Perilous~ Carl Grimes

Chapter 16

Ron and I broke away from one another after a few seconds, both of completely speechless. He slowly got off of me, so I could sit up. He stood up and offered me his hand. I smiled as I gratefully accepted, and he helped pull me up to my feet. 

"So, I should probably get back." Ron said while placing his hands in his pockets.

"Yeah same here. I told Isaac I'd be back before they all went to the thing tonight." 

At the mention of tonight both Ron and I tensed a little bit unsure of how to react. 

"Kennedy, I wish I could say I was on your side when it comes to Rick. But, you know I can't. This is my family and I know you do not agree but they're still part of my life. I need to be there for them." he admitted looking down at the ground and then back up at me. 

"I get it Ron, but it still is not right." 

He did not respond, instead he just pursed his lips and nodded in an agreeing manner before he started to walk off in the direction of his house. 

I ran my hands through my hair, thinking over everything that just occurred before I started walking back to my house. 

When I walked through the door Addison and Isaac were running around the house getting ready for the events of tonight.  I wanted to be there tonight with everyone, but Addison said it probably was not a place for me. 

"Are you sure I can't come with you?" I begged Addison, but she looked at me and mouthed the word "nope".  "Come on please?" 

"No Kennedy, you are not going end of story." she stated firmly. "Go hang out with Carl or something. I am pretty sure he's watching Judith he'd probably love the company. It would keep his mind off Rick."

"Whatever." I sighed rolling my eyes in aggravation. 

"Whatever." Addison mocked before running up the stairs.

I sat on the couch for the remainder of the time it took my siblings to get ready. When it was time for them to leave they both came over to me and embraced me. 

"Be careful." I told both of them

"You too." Each of them said back to me. We broke apart and they were on there way to the town center to determine the fate of our group. 

I stood in the silence of our home for a few minutes before I started to make my way over to Carl's. I step out into the night and looked over to where the meeting was being held. I could see the glow of the fire hitting off the nearby houses, as well as the distinct crowd that has gathered in front of Deanna and Reg. 

I walked next door and into Rick's house to find Carl holding Judith as they both listened to the music radiating from the music box. 

I leaned up against the wall with my arms crossed as I took in the scene in front of me. There was always a different feeling that arose in me when I saw Carl and Judith together. He loved her with all he had. He would protect her from anything. Seeing him with her made me see the true him. He was soft and genuine, but he was not afraid to show his tough side if he needed too. 

"You just going to stand there and stare." Carl said startling me out of my thoughts. 

"Maybe." I smirked making my way over to stand next to Judith and him. I opened my arms and offered to take her from him. He smiled and handed her over to me. I pushed a few of the little strands of hair away from her eyes and kissed the top of her head. 

"You're good with her." Carl admired from next to me.

"Babies love me." I said back to him in a sarcastic manner.