Last One Standing ~ TWD Daryl Dixon

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Jo

When we got back to the house Daryl parked the bike and waited for me to climb off. Holly was waiting on the porch tapping her foot impatiently, her eyes narrowed as she studied me, still sitting with my arms wrapped around Daryl's waist. I let out a sigh and pressed my cheek against his shoulder, pinching my eyes shut. 

"Ya okay back there?" Daryl asked in a teasing voice. 

"Yeah," I grumbled under my breath. "I just forgot to turn in my homework because I went out for a ride on my boyfriend's motorcycle," I finished dramatically.  

Daryl's body shook with silent laughter. "We go'in steady now?" he asked glancing over his shoulder at me, his eyes gleaming with laughter. 

"Stop," I snapped, though I couldn't help the smile that tugged at my lips despite my frustration. I had completely forgotten about Holly. It had been so long since I had to worry about a deadline of any kind. Before the turn I would have never missed turning something in on time. It was such a startling change I didn't know what to think. It made me feel strange and slightly off, like I didn't recognize myself. "I need to go talk to her," I said seriously. 

Daryl nodded. 

I climbed off the bike and glanced back at him frowning. "When are you leaving?" I didn't care about Holly or my outline for a lecture for the older kids. I was not going to miss saying good bye to Daryl for them. 

"I gotta get some stuff together," he said. 

I nodded. "Don't go without saying goodbye," I said seriously. 

"Wouldn't dream of it." 

I nodded, staring hard into his face for a full minute before I sucked in a breath and turned, to head up the walk towards Holly. Her arms were crossed over her chest and her eyes were narrowed as she watched me approach. She looked me up and down, taking in my leather jacket and road worn boots. Her face pinched in a sour expression. 

When I was close enough for her to speak she let out a disgusted scoff. "I realize you're new here, but when I said I wanted that outline this morning, I meant before noon." 

I forced my face to remain in an open, pleasant mask. "I'm so sorry Holly," I said. "I lost track of time," I said. 

Her eyes traveled from my boots, to my leather jacket to my windswept hair. Then she looked over my shoulder to where I was sure Daryl was still sitting on his bike. "I didn't realize you had such important things to do today, or I wouldn't have burdened you with such a complex undertaking." 

I ground my teeth, and resisted the urge to say something nasty back to this woman. "No burden, please, come in. I have the notebook just inside." 

Holly followed me inside. Carol was in the kitchen, cooking. Her gaze traveled over me and she narrowed her eyes at me and my leather jacket. I shot her a quick, guilty look and then schooled my expression in one acceptable for Holly's presence. 

"Carol," I said politely. "Have you met Holly? She is in charge of the education program here." 

Carol flashed her a welcoming, enthusiastic smile. "I haven't," she held her hand out. "Holly, it is such a pleasure to meet you. Wow, I so admire what you do here. Education of our children is so important. Especially now. Can I get you coffee?" Carol asked, motioning to the coffee pot sitting on the counter.