Carol sat in the Laundry room with her cigarette. She laid against the dryer in the corner just wanting a moment of quiet. An 8-year-old and 6-year-old was about as much fun a root canal. In her mind Daryl didn't help at all. But, she knew that wasn't true. He as an amazing dad especially to Sophia. She just hated that his girlfriend came around a lot. She felt it was confusing to the kids. Sophia asked Andrea who she was yesterday and Andrea said that she was daddy's best friend. So now her little one calls her aunt Andrea. It's driving Carol insane.
"Mommy daddy's home!" Sophia said running through the house. Carol put out her cigarette and walked into the kitchen. She started cutting the chicken and boiling the potatoes.
"Hey, I'm gonna go home now okay?" Maggie said walking into the kitchen. Maggie was a senior in high school and Carol's youngest sister. Though she was more like a daughter to her.
"But, I laid out enough chicken for you. Why don't you stay for dinner and then I'll run you home after?" Carol asked, even though she felt like begging.
Maggie nodded and went into the living room. Carol heard the door open close then open and close again. Carol felt an ache as she knew that Andrea was with him. She started cutting the chicken picturing Andreas face.
"Hey sexy lady!" A raspy voice called walking into the kitchen. Merle was a cool built guy that always made Carol smile.
She put the knife down and ran to him and gave him a big hug. He kissed her cheek and Daryl walked around her and put his lunch box tub into the sink. He washed his hands then started cutting up veggies.
"When did you get into town?" Carol asked with a smile trying to ignore the man chopping carrots like they killed his first born.
"This morning I have been around checkin some sexy ladies out even got one in my bed before noon. She is smokin' long blonde hair and brown eyes. I think I might call her again" Merle responded in the pervy way Merle is.
"Oh yeah? So how long you in town?" Carol asked. She moved and drained the potatoes and started mashing them.
"Until this job ends. Or I get fired, I haven't decided yet." Merle chuckled.
Sam came running in and Sophia followed they hugged on Merle. Carol looked over at Daryl who had calmed down and looked upset She finished mashing the potatoes and took over making the salad. Daryl sat at the table with his head in his hands.
"Hey guys, and yes this includes you Merle, go up and get washed up for dinner. Tell aunt Maggie to do the same." Carol said so she could have a moment alone with Daryl. She started setting the table then sat down next to him and took one of his hands. "What's wrong?" She asked.
"Andrea broke up with me. She said that dating a man with kids is hard. She said that she hates that I live with you and my options are sign away my rights or break up. She gave my 3 days to decide and I told her I'm not leaving my kids the way that my dad left me and Merle." Daryl hung his head.
Carol knelt down and made him look at her. She saw so much sadness. She wrapped her arms around him hugging him tight. He wrapped his arms around her and pulled him onto his knee not breaking the hug. She leaned back to look at him. She smiled and he did too. They heard running feet and knew that this moment was over. Carol couldn't tell why but she was happy Daryl was single again. She smiled softly at the never having to see Andrea part again. She hated that she wanted Daryl to sign away his rights.
After dinner Maggie said her goodbyes to her niece and nephew and o Daryl and Merle. In the car Maggie talked about how she couldn't wait to meet her new teachers it's her senior year and she is so excited. After a couple minutes of silence Maggie asked Carol to pull over.
"Is everything okay?" Carol asked.
"You tell me? What was that hug about? It looked intense." Maggie told her sister.
"It was a comforting hug. Andrea dumped him and I feel bad." Carol said looking at the floor board.
"I don't comfort my friends like that. Not even the 2 that I have had sex with. Do you have feelings for him?" Maggie asked.
"Not at all. Were just friend that hug from time to time, no feelings. And I do not need to know about my 17-year-old sisters sex life." Carol responded to her little sister.
"I don't hug the people I don't have any feelings for like that, nor do I sit on their lap." Maggie glared at her sister.
"It's just a comforting hug and the lap thing was all him." Carol laughed it off.
"Well the last time there was a comforting hug Sam was born 9 months after." Maggie laughed.
Carol drove her home and dropped her off. She thought about what Maggie had said but, didn't take it with a full heart. Maggie always wanted Daryl and Carol together even when they were in high school.
Carol walked into the house as quiet as mouse. She saw the kitchen light on and heard some quiet laughing. Merle was still here and talking to Daryl. Carol tried not to but, she crept over and listened to their conversation.
"So did you ever get into that girl's pants?" Merle asked. Carol rolled her eyes.
"Not once. I don't know it didn't feel right. I would feel dirty about sleeping with her then coming and crawling into bed with Carol" Daryl said honestly. Carol softly smiled.
"Awe baby brother do you have a crush on your baby momma?" Merle asked. Carol softly giggled.
"No. I just I don't know. When I went to do it, it felt wrong so I would stop. I have an obligation to Carol. And my kids." Daryl said harshly. Carol scoffed. She made her way up the steps.
Obligation, that's what he feels towards me nothing more nothing less. I'm a business contract or some sort of ethical dission Carol thought. She grabbed a pillow and a blanket and slept in Sophia's room. Ill deal with this tomorrow she thought.