Madison Grimes

17

"I've been debating on telling the group. I just don't want to worry them with Sophia being gone and having everyone jump to conclusions about her disappearance. What do you think I should do?" I shake my head, trying to find words to speak but none come out. "Mads."

"If it were me, I'd tell those who I know can take it." He nods. "Daryl, Glenn, Dale, Andrea; they can all take it. Lori, Carol; they can't take it. You could tell everyone at dinner if you want, or when the time's right." He nods and gives me a hug.

"Thank you. I knew I could count on you." I hug him back.

"What else is a little sister for?" I feel him chuckle before pulling away.

"I love you." I smile as he stands, causing me to stand as well.

"I know you do, I'm fabulous." I say as I flip my hair. He just rolls his eyes. "I love you too, Ricky." I hear him groan from his least favorite nickname I've given to him. We start walking back to camp with smiles plastered on our faces.

"So, Belle and Daryl?" I groan as I look around, making sure no one is around.

"I have no idea where that came from. Shane was super pissed when he found out, I just thought it was a joke."

"What'd he do?" His face holds an over protective look. I smile as I shake my head.

"Just got really mad and yelled, same thing he always does when he's mad at anyone." He nods. "He insisted I knew, when I just got back and had no way of knowing." We find our way into the house and see the girls from our group and Hershel's made food and are setting plates out. I look around and see Belle's still gone. I'll bet she's with Daryl still. I walk up to Carol and give her a smile, which she returns.

"Hey."

"Hey." I take three plates of food and head out, getting a few side glances as I go.

"You sure are hungry!" Glenn yells as I walk down the hall, out of site of the others. I hear a few laughs.

"Mighty." I hear him chuckle before I knock on Daryl's door with my foot. There's movement from inside before the door flies open, with Belle at the door.

"Mommy!" She yells, tackling me in a hug.

"Woah!" I exclaim when I almost drop the plates.

"Sorry." I smile at her as she takes her seat beside Daryl. I hand them each a plate before taking a seat in the chair beside his bed.

"What have you guys been doing since I've been gone?" Belle sends Daryl a smirk who grunts to hide his smile. "You think you're getting better at that, don't you?" He rolls his eyes at me.

"We've been having some quality father-daughter bonding time." Belle smiles brightly, causing Daryl to choke on his food. Guess he didn't know either. I smile as I take a bite of my food.

"Yeah, rumor has it that you're her real dad." He looks at me, his jaw practically touching the ground.

"Who started that?" We look to Belle for answers who just shrugs.

"Carl said Daryl cares for me more then Shane, so that means he's my new daddy." I can't help the laugh that erupts from my throat, making me have to put my food down so I can laugh. Daryl laughs- I know- actually laughs.