waiting for the light that never comes »» #wattys2018

26

THE KISS

"What's your name?"

"Karen Lawson."

"How did you end up with Rick's group?"

"I met Carl Grimes while I was on a run. I use to be in a community that was called Woodbury. It was ran by this dick head that called himself the Governor. But he was also my biological father. I could never consider him a father though. I, um, went back on a run the next day and I ended up finding a prison where they were staying."

"Prison?"

"Yeah, they found it, I guess. Anyway, I thought I was going to be on my own for the rest of my life, but that's when I met them. Carl, I ended up falling in love with him. I don't know where I would be without him. He's basically the one who motivates me to keep living."

"Why is that?"

"Because I love him. And I know that if one of us die, the other, they would feel like there's nothing left for them in this world. I lost my sister when all of this happened, I felt like I shouldn't live anymore. I wanted to die. But then I met two people who became my siblings. Maybe not by blood but by spirit."

"Do you like this place?"

"I love it. It has water, electricity, food. Anything a starving group would need. Plus, it's an opportunity. An opportunity to have a better life than what it is outside your walls."

~

"Hey." Karen stood up from her spot on the bed to see Carl in the doorway with Judith.

"Hey. How is she?"

"She's fine. Just fed her." Carl said as Karen nodded and caressed Judith's cheek.

"So, I ran into that girl today."

"Who, Enid?" Carl nodded before Karen slowly took Judith from him. "What about her?"

"She's kind of rude. I don't think she likes me." Karen sat down on the bed before she spoke.

"Well, she's like that because she's never been around girls her age. Maybe she's been around boys for so long that they're becoming a little bit of a pain in the ass for her." Karen suggested as Carl shrugged.

"You're probably right. So, how did it go with the big boss?" Carl asked as Karen bounced Judith on her lap.

"It went well. Deanna just interviewed me and that's it. She also said she wanted to give me a job but she was going to tell me later, along with Rick and Michonne." Karen said as Carl sat next to her.

"Well, whatever job it is, I know you'll do great at it." Karen smiled at Carl before she leaned her head onto his shoulder. "Plus, you're a total badass. I bet you'll get a job where you either have kill walkers or you get to kick someone's ass."

Karen laughed softly before she sighed.

"This is the best we've had in months. I actually like it here." Karen said as Carl nodded; rubbing her back as they stared at nothing but the wall or Judith.

"They're having a party at Deanna's house tonight. A welcome party for us, she wants us to be there." Karen announced to him as she looked up at him. "You want to go?"

Carl thought about for a moment before he nodded.

"Yeah. It will be a great opportunity to get to know people." Karen nodded before she pecked his lips. "I'm going to go change Judith. And put her to sleep."

Carl nodded before Karen walked out of the room, leaving him to stare at her as she left.

~

"Hey, Enid!" Enid laid a comic down as she saw Karen climb into the treehouse. "Hey, Karen."

"You okay?" Karen asked as she watched Enid's nervous form.

"Yeah, I'm f-fine." Karen walked over to Enid and sat down next to her. "You sure you're okay?"

Enid took her gaze to Karen before she looked back at her lap.

"I never told anyone before. But I have these feelings everytime I see a girl." Enid said as Karen knew where she was going with this. "And I don't know if I'm getting sick or if it's...love."

Karen nodded before she placed a hand on Enid's shoulder.

"If there is anything you need me to help you with, just let me know." Enid looked over at Karen. "Anything?"

"Anything."

"Can you teach me how to kiss?" Karen's heart stopped when she heard that question. She didn't know what to do, she couldn't ruin her relationship with Carl, but she doesn't want to ruin the relationship she had with Enid either.

But she didn't exactly say she wanted to kiss kiss.

"Um...sure." Karen then began to teach Enid. Karen told her how to hold the face or what to do with the face. Enid then practiced on Karen and got it right.

Karen then went to teach her how to kiss. Karen slowly leaned in and Enid felt her heart race to beyond her limit. Their lips touched and Enid felt her heart stop. It felt magical and it just let the world fell slient.

Karen pulled away and looked Enid deep in the eye. Enid realized something though. Enid realized that Karen was her first kiss, but Karen wasn't into girls. It kind of disappointed Enid but she knew that she couldn't do that to a friend.

"Wow...even though I'm not into girls, that was...amazing." Karen said as Enid blushed. "Listen, Enid..."

"I know. And I'm not upset. You deserve whoever it is you like. You're pretty, smart, kind. You deserve it all the way. Hopefully someone will come and we'll probably...you know..." Karen nodded before she hugged Enid. Enid hugged back before they pulled away.

"I might know someone who is in girls and is totally your type." Karen said as she guided Enid to the window. "See that girl right there?"

Enid nodded as she saw a really pretty girl with dark brown hair and hints of blonde sitting in the grass with Carl, Judith, Ron, Sam, and Jessie.

"She use to date one of my friends, Beth. But Beth got shot in a hospital back in Atlanta."

"I'm sorry." Enid said with concern as Karen nodded.

"It's fine. Even though I miss her a lot because she was like my sister, but everyone dies. It's just how life is." Karen said as Enid nodded in agreement. "Well, let me introduce you."

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