The Wilting Daisy

[5]

"Carol seems to trust you. Don't make her regret that."
-Rick Grimes in The Wilting Daisy

v.| A New Home

-•-

    I watched a pot of beans bubble over the makeshift fire, silently admiring the bright flames as I listened to the people chattering around me. They had asked me various questions here and there but mainly kept the conversation amongst themselves.

"Where are you from?" a voice to my right inquired, and I knew the question had to be aimed at me.

"Um, Duluth. It's about a day's walk on foot from here. I was actually up in Tennessee visiting with family when all this started, around Greeneville." I replied kindly, turning to see Lori had been the one to ask. She hadn't spoken to me until now, but Rick had made sure I knew everyone's name before he hurried off to speak with a man he called Hershel.

Lori nodded her head slowly and turned to watch the fire as if thinking over how to ask what was probably on everyone's mind.

"How long have you been alone?"

    I swallowed the lump forming in my throat, looking down at my hands as I nervously picked at my nails. "A while," I replied after a brief hesitation, and Lori was quick to change the topic.

    "Rick was a sheriff's deputy up in Cynthiana, Kentucky. He was shot, and in a coma when all this started. We... we thought he was dead, so we packed our things and headed for Atlanta as the broadcasts instructed." she explained, giving me a little more insight into hers and Rick's life.

    "Well, I'm glad things worked out for your family." I started to say, straightening up some. "From what I can tell he's a good man."

    With a nod, Lori's eyes wondered to something behind me, and out of curiosity, I twisted my torso just enough to see for myself. I felt relief wash over me as a smiling Carol walked over to us.

"I'm glad to see you're still in one piece. Dale told me about what happened with you and Andrea. I'm sorry about that." she apologized as she planted herself on the ground, and I gave her a warm smile.

"No need to apologize. I'm a stranger, so I can understand why everyone acted the way they did." My words seemed to relax her, as she nodded her head and returned the smile.

"I've also spoken with Rick, and there's nothing for you to worry about," she added quickly before turning to talk to Lori about dinner plans.

    Deciding that their conversation wasn't for me, I pushed myself up off the ground and made my way over to the RV. I looked at my reflection in the window, grimacing at just how bad I looked.

"So I heard my dad's letting you stay."

    I turned my head to see Carl, the little boy from earlier, leaning against the side of the RV.

    "Seems like it," I replied before pulling my hair back into what I hoped to be a presentable bun. I was never good at this sort of thing, being the tomb boy of the family.

Carl nodded, opening his mouth to say something before his name was called.

"My mom wants me. I'll see you later." With a small smile, he turned and made his way to the fire, where Lori pulled him down into her arms.

I watched the interaction with a small smile, rubbing my stomach as I remembered a time when I'd been expecting myself.

"He's a handful. Thinks he's got it all figured out." Rick chuckled as he stepped into view, tearing me away from my thoughts. I laughed softly, crossing my arms over my chest.

"I'm sure in some ways he does." I playfully defended him, turning my full attention to Rick to see him rubbing over the back of his neck.

"So listen... I talked to Carol and your story checks out, so you're more than welcome to stay with us", he started to say, "And Carol seems to trust you. Don't make her regret that."

"Of course," I said with a quick nod, which seemed to be enough for him as he let out a tired sigh.

"Why don't you go get cleaned up before dinner. Hershel won't mind you using his shower." Rick offered, his voice lighter now that his suspicion had subsided.

I stepped around him, letting out a soft 'thank you' before hurrying to the farmhouse, the prospect of having a real shower too good to pass up.