The Fallen (Daryl Dixon fanfiction)

Chapter 22

Everyone gets settled into their assigned residence. She was woken up by Daryl, who informed her that she was having a nightmare.

“Sorry.” She yawns, stretching her limbs. “I was just restin’ my eyes.” She groans. “Where are you goin’?” she inquires, noticing his crossbow on his back.

“Get some air. Maybe some cottontails.” He shrugs. Sitting up and reaching for her boots. 

“Nah.” He sounds as she looks to him shaking his head. “You should have to doc check you out.” He informs. 

“I can assure-” 

“Please.” He cuts her off, sinking her heart in guilt.

“Alright, worrywart.” She sighs, brushing the hair out of his eyes, and places a kiss on his lips.

“Ain’t worried. Just better safe than sorry.” He corrects. 

While talking with Pete, he hands her a pill packet. Heading back up the block to her and Daryl’s home, she passes a group of Alexandria’s housewives.

“Reesie Cup!” a voice calls.

She furrowed her brows.

Carol?

It couldn’t be.

The short-haired woman waves her over, standing among a group of women. Confusion barely explained how she felt. Slipping the packet into her back jeans pocket.

“Carol.” She smiles awkwardly. “Nice sweater.” She points to the embroidered rose pattern. They talk, and Carol and Reese walk back to her home.

“You’re probably buzzing with questions,” she assumes. Reese chuckles. 

“You’re playing the part.” She deduces. “Smart.” She comments, smiling at Carol. “Not sure on letting my guard down just yet either.” She looks around for spying eyes. “Seems too good to be true.” She looks at the children, the houses, the green grass, and the picket fence—the whole American dream is right before her eyes.

“Too, too good to be true.” Carol agrees as the two laugh, heading inside.

She tried to put a fussy Judith to bed with the few stuffed animals she now had, but the infant settled for her bright red Solo cup. Heading downstairs, she sees Carol setting a timer for dinner and washing her hands.

“Get those from Pete?” Carol examines the pill packet she has been holding.

“Just some iron tablets. Been feeling off lately.” She exhales while rolling the red pill along the marble counter. “Said they would help and everything will be as it was.” She mumbles to herself more than anything else.

“Ed always wanted a boy.” Carol begins. “After having Sophia, I couldn’t bear raising another child with him around.” She dries her hands, turning her attention to face Reese. “I was pregnant three times after Sophia. He didn’t have a clue. I’d go to the doctor alone; he never bothered to come with me, and if I asked, they’d give me a red pill like the one you have right there,” the older woman says, glancing at her clenched fist. “I didn’t want to bring a child to suffer the hand of Ed, I couldn’t imagine bringing a child into a world like this.” 

“I just don’t know.” She runs her hands through her hair. “I don’t even know if Daryl wants ki-” she exhales, the words getting stuck in her throat. “You’re not alone.” She looked at the pill in her hand as she stood up and filled a glass of water. Taking a few deep breaths in and out.

~.~

“Watch your step,” she cautions, holding her sons by the hand and hoisting them up the bus steps. Swiping her card, she ventured to the back of the empty bus to join the boys. Roughhousing to get the window seat. A loud snap of her fingers demanded their attention. “Stop it!” she grits through her teeth. “Asses in seats,” she says. The boys drop to their butts.

“Isaiah the first hour, Jude the second,” she instructs, settling the window seat squabble. Pulling Jude to the aisle seat, she took a seat in the middle. Isaiah smiles happily, gazing out of the window. “What did you have for lunch?” she starts.

“Meatwoaf.” Jude grimaces. 

“And baby carrots,” Isaiah adds. 

“You didn’t eat?” she asks the boy, who shakes his head.

“I ate my meatwoaf, mom. “And JuJu’s,” the boy proudly says, referring to his brother’s nickname.

“What did you eat?” 

“A worm,” he shrugs casually.”And grass.” He gives a gummy smile, missing his front teeth. The teachers were relieved that they now had something to distinguish themselves from one another.

“Gross!” Isaiah exclaims.

“Was it good?” Reese wondered aloud.

“It was good.” Jude nods.

“Don’t eat bugs or grass,” she scolds through her laughter. “Or dirt,” she adds, seeing the look on his face. “No dirt,” she emphasizes.

 ~.~

A sad chuckle parts her lips. She drips the pill into the drain, flipping on the garbage disposal. With the roar of chewing blades, she quickly turns it off. Gripping the edge of the sink, she felt the chill on her cheek from the wind meeting her wet cheeks. The embrace of a hand on her shoulder, giving squeezes of reassurance.