Ch. 18

"My best guess would be that it came from somewhere in or near Gray," Martinez said.

He, Eric and the Governor were looking over a map of Georgia.

"It's the city we were closest to and would provide several places for them to hide," Eric chimed in.

The Governor nodded, "Then I want you to check it. All of it. Take a few others, I want that city searched inside and out."

"That could take a while," Martinez replied, truthfully. "You sure you want to use your resources on them?" The Latino didn't mind going out on missions by himself or with Eric, but the more people that came along, the more problems there seemed to be, and lately, there had been a lot of turmoil in Woodbury, especially after the incident with Merle. The Governor had literally skinned the man alive and left him to the walkers in the middle of town. It hadn't left a very good impression on the citizens.

"You may be right," The Governor agreed. "We should try to keep things normal here. Try to keep everyone calm. Alright, you and Eric go. Take Jake with you."

"And if we find them?"

"Then you tell me their location. I'll get that hick son-of-a-bitch back one way or another."

Eric looked at him warily.

"There's several of them."

The Governor glared at him in response.

"Nothing," he said, slamming his hand down on the table, "Will stop me from getting him back. He's carrying my child! I'll get him back or die trying."

00

"Well, you're close to the end of your first trimester, so it makes sense that you're starting to show," Hershel explained.

He and Daryl were alone, discussing Daryl's pregnancy.

Hershel had done a quick exam using the small amount of tools available. He'd taken Daryl's BP, pulse, weight, and he'd listened around with a stethoscope.

"It's really not all that noticeable yet," Hershel added. "I mean, not unless you're looking for it. And even then you could put it off to you eating more often, gaining some weight from that."

"Carol noticed it," Daryl replied, blushing.

"Eventually you'll have to tell them. Whether it's now or later is up to you."

Daryl was quiet. He didn't like Hershel's response, even though it was honest. And for some reason, he felt like he wanted to cry again. God damn he hated these fucking hormones.

Seeing the tears building in the younger man's eyes, Hershel frowned.

"Daryl… If you're afraid of everyone's reaction… They'll be shocked, I'm sure, but they're going to accept it."

"I'm useless to them. They'll make me leave, and then what?"

Hershel rolled his eyes.

"Did they make Rick leave? What about Lori? Did they make Lori leave?"

"...No," Daryl replied. "They didn't."

"They won't make you leave. And if they tried, you can bet that me, David and Carol at the very least would not stand for it."

"That's another thing. Carol."

"You've got feelings for her. She's got them for you, too."

"I know. Don't you think she'll be disgusted?"

Hershel took a deep breath.

"Surprised, most likely. Not disgusted."

"I don't want to ruin it. Whatever it is that we have," Daryl said, softly. "I'm not… Not good with this type of thing. Never have been."

"Relationships, you mean?"

"With women in general. Before this… this whole thing, I was still freaking… I'd never…" Daryl trailed off, extremely embarrassed.

"You were a virgin?" Hershel sounded genuinely stunned.

When Daryl didn't reply, Hershel took that as a 'yes'.

"I'm sorry, son, I just assumed that you'd… ya know. You're a good lookin' guy. Wouldn't have been hard for you. Or I'd have thought that Merle would've set you up?"

"Merle fucked junkies. All his girlfriends were using or whores. I wasn't able to get into it. I tried, but, it just turned me off, I guess. I don't know. They made me nervous."

"I see."

"I know that's pathetic."

"It's not that unheard of."

"There was a whole movie about it. Remember? The forty year old virgin? I could've starred in that." Daryl knew he was kinda rambling now and forced himself to stop.

"Bottom line is I'm scared. What happens if she tells me to fuck off?"

"She won't, but if she does, I'll be here for you, as will David."

Daryl nodded.

"So you think I should tell her now, then?"

"I think that might be the best idea. Tell her before it becomes too obvious."

"Alright."

"And let me know how it goes."

"I will," Daryl replied. "And thanks."

"Any time, son. Any time."

00

"Pregnant." Carol repeated.

Daryl had just told her everything. The two were sitting in his room, door shut so no one else could hear the conversation.

"You know, you don't have to make up lies...It's okay that you've gained a little weight, no one's going to get mad at you for eating more, not after all you went through."

Daryl shook his head.

"I'm not lyin! Or tryin' to make excuses. You can ask Hershel if you don't believe me. It's real. This is real," he lifted his shirt, exposing his stomach, "There's a fuckin' baby in there."

Carol stared for a moment, then reached her hand out.

"Can I… Can I touch?"

"Yeah. You won't feel much though."

Nonetheless Carol rested her hand flat against Daryl's stomach.

When she said nothing, Daryl took it as disgust.

"I know you think I'm a freak, and I am, but I thought I ought to tell you before it got more noticeable. I understand if you don't wanna be anywhere near me."

Carol looked at him, a hurt expression on her face.

"I don't think that you're a freak. This is odd, yes, but I remember hearing about cases of it before."

"You don't?"

Carol shook her head 'no'.

"Of course not. Do you not realize how much I care about you? And to think I'd stop talking to you…" Now Carol looked like she was about to cry.

Daryl quickly took her hand.

"No, I'm sorry, Carol… This whole thing is just so weird. Scary. I… I've got feelings for you. It's never been like that before, and I don't want you to leave but I don't want you to feel obligated to stay because we're friends or -"

Daryl was cut off by Carol, who had leaned in to kiss him.

After several seconds, she pulled back, leaving Daryl looking bewildered.

"I have feelings for you too," she said, smiling.

"I...I'm glad," Daryl stammered. "That was… Wow."

"Not only that, but I'd be honored if you'd allow me to help you through this. Your pregnancy, I mean. I was a mother, you know. I can understand what you're going through. Then maybe when it's born…"

"When it's born you can help me raise it."

Carol held on to Daryl's hand a little tighter.

"I think I'd like that, Daryl."

With that, they kissed again.