I need you here with me // Carl Grimes [EDITING]

Twelve - Recovery.

"Kid I need to talk to you."

I let out a frustrated sigh as Merle Dixon sat across from me at the breakfast table. In the days I'd grown to know my biological uncle I'd come to realise how much of a jackass he really was. He was a careless and manipulative man. However, despite his terrible ways I could see pieces of myself within him that I never even knew were there. I was more alike both him and Daryl than I had been my own mother.

"Can't you see I'm trying to eat?" I rolled my eyes

"Put your damn squirrel down, quit staring at your boyfriend over there," he motioned at Carl, "and listen to me instead."

"What?"

"That girl you brought back from the run with you, is it true she tried to kill you?"

"Well, yes... But-"

"Then why the hell is she still here?" He asked, "Ain't no bitch is going to harm my family, I want her gone."

"Please Merle, you don't understand-"

"Understand What?" The angered man yelled, causing everyone in the room to look at us. Thankfully only Carol, Beth and Carl were there.

"She was my best friend before all of this-"

"That doesn't mean shit! Me and you, we're family! That's what matters now!"

"Uncle Merle." I spoke without even realising my own words, "You're not going to hurt her as long as I'm here. Alright? And if you do you'll find yourself on the other side of that gate with those walkers faster than you can say sorry, got it?"

"I don't know why I even fucking try with you people anymore!"

With a stomp of his feet, similar to a toddler having a tantrum, Merle turned on his heel, hit my breakfast to the floor and left the room. As soon as he was out of sight Carol, Beth and Carl all immediately rushed over to me with nothing but looks of worry on their faces.

"Are you okay?" Carol pulled me against her chest in a tight hug, "Did he hurt you sweetie?"

"No I'm fine..." I shook my head, "Just sick of Merle thinking he can tell me what to do."

"Do you want my breakfast? I'm not really hungry and yours is kinda on the floor." Beth offered with a kind smile

"It's okay Beth, I'm not really hungry either."

"Are you sure you're okay L?" Carl pressed a hand to my shoulder

"I'm fine, now you should all quit worrying about me and go back to what you were doing... I gotta go look for someone."

With a purpose in my stride I made my way towards Rick's cell. I had to talk to him about Sophie and despite what she did make sure she was protected within the prison walls. Sure, the girl tried to kill me, but she was still an important part of my past, in fact she was one of the only things I had left of who I was before, so I had to ensure that she would have a future with our group; whatever it took.

"Rick?" I knocked my fist against the iron bars, "Can we talk?"

"Sure Lydia come on, take a seat." He pointed at the desk across from his bed, "What's the problem?"

"It's Sophie, you're letting her stay right?"

"Lyds, I don't know if I can do that, I know she's your friend but-"

"Please Rick, she's just a kid! You wouldn't leave me or Carl out there, so why would you leave her?"

"Look I know Sophie was a good kid before all of this, but she put you and Carl in danger and I don't want to have to risk your lives for hers."