yell

"Daryl wait!" Stops and turns around.

"What?" He asks.

"Don't die." I say laughing. He shakes his head and laughs.

"I'll try my best." Is all he says before walking out the door. I smile and grab a cup of water. I go to the window and watch him drive off on his motorcycle. I smile to myself. I'm lucky to have someone like Daryl. He reminds me of my father. He is tough and is hard on me, but he is comforting and caring. I wonder where my dad is.... Is he ok? Or is he a mindless corpse, limping around eating people's loved ones? I feel arms wrap around my waist, I whip around to see who it is.

~~~~~~Authors note~~~~~~~

Hey guys!!! Sorry I haven't updated in a while. I'm moving at the moment so I don't have wifi when I am with my mom. But I'm with my daddy tonight, so I can update. But next week my dad is moving so I probably won't have wifi there, but I might have wifi set up at my moms house. Sorry for the inconvenience, I'm trying everything I can to update ASP but.... Idk. So thanks for being so awesome!! Wuvs you guys!! <3