So sorry it's taken so long, guys! Through a series of unfortunate events, I've been held up. First, I was working constantly. Then, my husband and I were in a 4 car pile up, which left me pretty banged up. Next, I had surgery, and was pretty banged up. I'm just now on my feet, but this is posted just in time for Dead White and Blue weekend for AMC! Sorry about the ending guys. I just wanted a snarky moment in somewhere! Love you all!
-A
Chapter 14: Mason
Amanda and Rick had officially announced their engagement to everyone, but had to change their wedding date early on. Amanda wanted Beth as her maid of honor, but soon realized that Beth and Daryl's baby was due in July. Rick had made a full recovery, and was now more dedicated than ever to find the Claimers, and cutting the head off the beast. Merle was still healing, but had been fit for a prosthetic. Normally, deputies retire with those kinds of injuries, but not Merle. He had proven that he could hold his own, and had just gone back on patrol. It was late February now, and Amanda had begun finalizing plans. Like Daryl and Beth, Amanda and Rick decided to marry at August on the Greene farm, and they planned to keep it small.
Today, however, wedding plans would wait. Today was a day that she and several others had been waiting for since November. Today, Beth and Daryl would find out the sex of their baby—and everyone was picking sides.
"I bet it's a girl. It's gotta be." Glenn said, taking a bite of his sandwich. Amanda, Rick, Maggie, and Glenn had met for lunch at a sandwich shop close to campus. Rick was off work today, and they were anxiously awaiting a phone call from Beth.
"Why ya say that? Daryl comes from a family of boys." Maggie replied. Maggie had begun shopping for all the baby stuff she could. She wasn't quite ready for a baby, but she was more than happy to be a doting aunt.
"I think it'd be hilarious if it were twins or triplets." Amanda said. Amanda couldn't help it, she knew she'd spoil baby Dixon rotten. She was a sucker when it came to babies. She was unsure if she'd ever have children with Rick, but she knew that eventually, she wanted to.
"I think Daryl would just die. I think he'd just explode or something. I know I would." Glenn said, waving half of his sandwich in the air.
"Daryl's got experience with kids." Rick piped up. He knew Daryl better than anyone there.
"But not babies." Amanda replied.
"He's got two nieces, plus Carl. I mean, geez, if it weren't for Daryl, Carl never would've walked. Or eaten solid food. Or gotten potty trained...Now that I think about it, Lori was a terrible parent." Rick said, trying to be lighthearted, but Amanda knew that he resented his ex wife.
"So Daryl was actually a doting uncle?" Maggie asked.
"The best. I mean, he's always a little rough; he's Daryl. But he was great with Carl." Rick explained.
"Daryl loves Lizzie and Mika. I think he'll love it no matter what it is. Beth though, she really wants a girl." Maggie laughed.
"She's bound and determined to have one." Amanda replied, "Doesn't think she can handle two Daryl's."
"She was the only one to tame the first one." Maggie said, "He only listens to her."
"Really?" Amanda asked. Rick nodded.
"He followed her around like a puppy dog since the first time he saw her. But she did the same thing I guess. A baby was bound to happen sometime." Rick laughed.
Amanda laughed along with him. She was incredibly happy for Beth, and couldn't wait to find out who would be her prospective niece of nephew. As she, Rick, Maggie, and Glenn ate, Amanda saw Daryl and Beth walk up. Both looked nervous—but incredibly excited. Maggie ran up to Beth, squeezing her tightly, pulling out chairs for Daryl and Beth.
"So, y'all know we went to the doctor today." Beth said, grinning ear to ear.
"Yeah?" Glenn asked.
"And we got to find out what we're having!" Beth said, almost unable to contain herself.
"Tell us! We can't wait anymore!" Amanda exclaimed.
"Beth, quit makin' 'em wait." Daryl said, smiling.
"We're having a little girl!" Beth said, squealing. Everyone clapped, Rick hugging Daryl, and Beth pulling out ultrasound pictures.
"Are you excited, Daryl?" Maggie asked.
"Of course I am." Daryl muttered, squeezing Beth's hand. Beth smiled widely, showing everyone pictures of their baby.
"So... We got a name for the little one?" Rick asked. Beth nodded widely.
"We think we're gonna go with Ava Emily." Beth said, smiling.
"Why Ava Emily?" Maggie asked.
"Beth liked Ava. I liked Emily. It just kinda stuck." Daryl said.
"Ava Emily Dixon. Has a nice ring to it." Amanda said. Daryl and Beth both smiled, not trying to contain their excitement.
"Where's Sasha and Bob? Weren't they supposed to meet us too?" Daryl asked.
"Sasha wasn't feeling well today. But they send their love." Maggie explained. Sasha was due the first of May, and she'd been having a harder time than she thought. Everyone urged her to go on maternity leave, but Sasha was stubborn, and had just finished a night shift the night before.
"I wish they could've been here. Mason will have a friend." Beth said happily.
"Do you wanna go grab something to eat?" Maggie asked Beth. Beth nodded, and the two walked inside the restaurant.
Daryl leaned forward to Rick, Amanda, and Glenn, looking around to make sure no one else could hear.
"To be honest, I'm scared to death." Daryl admitted, leaning back to chew on his thumb. Amanda had noticed it was a habit of his when he got nervous.
"Why? You've had practice with Lizzie and Mika and Carl." Amanda replied.
"But this is different. I could give any of 'em back to their folks if I wanted to. I can't give Ava back. What if I mess up?" Daryl asked.
"I was afraid of that too. Imagine being a nineteen year old kid with a kid." Rick asked.
"I couldn't have done it." Daryl said.
"Neither could I. I'm terrified that Maggie will get pregnant." Glenn admitted.
"I'm not afraid of having a baby." Amanda said. The three men looked add her, puzzled.
"Why not?" Glenn asked.
"'Cause, I know I'll have help. I know I'm not alone. None of you are. Daryl, Ava is gonna be spoiled rotten and you know it." Amanda said smiling. Daryl nodded.
"I'm glad we've got y'all." Daryl said.
"You always do." Rick said, patting him on the back. Maggie and Beth returned, with Beth carrying a tray of food for her and Daryl.
"So, I was thinkin' we need to have a baby shower for you in May, after Mason is born." Amanda told Beth. Beth smiled widely.
"Well, Sasha's is this weekend. I'm really excited!" Beth exclaimed, "I already bought her some little boy clothes and some diapers. She's gonna need a lot of those." Beth said.
"I kinda went all out and bought her a stroller. Bob gave me the go ahead." Maggie said, stealing a fry from Beth's plate.
"You need to have a little one of your own." Amanda said. Glenn's face froze.
"Well, I've got two years till my doctorate is finished. I think we'll wait till the craziness settles down." Maggie said.
"I'm nervous still." Glenn said.
"But you know that you'll do fine." Amanda said. Glenn shrugged. Maggie's phone began to ring, and she excused herself. Amanda wondered who she was talking to, until Maggie returned to the table with a look of panic in her eyes.
"Guys, Sasha is in the hospital." Maggie said.
"What? Why?" Rick asked, squeezing Amanda's hand.
"Something...Something's wrong, I didn't really gather it. They're at Atlanta Medical Center. Sasha may be in labor." Maggie said, waving her hands. Amanda and Beth stood up to try and calm her, as Rick called Bob.
"She's only 29 weeks. We gotta go to her!" Maggie said. Rick hung up the phone, pinching the bridge of his nose between his thumb and index finger.
"Sasha's in early labor. They're not sure what's 'causin' it, but they have her in the hospital and they're tryin' to figure out what to do now." Rick explained. Maggie and Beth began to cry, Amanda squeezed their hands.
"Come on, let's go up to the hospital. They need us." Amanda said. The group nodded, and they took off for the hospital to check on Sasha and Bob.
When they arrived, they found Bob pacing the hallway. He looked highly distraught, and was visibly trembling.
"How's Sasha?" Amanda asked.
"She's stable right now. They wanted me to get some air, but I can't...I can't just leave. I'm scared to death." Bob said. Maggie hugged him tightly.
"Do they know what caused it?" Beth asked.
"Blood clots. That's all they'll tell me right now." Bob said, "But if the baby comes... He'll go straight to Children's of Atlanta."
"We're here for ya. You know that?" Daryl asked. Bob nodded.
"Can we go see Sasha?" Amanda asked timidly. Bob said yes, pointing them to her room number. Beth, Maggie, and Amanda walked over to room 403, and knocked lightly. Sasha quietly told them to come in, and Amanda's heart fell at the first sight of her. Sasha looked extremely pale, and had oxygen tubes coming out of her nose. She had already been set up with an IV, and looked exhausted.
"Hey guys." Sasha said, smiling weakly. Maggie ran to her side, squeezing her hand.
"Hey Sasha. We came as soon as we heard." Amanda said.
"Did you find out what you're having?" Sasha asked, pointing to Beth. Beth shook her head, nervous of sharing her new joy.
"Tell me, I need a smile." Sasha demanded.
"A little girl. We're gonna have a little girl." Beth said. Sasha smiled.
"Mason can have a girlfriend." Sasha said, laughing lightly. Soon, her laugh was stifled.
"Do they know what's 'causin' this?" Maggie asked.
"I have blood clots, they can't figure out why. But it's makin' Mason's heart rate drop. I should've been more careful." Sasha said, beginning to cry.
"Sasha, it's okay. You're okay. Mason will be okay." Amanda said, hugging her.
"Yeah, we'll be here. As long as you need us." Beth promised, taking Sasha's other hand.
"Where's Bob?" Sasha asked.
"He's in the hallway with the guys." Maggie explained.
"I want to see everyone." Sasha said. Beth nodded, leaving the room to go get the guys. Sasha laid back, crying softly. Amanda and Maggie held her hands as everyone else entered the room. Rick motioned for Amanda, and she walked over to him.
"I need to talk to you. Now." Rick said, lowering his voice.
Amanda walked over to Rick. "Am I in trouble?" Amanda asked.
"No. Not you. Bob." Rick said.
"What's going on?" Amanda asked.
"He's been drinking again." Rick told her. Amanda knew that Bob used to be an alcoholic, but she didn't know that he'd relapse like this.
"What? While Sasha's in here?" Amanda asked in disbelief.
"Yeah. Him and Daryl got into a fight. Daryl's furious." Rick explained.
"I would be too." Amanda said.
"I don't know what to do." Rick said, shaking his head.
"We just...Gotta deal with it. But I don't think Sasha needs to know." Amanda said. Rick nodded.
"Not now at least. The doctor talked to Bob. They're probably gonna take the baby tonight." Rick explained. Amanda's eyes filled with tears. Just as they began to walk back to Sasha's bedside, her heart monitors began to plummet. Her already pale skin had grown nearly gray, and she began to gasp for breath.
"What's going on?" Beth asked, beginning to panic.
"She's going into cardiac arrest. A doctor! We need a doctor!" Bob screamed. Rick pulled Amanda back, trying to shield her. Daryl grabbed Beth, pulling her back. Maggie fell to the floor as Glenn held her. A flurry of doctors and nurses ran into the room, checking her vitals and beginning to wheel her out of the room. Bob ran after them, tears streaming down his cheeks. Amanda, Rick, Beth, Daryl, Maggie, and Daryl sat in the labor and delivery waiting room when Bob returned only a few minutes later.
"Um...Sasha's in active labor. She just survived a pulmonary embolism. A blood clot went through her lungs. I gotta go get washed up, they're doing a c-section. Mason will be here in a little while." Bob said. Amanda began to cry as Rick pulled her close.
"Sasha's tough. She'll make it. Mason will too." Rick said. Amanda still cried, worried about the well being of both.
"I hope so. I'm so afraid right now." Maggie whispered as Beth held her hand.
"We got jobs to do, Maggie. Right now we need to be here for Sasha and Bob." Beth said. Amanda and Maggie nodded—Beth was right.
The group waited for what felt like an eternity for any news on Sasha and Mason. Daryl began to pace, and Merle and Carol joined them. Everyone hoped that Sasha and Mason would make it out okay, but the more they waited, the more nervous they got.
Finally, about an hour later, Bob emerged.
"How are they?" Rick asked, standing to his feet.
"Sasha is still in recovery. They've got her on blood thinners. Mason is...so tiny, but he's breathing on his own. Just a little help from some oxygen, but he's healthy. A lot healthier than we expected. But he's...the tiniest thing I've ever seen." Bob explained.
"How big is he?" Glenn asked.
"2 pounds, 12 ounces. Fifteen inches long." Bob replied.
"Oh my goodness." Amanda said, "I can't believe it."
"They're transferring him to Children's Hospital in the next few minutes." Bob explained.
"You stay here with Sasha. We'll go with Mason." Amanda told him. Beth nodded in agreement.
"We don't want him to be alone, but Sasha really needs you right now." Beth explained.
"Tyreese is on his way. He'll go with us." Maggie told Bob. Bob nodded.
"We'll stay here with you, Bob. That way you're not by yourself either." Carol said.
"I'm gonna go check on Sasha. I'll meet you guys over at Children's soon." Bob told the group. Amanda nodded, and joined Beth, Maggie, Daryl, Rick, and Glenn as they left for Children's Hospital. When they arrived, Mason's ambulance was just arriving. He was being wheeled into NICU when the group walked in.
Amanda found a nurse, and explained their situation.
"Excuse me, ma'am, our friend's son just arrived here. We promised his dad that we'd follow him here and wait till his dad could get here." Amanda said.
"What's the name?" The nurse asked.
"Mason Stookey. Mason Robert Stookey." Beth answered.
"He just came in, they're getting him set up now. Y'all can't hold him yet, but we can let you put on some masks and robes and see him." The nurse answered.
"Great." Maggie said. Amanda, Beth, Maggie, and Daryl put on robes, gloves, and masks. Glenn and Rick waited outside for Bob.
"Man... I've never seen someone so small." Daryl said.
"Me either. He looks just like Sasha." Amanda said. She looked down at the small tiny baby, who was moving his hands and feet ferociously. He had Sasha's stubbornness; she hoped that he'd use it to fight for his life. Tears filled her eyes as she looked at Maggie and Beth. Both girls were in tears, Beth clutching her stomach.
"Hey, Mason. We're gonna wait here until your daddy gets here. You're a tough little guy, aren't you?" Amanda asked the baby. He seemed to respond to her voice.
"Yeah, and your best friend is gonna be born soon. Her name is Ava." Beth said.
"And I'm your aunt Maggie, and I love you." Maggie cried.
Daryl sat in silence in the rocking chair, afraid to get too close to the small baby. Before long, Bob entered, crying at the sight of little Mason.
"Hey little man, how are ya?" Bob asked, his voice trembling.
The baby cooed, Amanda watched Bob shake nervously.
"I'm—I'm your dad. Your mom can't be here yet. But she loves you. And I love you. And your uncle Tyreese and aunt Karen love you. And everyone else, Amanda, Rick, Daryl, Beth, Maggie, Glenn, we're all here. We all love you so much." Bob spoke. The nurse ordered Bob to sit down, and laid Mason on his chest. Amanda left the room, leaving Bob alone with his new son. Amanda walked out of the room into the hallway, putting her back against the wall and sliding down. Rick walked up beside her, sitting down and squeezing her hand.
"Isn't it...Amazin', that a day can go from wonderful to hell in a matter of minutes?" Rick asked. Amanda smiled half heartedly, looking at Rick.
"I think he'll be okay. Sasha's baby shower was supposed to be in four days." Amanda said. Rick pulled Amanda in close, kissing her forehead.
"I know. You planned the whole thing with Maggie. It'll be okay. They'll both be okay. But I am worried about Bob." Rick admitted.
"Why?" Amanda asked.
"'Cause, he managed to be sober for five years. He's seen a lot...How did he fall off the wagon that easily?" Rick replied, asking the question they'd left hanging at Sasha's bedside.
"I guess he just didn't know what to do." Amanda surmised.
"Well...We're gonna have to talk with him. Daryl could've beat him to death. Speak of the devil, here he comes." Rick said, pointing toward an angry looking Daryl who was walking toward them.
"Where is that selfish sonbitch at?" Daryl asked. Amanda and Rick stood, Daryl was looking intently for any sign of Bob.
"He's with his newborn son." Rick said, trying to gently remind Daryl that this was not the time or place for an altercation.
"Bring him out here. Go in there an' bring 'is ass out 'ere now!" Daryl growled. Amanda stepped in front of the pacing man, grabbing his shoulders.
"Daryl why are you so upset?" Amanda asked.
"His wife—his PREGNANT WIFE—was in the hospital with a bloodclot, went straight through to 'er heart, and that stupid, selfish bastard can only think about findin' hooch! That was his wife, his baby, and all he could think about is 'imself!" Daryl hissed. Amanda couldn't say she blamed Daryl, but he continued his rant further.
"If that'd been me, if Beth and Ava were in that situation, I wouldn't be goin' nowhere. They're HIS responsibility!" Daryl yelled.
"But that's not Beth and Ava, Daryl." Amanda reminded him.
"It could be." Daryl said. Then he looked like he messed up.
"Daryl, what do you mean?" Amanda asked.
"Beth's blood pressure's real high...They're worried about her. Ain't gonna tell no one 'cause she don't want anyone to worry." Daryl said, rubbing a hand through his shaggy hair.
"Daryl..." Amanda trailed.
"Sasha and Bob have been my friends for years. Went to high school with Sasha after she moved here. She started out with high blood pressure too." Daryl said. He had just admitted his fear: he didn't want Beth to be in the same situation.
"She'll be okay. They caught it early, they can manage it. She'll be okay. I'll make sure of it." Amanda said, giving Daryl an awkward hug.
"I love Beth, Daryl. I won't let anything happen. Ever." Amanda knew it wasn't a promise she could keep, but hoped he would appreciate the sentiment.
"Just so ya know, you're the best friend she's ever had, 'sides Maggie." Daryl admitted. Amanda smiled.
"She's the best friend I ever had too, Daryl. Me and my sis were so far apart in age, we aren't too close." Amanda said.
"Me 'n Merle, we didn't get too close till Andrea died. He needed help with his little girls. Andrea...She was here an' gone so quick. She was Merle's best friend. I don't wanna be alone with a kid an' not have Beth." Daryl whispered. He was calmer now, but still unhappy.
"You won't, Daryl." Amanda whispered. Beth walked over quietly, her face puffy from crying. She still had tears on her cheeks as Daryl hugged her close, and Amanda smiled. She loved watching the two interact. They were beautiful together.
"Bob's gonna be out soon." Beth whispered.
"I wanna talk to 'im." Daryl said.
"We gotta be gentle about it." Amanda reminded him, "He's still been through a whole lot."
Amanda heard footsteps behind her. She could tell by the sound that it was Rick.
"Um, guys, I really wanna stay, but I gotta head out now." Rick said, his hand on his hip.
"Is something wrong?" Amanda asked, noticing his anxious demeanor.
"Yeah, actually. Claimers broke into Dale's shop. Dale was there." Rick said quietly. Daryl stood up straight, tensing heavily.
Rick put up his hand, trying to calm him. "They didn't know he was there. T Dog an' him hid in the file room. They stole a car from the bay though, some tools, wrecked the place. I gotta go out there. We're keepin' Merle on desk duty still." Rick explained. Amanda felt her gut clench; she didn't want Rick going out there.
"Are you sure you have to respond?" Amanda asked gently. Rick nodded.
"Listen, I can't promise I'll be back, but I can promise I'll try." Rick said. He hugged Amanda tightly, and she realized she was beginning to cry.
"I don't want you to go. Please don't leave." Amanda cried. The last time Rick said he had to go, he wound up nearly dying.
"Look, I have to. It's my job. I love you. They left, they aren't gonna be there, but I have to investigate. I have to file a report. Wait for me tonight, you, me, Carl, we'll all watch a movie when I get home. I promise. I love you." Rick said, slowly tearing himself away. Amanda was still crying, but let him leave her embrace.
"Okay. We'll figure somethin' out. I'll see you later. I love you too." Amanda replied. Beth squeezed her hand tightly as Rick began to walk away.
"I'm goin' too." Daryl said, following Rick.
"W—why?" Beth asked.
"Cause Dale needs me. He's probably shook up, I can't just leave 'im alone." Daryl said, "Plus if they took a car from one of the bays, I'm gonna need to fix it up. He's an old man, he needs help. I half own that place."
"Since when?" Amanda asked. Dale had mentioned that he wanted Daryl to co-own the shop with him, they just weren't sure when it would actually happen.
"Since last week. Paperwork's official." Beth said.
"Look, we'll celebrate later. You go on. Beth will stay at my house." Amanda told Daryl. He nodded, walking off behind Rick. Beth and Amanda sat down, and Bob emerged.
"I heard the call. My radio went off." Bob said, "But I can't go right now. I'm gonna spend some time here, then go check on Sasha. Maggie's still in there, she's gonna stay till Tyreese can get here."
"Okay. We're gonna head out, it's getting late. We'll come check on Sasha tomorrow." Amanda said. Bob nodded.
"Thank y'all, for everything you did. I know, I know Daryl's still pissed at me. I understand." Bob began, rubbing his neck. "But, since...Michonne's...I just, can't really sleep when Sasha's out there. She was sick, she didn't wanna take it easy, and I couldn't deal with it. She didn't wanna talk about it, and all I could see was Mike and Andre. If Daryl had saw that, I don't think he'd be able to sleep at night, 'cause I can't."
"Listen, I'm not sayin' what you did was right, but I'm sayin' I understand. Rick hasn't been the same either. But you have a baby boy that needs you, you can't just go flippin' out." Amanda assured him. Bob nodded gently.
"I know. You guys go on, be careful though. Thank you, for everything. Really." Bob said, smiling. He walked toward the nursery, and Amanda and Beth walked out. They walked down the hallway, both quiet at first. However, once they let the day sink in, both realized how the stress had drained them. Beth's eyes began to droop, and Amanda could feel exhaustion setting in.
"What time is it?" Beth asked. Amanda looked down at her watch, and realized nearly eight hours had passed.
"Nearly seven." Amanda replied.
"Carl's at my parent's place, I'm assuming." Beth said.
"Actually, Glenn picked him up. They're playing Xbox at my place." Amanda told her. Beth smiled.
"Well, maybe we can talk him into orderin' us a pizza. 'Cause I really want a mushroom pizza." Beth said.
"I think that sounds like a great idea." Amanda said, chuckling. They had almost reached the elevator when Amanda felt a tap on her shoulder. Amanda turned around to see a thin, tall woman with bright blue eyes staring at her.
"Excuse me...This is weird, I know, but, I saw you earlier. And, the man with you, um, I know him." The woman said nervously. Beth grabbed Amanda's arm, her long nails digging into Amanda's skin.
"I know exactly who you are." Beth growled. Amanda had never seen this side of Beth before, and it began to frighten her just a bit. Perhaps it was the pregnancy hormones, but Beth's skin was growing red, her eyes narrowing.
"Wait...Beth? Beth Greene?" The woman asked, obviously surprised. "Little Beth Greene?"
"Beth Dixon. I married Daryl." Beth hissed. Clearly, being married to Daryl had rubbed off on her.
"You married Daryl? Daryl Dixon? As in Rick's friend?" The woman asked.
"Obviously." Beth snapped, flashing her wedding rings for the woman to see, and then tightening her T shirt to reveal that she was pregnant.
"Oh... Oh my goodness. I just...It's been so long." The woman said.
"Yeah, yeah it has. What's it been now? Six years? I was about to be fifteen. I remember." Beth growled. Amanda began putting two and two together, but didn't want to say anything out loud.
"I know this might be weird for you." The woman said.
"Lori, it's not weird, but you need to back the hell up. Right now. Why are you even freakin' here?" Beth asked viciously. Amanda's jaw dropped wide open, she backed up.
"You're...You're Lori." Amanda muttered.
"Yes, I'm Lori Walsh. I um, I saw, Rick, earlier. And, I just...I.." Lori began to mutter. She was obviously shaken.
"What are you doing here, Lori?" Beth hissed.
"My youngest is up here. Um, he's sick. And me and my husband, um, we're up here. From Macon." Lori replied.
"Wow. Interesting. Well, why don't you and Rick's old best friend get on your way." Beth replied. Amanda was still in shock, her eyes widening.
"You and Rick...You're together?" Lori asked.
"We're getting married soon." Was all Amanda could reply. Lori stepped back.
"And, what about Carl?" Lori asked. Before Amanda could respond, Beth erupted.
"Why are you even asking you snarky, pretentious slut?! Huh?! You left him with Rick when you shacked up with SHANE!" Beth yelled, "If you gotta know, she's adopting him! She's gonna be his mother, not you!" Beth was getting in Lori's face. Amanda pulled her back gently.
"Beth, you need to stop." Amanda whispered.
"I'm sorry... I shouldn't have said anything." Lori began.
"Listen, I know you and Rick have a bad past, but I um, I hope you're little one gets better. I hope everything works out. Rick's responding to a call right now. But um, it was good to meet you." Amanda said. For her, time was moving in slow motion. She was having a hard time focusing.
"Thank you. That really means a lot. Really. Um, have a nice evening." Lori said, quickly walking away. Amanda and Beth ran into the elevator, closing the doors as fast as they could.
"Do not ever tell Rick that happened." Beth ordered Amanda. Amanda's eyes widened. This was not the Beth she knew.
"Why?" Amanda asked.
"He doesn't need to know." Beth replied hastily. The two walked out of the hospital, heading to the parking deck. They were silent on the way home, both still reeling from the encounter. Amanda couldn't focus; why, of all times, was Lori showing up now? After everything she did, why?
However, as they pulled into the driveway to Amanda's house, it became clear what needed to be done. Glenn had just gotten the pizza home when Beth and Amanda walked in, and they ate dinner quietly, not discussing any of the interactions. Lori's gaze was burned into Amanda's mind, she couldn't shake the uneasiness that she felt. It became apparent to Amanda, the more she thought about everything:
Rick didn't need to know, and she wouldn't say one thing about it.