Meet Me Under Our Willow (A Daryl Dixon Pre-Apocalypse Love Story)

Chapter 16 - Reputations

Daryl didn't talk about the conversation that he had with his father, but he kept assuring we wouldn't be bothered by him anymore. Hours passed as we sat together under our tree, talking and occasionally kissing. It quickly became nighttime, putting an end to the weekend. After we bid goodnight to each other, we went our separate ways to our own houses. On my short journey back, I think about what Daryl and I really are. But, that's okay, I'm really liking it, and I don't need labels.

I'm going to have to tell Austin that we can't be anything but friends. I wasn't sure where that was going, but it definitely can't go any further now. I'll have to tell him tomorrow during our lunch period, and I'm not looking forward to it.

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The bell rings, dismissing the kids to go to lunch.

"Remember to grab your lunch box if you brought one and have a good recess!" I told them as they got out of their seats. They all chat on their way out the door, and it becomes quiet when the last kid exits.

A couple of minutes later, Austin comes in with his sack lunch. We usually walk to the teacher's lounge together.

"Hey, are you ready?" he asked, walking over to me.

"Yeah, but can I talk to you about something?"

"Is everything okay?" he asked, noticing my change in tone.

"I don't know where this was going," I motioned between us with my hand, "but it can't go any further. I just want to stay friends."

It looked like he frowned slightly, but quickly regained composure, "Sure, I can do that. But may I ask, is there something I did wrong to make you feel this way?"

"No, no of course not." I immediately assured, "It's not you, I actually just rekindled something from the past."

"Is it anyone I know?"

"I doubt it." I said, knowing how secluded the Dixon's were.

"Try me." he challenged, "What's the name?"

"His name is Daryl Dixon." I told him. A weird look crosses his face, and I can't quite pinpoint what it is,  "What is it?"

"Just...be careful. The Dixon's don't have very good reputations around here." he warned.

"I think I can handle Daryl just fine." I chuckled, "But thanks for the tip."

"C'mon, lets go eat lunch." he smiled, escorting me out of my classroom.

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At the end of the day, I give the kids high-fives on their way out of the classroom like I do every day.

"Remember to do your homework." I'll tell them, and "I'll see you tomorrow, have a good day."

After the last student leaves, I retreat to my desk to gather my things. I hear a knock at my door, expecting it just to be Austin telling my goodbye, I'm shocked to look up and see Daryl standing there with a bouquet of orange and red dahlia's.

"Daryl," I gushed, "they're beautiful!"

I went over to him and he handed me to bouquet, the first thing I did was smell them and they were wonderful.

"What's the occasion?" I asked, smiling up at him.

"Just thought I could bring some flowers to my girl, is all." he blushed, smirking.

I bit my lip and smiled, "Well, thank you."

I leaned up and went to kiss his cheek, but he captured my lips with his in a sweet kiss. His arms wrapped around my waist and he pulled away, "Are you busy right now?"

Authors' Note: Sorry it's been so long, guys! And we're also sorry this chapter was short but we hoped you enjoyed it nonetheless. We've been planning on rewriting our other story this one just kind of went off the radar for a while, but we're back!