The Fallen (Daryl Dixon fanfiction)

Chapter 23

Wiping the mirror clean of steam from her hot shower, the woman staring back at her did not make her grimace anymore. Finally able to keep food down. Her sunken eyes and hollowed cheeks had been filled out, and she could finally see the color of life return to her skin. Pulling on her delicates, shirt, and jeans and going to button them, her hands froze. There was still no sign of a bump.

She didn't know whether to be worried or thankful.

"Most likely due to undernourishment, but up the intake of meals the fetus should be able to catch up." Pete's voice calmed her mind, but that was almost a month ago. She really didn't want another check-up, but she wouldn't be able to forgive herself if something was wrong or if she lost; she couldn't bring herself to finish the thought.

Only visiting Pete when she had to. Something was off about him. He just made her uncomfortable. Her heart jumps out of her chest as her thoughts are interrupted by a knock.

"I'm leavin' out!" Daryl's voice came through the door.

"Kay," she says. Shaking away her nerves and strengthening her shirt. Entering the living room as normally as possible "Could you bring back some squirrel?" she asks. It felt like before. Could you pick up some milk and bread on your way home from work?

"Linguine and apple strudel are no longer good enough for Princess Peach," he snickers as he inspects his arrows, loading the good ones and tossing the bad ones into the trash bin.

"Oh, haha," she laughs sarcastically. "Smartass," she comments. "I'm just in the mood for squirrel stew."

"I'm rubbin' off on ya'." He chuckles as he tightens the laces of his boots. Standing with a sigh, he slung his crossbow over his shoulder. Following him towards the door.

"You wish," she laughs as she follows him to the front door."Be safe." She ties her arms around his neck, locking him into a kiss. Making it longer than she intended, smiling up to her rugged angel.

"Always," he returns nonchalantly, accompanied by a half shrug.

Watching him descend the stairs, taking a hard right to the front gates.

"By the way..." she mumbles to herself. "...I'm pregnant," she whispers. Even saying the words aloud caused a wave of anxiety and uneasiness to pool in the pit of her stomach, and she literally felt sick.

~.~

Taking a trip down to the pantry and bidding good morning to Olivia. Basket in hand. The closest experience she had to grocery shopping again. Looking over the shelves, she noticed that they were stacked high with canned goods.

Jars of pickles, peppers, and peaches.

Tonight. She thought to herself. She'll tell him tonight over a home-cooked meal. Dixon was always more manageable on a full stomach. She loaded her basket with flour, cornmeal, a simple cornbread, and a can of mixed vegetables for the stew.

"Plannin' on feeding an army?" A voice laughs, peeking through the shelves to see Maggie stepping around the corner.

"Yes. And his name is Dixon," she snorts, laughing. "Lucky for my limited cooking skills," she says, holding up a jar of pickled pig's feet. "He's quite easy to please," the two laugh. Catching each other up on what was going on.

"Deanne's having a party tonight. With everyone settled down, you should come," she says.

"We're not her dolls to play house with." Reese shakes her head.

"I know, but..." Maggie pleads. Taking Reese by the arm "...five minutes. You don't even have to talk to everyone."

"Why?"