Whatever Happened To Normal?

Chapter 13:

It's been a month since Daryl left. After he did, Beth ended up coming back because she needed the job. She and Rick discussed everything- even the baby issue. Rick and Daryl took a leave of talking to each other, but seeing each other in the bar one night, rekindled their friendship- funny how booze can mend things.

"Come on man, it's Carl's birthday. You have to come. You haven't missed one since he was born at that baseball game in college." Rick says over the phone at his desk.

"I don't know- he doesn't even like me." Daryl says tiredly as he stares at a motorcycle he's supposed to be fixing.

"Yes he does. He keeps asking if you're coming. Besides, I want you to meet someone. Come on man. It's gonna be a Splash Lagoon. You have to come." Giving into his friend, Daryl agrees and they hang up.

***

It's Carl's birthday and kids are running everywhere in the Birthday Party area that Rick booked. Looking out at the wave pool, Beth is holding Judith in the shallow end, letting the baby get her feet wet as they bounce above the waves. Her tight bikini looks amazing on her taut body. Rick smiles and Beth makes the baby wave. She's missed her so much. Beth has alsays been a sucker for babies, but Judith is her own special little girl.

Walking into the pool area, Daryl is out of his element in this amusement park. He usually doesn't do public pools, but today, he figured he would amuse his friend's son. Setting his backpack down on a chair, he tugs his shirt off and stands in his black beach shorts. Spotting Rick he goes over and stops halfway when he notices his arm around Beth, who is holding Judith. The way she looks in that bikini makes him melt. Getting closer, everyone feelz awkward, especially Daryl.

"Sup man. Carl's gonna be glad you came." Rick bro hugs him and then holds Beth's hand. Looking at it makes Daryl feel like shit. That could've been his. "Oh, Daryl, we got great news."

Looking between them, Daryl doesn't wanna hear it. He doesn't wanna hear their happiness or even see it.

"We're getting married man." His mouth drops a bit, but he holds the pain inside.

"Congrats...both of you."

"That's not all dude..."

"Daryl! You came!" Carl runs over and hugs Daryl around his waist. "Did Daddy tell you I'm getting a baby brother or sister! And a new Mommy!"

His eyes widen and he looks at Beth, who lowers her eyes. His chest twists and his heart hurts. He can't feel anything. Rick just smiles down at Beth, kisses her head, and gently rubs her unnoticable baby bump.

"Isn't it great Daryl?" Rick asks, unaware about anything that went down.

"Y...yeah...yeah. Congrats." He gives them a small, weak smile, and excuses himself to the restroom. Heading off toward the restroom, he sneaks up the stairs towards the arcade and disappears in the emergency stairwell. He just stands there, unmoved, unable to speak, or understand emotions.

"D...Daryl? Are you okay?" Her voice pulls him back from the edge of dispair.

"Does he know that's not his kid?"

"Daryl..."

"He at least deserves to know. " Daryl snaps around and his face hurts Beth. His eyes are slightly red, ready to cry, but unallowing.

"I'm sorry... I never wanted to hurt you...it's just, huh, he cares about me a lot." That hurts him. He was starting to care about her too, but there's no point in telling her that.

"Jus' go. Careful who you hurt...Rick already had one unfaithful wife...he doesn't deserve another one." Daryl walks passed her, leaving her in the stairwell and goes back to the oarty. He stays low and ends up drinking a few beers in the bar before leaving. He drives home, not caring if he lives or dies. All he wants is the pain in his chest to stop. He doesn't know how he felt about Beth, but he wishes he never felt that way. It sets him up to avoid closeness to anyone. It sets him up to go back to being a hermit. All because one woman took his heart and soul and sold it to the highest bidder.