Daryl and Carol were helping Rick with the food, when they saw Sophia and Noel entering the yard. Carol smiled broadly and looked to Daryl.
- What? - he asked.
- Don't you think they are the cutest?
- Who?
- Sophia and Noel.- she explained.- They just came in together.
- What? You mean...? - he asked increduosly.- No...that's...no...
- You explain yourself like an open book.
- You are ok with that? - he asked pointing to Sophia and Noel who were sitting with Carl.
- Why wouldn't I?
- They are too young.
- They are sixteen, Daryl. - she answered.- How old were you when...?
- That's not the point. - his cheeks were pink.
- Come on, I will show you mine if you show me yours.
- WHAT? - shouted Daryl.
- I'm kidding Daryl, jesus. Relax.
- I'm gotta take care of the drinks. - and he disapeared into the house.
Carol and Rick managed to serve all the food, but Daryl wasn't back. "Maybe I pushed too far", Carol though to herself. She was a teaser. With everyone, with her son, her friends, even with her boyfriends, until Ed, of course. After marrying Ed, she wasn't funny anymore but now it was different. She was free, and happy with her life. She loved her son and her friends, and she loved teasing them. She though that Daryl could be also her friend, and she tried to ease the tension by teasing him. But maybe she went too far.
She grabbed her glass and went to the kitchen looking for something stronger than orange juice. She was surprised to find Daryl sitting there, with a bottle of whiskey.
- You sharing?
- I guess.- he answered grumpingly, pouring her a long drink.
- Thanks. Have you eaten?
- Yeah. Don't worry about it, mum.
- Very funny Daryl. - she answered annoyed.
- Just a part of my charm.
- Look I'm sorry, ok? - she finished her drink. - I know that I'm not always funny.
- No, you aren't. - he poured another long drink for her, and continued sipping from the bottle.
- I'm sorry. I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable
- I'm fine. You don't have to worry.
- Sure.- she stood looking at Daryl for a bit and pointing to the whiskey she added- You should mix that.
- I know how to take my drinks, mum.
- Stop it. - she confronted Daryl.- Don't say that.
- What? mum? - he teased, taking a step forward. - MUM.
- You are jerk, you know that?
- What, you don't like to be teased?- he laughed, and pushing her playfully he added.- Mummy doesn't like to be teased...
- DON'T TOUCH ME! - she was beyond annoyed now.- DON'T EVER TOUCH ME AGAIN.
- Carol...look I'm sorry...I wasn't going to hurt you.
- And don't call me mum again. We are the same age.
- I know...- he looked down to the bottle.- I don't see you like a mum.
- What? - she asked surprised. But looking back at Daryl, she realized he was looking at her with intensity. - What you me...
- You know what I meant. - and without overthinking it, he leaned closer, crushing his lips with hers.
She was taken by surprise and froze for a moment. He grabbed her waist pulling her closer and she opened her mouth, kissing him back.
- So are you gonna show me yours now? - he whispered full of lust.
- Shut up! - she answered smiling, kissing him back.
They were kissing each other until they heard:
- DAD? - Sophia was standing in the kitchen, with her mouth open. Noel was next to her, totally frozen.
- Fuck! - he said, jumping from Carol.- I...we...
- OH MY GOD...- Sophia added.- Whoa...
- I gotta go. - Daryl looked at Carol and muttered.- I'm sorry.
Sophia run after her dad who was already grabbing his jacket.
- Dad! wait!
- I'm leaving. I'm sure someone can give you a ride later.
- Dad! STOP! - she yelled.
- What?
- You don't have to leave. It's alright.
- I gotta go.
- Why?
- Because.
- Dad...come on.
- See you later, ok? - he started walking home.- Bye!
- Bye.