Side-by-Side

Chapter 12

The roads were so familiar, that it felt like I was still living here. The stores that I use to go into look untouched. It looks like a movie scene where everything is abandoned and no one bothered to visit anywhere before they vanished.

"Where to Car?" Daryl's voice questioned. I pointed out the way, slightly praying that the house was still there.

Daryl turned the corner and the black gates of what was once my home appeared.

"Wow! This is a big house!" Chase exclaimed. His hands being tossed up into the air.

I smiled as I looked down onto Chase. Daryl slowed down as we neared the gate. I hopped out of the truck and made my way to the mailbox. I took my knife out and gently placed it between the two metals.

Finally prying them open, I took out the key that I hid when I left. I unlocked the gate and ushered everyone in. As the last car was in, I shut the door before running the long driveway up.

When I got to the front door, everyone was standing outside just admiring the house. A small smile was on everyone's face and I took a look around.

"Everything okay?" Dad asked.

"Yeah, just making sure that my father is gone." I said.

"You sure you are okay with this?" Glenn questioned. I nodded my head and walked up to the front door.

I took the spare key from the top of door frame and opened the door. The familiar scent of alcohol and cigarettes filled my nose and I could tell dad smelled it too.

"I should have some air spray in my room that will rid of the smell, and opening these windows will allow some fresh air to come in."

We take a look around with our weapons raised. The house looks cleared and we immediately open the windows. The fresh air has already let out most of the smell. We went outside to retrieve the others.

Chase was brought in by Daryl, and he took a look around. I nodded my head and ushered everyone into the living room.

"Wow, Carly!" Carl exclaimed taking a look around. I chuckled slightly before clearing my throat.

"Everyone, partner up. We are going to be choosing our rooms." I said. Everyone buddied up and we made our way down the halls.

"This room is the largest, it belonged to my parents. It has a king size bed and a dresser. It has a walk in closet as well." I took a look around and everyone was staring at dad.

"Carl?" He asked.

Carl nodded his head but I stopped him.

"I was thinking he may want his own room." I recommended. "He's a teenager after all."

Rick nodded his head as Michonne spoke up.

"If your too scared to sleep alone, I'll share the room." She smiled at him as he nodded his head.

"I'll let you two get settled," I said with a smile. "Come along everyone."

One room, by another they were going. Until, there was two rooms left. One for Maggie and Glenn. One for Daryl, Chase and myself.

Maggie and Glenn chose their room, and I went over to the familiar door. For some reason, this room no one wanted and I guess they can sense that it was my room. After all, there was a 'C' on it. I opened the room and there was everything, still in place.

My bed was pushed to the side of the room, enough space would be there for another bed for Chase. My dresser was in my closet and my sweaters were hanging around it.

Daryl and Chase were walking in as they stopped. "Where's my bed?" Chase asked.

"We have to go get it tomorrow." I sighed, unsure of how this arrangement was going to work tonight.

"Ye can sleep with us tonight. We will get ye yer bed tomorrow." Daryl said as he bounced Chase on his hip. I rose an eyebrow but smiled widely.

I kissed Daryl lightly on the lips while whispering a small thank you. He nodded his head in a loving way and pressed his lips to mine again.

Later that night we were all gathered around the living room. Chase was in between Daryl and I, Judith was on Rick's lap, eating her peas and carrots. Everyone else was just sitting either on a couch, or the floor. I offered everyone on the floor the couch, yet they all refused. They mentioned something about me having it because I gave them the home and it is still my house.

I rolled my eyes at all of them. Despite the fact that this is the place that I grew up in, it didn't feel like home to me. To me, this is a jail that I was never allowed to escape. This place made so many nightmares fly back at me. It was scary. Although, everyone seems to be happy, relaxed, more like the world hasn't gone to shit.

Everyone was laughing, and enjoying themselves while they ate. Tonight, Carol cooked up some squirrel with some vegetables. Carol was a little embarrassed at first when I walked in. She apologized for not asking first but I quieted her down and told her not to apologize. 'Me casa, e tu casa.' Everyone was smiling and laughing.

A few hours later, Chase has fallen asleep on my lap, and my eyes were staring to feel heavy. Daryl had brought Chase to bed and I told him I would be coming up in a bit. I laid on the couch and looked around the living room. Despite the fact that this place brought so many bad memories. I missed it. It was my home after all.

Daryl came down moments later, silently asking me if I was okay. I nodded my head as I stood up. My eyes were burning and my head hurt a little. But I wanted to try and get to bed. Daryl must have noticed my small struggle for he picked me up bridal style and walked into our room.

He placed me on the left side of the bed, and put the blanket over me. He kissed my forehead before crawling into bed himself and threw his arm over Chase and myself. My eyes closed and I was asleep in minutes. The familiar surroundings eased me a little.