Fire and Ice

Old flame

"Lexi, would you take Luke to the truck?" Daryl said softly, handing his son to Lexi.

Lexi grabbed Luke as Luke clung to her, still staring at the woman.  Walking to the truck, they stood there with Jack and Jane and watched the heated conversation between Daryl and the presumably Sarah.  

"That's my mom?" Luke asked softly

Lexi had no idea what to say to him.  Looking at Jack and Jane, they too were at a loss for words.

"I'm not sure sweetheart" Lexi said trying to be honest. "I'm sure your dad will explain everything to you when he gets a chance.

"Okay" Luke said and then looked at his grandparents "Pappy can I spend the night tonight?"

Jack looked at his grandson a little surprised but nodded

"Sure buddy, just let me clear it with your dad" Jack said quietly but couldn't help worry as he watched his son yell at Sarah furiously.

Watching Daryl storm towards them, they all held their breath as he stood there, staring off into space trying to find the words to tell them what was going on.

"Dad?" Luke asked, staring at him.

"What baby bear?" Daryl said with tortured eyes.

"Can I spend the night with Nanny and Pappy?" Luke asked with big eyes.

"You know what, I think that's a great idea.  You go with Nan and Pap and I'll pick you up tomorrow sometime" Daryl said, taking him from Lexi and hugging Luke close. "I love you buddy"

"I love you too daddy" Luke said quietly "Bye Lexi, see you tomorrow"

"Bye sweetheart, have fun" Lexi said forcing a smile.

Watching Daryl hand Luke to his grandfather, Lexi's heart broke as Daryl looked completely shattered watching his little boy leave.  Getting in the truck next to him, Lexi stole a glance and felt her heart break even more seeing the pain that was clearly on his face.  Riding in silence, Lexi tried to think of something to say but all of her words sounded completely inadequate in her head.  Following him into the house, Lexi jumped as he punched the wall, creating a giant hole.

"I'm sorry" Daryl whispered 

"I know better than to ask if you're okay, I can see you're not but is there anything I can do?" Lexi said softly, wrapping her arms around his waist from behind.

Daryl shook his head and caressed her hands with his as Lexi watched in horror as his shoulders began to shake.  Walking him over to the couch and helping him sit, Lexi pulled his head and put it on her chest and stroked his hair as he completely fell apart.  Hearing sobs lessen, Lexi began rubbing his back and listened as he confessed his deepest fears.

"I always worried about this day, I just knew she would come back but I had hoped he would be a little older and could tell her where to go himself," Daryl said, trying to get his emotions back under control. "I just don't know how to explain this to him, I don't know if he'll want to get to know her or if I can even trust her with him."

"Daryl, I think the first thing you need to do is go see your attorney and talk about your legal options.  She abandoned Luke and I sincerely believe they will tell you that under no circumstances should she be alone with him at this time." Lexi said softly

Daryl nodded his head and continued to listen.

"I think the next thing you need to do is find out what exactly she wants....does she was joint custody?  How long is she staying?  If she's only here for a week or something like that then there's no reason for him to even see her again." Lexi insisted.