Chapter eighteen: Reunited and it feels…kinda weird.
Carol stayed with me until the boys came home for lunch, she didn't want to intrude, I was going to be alone again once they went back to Tobin but maybe that wouldn't be so bad…it was being alone with my thoughts that was worrying. Over the past few months, we'd done some questionable shit in order to survive. The boys had gotten right with that as far as I was aware, but I hadn't and I was certain Tyreese hadn't either; I pottered around for the afternoon, making the beds, trimming my hair, straightening the carpets.
By the time I was out of things to occupy myself with, it was barely two and I groaned, sitting down on the couch with a book when I could've been outside, it was a nice day, I could've gone for a walk around the community, made some friends, gotten some exercise. But I didn't, I stayed on that couch with aching feet, reading the same page until the sky was dark and the boys were coming back in through the front door.
"Have you been sat there all day?" Sam called and I nodded, his laughter filled the room. "Well, we're working with that guy Abraham from Rick's group, he's pretty cool."
"Yeah, he was tellin' us all kinds of jokes." Jonah added, launching into the many jokes and phrases his new foreman had. By the time we were eating dinner, the boys were still, not even close to finishing their story, talking with their mouths full, spitting bits of pasta everywhere…at least I'd have something to do tomorrow, clean the kitchen down.
"So, what did you do all day?" Sam inquired and I paused, my hand freezing as I twirled pasta around my fork, aware that they were expecting an answer…a prompt one at that.
"Nothing really," I replied truthfully, putting down my fork, finding that my appetite was gone. "I just sort of…pottered around really, I feel useless."
"Well, maybe you should go for a walk tomorrow, try and make some friends." Phineas suggested and I nodded, sighing and rubbing the top of my belly. "Have you seen Daryl yet? Rick was supposed to send him over when he got back." I shook my head, my brother's all dropped their eyes to their plates and I got the feeling that at least one of them was trying to hide something.
"What aren't you three telling me?" I asked carefully, watching their faces as they looked at each other. "Seriously, you three idiots can't hide shit from me."
"Uh…listen…we're kind of goin' on a run with Glenn and some others tomorrow." Jonah said slowly, pushing his chair back as I stood up and braced my hands on the table top, glowering at the trio.
"When the fuck were you three goin' to tell me about this?" I hissed, Sam threw his head back and laughed loudly.
"Glenn only asked us as we were leavin' work, Puddle. We're only goin' because he can't bring Maggie, she works with Deanna." He explained and as the doorbell rang, I sighed angrily and brushed my hair back.
"This is not over so don't you three go disappearin'." After jabbing a finger at them, I went to answer the door. Stood on the porch was my dirty Redneck lover, he looked a little uncomfortable if I was the one judging, crossbow slung over his shoulder the way he always did. "Oh, hey, come on it." My voice sounded a little shaky and I wondered if I should have had a bigger reaction.
"Rick told me how you got here," Daryl said as the boys slunk out of the kitchen and onto the stairs.
"You three better fuckin' run," I called and their footsteps sped up until they disappeared. "Come and sit down, I'll fill you in."
It was nearly seven when I finished filling Daryl in on where we'd been after the Prison; his own tale was not the same one Rick had told and I was shocked by a lot of it…cannibals, Claimers and crooked cops in hospitals? He also told me about Beth and Bob, I could tell that Beth dying had stung badly; the look on Daryl's face was enough to tell me that.
"So…" I struggled to find words to string together. "Uh…" twisting my hands together, I could feel the redneck's eyes burning holes into the side of my head. "I don't really know what to say."
"When did that," he pointed at my belly and I cradled it protectively, "happen?"
"I found out a few days before the Prison fell…I was goin' to tell you before the Governor attacked." I replied softly, smiling before I shook my head. "I'm sorry I took so long to come back," trying to put some cheer into my tone; I raised my eyes, trying to read Daryl's. "But I was carrying an extra weight…the uh…the boys are plannin' to turn the spare room into a nursery." He nodded, chewing the side of his thumb, shifting almost uncomfortably.
"Did Deanna give you a job yet?" I shook my head. "Good, don't want you doin' anythin' stressful or dangerous."
"Oh yeah, speakin' of dangerous," I glared up the ceiling. "Dumb, Dumber and Dumbest have decided to go off on this run with Glenn," a snort escaped Daryl. "Those little shits weren't goin' to tell me either."
"Gonna be out tomorrow, find some stuff for the kid…" I nodded, feeling giddy as I leaned over and kissed his cheek, leaning my forehead against his leather vest. "Missed you Peanut," smiling, I closed my eyes and sighed, contented.
"I missed you too." I muttered, feeling like I could have gone to sleep right there and then, but soon enough my back began to ache from sitting in this position.
"Gotta head out, talk to Rick and Carol," I nodded as he got up, heading for the front door before pausing and pointing at me. "Don't do anythin' stupid, Ellie, like tryin' to move furniture or reach the top shelf." I got up and went over, nodding as we embraced. "I'll be back tomorrow, won't be gone too long."
"You don't have to go, do you?" I asked, grabbing his hand tightly. "Couldn't you stay here for the night?"
"Nah, all my shits at the other place, told you, I'll be back tomorrow." He replied evenly and I sighed.
"Bring your shit with you, stay with me." I pleaded and there were a few moments of silence before Daryl nodded and grunted.
"Keep an eye on your reckless ass."
