Living with the Dead.(twd)

Promises. (139)

MADISON'S POV.
The rest of the evening was peaceful. It was nice to get away. Just me and Judith. We spent the evening sitting next to Luke's grave while I explained to her and Luke what was happening in my life. Judith had fun playing with the stones that decorate Luke's grave.
I know she wasn't really listening and she can't even understand but atleast it was comforting telling somebody. It took a massive weight off my chest.

We stayed there for hours playing together and making daisychains, until it started to get dark and Judiths eyelids started to droop.
"I think it's time to go home Judy." I say collecting my bow and picking her up in my arms where she nestled her head against my shoulder and quickly fell asleep.

I walked home quickly so I could get her to bed, but on my way I caught sight of Ron. He stared staight at me and I made myself keep walking. I walked all the way home without glancing back and when I walked in the door I felt proud of myself until Carl walked around the corner of the sitting room.
"Jesus, thank god you guys are all right." He gasps and wraps his arms around us and I step back in shock.
"Carl, I told you that Judith and I were going on a walk. I left a note." I explain and chuckle nervously.
"I know but, Jenna broke into the house, well into your room actually. She searched it head to toe as if she was looking for something." He tells me. I feel my stomach drop.
"What?" I gasp. I hand Judith over to him and run upstairs to my room.

Everything in my room is either ripped, smashed or knocked over onto the floor.
The most horrible thing is I know exactly what she was looking for.
My secret.
I run over to my bed and my mattress has been flipped over onto the ground. I look desperately on my bed, under the bed and all over the ground but the 'hidden' pregnancy tests are nowhere to be found. My heart seems to have stopped beating and I have to lean against a wall for support before I fall over.

I hear Carl at the door and I look up at him. I slide down the wall and sit on the ground.
Carl sits next to me with no Judith in his arms.
"I put her to bed." He answers my unspoken question. It's creepy how well he can read my mind. Sometimes I think were the same person.
"You okay Mads?" He asks.
How do I even answer that question.
"Yeah." I mumble.
"No you're not. It okay not to be okay Mads." He whispers.
I lean my head against his shoulder and he takes his hat off to place his head on mine.
"Where is she now?" I ask referring to Jenna.
"Dad brought her to Deanna. Jenna could be in some big trouble." He informs me and the thought of that brings some sweet relief.
Carl pulls away but stays sitting and I lift my head to find him looking at me.

He turns to me and unzips my jacket.
"What are you doing?" I panic.
"Shhhh." He whispers.
He pulls off my jacket completely and lightly grabs my arm. He points to the stitches on my arm and my breathing hitches.
"I was drunk that night, but not drunk enough to forget that somebody hurt you. I know it was Jenna. That's why I was so scared and so relieved when you came home because I was terrified that she might have done something to you and Judith." He explains.
"Well, here I am. Alive. Breathing. And so is Judith." I shrug.
"I know you don't believe me because of the whole Enid thing but.... Dad, Michonne, Judith and you are the most important people in my life right now. If something ever happened...."
He looks away and I instinctively hold either side of his face and guide it so he has to look at me.
"Hey. Im right here. I'm not going anywhere and neither are your family." I promise him.
"You are my family Mads."
He holds my hand and it sends an shock wave through my system. I feel my skin tingle under his own.
"I'm so sorry that I wasn't quick enough to protect you that night, but I promise i'll never let anything or anyone hurt you ever again." He promises and bends slightly to place his lips on the stitches.

My breathing stops and doesn't start again until he pulls away and pulls me close to him, throwing a protective arm around my shoulder.
"Carl?"
"Yeah?"
"I've made that promise before and I failed, I broke it. This world that we live in isn't like it used to me. So take it from me, you can't promise someone that, not in this world." I whisper.
"How about this, I promise that i'll try my very hardest to protect you." He whispers in my ear.
I smile slightly. "That could work."
"It's settled then." He amends.
"Mads?"
"Yeah?"
"I......." he stops what he wanted to say and shakes his head.
"I'm just really glad your okay." He mutters and lightly squeezes my hand.
It's quiet for a long while but not awkward.