To recap – because it's been way too long.
Licari, Lamson, and Sheppard conspired with Daryl, Rick and the others to rescue Beth from Dawn. Licari and Sheppard were 'captured' to be exchanged for Beth and Carol. Licari, not willing to risk Sheppard at the exchange, left her cuffed to a truck when they snuck the other prisoners out. Dawn agreed to the trade, but refused to send Beth, claiming her daughter was more important than Sheppard.
"Dawn?" Beth said.
Dawn looked at her, "What?"
"It's a boy. And he's mine!" Beth replied. Then she yanked the small pocket knife from her pants, flipped it open, and slammed the blade deep into Dawn's throat. The blade was small, but razor sharp. It sank into her flesh, slicing open the carotid artery instantly. Blood burst out, splashing onto Beth's face and hair, dripping down onto her shirt.
Then Daryl was there, scooping her up in his strong, familiar arms and taking her out of there. He slammed back against the door, holding it closed as he cradled her to his chest. She stared up at him, so relieved to have him here and close again. But nervous of what his reaction would be. They stared at each other in silence for several long moments. Finally she said simply, "Hi."
His face crumpled and he shifted her even closer. She held him tight as his tears fell onto her neck. "I'm sorry. I'm so damn sorry," he whispered. "I didn't know. I didn't know you were here."
"Shh, I know."
"I never would'a left you here."
"I know." He sniffed and she reached up to wipe the tears away, but smeared blood onto his cheek. "Oh."
He sat her down and pulled a handkerchief from his pocket to wipe her hands, then her face. "Are you OK?"
She swallowed hard, "I'm pregnant."
"I know. They told us. We had a plan with Lamson, Shepherd, and Licari. To take care of this."
"Nobody told me."
"Oh." he wiped at her face more.
"I knew you'd come."
"I never stopped lookin'."
Beth smiled at him. He smiled back.
He stroked her cheek. "You were right. I missed you, so bad it hurt. Felt like there was no air in the world." He took a deep breath and smiled again. "I ain't never gonna let you go again," Daryl said. "I swear. Rick, Michonne, Carol, Carl. They stayed to help me look. We've got Mika and Asskicker too. They're all OK. That guy out there is Morgan. The guy Rick knew? He found us. And I seen Maggie 'n Glenn a while back. They got out, but…"
"They left," Beth whispered.
Daryl nodded, confused.
"You're here," she said. "That's what matters."
A knock sounded on the door behind them, Rick's voice reached them, "Daryl? Take your time, but the rest of us would like to see Beth too when you're ready."
Daryl looked at her questioningly and Beth nodded. Daryl opened the door.
*x*x*x*x*x*x*x*x*x*x*x*x X *x*x*x*x*x*x*x*x*x*x*x*x
Angel Mine 5 – Eli
All recognized characters, situations, and locations belong to AMC, the writers, creators, and actors of The Walking Dead. I own nothing.
*x*x*x*x*x*x*x*
Well I, I still can remember times
When the night seemed to surround me
I was sure the sun would never shine on me
And I, I thought it my destiny
To walk this world alone
But now you're here with me
You're here with me
And I don't regret the rain
Or the nights I felt the pain
Or the tears I had to cry
Some of those times along the way
Every road I had to take
Every time my heart would break
It was just something that I had to get through
To get me to you
To get me to you – To Get Me to You – lyrics by Diane Warren
*x*x*x*x*x*x*x*
Daryl opened the door. Beth emerged and Rick pulled her close and cupped her face to kiss her forehead. "Hi," he whispered.
"Hi."
Michonne just smiled and grabbed her hand to squeeze gently. Carol nodded at her.
Daryl sniffed, "We need some water for her to clean up."
"I'll get some," Michonne offered.
"Or she can just go down to her room and take a shower," Lamson replied, pointing down the hall.
Rick jerked his chin. Daryl nodded and started to lead her away. Beth stopped and looked down at Dawn's body. Rick tried to shield her, "It's OK, sweetie, go on."
Beth shook her head, "I want the knife back."
Licari pulled it out of Dawn's neck and wiped it clean on his shirt before handing it over. Daryl gasped at the sight of it. Beth smiled, "This was how I knew. As soon as I saw it, I knew that Dawn lied. That you hadn't died out there." She put it into his hand. "I kept it because I knew I'd see you again to return it." Daryl pulled her close again.
The others looked away, giving them the moment.
"Hey, with everything, I forgot to ask, where's Noah?" Licari asked Rick.
"Part of our group split off to take him home," Rick replied.
Daryl pulled back slightly, but kept a hold on Beth, "He helped me. I wouldn't've made it without him. But I guess she let us escape." Lamson nodded.
"I don't mean to interrupt," Michonne said. "But did you say shower?"
Lamson chuckled, "Yeah."
"Why don't you stay here?" Rick said. "I'll go back and get the others."
Lampson took a breath, "Chris, sorry, you've got to go get Amanda and the others. I need to talk to the others, let them know what's going on."
"I want to be there for that," Rick replied.
"How about Morgan and I go for the others," Carol suggested. "Michonne can take a shower while Rick sits in on the meeting."
"Works for me," Michonne said. "Come on, Beth. I'll give you a hand. Think maybe we should wash your hair good in a sink first."
"Hey, don't forget," Morgan said. He went back to the stairwell and retrieved a duffel bag.
"Oh yeah," Michonne smiled, "We found a bunch of clothes in the vehicles. Beth, there's some in here that should fit you."
"Oh, thank you!" Beth sighed, "I hate these things." She tugged at the scrubs she wore.
"Come on," Michonne wrapped her arm around the younger girl and led her down the hall. Daryl followed automatically.
"Just give me a few minutes?" Rick said to Lamson, then walked after them.
They walked into Beth's room and Rick shut the door.
"We endin' them?" Daryl asked.
"No," Beth shook her head. "They're not bad people."
"They're not good either," Daryl retorted. "Good people don't stand by when bad shit happens. Not if they can do somethin' about it. They let that woman… hurt you." His chin quivered. "They ain't good."
"But we are," Beth replied.
Rick sighed, "OK. So long as they let us walk away, that's what we'll do." He opened the door. "Enjoy your shower."
"Oh I plan to," Michonne grinned. "Come on, sweetie."
*x*x*x*x*x*x*x*
Michonne squeezed the excess water out of Beth's now clean hair. "There you go." Beth straightened up slowly as Michonne held on to her. "OK?"
"Yeah," Beth nodded. "Thanks."
Michonne dug into the bag and pulled out the clothes for Beth. "These should fit you. At least for a while." Beth nodded and rubbed her stomach. "Hey, kiddo, it is going to be fine. That baby is already so blessed, to have you as his mother."
Beth smiled, "Thanks."
"Get in and finish cleaning up. I'm going to go find an open shower."
"Next room down should be empty. It's Jeffrey's but he usually stays in Amanda's."
Michonne smiled, "He's a cutie." She picked up the bag and walked out. Daryl stood against the wall next to the door. "She's going to take a shower and change. I'll be next door." Daryl grunted a response. Michonne patted his cheek. "When she's done, you should shower too while we have the opportunity." Daryl nodded. Michonne winked at him and walked away.
"Daryl?"
"Right here," he replied through the door.
"I won't be long," Beth said as she stripped out of the scrubs for the last time.
"Take your time, I ain't goin' nowhere."
*x*x*x*x*x*x*x*
Rick stood off to one side as Lamson addressed his men and women in the cafeteria. "We know what was happening here was wrong. I saw the opportunity to end it and I took it." All but one or two looked shocked, sitting there in their crisp blue uniforms. A single doctor in a lab coat sat in the back.
"She killed Dawn!" one woman snapped.
"If she hadn't, I would have," Lamson retorted. "After what she'd done… it was a choice I made. My only regret is not telling Beth to let us handle it."
"You could've told us," a man said calmly. "You know most of us were on your side in this. It had to end. My regret is we didn't end it long ago. Like when Dawn started letting Gorman rape."
Lamson nodded, "Agreed. And sorry, yes, Rick I should've told you."
"what?" Rick replied.
Lamson blinked, "Sorry, Rick Grimes, Rick Franco. Look we can't undo what's been done. We move on from here. Licari should be back soon with Shepherd and the prisoners."
"Then what?" Rick Franco asked.
"Then we're leaving," Rick Grimes replied.
Lamson turned, surprised, "You don't have to. Chris and I have been talking about maybe heading for the coast. Houses close to the ocean are built up on stilts which would be safer from the rotters. You can come with us."
Rick shook his head, "No we can't. We'll be leaving first thing in the morning."
"Why?" one asked.
Rick glowered, "Because you all stood by and let this happen. Worse you helped this happen."
"We didn't!" another protested.
"Really? Dawn kidnapped Beth and Daryl on her own? Held these people prisoner all by herself? No. You helped her. You helped her snatch Beth and Daryl KNOWING why she wanted them. You stood by and let her and him," he gestured angrily at Dr. Edwards, "rape them both to force a baby on her. The only reason why we are not raining the fires of hell onto this place is because Beth doesn't want us to. She forgives you. I don't. So no, we can't go with you. We're leaving in the morning."
Not one of them would meet his eyes.
Lamson sighed heavily, "He's right. This was our chance to draw a line and serve and protect. We failed, miserably. We'll start packing and you'll get your share of supplies and vehicles." Rick nodded in agreement.
*x*x*x*x*x*x*x*
Daryl left Beth sitting on her bed, drying her hair, while he took a very quick shower. He emerged, rubbing his own hair dry with a towel, a few minutes later to find her sitting with her hands on her stomach.
"You OK?"
"Yeah," she replied.
They heard voices in the hallway, then Judith squealed loudly.
"Let's go," Daryl offered his hand.
"She probably won't know me. It's been four months. I'm sure she's forgotten me by now."
Daryl smiled, "I doubt it. Come on." He helped her down from the bed, then led her out of the room.
Carl was stooped on the floor with Judith standing in front of him. He was tugging her pants legs into place and straightening her dress. He turned to see Beth and his whole face lit up, "Hey Judy, look who's here. Who's that?"
Judith looked, her face showing her surprise. "Beh!" Then she burst into sobs and toddled away from Carl, hands up as she walked unsteadily on Beth. She wailed, tears flowing down her face.
Rick burst out of the cafeteria as Michonne came out of the room, her katana ready. Judith went by them without pausing as she stumbled along straight to Beth.
Daryl scooped her up so that Beth didn't have to lift, then handed her over. Judith clung to Beth as she buried her face in Beth's neck, crying. Tears slid down Beth's face as she comforted the baby.
Carl walked to them, "That's the first time she's taken more than a step or two at a time."
Beth smiled at him, then began to sing softly to Judith who settled to sniffles and hitching breaths. Once she was quiet, Carl hugged them both. "It's so good to see you."
"Good to see you too," Beth replied.
Mika was next to hug Beth, "Hi."
"Hello sweetheart," Beth kissed her hair.
"This is Jack," Mika introduced the dog. Jack sat down and woofed softly.
Beth turned to Daryl, "Is that the dog you saw that day?"
Daryl nodded and patted the dog's head, "He was waitin' there for me when I went back lookin' for you."
"Any problems?" Rick asked Carol and Morgan.
"None," Morgan replied. "We brought the supplies and the vehicles that run back with us."
Rick nodded, "We'll stay here tonight, head out first thing in the morning."
"We should let the kids shower," Carol said. "You too, Rick. Meanwhile I'll start dinner for everyone."
"I assume you'll want to take rooms close together," Licari said. Rick nodded. "Beth's room is between Jeffrey's and an unused one, so those three are all yours."
*x*x*x*x*x*x*x*
They finished a fairly quiet meal. Licari, Lamson, and Shepherd along with a few others had changed out of their uniforms into casual clothing. Everyone ate the casserole Carol put together, then fruit for dessert. Beth sat with Judith on her lap, feeding her mashed vegetables and rice.
"Can I get everyone's attention?" Lamson said. "First, Carol, thank you for that delicious meal." Everyone murmured and nodded. "Second, thanks to all of you we have choices now."
Rick stood up, "My family and I are leaving in the morning. If any of you," he looked to the prisoners, "want to come with us, let me know."
"Most of the rest of us are heading out in a few days for the coast," Lamson continued. "We've got enough vehicles to transport all of us, supplies to get us started, so that is option two. If you want to head out on your own, that is option three."
"With Beth's condition, I should go with them," Edwards said.
"No," Beth replied instantly. She looked at Rick and shook her head.
"Beth…" the doctor began.
Rick interrupted, "No, you aren't welcome."
"You're lucky you're still breathin'," Daryl snarled.
Judith whined as tensions rose in the room. Beth cuddled her close, "I'm going to go give her a bath and get her settled." She stood up and Daryl led her out of the room.
"He's never gonna touch you again, Beth, I swear it," Daryl whispered as they walked down the hall. Beth nodded and reached out to take his hand. He squeezed hers gently.
They took Judith to the laundry room and filled the large sink for her to splash around in. Beth dried her off and dressed her in a fresh diaper and a sleeper from the diaper bag. Daryl pulled the plug to drain the sink.
Amanda walked in with Jeffrey, "Hey. I wasn't sure if you wanted anything from the supplies Dawn gathered the other day."
"No," Beth shook her head as she tucked Judith onto her hip. "I don't want anything she picked out, for either Judy or my baby."
"We got it covered," Daryl added.
Amanda nodded, "I understand. Sorry. I'm really sorry."
Beth patted her arm as she passed, "I know."
Rick was setting up the playpen in Beth's room when they arrived, "Hey. I figured you'd want her in here. And likely she wants to be in here."
"I do, thanks," Beth replied.
Judith yawned widely and snuggled close with a soft "Beh."
"Carl, Morgan, and I are that way, Michonne, Carol, and Mika are on the other side. We're going to take shifts to keep watch. Yell if you need anything," Rick said. He hugged Beth close for a moment, "I am so glad to have you back with us." He kissed her forehead. "Sleep well."
Beth turned to Daryl after Rick left, "You're stayin' in here with me, right?"
Daryl nodded.
*x*x*x*x*x*x*x*
Daryl sat in the chair pulled up close to Beth's bed. Beth had laid down with Judith, cuddling her as she relaxed, then Daryl had put the baby in the playpen right next to them. Quickly both Beth and the baby were sound asleep and Daryl settled in to keep watch. He dozed off and on through the quiet night, but woke with the sunrise to sit and watch Beth sleep. She was curled on her side, like usual, with one hand covering her stomach.
Judith slept through the night, waking in the early morning hours to fuss about a wet diaper. Beth roused instantly but Michonne came in. "I got her," she said as she scooped up the baby. "Look what I found in with my stuff," she danced a soft plush bear in front of Judith, distracting her as she took her out of the room.
Beth sighed and stretched, then sat up.
"You want to sleep more?" Daryl asked.
Beth shook her head, "I need to get up."
"You sick?"
Beth smiled, "No, just gotta pee."
Daryl helped her out of the bed and walked her over to the bathroom. Once she was done, he went in. He emerged and found her sitting back on the bed. "You OK?"
Beth nodded, "We just haven't really talked about all this," she rubbed her stomach. "He's mine."
"Yeah, growin' inside of you pretty much makes him yours," Daryl replied.
"Dawn kept making me say he wasn't. She kept telling me I was just a surrogate or an incubator, but I'm not. I didn't choose this, but now that it's happenin' I want him." Beth took a deep breath, "Daryl, the semen she used…"
Daryl flinched but nodded, "It was mine. She… took from me. They had me strapped down in a bed. I couldn't fight. Couldn't even move. It wasn't my choice neither."
"I'm sorry that happened to you."
"I'm sorry that stuff happened to you. It's all my fault. I opened that damn door."
"Daryl, you couldn't've known," Beth protested. "You can't blame yourself. You didn't do this, they did. She did." She gave Daryl a minute to settle. "But in doing this, she gave us this baby. Gave me. You don't have to… do anything or be anything to him if you don't want to."
Daryl's thumb slipped into his mouth and he began chewing on the nail, "I'll do what I gotta. No matter what, it's my responsibility too."
"You don't have to…"
"I know. But I will. I would anyway 'cause he is yours." Daryl shrugged, "That's all that matters." Beth sighed and looked down at her stomach. "You think of a name yet?"
"Not really. Considering one for a middle name."
"Hershel? For your dad?"
"No," Beth shook her head. "It's probably stupid, but Maggie made me promise years ago that she would be able to name her first born son after Daddy." She sighed. "I know… she left me. I know she probably thinks I'm dead and for all I know, I'll never see her again. But I promised, you know."
"I get it."
Beth looked at him for a moment, "What would you name him?"
Daryl shrugged with a mumbled, "Dunno. You just pick one."
"Daryl, he's yours too, you'll have a say in everything, including his name."
Daryl froze, his eyes going wider, his breathing almost stopped. Until that point it had been an abstract concept. The baby was his. But now, it solidified into the realization that this was his child, his son. He was going to be a father. His head spun. He was going to be a dad.
"Daryl are you OK?"
Daryl blinked at her, "There's no air. Can we go where there's air?"
"We can go to the roof," Beth nodded as she slid to her feet.
Daryl took her arm to help her stand, then gripped her hand as he led her from the room. Beth glanced worriedly down the hall, catching Rick's attention.
Daryl shoved open the door to the roof and walked away from Beth. He gripped the sides of his head, pulling at his hair as he paced back and forth gasping for air and coughing. Rick burst out onto the roof followed by Michonne and Carol.
"What's wrong?" Rick asked.
"I don't know," Beth replied worriedly. "We were talkin' about the baby and he said that he couldn't breathe." Michonne wrapped her arms around Beth as Carol and Rick advanced on Daryl cautiously.
"Brother, talk to me, what is it?" Rick said, keeping his voice calm.
Daryl stopped pacing and met Rick's gaze. "The baby's mine."
Rick nodded, "Yeah. We knew that."
"No, Rick. I mean, the *baby* is *mine*. He's mine. He's my son. I'm… I'm gonna be a dad. I don't know how to be a dad, Rick. All I know is what not to do. I know not to hit or whip or scream and cuss at… But I don't know what to do."
"Of course you do," Carol retorted. "You're a good man, Daryl. Good men make good dads."
"She's right," Rick said. "You're already good with Judith, Carl, and Mika. You'll be fine. We'll be there, but you'll do fine without us."
"She says I can name him," Daryl said, his breathing calming down.
Rick smiled, "I named Carl after a cop who inspired me to go into law enforcement. Take it easy, we've got months to go still."
Daryl shook his head, "Needs a name." He walked back over to Beth, "M'OK now. What's your full name?"
Beth smiled, "Daryl we aren't going to name him Elizabeth Ann."
Daryl went over to the garden and picked up a small rock to scratch into the stone wall surround. He began to write Elizabeth. He scratched out E. L. I. Z, then stopped and covered the Z with his hand. "Eli. I wanna call him Eli. Elijah."
Beth nodded, "I like it. Elijah Dixon." She pressed her hands to her stomach, "Hello Eli." She gasped, her eyes going wide in shock.
Daryl leapt to her side, "What's wrong?"
"Nothing," Beth replied breathlessly, "He moved." She laughed aloud, "I felt him move."
Daryl pressed both hands to her belly as Rick, Michonne, and Carol gathered around, their hands crowding each other's on the small swell. "Hi Eli, whatcha doin' in there?" Rick asked.
Beth giggled, "There. You feel him?"
Daryl shook his head, "No. It's just for you now. But it's OK."
Michonne snickered, "Yeah before you know it he'll feel like he's kicking his way out of there." When everyone looked at her, she sighed, "I had a son too. I lost him… after the end. I trusted the wrong people to protect him. But you don't have that to worry about. We will protect Eli."
The door to the roof opened and Morgan stepped out. They immediately heard Judith wailing. Carl walked out carrying her.
"What's wrong?" Rick asked.
Judith turned and reached out to Beth, "BEH!"
Beth took her, "Goodness, all that noise?"
"She realized you were gone and freaked out," Carl advised. "Called for you a few times, then just lost it."
Beth swayed as she rubbed Judith's back, settling her almost instantly.
*x*x*x*x*x*x*x*
"We want to thank you," Mr. Percy said to Rick. "We appreciate the option, but most of us are going to stick with the cops for now. A few of the newer ones are going to head out together, see if they can reconnect with their groups."
Rick replied, "If that's what you want."
Percy nodded, "It is. I know they aren't all that great, but the worse of them are gone now. Plus I like the idea of the coast. I kept telling the group I was with that we should head east."
"How long have you been away from them," Rick asked.
Percy sighed heavily, "There wasn't anyone left but me when Licari found me and brought me in."
"I'm sorry."
"Yeah, me too."
*x*x*x*x*x*x*x*
"These are the prenatal vitamins she's been taking daily," Edwards advised Carol, the only person willing to talk to him. "Did you really have doula training?"
"No," Carol replied. "Do these make her sick?"
"Sometimes," he nodded. "But she's doing better with them now. You really should let me come with you. I only did what Dawn told me to do, I certainly didn't choose to hurt Beth, and I never touched Daryl."
Carol glared at him, fierce enough to make him take a step back, "First do no harm. Isn't that what the doctor's oath says? Something like that? And choose? Yes you did. You chose to hurt Beth in order to save your own pathetic ass. In my mind what you did was worse than Dawn. If it was up to me, you'd be rotting wherever they dumped her." She took a deep breath. "I want all of your notes on Beth."
Edwards handed her a file, "I think she's right, it is a boy."
"It is," Carol replied as she flipped through the file. "Somethings a mother just knows."
*x*x*x*x*x*x*x*
They'd sorted through the supplies left at the hospital and divided it between the groups. Rick, Carl, and Daryl loaded the two SUVs and pickup truck.
"Nice truck," Daryl remarked as he examined the old Ford.
"It is. You're driving that one," Rick pointed.
"Why?"
"Because that's where Judith's car seat is and I'm not driving for two hours with her screaming for Beth, so that's where Beth's riding and if that's where Beth's going to be, that's where you're going to be."
Carl cracked up laughing.
*x*x*x*x*x*x*x*
"I really don't want anything of hers," Beth protested as Carol led her into Dawn's office. "If she could find stuff, so can we."
"I know," Carol replied. "I've got directions to the store they raided. We'll go let you pick out stuff for your baby before we leave the city. But there is one thing we need." She yanked the pink baby book from the shelf, opened it, and tore the front page out that held the sonogram photo.
Beth held it tightly and smiled, "Thanks."
*x*x*x*x*x*x*x*
They stood by while Beth said her goodbyes to the few people she bonded with during her time at Grady. She hugged Amanda and Jeffrey. Said her thanks to Lamson and Licari. Then they climbed into the vehicles.
Judith fussed as Rick secured her into the car seat, but she quieted as Beth climbed in next to her. Daryl climbed into the driver seat, with Michonne riding shotgun. Carl and Rick took the pickup while Morgan, Carol, Mika and the dog took the other SUV.
They drove to the baby store, finding it clear before they let Beth inside.
"Shit is expensive," Daryl said as he checked a few random tags.
"Well this is a baby boutique," Michonne replied. "But yes, this shit is very expensive."
"Thankfully, that doesn't matter anymore," Carol added. "Beth, you get the stuff you like. Michonne and I'll work on the essentials, OK?"
Beth sat Judith down in a display crib and handed her a toy that lit up and played music. Judith cooed and shook it happily. Then Beth began walking around pulling clothes. She pulled sturdy outfits in various sizes in the boy section then moved over to the girls and began grabbing things for Judith. Daryl walked behind her until his arms were full, then he went out to the pickup and dumped it all into a plastic box secured there and Carl took his place. Carol gathered stacks of cloth diapers, blankets, and towels while Michonne grabbed all the maternity clothing close to Beth's size.
Judith was almost asleep when Beth lifted her and her new toy out of the crib. Carol and Morgan walked her outside while Rick made one last sweep through. He found Daryl yanking books off a shelf and stuffing them into a bag. "What's that?"
"Pregnancy instruction manuals," Daryl replied.
"Really? Wish they'd had them about fourteen years ago," Rick said as he glanced at one.
"You only need to know two things about pregnant women," Michonne said. "One, you are wrong. Whatever you said. Whatever you did. If she's upset or worse, crying, it's your fault, you were wrong. Best thing is just to say you were wrong and get her whatever she wants to eat."
Daryl blinked rapidly, "And two?"
"Pregnant women are crazy," Michonne grinned. "But it ends a few months after the baby is born."
"A few months after?"
Michonne laughed and walked out the door. Rick grinned, "I think you scared him."
"MONTHS?!"
*x*x*x*x*x*x*x*
Beth smiled at Judith who was sleeping soundly with a tight grip on Beth's hand. Beth sighed and laid her head down on the back of the seat. She fell asleep almost instantly, dropping into the dream.
Her angel leapt at her and she caught him instinctively. "Hi," he greeted. "My name is Eli!"
"Hello Eli."
"I like my name."
"I'm glad."
Eli cuddled against her, pressing his face against her neck and breathing deep. Suddenly his weight began to lessen. His glorious, massive wings began to shrink. Beth began to panic.
Merle stepped up to her side and wrapped his arms around them both. "It's OK darlin'."
"What's happening?" Beth cried as her angel became less and less substantial in her embrace.
"We broke a lot of rules lettin' him visit," Merle explained. "Even more by lettin' him keep visitin'. He's gotta go in and wait now."
Her angel disappeared completely. Tears streamed down Beth's face. "Merle?"
"It's OK, darlin'. He ain't left yah. He's right here," Merle pressed his hand to Beth's stomach, exactly where Daryl had earlier. "Feel him wrigglin' like a guppy fish? He's gotta stay in there now until he's finished growin'. You'll see him before yah know it."
"You aren't leavin', are you?"
Merle grinned, "Nah, darlin', where would I go?"
Beth woke up back in the SUV as Daryl turned off the highway. Deep inside she felt another flutter. A wriggle like a fish. She felt Eli.
*x*x*x*x*x*x*x*x*x*x*x*x
