Bets
"So….,when exactly IS your birthday then? Carol asked curiously.
"Pff, January 6,"Daryl grumbled. "not that I've celebrated it in years. Hell, can't even remember one damn birthdayparty."
Carol nodded in understanding and thought about it. She knew about Daryl's more than rotten childhood, so why ask the whole birthdayquestion anyway. It would have surprised her more if Daryl would have told her instead that his parents got him a football for his 8th birthday or a bike for his 12th.
The group sat around the large table at the outside cooking area of the prison. It was a warm spring evening that lifted everyone's spirits. They had a good run the other day, the haul containing wine, chocolate and other luxurious items. They harvested their first vegetables and one of their sheep gave birth to a lamb.
For some reason Beth had begun to talk about her brother's birthday, which was in summer, and how they would have barbecueparties almost every year. The little memoir inspired others to talk about their own birthday traditions, best –and worst- gifts, parties and dates of course.
"Closest thing to a birthdayparty was when I turned 17, and I got to lent my dad's car keys and took this girl out." Daryl continued.
"Ah, now this is getting interesting, "Carol thought, a sassy grin spreading across her face as she poured Daryl some more wine. "Oh really?"
" Yeah, we went to see a movie. Can't remember which one," Daryl rubbed his chin and stared in the distance re-living the memory "and after that.." he looked a bit shocked when he realized what he was starting to say out loud and stuttered "y- you know we went home."
"Sure you did," Glenn budged in, clearly under the weather, trying not to choke in laughter. Daryl watched Glenn as if he was trying to decide if he would strangle the kid or to just put a bolt through his head.
Carol nudged Daryl softly "Hey, I think it's sweet, not to kiss and tell. Not even after so many years. I like some discretion in a man."
"I rather not," Glenn interfered again " that way we will never find out."
"Find out what?" Daryl insisted with an angry edge in his voice.
"F-find out who will win the bet" Glenn stuttered out, despite being drunk, knowing he went too far.
Daryl stared at Glenn and the people nearby in disbelieve. "A bet? You got to be kidding me. " He turned around to face Carol who now was choking with laughter too.
Daryl fought the urge to just get up and leave. He didn't liked to be the centre of attention, but as he could tell it was all harmless teasing, he stayed and tried to be a good sport laughing along like Carol did.
After a while Glenn really started making a fool at of himself and Maggie dragged him too their cell. One by one the others left, either to go to sleep or to take watch.
Carol got up too and Daryl also decided to call it a night and they headed to the prison.
"Did you know, they had bets set on..you know?" Daryl waved vaguely at the two of them as he asked his question.
"Ah yes, I overheard some of it," Carol said with a smile "doesn't bother me really."
Daryl looked at the woman at his side with a surprised grin on his face "No?"
"No. Just look at the bright side Pookie, with your discretion we could screw around for months without anyone noticing. I already agreed with Michonne I will let her know when we're on and then she will split her winnings with me."
Daryl thought he must have sported a most amusing look of utter disbelieve because Carol cried out in laughter, barely able to stay upright.
"God, sometimes you're so gullible, so naïve Daryl Dixon. Of course not."
More relieved than he was willing to admit Daryl exhaled and they entered the prison in silence.
They said goodnight and when Daryl walked away Carol turned around once more and called after him "I would split the winnings with you too of course."
