A/N: I own NOTHING Walking Dead. If I did, I would send the entire cast to each and every one of your homes and have them give you all big, wet, sloppy kisses as gratitude for all the lovely reviews/follows/favs/PMs!

Bad-ass Beth doing bad-ass things

Beth hummed her little tune over and over as she finished the last stitch in Carol's book.

Beth acknowledged that sneaking into the library's pressing room to restore a 46-year old book for a friend was not high in the bad-ass department. Still, it was the first time she'd ever done something like this, and it gave her a small sense of excitement.

When she'd restored Glenn's books in the past, she hadn't given them the full treatment. They all knew that sooner or later Muck or Chuck would tear through them again and Aunty Bethy would have to come to the rescue.

This book was different however. It meant something special to Carol, so it should be treated as such. Beth wanted to make sure Carol's book was as close to flawless as she could make it. Seeing as how Patricia was gone, and no one else in the department would give her a second glance, Beth figured this was as good a time as any to finish it.

Carol said we could celebrate. Two bad ass chicks celebrating…over a book.

Beth laughed as she pictured them in some loud club, music thumping, dancing with the yellow book between them.

Maybe I should suggest to Carol that she bring Daryl?

Beth let that thought linger as she stood in front of the book binder, placing the now sewn cover on the heated plate. After all, Daryl did spend a lot of time reading from his textbook, so wouldn't he want to celebrate the rebirth of an old one?

"Or I could just spend a nice time with Carol" she argued to herself as she slowly brought the level down and gently pressed the new plastic binding onto the cover. Despite herself, she couldn't stop hoping that their celebration might come to include a handsome ecologist professor.

Bad ass Beth thinking bad ass-thoughts

A few hours later Beth was staring at the perfectly restored DSM-2 in her hands. Beth was so proud of her work, she did a little cheer in her office. The sound of a stack of order- forms falling off her desk brought her back to reality and back to librarian-mode. Still, Beth was happy with the final product, and was eager to let Carol know.

After she retrieved the papers, she turned on the computer and logged on to her email. They'd never exchanged phone numbers, choosing to communicate via email instead. Beth preferred it that way anyway, considering she was always on her computer looking up one thing or another for the library. An added benefit to their email exchanges were the links she would send Beth about authors and other storytellers from across the world. Both women bonded over their shared love of literature, and Carol was a pool of knowledge when it came to that subject.

"Carol, you're favorite (diagnosed) neurotic has finished restoring your Mental Disorders book" Beth spoke out loud as she typed. "It looks better than it did in 1968, I'm sure. I'll bring it to lunch tomorrow!" With a quick click, Beth sent the message and leaned back in her chair.

Another job well done.

Beth placed her hand on the book and softly stroked the front page.

Good work Greene, good work

Beth didn't know what was stranger, the fact that Carol hadn't responded to her email, or that neither her nor Daryl were at the theater for lunch the following day. It wasn't the first time Beth had been left alone during lunch, but for whatever reason their absence just didn't seem right.

She put her gloved hands to her face and let out a slow breath.

Well this is just disappointing

Beth was eager to see the look on her friend's face when she gave her the book. She'd just have to wait until the next day.

When Carol didn't show up again, she started to worry.

"Hey Carol. I haven't seen or heard from you in a couple of days. I have your book, let me know if you'd like me to stop by your class and drop it off. I hope all is well."

Beth turned to look at the small stack Patricia had placed on her desk earlier that day. One of the librarians was retiring, so rather than hire a new person, Beth would be absorbing her responsibilities. Beth picked up the small manual and let out a sigh. She turned back to her computer.

"P.S. Patricia wants me to take over the responsibility of proofing the undergraduate's thesis. She says I have to learn how to format papers according to APA format. Since the 'p' stands for 'psychology' I was hoping to get your help, lunch buddy!"

Beth didn't really need Carol's help, but she hoped reaching out to her would encourage a faster response.

I hope, I hope, I hope…

Another week had come and gone and still no trace of either Carol or Daryl. Beth didn't know anyone from either the science or psychology department, and all of her friends had graduated years ago. She wasn't sure who she could ask to find out if her friend was okay.

Maybe they're on vacation together. Beth closed her eyes and tried to remember if Carol had ever mentioned an upcoming trip.

Hadn't Carol said it'd been years since she'd had a break?

That was probably it. Yep, Beth was certain that was the case.

This is as good time as any to take a little break. Right in the middle of the semester, around when midterms were taking place and students and professors were frantic trying to get things done before the Thanksgiving break…

Beth knew that was highly unlikely, but what else did she have to go by? She was sure she would see her Carol in a few days, probably tanned and relaxed, excited to share her adventures.

Some times when adults don't wanna be adults, they go to a magical place called denial…

Thursday morning Beth arrived a half hour late, having slept through her alarm clock. She was expecting Patricia to be standing at the desk staring her down as she walked in, but she hadn't.

That's odd.

One of Patricia's favorite past times was catching staff trying to sneak in.

Beth walked into her office and turned on her computer. As she waited for it to fully warm up she reached for the files in her box to review all the new orders that had arrived.

Tara walked in just as Beth let out a set of expletives "Morning sunshine," she laughed as Beth looked up at her with a scowl "Aren't you chipper this morning? I'm going to go sneak off and get the biggest coffee I can find. Wanna come?"

Beth inhaled deep, and closed her eyes.

Yes, I really do

"I can't, I just walked in, and Patricia would be so teed if I left right now." Beth shook her computer mouse, hoping the movement would speed up the monitor. The department really needed an upgrade.

"Patricia's been in with the Dean and some other people all morning, I doubt she'll notice if you're gone."

Beth pondered that for a second. "Well, that explains why I was denied my morning treat of Patricia Eyes."

Tara grinned and gestured for Beth to follow her.

"Nah, I'm good, thanks Tara. I should probably get a jump on things."

"Okay, baby-girl. I'll come bug ya later." Tara walked out as Beth laughed.

Both women liked to joke about their age differences when compared to the other librarians. Beth was "baby-girl" because she was 28, whereas Tara was "old-fogie" because she was 31. The next oldest would be Olga, 56.

Beth took out her cell phone and realized she had missed a call from her father. Silly man, he knew Beth barely looked at her phone first thing in the morning.

She made a mental note to call him back during lunch as she opened her email.

Beth stretched her arms above her head and let out a large sigh. How can you be tired, you literally just woke up. Beth glimpsed at her computer screen, and felt the blood drain from her body.

From an outsider's perspective, Beth's inbox wouldn't look suspect at the least. The fact that the Dean of the university had sent out an email from his personal account wouldn't raise an eyebrow. But Beth knew that wasn't the norm.

The other detail was the simplicity of the heading. Nothing special or unique, it simply read "Professor Carol Peletier."

Beth stared at the screen for a moment, not wanting to open the email just yet. She felt a large knot form in her throat, and felt tears pooling in her eyes.

Oh Lord, please. Please, no

Beth pushed her chair back and turned away from the screen. She reached behind her to pick up a picture of her nephews; the same one Carol had admired a couple of months back. She closed her eyes, and made herself turn back to the screen. With shaking hands, she reached for the mouse, clicked on the email, and read the Dean's message.

Less than an hour later, Beth was walking towards Maggie's front porch. She hadn't had the chance to knock when Glenn opened the door, rushing to get to work.

Glenn stopped immediately as he processed what was in front of him. Within seconds he was calling for Maggie.

"She's gone" Beth sobbed as her sister came out.

Putting her own hands to her face, Beth continued.

"Carol's gone. She passed away last night. Maggie…" her sister pulled Beth into her arms.

"Maggie, Carol's gone."

A/N: I hope I didn't upset anyone. This is part of the story I'm trying to tell and I promise things wont be grim for long. This is suppose to be a sweet love story after all. Hope you all trust me!

This chapter made me sad. Reviews make me happy! Soooo happy!