A/N: So here is the newest chapter. Hope you like it. Trying my best here. I don't want to rush through things so if I'm going a little slow I apologize. Also it does help if you have read the earlier chapters because sometimes I refer to things that were said or happened in them. As always please, please, please review.

Chapter 11: Any Day Now

Morning arrived quicker than anybody wanted to, but there was work to get done so everyone met in the common area. Spread out over one of the tables was riot gear pulled off some of the Walkers that were once guards. Daryl lifted one of the helmets and watched as ooze splattered onto the floor by his feet "I ain't wearing this" he spoke looking up and over at Rick and Glenn. Rick with a look of disgust on his face replied "we made it this far without it everyone just be extra careful; always on alert"

Riley watched from the corner of the room; she smiled as Carl placed a helmet over his head and the thing complete overtook his small skull. Rick smirked as well but walked over taking it off "not needed buddy" Carl looked up at his father with heartbroken eyes "come on dad, I can help" Rick kneeled down looking his son in the eyes

"and you will be by staying, if something happens you'll be the last man standing" Carl quickly found Riley's eyes and he smiled, she winked back at the boy; Rick unsure of what was just communicated shook his head at the two and their relationship before walking back over to T-Dog, Herschel, Maggie, Glenn and Daryl to look over the prisons blueprints.

As Rick spoke pointing out different locations they should check over, Daryl kept glancing at Riley who had moved from her place against the wall to the steps leading to the upper level. He watched as she tightened the strings on her bow, but didn't miss how she kept looking towards the cell Lori and Carol shared, the woman hadn't made an appearance this morning and Daryl could tell Riley was worried. She made up some excuse about staying behind incase someone came back saying back up was needed or some bull like that. He peeled his eyes away from her as Rick clapped his hands together and pulled out his knife.

The game plan was to sweep the lower levels of the prison and clear out the "tombs". Rick instructed Carl to lock the door after they left and only open it if one of them returned. Carl did as he was told and locked the gate after the last person exited.

Carl then watched until everyone could no longer be seen and turned walking over to Riley. He stood and watched as she readjusted some strings and placed an arrow into the slot. She then raised her eyes and looked at him, she raised an eyebrow and the boy looked towards his mothers cell "why are you so worried about my mom all the time" Carl asked returning his eyes to Riley. Riley hesitated; she didn't think Carl would notice sure the adults would pick up on some things but Carl was a kid. Riley opened and closed her mouth. She was struggling to find the right words "I thought we were family" Carl piped up "why can't you tell me" Riley looked down at her bow then over to the cell, finally she returned her gaze to Carl's blue eyes boring into her blue eyes. Riley took a deep breath

"my mom…" she started then trailed off "she died while….while giving birth to me. My whole life my father made it seem like it was my fault. When I was younger I believed it, but as I got older I learned that it wasn't…but its hard to not think that maybe…" Riley stopped and took a shaky breath "that maybe if I was never born" she wasn't able to finish as Carl threw himself into her hugging her so tightly she thought her ribs would crack.

Lori who was now awake and about to exit the cell stopped and listened. Tears filled her eyes; she never heard Riley talk about this event only heard bits and pieces from Rick or Daryl. Lori knew that when Daryl returned she would have to tell him he needed to talk with his sister who was still dealing with feelings of blame and fear.

An hour had passed and the group still wasn't back. Carl was sitting on the steps while Riley was at one of the tables, pretending not to watch as Lori ate.

"CARL; open the door its Herschel!" came the sound of Rick's voice. Carl jumped up and ran to the door, throwing in the key and swinging it open. A second later Herschel was wheeled in on a table missing half his leg. Carol ushered him to the cell and with help from T transported him onto the bed. She then applied clothes and blankets to the stump in hopes to stop the bleeding. Riley ran in beside Carol offering to help; this man couldn't die. Carol told Riley to apply pressure while she got some water. Riley kneeled where Carol once was and held the cloth onto Herschel's leg; blood soaked through getting onto her hands, she reached over and grabbed more and placed it on top. Carol came back in retaking her place; she mumbled something about not having enough of anything. Riley stood and exited the cell. She looked down at her blood covered hands and then back into the cell. Herschel couldn't die…Lori needs him; with that thought in her head Riley grabbed her crossbow throwing it over her shoulder and walked though the door at the opposite end of the cells, she was going to find the infirmary.

Daryl unaware that his sister once again put herself in a dangerous situation was standing with his crossbow raised at the heads of five prisoners. These five men had no idea what was happening. They informed Rick that they were locked in the cafeteria for close to ten months. They wanted to know if they could call home, figure out if their loved ones were okay. It took Rick and Daryl bringing them outside for the full extinct of what the world has become for it to sink in. As they walked back inside the leader of the prison group Thomas spoke up pointing to the 'C' on the wall.

"C Block that's mine" he spoke making a move to walk forward; Rick however was quicker and blocked his path.

"it's ours now, we cleared it we keep it" Thomas shook his head "how many you got in there"

"doesn't matter" Rick hissed

Another one of the prisoners named Big Tiny spoke softly "hey man they got a guy in there missing half a leg; lets just go to a different part of the prison"

"listen to your friend man" Daryl drawled out

"We'll help you clear a block…for half the food that was in that cafeteria" Rick offered

Thomas looked back at his buddies, each telling him to take the deal, that it was better than trying their luck out there.

Thomas turned back to Rick and nodded. They then headed back towards the cafeteria to collect.

Riley was pretty much walking blind it was so dark she couldn't see her hand in front of her face 'because of you my wife is dead' Riley stopped and shook her head "not this time" she mumbled to herself. She walked slow and steady keeping an ear out for any sound. As she turned a corner she saw the door labeled 'INFIRMARY' she sighed in relief and headed towards it just as two Walkers came out of nowhere, she lifted her crossbow and took out the first one, not having time to reload an arrow she ripped her hunting knife from her boot and jammed it into the second Walkers forehead. As it fell to the floor she collected her arrow, wiped off her knife and opened the door.

When Riley returned she was happy to see that Herschel was still alive, but also that Daryl wasn't back yet. She handed the supplies to Carol "I hope this is enough" Carol looked up at the girl taking the items for her hands noticing the dried blood. "Riles…where did you get these" Riley looked at Herschel "he needed it, he can't die" and with that she walked out of the cell. Carol watched as she left; scared about Riley's mental state. Lori walked in a moment later asking Carol where all the supplies came from "Riley" Carol answered softly still a little shaken by the way the young girl spoke. Carol filled Lori in and both women made sure that Daryl would be informed.

A few hours passed and Rick and Daryl finally returned. When Lori saw his blood splattered face he assured her he was fine locking eyes with Daryl for a moment. Daryl nodded, Rick didn't want Lori to know that he was almost killed by a Walker then almost killed again by one of the prisoners. They had handled it and only two prisoners remained and they were in their own block.

Rick started to make his way towards Herschel's cell, Daryl following when Lori stopped him "Daryl" she spoke reaching out and placing a hand on his arm "we need to talk"

Riley had come out of her cell, she had washed herself up and changed her clothes. She came downstairs and walked towards Herschel's cell. When she peeked in she saw that Carol had got the bleeding to stop and Herschel was still breathing. She watched as Rick handcuffed him to the bed and explained to Maggie and Beth that he was sorry but it needed to be done. As he stood to leave and give the girls some time with their father, he pulled Riley out of the cell along with him. He looked further down the cell block, Riley noticed and craned her neck to see what he was staring at. She saw Lori, and Daryl standing into the entrance of a cell no one used and they nodded. Riley glanced up at Rick feeling a sense of dread overcome her. He gave a reassuring smile and together they walked towards the cell.

Once inside Riley was asked to sit on the lower bunk, Lori sat next to her with Daryl leaning against the desk and Rick at the door. Lori grabbed Riley's hand and looked towards Daryl. Seeing that Daryl wasn't going to start Lori did "Riley…you know we all care for you, we want you to be safe and make smart choices." Riley looked from Lori to Rick to Daryl "What you all think I'm being stupid because I wanted to help Herschel. The man needed those supplies" she hissed out gesturing out of the cell. Daryl sighed and looked down rubbing his eyes.

"it's not just because of Herschel…we all have seen how you…"

"NO" Riley hissed standing up and dropping Loris hand onto the bed "Don't Daryl" she whispered. Daryl took a step towards her but she side stepped him and now had her back to Rick. 'no wonder they put him by the door' she thought. Lori stood "Riley we're not saying anything we just…" she then looked to Daryl for back up. Daryl not knowing what to say, said the only thing he could think of

"it wasn't your fault"

Riley's eyes snapped onto her brother "I know Daryl" she replied "I'm not five anymore" Riley then looked to Lori "so this is what it's all about, you think I have some mommy issues; well news flash I never had a mom, kind of hard to mommy issues when you never had one. My only issue was that I had a father that never wanted me, blamed me my whole life for something that…." Riley stopped and stared at the wall for a moment. Daryl and Lori locked eyes, but then Riley shocked them all and laughed "actually it was my fault, she died giving birth to me" she said with a chuckle "hell wish I came to that conclusion earlier maybe me and the old man would have gotten along better". Riley then stopped and looked at each member that occupied the cell with her "thanks guys…I think we had a major break through; therapy session over" and with that she pushed her way pass Rick and walked outside of the cell block.

Rick looked at Lori who was crying and then over to Daryl who also looked like he was on the verge. "I just wanted her to…" Lori couldn't finish

"She's just angry, confused…sad" Rick told her pulling her into a hug and rubbing her back. He glanced at Daryl "it will be okay" Daryl didn't reply he just walked out of the cell following the path his sister took.

Riley was outside by the fence, she was mindlessly stabbing Walkers through the gaps. Daryl stood back a few feet watching. He watched as she took out more than 30 before she sunk to the ground. He slowly approached and sat next to her. She wasn't crying; Daryl wished she was. She was just staring at the blood covered knife. "I can't…it's always there" she spoke to the knife, 'because of you my wife is dead' Riley looked up and at the pile of Walkers she made. "there always has to be a reason" Daryl glanced down at her "for a person to die" she finished

"but you weren't moms" Daryl added. Riley scuffed at that. Daryl threw his arm over her shoulder causing her to fall into him "I mean it…mom lost too much blood"

"cause she was giving birth to me Daryl" Riley interrupted him, she then stood causing his arm to fall limply at his side. Daryl watched as she walked back to the fence. She stared at the Walkers for a few minutes getting lost in her thoughts

'Hey Rye bread, come here' Riley glanced up from looking out the window. It was raining today and their dad was down at the bar. Merle decided to stay in saying he had nothing better to do, but Daryl knew it was because he wanted to be here when their old man got back just incase. Riley walked over to her older brother, he pulled her into his lap kissing the top of head quickly before shoving a picture into her hands. Riley grabbed the picture; right away she was able to see it was of her brothers. Daryl wasn't looking at the camera never one for being the center of things; Merle was being held tightly by someone who looked a lot like her. 'You know who that is baby girl…' Riley shook her head 'that there is your momma. Ain't she pretty' Riley stared at the woman closely. She had ocean blue eyes, beautiful blond hair and a smile that would light up any room. 'you my baby girl look just like her, which is why when you're a little older I'm going to have to become even more protective, gonna have boys lined up down the street' Merle ended mumbling the last part. Already not liking the fact that his sister would one day date. Merle looked down and watched as Riley studied the picture. He wasn't ready though for what she spoke 'Merle…is that why daddy hates me so much cause I look like her?' Merle glanced up at Daryl who was sitting in the arm-chair flipping through a magazine. Both brothers looked at one another. Merle then sighed 'no Rye bread…he doesn't hate you because of that.' 'Then why' she questioned back just as quickly. Merle turned her so she was now facing him 'He's a mean, mean man. Who is unhappy with his own life, his own choices, his own mistakes. It has nothing to do with you; ya hear me' Riley nodded her head, and then fell into her brothers chest continuing to look at the picture; missing the look that the two boys shared'

"do you know remember the first time Merle showed me a picture of mom… "Daryl thought back, he remembered the picture, he remembered the day "mom was so pretty, these big blue eyes and blonde hair."

"you're looking more and more like her everyday" Daryl started "she would be proud of you Riles, I remember when she found out you were going to be a girl. She told me and Merle. I remember Merle was really excited; he never said why wouldn't even tell mom"

"What about you" Riley asked with a smirk

"Me…I was nervous; Merle was always such a great big brother to me, protecting me, helping me, I just hoped that I would be as good as him for you"

"I know Daryl I do, it's just hard to not think about it" Daryl stood he watched as Riley started to move towards the prison as she passed she held out her arm for him. Daryl walked forwards and threw his arm around her shoulder once more. "I'll be fine Daryl" he glanced down at her unconvinced, she sighed "ok maybe not now, but once Lori has that baby and everyone is safe and healthy I will be, and by the looks of it that could be any day now" Daryl nodded his head. If that's all it would take for Riley to feel better was for Lori to have her baby, he could wait a few more days.

"I love you Rye bread; you can always come to me, always and forever" Riley looked up at her big brother, with a smile "I love you too and Daryl"

"yeah"

"I couldn't ask for better" she replied. Daryl looked down a small smile growing on his face

Riley walked back inside leaving Daryl's side and walked pass everyone and straight into Lori's cell. The woman was sitting up folding some clothes, she stopped when Riley walked in. Riley fell to her knees in front of Lori and hugged her. Lori's eyes filled with tears again "I'm sorry" she heard Riley say softly. Lori simply played with her hair "it's okay sweetie" Riley pulled away a little "no its not…I didn't know what to do, I don't know what to do. I never had a mom before" Riley spoke with a small smile working its way onto her face. Lori chuckled and pulled her back into the hug "well I should probably ground you then for talking back and making your mother cry"

Rick and Daryl who stood by the cell looked at each other and smiled. Things were looking up. As they walked away both of their smiles grew as they heard the sounds of laughter coming from the cell

It had been a few days since Herschel lost his leg. Riley was out with the men clearing the field of Walkers, while everyone else kept a close eye on the old man. They were all sitting around his cell when his eye flickered open. Maggie was at his side in an instant "daddy" she cried out, he smiled at his daughter glancing up at Beth who stood behind her older sister. He was smiling, before his eyes closed and he stopped breathing. Maggie panicked "what do we do, do something" she cried out. Lori pushed her way through and started to give him CPR. She was about to breathe into his mouth for a third time when his hand snapped up and held Loris head down. Lori struggled but was somehow able to peel away his hand releasing her head. When she looked around Carol spoke "that sometimes happens when the person comes too" Lori rubbed the back of her neck and looked down watching as Herschel's chest rose and fell. "Good thing Riles wasn't here" Lori chuckled nervously as she made her way out of the cell.

Later that day when the field was cleared the group entered the cell block they headed straight to Herschel's cell when they saw that both Lori and Carol where by the door smiling. They walked in and saw to their relief Herschel was awake and talking softly with his girls. Rick walked over kneeling near the man. He pulled out a key and uncuffed Herschel, holding his hand as he lowered it to the bed. Herschel gave Rick a small nod and Rick squeezed his hand in return. Riley stood at the door letting out a breath she didn't know she was holding. Herschel was okay, Lori would be okay. Riley glanced over at Daryl she could have sworn that under his breath he mumbled 'any day now' before walking away. Riley smiled it was true any day now Lori could have her baby; hopefully Herschel would be stronger by then. Riley couldn't wait till that day came. When she could see Lori holding her little bundle and let go of some of these fears.

Later that night the group sat around one of the tables eating a stew Carol had thrown together, using some squirrel meat, and a few potatoes that Riley had collected a while back on a run through a small town. Carl who was sitting next to his mom broke through the low chatter that flowed through the common space

"so what do you want; a boy or a girl?" everyone stopped talking and listened to hear Lori's reply

"well, it will sound cheesy but as long as its healthy and happy I don't really care" she said with a smile stretching over her face. She placed a hand over her belly and leaned over kissing Carl on the head. The boy looked across the table to Riley "what do you want her to have?" he questioned the girl. All eyes shot over to see how she would react to the question. Riley's eyes traveled to Lori's belly and then up to her eyes. Lori gave her a warm smile. Riley looked at Carl "well I wouldn't mind a girl" she spoke getting lost in her thoughts "could teach her how to be a badass" Rick shouted "hey" over to her and Riley smiled. The conversation returned to normal, people talking quietly to those around them. Riley however kept her eyes on her stew silently repeating over and over 'everything will be fine'

Night fell and Riley was on watch. She sat up in the guard tower holding tightly onto one of the books 'Being a Midwife: The Ins and Outs of Delivering a Child' Riley had just read Chapter Six; 'How to Handle the Unexpected' She now sat gripping the book in an iron tight clasp. She didn't move but kept her eyes on the grounds around her watching the Walkers that were outside the fences walk around aimlessly. She didn't even hear when Maggie entered the tower and sat beside her. Maggie watched Riley for a moment and glanced down to see what was in her hands. She looked out over the grounds and reached over placing a hand over Riley's. Riley's gaze shifted to Maggie and the look in Riley's eyes made Maggie's heart stop.

"What if" Riley started "I can't….not again" Maggie pulled her friend into a hug; the best she could sitting down.

"Don't even…daddy's getting better and he knows what he's doing. We found the supplies and everything is planned. Carol has been studying under daddy so theirs another set of hands. Everything will be okay and we'll have a little baby bringing hope into this world." Maggie ended.

Riley nodded her head, her eyes still held unshed tears. Maggie noticed that Riley never cried. She didn't always have to be so tough, her last name may be Dixon but that didn't mean she couldn't release her fear and panic.

Morning came and with it brought good news. Herschel was ready to try to walk. Glenn had found crutches in one of the cells and Herschel was itching to try them out.

Rick, Daryl and Glenn were down by the fences attempting to repair it and allow for quicker asses in and out with keeping safety the number one factor.

Riley stood at the bottom of the stairs watching as Herschel tried to navigate his way down, getting use to not only the crutches but also the feeling of missing his lower leg. Maggie was at Herschel's front while Lori stood behind him.

"don't push yourself daddy" Maggie spoke with concern evident in her voice

"yeah Herschel let us know if you need a break" Lori added as well

"I think I got it…a little bit more" Herschel replied to the women

Carl trying to lighten the mood ran to the foot of the steps "want to race Herschel"

"give me one more day, then your on" the old man said with a chuckle.

Carl smiled and walked over to Riley "he's one tough old dude" the girl said aloud

In the distance Glenn, Daryl and Rick watched the scene from where they stood outside the fence "Way to go Herschel!" Glenn yelled

"hey want to keep your voice down" Daryl hissed

Glenn looked at the men "can't we have one good day" he mumbled out. They returned their eyes to the hopeful event in front of them; all wishing the same thing

As Herschel got to the bottom step, something made the hair on the back of Riley's neck stand up, she glanced behind her and her blood ran cold.

She looked to her family in front of her "WALKERS!" she yelled.

In that moment everything went into warp speed. She heard what she thought were Rick and Daryl's voice yelling, but she knew where they were; too far away to do anything for them now.

Lori and Maggie quickly ushered Herschel and Beth into a closed in area before taking off in different directions. Maggie went to help T-Dog figure out where they were getting in. Riley's eyes went to Lori, she ran to the woman pulling her and Carl into the cell block and through the tombs. "Come on Lori, Carl this way." Riley was about to turn another corner when Walkers came crashing into them. Riley immediately pulled Lori the opposite way; but stopped when the woman grabbed her arm and released a gut wrenching scream "Lori" Riley asked panic overtaking her body.

"the baby" Lori replied through clench teeth "I'll be fine though" Riley knew running around with this much stress wasn't good for her. She looked around and found a door labeled 'BOILER ROOM' she pushed both Lori and Carl inside and closed the door. Lori walked down the few stairs that led to the actual room before screaming again, grabbing onto a pole.

"it's coming" Lori hissed through the pain. All the blood in Riley's face drained "no we need Herschel or Carol, let me go I'll bring them"

Lori looked at the girl "no time…I got to lay down" Riley helped Lori lay on the floor. Riley then remembered the books "I should check you" Lori stared at the girl "do you know what to do?"

Riley shook her head "I read a book" Lori chuckled at that. Riley glared at the woman as she removed her pants. This was no time to laugh. Riley spread Loris legs and checked the woman, when she removed her hand it was covered in blood. Lori cried out again asking to stand up. Riley helped her up glancing back at Carl who was as pale as she knew she probably was.

"I got to push" Lori gripped the pole and screamed out in agony

"I don't think pushing will work Lori you weren't that dilated" Riley explained

Lori pushed anyway grabbing onto the pole, when she felt warm liquid roll down her legs she knew what needed to be done, and she hated that it was Riley that was going to have to do it.

Lori stared Riley in the eyes and saw the fear "lay me back down" Riley did as she was told and when Lori was finally on her back she lifted her shirt up a bit relieving her old C-section scar.

"You're going to have to deliver this baby."