"The Dahlonega Dead" (Carl Grimes FanFiction)

Episode 42: Where Darkness Lies

                I slowly turned and gasped. The emotion was so great it didn’t even have a name. There was Carl, his usual attire gone, even the hat, and instead, black dressy pants, a white shirt that was unbuttoned at the top two holes and un-tucked which was hidden under a long dinner jacket.

                He was just standing there, unharmed and safe.

                I must have looked, insane. All he did was stare at me. He looked a little nervous, glancing at Vernetta every few seconds, but mostly his eyes were trying to reach out to my heart, which hurt, a lot right now.

                Conroy stepped back and I exhaled and Carl hurried to get me. His tailcoat drifting behind his legs. He sighed and squeezed my ribs to the point I thought they’d crack.

                “You’re ok!” I started to slobber. Next my nose would drip and he’d be walking around with snot on his shoulder but I don’t care. For once, I didn’t care if he cared either.

                “I’m ok. Are you?” His head shifted as if he was trying to look at me, but nooo way was I letting him go. I was hugging him so tight, and only now realized how thin he really is. Under this fine material though, I couldn’t feel his bones, but shirtless, I bet I could.

                Geez. You know what I mean.

                I pulled away and Carl placed both his palms on my cheeks and wiped the tears away. I was so scared my entire body was trembling.

                “Now, sit down.” Vernetta hissed.

                Carl looked at me for permission and I just nodded and we both sat down beside one another.

                “No. Carl, you stay there. Audrey, you sit next to Stark.” Vernetta smiled.

                I grabbed Carl’s hand and then let it go as he watched me walk around the fine china setting and Stark pulled out my chair, grabbed a napkin, and slowly placed it on my lap.

                “That’s better.” Stark whispered in my ears.

                I looked at Carl, hoping this wasn’t upsetting him, but it was. He didn’t even want to look at Stark getting close to me.

                I pushed the prof away and dropped the napkin on the floor after he sat down.

                “You wanted to talk.” I focused on Vernetta.

                She glanced at me, then started to cut some sort of meat. My stomach turned at the thought of what it might be. I looked at my plate and I was served the same stuff.

                I rubbed my hand over my mouth and cringed.

                “You tried to run away.” Vernetta frowned. “Don’t you think that deserves punishment?”

                “Why can’t we leave?” I snapped back.

                “Because, I won’t know where you are.” Vernetta put a string of meat in her mouth and slurped up the juice. For once, Stark put away his book and joined in.

                Carl just looked at his plate and slowly shoved it to the side.

                “That’s ludicrous.” I sat up straight and adjusted my silverware. I was born from a family of quality. It was refreshing to actually have all the proper utensils again.