Disclaimer: I own nothing.
––
Carol inhaled and woke up, the sunlight causing her to wince, and she covered the main stream of light with her hand. She didn't even know Daryl had a window in his bedroom. It was always shut. She wondered why he had opened it. And then she wondered where he had went, as his side of the bed was empty.
She pushed off the bed and started down the hall, seeing him in the kitchen. He was making coffee, and she could see what a mess his kitchen was. She didn't know if he was trying to make breakfast or if it was recovering from the last dinner he'd made. Or perhaps Merle had made. She wasn't entirely sure. It brought a smile to her lips nevertheless, and she greeted him.
"You're awake." He set a cup of coffee down on the bar for her, giving a gesture to let her know that. "I was just about to wake you."
"Thank the sunlight for that." She reached up and slipped her arms around his neck, kissing him. "Thank you."
He smiled and pressed his forehead against hers. "Heh."
"What?" She peered at him. "Something funny?"
"No," he whispered. "Just didn't occur to me how much I missed bein' able to do that."
"And how much was that?"
He cupped her cheek and crushed his lips against hers, surprising her with his zeal. He could remember the last time they kissed. An actual kiss that wasn't brief and for luck. He had thought about it many times, and he thought it might be the last time they ever kissed. He was grateful to be wrong, and he wouldn't let anything like what happened before happen again. He would need to work on himself, and he would. He had too much to lose if he didn't. He had spent enough of his life letting his past destroy everything good, and he wouldn't do let that happen one second more.
Carol's smile widened as he pulled back. "Good morning to you too."
He chuckled. "Mornin'."
"So, did you get everything you wanted for your birthday?" she teased.
"Yeah." He smiled in the corner of his mouth. "Just one thing I didn't."
"And that was?"
He shrugged a shoulder. "Andrea's comin' by." He stepped back and picked up his cup of coffee.
"Why?"
"She meant to bring over the cake and presents last night, but Iris needed to go to the hospital."
"Oh my God, is she okay?"
He nodded. "Yeah, it was nothin'. I talked to her, and she's fine. The baby's fine."
"Well, that's a good way to give me a stroke."
"Sorry."
She waved it away. "So, what else did she say?"
"Carl liked your hors d'oeuvres choices."
"I thought he might." She rubbed the base of her neck. "Then again he eats almost anything."
"Sophia stayed the night with Andrea, so she's comin' with Andrea. They'll be here in about twenty minutes."
"Is Iris tagging along too?"
"No. She's gone to school with Patrick."
"Then why is Sophia coming over with Andrea? She should be at school." She reached for her watch, but it obviously wasn't there. "What time is it?"
"It's only seven. Iris went in early to speak to the guidance counselor."
"Oh."
"Do you work today?"
"I work every day. It feels like I do." She met his eyes. "Why do you ask?"
"Just curious." He cleared his throat. "I get off at five today. Will you be free?"
"If nothing comes up." She nodded.
"If nothin' does then meet me here."
"Why?"
"You'll just have to find out."
"All right. I'll be here at six. And if something comes up or I'm behind schedule, I'll give you a call."
He nodded this time. "I'm gonna jump in the shower, get ready for work. I'll see you tonight. Or at least hear from you." He kissed her once before heading to the bathroom.
Carol ran fingers through her hair and tilted her head to the side, releasing a soft groan at the realization that Daryl hadn't gotten her birthday present or card. She would have to find it when Andrea brought them over. She just hoped Iris didn't get happy with the cake, otherwise she'd have to buy another one. Unless Daryl wanted to lick the box like a dog.
Shaking her head, her eyes fell on the coffee pot. It was empty. Given that this was her first and that Daryl wasn't a morning person, he had drank almost an entire pot himself. How long had he been awake? The entire night? Or did he wake up a few hours after falling asleep? She hadn't heard him get up. She had a busy day, so sleeping like a rock was expected. She was curious to know what kept him up. She hoped it didn't involve any nightmares or bad memories. She could always ask, but he was in the shower, and she doubted he wanted to reveal any scars to her just yet.
– – –
"I have what you asked for," Sophia said, sitting on the arm of the couch, highlighting notes to her text tomorrow. "I'll bring it over in ten minutes. I just need to get through the rest of my study guide."
"Thanks."
"Any time, but just so you know, the first time was better."
"I'll see you later."
"Okay. Bye." She hung up and plopped back on the couch.
"That sounded like a shady ass drug deal." Carl rifled through the bag of chips he'd brought with him.
"Didn't I tell you I'm a drug dealer now? It's how we pay the morgue."
He snickered. "Sure." He sat down. "What's next?"
"I don't even care," she admitted. "I don't care if I fail. I don't care if I pass. I don't care if this papers sprouts legs and crawls off." She sighed and closed her eyes. "I just want it to be spring break. My mind is already in the space of spring break."
"Sophia."
"It's true." She straightened and pushed hair out of her face. "When am I ever going to need this? Unless I'm a science major—which I sure as hell won't be—this does me no good."
"It's the last test before break."
"She gets this way before every test when it's close to spring break," Iris reminded him. "I would too, but I'm like this all year round."
"I need to take a break before my head explodes." Sophia stood up and handed the study guide to Carl, heading into the kitchen to get something to drink.
"Where's Enid?" Carl flipped the study guide back to the first page. "And Patrick?"
"Enid and Patrick are at his place. She's trying out for something, and she needs his help." Iris joined him on the couch. "Or she wants his help for next year. I'm not sure which."
"And you aren't crazy jealous?" Carl narrowed his eyes. "Enid and Patrick. Alone. At his aunt's."
"I trust them," Iris responded. "And I'm carrying Patrick's child. If he tried anything, Mom would murder him. Shane would help hide the body."
"The perks of dating a cop." Sophia returned with a drumstick ice cream, replying to the text Lizzie had sent her. "Lizzie won't be able to come over tonight. Mika's sick."
"That sucks." Carl closed the bag of chips and looked over the guide. "Tell her I hope she feels better."
She nodded. "I have a dinner at six, so we should wrap this up around five-forty."
"A dinner? Who with?"
"A friend." She tapped the power button on her phone and leaned back into the couch. "Do you think I can fake a fever to get out of this test?"
"No. If I have to take it, you have to take it." Iris looked over the calender inside Sophia's binder to see what else was planned for this class. "We have tests the entire week we get back from spring break. God, why he is so cruel?"
"He has no life and hates us," Carl offered. "That's the only explanation I've been able to come up with."
"All right, test me on the first page." Sophia crossed her legs.
"Okay. First question." He turned to face he on the couch. "Who are you having dinner with?"
"Cute. And it's involuntary." She took the guide and gave it to Iris. "I'll be right back. I need to charge my phone." She hopped up and left Iris and Carl alone.
"Now who's crazy jealous?" Iris whispered.
He scoffed and opened his binder to look over his notes.
– – –
"What's wrong with your computer?" Axel repeated as Carol paced the length of her desk.
"It won't let me log in. It keeps freezing up, and it may have a virus. I'm not sure." She folded her arms. "It's getting late."
"It's barely five." He peeked at her over the edge of the computer screen. "Do you have plans for tonight?"
"Sort of."
He smirked. "Sort of?"
"Fine, I do. Daryl invited me over. And I thought I'd be able to make it until this happened."
"Why does this have to stop you?"
"Because I was supposed to send a recommendation e-mail to some employer for Stella. This job pays better and is more of what she wants to do. I promised I would, and I've been so busy with Daryl's birthday party that I forgot. It might be late after today."
"You can do it from Maggie's computer."
"She's chatting with Beth, and I don't want to be rude."
"I have my laptop with me. It's in my car. You can borrow it."
"Really?" She stopped pacing. "I can?"
"Yeah, it's fine. You'll have to bring it in here, because it's password protected, but yeah."
"Thank you, Axel."
He tossed her his car keys. "Don't mention it."
She went out to his car and grabbed the laptop, returning to her office. He unlocked it for her, she thanked him again, and she wrote out the e-mail for Stella. It was easy to praise her. She had many talents, and they shouldn't go to waste at a job that didn't challenge her, that didn't include anything she was passionate about. Passion is one of the most important things in the world. Without passion to drive you and fill you with energy, the world be would an empty, gray place.
"Hey, Carol?" Axel turned in her chair to look at her.
"Yeah?" She met his eyes, pressing send on the e-mail.
"I have a question."
She smiled. "What about?"
"You and Daryl are dating again, ain't you?"
She blushed. "Yes."
He smiled. "I'm glad for you. You seem happier—that's how I could tell something happened between y'all."
"Was that your question?" She could feel the heat on her cheeks spreading down to her neck. She closed his laptop and held it out to him, hoping it would take his eyes off her face. He likely saw her blush, but she could still hope he hadn't. "Or was that just a warm up?"
"I was wonderin' if you'd like to join me for dinner."
"What?"
"Would you join me for dinner?"
"Axel, you just asked if—"
"Sorry, I meant you and Daryl. Holly wants to meet you, and I figured you'd be nicer if you had someone you could escape to. Or someone to throw into her path of a million questions."
She laughed. "Oh, that would be great. I'd love to."
"Okay. Next Friday then?"
"That's perfect."
He gave a nod. "I'll text you when your computer is fixed. And if I don't have it fixed by tomorrow, I'll lend you my laptop again and let Daryl have a look. He's better at this than me."
"Okay." She stood up and collected her belongings. "I'll see you tomorrow. Have a nice night."
"You too."
She wasn't sure how Daryl could feel about a double date with Axel and his girlfriend. Daryl and Axel got along well, and they have since Axel started dating, but there a difference between being polite at work and being polite at a dinner. She knew Daryl would be on his best behavior if she asked, but she didn't want to make him uncomfortable, which he might be if he was the center of attention; and from the sound of it Holly would eventually make him be the center of attention, even if it was just hers. She couldn't reject Axel. She did want to meet Holly and see how things were going for them. She should have told him she'd think about it so she could talk about with Daryl. He didn't like surprises. She'd learned that last night. If she had to, she'd just tell him they were going out and then drive over to Axel's. It's not like he knew where Axel lived and he'd jump out of the car to escape. She hoped he wouldn't anyway.
– –
Daryl was waiting for her on the porch, and she could music and cooking meat wafting through the ajar door. She didn't know what to expect when he opened the door, but he looked happy—happier than he had in a long time, and she was pleased. She met him on the stairs and greeted him with a kiss, one that he lingered on.
"I got a surprise for you." He laced his fingers through hers.
"And that surprise is?"
"You'll see." He grasped the door knob with his free hand. "How do you feel about belated birthday parties?"
Inside his house were the unopened gifts, the untouched birthday cake that had been altered to stay happy belated birthday, and his immediate family: Iris, Sophia, Merle, and Andrea. Shane had come with Andrea, and Patrick with Iris. Patrick was family now, through Daryl's unborn grandchild, and Shane through Andrea. Four parents, one uncle who was recovering from alcohol and drug abuse, one pregnant child, and the other was hiding things although it was someone else's secrets. What a family. They were perfect to him.
Carol turned to him. "I thought you didn't want to share your birthday with anybody. Or belated birthday."
"It's not up to me," he replied. "I got family now, like you said, and next year it won't be the day after. I gotta get used to this."
She grinned at him. "I'm proud of you."
He leaned down so that his nose brushed her temple and whispered for only her to hear, "And I love you."
The flush was back, but for an entirely different reason.
"Dad, c'mere." Iris scooted over on the couch. "Open your gifts! I know I'm more excited than anybody, but I managed to get you a gift from me. C'mon."
"Iris." Andrea sat on a stool behind her.
"No, it's fine." He plopped down beside her and looked over the gifts on his coffee table. "Which one should I open first?"
"You're asking me?" Iris seemed startled but delighted. "Umm, I guess this one. I don't know who it's from, but the wrapping paper is pretty."
Sophia shifted onto the arm of the armchair so that Merle could have a seat. Shane and Andrea had taken the bar stools and Patrick had claimed the arm of the couch. Daryl opened the gift Iris had picked up, and Carol stood by the counter, arms crossed, head tilted, biting her bottom lip. Andrea had brought a camera and was taking pictures, but the picture from where she stood was amazing. Out of context, they looked like a normal family. She knew they had a lot of problems to work through—each of them different but still very capable of dragging them down—and they couldn't be there for each other in the way they needed, but they could assist by providing outside help. Denise had give Carol the number for a therapist that Sophia could talk to. Ed had left many scars on them, and it was time Sophia worked through hers. While they weren't on her body, there in her mind and in her heart, and Carol hoped in that in time that son of a bitch's grasp on them would be so thin they'd forget he was ever there.
As for Daryl, Denise suggested a different therapist, saying that it wasn't wise for siblings to see the same person. Carol had planned on telling him about number Denise had given her, but she would wait until later. He would need to make this call on his own, and so far he was doing a great job. She believed having it be the day after helped, and she hoped that next year, with the work of therapy and the grandchild who would bring such joy into his life, he'd be able to celebrate on the actual day. She would just keep praying for him and loving him until that day and many years after.
"How do you like your steak?" Shane rubbed his hands together, asking the room.
Patrick offered to give him a hand, Sophia was cleaning up the wrapping paper, and Merle was trying to toss them into the bag like a pro baseball player. Clearly he was not, and it made Sophia laugh when he missed. It seemed to make him happy, to do something funny on purpose and not because he was drunk or making an ass of himself and laughing at the person he had demoralized. Andrea showing some pictures to Daryl. They weren't of the party, but of something else. Carol would have joined them, but it felt better to let them do that alone. She liked watching.
"Hey." Iris joined Carol in the kitchen.
"Hi."
"I have a question for you." She wrapped her fingers around her cup.
"Everybody seems to have questions for me." She nodded. "What is it, honey?"
"Mom's trying to talk me into going to birthing classes. She thinks I don't notice, but I actually do. And I know I'm not due for while so I was hoping that you could teach me what I need to know and what you learned that books didn't teach you. I know Mom talked to you about this, but I wanted to be the one to ask. I...I wanted to ask for more than what Mom originally asked for. I'm sorry, but you're the only person I trust and can turn to."
"That's kind of a tall order."
"I know. I know it is, but I already have kids at school stare at me and judge me. I can't take going into a class and have more people think horrible things about me. I don't care about them or their thoughts—it's the whispering and the pointing. I can't talk to Mom about it. She'll try to pull me out of school and homeschool me or try and threaten the people who whisper." She met Carol's eyes, and Carol could see the tears she was trying to hide. "I trust you, and you know me. You're the only person who I'm comfortable enough to do this with. Grandma is sweet, but she has such an old-fashioned way of thinking. She'll try and convince me to marry Patrick and to be a stay at home mom, which is cool and everything for some women, but I have dreams outside being a mother. I'm sorry to ask so much of you."
She nodded. "I'll do what I can."
"You will?"
"Of course. Iris, you're like a second daughter to me, and that baby is important to me as well. When you're near your third trimester, we'll have our own birthing/parenting class. I'll request time off for it too."
Iris came around the counter and embraced her. "Thank you, Carol."
"You're welcome."
"And you're like a second mom to me." She pulled back. "I hope I can be a good a parent as you and Mom."
"I think you'll be a better mom than both of us." She brushed away a tear. "And it's okay to cry."
"I know, but it took a long time to do my makeup." She laughed and inhaled. "Thank you again."
"Mmm-hmm." Carol watched her join the others, and she picked up her cup, sitting on the couch.
"You didn't tell Shane how you liked your steak." Daryl scooted in behind her. "I let him know."
"Thank you." She leaned into him. "So, are you having fun yet?"
He curled an arm around her shoulders. "Yeah, it's...easier than I thought. I mean, it know it's just the seven of us, but it's nice."
"It won't always be the seven of us," Carol commented, peering up at him. "There'll be an eighth member on your next birthday, Grandpa."
He chuckled. "Yeah, that's a little weird to think about."
"I'm looking forward to it."
"You are?"
"Yes, but don't ask me why. I won't tell you. Not yet."
"All right." He pulled her closer and kissed the top of her head. "Thank you for your gift. Don't tell nobody, but it's my favorite."
She laughed. "You're only saying that because I'm your girlfriend."
He smiled. "Nah, it's true. I do like the watch Iris got me though."
"It's kinda pricey. I wonder how she paid for it."
"I'm really good at sales," Iris answered, filling her cup back up. "And I've been saving my allowance for Christmas presents and birthday presents."
"Can I expect something as nice on my birthday?" Carol teased.
"Something nicer. Maybe."
"Ooh, I can't wait."
Iris smiled and walked back outside.
"Do you want in on the planning of your next birthday, or do you want it to be a surprise?" Carol set her cup on the coffee table and cuddled up against him.
"Surprise me."
"Are you sure?"
"Yeah."
"I'm sure I can think of something." She pursed her lips. "By the way...we have dinner plans with Axel next Friday."
"We... Why?"
"Because he invited us over for dinner to meet his girlfriend," the words flew out of her mouth in hopes that he wouldn't catch them all.
"Why does his girlfriend want to meet us?"
Shit. "She wants to get to know us clearly. She knows how close Axel and I are. She just wants to get a feel of who we are, I guess. I already agreed so we can't back out of it. And unless Iris gives birth to a healthy baby next Friday, we're going."
He groaned.
"I'm sorry. I agreed before I could talk to you about it."
He huffed. "It's fine. We'll... we'll go."
"Really?" She faced him. "You'll go? Just like that?"
"No point in complainin'." He shrugged. "Unless breakin' a leg would get us out of it."
"Daryl." She glared at him.
"I'm jokin'!"
"That's not funny." She shook her head. "I will have Hershel come and whack you with his cane."
"He never broke his leg, and if he ever has, I doubt it was to avoid an awkward dinner."
"Well, the cane would hurt more than me slapping you in the arm."
He smirked. "That's true."
"I'm going outside."
"Carol."
"What?"
He looked her over for a moment, not saying anything, and she felt the urge to smile, though it didn't quite make it to her lips. It shined in her eyes, and back in his, and he shook his head. "Nothin'."
"You sure?"
He nodded. "Yeah."
She found Sophia and Iris had the camera now, Shane and Patrick were at the grill, and Andrea was on the phone with someone. It sounded like it was Amy. Carol let her be and checked on the girls. They were looking over the pictures Andrea had taken from both last night and tonight, and they were taking pictures of Shane and Patrick, especially when Merle cut in. He was suddenly the master of the grill, and it was hilarious to watch him. Patrick actually looked worried at some of Merle's grilling advice, and Shane simply shook his head and chuckled. And at a certain point they all knew their steaks would all be well done.
Iris and Sophia had set up lights in the backyard so they could sit out there and eat. Shane and Andrea had done their best to try and repeal the bugs, and it worked. It wasn't too bad out tonight, and the conversation wasn't that forced. Merle and Shane didn't get along, and Daryl knew they never would. Merle didn't even get along with Rick when he had to. That was in the past, but it was clear Merle wouldn't like or be friends with any law enforcement officers. He and Andrea didn't butts heads so much, and he seemed to be warming to Patrick. He and Carol were all right. He wasn't sure what happened at their dinner, but Carol was the closest thing to a friend as anybody had ever gotten to Merle. Merle had a soft spot for Iris, as he always had, and he would be even worse when the baby came. He liked Sophia, possibly even had a soft spot for her. That could be because of his friendship with Carol also.
Daryl drank the rest of his pop, watching as Sophia and Patrick and Merle built a bonfire. Iris was passed out inside. The meal and star gazing had wiped her out, and Shane moved her from porch to the couch. Daryl had been busy with collecting wood for the bonfire. Andrea and Carol were cutting up the cake, and while he was comfortable with all of them being there for his belated birthday party, he was not comfortable with them singing to him. He never liked that. What the hell was he supposed to do? Sit there awkwardly? Applaud? Dive under the table and wait for it to be over? He'd rather avoid it altogether.
A slice of cake with a lit candle appeared before him, Carol holding the plate in her hands, and he smirked. She sat beside him and held the cake up to his mouth so he could blow the candle. He waited a second then blew it out, and she smiled.
"Happy belated birthday, Daryl Dixon."
"Thank you." He set his cup down in the grass and took the plate, pulling the candle out and sucking the icing off it.
"Now have you gotten all you wanted?"
He dropped the candle into his cup. "Not all of it."
"What more do you want?"
"You'll find out. One day, maybe."
Her brows rose. "I'll find out one day?"
"Maybe," he added.
She shook her head. "Enjoy your cake. I have leftovers to put away."
"That can wait."
"If I don't do it now, it'll never get done. You won't do it, and Merle would rather let it grow mold and be slowly picked away at by bugs." She smiled. "I think you can handle five minutes alone."
"Not if that kid comes back to ask me more questions."
"Patrick?"
He nodded. "Kid's nosy as hell."
"He wants to get to know the grandfather of his child."
"By buggin' me to death."
"He's family now and family bugs you to death." She set a hand on his shoulder. "Welcome to normal...ish family, Daryl. If he gets to be too much, I promise I'll come and save you."
He grumbled when she strolled back inside and ate his cake. Patrick was distracted by Sophia. They were sitting by the fire, looking at something on Sophia's phone. They were scrunched up pretty close, and they were laughing. Andrea and Shane came out and cuddled up together, talking softly. Merle was by the shed, sitting just inside in the empty space that the grill normally occupied, holding the chip he'd gotten for one year of sobriety. He had another, Daryl believed, but that one was most important to him. Daryl knew that if he could handle that first year without booze or drugs, he could handle anything. Daryl wondered what was going on in his life that was making him need that chip. Maybe it was just a reminder he needed. Daryl needed reminders too, and this entire night was a reminder. He had come a long way from who he was before his daughter, and while he had more progress to make, he needed to stop and relish in the fact that he had changed—for the better. He had all of this—all of them—in his life, and in five or so months, he'd have a grandchild in his life. He wanted to be even better by that time. He was starting down that path, and he would continue until his demons weren't so visible, so loud. He wasn't sure how long that would talk, but if he wanted to be the father Iris needed, the man Carol deserved and the man he wanted to be, he would have to keep going. No matter how difficult it became, he would keep advancing.
– – –
"So, you're just going to the mall?" Mom handed her an extra twenty.
"Yes. And I'd like to buy a bathing suit and eat, so thank you." She slipped the twenty into her wallet. "I'll be home at six."
"Should I save you a plate, or are you eating out for dinner too?"
"I don't know yet. I'll call."
"Well, be careful."
"I'll have Iris in the car. I'm driving like a snail."
She smiled. "Good." She hugged her. "Have fun."
"I will. Bye." She released her mom and hurried out the door.
Carol checked her watch, her brain lingering on why Sophia would go shopping at eleven and be back at six. She shook her head and poured her second cup of coffee into a mug to take to work, searching the cabinets for breakfast. She had slept in late and called Maggie to let her know she'd be in at noon. She was sorely tempted to call off, but she would only think about what Sophia was really doing. She didn't need that right now.
"Think she even noticed I was here?" Daryl set his bowl of cereal down in the sink. "By the way, eatin' in the pantry isn't too bad."
"I don't know why you hid. She knows we're dating, and nothing happened last night."
"Then I'll show myself next time." He slipped his arms around her waist. "It could be funny. She might even stay for more than ten minutes."
"Or she'll run out the door at top speed."
"Guess I'll just have to see." His lips met hers, tasting the coffee on her tongue, and she leaned into him. Merle had taken his truck when he was at work, and Carol offered to drive him home. He wanted to come home with her. He just liked sleeping beside her. It was becoming more and more of a challenge to sleep in an empty bed. He enjoyed holding her and fighting for leg space with Honey, and Merle enjoyed having the house all to himself. Daryl didn't even want to consider why.
"Mmm." She pulled back. "I have to get to work. Do you need a ride?"
"Nah, I don't work till late. I can have Merle come get me."
"I don't mind taking you home."
"I'm fine here. Unless you don't trust me."
"If you're staying, you'll have to tend to Honey. We've been a little neglectful of her. Attention wise, anyway." She grasped his arms that encircled her. "Just give her a lot of love and make sure she has food and water. Maybe take her for a walk."
"I will."
"Have fun." She kissed him goodbye. "Goodbye, Honey."
He finished the coffee and saw Honey by the door. He joined her on the floor and rubbed her ear. "They'll be back, girl."
She leaned into his hand, and he set his coffee down to scratch her other ear. She flopped down onto his lap, and he let out a short chuckle, petting down her back. He could tell she hadn't gotten much attention lately. He drank his morning coffee and made sure Honey knew she was loved.
––
"This is my future." Iris held up a pair of stretchy pants. "Or I'll make myself suffer and wear sweatpants."
"We'd have to scrap you off the floor." Sophia took them from her. "We're here to shop and be happy, no moping."
"I'm not. I just didn't realize how little color my future had."
"Iris."
"I'm joking." She sighed. "When is Lizzie getting here?"
"Soon. Enid has a few things to do before she picks Lizzie up. I thought you'd like to hang out just the two of us, like old times."
"I love how I was pregnant in old times," Iris joked.
Sophia made a face.
"Okay, what is this? Really?"
"We're not looking for swimsuits until two," Sophia confessed. "I just thought you'd like to hang out. I miss hanging out with you. I love Lizzie, and Enid's really cool, but you're my best friend, and I feel like I've been slacking."
"Dude, why? I spend all of my time with baby books and color schemes and trying to figure out if my next craving will make me spend an hour in the bathroom. I get that you need space from all of that. I need space from it too, but oh well." She shrugged her shoulders. "You don't need to feel bad."
"Tell that to my conscious."
"You need to stop feeling guilty. Or let me bore you with talk about cradle cap."
"What?"
"Don't ask."
She laughed. "Do you want to see if there are any good movies on right now?"
"Yeah."
"Okay."
"Oh, guess what." Sophia adjusted her purse strap.
"I have no clue. What?"
"Daryl spent the night."
"Wow. It's only been a few days since they started dating again."
"I don't think anything happened. They were fully clothed and passed out together." She looked at Iris. "Midnight snacking is good when you want to accidentally spy on your mother."
"How did you even end up there? Isn't her room the opposite way of the kitchen?"
"Not when you hide snacks in the hall closet."
"Seriously?"
"Daryl and I like the same thing! If I don't hide them, he eats them all. I had to bust out my flashlight and creep like a thief down the hall. It was worth it though. I think I'll hide a box in my underwear drawer. He'd never look there, and I refuse to stay up that late to finish homework again."
"They seem happy," Iris commented. "Carol and Daryl."
"Happier than I've ever seen them," Sophia agreed.
"All right. No more about our parents. How are you? I heard you went to see that doctor. I don't remember the name."
"Dr. Espinosa. She's really sweet. I feel like she doesn't judge me either. I've only been to see her twice, but I think it's helping me."
"That's awesome. I hope it helps you with whatever you need."
"Me too."
"How is your mom taking you needing therapy?"
"She's okay with it, I guess. I mean, it's not good news. I know she wishes I wasn't affected by Ed, but I was. I can't change that, but I can work through it. I think she's kinda proud of me for realizing that."
"Yeah." She nodded. "I know I am."
She smiled. "I just wonder if she'll let me open up to her."
"About?"
"There are things I didn't tell her about him. I can only remember bits and pieces, but it's enough to haunt me." She rubbed her arm. "I don't want Mom to feel bad or hate herself for not leaving soon enough or feeling like she didn't protect me. That's not what I want at all. I only want to talk to her and have her talk to me. I don't think that'll happen for a long time."
"Well, you have Dr. Espinosa until then, and you have me." She smiled. "I'm ready to listen to anything you're ready to tell me."
"All I am ready to talk about at the moment is popcorn and candy."
"You read my mind."
––
"Axel, as long as it's not raw, Daryl will eat whatever you put in front of him." She flipped through her calendar. "Don't tell him I said that."
"Tell him you said...what?"
She smiled. "I can bring wine."
"You don't have to bring anything."
"I know, but I feel like I should."
"Okay, bring yourself and Daryl."
"Flowers?"
"Carol, you're not dating her—I am. You don't need to bring us a gift. Just bring an appetite and manners."
"I will bring both." She pursed her lips. "Red wine?"
He rolled his eyes. "Fine, fine. I give up. You can bring wine, but that's all."
"Thank you."
"I need to get back to work. I'll talk to you later."
She nodded and picked up her phone, calling Denise to reschedule her appointment. She had to help Hershel that day, and she still felt guilt over what happened to him. She didn't like to think about it, but it did happen, and of course he didn't blame her, but she blamed herself. She's the reason he has to use a cane when he walked. All because she didn't put a sign out. Anyway, Hershel needed help and after all he did for her and Sophia, she couldn't say no. That's probably why he didn't ask her. She overheard the conversation and instantly agreed to help. She didn't even know with what until later.
"Are you okay with that?"
"Carol, it's your appointment. Are you okay with it?"
"Yeah. I will make it on Thursday. I just have a prior engagement. I'm sorry."
"Don't be sorry. Life happens, and I'll see you when I see you. If you need to talk, give me a call. I'm always here for you."
"I will. Thank you."
"So, have you given Daryl the number?"
"Not just yet. I will. Soon."
"All right. Don't take too long."
"I won't. Goodbye."
– – –
Sophia padded down the stairs. "Mom?"
"What?" She evened out the eggs and bacon she'd made for breakfast.
"I was wondering if I could help Hershel out with that animal adoption even. It's tomorrow, right?"
"Yeah. We could use the help."
"Great." Her eyes fell to the two plates. "Is Daryl here?"
"No. He's at home. This is for us. I was hoping we could have breakfast together."
"Sure. I'll make toast."
She smiled. "I'll get the apple butter."
"Ooh, we have some?" She picked up the loaf of bread. "My mouth just watered." She laughed.
"I know it's your favorite."
Sophia paused in making the toast. "Do you want to talk to me about something? You usually only go all out when you want to talk."
"Sophia." She set the jar on the counter. "I just want to have breakfast with my daughter, who I never see anymore."
"Are you okay? You're not sick, are you?" She set a hand over her heart. "Are you pregnant?"
"Yes, I am okay. All I want is to have a meal with you. The last time we ate together, all I saw was your phone."
"I was talking to Lizzie," she muttered then narrowed her eyes. "You didn't answer my other question."
"I'm not pregnant either. It'd be impossible."
"Impossible? So you and Daryl haven't...?"
"No."
"Why not?"
"That's none of your business. I thought you'd be more "eww" than "ooh"."
"Oh, I'm cringing inside, but you two seem so much closer. I thought... Well, never mind."
"Sex isn't the best thing two people can do together, Sophia. There are other things—"
"Okay, I'm more "eww" than "ooh" now." She held her hands up. "Could I just make the toast?"
Carol smiled. "I'll take the plates into the dining room. Leave your phone on the counter, please."
"Yes, Mother Dear."
Carol rolled her eyes and headed to the dining room with the two plates, and Sophia chuckled to herself, shaking her head. She made six pieces of toast since she could practically eat apple butter from the jar. She wished Mom had made biscuits, but there was still an entire jar, so maybe tomorrow. She placed the plate of toast and jar of apple butter on the table, sitting down.
"So, what are your plans for today?"
"I'm going to help paint some signs. Hershel's girls can't help, and I'm off today. It's better than lounging around."
"Mom, sometimes lounging around is okay."
"Okay, so what are your plans for these final days of spring break?"
"Well, I'm meeting Carl in the afternoon on Sunday, and then I'm going over to Patrick's. I might spend the night."
"At Patrick's?" Her nose crinkled.
"Is that a problem?"
"Why would you want to spend the night with Patrick?"
"Well, Iris will be there and Lizzie and Enid. Carl and Mika too. We've never had a sleepover together, and it'd be fun. It's his last high school spring break, and he wants to make the most of it. Please, Mom, let me go. I plan to spend my entire night with Iris and Lizzie. I even had polished my pregnant conversation skills for this very reason."
"I don't know. It's a school night."
"His aunt will be there, and I'm a good kid. I skipped school once, but that was for Lizzie. Mom, please. He's been my friend for years, and I really don't want to miss this. I'll call when I get here and before I go to sleep, and you can talk to Anna." She pleaded, "And Patrick would never miss school. His every cell is dedicated to going to school. I'll be there early on Monday morning."
She thought about it. "I suppose."
"Thank you."
"I'm driving you over there."
"Why?"
"Because I'm your mother, and I want to."
"That's fine. We're all good kids. Our plans involve eating lots of pizza and watching movies. We might even go outside to play basketball."
"Don't be a smartass."
"I'm not!"
"Your tone is."
She smiled. "Is Daryl coming to help you paint signs?"
"Why do you always bring up Daryl?"
"Cause he's your boyfriend, and I'm genuinely curious." She ate a piece of bacon.
"He has to work. It's just me and Hershel and his son."
She nodded. "Do you guys have dinner plans? I just want to know if I have to scrap together random items to make something eatable again."
"We do actually. Axel invited us over for dinner with his girlfriend."
"I bet Daryl is dying of excitement."
"Yeah, me too."
"I could come and make the tension even worse."
"No, please don't. I'm already planning on dragging Daryl there by the back of his shirt, and I'm making you dinner before I leave for dinner."
"Yeah, real food." She grinned. "Thank you."
"You're welcome."
"Could we have dinner together tomorrow night?" Sophia peered at her mom. "You, me and Daryl? We haven't had dinner together since you started dating, and I've been busy. I think it'd be nice."
"Yeah, that would be nice."
"I have no real plans hence my asking you if I could help Hershel, and we haven't had a family meal in way too long. I'll even help cook."
"We're not the only ones suffering for that." Carol pointed down.
Sophia looked under the table and found Honey there. "Hi, Honey." She rubbed her head. "We've been bad owners, I know. I'm sorry. I will make it up to you. Do you wanna go to the park?"
Her ears shot up.
"Okay, let's go. After I eat." She picked up her fork and started on her eggs.
––
"How many signs do we need?" Carol set her third one out to dry.
"A few more." He looked over the ones she'd already made. "You seem to be enjoyin' yourself."
"I guess I am." She smiled. "It was kind of you to help out."
"If I can helps these animals find homes, I'd do just about anything."
"Sophia wants to help out. I said yes, is that okay?"
"Yeah, the more the merrier."
She nodded. "Daryl will help bring the animals over."
"Thank you, Carol."
"Anything I can do to help." She clasped her hands. "I'm just glad these animals have a chance to be adopted." She didn't want to think about the ones that weren't. She couldn't bring them all home. Sophia would kill her. The bills would kill her. Daryl wouldn't come over to her house anymore. He liked animals, but from the number she'd seen of how many will be there, she could guess he didn't want to co-own 45 animals.
"You can take a break. I'm going to check on Shawn."
She stepped outside to get some fresh air and stretched her arms. She gazed upward, wondering if Sophia had taken Honey to park. She could call her, but she knew Sophia likely did. Honey needed the affection right now. They were involved with work and their relationships, and it wasn't fair to her. Daryl was her number one fan at the moment, as he gave her bits of his meals and attention. He was good to her, something Carol and Sophia needed to make time to do as well.
It was strange to think about the distance between them. Sophia was spending more and more time with her friends, and Carol was happy that she had such great friends. They were good for her, helping shape her into a respectable and honest young woman who was still goofy and caring. They would be great for her when college started. They would all be in the same place, and they would endure similar struggles with studies and new people and classes. It would be difficult, knowing that this time next year would be her last spring break with Sophia, but it would have to happen. Sophia would come around for holidays and birthdays, but it wouldn't be the same.
She didn't like to think about Sophia growing up. It always been the two of them, even when it was the three of them. Carol was proud of her daughter, and she would always encourage her and her dreams. However to think about Sophia going off to college next summer and becoming an adult felt like a weight on her heart. She would cry when that day came. It would be a mixture of happiness and sorrow. They had overcome so much together, and that day would be the divide of their path. Sophia would begin her own journey and make her own mistakes and learn and grow; Carol would continue her life with Daryl and at the shelter.
Inhaling, she was relieved to know Andrea would be in the same boat as her, only she would be babysitting her grandchild. Maybe Carol could help out with that. She smiled to herself and entered the clinic to finish working on the signs. She only had a few more to make anyway.
––
"Okay, what's going on?" Iris narrowed her eyes at her parents and Shane. "You three are never together, so what's happening? Are you guys getting married now?" She gasped. "Is Carol pregnant?"
"No," Daryl replied. "She's not."
"And we're not." Andrea waved a finger in the space between her and Shane.
"Did someone die then? Was it Grandpa? Oh my God."
"No, no one's dead." Andrea set her hands on her daughter's shoulders. "Stop guessing, sweetie. It's not bad news."
She nodded. "Then what's going on?"
"We have a present for you," Shane answered.
"C'mon." Daryl motioned for her to follow him.
"A present?" She looked at her mom. "For me? Not the baby?"
"Yes, for you." She clasped her hand and guided Iris toward Daryl. "We've been working on this for months, and we had to make some adjustments for the baby."
"We were gonna wait till the shower to give it to you," Daryl explained. "But now's a good a time as any." He opened the back door and stepped out then Shane and Andrea and Iris.
In the backyard in a decent shade of tan and shiny enough for Iris to see her reflection—Shane's handiwork, no doubt—was a lightly used Mercury Sable. She felt like she'd seen this car before, but she wasn't sure. It was nice, and she didn't expect this at all. She was still trying to get her brain to work out that this was a gift. For her. From her parents. She had asked for her a car, but she honestly thought Mom would fight tooth and nail against her. Mom barely let her take Driver's Safety last semester. It was embarrassing, but she'd grown from that. She was going to let Iris drive. She was trusting Iris. A lot. She couldn't believe it.
"Well?"
"You actually bought me a car?" Iris murmured.
"Yes. It was Maggie's, but she got a new car. It had some issues, but Shane and Daryl helped me with them." She pointed to the backseat. "And it looks great with the car seat Shane bought."
Iris didn't move closer to see the car seat, just knotted her fingers together quietly.
"Is something wrong?" Daryl peered at her.
She shook her head. "No."
"You just don't seem very happy," Shane commented. "You said you wanted a car at dinner a couple nights ago. Did you change your mind?"
She shook her head again. "I didn't—change my mind."
"Then what is it?" Andrea stepped toward her.
Iris lifted her head and shrugged a shoulder. "I love it." She was shaking though, trying not to cry.
Andrea embraced her. "It's okay to cry. It'll happen over little things anyway."
She laughed. "I love it. Thank you guys so much!" She reached out for Daryl, and he wasn't a fan of group hugs, but he did it anyway. She smiled at him and then hugged Shane. "It's perfect."
"Here." He handed her the keys.
Andrea and Daryl agreed to let Shane be the one to give her the keys and refresh her memory on cars. Daryl was the expert, but it would be a good way for them to bond. Andrea had also made a deal that Daryl would be the first to hold their grandchild. He didn't really care about the deal. He would have agreed either way, but he didn't want Andrea to know that. She'd ask more and more of him, and he wanted to put those requests on hold for as long as he could. He had his hands full, and Shane wasn't going anywhere. Daryl and he didn't always get along, but for Iris, he would try. And for Carol, because if he didn't and he started to complain, she would give him that look. It wasn't disappointment, but it still made him feel bad. So he was trying, for them and himself.
"We're going to a movie tonight, and you're welcome to join us," Andrea offered.
"Nah, I got plans, but thanks. Maybe next time."
She nodded. "We'll find out the sex soon."
"Hmm?" He glanced at her.
"Of the baby."
"Mmm. What do you think?"
"Well, I think it'll be a boy."
"I think it'll be a girl," he replied.
"We'll see who's right." She smirked and checked her watch. "We should go if we want to catch that movie." She walked over to Shane and Iris.
Daryl watched them for a moment, knowing he needed to get home and change for his torture plans. Carol said they were dinner plans, but it was going to be torture. He liked Axel. He was a good guy, and he was good to Carol and the kids and parents at the shelter, but Daryl didn't want to spend an evening with him and his girlfriend. And he knew at one point in the evening Carol would throw him to the wolves to escape that woman. Axel told him time and again Holly was a talker, and Carol would sacrifice him to save herself. He just had a feeling.
"Wait." Iris caught him on his way out.
"Yeah?"
"Shane's going to be giving me driving lessons." She intertwined her fingers. "And Mom's going to help me pass the test."
"Yeah." He nodded.
"Where—where do you fit in?" She searched his eyes.
"I'll be around."
She nodded. "Thank you." She hugged him. "I love the car, and I really appreciate what you did."
"It was all of us."
"And I've already thanked Mom and Shane." She released him. "I really do love it."
"I'm happy you love it."
"I'll see you later."
He reached into his pocket and handed her a key ring with a keychain on it. "For the car key and your house key."
"Thanks." She smiled as she accepted the gift. "I have to change, but have a nice night."
"You too."
She watched him pull out, feeling his reluctance as he did, and she hoped his plans were too horrid. She didn't know where he was going, but it had to be better than staying home alone and working. Or whatever he did. She wasn't positive. He didn't watch TV much, so he must walk his property a lot. She should go out there and hang out with him when she got her driver's license.
Pulling the key from her pocket, her eyes fell on the keychain Daryl had given her. It was one of those keychains that held pictures, and the picture was of them. She was a baby, maybe two, and he was holding her, looking down at her with such love. They were in her nursery from the wallpaper, and the picture was well kept. She could make it out well, like he'd just had it printed. She didn't think Daryl kept pictures of her. There were none in his house, so either he had pictures saved somewhere or he kept this one somewhere safe.
"Iris?" Andrea called to her.
"Coming, Mom!" She held the picture close and smiled. That's where he fit, even when he wasn't around.
I just want to wish you all happy holidays. May the new year bring amazing things to you all!