Everything Changes (Sequel To Daryl's Girl)

Chapter 14

I hadn't realised I'd fallen to sleep until I felt someone move next to me. I looked over and saw it was Daryl. I couldn't be in the same room as him let alone next to him right now, so I moved away. Over come with emotions I walked out onto the porch and sat myself down in the corner.

The street was silent as I looked around. It seemed like no one was around apart from the one person who was up in the tower. I watched as they picked up a rifle and looked around the perimeter before leaving.

I was so focused on the person in the tower that I hadn't even noticed everyone else leave to go to work. I turned my head and watched as everyone walked up the street and went in opposite directions. This was an opportunity for us all to start over. But for me it felt like I was still out there. Scared of living.

After a while Carl came back with Judith in his arms and stood before me. "Are you okay?" He asked.

I nodded slowly. "Yeah."

"No you're not." He replied and came and sat next to me. "We're safe here. You were right and my dad was right to listen."

"Carl, your dad has done so much for us. More than he gives himself credit for. We're all here to remind him of that." I told him.

Carl sat silent for a moment with only Judiths murmurs filling the silence. I hadn't realised how long it'd been since we spoke with each other. "Did Deanna give you a job?"

"No. Not yet." I replied.

"Do you want one?" He asked.

I had to think about my answer for a second as I hadn't really thought about it. "Yeah. I want to show that I can be part of this community."

Carl nodded at my reply. It's a inspiration to see how far he's come since the little boy I met on the highway. He's grown to respect everyone around him and defend for himself. In some ways he's more mature than us adults. I don't know what any of us would do if we lost him.

We spent a long time just sitting and catching up. Reminding ourselves of what we've been through. Carl even bought up the gas station explosion and how he remembers having to carry all the supplies and the gas back to the others. I remember that day being the one I was reunited with my father and Norman.

"Do you miss them?" Carl asked. "Your dad and Norman."

"Everyday. Norman not so much. He snapped. He used to be a kind man but after everything he did. This world changed him. It changed me." I told him, getting lost in thought.

"If it wasn't for you who knows what would've happened to the rest of us. You were there in the prison. You helped rescue Maggie and Glenn from the Governor. You and Carol saved us from Terminus. You helped us find Beth. Maybe you need to give yourself more credit." Carl told me with confidence filling his words.

"Thank you. I'd do anything to help keep you all safe. You're my family." I concluded.

Carl nodded and stood up offering his hand down to me. I took it and stood next to him. We both looked out on the community. Maybe I was being a bit harsh on Daryl. Maybe he wanted a job, the same as me, to fit into the community. To feel a part of something.

I walked off the porch leaving Carl holding Judith. I had to find Daryl and apologise for everything I've said. To apologise for taking out my anger and frustration on him.

As I walked I spotted Deanna, Maggie, Rick and Michonne over by the wall near the gates. I also noticed Sasha walking over to them. Then something I'd said to Carl flashed through my mind. I wanted to keep everyone safe.

I walked over to the others and overheard what Sasha was saying. "Excuse me. I want to volunteer to be one of the lookouts in the clock tower." To my surprise it was similar to what I was going to say.