"I'm sorry, I didn't have anyone else to pick me up." Daryl was already already apologizing as he got into Carol's car. "Merle ain't answering his phone and ain't got no cash for a cab." He felt like an idiot having to call her for a ride, but it was either that or he walked 10 miles home at night.

The proceedings had taken all afternoon, but his lawyer was able to get him the deal and he'd completely avoided jail. At least he had good news to tell her when he called for a ride. It had been two days since he'd last seen her. Daryl had broke down and cried in her arms. He hadn't told her anything about what had induced the waterworks and she hadn't asked. Carol was very good at respecting his privacy and she offered to listen if he ever needed to talk. Afterwards he was very surprised by the fact that he didn't feel awkward.

But the next day when she offered to come by after work he declined. It wasn't to do with being embarrassed about crying in front of her, but because he was still feeling like shit and he just wanted to sleep. That morning she had to work and by the time she was off they had taken him from the hospital to meet with the lawyers, then judge to discuss his future.

"I'm glad you called me," Carol replied brightly. "Now tell me all about the deal while I drive. Peachtree City, right?" Daryl nodded and she headed out of the parking lot.

"80 hours of community service," he started. Carol nodded, they both expected that. "I have to fully commit to the AA program - give proof of attendance for at least 3 meetings per week. They will do random blood tests and if I have alcohol or drugs in my system more than 3 times in the next 6 months they will revert back to the original sentence."

"It's not gonna be easy," she replied. "But I believe in you. And I'll be there to help you." Carol reached over and found his hand and give it a squeeze. "I fell off the wagon twice in the first 3 months. But you just pick yourself up, talk to your sponsor - get to a meeting as soon as possible and you start over."

Daryl was surprised to hear her admit she'd had two setbacks. He wasn't sure if that made him nervous or gave him hope. If someone as strong as Carol could fall off the wagon twice in 3 months how would he make it 6 months? But at the same time… it reminded him of just how hard he was going to have to work to survive and keep his ass out of jail.

"Did you eat? Do you want me to hit a drive thru on the way?" she asked.

"Nah thanks," Daryl said. "I ain't up to eating much yet." He felt a lot better than the day before, clearly well enough for the hospital to discharge him to attend his hearing. But the idea of eating made his stomach churn.

"Okay, but you gotta start eating soon, promise?" Carol pushed. "Maybe make yourself some chicken soup when you get home." Daryl highly doubted they had chicken soup in his house, but he nodded because she wasn't going to take no for an answer, he knew her well enough to know that.

When they got close to his place he realized why Merle hadn't been answering the phone. "Fuck," Daryl muttered. His driveway was filled with cars and motorcycles and they spilled out and halfway down the block. Clearly Merle was having one hell of a party.

"That's your place having the party isn't it?" Carol asked, stopping the car in the middle of the street.

"I guess my brother invited over a few friends," Daryl sighed. "I can't go in there…" he mumbled. The second he walked through the door someone would put a drink in his hand. There would be drugs and booze everywhere.

"No you most certainly can't," Carol replied sternly. She put the car in park right there in the middle of the street. "I'm so sorry Daryl," she said sadly. She knew how much he was looking forward to going home and getting into his own bed.

"I guess it's a cheap motel," he sighed, hoping his Visa wouldn't be declined. "There's one a couple miles East," Daryl said. He really hadn't thought it through when he was wanting to get home so badly. There was always going to be alcohol and drunk junkies around as long as he lived with Merle. The temptation was going to surround him and eat him alive.

Carol hesitated. "You got enough cash for that?"

"I'll figure it out," he mumbled. There was bound to be one of Merle's junkie buddies hanging around the hotel that he could borrow some cash from.

"Hmm… well if you promise you won't steal my new TV during the night and sell it on Craig's List I know somewhere you can stay for free," Carol said, looking at him.

"I don't want to put you out," Daryl protested. "And I ain't got a clue what Craig's List is."

"Oh please," she rolled her eyes. "I live alone and I have a perfectly comfy couch you can sleep on." Carol laughed, "And how have you never heard of Craig's List? You can sell anything there - like I mean literally anything."

Carol was already doing a three point turn to head back the other direction so Daryl gave up. "Thank you… I'll figure shit out in the morning." He was feeling really hopeless about the whole situation by that point.

"You can't live there anymore, can you? That's what's got you so down," Carol said gently. Daryl didn't have to answer, they both knew. She was quiet for a moment and then spoke again. "Listen, I have an idea to suggest in the morning." She pulled into the drive of a little bungalow. They really didn't live that far apart, maybe 3 to 4 miles tops. "But tonight I think you should just relax, get some rest and stop worrying so much. Today was a good day Daryl, a really good day. And you've been sober almost 5 days now. That's amazing." She smiled at him and patted his knee. "Come on, I'm gonna make you soup and then you can shower and I'll tuck you in."

"Do I smell that bad?" he asked as they climbed out.

Carol laughed and he could feel that warmth inside his chest that he felt every time she did. "You smell like a hospital. Way too antiseptic for my taste."

Daryl chuckled, "Fair enough." He followed Carol inside, wondering why the thought of her tucking him in was so appealing. The shower felt amazing and the soup was delicious, even if he was hesitant to eat it at first. But the best part was when she laid a blanket over him, kissed his forehead and wished him sweet dreams. As he watched her walk away Daryl allowed himself to believe, just for a moment, that everything truly was going to be just fine.