All You Leave Behind

by Lynnth2014

Carol's on the run from a mistake in her recent past, but the only place she can go has the man she ran from originally. She had to find somewhere safe for her daughter, and that meant going home, back to her friends and family, back where they would find happiness. But with light, there is always dark, and he was Carol's. He would find them, it was only a matter of time.

1. Run, Boy, Run

Italicized words are in the past.

Disclaimer: I own nothing.

––

Daryl picked up the phone at midnight, rubbing his eyes, wondering who the hell kept calling him. His phone rang all week at the same time, and he was so sick of it. He decided he was going to tell the person to fuck off.

"Do you have any idea what goddamn time it is?!" he shouted. "Go—"

"Daryl?" It was woman's voice on the other line. Her voice was thin and airy, like she'd been running, and she was scared. He could hear the fear in her voice.

He tensed. "Who...?"

"Go! Run!" A man shouted on the other line.

"Oh, God."

"Stop!" It was a different voice.

The dial tone sounded in Daryl's ear, his heart was pounding in his chest, and he was frozen. "Carol?" he shouted. "Carol?!"

The phone never rang again at midnight.

– – –

Daryl looked over the books while Sam and Jonas closed down the shop. He was doing quite well. He'd got the shop from T-dog, who opened another one on the other side of town, and they decided to make it partnership about seven years ago. He was reluctant to do accept back then because of...

He shook his head and close the book. He locked it away and dug out the keys to his car. He waved two the guys before leaving. He had a lot on his mind. Merle was back in town, and he was already trying to get money, but Daryl had to things to do. He couldn't always be there for Merle. He would give him only enough to get back on his feet, and if he blew it on drugs, Daryl was done. He loved his brother, but there was only so much he could take.

He went home, tossing his keys in the ugly ass clay dish someone had made him what felt like a lifetime ago, and he plopped down on the couch. He flipped through the channels, leaving it on a random sports show before passing out. He was so tired. He needed to hire another mechanic. That punk Jimmy kept showing up late, and he was cocky as hell. One of these days, Daryl was going to throw his getho ass out onto the path of a fast moving semi-truck.

––

Carol checked out the windows again, her heart pounding at the rainy scenery, and she took a deep breathe. She was safe. She had to be. She'd been running for six days, sleeping on buses and in dark allies. Well, not her, but her daughter. Carol blacked out from exhaustion, and she ended up here. Her gun was gone, and she had no idea where she was. A hotel, but she didn't know the town or state. God, help them.

Carol looked at her four-year-old daughter. She was so beautiful, but so pale, so skinny. She looked like Carol did at age four, with the same light red hair, pale skin that bloomed freckle when in the sun for too long, and she had the same eyes as her father, which haunted Carol a little. They'd been on the run for a month now, and Carol wasn't going back. She refused. She would never let that life touch her or Sophia again. Whoever took them...she would kick their ass and run. God, she hoped she could run. She hadn't eaten in three days. Any food she had, she gave to Sophia. She couldn't bear to wash her daughter starve. She needed to get her shit sorted.

The door opened, Carol grabbed the chair by the window and almost bashed it into the man that entered, but she heard him shout at her, and she knew that voice. She dropped the chair and hugged him, sobbing out of relief. Her body loosened up, and she felt so weak as her body trembled from the sobbing. It wasn't him! It wasn't him! Thank you, Jesus!

"Mommy?" Sophia was frowning. "Mommy."

"It's okay." Carol released the man and smiled. "This is Mommy's friend, Axel Welsh."

Axel was a friend she met at a gas station. He was going to rob them, but Carol bumped into him and knocked the gun—water gun—out of his pocket and under one of the racks. Carol nearly lost all of the food she'd stolen too, and Axel felt what all she'd taken, and she was so scared he'd rat her out, but he nodded at her to leave. He got the man attention by complaining about the lack of oil choices. He also talked to her on the bus out of town. She knew him from grade school? Maybe high school. She couldn't be sure. It was history anyway, and it didn't need to be brought up. She was sure she was so grateful to him. Sophia ate well that week.

"How did you find us?" Carol breathlessly asked.

He closed the door. "I've been followin' you," he admitted. "Figured you could use a hand."

"Is that chicken?" Sophia asked, looking at the bag, smelling it.

"Yeah. Do you want some?"

"Could she?" Carol asked, like she had never been given anything in her life.

"I bought enough for all of us." He set the bag on the table and unloaded it, Sophia waited politely for her mom to make her plate, and Carol sat down to do so. She was so dizzy, and the pain of hunger was really weighing down on her. "I got chicken, mashed potatoes, gravy, mac and cheese and biscuits."

"Here." Carol handed her biscuit. "Eat slowly or you'll get a stomach ache."

Sophia took it and slowly ate, though she wanted to shove it down her throat and hoped she didn't choke. Carol made them plates, Axel sat across from her, and Sophia sat in a chair, watching cartoons while stuffing her face. Carol was glad Sophia had something to eat that was healthy—mostly. She couldn't remember the last time they had something warm to eat.

"How're you doin'?" Axel whispered, trying not get Sophia's attention.

"Not well." She rubbed her shoulder. "He's still coming after us, and I can only do so much." Tears filled her eyes, and she took a shaky breath in. "Thank you so much for this, Axel."

"You looked like you need it." He smiled a little at her. He knew she didn't remember him from high school, but he remember her. She was the only girl in school that was so hell-bent on going to college that she managed to juggle almost every extracurricular activity. She was so kind and willing to help anyone. He was so sad when he heard about her and her first husband. He was glad she tried again, but he wished this hadn't happened. When she told him about Carol, he knew he had to help.

"So, where are you going?" Carol searched his eyes.

"Back home. My brother's waiting."

"That must be nice." Carol smiled sadly. "I wish I had family to go back to, but..."

He frowned. "Carol, yo—"

"No." She shook her head. "I don't have any family. I'm...an orphan." She was terrible at lying, but she couldn't let Sophia or...him know she had a large family who were probably worried about her. She had to protect them. She'd even lied about her maiden name, but only because she was trying to run from her past at the time. She didn't want it catching up to her. Twenty-fours years of life, and she didn't want her past to catch up to her. She never thought that would happen so soon or...at all.

She ran a hand through her hair. "Sophia, baby, go wash your face for bed," Carol told her once she'd finished eating.

Sophia threw her plate away and stepped into the bathroom, closing the door behind her.

"What do you want in return?" Carol looked at Axel.

"Excuse me?"

"I've been here before, and there's always a price. What do you want?"

"Jesus, Carol!" He was disgusted at the idea of her paying him back with sex. "I'm not that guy!"

"You're not?" She searched his eyes closely. "Do you mean that?"

"Yes, I swear to God. I just want to help."

"Really?" She was so disbelieving. "And you won't try anything...with her?"

"Carol, I would never."

She nodded, overwhelmed with emotions. She needed to change the subject or she was going to start bawling over her chicken. She didn't want Sophia to see her cry any more than she already had. "Can I have my gun back?"

"Gun?" He frowned. "You didn't have a gun."

She panicked. "No? I had a gun. It was 9 mm. I sold my engagement ring for it."

He smirked. "I'm kidding." He set a duffel bag on the table from the floor beside him, pulled the zipper down and showed her it was there. "I figured Sophia shouldn't see it."

"Thanks, jerk."

He smiled. "Let's leave in there. Guns scare the shit outta me."

She nodded and saw Sophia in her nightgown by the bathroom door. "Just get comfy, baby."

Sophia crawled onto the bed then stopped. "I need Dee Dee."

"Who?" Axel's brows furrowed.

"Her bear." Carol grabbed the bear from the bag and climbed into the bed beside her. "Here's Dee Dee."

"Will you stay?" Sophia asked, looking at her mom.

"Always." Carol brushed her hair back and kissed her forehead. "Get under there. Your toes are ice cold." Carol pulled the blankets down and covered them, Sophia snuggled closer to her, and Carol put her arm around Sophia's shoulders.

"I only got one room," Axel told her. "Toss me a pillow. I'm a no stranger to sleepin' on the floor."

Carol picked up a pillow and tossed it to him. "Thank you, Axel."

He nodded, lying on the floor and using his own blanket to cover himself. Carol melted into the bed, feeling Sophia safe in her arms, and she prayed to God they could stay that way for a while. They'd been through so much, and Carol wasn't sure she could take much more. She needed somewhere safe for Sophia to be, but the only place they could go would put them all in danger. She may have to risk if it came to that. Until then, she could try to change her identity, get a job and try and support them. She might have to anyway.

Hello, hello anybody out there? 'Cause I don't hear a sound.

Alone, alone I don't really know where the world is, but I miss it now.

I'm out on the edge and I'm screaming my name like a fool at the top of my lungs.

Sometimes when I close my eyes I pretend I'm all right but it's never enough.

'Cause my echo, echo is the only voice coming back.

My shadow, shadow is the only friend that I have.

She needed to get as far away from that town—that man—as she could. He would be following them, and he was reason Carol didn't want to return to her hometown, to her family. She wasn't putting any of them at risk. He was a powerful man who knew powerful people. She just needed to find a place to lay low, save money and leave. Maybe fly to Canada. Anywhere would be a blessing. She needed a fresh start, and she needed to make sure no one ever found them again.

Listen, listen I will take a whisper if that's all you had to give.

But it isn't, isn't you could come and save me and try to chase it crazy right out of my head.

I'm out on the edge and I'm screaming my name like a fool at the top of my lungs.

Sometimes when I close my eyes I pretend I'm all right but it's never enough.

'Cause my echo, echo is the only voice coming back.

My shadow, shadow is the only friend that I have.

Carol knew of only one other person who would stick their neck out for an old friend. She wasn't sure if she could get her number, but she had to try. She heard her husband was a police officer now, so maybe he could help. She hadn't spoken to Lori since high school, but they were really close and they made a pact to always look out for one another. Carol needed looking out for desperately. If Lori was a woman of her word, Carol and Sophia could be still and safe for a little while.

For the first time in years, Carol felt hopeful. She'd endured so much, made so many mistakes, but if this worked out, she would go back to them and never, ever leave them again. She missed her parents, the sound of her sisters arguing, her annoying but loving older brother always teasing and nagging her, and her aunt and uncle. God, she missed them all so much. She missed being able to hear her dad's voice when he yelled at her or when he was proud of her, and her mother. She missed her mother's hugs and cooking. She missed the scents of Sunday morning breakfasts and the way the farm smelled. She used to hate all the work on the weekends, but what she wouldn't give to hold a hoe again, to grow food and raise animals. She missed the horses the most of all the animals.

Carol fell into a deep slumber at the thoughts of her childhood home. She felt the smile on her lips. She was so at peace for the first time in years, and she slept without waking up in a cold sweat fearing he was near for the first time in months. It was the best gift anyone could've given her. She was so thankful to Axel. She hoped she could repay him for this one day.

––

Daryl flipped through the bills, finding a lot of junk mail, and he tossed it into the trash, keeping on the electric bill. He really needed to check that mailbox more often. He was tempted to hire a housekeeper, but he hated prying eyes. All of the people in this town were nosy, especially that little girl who always seemed to be in his shop. What the hell was her name? Beth? Yep, Beth. She was the most annoying girl. He didn't need her looking out for him. He was grown ass man, and he could take care of himself. He, on occasion, chose not to. Who was she to tell him he shouldn't do that?

Daryl drank two cups of coffee and ate a few donuts before leaving. He found an old friend on his doorstep, and he was tempted to shut the door in his face, but he couldn't. He stepped aside and let him in. "You look like shit. The hell happened to you?"

"Same old." Shawn sat on the couch. "Any news?"

"You got the job," was all Daryl said.

"Yay." Shawn ran a hand through his hair and exhaled deeply. "Man, it's shitty."

"She ain't doin' well?" Daryl sat in the chair. Annette Greene had gotten real sick these past few months, and Shawn was trying to find a good doctor. Hershel was too busy with the bills and trying to pay them to thoroughly look, so Shawn was looking. Maggie and Beth were helping out as best they could, but they didn't know what to do or who could help. Daryl had offered to help, but he wasn't good for it. It ate at him, but he didn't know any doctors. He couldn't be of any help.

"No. We had to take her to the hospital last night." Shawn was so pale, and he had red around his eyes from lack of sleep. He'd lost weight too. Beth could take him.

"I'm sorry."

"Do you really know nothin'?" Shawn looked at him. "She was your goddamn wife!"

Daryl said nothing.

"You were married! You shared a bed, surely secrets too! If she had said anythin', you would know. Tell me, you son of a bitch!" Shawn snapped and grabbed Daryl by the collar of his shirt. "Tell me!"

"You'd best put me down," Daryl hissed.

Shawn blinked several times then set Daryl down. "I—God, I'm sorry." He fell back onto the couch and ran a hand down his face. "I haven't slept in three days, and I got nothin' done. Nothin'. I'm so useless."

"You just needa sleep."

"Do you got anythin'?" Shawn asked.

Daryl narrowed his eyes. "No."

"Do you mean it? 'Cause if you started usin' again, I—"

"I'm clean, asshole. Get your ass home. I got shit to do today." He rose and opened the front door. "I'm real sorry 'bout Annette, but we ain't family or friends, so stop comin' by with your problems. I got my own problems."

Shawn leaned in the doorway. "Losin' all you lost...I get it, but don't push away a friend." He left the house, and Daryl ground his teeth, slamming the door.

He wasn't in the mood for work, so he grabbed a bottle out of the fridge, but no cup. If only Merle were there to have a bottle with him. Jackass was locked up for another two weeks. Daryl tossed the cap into the corner and drank deeply. He wasn't in the mood to be around other people, and he knew if he went to work shitfaced, T would sack him. He couldn't afford to lose that job, so he was staying home and drinking his sorrow away.

She did this to him. He wasn't blaming her—it was her fault. If he had never met her, his life woulda been so much better. His "wife". Tsk. He was married to a vixen, and he should've listened to his brother. Why the hell didn't he? Right, because he "loved" the bitch. Tsk, what a fucking joke.

I don't wanna be without it and I just wanna feel alive and get to see your face again.

I don't wanna be without it and I just wanna feel alive and get to see your face again.

Just my echo, Oh, my shadow, you're my only friend.

And I'm out on the edge and I'm screaming my name like a fool at the top of my lungs.

Sometimes when I close my eyes I pretend I'm all right but it's never enough

'Cause my echo, echo.

Oh my shadow, shadow.

Hello, hello anybody out there...

Daryl picked up the picture frame, glanced at it and threw it hard against the wall. He went upstairs, chugging now.

In the picture that lay on the floor surrounded by glass was the wedding picture of him and Carol Greene on the Greene's farm nearly five years ago.

– – –

Carol was working late at the Greene Leaf. She had to make sure she had enough money for both his gift and paying off her car. She wanted it to be a surprise, and she really hoped her brother hadn't gotten it for him after she told him she was buying that for him. She could see him doing that. He always manages to have a better gift than her. But this? There was no way he could top this unless he bought it first.

Carol sighed at the empty scene before her. She was so tired. She hadn't slept in so long. She needed coffee to wake her up or tea to put her to sleep. If no one entered in five minutes, she was closing. She doubted Maggie or Beth would mind. It was their turn to work anyway. Yeesh. Why was she such a pushover for them? Sisters.

Carol checked her watch and when she looked up, a red velvet cupcake with cream cheese icing was in front of her. She smiled and turned to find Daryl Dixon smirking down at her. She slipped her arms around his neck. "I thought you were working tonight."

"Got off early."

"And the cupcake? I thought Rhee's Bakery was closed already."

"I know people." He took a bite of the cupcake.

"Hey. Give me that." She took it from him and bit into it. Red velvet cupcakes were her favorite cupcake in the world. Since Rhee was their competitor, Maggie, Carol and Beth weren't allow to go inside. Daddy was pretty adamant about that rule. Most people came to Greene's for the cheesecake and brownies that Annette, Jacqui and Carol baked, but Rhee was the cupcake palace. They had so many different types, and they made pizza. Their son, Glenn, delivered it. He was a really nice kid, really smart. He was an senior like Maggie next year. Carol was graduating this month in the class of 2014 with Daryl and her best friends Lori and Andrea.

"Slow down. Last time you ate one real fast, you got sick."

"In my defense, I hadn't eaten all day, and you're the one who thought it was a good idea to give all the teachers laxative-filled cupcakes as a prank."

"Yeah, but I told you twice yours was in my locker."

"That's where I found the one I ate." She narrowed her eyes.

"I had four in my locker, and you grabbed the wrong one."

"Uh-huh." She picked up the keys from behind the counter and locked the doors. "You need to leave."

"Why?"

"Because I haven't finish paying off my car, and it's still at T-dog's shop, so Daddy's picking me up. I have to call him when I'm done." She turned and found him on top of the counter. "And you know how he feels about you."

"What is it this time?" he mocked. "Bad influence? Might get you into drugs? Drinking? A tattoo? Pregnant?"

"Daryl, don't." She went to the back to get the clean supplies.

"I ain't doin' nothin'—it's him." Daryl followed her. "What did I do to him?"

"I don't know." She grabbed the bottle with table written on it and a rag. "He doesn't like Andy either." She closed the door and returned to the front to clean the tables. "Besides, I don't think it's you he doesn't like."

Daryl leaned against the counter. "He don't like Merle?"

Carol didn't look at him. "He did break into the shop—twice—and left a mess. He cost us almost two hundred dollars in supplies, not to mention—"

"I ain't Merle!"

"I know you're not, but he doesn't."

Daryl groaned and dropped his head down on the counter as Carol cleaned the table. Maggie was going to open and she could clean the floors and Beth could wipe down the windows. Carol wasn't that much of a pushover. They both bailed tonight, and they would both clean it thoroughly tomorrow. This was the last time Carol ever covered for them. She had to remember to tell Daddy they were at the library studying. She'd reminded herself several times, but whenever it came time to tell him, she would say something...else.

"Move your head. I need to wipe up the crumbs." She set the bottle and rag on the counter, but he didn't move. "Daryl, please, move your head."

He sighed and straightened up. "What if we got married?"

"What?" She squirted the counter top and began to wipe it down.

"Say we got married, would he still hate me?"

"He doesn't hate you." Carol lifted her eyes to his. "Do you want to know the real reason why Daddy doesn't like you?"

"He's got fake reasons?"

She bit her lip then sighed. "He knows."

"Knows...what?"

"That I hid his Bible." She rolled her eyes, and he looked annoyed. "Daryl, what else would piss him off? He found out last week."

"That's why he hates me?" Daryl exclaimed. "How in the hell is that fair?"

"It's not just that, but it's a main part of it." She returned the cleaning supplies and headed to the office for her bag. "You know how he is. He doesn't want us to ruin our lives with drinking."

"One drink," Daryl corrected. "And you spit it out!"

"When your sister is mad at you for breaking her curling iron, she overdoes the truth to get revenge." Carol opened her bag and pulled out her pants and hoodie.

"Beth?" he assumed.

"Yeah." Carol removed her flats and set them on the desk. "Could you unzip me?" She moved her hair out of the way and he unzipped the back of her dress. "Turn around."

"Ain't like I haven't seen it before," he teased.

"So cute. Turn around."

He turned his back to her and let her change. "Can I just talk to him?"

"What would you say?" She buttoned her jeans and set her dress in the bag after folding it.

"The truth."

"That you took me to a party and let me drink?" She tugged her hoodie down over her camisole and grabbed the boots from behind the desk.

"I didn't take you to a party—you took me."

"Andrea invited us, and it would've been rude to not go. It's not her fault Ryan and Shane brought beer and vodka." She set her flats inside and zipped the bag. "And it's the only party I've ever been invited to that wasn't a birthday party, but if it'll make Daddy like you, I'll tell him tonight."

"And ruin your goody-goody image?" he teased, facing her.

"I'm not a goody-goody, for one thing." She wrapped her arms around his neck. "And for another, could you give me a ride home, please?"

He leaned down and kissed her. "'Course."

She laced her fingers through his, and they left through the back door, locking up on their way out. Daryl took her bag and tossed it into the back of his truck, opening her door for her, and she climbed in, calling her mom to let her know she was on her way home, and Daryl waited until she was done with her call to start his truck.

"Hello?" It was Shawn.

"Hey, is Mom home?"

"Yeah. She's makin' dinner."

"Can I talk to her?"

"I don't know. Can you?"

"Shawn."

"Fine. Mom, it's Carol!"

Carol waited, and her mom took the phone. "Carol?"

"Hey."

"Is everything all right?"

"Yeah, everything's all right. I just wanted to let you know I have ride home, and I'll home soon."

"Who's bringing you?"

"Daryl." Annette sighed. "Mom, it's just a ride home."

"It's not that, honey. Your father's already annoyed with Maggie."

"What happened?"

"I'll tell you when you get home. Please, tell him to drop you off at the end of the drive."

"Mo—"

"Don't fight with me on this, Carol."

"Okay. I'll see you soon. I love you."

"I love you too."

"Bye." Carol hung up and slid her phone into the pocket of her hoodie. "You'll have to drop me off by the mailbox. Dad's mad at Mag."

He nodded.

The drive to Carol's house was very long due to the lack of talking and music. Carol wasn't in the mood to talk now. She was mad at her parents for always disliking Daryl when he did nothing wrong. She was so tired of them putting him in the same slot as Merle. He was nothing like his brother or his father. Carol didn't even want to know Daryl's father's name. They'd never met, but Carol hated him. She didn't know why, but she knew he was a strict son of a bitch. And the way Daryl looked when he got off the bus back in middle school used to break her heart. He was always glad when the bus took the long way home. Carol always wanted to go and knock on the front door and punch him, but she small and couldn't punch. Although Shawn had a baseball bat that he never used, and they had barbwire to spare.

She was so mad at Annette and Hershel and Mr. Dixon. She didn't want to go home, but her dad would only worry and wait up for her. She didn't want to make him worry, because Mom worried then too. They were getting older, and so was Carol. She couldn't act like a child anymore. She was going to be eighteen on the twenty-fifth, and she needed to start acting like it.

Daryl stopped by the mailbox like Carol asked, Carol looked up when the truck stopped and glanced over at him. He was looking out his window, waiting for her to get out of the truck, and Carol didn't want to leave it like this. Daryl wasn't angry, he was just pulling away, and she hated that. She would much rather he be mad than distant. Mad, she could fix. Distant...she just had to endure.

She removed her seat belt, leaned over until she could see his eyes and kissed him. "Good night. I'll see you tomorrow."

He nodded. "Night."

She retrieved her bag from the back and headed down the drive. She saw the house in the distance, and she wondered if Mom was waiting for her. She picked up the pace, thinking the others were probably sitting at the table, drooling, and she didn't want to stand between Shawn and his meat. She'd never seen someone devour as much meat, not even Daryl when he's starving. Shawn was so skinny, but he ate like a horse. If only she was so lucky.

Maggie was waiting on the porch for her, smiling a little. "Hey."

"What?" Carol searched her face.

"Nothin'. Dinner's ready. Beth's not joinin' us tonight." Maggie held the door open.

"Why not?" Carol followed her inside.

"That isn't your business," Hershel told Carol. "Go wash up."

Carol took her bag upstairs and set it beside her bed then washed up, leaving her boots by her bedroom door as she left. She joined her mom, siblings and dad at the table. They said grace as usual, Hershel asked them about their day, and Shawn talked more then Maggie and Carol combined. Beth and Shawn were the talkers, Maggie fell in second and Carol last. She got it from their mother.

"Was there any trouble with the shop?" Hershel asked his oldest daughter.

Carol swallowed a bite of mashed potatoes. "No, just a few loud kids, but nothing I couldn't handle."

"Good." He slice his ham. "You don't have to cover for Maggie again."

"She had an exam," Carol insisted.

"It's okay," Maggie reassured her. "He knows, and I won't do it again. I'll work all week, and I'm cleaning this weekend."

Carol focused hard on her food now. She wondered how he found out about Maggie's plans. Carol didn't fully know them, but she knew they would get her in trouble. Dad was getting better and better at finding our their plan. Carol needed to make sure he didn't find out about her plans for Daryl's graduation gift. Graduation was coming sooner than she liked, and she really wanted it to be special, especially since it was probably one of the last times they'd spend together. After high school, who knows what's going to happen them? It was more depressing than happy.

Carol and Maggie washed the dishes and towel dried them. Carol saw their father lingering, so she went to her room and let Maggie and him talk. She undressed and grabbed her nightshirt. She pulled her hair into a loose ponytail and grabbed the file off her dresser. She hadn't gotten around to telling Daryl she was planning on going to an out-of-state college. Her ACT score was high, and she could go just about anywhere. She would love for Daryl to come, but he didn't want to go to college. He was done with school the first day he entered the elementary school. If it weren't her, Daryl would've dropped out a long time ago.

She opened the first application that was to a nearby college. She wanted to make sure she had a lot of options just in case her first choice failed. She began to chew on the cap as she looked it over. She really didn't want to fill out another application. Every freaking day she filled one out, it seemed. She needed to stop and take a break. She only had a month left in high school, and she really needed to enjoy it. Prom was coming up, but she probably wouldn't go. Prom was more of Beth's thing. Carol's the bookworm, always has been.

She sighed and dropped the pen on the application in front of her, looking out as lightening filled the night sky. She noticed something off in the distance and grabbed the binoculars off her nightstand. She peered through them and saw movement in the dark. She set the binoculars down and opened her window. If Daryl had followed her home, she was going to kill him. Daddy was already agitated by Beth and Maggie. If he caught Daryl up here, he would explode.

Sure enough, that mess of brown hair appeared on the roof. She swore he could climb up a flat wall. He would find a way. How he manages to get the second floor without being seen or heard was beyond her. He was going to get chewed out for this. Daddy will never like him now.

"Daryl Dixon," she hissed softly. "What the hell are you doing?"

"Shhh." He moved out of sight as her door opened, and she turned.

"Daddy." She smiled nervously, closing her window.

"It's late, Carol. Go to bed."

She nodded. "I was working on a college application."

"Five more minutes then, and close your window. It's going to rain. Good night."

"I will. Night," she called as he closed the door. She turned back to the window and opened it, Daryl climbed in just as the rain began, and she shut and locked her window. "Explain yourself." She crossed her arms.

"Ran outta gas," was his explanation.

"Oh."

"Figure I'll catch the ride with Shawn to get gas in the mornin'."

"There's gasoline in the shed," Carol reminded him, moving the folder to let him sit on her bed.

"It's locked, remember?"

"Right." She crossed her legs when she sat down. "Won't Merle worry?"

"Do you know Merle?"

She smirked. "What about your dad?"

"Nobody's gonna miss me tonight." He lied across the bed. "Want company?"

"I would love company," she leaned over and kissed him, "just as long as you're out of here before sunrise."

"Deal." He kicked his boots off. "Nice jammies."

"What?" She looked down and blushed, realizing she only wore a t-shirt that just barely covered her upper thighs. "Shut up."

"School's almost over." He propped himself up on his elbows.

"Yep." She took a pillow and held it to her chest.

"Got any plans?"

"College." She glanced at the file. "I haven't decided where I want to go just yet, but I think I want to be a teacher. I love kids, and I'm good with them. Or a chief. I'm a pretty good cook."

"A teacher?" he snorted.

"What?"

"They're gonna walk all over you. You're a pushover."

"They will not! I'm not!" She kept her voice low. "What about you, huh? You aren't even going to college. What are you gonna do?"

"I'm gonna be a mechanic."

"Why?"

"'Cause I know cars, and I already work with T." He shrugged.

"Well, good. I'm glad you have something to look forward to." She picked up the file and moved it.

"Look forward to? You make it sound fun."

"It could be."

"Well, there was the cheerleader's car wash," he teased.

"You pervert!" She smacked him with the pillow, he laughed and grabbed the pillow, wrestling it away from her. She fought back, and they ended up falling on the floor. For some reason, it was hilarious, and they just started laughing, and Carol buried her face in his chest to try and muffle the sound.

"Shh, your parents are gonna hear us."

She sat up on her knees, and he did. She reached down and brushed hair from his eyes. "I love you, Daryl."

His lips pulled up in a slight smile. "Ditto."

She kissed him.