Disclaimer:

Carol Peletier, Sophia Peletier, King Ezekiel, Henry, Jerry, Shiva, and any other recognizable character or plot of The Walking Dead belong to AMC Network and Skybound Entertainment, Image Comics and Robert Kirkman.

In no way is the author claiming ownage of any of the characters nor is there any economical/monetary gain at any time. The author is extremely respectful of the original creators and is willing to take down this work of fiction if requested.

No copyright infringement intended.

Genevieve is property of the author.

Chapter 10: 9th Month

"Joan."

"No."

"Anne Mary."

"Marie? Or Mary?"

"Mary?"

Carol giggles at his reply, the obvious guessing tone as he tries to figure out which one she is parcial to, makes him sound so hesitant.

"No."

"Marie?" Ezekiel quickly offers.

"Still a no."

They had been trying to find a name for their little one for the past weeks, always coming short of agreeing on one. "What about Sarah?"

"Hmmmm no." He shakes his head, his dreads tickling her belly. He's been resting against her lap, or what is left of it, after gently massaging cream on her belly to help with the itching. "Lorena?"

"Negative." Carol shuts down his offer. "This is impossible Ezekiel. We have to find a name for her or she's going to be called 'Princess' all her life."

"She is the Princess of the Kingdom."

Carol pinches his arm slightly. "You know what I mean."

"Mercy?"

Carol pauses for a second, considering the name. "I actually like it. Write it down."

"Oh! What about Genevieve? Henry whispered it to the baby this morning when you were napping on the sofa." Ezekiel admits to her. "She kicked a little so I think she liked it."

Genevieve.

Seeing that Carol hasn't refuted the name right away, Ezekiel continues to talk, giving her the information Henry had given him. "Saint Genevieve is said to have acted as a link between the royals and higher classes and the common folks of Paris. She believed in charity and asking for clemency for prisoners."

Genevieve.

"Do you like it?"

It wasn't about liking the name. She had liked many of the names he had offered but none of them felt right. None of them felt like they were meant for her child. "I do." She answers. "Genevieve." She whispers to herself.

It doesn't surprise her when her daughter moves suddenly in her womb, not after what Ezekiel told her had happened with Henry.

"Genevieve." She states once more and the name settles in her heart, much like Sophia's name had done before. She turns to look at Ezekiel with a peaceful expression on her face, her blue eyes lighting up her whole face. "Her name is Genevieve."

Ezekiel gives a nod against her skin before fully turning to his side, his lips brushing softly against her belly. "Genevieve."

Again her little one thumps away on her belly making her father chuckle loudly. "Alright, alright, my mistake… Princess Genevieve."

Carol laughs which makes her belly contract and her child protest. Genevieve continues on the movement long enough for Ezekiel to incorporate himself and sit in front of her. He reaches once more for the tub of lotion he had used before, then starts massaging her belly once more, taking special care on the areas he knows cause her the most itching.

Carol can barely hold her tears when he starts speaking in that soft loving voice he uses only for their daughter "Princess Genevieve, we are ready whenever you are. Mama wants to meet you and your Papa wants to hold you. I… I want to show you just how wonderful life can be."

"Your brother, his name is Henry, he's the one that found your name. He can't wait to teach you how to be strong and brave. And Jerry, he's big and scary when he wants to be, but I know he'll be a total teddy bear with you, and Na…"

fade out*