I swear I would have had this up sooner but I've had internet issues for the last 3 days and I haven't been able to do ANYTHING! So, I am so sorry that I haven't responded to anyone but that is why. I hope you enjoy this chapter. I swear, I am so nervous for the first episode tomorrow night that I have no nails left. It's horrible!

Not having internet to distract me did give me more time to write so I started this one shot and it's kind of my season four wish and I'll try to post it soon. I think you all will like it a lot. I really loved writing it but I haven't finished it yet. Hopefully tonight. Anyway, thanks for reading! You guys are awesome!

Tick Tock

Chapter Twenty

Carol stood in the middle of the large living room, Lori at her side. Doug, the realtor, was waiting outside while she checked out the interior of the large farmhouse one more time. It wasn't even a farmhouse, really. It was more like an old plantation home. It was like something out of Gone With the Wind.

"There's plenty enough room, that's for sure," Lori said in a low voice.

Carol nodded. The place was pretty perfect but she just couldn't let herself feel excited about it. It had been four days. Four days since Daryl had pulled out of her driveway and she hadn't heard a word from him since. Not a quick visit, not a phone call. Nothing.

"There's all these extra rooms that can be used as bedrooms and it wouldn't take the men long at all to build more rooms up there in the attic. I can't really see us all needing a sowing room or a parlor," Lori laughed softly. "Those can all be bedrooms."

Carol nodded absently as they made their way up the staircase. It was true. They would all be able to live comfortably here. And their agent had been right. This place really was a steal. It was understandable why no one had bought it yet, though. It would take a lot to upkeep but her and her group didn't need luxury. They needed space and security. This place offered both. Or it would once they got to work on walling in the grounds.

"Are you okay?" Lori asked as she stopped her with a hand on her shoulder.

Carol looked up and nodded. "I'm fine."

Lori shook her head. "No you aren't. You've been in a funk for the last two days."

"She's right." Glenn said as he emerged from the doorway that led to the attic stairs followed by Carl and Sophia. He had ridden out with her to see the place. He had actually not left her house since he had shown up in her driveway four days ago.

He had been a complete mess for a while but he was doing much better now. She had given him the guest room and assured him that it didn't bother her at all that he felt the need to be close to the others. She felt the same way. Sophia and Carl on the other hand had become even more dependent on one another than they had ever been before. The horrors they had shared with only each other had bonded them and now that the adults knew what was coming it made their fears more real. When they weren't together they were anxious but Lori and Carol both agreed that they couldn't spend every minute together.

Carol had been true to her word, signing Sophia out of school early and enrolling her in a home school program. In the mornings her and Glenn took the girl out to the quarry and taught her to shoot. Glenn was a godsend at times like that but Carol couldn't help feeling like she was being cheated. Glenn wasn't who she needed and then thinking that way made her feel guilty. She had told Daryl to go and fix things with Merle. She just couldn't help but wonder if she would have sent him back to his brother if she had known how hard being away from him was really going to be.

"Mom, maybe we should go see him," Sophia said as she took Carol's hand and walked into the master bedroom. It was massive. She was seriously thinking about having it turned into three more bedrooms.

She shook her head and couldn't help but smile a little. Of course Sophia would know exactly what was bothering her. "He has a lot on his plate now, honey. He'll come around when he can."

Sophia narrowed her eyes. "Daryl was right. Merle is just a big dumb jackass," she grumbled.

"Sophia!" Carol gasped. That was the last thing she had ever expected to hear out of her daughter's mouth. And she didn't even have Daryl to blame since he hadn't been around. At all.

Sophia looked like she hadn't meant to say that out loud. Carl and Glenn both laughed and even Lori looked like she was having a hard time keeping a straight face herself.

"Sorry." Sophia said as she let go of Carol's hand and grabbed Carl's. "Let's go check out the balcony again."

They hurried out of the room before Carol could say anything else. Lori gave her a soft smile. "I would trade places with you if I could. At least Daryl isn't talking to you because he isn't there. It's a lot easier than dealing with a man that acts like you don't exist while your sitting across the table from him," her voice was sad and distant and Carol instantly felt guilty.

"Lori, I'm so sorry. Does he know..."

Lori nodded quickly. "Of course he does." She blew out a breath as her eyes filled with tears. "I know I did a lot of horrible things. I don't understand now why I did what I did. I don't know if I was using fear as an excuse or if..." she shook her head.

Carol wrapped her arms around Lori and hugged her tightly as Glenn gave her a small wave and slipped out the door. Lori hugged her back and they stayed like that for a long time before Carol finally said anything. "You didn't do what you did because you're a bad person, Lori. Rick knows that. And really, you didn't do anything at all. Rick will see that. And once he realizes how bad it was after... after you were gone he'll come around."

Lori dabbed at her eyes and slipped her hands into her back pockets, her head hanging low. "I just feel like I've ripped my family apart already. I'm afraid I won't be able to fix this."

"We're going to be fine," Carol said, her voice strong.

Lori met her eyes and her lips turned up. "I'm so glad you found us."

Carol felt her eyes tear up and then Lori was hugging her again. Sometimes it was overwhelming, like now. All of this was happening so quickly and the bond that they all shared was already so deep that sometimes it nearly knocked her over with it's intensity. She loved these people now just like she loved them then. It didn't matter if she had only known them less than a week in the physical world.

They pulled apart and both laughed quietly at how emotional they were being. Carol called for Carl and Sophia and the five of them made their way back outside. There were still papers to be signed but the house was pretty much already theirs. She needed to figure out who to contact to build the walls. She wanted to get the ponds stocked and she needed to see about getting the barn ready for whatever animals they decided to purchase. She remembered how nice it was to have chickens on Hershel's farm so they were a must. Glenn had suggested having one of those steel buildings erected near the house so they could store the things that they were going to stock up on.

Glenn was planning on dumping his meager savings into Carol's account and it was something that Rick and Lori had been debating on as well. Carol had suggested that they just take what they could and buy whatever they knew they would need. Anything could prove to be useful. In theory it seemed simple enough but in all actuality it wasn't.

"I'll meet you at home," Glenn called as he got into the car with Lori and the Carl.

She wished that she was going home with them but she had a lunch date with Amy. She was curious to talk to the girl because she had been expecting her to act strange when she called her the day before but she had seemed as spunky as she had during their first encounter. She couldn't have been having dreams and Lori and Rick had both assured her that Shane was oblivious to what was happening also. She didn't understand how that could be. The things Shane had went through were horrible and she thought for sure he would start dreaming after meeting her and Daryl.

Doug told her that they could iron everything out in the morning and he was the next one to drive away. She took one more wistful look at the house and then climbed into her car. She had another meeting of sorts later on this evening that had her stomach in knots, but she would deal with that when the time came. If she didn't leave now then her and Sophia would be late.

When they pulled up at the diner Carol took a deep breath and glanced over at Sophia. "You ready for this?"

Sophia nodded. "Amy was always real nice to me. I hated that she died."

Carol studied her for a few long seconds. "Sophia..." she wasn't sure how to ask her this but she knew she had too. "Sophia, do you remember who else died that night. The night Amy was bit?"

Sophia met her eyes and nodded her head. "Daddy died."

Carol took a deep breath. "You haven't mentioned him coming with us. As a matter of fact you haven't mentioned him much at all since he left and I think that's something that we need to talk about."

"Mom... I don't want to talk about it yet. I know what you're gonna ask me and I don't know the answer."

Carol tucked a lock of hair behind Sophia's ear and gave her a small smile. "Okay. I understand." And it was true. She did understand. In all this insanity something that Carol hadn't thought of until recently was Ed. With all of his faults, and the man had many, she hadn't considered how it would have affected her daughter if she left Ed to die. She had never considered bringing him with them. That was opening up a can of worms that she didn't want to deal with. But she needed to talk to Sophia. He was her father and Carol needed to know what Sophia wanted.

She wasn't worried about Ed putting his hands on her again. He knew by now that something like that wasn't going to go unpunished now and when they all got themselves settled it would be even harder for him to do anything like that. Between Rick, Shane, Daryl and hopefully Merle, Ed wouldn't have a choice but to keep himself in check. But the thought of bringing him with them made her sick. The people she was trying to save were her family. They were people that she loved. Ed was someone that she could watch die and simply not feel.

They went inside and Sophia spotted Amy right away. She was sitting at a booth by the window, sipping at a Coke. She waved and smiled at them. Carol had to force herself to smile back. Things had been so easy with everyone else since everyone else was plagued with visions after meeting her. Amy looked fine, just like she had sounded on the phone.

"Amy, this is Sophia. Sophia, this is the girl I was telling you about," Carol introduced them as they sat down across from her.

Sophia offered Amy her hand and a shy smile. "Nice to meet you," she said politely.

Carol studied Amy as her and Sophia started chatting away. Sophia really seemed to impress the girl, which Carol expected. The thing about Sophia was, regardless of the situation, she was genuinely sweet. She had never been one of those kids that were prone to fits. Of course, Ed would have put a stop to that pretty quick. But even without the threat of her father she was still the same little girl.

Amy agreed to come over that evening to keep an eye on her. Carol wished that she had something more pleasant to do while Amy was spending time with Sophia but she didn't. She was going to meet with Ed. He hadn't bothered her at all since the last time she saw him but last night he had called. He was sober and he was polite. He claimed to be staying with a friend of his from the car lot where he worked. He had asked if she would meet him to talk about things and at first Carol had thought about hanging up on him. And that was when she realized that she had never talked to Sophia about how she felt about everything that was happening.

She had reluctantly agreed to meet him, in a very public place, and talk. He didn't bring Daryl up and she didn't either. If he knew about Glenn basically moving in he hadn't given her any indication. That didn't mean she was stupid enough to trust him. He sounded sincere but that meant nothing to her. Really the only reason she was so willing to meet with him was so he wouldn't come to the house and upset Sophia. That was one thing that she wouldn't tolerate.

Amy's phone went off and a smile lit up her whole face. She looked up quickly, "I'm sorry, I have to take this. It's my sister calling from Florida." She answered the call and Carol shot Sophia a look.

Carol paid close attention to Amy's side of the conversation. Normally she would have been more respectful than that but not now. The outbreak occurred right when Andrea had come up from Florida to pick Amy up. They were going on a road trip. They had been behind Dale on the road when everything became insane and they had all stopped. It had been later that the others had united and later still that the Dixon brothers had stumbled onto the group that had assembled at the quarry.

They would be able to pinpoint the time more accurately if Amy happened to mention when Andrea was coming up for their trip. When Amy finally told her sister that she loved her, Carol was dying to know when she was coming. It would be nice to not have to guess anymore.

"Sorry about that. I don't get to see her very often and when she calls I usually drop whatever I'm doing to talk to her."

Carol smiled, "Do you get to see her any time soon?" She felt Sophia kick her lightly under the table but she gave no indication that she felt it. She kept the smile on her face. At least until Amy answered her question.

"Three weeks," Amy said excitedly, her eyes bright.

Carol felt the smile fall from her lips and then she felt the blood drain from her face. Three weeks? That couldn't be right. They had to have more time than that!

Amy frowned suddenly. "Carol, are you alright?"

Carol tried hard to put the smile back in place but she failed. "I think I feel a migraine coming on. I'm sorry."

Amy shook her head. "No, don't be sorry at all. That really sucks. I've never had one but I hear they're awful." She made a face. "Go ahead and get some rest. I'll be there later, I have the address written down."

They said their goodbyes and Carol had to force herself not to grab Sophia's hand and run to the car. She had to find Daryl. She needed to talk to Rick and Lori. They had too much to do. Three weeks wasn't enough time. She tried to think of everything that still needed to be done but it seemed like such a crushing amount that her mind couldn't even process it.

"Mom, what are we gonna do?" Sophia asked, panic lacing her words. She was fearing the same things that Carol was.

"I'll handle it, honey. We'll be fine," she said quickly as they got back into the car.

Sophia didn't say anything on their way back. She was lost in thought, much like Carol was now. How could this be happening so fast? It didn't make any sense. None at all. They were suppose to have more time than this.

She drove Sophia to Rick and Lori's and dropped her off. She would pick her up later so she would be there when Amy came to babysit.

When she got home Glenn's car was there. She was relieved. She needed him to do her a favor. He definitely wasn't going to like doing what she was going to send him to do but she had to see Daryl. Maybe he would know what to do. They still had to build a wall and they still had to get food. She felt herself start to panic again but swallowed it down. It tasted bitter in her mouth.

Glenn was sitting on the couch, flipping through channels and looking bored to death.

"Glenn, you have to do something for me," she said in a rush.

He looked up quickly and nodded. "Sure thing. What do you need?"

She told him, causing him to groan. She didn't blame him at all.

~H~

Daryl stomped into the kitchen, eyes squinted against the sunlight streaming in through the single curtainless window. He hadn't gotten home until nearly five in the morning and he felt like he hadn't slept at all. There was coffee in the pot but it was cold now. He poured a cup of the stale brew and nuked it in the microwave. It burned his lips and tasted like reheated shit but he needed it.

He had to get a hold of Carol today. For two days Merle watched him like a hawk, just like Daryl knew he would and then when Merle finally cut him a little slack he had no choice but to get his ass in gear and get things in order to pick up those guns. He had lied and told Merle he was picking them up for someone else that hadn't wanted to get busted making the trip. He had told Merle that he was making a grand for the six hour round trip and wasn't about to pass it up. Merle had wanted to ride along until Daryl actually showed him the money.

But now he had the guns. At least some of them. It was good to have friends in low places because Loyd hadn't minded a bit to front him six of the rifles as long as he had the money to him in a few months. Sadly enough, Loyd would most likely be chow by then so he was getting six guns for free. He had rented a storage unit the day before, acting like he was going on a beer run for his brother. He'd damn near forgotten to stop and get the beer before he went back home. That was where the guns were stashed now.

He choked down the rest of the coffee and was surprised to see that it was already nearing two in the afternoon. He hadn't slept worth shit since he had been home. His bed was too small, too hard, too lumpy and too fucking empty for his taste.

Merle came through the back door and grinned like an asshole. Two men followed him inside and they all sat down at the rickety kitchen table.

These were two of Daryl's least favorite people. The one that was grinning at Daryl now was a fat piece of shit named Todd that had been a friend of Merle's for a long time. Daryl never could figure out why the guy was so damn fat considering the amount of speed he did. The other guy they all called Frog. He was short and skinny and his watery brown eyes seemed to bug out of his head. He gave Daryl the creeps.

Merle slapped Todd on the back. "Show me the goods, ya fat bastard. I been itchin' for this batch of shit for weeks."

Daryl rolled his eyes and turned away in disgust as Todd pulled out a small zip-lock baggy with a white powdery substance inside. He sat the cup down heavily. "I'm gonna jump in the shower. I ain't sittin' here all day with you all tweaked out."

Merle smirked towards Todd. "Don't mind him, he's been pissy all damn week."

"Fuck you," he grumbled as he stalked out of the kitchen. Once he was under the hot spray he braced one arm against the wall of the shower and willed the hot water to wake him up but it wasn't working. He'd sleep tonight, by God. He had tried. He had watched Merle almost as closely as Merle had watched him and it was useless.

He knew that Merle was dreaming those dreams. He'd be a nervous shaking mess in the mornings but he wouldn't comment on it. He refused to admit that they meant anything. He scrubbed himself quickly, the decision to end this today gave him a much needed energy boost. He would leave Merle the address for the house in Cobb County. He would know where to go once it all started. That was the best he could do now.

He was in his room, moving money from his coat pockets to the bag he had brought it in when he heard somebody knock on the front door. He moved faster but not fast enough. He heard Merle's heavy boots as he made his way to the door way to the door.

He opened his bedroom door just in time to hear Merle's yell. "Hey, little brother! There's some Chinese kid at the door for ya. You didn't dump Carol for this little guy, did ya?"

Glenn. What the hell would posses that kid to come out here?

Sure enough Merle was standing there with the door wide open and Glenn was on the other side, shifting nervously from one foot to the other. When he looked up and saw Daryl standing there he took an involuntary step back.

"Hey, where ya goin'?" Merle asked with narrowed eyes.

"Carol's," he growled as he headed for the door.

Merle stopped him with a heavy hand on his shoulder. "I thought you cut that bitch loose."

Daryl wasn't going to fight him. He shrugged Merle off of him and then shoved a piece of paper in his hand. It had the address and directions to the house that they would most likely be living in when everything turned to hell. "Changed my mind," he said quickly. "If anything happens get your ass to that house. I'll call ya in a few days." He said over his shoulder. He didn't look at him because he was almost afraid of what he would see on his brother's face.

He shut the door and stared at Glenn who was staring at him. "You ain't gonna try to hug on me or some shit are ya?"

Glenn shook his head slowly. "Wouldn't dream of it," he said in a strained voice.

"Good cause I woulda kicked your ass. What the hell are you doin' here?"

Glenn glanced at the door and then walked off the porch, stopping further away in case there were any prying ears. "Carol sent me. Somethings happened and she needs to see you tonight."

"She can see me now. I was plannin' on headin' over there before you got here. What the hell happened?" he felt dread settle uncomfortably in his stomach. "Did Ed do somethin'?"

Glenn shook his head. "No, he's stayed away. She's meeting him tonight."

Daryl stopped beside his truck and narrowed his eyes. "What the fuck you mean she's meetin' him tonight?"

Glenn started looking nervous again as his eyes shifted from Daryl to his feet. "I don't know. He called her and she agreed to meet with him."

The dread that had his stomach in knots turned into a tight ball of anger. So that was how this was going to play out? He stays away for less than a week and now she was going to run off and meet with the son of a bitch?

Glenn seemed to read his expression pretty quickly. "Crap, don't get mad. It isn't anything like that. She still hates the guy."

"Just tell me what the fuck is goin' on," he growled as he pulled open the door to his truck.

"She didn't say. She just came home kinda freaked out and told me I had to come get you. Whatever it is isn't good though."

Daryl frowned. "Came home? What the fuck's been goin' on since I left there?"

"I... uh... I moved in the day you left," Glenn said as he took a step back.

Daryl gaped at him right before he slammed the door shut and took an angry step forward. "You what?" He yelled.

Glenn held up his hands and backed away until he was leaning against his own car. "Jesus, Daryl! Would you calm down? It's me for God's sake! I sleep in the guest room!"

Daryl stopped and scowled at the man. Glenn was right. What the hell was wrong with him? It was Glenn for fucks sake. He was pissed over Ed and that wasn't Glenn's fault but he wanted answers and he wanted them now. "Get in the goddamn car. I'll follow you over there," he growled as he stalked back to his truck and started the engine.