Chapter 10: Dark Clouds, Rough Winds and Surprises
5:00 pm
An old grandfather clock chimed as the hour hand hovered above five. I pulled a fresh clean striped shirt over my head and pulled on a pair of lightly colored jeans. It was still fairly early; however, it looked like night outside. The clouds looked serious and the winds began to pick up speed, pushing up against the old house. You could hear the cracks and howls as it beat against the windows.
The last article of clothing I reached for was a sweater and after I made my way downstairs for dinner. I could hear everyone chatting as I got closer and once I turned the corner, they all found their place at the table. Daryl sat in a chair separate from the table. My gaze fell on him, noticing that he couldn't hold a stare as long as he used to.
"There you are Olivia…take a seat" Rick said politely.
Oddly enough, the only available seat was located near Daryl. Something didn't feel right in the space but without asking or expressing my thoughts I sat down.
"It's getting really bad outside…it looks like nighttime out there" Maggie spoke out in worry.
"Which is precisely why we need to make sure every window is covered and we use the small candles" said Rick.
Carol reached up to slide the kitchen curtain across, shielding us from the eyes of the walkers. A soft glow of a few candles illuminated the kitchen space and offered warmth to us all.
Lori walked around with a stack of plates in her hands, delivering one to each of us. Fresh rice and beans mixed with vegetables filled our plates and the smell couldn't be any more delicious.
"Ya know we might have to pack all the food that's here if you're gonna keep makin' stuff like this" T-Dog commented.
"Thank you, well I thought we could try something different…"
"It's good, Carol thank you" I said.
She looked at me with straight lips before a smile graced her face. Looking down she sat down and we all began eating. The dinner conversation consisted of curious questions about what our next action would be, but the same answers followed them just like days ago.
…
Taking my dishes to the sink, Carol stood by assisting with washing. With everyone else gone except for Daryl who remained in his seat drinking, it felt almost awkward. Carol turned to look at me, and then looked quickly back at the plate she held, drying it fast.
"Alright, Carol what do you want to tell me?" I whispered. When her eyes met mine, it seemed as though she had decided to pass the question. "I uh…we need some more candles from the basement…could you take some upstairs too?" My eyebrows bent in suspicion but I nodded and agreed to get them. She finished drying the very last of the cutlery and turned on her way out. Passing by Daryl she laid a hand on his shoulder.
"Don't stay up too late…" she joked. Daryl looked up from his bottle and let out an amusing hmpf!
"Yes mother"
Silence took over once Carol left the kitchen. Now, it was just Daryl and I. Folding the kitchen cloth and placing it on the counter I stood up straight and walked over to the basement. Making it down the steps I reached up to pull the thin string which hung in nearby. The dim lighting helped me navigate the area, searching for the box of candles. Looking at the table I was instantly reminded of the tryst Rick and I had. Creeking sounds from the stairwell tore me away from the memory.
As soon as I saw the familiar shoes I let out a sigh and asked, "Daryl…what are you doing down here?"
He chuckled lightly as he made his way down. "Just thought you'd need help…in case any walkers jump out".
"Really…well there are none…searched the first time I came down here" I resumed my task in picking out candles from the box.
"So…Maggie asked me something earlier…"
My hands stopped and my body froze in place at his words. What the hell did she ask him? Pulling my hands out of the box I turned and rested my bottom against the table. Crossing my arms I asked, "What did she ask you?" My heart was beating rapidly.
"If you 'n' I are together"
It fell quiet and only the winds beating up against the house could be heard.
….
Hello! Okay so this is short but I had to throw something out just to let all of you know I'm still alive and continuing the story.