These Awkward Moments

Chapter 63 The Search

Delilah's POV
The visitors continued on and off throughout the afternoon. Carol encourage me to eat and nap in between. My appetite had not been improved by the enforced bedrest and the worry over Daryl. I found that it was difficult to force myself just to drink fluids. "Delilah, I know it's hard sweetie, but you really haven't eaten anything all day and you've had less than a liter of water all day. Dr. Carson won't be happy if you let yourself get dehydrated."

I nodded and tried not to roll my eyes. "I know Carol. But I just don't feel like I have the space for even a tiny bite of food right now. I will try ta sip more on my water. I promise."

Max opened the front door and walked in. "Hey Maximus! How are your boo-boos healin' up darlin'?"

He crossed the room and hugged me before sitting beside me on the sofa. "I'm good Mama. I heard you got put on time out."

I chuckled and shoved his good arm. "Paybacks for all the times I've used it on my kids I guess. What are you up to today sweetheart?"

Max shrugged his wide shoulders. "I was just gonna come by and talk to you about something I talked over with Da before we got separated."

He told me about the discussion he and Daryl had about his relationship with Magna when they were on the road. "I care for her Mama, I do. I might even love her I guess. We have a good relationship. But it's not what you and Da have. I want that 'being a part of each other' that you two have. I know it's a poor excuse, but I guess I just felt like there aren't a lot of girls my age to choose from. Magna is pretty, funny, smart, and strong. I respect her, and we have a really good physical relationship. But I feel like if I stay with her I'll be settling, ya know? But I guess I sort of gave up for a while, figured I might never find her. And then Da brought up another question. What if I'm in a relationship with Magna and the woman I'm really supposed to be with comes along? It might make things pretty messy for everyone involved."

As he spoke I laid my hand on top of his and squeezed. "Oh Max. You're still so very young darlin'. I know, I know! You're a grown man! But you're a very young grown man. Look how long it took your Da and I ta find each other. It wasn't easy either! I had some pretty horrible relationships before I met Daryl Dixon. And then once I met him, I thought he was never gonna open his eyes and see what was starin' him in his beautiful face. You are so wise to realize how worthwhile it is to wait until you find your person. But whatever else you decide, you need to talk this over with Magna as soon as possible! You owe her that much."

Max nodded. "Yeah, I actually already did. Just this morning. I think she kinda knew it was coming. Things had been a little different for us the past few weeks. I been packing my things up all morning..."

I gasped as my eyes flew to his face. "Does this mean you're thinkin' of movin' back home?" I could hardly contain the question once the thought dawned on me.

Max smiled and nodded. "Yes ma'am. That is, if y'all will have me?"

I threw my arms around him and pulled him into an embrace. "If we'll have you? Of course you're movin' back home! Oh it'll be so nice ta have ya around again! You go ahead and get your belongings and move back into the basement... you'll have it all to yourself down there."

Max made a few trips back and forth to move his things back home, then spent the rest of the afternoon setting his room up the way he wanted it. The afternoon and evening passed with still no word from the search party. After dinner Rick and Michonne stopped by again. "Delilah. We've had some news. We debated on whether or not we should tell you because we didn't want to upset you, but we also understand that not hearing anything at all must be pretty awful too." Michonne started.