DISCLAIMER: I don't own The Walking Dead, or it's characters. Just mine, Lily. This is my first fic, so constructive criticism is greatly appreciated. Please review as it will let me know that you want to read more. Thanks 3

-April 1985. 32 years BA (before apocalypse)-

I walked down the road with twice as much as I would usually carry. The reason, Daryl. Because his sorry ass decided not to show for class today. I trudged up the walkway to his place and hesitated before I knocked. Inside I could hear Mr. Dixon yelling.

"GET YOUR RAGGEDY ASS OUT OF MY HOUSE YOU UNGRATEFUL PIECE OF SHIT! UNTIL YOU FIND A JOB I DON'T WANNA SEE YOU 'ROUND HERE!"

I backed from the door just in time as Daryl stormed out. He looked me up and down before walking past me towards the road.

"Well? Are ya comin' or not?" He snapped. I nodded quickly and hurried to catch up to his retreating figure. Daryl and I were friends, kind of. We talked, and did homework together. When his dad got really bad he'd come over and stay. And whenever his dad added a new scar, I was there to help patch him up. When his house burned down I snuck him into my treehouse and fed him. And in return, he was there for me when I was bullied, and when my brother died he let me cry on his shoulder.

"What was your dad mad about this time?" I asked, he shrugged in response and instead of answering, he changed the subject.

"Wanna go to the creek?" He asked, I nodded and sighed.

"Sure, but let me drop off my school stuff first. It's heavier today because of your shit." He smiled at my response and grabbed my bag and shouldered it.

"No need, I got ya" he smirked at me as I crinkled my nose at him.

"Fine then, but that means you have to carry it back too." I retorted. He just shrugged again and started walking towards the woods.

When we got to the creek, we sat down on our rock. I say 'our rock' because it's where we usually sat and talked together. It was a big rock, big enough for both of us to lay on it, and tall enough for us to have to climb on top of it. When we got comfortable on our rock, I gestured for my bag. He handed it to me and I opened it and took out my homework. I worked on it for awhile while he laid down and rested. I was halfway through my chemistry when he finally started talking.

"I'm gonna drop out." He said quietly, I looked over at him, his eyes were looking at the canopy of leaves above us. After a few seconds of pondering his statement, I answered back.

"Is it because of Will? because he wants you to get a job?" I asked. He sneered at the mention of his father and answered back angrily.

"No. It's my own choice Lil, he just wants me to get a job because he doesn't want me layin' around." I thought about his answer. I knew he didn't like school, and I knew it was his decision, but I didn't like it. So I sure as hell was gonna let him know.

"What are you gonna do then? Do you have a plan? If you don't finish high school then-"

"Lily, it's ain't your choice! We both know I ain't gonna amount to anythin' so stop actin' so mad!" He had gotten up and was sitting right next to me now. I looked down at my hands and said quietly,

"But I'll miss you." He grabbed my homework and set it aside, then grabbed my hands in his. I looked up at him and he said, calmer this time,

"It's my choice, and it ain't like I'm leavin' or anythin' you just won't see me as often." As he was saying this he cupped my cheek in his hand. New to this gesture I looked into his eyes, searching for an answer to this behavior. His eyes looked back into mine and then it happened, we both leaned forward and when we were just a few inches apart, I backed away.

"Okay." I said, grabbing my homework and putting it back into my bag. I quickly jumped off of the rock and started making my way back home.

"Lil, wait up!" Daryl said as he jumped off and followed after me. I turned to face him as he closed the distance between us.

"I was supposed to carry the bag remember?" He smirked at me as I handed my bag to him. I couldn't help but smile back at him. I punched his muscled shoulder lightly as we started back home. I was going to miss this asshole, even though he said he wouldn't be leaving, I couldn't help but think otherwise.