A/N; hello again lovely readers, I'm on free time, so I'm going try write some chapters while I have the time to write before having a break near Christmas, hopefully to get this story half way through, and get beth/rick relationship going, like I know you all want to see. so bare with me, it is not an easy story to write, I love the whole Beth/rick relationship and hopefully you will too, though it won't all be smooth sailing. So here we go lovely readers hope you enjoy. reviews always welcome ox.

Your Love Echoes

Rating; M

Warnings: mild course language, mentions of past abuse, under age drinking, mentions of self harm.

My beta spitfire 47 is helping with editing of chapters

Chapter 10: open your heart.

Beth didn't sleep well that night her head throbbed, as well as her knee and shoulder ached. Early light of dawn shining through her window , memories returned that she didn't want to remember. The bottle of alcohol in her hands, her hands shaking, her lips licked her lips and cradled the bottle like an old friend, just a little won't hurt. Bringing it up to her lips Beth closed her eyes.

xxxx

After having something light to eat, Beth started on some light chores around the farm. Rick walked pass the chickens coop and sees Beth struggling, with bag the made his way over to her, he could see she was shaken up from yesterday Beth was visibly shaking then without warning gasped as she fell to the ground.

There was a hand on her shoulder, Beth jolted at the gentle touch, but turned to see Rick. She smiled gratefully as Rick took hold of the bag and helped her with the amount for the chickens. It was not long later she started throwing the feed and the chicken's gathered around her feet that she noticed Rick was watching her.

''What is it? Why are you looking at me like that?''

Rick smiled gently, ''nothing just wandering how you are holding up? I realised I didn't ask. ''

Beth stopped for a minute again seeing the gentleness and genuine concern for her Beth sighed. ''I'm okay, still a little sore at times but I'm getting better.I never thanked you for helping me, not just for at the well … ''

Rick watched Beth, Rick knew she wasn't just talking about the well or happened at the pharmacy. She seemed comfortable around him and he admitted he liked being around her, biting his lip a little watching the chickens and chicks at Beth feet.

''Of course,'' Rick muttered.

Beth finished up with the feeding and needed to check the generator Beth hesitated for a moment, ''would you help me with the generator? It just needs checking and the others are at the fences.''

Rick nodded letting Beth lead the way he walked with her to the generator. They worked silently Rick handing her tools and the oil, and helping her when needed.

They walked back in a comfortable was with Rick, this was here chance but it wasn't easy as she thought. Beth opened her mouth only to have nothing came out and she quickly closed it again. If Rick noticed he didn't say anything, but it made Beth question, if she ever could trust him. Her feelings were one thing, but she didn't know the feeling of love or falling in love, she never felt it with anyone. But no matter how she felt lover or friend if there was no trust... it would never work would it? How could she open up to him, when she didn't know how she felt or if she could trust him?

Not looking where she was going she tripped, not long after not looking up but she felt, Rick catch her, as the heat of the blush flowed over her face and ears, she hid her face not looking that Rick, not long later Beth noticed now close she was to him, and she was gripping his shirt. Blushing deeper Beth let go backing away, '' sorry…'' Still not looking at Rick she whispered, ''thank you.''

What Rick said next stunned Beth '' I remember you Beth. It took me a while but I realised it was you that day at the hospital. I remember hoping if you were ok, I remember your strength. If you want to talk, at any time, or need help with anything you can come to me. If it is for a friendly ear, or as a friend, I'm here just take your time. I not one to judge, you're not alone Beth.''

Beth looked at Rick and saw it again the concern, the kindness, the desire to help. It wasn't what Beth was used to with Liam and Nathan it was all about the pain and satisfaction. Beth noticed even though she backed away she was still close to Rick.

She placed her hand on Rick's chest, '' thank you…'' Beth whispered again.

Rick nods in return as in understanding, but not before Beth removes her hand looking towards the chicken coop then the house. She pushed away the knots in her stomach, '' I guess I need to get eggs, for dad's breakfast tomorrow then head back. I really shouldn't be out here, but I was sick of being in bed and being fussed over. Want to walk back with me?'' Rick smiled and the two walked back towards the house.

Beth wondered will she ever take Rick up on his offer? But guilt suddenly filled her when she remembered Rick was married and had a son and that was a fact that that was never going to change whether she trusted him or not.

xxxx

Shane was looking for Rick to go over the grid. Some of the flags crossed in the another groups area, rick had one of those flags, not only that he was relying on Daryl more and not him and it didn't sit well with him Rick disappeared from the search more than once it had to be for Carl, Shane got that he did, but Rick had his mind on other things as well he was reckless and it put not only Lori and Carl in danger but the whole group but they all followed rick's lead for now.

Shane felt he should be in charge at least to try and get back some of their weapons. The only problem was the old man seemed to pay more attention to Rick also. But that would soon change he was sure of it. Not just with the old man, but he would have Lori and Carl on and by his side as well if he could time it just right things will go just as he planned.

Shane reached where Glenn was getting ready for the search. Andrea was on Dale's van watching for walkers.

'' Hey have you guys seen Rick I need talk to him.''

Glenn was checking his knife and gun, ''last time I saw Rick he was helping Beth heading towards generator shed''.

Shane head in the direction where Glenn said they were going to be but he only saw the last of it. Beth and Rick were close. Rick held Beth, Beth had her hand resting on Rick's chest not long later noticing and moving it away. Shane shook his head, it could have been nothing. Rick could have been seeing if she was ok. She could (haven fallen and he could just be helping her, it didn't really matter to him, but the way he looked at her did made him wander. But Shane shook his head paying no more attention to them, Shane started to walk away he had better things to do with his time.

xxxx

Glenn had things on his mind too, since he and Maggie went to the pharmacy to get some first aid supplies. When Beth and Carl got hurt they were running out of supplies so the two volunteered to go get some. He might as well admit they slept together, he had the best time and enjoy it and he could tell she did too, but back at the farm she went back to pretending he was invisible like nothing happened.

Beth was in the kitchen when Glenn appeared at the door, he knocked and Beth appeared.

''If you're looking for Maggie she not here. Maggie is helping dad with patching of fences''.

Beth studied Glenn little, ''are you okay?''.

Glenn sighed, ''no, not really.''

Beth opened the door, '' come on in.''

Glenn entered taking a seat and Beth took a seat at the sat in front of Glenn but a little away from him

''You want to know if Maggie likes you?" Beth asked. Glenn looked slightly surprised that the young woman realized his predicament right away.

'She does, but you have to understand, dad is very protective and kept us sheltered . Family is important and is everything to him and we are a very religious family .

Our father has strong beliefs, Maggie likes you Glenn she has told me, but you need to give it time, to give Maggie and dad time. He doesn't adjust well to changes. She will come to you when she is ready. ''

Suddenly the door opened and Maggie, Hershel and Patrica entered.

''What is this Beth?''

Beth stood and moved towards her father she looked at Glenn who ready to raise and leave but Beth stopped him.

''Its' okay dad, I'm fine now. But I was feeling a little faint earlier and Glenn was kind enough to help back to the house. I was just getting him a cool drink to say thank you.''

Hershel studied his daughter for a moment, then his face softened, '' Are you sure you're okay?

Beth nodded then Hershel looked at Glenn,'' thank you for helping Beth.''

Glenn smiled. ''It was no problem really, I was just passing when I saw Beth was struggling with the eggs and I thought I would help her out.''

The eggs in the kitchen were from Rick helping her earlier but her father didn't need to know that.

Glenn smiled and nodded his thanks to Beth. ''I should be going anyway, they're heading out for another search for Sophia today. Now that Rick is strong enough he is going to come too, for a couple of hours as well, we should leave soon if we are going to get some time in before night fall. ''

Glenn nodded to Beth, Hershel and finally Maggie before leaving the house.

xxxx

Rick questioned himself again about Beth, should he be falling for her? Should he have these feelings for her? He knew she had been through a lot, and he thought she had been through some sort of abuse, physical? There was more to the story that much he did know and she felt so isolated. but she was caring, so gentle and so kind, a loving person, who doesn't remember any happy memories before the abuse. There was so much hurt and mistrust but he saw the real Beth the strength in her and in a way there was still some innocence.

Rick knew he was attracted to her, he had feelings for her, he knew that, but guilt also came over him. He shouldn't be doing this he shouldn't be having these feelings for her. He was a middle aged man, and she was 17, and he wasn't sure if Beth showed any interest in him, it may have been his imagination . The way she held on to him, and the looks she gave, the soft smiles.

Then his thoughts turned to Lori and Carl, he had his family to think about, though he and Lori had their problems . It isn't like when they first were first married, Lori was still the mother of his son he still loved her but his love for her has changed more as a best friend than a lover . He hated to admit it but it was true, it wasn't like it was, and the fact that they had been married for almost 14 years had made it harder to admit to himself that they would never have the same relationship they once had. And Carl he couldn't leave out how it would affect his son.

Then this girl come along and blows him and his feelings out of the water . Making him feel things again he didn't think possible, for this sweet, gentle, incredible girl or should he say young woman could make him feel like this.

But then the way Beth reacted earlier today came back to him .It was as if she was stunned, questioning herself if she could trust him not that he blamed her. After what she has been through not that he knew what it was like for her but he would wait if she would come to him. Sighing, Rick ran a his hand over his face he silently chastised himself, before he had decided if he wanted Beth in his life. He knew that much, to know her, to see if she feels the same way, or to see if it is just his imagination. But even if it was, he did want to help Beth any way he could. After all the family had done for Carl and his family that was the least he could do . He did have feelings for Beth and wanted to see how far they went . He wasn't ready to let go of Beth and the possibilities just yet.

Rick also knew he needed to talk to Lori and put things out there things he knows they have both been avoiding since he came back. He was just was looking for the right time. But then again when was it the right time with everything they had been and are still going through.

With that thought Rick made his way back to the house to check on Carl.

xxxx

Maggie found Beth out on the porch. Maggie hesitated a little, '' Glenn didn't help you did he? And you didn't feel faint? Do you?''

Beth smiled but didn't look up from the booked, Maggie watched the camp site for a few moments watching the group get ready to go out for the search.

''Thank you, for what you said to Glenn.'' Maggie moved over kissing her sister on the head before sitting in the chair next to her.

''Beth have you been sleeping ? You look tired,'' Beth shook her head but avoided her sister's eyes. ''No not really, but it not just that, I remember the walkers as well...I guess I'm having another bad day but I'm sort of numb to ? I meant what I said to Glenn, if he cares about you like I know he does he will wait.''

Maggie smirked and nudged Beth with her shoulder, '' do you mean about me and Glenn or someone else? ''

The funny thing was Maggie thought Beth liked Jimmy, though Maggie knew or thought she wouldn't be ready for a relationship yet. Maggie thought it was Jimmy and Beth played along for now ducking her head hiding her face.

''Shut up,'' making Maggie laugh, but Beth also knew Maggie will find out the truth sooner or later.

xxxx

Rick left with the group taking, Glenn, T-Dog, Daryl, Carol and stayed behind so did Dale, staying by his van, and Lori of course with Carl.

leaving Beth with her thoughts. What rick said true? Could he be lying? Beth instincts told her no. She did want to let him in, talk to him and trust him, but where to start? The abuse or the rapes? The suicide attempt? The drinking or the cutting or the shoplifting? Or favours for alcohol the pre... no she couldn't go there she just couldn't... there were so many things she wasn't proud of...regretted, and lost, felt guilty a shamed for.

Beth saw Shane and Lori earlier, it looked like they were fighting or in an had her back to Shane with her arms crossed and kept on trying to leave only to be pulled back by Shane. She didn't hear exactly what was said, but Rick was mentioned, but she wasn't the one to eavesdrop so she moved on leaving them two alone.

It made her think about Rick and herself, but not only that also how it would affect those around them. Carl and Lori how will it affect them? Beth sighed as she couldn't help but guilt filled her heart, could she really do it? Let him in? Was she ready? And what it meant for Carl and Lori? She shouldn't be doing this, to feel like this for Rick, he was off limits, he was in his mid 30's at most and he had a wife and son.

Beth didn't even know if he was interested in her that showed no interest and why should he? Sure he showed concern, but it was more of him helping her and being kind to her. He was a deputy sheriff it was part of his job, but Rick wasn't a deputy sheriff any more he had no job that was in the past and what stunned -stumped beth the most is that he still acted one she wanted him -no needed him not to act like one because he didn't need to anymore she need him, to show her the real Rick grimes but she couldn't help how she felt and it was all new to her . The way she felt, how it felt, after all she had been through. All Beth knew was she wasn't ready to let go of the idea of them, to let go of the possibility yet.

xxxx

Later Beth was asked to check in on Carl and take in something to eat for him. Carl was sitting up in bed playing with the rim of his hat Rick gave him.

''Hey Carl, your mum had to step out for a minute, and your dad is looking for Sophia they both should be back soon, your mum asked me to check on you, how you feeling? Are you hungry?'' Carl simply shook his head, but looked up at Beth.

''You were in the room a few nights ago weren't you? Is it true what you said my dad? What you said about you?'' Beth smiled a little becoming a tad hesitant, shy and concerned about what would happen next but nodded.

''Yes, I did.''

Carl went silent again, a thoughtful look on his face, then his face softened. ''I don't hate my dad, and I know this is no one's fault it was an accident, I wouldn't wish this on anyone. I just... Sophia is my friend, and I should be looking for her . My dad feels responsible, dad went after the walkers that were chasing her and when he came back she was gone''

Beth sat next to Carl in the chair next to his bed. Beth listened as Carl spoke about his dad and Sophia, Carl felt responsible for Sophia because he didn't do more to help her. Beth reassured Carl the best she could, after all no knew what might've happened. Carl again asked when his parents would back, Beth only answered they should be back soon she didn't know herself.

Then Carl asked Beth something that caught her completely off guard.

'' Beth? Is there something going on with you and my dad?''.

A/N; sorry lovely readers some ideas come to my head, and stopped Beth and rick for now but I promise you their first kiss will be worth it and so on, but also what do you think? How will or can Beth answer, or will rick come to check on his son before she can answer? will Beth keep shutting rick out or will she start opening up to him, finally? And what was Shane and Lori fighting about? Stayed turned to find out. Until next time ox.