Farmer's Daughter (Daryl Dixon Love Story)

Chapter 63

Melinda's POV

"Alright. Load up!" Mike shouted. He opened the drivers side door of the pickup truck and slid in. The headlights flashed on, showing a light fog that hung low on the ground. The sun was barely up at this point, but Rick was ready to shove off.

I slid my backpack on my back and threw my crossbow over my shoulder.

"You be good for grandpa okay?" I bent down to Charlie's height to see her nod, a smile was painted on her face.

"I love you momma. Don't let the bad guys get you." I wasn't sure if she was talking about the walkers or the men after us, but both applied in my mind.

"I will. And I'll be back tonight. I promise. Mommy never breaks her promises." I held my pinky out to her. She looks down at my hand and quickly wraps her small finger around mine. I pull her into a bone crushing hug before pulling back to see her shimmering blue eyes.

"You have your fathers eyes." I lightly smile. I tuck a piece of hair behind her ear as I admire my child.

"I know. I have his hair too." She chirps excitedly. My brow furrows.

"No baby, daddy's hair was brown. You have mommy's hair." I brush a small dirt spot off of her cheek. She looks around confused before pointing behind me.

"But look momma. It looks just like mine." My heart drops as I turn to see she's pointing to Daryl. My eyes sting as I try to hold back tears.

Has she forgotten who her father was?

"No baby, that's not your daddy. That's Daryl." I croak. Her face becomes sad before she looks at me again.

"Then where's daddy?" Her eyes puff up and her little lip quivers.

"Melinda lets go!" Mike yells from the truck.

"In a minute." I force over my shoulder. "Can we talk about this when mommy gets back? I've got to go get you some blankets and food. You want me to get you a toy while I'm out?" I try changing the subject so I won't leave her confused and scared. It was just to much for her to take in before I left. It was too much for me to put on her.

She nods her head lightly. I pull her in for another hug, rubbing her back lightly.

"Ye ready?" I hear his low voice behind me.

"Yeah." I wipe the wetness from my face. "Go ahead and go to Maggie honey. I'll be back before you know it." I smile at her. She turns on her heal and runs inside the open door. My smile drops immediately after.

I stand and trot to the truck, trying to avoid all contact. But it didn't work.

"Are you crying?" Mikes voice held little concern, just judgement.

"No." I answer shortly and look out the window. I strap my seatbelt on and wait for the truck to move.

"Mel." Daryl whispers from beside me. His voice brought an unexplained pain.

"Just drop it." I snap. I turn to see regret in his eyes. "Please." I lightly touch his arm. He gives me a small nod before turning back to his window.

"Lets go." Rick pushes. I sigh from my seat, thinking about how I'm going to raise this child on my own.

Her father is gone. The person that was supposed to help me and be by my side forever.

How am I supposed to explain this to her? How do I tell a five year old that her father was torn apart and became one of those things? How do I help her through this pain?