Breaking Free 4
All recognized characters, dialog, situations, and sequence of events belong to AMC, the writers, creators, and actors of The Walking Dead. This is simply my continued attempt to 'fix' season 5 by keeping Beth in it. Covers "The Distance" and "Remember". Still not re-writing the whole episode, just the different parts to work Beth in. Spoilers exist but assumes you've seen the episodes.
Song is cited at the end – Safe by Katie Armiger – a song she's dedicated to all first responders, for obvious reasons.
I've added "Suzanne" and "Joseph" as two residents of the town. Suzanne's name was picked out of thin air, Joseph should be obvious. Random thought – two bad guys recently: Mary and Joseph.
*x*x*x*x*x*x*x*
Michonne, Glenn, Maggie, Abraham, and Rosita left to go check Aaron's story while the others scattered into the woods to keep watch. With one last look to Beth, Daryl stepped out of the barn. Aaron was tied to a center post watching Beth as she sat and played with the baby. Rick stepped into his line of sight and glared fiercely.
"Sorry," Aaron smiled, "It's been a very long time since I've seen a baby. There are kids in our camp, but none that young. Still Judith would have kids to play with. It would be good for her," He lowered his voice so that only Rick could hear him, "And there are some nice young men there, about Beth's age. Smart, decent, honest young men. It could be good for her too." Rick scowled at him and turned away. "Sorry if I overstepped, I just thought a girl her age… Or is she spoken for?"
Rick snorted, "Yeah. She's 'spoken for' so keep your eyes and thoughts to yourself."
Aaron blinked rapidly then chuckled, "Oh no… not me… God no. Not that she's not beautiful and… uhm. Never mind."
*x*x*x*x*x*x*x*
Beth paced the floor trying to soothe Judith as Rick crushed up acorns with the butt of his gun. "Rick she can't eat them, they'll make her sick."
"Well what do you suggest Beth?" Rick snapped. "She's hungry and there's nothing else! I checked that back room and everywhere else. There is nothing here."
"You saw the applesauce in my pack," Aaron said.
He and Rick debated back and forth until Aaron finally ate a spoonful of the applesauce. Rick licked the spoon clean, tasting the sweetness for himself then nodded to Beth. She immediately took the spoon and began feeding Judith. It took a few minutes for Judith to calm down and eat, but soon she was giggling and cooing at Beth. Opening her mouth wide for the sweet pureed fruit.
"There's honey too," Aaron said. "We have someone who used to work with bees and knows how to get it."
Beth shook her head, "You can't give a baby honey."
"Oh," Aaron said. "I did not know that. You're very good with her."
"She's taken good care of her since she was born and my wife died," Rick admitted. "I don't say it enough, but I am grateful every day." Beth smiled at him then scooped more applesauce into Judith, deftly avoiding the baby's hands as she tried to grab the spoon. "Aren't we Judy?"
"Beh!"
*x*x*x*x*x*x*x*
Beth wrinkled her nose as she cleaned up Judith. "Think you had too much fruit today, kiddo." She wiped her using strips from the clothes they found in the back room of the barn and some water. Judith laughed at her expression. "Oh yeah? That's funny?"
"She OK?" Daryl asked.
"She's fine. Just about clean," Beth replied. "Can you hand me a diaper?" Daryl walked over and gave her one from the dwindling supply. "Thanks." He watched as she diapered the baby and dressed her in clean clothes. Daryl helped her strap on the baby carrier and slip Judith into it. Judith yawned and snuggled against Beth.
Daryl stroked the baby's fine hair and smiled. "You ready?" he asked.
Beth nodded and he took her hand to lead her out to where the others were gathered near the RV. Rick cupped Judith's head and kissed her, then kissed Beth's temple. Daryl helped Beth climb into the RV where Abraham was already in the driver's seat. Everyone else had already claimed seats as Rick, Michonne, Glenn, and Aaron got into the car. Daryl led Beth back to the back bed and shook out the quilt. Beth sat with her back propped against the wall and Daryl wrapped her and Judith in the quilt then sat next to her so he could watch out the rear window.
"You think this is real? That this is a safe place?" she whispered.
Daryl shrugged, "Dunno. If it ain't, we'll find one somewhere. Get some rest."
*x*x*x*x*x*x*x*
They were waiting for sunrise to get back on the road. Judith had slept through the entire traumatic escape and run, but was now awake and playful. Beth had her in a side room so that they didn't wake anyone else. "Alexandria," Beth whispered to Judith. "We're going to Alexandria. Did you know that?" Judith babbled back a long string of sounds. "It's a big city that's real close to Washington DC."
"Hi," Maggie whispered from the doorway. "You OK?"
"We're fine," Beth replied. "Just need to get her back on her sleep schedule." Judith chortled as she bobbed and weaved standing on Beth's thighs. "She seems to have forgotten night time is for sleeping."
Maggie smiled as she watched Beth with the baby. "I love you, Beth."
Beth smiled, "I love you too, Maggie."
*x*x*x*x*x*x*x*
They rolled up to the gate at Alexandria. Rick drove with Michonne next to him. Beth and Carl were in the back seat with Judith. When Rick turned off the engine, they could hear the laughter of children at play. Still as they emerged from the vehicles, Rick had his gun in his hand. Daryl walked over to Carl and Beth, keeping close as the gates opened and they walked inside.
*x*x*x*x*x*x*x*
Deanna let Carl and Judith back out of the office after their interview, to where Rick, Daryl, Beth, and Michonne waited. Deanna smiled, "Beth? Can you come talk to me for a few minutes?"
Beth glanced to Rick, he nodded and smiled at her. She nodded to Deanna and walked across the room. Daryl followed automatically, still clutching the possum in one hand. Deanna gaped at him as he went with Beth into the office. Rick shrugged. Deanna sighed and followed them inside and shut the door.
"I've been filming these meetings," Deanna indicated the camera. "Beth, is that alright?"
Beth offered a quick smile, "Yes, ma'am."
Deanna indicated the chair, "Please. Daryl do you want to sit?"
"Nah," Daryl replied as he studied the bookshelves. "I'm fine. Talk to Beth."
"OK," Deanna took her seat and watched Beth and Daryl for a moment. They didn't look at each other, rather Beth studied the room as Daryl paced the shelves, but she sensed that they knew exactly where the other one was. "So Beth… how old are you?"
"Eighteen."
"So you were sixteen when all this started?"
"Yes, ma'am."
"That can't have been easy."
Beth just gave her another awkward smile.
"You look like you've had a rough time recently."
Beth's hand went subconsciously to the cuts on her cheek. The scars were fading but still visible. Deanna saw Daryl's glare but didn't acknowledge it. Beth swallowed hard, "Yes ma'am. I met up with some not so nice people a little while ago."
"That is unfortunate," Deanna replied gently. "We have a very gifted surgeon here, perhaps…"
"A surgeon?" Daryl walked behind Beth. "She got shot in the shoulder. Doc who patched her up said he couldn't help the nerve damage to her hand. You think this surgeon could?"
"Daryl," Beth whispered.
"I will certainly ask him to examine you, Beth," Deanna said. "We'll do everything we can to help you get better." Beth rubbed her left pinky with her thumb, staring intently. Deanna looked back to Daryl who was back looking at the books. "Daryl you are more than welcome to borrow any book you'd like to read."
"I read them already."
Deanna couldn't cover her shock, "All of them?"
"Nah. None of these law books. But all the rest." He pulled one down from the shelf and walked it over to Beth who took it with a smile. "This one'd be good to read to Asskicker."
Beth turned it so Deanna and the camera could read the title. "Winnie the Pooh," Deanna smiled, "That was my sons' favorite when they were little. Of course you can borrow it for… I'm sorry did you say Asskicker?"
Beth gave her the first genuine smile Deanna had seen, "Judith. It's what he called her when she was born."
"Ah. So Beth, tell me more about yourself. You grew up in Georgia?"
"Yes, ma'am, on a farm. My Daddy's… was… a veterinarian. We had horses and cattle and chickens that we raised."
"And what were your interests? Your goals?"
Beth blinked, "I don't understand the question."
"What did you want to study? To be when you grew up? See, Beth, I assign people's jobs here in Alexandria. Everyone has to work to keep this place going. So I need to know where to put you." She didn't know why, but Deanna realized immediately that she'd said something wrong.
Beth felt like all the air had been sucked out of the room. She felt shivers deep in her core and the room spun around her as the panic rose.
Daryl responded instantly, leaping in front of Beth, "You got no right to demand she work for you! I hunt. I provide. You got shit that needs doin', you tell me!" he snarled at Deanna.
Rick shoved open the door, attracted by Daryl's raised voice. "Daryl?" Daryl just glared at him. "What's wrong?"
"I'm sorry Beth, I didn't mean to upset you," Deanna said in a soothing tone, using all of her political experience so that her fear of the girl's defender wasn't too apparent.
"Can we be done now?" Beth asked shakily. "I want to be done now." Daryl reached his hand back and she clutched it to pull herself to her feet behind him.
"Of course," Deanna nodded.
"What did you say to her?" Carl demanded. The nice, polite young man gone as he scowled at her.
Deanna sighed, "I told them as I did you Rick, everyone contributes here."
"I contribute," Daryl snapped as he urged Beth out ahead of him. "I hunt. I provide. You got no right to say she's gotta do nothin'! She don't owe you a damn thing."
Rick sighed heavily with a glance to Michonne. Carl simply handed Judith to Beth, "Beth takes care of Judith. She's like her mom. It's what she's always done. Being a mom is the most important job there is, and she's good at it."
Judith whined as she sensed Beth's discomfort. Beth swayed and rubbed her back, Judith clutched at her. "Beh."
"I am sorry," Deanna said. "Rick, Aaron is waiting to show you to your house, if you, Carl, Daryl, and Beth will step outside, he'll take the group to where you can leave your guns, then he'll take you to the house, OK. Michonne?" she gestured to the office.
Michonne handed her guns to Rick then rubbed Beth's back gently as she passed to go into the office. Deanna shut the door, "Well that could've gone better."
Michonne sighed as she took the seat Deanna indicated, "Beth… was abducted not long ago. People in Atlanta who kidnapped people they thought they could control. Forced them work to pay off debt for food, water, shelter, protection. Conditions were… horrific. Violence and sexual assault seemed common."
"Oh that poor girl," Deanna said, covering her mouth with her hand.
"She was beaten several times, but we got to her before anyone could… She knew it was happening. Knew it was only a matter of time before one of them…" Michonne sighed and blinked rapidly. "She and Daryl were both shot during the rescue. They're OK but they're still healing. Daryl is obviously… highly protective."
"Obviously," Deanna sighed, "And I tell her she has to work for me." She shook her head. "And that place? In Atlanta?"
"Different now, I guess. The worst of the people, the woman in charge, are dead. New people took over. Got our people healed enough to travel."
"You could've stayed then, I assume?"
Michonne stared at her steadily, "No we couldn't. Too many bad memories. Plus the ones in charge now, they may not have participated in the worst of the torture, but they were still there. Letting things like that happen is just as bad as doing them. There's no way we would've stayed there, with Beth? With Carl and Judith? No way." She took a deep breath, "Best thing work wise is to consider Beth a stay-at-home mom. At least for a while. The rest of us… we're really just babysitters with Judith. I care about her, but am more than happy to hand her back to Beth for all the important stuff."
Deanna smiled, "Understood. Now, let's talk about you."
*x*x*x*x*x*x*x*
They stood in front of two large, beautiful houses after having given up their guns. Daryl still had his crossbow and they all still had their knives.
As they climbed the steps to the house Aaron had suggested, a woman walked up to them carrying a pastel covered bag covered with animals. "Hi, I'm Suzanne," She greeted with a bright smile, "Oh look at that sweet little darling," she beamed at Judith. "I don't want to get in your way, but I thought you might need a few things for her." She offered the bag and Rick accepted it. "Just some diapers, a few clothes, wipes, things like that. When my family and I moved in, we packed up all of the baby stuff in our house and stored it. My son, Joseph, will bring the crib by later. Whenever you're ready, we'll get the rest out of storage for you. Welcome to Alexandria."
Rick blinked at the rapid fire speech, "Uh… thanks." Beth smiled her thanks as Suzanne walked away with a wave.
They went inside, Beth stayed in the kitchen as Rick, Carl, and Daryl cleared the house. As soon as they realized there was running water, they scattered to the bathrooms.
*x*x*x*x*x*x*x*
Beth knelt next to the tub holding the slippery baby who was gleefully splashing in the warm water. Daryl sat on the toilet lid watching them. The diaper bag provided by Suzanne held baby wash and baby shampoo, both of which Beth was using to bathe Judith.
"Beh!" Judith squealed in delight as she pounded the bottle of wash against the side of the tub.
Beth laughed as the water splashed up on her shirt, "I shoulda just climbed in there with her." Daryl let out a huff of air and cleared his throat. Beth peeked back at him and blushed. She held tight to the baby with one hand and scooped water with the other to rinse her hair. Daryl stood up and grabbed a decorative cup from the sink and handed it to her. "Thanks," she smiled as she used the cup to rinse the soap and shampoo from Judy.
Beth lifted Judith who fussed as she left the water. Daryl wrapped her in a fluffy towel and Beth took her back, rocking slightly to soothe her. Daryl pulled the plug to let the water drain. Beth dried Judith then laid her on the counter to powder, diaper, and dress her in a warm, soft long sleeve onesie and jumper. "Rich people baby clothes, Jude," she smirked.
Carl peeked in the doorway. He was clean and his hair still wet. "Hey."
"Hey," Beth replied, "Can you take her? I want a shower too."
"Sure," Carl said. "Come on Judy, come see the fancy toys these people had."
Daryl walked out of the bathroom and sank to the hall floor. He heard Carl talking to Judy as they explored the bedrooms and the shower turn on for Beth. Then there was a knock at the door. Daryl leapt to his feet. Rick came out of the master, clad in only a pair of jeans and freshly shaved. Carl came out of the room he was exploring.
"Stay up here with Beth and Judy," Rick ordered Carl. He went down the stairs followed by Daryl. Daryl waited in the hall as Rick went to the door.
Carl was standing in front of the bathroom door when Daryl came back up, "Who is it?"
"Neighbor," Daryl replied. "Brought food."
"Oh," Carl nodded and took Judith into another bedroom to look around.
*x*x*x*x*x*x*x*
Beth stood under the water just letting it pour over her face. She shampooed and rinsed, then shampooed again. Scrubbed down three times with the new bar of soap. With a regretful sigh, she shut of the water and climbed out to dry off.
"Beth?" Daryl knocked gently.
"I'm not dressed yet," she replied.
"I know. Carl found some clothes for yah. Think they'll fit."
She opened the door wrapped in a towel and peeked at him, "Thanks." She accepted the bundle of clothing. "Everythin' OK?"
Daryl nodded, averting his eyes, "Neighbor stopped by and brought food from the pantry."
"Oh. Good."
"Get dressed," he grumbled and shut the door firmly. He walked over to the master bedroom and went into the bathroom. He shut the door and hopped into the shower long enough to rinse the worst of the grime off. He toweled off quickly and dressed in the relatively clean clothes from his pack. They'd managed to wash clothes at the police station so they weren't in too bad a condition.
*x*x*x*x*x*x*x*
Jessie pulled the wrap off of Rick's shoulders, "Tah-Da!" She handed him a mirror as Beth entered carrying Judith. "Hello! You must be Beth, I'm Jessie." Beth now wore dark blue jeans and a flower print shirt under a thin white sweater.
"Hello," Beth smiled but her eyes were on Rick. "Wow."
Rick smirked at her, "You clean up pretty good too, Bethy."
"Well, I'll let you all get settled," Jessie gathered her things together and Rick let her out, shutting the door behind her.
"I'd forgotten what you looked like under all that," Beth said as Rick glanced at his reflection in the bottom of a pot. "You look younger."
"So I looked old?"
"A little," Beth teased.
Judith watched Rick with a confused expression. When he approached, she began to cry. "Judy? What's wrong?"
Judith clutched at Beth and buried her face in her neck to wail. "Jude?" Beth rocked her gently, "It's Daddy. It's OK, it's just Daddy." Beth reached up and stroked Rick's cheek, "Look, Judith." Daryl and Carl walked in as Judith finally peeked up at Rick. Beth took her hand and brought it to Rick's face. "It's Daddy's real face."
Judith patted him, still clutching Beth's shirt tightly. "Da?"
"Hi Judith," Rick said.
"Da!" Judith bounced slightly and reached for him with both hands. Rick took her from Beth and Judith rubbed his cheeks and chin. "Da." She smiled at him as she stared.
The quiet, gentle moment was interrupted when the door was shoved open to admit Abraham and Eugene carrying a crib in a box, followed by Rosita, Tara, and Carol. "Met some guy outside who was dropping this off," Abraham greeted. "Damn," he gaped at Rick.
"I know," Rick rolled his eyes. "Showers work, obviously. Might take a few minutes for the water to heat up again."
"Place has tank-less water heaters," Eugene replied. "It's more efficient and supplies an endless supply of hot water. So I suggest we split between the houses and draw numbers because frankly you people are starting to stink."
"Us people?" Rosita scowled.
"Have you smelled yourself?" Tara said. "Because frankly we have."
"Kids!" Abraham sighed. "Eugene help me take this into the living room, then we'll head next door. The others will be here soon and they can start showering here."
Rick sighed and handed Judith back to Beth, "I hope that thing has instructions," he followed the men with the crib.
"It can't be that hard," Daryl replied.
Rick snorted, "You'd think. Lori's Dad had to put Carl's together."
*x*x*x*x*x*x*x*
Beth stiffened as Rick talked to Deanna in the doorway. She was sitting on the floor next to the crib Daryl and Rick had managed to assemble, where she'd made up her bed for the night.
"Beth?" Deanna called gently.
Rick nodded and extended his hand to her. Beth stood and walked over. Daryl stayed at the window but shifted, prepared to leap in if needed. She saw Glenn and Maggie also get their feet under themselves. Rick glanced at them, but just took Beth's hand to draw her in.
"You forgot the book," Deanna said, extending the A. A. Milne collection of stories along with several other children's books. "I thought Judith would like these too."
"Thank you," Beth replied with a slight smile. Rick stroked her back gently.
"I also wanted to let you know that for now, you have your job," Deanna smiled, "Taking care of Judith. No job is more important than that. And that way the others can focus on their responsibilities knowing she's is in good hands."
Beth nodded, "Thank you."
"Thanks," Rick repeated.
"We'll revisit the decision when she's older, maybe find a place for you at the school working with the other children. I think that would be good for both of you, Judith can be around other children, and you can find your place," Deanna smiled. "But that's some time down the line, when you're ready."
Beth nodded with a smile, then Rick gently sent her back. She carried the books back over to her place and sat them out of the way. Daryl gave her a quick smile, then went back to watching Deanna.
*x*x*x*x*x*x*x*
"Take a shower. Or I will hose you down in your sleep!" Carol demanded as she walked away from the house, off to her cooking assignment.
"You look ridiculous!" Daryl retorted. He shook his head as Beth appeared in the doorway. "What is up with her?"
Beth gave him a strange little smile and glanced around, "You know Carol, she's just tryin' to take care of everyone." Daryl frowned at her. "Come on in and take a real shower and I'll find you some clean clothes." He scoffed. She smiled for real this time, "I promise it won't be khakis and a cardigan. Come on."
He sighed, but followed her up to the master bathroom. "What's up with you?"
"Nothing." That strange smile was back. The one that didn't appear in her eyes.
He reached over and started the water. Over the rushing he whispered, "You think they're listenin'?"
"Would make sense they would," she replied softly. "But nothin' here makes any sense. Take a shower. I'll get you somethin' to wear while I wash what you got on."
He'd never admit it, but it did feel good to get clean again. Even at the hospital, they cleaned up in the sinks to save the precious water. He hadn't had a real shower since the prison. He scrubbed himself from head to toe twice, then stood in the spray, letting the hot water pour over his back and neck. After so long of hoarding every drop of water, it seemed so wasteful to shower. But it also felt wonderful. When he emerged, he found fresh towels and a complete outfit. Briefs and heavy socks, jeans, a sleeveless gray t-shirt and a flannel shirt in gray and blue plaid. He glanced at the labels inside and snorted, "Rich people clothes." But they fit and were clean. Plus the clothes he'd taken off had disappeared so the option was wear them or walk out in a towel.
He came back downstairs to find Beth pacing the living room with Judith. She smiled at him and continued to sing to the baby. Abraham was standing at the front window, staring outside. Daryl walked over to him, "Ever'thin' OK?"
"Dunno," Abraham jerked his chin to a man standing on the sidewalk. "Been out there a few minutes. Could be watching us. Could just be listening to our angel singing." Beth stopped singing. Daryl glanced back to see her laying Judith into the crib and rubbing her belly as she fussed softly. Judy clutched at her ragdoll from the museum and soothed herself to sleep. Daryl looked back to see the man sigh heavily then move on. "Maybe just listening."
"Yeah. Maybe," Daryl said. The windows were all open, letting in the warm breeze and fresh air. Seemed to make sense that her voice would carry outside to people who probably didn't hear a lot of singing. He went over to the sofa near the couch and stretched out with a sigh. He thought about grabbing one of the books stacked about, even reacquainting himself with Christopher Robin and his pals. Then he dozed off.
*x*x*x*x*x*x*x*
Daryl awoke abruptly and looked around. Judith was sitting up in the crib, hair all disheveled and blinking at him. "Duh-Wuh!" she grumbled and lifted her arms. "Beh?"
Daryl stretched as he stood up, walking over to retrieve Judith from the crib. He smoothed her hair down as she yawned and rubbed her eyes. He heard voices in the kitchen and padded through. He froze in the doorway. A nice looking young man with carefully styled hair and a button down shirt sat flirting with Beth. Abraham, Eugene, and Rosita were sitting with them. Abraham was leaning back on his chair, arms folded across his chest as he glowered at the boy who seemed completely oblivious.
"Hey," Beth caught sight of them, "I didn't hear her cry. Did she wake you?"
"Nah, just woke up," Daryl replied.
"Hello," the boy greeted. "I'm Joseph. I think you met my mother yesterday? Suzanne?"
Daryl grunted in response. Beth gave him a look as she took Judith from him. "Yeah. Hey Joey. I'm Daryl."
"Yes, sir, I know. We don't get too many new faces around here. And it's Joseph."
"Uh-huh."
"Joey brought a high chair and stuff for Judith," Abraham said. "Very nice of him to stop by and visit." He stood and opened the door.
"Yes," Beth smiled, "Thank you Jo*seph*," she emphasized the correct name. "I really need to get Judith cleaned up before dinner, if you'll excuse me."
"Sure," Joseph got to his feet, a beaming smile on his face, "So glad to have met you Beth." He stood and smiled at the others. "Abraham, Rosita, Eugene, and Daryl. Have a good afternoon."
Beth kept the smile on her face until Abraham shut the door behind the young man, then she glared at each of them in turn and strode out with the baby. Rosita rolled her eyes, then dug through a box on the table and yanked out a plastic chair with suction cups on the bottom and a bright yellow rubber ducky. She slammed the items into Daryl's hand and pointed silently after Beth.
Daryl found her back in the bathroom on the floor with Judith. "Rosita sent this." Beth took it and set it up in the tub. "What is it?"
"A bath seat," she replied.
"Sorry I interrupted your visit," he scowled.
She glared at him as she started the water. "He brought things for Judith, what was I supposed to do?" He shrugged and looked at his feet. "A high chair, this seat, a whole box of clothes and blankets and toys and diapers. I was just bein' polite. He's just a boy."
Daryl scoffed, "He's prolly only a couple years older than you."
"And? He's spent the last year and a half behind these walls pretendin' the outside world didn't go to shit. I was just bein' polite."
He rubbed the tile with his sock clad foot, "Seemed to be nice. Guess he was cute." She cut her eyes at him. "What?"
"I got no interest in a *boy*. Especially not one who thought he could score points with the new girl with gifts for her baby. Thought he could walk in here with a high chair and I'd jump at the chance to go on a tour of the neighborhood." She took a breath to calm herself before she picked up Judith to sit her in the bath seat. Daryl leaned over to help her by guiding Judy's legs through the holes. He danced the duck in front of her as she squealed and grabbed for it.
"You don't go anywhere without me, yah hear?"
"I won't," she replied leaning against his side for a second as Judith laughed and splashed in the warm water. She gazed up at him. The swirl of emotion in his chest was becoming all too familiar despite its newness. He coughed and pushed away from her abruptly. "Where are you goin'?"
"Need some air. I'll be back, don't leave the house, OK?"
She nodded and focused back on the baby. "Your Uncle Daryl is a complex man Judith."
*x*x*x*x*x*x*x*
It was late when Rick finished his first night patrol as Constable. Everything was quiet, but he could see some lights in both of their assigned houses. Carol was sitting on the porch when he walked up the steps. "Ten o'clock and all's well," she greeted.
"Good," Rick nodded.
"Abraham, Rosita, Glenn, Maggie, Eugene, Tara, and Gabriel moved next door. The rest of us moved upstairs into the bedrooms. Carl and Noah are on the third floor. There's a two room loft up there and they seem to think it's cool," she smiled. "You, Michonne, and I each have one of the bedrooms. We insisted Beth take the master. That little sitting room connected to the bedroom is a perfect nursery for Judy. Daryl said he'd sleep downstairs but so far he's been up with Beth. He moved the crib up and Suzanne sent Joseph over with a dresser, changing table combo. There's more baby stuff but apparently we're getting it a few pieces at a time. Our sweet Bethy seems to have attracted a suitor."
Rick groaned.
Carol gave a strange little laugh, "Relax Dad, she's got a good head on her shoulders." Her eyes went over Rick's shoulder to the house across the street.
Rick glanced around, "True. Well I'm beat."
Carol nodded and stood up to lead the way inside. Rick shut the door and moved a chair in front of it. "Someone in the house straight across kept watching from behind the curtains," Carol whispered. "Could just be curiosity."
"Yeah," Rick sighed. "Good night."
*x*x*x*x*x*x*x*
Rick stepped into the master bedroom through the wide open door. Daryl looked over from his seat in the window. Rick lifted his hand and went over to the sitting room to peek in on his sleeping daughter. Judith was dressed in a soft blanket sleeper, sprawled on her back in the crib with her museum rag doll clutched in her fist. There were a few new stuffed toys in with her, but she had her favorite.
Daryl walked up behind her, "I's just sittin' 'til Beth fell asleep. I'll go downstairs now."
Rick reached over and gripped his shoulder, "Daryl, the two of you have been sleeping in the same room for weeks now. It's up to you, but I actually prefer you were up here." Daryl shrugged and nodded. "Which room is mine?"
"Next one down," Daryl pointed. "We moved all your shit in. Beth said you should have the master but Carol and Michonne said no."
"They're right, this is best for her," Rick replied. "Good night."
"G'night."
*x*x*x*x*x*x*x*
Daryl sat on the bench under the window staring out at the quiet street. It was approaching midnight and everything was still under the bright moon. With a sudden gasp, Beth sat up in the bed, "Daryl?" she whispered.
"Hey," he replied softly, getting up to go to her. "You OK?"
"Didn't know where you were."
He cupped her cheek, stroking her soft skin with his thumb, "I'm right here. Ain't goin' nowhere." He urged her to lay back down and covered her with the blankets. Then he toed off his boots and stretched out next to her. She folded the top blanket back over him. He turned his head so he could watch her face in the dim light as she drifted back to sleep. He told himself he'd just lay there for a few minutes, then return to his post at the window. His eyes closed.
When they opened, the room was bathed in sunlight. Beth was still asleep, curled against his side with her hand curled around his bicep. Sensing his gaze, she stirred and opened her eyes. She smiled at him, "Morning," she whispered. "You stayed."
"Told you. Ain't goin' nowhere."
*x*x*x*x*x*x*x* X *x*x*x*x*x*x*x*
I wasn't lookin' for love
It didn't really fit inside of my world but
One look in your eyes, and I completely changed my mind
Oh
I wasn't lookin' for you
But you found me just like you were made to
And it's crazy now to think about how we almost live without... each other
I,
Love spendin' all my time
Lying right here by your side
A place where I can always stay, cause you
You make me feel safe
You make me feel safe
I didn't want to jump the gun
And be the one to say I love you so soon
But when I look at you, the truth is,
Baby now I do, I do
I,
Love spendin' all my time
Lying right here by your side
A place that I can always stay, cause you,
You make me feel safe
You make me feel safe
A place that, a place that I belong
Wrapped here inside your arms
No fear no harm to my heart
Oh
I,
Love spendin' all my time
Lying right here by your side
A place that I can always stay
Oh baby say you'll always stay
Cause you, you make me feel safe
You make me feel safe
"Safe" – Lyrics by: Katie Armiger & Mallary Hope - Copyright: Sony/ATV Tree Publishing, Songs For My Good Girl Music, Downtown Music Publishing LLC