Maggie: 21, - Beth - 17, Joel - 12, Daniel - 10, Elijah and Isaac - 2.

Meredith: 33 - Hershel 53

The recovery was hell - It would take months to fully recover from that wound. Hershel sighed, he rubbed his face and knew that much. During Meredith's recovery - Rick was going downhill.

Everyone was trying to help him with his grieving of Lori. Beth was taking care of Judith along with the others helping.

Rick eventually snapped out of it and got better, but all the memory's at the prison were too much. They decided to move on to a new place. Everyone packed up and followed. They traveled for a long time, and couldn't find themselves to settle anywhere just yet. They kept traveling - the saw a sign for termitus, and went to see if it was anything. That turned out to be a big mistake, they ended up being held against their will and almost slaughtered. Carol whom left a few weeks ago after an argument with Rick came and saved them all. Meredith and the kids were locked in a trailer, along with the other woman - the men got them out and they all escaped. They lost a few more people along the way, and more fights happened within the group - Daryl and Merle ended up splitting off and left the group for a while. They ended up coming back after cooling off.

They came upon Alexandria. They slowly integrated into the community. Michonne and Rick became sheriff's - Meredith was offered a teaching job for the kids - Hershel worked with Denise as a Medic, everyone else had jobs to either do runs or just help out around the community.

Merle walked into the school building one evening after class was over. Meredith was working on some paperwork. "Mrs. Greene." He said softly.

Meredith looked up and smiled. "Hello Merle. What can i help you with?"

Merle took a seat, by her desk and sighed. "Just been a long day." He rubbed his head.

"Well. Come relax at home with us. I'm just leaving." She smiled "Come have dinner." She said getting up. Merle nodded and followed with her.

"Thank you Ma'am." He said softly.

Meredith and him walked in silence, finally she broke it. "Thank you for keeping Beth save during the governors attack." She said softly. "That was smart how you did that"

"I would do anything to protect your family." He said softly,

"I know and appreciate it." Meredith smiled, looking ahead. "Thank you."

"My pleasure Ma'am." He had gotten slightly better along with her family - mainly Glenn and Maggie, he didn't make racist comments or anything like that to them anymore - they still had some tension at each other, but it was getting better. Daryl was slowly integrating into the family too the of course welcomed them. It had been 3 winters since it all happened. Judith, Eli and Isaac were young toddlers. They had added a few new people to their little group since Hershel's farm - Abe, Eugene and Rosita traveled with them after termitus and became apart of the community.

Meredith walked up to the house, opened the door. "Hello everyone." She smiled and got hugs from the young kids - Beth had been watching the toddlers since Rick and Michonne were working a lot lately. Meredith smiled and picked the toddlers up and kissed them all "My goodness. Stop growing" She smiled putting them down watching them run off. "I brought company." She smiled letting Merle in.

Maggie looked at Merle and sighed, she walked back into the kitchen and grabbed another plate. Glenn smiled slightly at him, and walked into the kitchen. Hershel came out kissed Meredith and hugged her. "Hello Merle. Welcome to dinner." He smiled slightly.

"Thank you sir." He said softly, getting a slight handshake and took off his jacket and hung it up. Beth smiled at him, and he gave a slight smile back, she picked up Judith and put her in the highchair. Merle walked into the dining room and they prayed and started eating.

"So, what did you do today Maggie?" Meredith asked cutting up the kids meat.

Maggie took a bite and drink. "Helped reinforce the fence, also needed to get out of here and went on a run."

"At least you got out." She smiled at her. Maggie nodded and smiled back slightly.

"That's true" Maggie smiled taking Glenn's hand.

"The babies were really good today "Beth said softly eating her food "Carl, Enid and I went to the river earlier and went swimming.

Hershel sighed. "Beth please be careful.. The river can be dangerous if your not careful. Thankfully it's fenced in." He sighed.

"Yes Sir." Beth looked down, then continued eating. "The boys and I also took care of the garden and helped Ms Diana.."

Rick came to the house and opened the door. "Hey."

"Come on in." Meredith said softly. "Michonne and Carl with you?"

"Yes."

"Get them in here then." Hershel shook his head. "Join us for dinner."

"Alright." He turned and told them, they came in also. Meredith got more chairs and they made room. She got plates and let them dish out some food.

They talked for a few hours after dinner too. Rick carried Judith as she slept home with Michonne and Carl. Meredith and Hershel put the kids to bed. Glenn and Maggie went to their room in the attic. Merle left. After everyone was asleep, Beth snuck out.

Beth walked over to Merle and Daryl's place, she walked into the house. Daryl was gone at Carol's. Merle was cleaning his gun. "Merle?" Beth asked coming in.

"Beth? What are ya doing here?" He asked putting his gun together again.

Beth walked over and kissed him.

Merle was taken aback, he pulled back a bit. "Listen lil girl."

"Merle." Beth said softly.

"I've pushed off our feelings - It wouldn't be okay. Your sister would kill me."

"Merle. I don't care. I'm of age - I have to be.. It's been a long time." She said softly looking at him. "I know you feel something - You smiled all the time, if I look or talk to you."

Merle sighed rubbing his face. "Beth... I'm only 5 years younger than your Mama.." He sighed. "We need your Pa and Ma's permission.."

"No. We don't." Beth said smiling. "Come on. Merle - Maggie didn't ask for permission to be with Glenn, they snuck around and did what they wanted." She leaned down and kissed him more.

Merle groaned and kissed her more, he pulled her close into his lap. Beth sat their for a long time, kissing more and pulled back. She stood up and pulled him to his room. She had been in his house before, when she needed to talk to Daryl.

Beth and Merle talked for a long time after everything they did, he walked her home around 4 in the morning. She quickly snuck back in and he headed home. She went to bed, as did he when he got home.