Walking Dead: Unexpected Return

Chapter 14 of my Walking Dead story, enjoy.

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Now onto the story.

Disclaimer: I don't own Walking Dead or its characters.

Chapter 14

Starting her search at the spot Sophia had been standing when she ran off, Enid headed in the same direction Sophia had gone.

'Gotta find her. Carl kept me up to speed, I know she's certainly better now than she was at first. But she's still kinda fragile, mentally.' Enid recalled.

She recognized the direction Sophia was heading as going towards the girls bathroom. Swallowing nervously, Enid stopped outside and listened. She could hear inside, could hear the crying that she was sure was Sophia.

She grimaced. 'I was looking forward to finally meeting her...but I never thought it'd be like this.'

Readying herself, knowing she'd have to be completely truthful with Sophia. Entering the bathroom Enid looked around, It was empty except for one stall which was closed, the source of the crying. Enid knew what was to come, but she had to do this. So she cautiously approached and knocked on the door, the crying abruptly stopping.

"Sophia, please, come out of there, we need to talk." She said.

Sophia let out a shaky gasp before she snapped back. "No, go away."

Enid sighed. "Sophia please, you don't understand what's going on. I need to tell you the truth but I'd rather not talk through this door, please."

Silence followed Enid's words for a worryingly long time, until finally the door unlocked and opened.

Wiping her eyes, trying to compose herself, Sophia emerged from the stall. She bit her lip as she observed Enid standing there. Her expression was conciliatory and she openly showed compassion towards Sophia.

'What is she...I thought she, she and Carl, but…?' She wondered; she swallowed. "Um, okay...what do you want to say?"

Enid nodded and gently led Sophia to the other side of the bathroom, against the wall, a little more comfortable for them.

"Okay, I get it, why you were upset. You've been through a lot and you care greatly about Carl. He's been really helpful to you, hasn't he?"

Sophia nodded. "Yeah, I just wish he'd told me, that he-"

"You thought Carl and I were together and freaked out. I get that." Enid said. "But listen...it's not true. We're not together at all."

Sophia started at that, eyes wide. "What but, I...I saw you both, you were so close."

Enid smiled. "Yeah, I know, because we're friends. Best friends. We've never been anything other than that."

"But-" Sophia started, trying to bring up what she had seen.

"Please, understand." Enid told her softly. "I know you're...interesting in Carl. I'm no threat to you. Even if I was, I wouldn't be trying to get together with Carl. If anything...it'd be you."

She raised an eyebrow as she said the last part, trying strongly to hint what she meant. Luckily Sophia did get it and blushed profusely.

"Oh...Oh, you're...Oh." She spluttered.

The look of surprise and embarrassment on Sophia's face made it clear to Enid that the startled girl had got the message.

Sophia couldn't help but feel embarrassed now about her break down, especially for not establishing the truth first. She also had to admit she felt flustered at what Enid had just said about her, that if she were to try and come between her and Carl, it would be Sophia she'd pursue.

'She...she thinks I'm-?'

As if sensing this, Enid laughed softly. "Don't worry, yes, you're pretty. But I have a girlfriend and we're very happy together."

"Oh, I see." Sophia replied, calming down. "That's um...Look I am so sorry."

"Don't be, it's okay." Enid reassured her kindly. "Besides, you didn't know. Carl didn't tell you, because he felt it wasn't his place to say so. Far better you hear it from me, get the proper story."

"I, yeah. I get that." Sophia replied, calming down. "I'm sorry, I really wish I'd handling things better. I overreacted."

"Everything you've been through, trust me, this seems like a mild reaction. Also in hindsight, maybe we should've had Carl meet you, tell you about me a bit and then take you meet me...that might've worked better."

Sophia smiled softly and nodded. "Yeah, probably. Hmmm, we should probably get back to Carl, he'll be getting worried."

"True. You sure you're ready?" Enid asked.

Sophia nodded, feeling calmer much to her relief and together she and Enid left the bathroom and they began making their way to the cafeteria again, looking for Carl.

Seated at the usual table at the cafeteria, Carl shifted in his seat. He was still worried, there was no denying that, but he had faith. If anyone could sort out this misunderstanding, it was Enid, he was sure of that. He looked up, tensing as he spotted Enid, leading Sophia towards him. As they approached he tried hard to gauge Sophia's current mood. She looked better, but it was clear she had been crying before hand.

"Sophia…" He began as the girls sat down.

She smiled gently. "Hi Carl, I...sorry about that. I shouldn't have-"

"It's okay, so long as you're alright." He reassured her.

Enid smiled too. "Well, I think everything is alright now."

"Yeah, I'm okay now. I can get through this." Sophia said.

She had to admit that she had been on edge when she broke down and hid in the bathroom. She had been considering, once she was under control of herself again, going to the Principal and calling her mother. But now she felt calmer and decided she could keep going. If she could make it through the rest of the day, she felt sure that she'd be able to take yet another step forwards. Carl noted her changing expression too and saw the strength returning to her eyes. He felt relief and hope, hope that things would get better now.

End of chapter, hope you enjoyed it, read and review please.