"So… you and Enid seemed pretty comfortable back there" Michonne said, plopping down on the sofa next to Carl in the RV. Jesus had just suggested they go to the Kingdom to meet King Ezekiel, and while everyone was talking outside a few minutes ago, Michonne couldn't help but notice a change in Carl and Enid's relationship.
"Huh?" Carl said, pretending to be engrossed in the book he was staring at.
"I said you and Enid are getting pretty comfortable. I mean, with the hand holding…" Michonne said, sending a knowing smirk in Carl's direction.
Carl shrugged his shoulders and continued to stare at the book, but Michonne noticed his cheeks turning a distinct shade of pink. "You and dad were holding hands too" Carl pointed out, but Michonne wasn't going to let him turn the tables on her.
"Your dad and I are together" Michonne pointed out. When Carl didn't say anything, Michonne leaned in slightly closer.
"So… are you two… together?" Michonne asked.
Carl continued to pretend to read as his face turned even pinker. Enid was the first girl he'd ever held hands with, she was the first girl he'd ever kissed. When he held her hand he felt invincible and proud to show the world that they cared about each other. But now that Michonne was grilling him about it, all of that confidence seemed to wither away, and he just wanted to crawl into a hole.
Michonne sensed his immediate unease.
"Sorry, I didn't mean to pry. I just… was curious… I didn't know you two were serious like that."
Carl sighed and put his book down, dropping the pretense that he was reading.
"We… we weren't… I mean, something was there but… all of a sudden it just happened, and we both felt it, and… it just felt natural."
Michonne was shocked at how much Carl's description sounded like she and Rick. She definitely knew what it was like to suddenly realize how much you wanted and needed someone. Carl was young but he wasn't stupid, and he knew his own feelings.
"I know it seems sudden…"
"It's cool" Michonne responded, causing Carl's eyes to snap to hers. A small smile spread across his face as he recognized his own words on her lips. "I'm happy for you."
"Thanks" he said with a smile, "Michonne?"
"Yea?" she asked.
"Are you still mad at me for going to the Sanctuary?"
"I wasn't exactly mad when I found out. I was disappointed in the decision you made, and scared for your life. And I hope you don't ever do anything like that again. It was stupid, and wasn't well thought out."
"Yea, I understand. And you're right. And thank you for letting me come to Hilltop to see Maggie and Enid. But do you think… when I get home, I could not be grounded anymore?"
Michonne reached out and patted Carl's hand.
"Oh Carl" she said sweetly, "there is no way in heaven or hell that you are getting out of your punishment. Be grateful you're only being grounded for a month. Take the time to learn from your mistakes." Michonne's voice changed to a deeper, more intimidating tone "Because if you ever pull any foolishness like that again, grounding will be the least of your worries. Understand?"
Carl gulped and nodded his head quickly.
"Good!" Michonne said in her normal voice as she rose to her feet. "I'll go see what's keeping everyone else."