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

Chapter 21 - Few Days Vacation

The bell rings, signaling the end of the day and the beginning of Thanksgiving break. I bid the kids goodbye as they anxiously grab their supplies and backpacks and race out to the busses. As the last student files out, I clean up my room a little before going to grab my things. I was excited to go back to my parents house for the holiday. As I shut off my computer, I hear a knock on the door.

"Hey." Austin said, stepping in when I smiled at him, "Just wanted to tell you to have a nice break."

"Same to you."

We said a quick goodbye before I scooted out, heading out to the parking lot. I see Noah waiting by the car for me, and when I reach him he smiles at me.

"Are you ready to see mom and dad?" I asked him as we climbed in.

"Yeah. As much as they can make me crazy, I miss them." he said.

"I'm sure they miss you, too."

"I mostly miss mom's green bean casserole, though." he said after a moment, causing both of us to laugh.

When we get home, we both have to finish packing since we're leaving in tomorrow morning. I don't have to pack a lot, just enough for two days. I zip up my small suitcase and head out to the kitchen. Since I don't feel like cooking, I pick up the phone and order pizza for dinner. I hope Daryl is okay with that since I invited him over to eat with us. I'm sure he will be.

I had invited him over because he wasn't coming with us to my parent's house. They had told me to invite him, which I was going to ask them about anyways, but he politely declined. My parent's really wanted to see him again, since the last time they did, we were kids. But, Daryl still said no.

It didn't take long for the pizza to get here, and shortly after it arrived so did Daryl. He knocked on the door and I yelled for him to come in as I was getting plates and cups out. I felt a pair of arms wrap around me from behind and lips on my neck.

I smiled, "Hey."

We both hear Noah coming down the hallway and pull apart when he comes into the kitchen. I dish up pizza for him and hand him a glass of water.

"Hey, Daryl." Noah greets him when I hand him his food. Daryl nods at him before Noah goes back into his room.

Daryl and I take our dinner out to the patio table, both of us cracking open beer that Daryl brought. It's unusually quiet between us as we eat, and I'm hoping it's because Daryl is sad I'll be gone a couple days.

"Are you sure you don't want to come with us?" I ask as we finish eating, "I really want you to."

"Nah, ye need to spend time with yer family." he said, "Besides, I'd just get in the way."

"No you wouldn't." I disagree, "My parents have been practically begging me to bring you along, and they're really disappointed you're not able to."

"It's alright, really. You'll just have somethin' to look forward to when ye get back." he smirked.

I chuckled a little, but I still frowned. I feel a finger coax my chin up and our eyes connect.

"Don't be upset, alrigh'? I don't want this to ruin yer time with yer family."

I grabbed his hand  in mine and squeezed, "I won't. But, I'm still gonna miss you horribly."

"You'll only be gone a couple days, darlin'. I think we'll both survive."

"Hopefully." I sigh.

After chatting for almost an hour...and doing other things, it's time for Daryl to leave. I walk with him out to his truck.

"Don't eat too much." he joked, holding both my hands with his.

I chuckled. "I'll bring you leftovers."

"Ye better." he smiled, bending down to place his lips on mine. He lets go of my hands and grasps my hips, pulling me closer. My hands reach up and caress his face, pulling him even more close, so much that there is hardly a gap between us. We both unwillingly pull apart to catch our breath.

Daryl brushes some hair out of my face, "I'll see ye soon."

"Yeah, see you later." I replied, giving him one last peck before watching him get in his vehicle and drive away.

I sigh and head inside to get some rest for the long car ride in the morning.