2. Never Tear Us Apart

-ginger giant-

"What are you doing?" He asked, walking into the private room, watching her frantically at the desk drawers.

"Was bout to ask the same thing?" Merle quietly announced his presence. 

"Not everyone is as innocent as they seem." She grabbed stuff and moved it around—well, she threw it around.

"What are you looking for?"Carl asked, watching her frantic actions.

"A drink and something to smoke" " she quickly answered

"What's wrong?" He asked, walking over to her carefully.

"I wish people would stop asking me that!" She spoke a little loudly, but not enough for everyone to hear.

She finally found the jackpot.

"Ah!!" She smiled, grabbing a box of hidden cigarettes and another bottle of wine.

"Come on," She told Carl, grabbing his small hand in hers.

"Merle give us a minute?" Carl asked as he nodded, going back to check on Debbie who was already asleep. 

She walked outside before climbing on top of the truck and opening another bottle, Carl following close behind.

"Here," She told him, passing the bottle, unbothered that he was barely 10.

Carl shook his head.

"You know I wanted to be the one to take you out on your 21st when you had your first legal drink." She smiled and lit a cigarette away from her brother.

Carl sighed, holding his hand out.

"Don't tell Dad" She smiled as Carl took a swig.

"Ugh, that is vile" He cringed at the taste, causing a laugh to escape Theo's lips.

"Why do you smoke?" Carl asked after a moment of silence had passed.

"You see these scars?" Theo asked, pointing at her arm, careful on the touchy subject.

Carl nodded. He always noticed them; he hated seeing his sister give into bad habits such as smoking and cutting, but until now, he never understood it.

"When I can, I do this instead, " she admitted, looking down at the tobacco stick before her.

"So why are you smoking now?" Carl asked, concerned, looking at her worried

She took a drag before looking around.

"Do you think Daryl would ever leave me for Carol, not in a relationship way, but just leave with her?" she asked, making eye contact with her brother.

"Not with you back here, he wouldn't?" Carl was confused about where this was all coming from.

"Glenn got in my fucking head; I don't know why he even said it" Theo took a swig of the wine.

"Ugh, you're right. That is vile." She laughed, looking at the label and sticking her tongue out.

She placed it down before looking at Carl.

"You want me to beat the shit out of Glenn?" Carl laughed, half joking, half serious.

"Yeah," Theo smiled, finishing her cigarette. She wanted another, but not with Carl sitting next to her.

"When was the last time you got some sleep?" Carl asked, looking up at Theo.

Theo again had to think. She knew it was weeks, but the bags under her eyes could easily say a month.

"Weeks, buddy" She smiled, rubbing her eyes.

"Get some rest", Carl told her, hugging her tightly.

"I'm alright."