Little Dixon (Daryl Dixon)

Secrets

(( Avery's POV ))

I heard Daryl's and Carl's late night talk, and to be honest, it made my heart melt. I just hoped Daryl knew how hard it was to keep a promise these days.

The next time I opened my eyes, bright light was shining in through the windows. The truck was stopped and Daryl wasn't in there. Carl was fast asleep again, leaning on my shoulder.

I carefully got up and laid Carl down on the seat of the truck, trying not to wake him. Then, I made my way over to the rest of the group.

Rick, Daryl, Glenn and Hershel were crowded around the hood of the Cherokee while Maggie and Beth played with Judith in the grass. I walked over to them.

"Where's the rest of the group?" I asked as I approached them.

"Either huntin' or still asleep," Maggie told me. I nodded and sat down on the grass next to her. Judith was pulling up stalks of grass and giggling.

"If we travel today, I'll take her off y'all's hands," I offered.

Beth nodded gratefully, "Thanks. I've been needing some rest."

-

I was sitting by a small lake, playing with a stick in the water. Small fish swam around by the surface, nibbling at my toes. The trees reflected on the surface of the crystal blue lake and the sun was in the middle of the sky. It was really hot, and I was sweating like crazy.

I had taken a walk on my own, exploring the area around the makeshift camp.

I'd been out there, sitting by the beautiful lake, for hours. I didn't tell anyone where I was going, and I knew that would be a big mistake. Daryl was gonna flip his ass when I got back.

Another fish nibbled at my toe, and I flinched a little, making the fish swim away.

For a few moments, I felt as if I was back in Alabama, and that the world hadn't ended. I used to live close to a lake similar to this. I'd always sit by the bank with my shoes off and wiggle my toes in the cool water. Sometimes, my siblings, friends and I would go there and swim. We had a nice little swimming hole that we made ourselves, and the water was crystal clear, just like the water in this lake. It brought back memories, and I could stay out there all day.

In the middle of the lake, I heard a big splash. I looked up to see a huge fish leap out of the water, catching a bug in the air before splashing back into its watery home. The little fish around my toes disappeared into the depths of the lake as the bigger fish splashed again.

I heard a twig snap, and turned to see Carol making her way towards me.

"Everyone was wondering where you disappeared to," She said as she sat down beside me. "Daryl's freaking out."

"Yeah, well he can freak out as much as he likes," I retorted, laughing a bit. "I'm just enjoying some time alone. I need to think."

"You don't mind if I join you, do you?" Carol questioned.

I shook my head, "Not at all."

"It's beautiful out here," Carol admired the lake, her eyes shining.

"It is," I agreed. "I could sit out here all day."

"Well, technically you have!" Carol joked.

I laughed, "It feels as if the world hasn't gone to shit. I haven't seen a single walker all day."

We sat in silence for a while, enjoying the hot, summer day. Carol would glance at me occasionally, as if she were trying to find the right thing to say.

After a while, she spoke.

"How long have you known?"

My heart dropped at the question. I knew she was referring to me being pregnant. I knew Carol wasn't stupid, but I didn't know it was so noticeable.

"I'm a girl, and was a mother," Carol explained, as if she was reading my mind. "It's not too noticeable."

"I've known for a few weeks," I told her quietly. "Hershel's known longer."

"Does Daryl know?"

I shook my head.

"When are you going to tell him?" Carol asked.

I shrugged, "Im not sure..." I admitted. "I'm not sure if he even wants a baby, even before the world ended. Who would?"

"Are you scared of what happened to Lori?" Carol questioned, her eyes full of sympathy.

"Who wouldn't be?" I retorted. "I mean, it's my first damn time. What if I die like Lori did?"

"You wont!" Carol said softly. "You're a strong, healthy young woman. You'll be okay."

I looked down and shrugged. Honestly, I was fucking terrified. It was still 5 or 6 months away, but something could go wrong at any second.

Carol stood up and rubbed my back, "I know you don't have to do what I say, but if I were you, I'd tell Daryl." She said. "He loves you, and he'll be so happy."

She turned around and began to walk away.

"Thanks, Carol," I called after her. Carol held up her hand, signaling that she heard me.

I put my chin on my knees and looked out over the water. My mind was whirling with thoughts of the baby and Daryl.

I knew Carol was right and that I needed to tell Daryl, but I didn't know how.

I stayed by the lake until the sun was beginning to set. As the sky, and water, began to turn a golden orange, I began to make my way back to the makeshift camp. I trekked through the woods, tripping over tree roots and slipping on pine needles. I only encountered one walker, and I quickly took care of it, stabbing it in the skull.

As I walked into the camp, I immediately looked around for Daryl. I saw Carol sitting with Beth and Judith, and caught her eye. She gave me a small smile and I nodded.

I found Daryl talking with his brother by his truck. His eyes were full of fear, but he didn't let it show in front of Merle.

"Daryl-"

"Where the hell have ya been?!" Daryl cut me off, whipping around to face me. Merle's eyes grew wide and he quietly excused himself.

"I had to think... be on my own for a while." I defended.

"And ya didn't tell no one?" Daryl exclaimed. His blue eyes were blazing with anger, all the fear vanished.

"Beth knew," I said, narrowing my eyes. "And Carol came to talk to me. I'm not a baby, Daryl. I can take care of myself."

"Yeah, well I don't wanna loose ya," Daryl snapped. "And ya can't just go around tryin' to get yerself killed!"

"I wanted some damn time alone!" I spat, raising my voice. "What part of that don't you get?!"

"Ya could of least told me." Daryl said. "Instead of runnin' off on yer own. I could've gone with ya."

"If you'd let me finish, I could explain why I needed to go alone." I retorted. Daryl crossed his arms and shifted his weight, leaning against his truck.

"Well, now's yer time."

I sighed and braced myself. He was right. Now was the time. I had to tell him. I just prayed he would understand. That he wouldn't leave me...

"Daryl... I'm pregnant."