"The Dahlonega Dead" (Carl Grimes FanFiction)

Episode 23: Never

                “Hahahahaha!” Grant started to keel over at the dinner table in the beautiful night. “She didn’t know?!”

                I stuffed some food into my mouth. Yes. I’m pouting.

                “She went completely stiff!” Carl laughed.

                “I was only saying something nice about you! Don’t have to embarrass me!” I shoved another spoonful of lumpy mashed potatoes into my mouth.

                Carl and Grant were both laughing at me along with Roy and Gabby. Well, pretty much everyone except for Conroy and Stark.

                We were all seated at an outdoor wooden picnic table with torches lighting up the town. My gosh this was nice. The food wasn’t too bad either. At least I know I won’t die now.

                “So, Audrey, I hate to dump this on you now, but you do know we work around here. Right?” Vernetta smiled at me as she sipped her water.

                “Oh. Absolutely. I’m not afraid of hard work.”

                “Well, there are some odd chores here and there. Carl seems like he’d do great helping Conroy with some things.”

                My heart dropped. Carl, hang out with Conroy? Uhhh... “What would…” No. I can’t. I can’t treat him like he’s five. I could almost feel his large blue eyes on me begging me to keep my mouth shut. Last thing I want is Carl mad at me. I’ve seen his bad moods. No thanks.

                “What would I be doing?” I smiled.

                “Cleaning, clearing, growing food, things like that. Carl? Would you be ok helping Conroy with the manly stuff? Hunting, building…things like that?” Vernetta gave him a sweet smile.

                Carl hesitated for a second before nodding.

                Can’t help but feel like something’s up. Like, they’re trying to separate us.

                “So. Why fix a car?” I looked at the Professor. He just eyed me for a second through those glasses and continued eating.

                “Minds like mine need constant stimulation.” He said dryly.

                “I could help.” I smiled again. Carl looked at me, then the professor, then to Grant, then back to their food.

                “I doubt you could do anything useful for me.”

                Oh. It is on.

                After everyone finished, Conroy disappeared, the professor left to his own home, and the rest just enjoyed the night air.

                Carl and I were in our house cleaning up the place.

                “Can you believe him?! ‘I don’t think you could do anything’. Ha! I mock you!” I folded a blanket.

                Carl laughed then started to clean the windows.

                “I’ll make him eat his words. That tall, stupid, glasses freaked moron! I’ve known professors like him. Not pleasant!” I started to move a couch when I caught Carl just staring at me.

                “Wh-What?” I asked.

                “Nothing.” He mumbled. “It’s just…He seems to have made an impression.” He looked away.

                I side glanced. “Yeah. He has.” I went back to moving the couch when I heard Carl let out a sigh. “But, since we’re going to be seeing a lot of each other, might as well try to get along.” I said casually.

                “Yeah.” Carl said quickly. And a bit bitter I might add. He was moving another heavier couch but didn’t have much luck.

                “Here. Let me help.” I started to walk over.

                “I can do it!” He glared at me. I stopped on the rug and tried to brush it off.

                “It’s too heavy. Let me give you a hand.” I took another step.

                Carl grunted, then kicked the crap out of the side of the couch. “Fine.” He walked away and then ran upstairs.

                Overlooking the fact that that was hot as hel*…what’s his problem?

                I slowly went upstairs and saw him reading a book. Can’t believe it. It was Algebra. Ha! I win.

                “You miss your dad?” I asked shyly.

                “Yeah. That’s it. I miss my dad.” He whispered.

                “And…Judith.” I hesitated.

                He let his head fall back. “Yes. And Judith. And Michonne, Daryl, Hershel, Glenn…My mom. I’ve missed them for a while Audrey.” What was that supposed to mean? There was another problem? This guy.

                “I’ll, just leave you alone then.” I turned.

                “No! Audrey. Wait.” His eyes just stared at me. It’s like he was memorizing me so that when I left, he’d still know what I looked like. I honestly felt like, he needed a hug.

                I strolled over, making his head go higher and higher to keep his eyes on me, therefore showing me most of his neck. His beautiful hair long and wild caressing his skin.

                I stayed still for a second, but immediately bent down and hugged him the same time he threw his arms abruptly around me. It was as if I was his now.

                His cheek was pressed near my heart, and his throat was weighing down on my chest. Please. Please God. Don’t let him hear my heart. Don’t let him find out how much I love this. How much I love him.

                Carl inhaled for a brief second then held me tighter. “Don’t ever leave me.” He sighed.

                My whole body was weak.

                “Never.” I replied.

                Never.