Found Book One

Gone

"So, what's the plan for today?" I ask my dad as I walk down the stairs, he shrugs. "We're heading out soon, I'm takin' the bike," he says tossing a water bottle into his bag. "When does Rick think you'll be back?" I ask

"We're just building walls today, lining up cars to lead them in the opposite direction," Daryl says. I watch as he makes a break for the door. 

I furrow my brows, "So you're doing this without saying goodbye to mom and your other kid?" I blurt without thinking.

Daryl stops with his hand on the doorknob, "She's not your mom and that girl isn't your sister. Hell, she ain't even mine, you had a family once and you can't just replace them!" 

I take a step back when he turns to look at me.

"I know I can't replace what we had but that's gone now dad. And we'll never get it back so you should just get over that and go say goodbye to them incase you really don't come back!" I yell not even trying to control my voice although I don't want to wake the people upstairs.

He looks at me like he realizes that I'm not his little girl anymore. "Fine," he grumbles starting up the stairs.

I follow up behind him slowly, I lean against the doorframe of his and Carol's room, "I love you," he whispers kissing her cheek. 

"I'll be out there later, I'm bringing the snacks remember," she says before sitting up.

"I've gotta go," Daryl says holding his arms open, Mika scurries over and cuddles into his soft stomach. He lifts her up, Carol puts on her fuzzy robe before she wraps her arm over my shoulders.

"He'll come back," she whispers. I nod, "I know," I say as we step out onto the front porch. Daryl places Mika down.

"Elaine, keep them safe," he says kissing my red hair, he rubs Mika's cheek.

"You need to listen to your mom and sister. I want you to go to Rosita's class, okay?" he says. Mika nods and wraps her arms around his neck, "Daryl you ready?" Rosita asks from the porch.

"Yeah I am," he says kissing Carol lightly before turning to the Latina woman, "I'll help keep the little chícas safe!" she says blowing kisses to the younger girl.

I step back out into the cooler air to watch as they walk down the quiet road.

Rosita breaks away and a small group of people gathers around Daryl as he walks, all ready with bags and weapons.

Everyone gets into vehicles, and Daryl climbs onto his bike, "I'm gonna go make breakfast," Carol says patting Mika's arm to lead her into the house.

"Elaine!" Rick's voice sounds from the house across from ours.

I pull a sweater over my arms before I jog down the steps only wearing a pair of Carl's boxers and a red tank top. "Aren't you going?" I ask him.

He nods and places a hand on my arm, "I am but no one is gonna be here to watch Judith while we're building the wall today," he mutters.

I smile and cross my arms over my chest, "Did you really think I'd say no to watching that little angel?" I question him, he shrugs and nods lightly, "I'll go over right now," I say. "Where's Carl?" I ask as I take a step towards him. 

"You'll have to find him. Think he's still in the house," Rick says gripping the strap on his bag before walking down to the RV.

I shake my head and take a deep breath just to walk into the house, "Carl," I say when I walk through the door.

Carl rushes down the stairs with his bag and gun in hand. "Did my dad leave?" he asks, I nod, "He went to the RV."

"I'll be back after lunch," he whispers placing his hand on the back of my neck.