A Survivor's Diary of the Apocalypse (TWD/Daryl Dixon)

S5Pt15 - Deanna's Party

It's been a couple days since the fight on the streets, but things seemed to calm down. Daryl and I have been keeping to ourselves and were finally able to move into our own house.
We walked up the front steps and stood on the porch. Daryl opened the door for me and I walked inside. It was a nice home on the inside, with a large living room and fully functioning kitchen. Once we toured the bottom floor, we walked up the stairs to the bedrooms. At the end of the hallway was the master bedroom, and it had a king-sized bed, master bathroom, and a closet full of clothes. In the bedroom right across from ours was the nursery. There was a crib against the wall, changing table, dresser, rocking chair, and a kids bed in the corner for when the baby got older.
We put down our bags and I stood at the door of the nursery. Daryl walked up behind me and rubbed my back.
"It's unbelievable." I said. "We actually have our own home."
"I know." Daryl said. "We actually have a bed."
I smiled as Daryl kissed my neck and ear, and I knew what he was hinting at. I turned around and wrapped my arms around his neck.
"We're okay, right?" I asked.
Daryl nodded and caressed my cheek. "Yeah. I'll do anything to protect our family."
I smiled and he kissed my lips. I kissed him back but stopped. I felt a kick in my stomach and groaned.
"You okay?" He asked.
"Mhh." I said and breathed slowly.
Daryl looked at me concerned and I smiled. "I'm okay." I said and patted his shoulder. "I'm used to it kicking me now."
Daryl smiled and held my stomach, and felt him moving. We stood there quietly when we heard a knock on the door.
I sighed and walked down the stairs with Daryl following. I opened the door to see most of the group standing on the porch. Carol was holding a food dish and held it up.
"We brought dinner." She said.
I smiled and invited everyone in. Everyone made themselves comfortable and walked around the house, admiring my home.
"It's beautiful in here." Maggie said. "I can't wait for us to have our own home." She said to Glenn, and he nodded.
Carol prepared plates for all of us and we sat down at the dining table. Dinner was delicious and we spent an hour eating and laughing together.
Daryl then got up, left the table, and walked out to the porch. I finished the last few bites of my food and followed Daryl outside. I saw him smoking a cigarette and leaning against the railing. Once I walked outside, he took one last puff and put out his cigarette. He opened up his arms and I gave him a hug. I rested my head on his chest and he rubbed my back.
"We good?" I heard someone ask.
I turned around and saw Rick looking at us.
"Yeah." Daryl said. "But back off of Kell, alright."
"Of course, but I have something to say." Rick said. "When I lost Lori, that's when I wanted Kelley. But she loved you and never came after me, even when I tried." He said and looked at me. "You're a strong and beautiful woman Kelley." He said and looked back at Daryl. "I'm sorry for trying to get in the way of you two, and she loves you. That much I do know..." Rick finished.
I lowered my head and I felt Daryl wrap his arms around my waist. I sighed and just shook my head.
"I get it." Daryl said. "But, don't try to make any moves on her, or you'll regret it."
"I won't. You have my word." Rick said. "I'm not like Shane."
I looked up at Rick and saw he was serious. I slightly nodded my head and he nodded back. I then saw that he was wearing a new jacket and tilted my head.
"So, you a cop again?" I asked.
Rick shrugged and straightened his jacket. "I'm trying it in for size."
I just nodded and looked inside the house. I saw everyone was finishing up dinner and hanging out in the living room. I sighed and was about to go inside when Carol walked out of the house.
"So we're really staying." Carol said.
Rick nodded and looked back inside at the group. "I think we can all start settling in."
"If we get comfortable here, we let our guard down-" Carol warned.
"We won't become weak." I said. "We've already been through too much Carol."
She nodded and so did Rick.
"We'll make this work." He said. "And if they can't make it, then we'll just take this place."
I thought about it for a second then nodded my head slowly. Daryl did too, and then Carol. Just then, the front door opened and the group walked out.
"Thanks for letting us into your home." Tara said and hugged me.
I laughed and hugged her back. "You're welcome over whenever you want." I joked.
Carl walked up to me and handed me Judith. She smiled when she saw me and I lifted her up.
"Momma." She said.
I smiled at her and rested her on my hip. She was getting so big, already a year old, and I couldn't help but think about when I have another baby just like her.
"Hey baby girl." I said. "Momma will see you tomorrow."
She babbled on and I kissed her forehead. I handed her back to Carl and hugged him.
"See you tomorrow." I said.
He nodded, we all said the rest of our goodbyes, and they walked back to their house. I then hugged Carol goodbye and she left, then I just looked at Rick.
"See you tomorrow morning." I said.
"Goodnight Kelley." Rick said. "Daryl."
They shook hands and Rick left the porch. I went back inside and saw that everyone already cleaned up their messes for me. I smiled and leaned against the table. Daryl walked up behind me and started rubbing my shoulders. I tilted my head forwards and arched my back. I felt so sore, and needed to get some sleep.
"Come on." I said. "Let's go to bed."
We walked up the stairs to our bedroom and Daryl closed the door. I then looked in the closet and found a pair of pajamas. I changed into them, and Daryl took off his shirt and pants. I pulled back the covers of the bed and laid down, and Daryl cuddled behind me. I sighed and closed my eyes, and Daryl tucked my hair behind my ear. In just a matter of seconds, I fell into a much needed deep sleep.