In This Life

Chapter 29 - The Big Reveal

Hey guys! Sorry my updates aren't regular, but I'm just having a hard time trying to fit this story into my summer agenda. Please understand. I hope everyone is excited about Daryl and Andy reuniting! And also, another character was revealed last chapter, and I am so happy to have Merle in my story!

As always, enjoy.

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 I lightly traced my finger tips across Daryl's defined chest, in which he let out a pleased grunt in return. I giggled as he ran a hand down my bare back with his rough hands, then lightly placed a kiss on my forehead. I peaked up just in time to watch Daryl's eyes flutter to a close, and I couldn't help but feel at utter peace. How many times had I thought I lost this man, and how many times had I gotten him back? Was it luck? Or something much stronger? All I knew was, I never wanted to let him slip from my arms again. 

But there was indeed one problem that was keeping my mind from reaching its' ultimate resting point; one tiny factor in this equation of happiness keeping me from feeling one hundred percent safe; Merle. I cared deeply for Merle while I was dating Daryl, no matter how crude and perverse he could be, because I knew how much he meant to Daryl. I knew everything Merle went through in order to keep his baby brother out of harms way. But Merle was the only person who knew the true reason as to why Daryl and I split up in the past, and I was terrified of letting that secret get to Daryl. Could I trust Merle?

I peaked up at Daryl once more, only to see him asleep. I could feel his chest rising and falling underneath me, which somehow soothed me. I unwrapped myself from Daryl's arms and the sleeping bag, then slowly and steadily made my way across the tent and began putting clothes on my exposed body. Once I was dressed in an open flannel, tank top, and blue jeans, accompanied by my rugged and worn boots, I made my way outside the tent, being sure to zip it shut behind me. 

The crisp night air hit me in the face, blowing my matted down hair on my forehead in all directions. I wrapped my arms around my body and sighed as I took in the fresh air and the beautiful sound of trees rustling in the wind. I tip toed past the tents in which my group all slept soundly until I reached the outskirts of our campsite. I peered around to find who was on watch at this hour, but saw no one. Just when I thought all was too quiet, a drunk gurgle came from behind me.

"Heya there, sugar." A husky voice slurred.

I rolled my eyes and turned to see Merle standing close behind me with a bottle of whiskey in his hand and a drunk grin on his face. I had been back with my group for two days or so, but this was the first time I had been with Merle face to face alone. There were so many things I wanted to say to him, to yell at him, anything. But as I stared into his familiar crystal like eyes, everything from that night that I had spent years pushing behind me finally came rushing back in. The light grin on my face dropped to a deep frown as my face contorted with sorrow and my vision grew blurry from tears. Seeing my struggle, Merle dropped his bottle of whiskey and reached out to grasp me just as I fell into his arms. I let out low moans and wails as tears poured down my face and sobs wracked my body. 

"It's okay, baby girl." Merle whispered, trying to soothe me as he ran a hand through my hair. "It's all gon' be okay."

***

It's okay. I told myself as I stared down at the white stick I held in my hand. It's all gonna be okay. But somehow, I knew that wasn't true. I felt like my world had been turned upside down, and I was holding on by a thread for dear life. But that thread was slowly slipping from my hands the longer I stared down at the object in my hand. 

I slowly stood from the toilet and slipped up my pants, never releasing the object from my grasp. I flushed the toilet and turned the sink on cold, then watched as the water poured down the sink. I slowly set the pregnancy test down on the counter then cupped my hands in the sink, allowing cold water to fill them. After washing my face, I looked up into the mirror to study my face. My skin was beautiful and.. glowing. I shook my head, grabbed the test and stormed out of Daryl's tiny bathroom.