Alone Together - Carl Grimes

Try

     Annalise and Carl spring to their feet, letting the blanket fall to their feet. She ran to the window watching the car pull into Alexandria. " They're back. "  She informed, turning back to see car rubbing the sleep from his eyes. " What time is it? "  He asked through a yawn. " Early morning, I wonder what happened? "  Carl followed her to the window, both watching the van park. 

The two walked out the door, and Annalie saw Glenn, feeling as if a weight had gotten lifted off her shoulder. She heads for the stairs, wanting nothing more than to be in the arms of her dad, but Carl realized something Annalise hadn't.

His hand grabbed her wrist, calling her name to get her attention. Annalise turned around confused. " Wait. "  His voice sounded sad as he looked past her towards the van. Annalise turned back around, trying to figure out what it was he was looking at. " What Carl? "  Annalise says, releasing herself from the grip he had on her wrist. 

" Noah's not there. "  He revealed, knowing who all went on the run. Annalise paused for a moment and counted the people who were standing outside the van. She sees the door still open, assuming the new member of their family had still been inside. Annalise shook her head, not wanting to believe it. " He's probably just- "  She was cut off by the door to the van being slammed shut. 

Her heart dropped and she noticed the way the remaining people were holding themselves together, each looking almost traumatized. The two turn their head as the front door opens, revealing Maggie. " Go back inside the house you two. " She demands,  already having a gut feeling that the run had not gone well. She knew she needed to assess the damage before the teens got any closer.  " But- "  Annalise tries to intercept, just wanting to see Glenn.

" Get inside that house. "  Maggie repeats through clenched teeth, before rushing down the stairs without another word. She feels Carl's hand on her shoulder and relaxes a bit into the touch. " Come on. "  Carl sighs before leading them inside the house. 

It wasn't long before the two fell asleep again, with Annalise desperately trying to ignore the feeling of anxiety that was rushing through her. It wasn't until later in the day when Annalise woke up. She looked around, realizing she was now alone inside the living room, with no sign of Carl. Annalise walks up the stairs, walking towards her own room and hearing the conversation between Glenn and Maggie. 

Annalise stopped at the top of the steps, knowing that they hadn't heard her coming up. " I was holding him, Maggie. " Annalise hears Glenn sniffle from the other side of the wall. " Noah. I had him, then Nicholas. " Glenn paused once the name left his mouth. 

" He left and I- I lost my grip. He told me not to let go and I just couldn't hold on anymore. "  Glenn knew he had already told Maggie what happened but he felt the need to keep explaining himself to anyone who would listen. And Maggie would always listen, no matter who was asking her to. " He looked so scared. I should've tried to save him, but I just watched it happened. "  Annalise shook her head silently, knowing Noah had gotten eaten by walkers.

" None of this is your fault. "  Maggie's southern accent soothes, desperately trying to calm down her shaken up husband. " They're gonna take his side, Maggie, I know it. "  Glenn explains knowing the people of Alexandria have known Nicholas for longer. "  You're an honest man Glenn, everyone can see that, even them. I just need you to know that this isn't your fault. " 

Annalise knew she couldn't stand there listening for any longer and walks into the room. Glenn and Maggie look at Annalise as she walks into the room. Neither Glenn nor Maggie were stupid and they knew Annalise was a big girl, both being aware she heard everything she said.