Carol wanted to talk to Daryl, but he was working, so she decided to have a quick visit yesterday, bring him lunch. She had to visit Shawn anyway, it was practically no where on the way. She just wanted to see him. Sophia wasn't the only one who had missed him when they were painting. Daryl was a good friend, and she wanted him to know that. She wanted to rebuild trust. She'd decimated it the last time, and all she could hope to do was prove him that she was trustworthy. It hadn't gone as well as she hoped, and she didn't even talk to Daryl. She just saw him from a distance... Ugh, this was going to bother her.
She headed inside his house and was glad to see the kitchen and living room were still spotless and painted. If Merle ever did whatever the hell he did to them again, she was going to kill him. She wasn't doing this for fun. She wanted this to be a home; not a massive trashcan.
Daryl came down the stairs. "Hey, could you gimme a hand?"
"Sure. With what?" She set her purse on the couch and followed him to his bedroom.
"I needa fix up this room."
"Oh?" She smirked. "Expecting company up here?"
"Yeah." He handed her a flashlight. "The guy that's gonna inspect this place, people lookin' to buy and the realtor."
She took the flashlight. "And your girlfriend."
"Girlfriend?" He frowned. "What girlfriend?"
"You know, that woman who kissed you at the shop." She met his eyes. "The pretty blonde."
"You saw that?" He looked uncomfortable.
"From a distance. I was talking to T, giving him lunch actually. I guess since we're family and all, even more so now that Shawn married Sasha. Do you think I can get a discount on repairs? That would be really great." She turned the flashlight on. "You're adding shelves in the closet?"
"Replacing the old ones." His eyes were locked on her face. "You don't mind?"
"No, I just wish you would've done this before. The wobbly always drove me insane." She stepped into the closet. "While you're at it, add a light in here. It'll come in handy."
"I'm gonna, but I meant me and the woman."
"Why should I mind? Well, just as long as you two aren't having sex when I'm working. Sophia's here a lot, so try to go over to her place." She shrugged a shoulder. "I have a date myself."
A muscle in his jaw tightened, but he kept his voice normal. "Who with?"
"Tyreese. After I left the shop, I ran into him, and he asked me to dinner." She glanced at him. "Do you have a problem with that?"
"Why would it?" He grabbed the a piece of wood and made sure it was lined up correctly.
"Good. We're going out tomorrow, so I won't be here past six."
"Where y'all goin'?"
"I don't know. It's a surprise." She smiled a little. "I'm excited about it. I haven't date in years."
"Tsk, you like datin'?"
"I love it, and so does Beth. She's so glad I have a date." She pointed to the plank. "Do you want me to hold it?"
"Yeah."
They worked in silence, Carol knew he didn't like her dating, and she didn't like him dating either. It was so strange to see him with someone else. She knew it was because of their marriage. They'd been friends for so long and when they started dating, it was just right. She'd always been with only Daryl. He was her first everything, and as rational as she was, she just knew he would be her last everything, but she was wrong. Seeing him with someone else hurt, because of that little girl inside of her who still clung to that idea—it was the same little girl that kept hoping her father would walk through the front door, alive and glad to see them, years after he died. She also knew it was partly because of how when he wanted someone, he sought her. It was probably just convenience, though. He wanted someone, and he knew she would be here painting, so he didn't have to go far. That night didn't mean anything to either of them, so she just needed to forget it. If she told herself that enough, eventually she would believe it and hopefully forget it.
Daryl was pissed. He wasn't pissed at the shelves that weren't straight, but at the fact that Carol had seen that woman—whose name he didn't know—kiss him, and at the thought of Carol dating Tyreese Douglas. He knew Ty, and Ty was the best, just like his father. He could make Carol really happy, and it made his heart just...sink to think just how happy he would make her. Ty was easy, uncomplicated, funny, loving, and after everything that happened between him and Carol, she deserved that. He wasn't going to stop her. He had no right too. They weren't even friends just yet, although Carol was trying. It was going to be a slow process, but it wasn't going to happen if Carol was with Tyreese. Daryl would do something stupid and she would hate him for it. He would rather have her as a friendly person than someone who hated him, and he wasn't entirely sure if that was so he could get her to test Sophia to see if she was his child. He doubted Carol would ever do that anyway, no matter what she said to him. Sophia was her daughter, and he was all right with that, just as long as no one else was her father.
"That oughta do." He removed his gloves. "Work on installin' a light tomorrow maybe, if I got any time."
"Don't strain yourself." She sat on his bed. "We'll work on the light Tuesday. I'll have Amy pick up Sophia or maybe Mag. I'm not quite sure just yet."
He gave a nod.
"This room isn't so bad." She leaned back. "Maybe a different color for the walls, new curtains and some decent pillows."
"You ain't messin' with my room. I'm just addin' shelves, and that's it."
"Yes, sir." She pushed herself up onto her elbow. "This bed is God awful, Daryl. I'm actually stuck. Do you never sleep anywhere else?"
"The couch."
"That's not what I meant. Your body has left a permanent impression on this bed." She pushed herself up. "You need a new mattress. That's what we're doing next since you won't let me do anything else in this room."
"Fine. Whatever."
She smiled. "With new sheets and blankets."
"I ain't made of gold, woman."
"I'll pay for them then." She climbed off the bed. "It's not like we can do much with the other rooms. All I have to do in the bathroom is clean and repaint, so I'll do that after the light in the closet is installed and after we get you a new mattress."
"Sure."
"Oh, and I have someone coming out in two weeks, so I'll need you to make yourself scarce. It's going to be a surprise." She smiled a little. "I'll see you tomorrow."
"Carol, wait."
"Yeah?" She turned to face him.
"I can't do this."
"Do what?" Her heart skipped a beat. "Oh, do you mean the house? I know it's hard, but we can't live in the past forever. It'll only drown us. It'll be better once it's done, I promise. We aren't destroying Ethan, just...making peace with what happened and accepting change."
"No, not the damn house. I meant—" He looked into her eyes. "—Sophia."
She was quiet.
"I have to know. I know you don't want her to know, and she don't have to. We'll tell her the test is for something else, like a genetic disease. I can't have her in my life and not know. I thought I could, but I can't. Whether or not I'm her dad, I want her in my life. She's a special kid, and I wanna there for her...for you."
She lifted her eyes to his.
"I just gotta know, Carol. I have a right. After what you did—"
"Fine. On Thursday, we'll go and see Caleb."
"What?"
"I have to know too." She crossed her arms. "Thursday." Oh, God, what just came out of her mouth? Did she just accept? The room's spinning now...
He nodded as she turned and left. Holy shit. She actually agreed. He thought he was going to have to argue with her and fight tooth and nail, but she agreed. That was easier than he expected. He should've just came right out and told her that before he went and fell... It would've happened either way. She was the only one that ever mattered, who would ever matter, and if Sophia was his, he wasn't going to stand in the shadows and let someone else raise her. He may not be the most ideal father, but he intended to be a good father. Part of him knew that Sophia was his, but he wasn't going to let that part consume him just in case. He wasn't going to be arrogant. When he got arrogant, he was typically wrong or shit hit the fan. No, he was going to wait and see what happened...
Thursday. He made a mental note then one on his phone. That day may change his life forever. Whether or not Sophia was his daughter, the results would mean a lot, probably for the both of them.
Pop? Papa? Old man? Tsk, he still hated those names, but he didn't mind Dad.
––
"Oh, my God, Beth." Maggie was stunned. "What did you do?"
"Something that spent two hours of my life that I'll never get back and am damn proud of that." She beamed.
"Can I please look at myself?" Carol asked for the hundredth time.
"Yes." Beth hopped up and turned her around to see the full-length mirror behind her. "What do you think?"
"Holy shit." Carol stared at herself. She looked...beautiful. Beth managed to do something really pretty with her hair that accentuated her face, and surprisingly the makeup didn't make her look like a streetwalker like the last time Beth did her makeup. Her eyes were so blue, and she never noticed how pretty she was. Her mother told her, her father and dad told her, her aunt and uncle told her, but she never believed them. And after Ed... But she looked really good, and the dress Beth let her borrow was beautiful.
"Hey, Glenn's downstairs, let's go see how he responds." Beth took her hand and led her out of the room.
"Sure, I don't mind. In fact, I want my boyfriend to find my sister attractive." Maggie glared after Beth.
"Hey, Glenn, I need a favor."
"Yeah. What do you need?" He walked out of the living room and his jaw actually dropped. "Wow, Carol, you look...amazing."
Beth was grinning.
"Glenn, close your mouth before someone trips on it." Patricia looked Carol over. "Oh. You look beautiful, honey."
"Thank you both. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to throw up." Beth and Maggie stopped her from running up the stairs, and she sighed. "Why can't one of you go instead?"
"Because I have a boyfriend." Maggie crossed her arms. "And Beth's after that cute doctor."
"I am not." She rolled her eyes, but she had a blush on her cheeks. "Just try to have fun, okay?"
"Sure, fun. What are we going to talk about? My two failed marriages? The fact that I still live with my sisters in the house I grew up in?" She felt sick.
"It's Tyreese," Maggie reminded. "You're friends. Just think of it as hanging out, only he pays."
"Carol's date's here. Somebody go tell her. Hi." Shawn walked in then did a double take. "What the hell did you do to my sister? I didn't even recognize her."
"No cussin' in the house," Patricia told him.
"Shawn, you lost your contacts last night," Maggie retorted.
"Yes, but normally I can see the blur of red and blue. Now it's all blue and brown and spring-y."
"Did you drive here?" Patricia was frowning.
"No, Ty gave me a ride. I have an extra set of contacts in my bathroom. It's in one of those boxes." He felt for the railing then paused. "Could someone help me? I'm blind as a bat without my contacts."
"Drama queen." Maggie took his arm. "You can see well enough."
"Maybe I just enjoy the company."
"Oh, here he comes!" Beth grabbed her jacket and handed it to her. "Breathe, Carol, you look fantastic."
She swallowed and nodded, lifting her eyes as he entered. "Hey, Tyreese." She smiled.
He looked her over for so long she began to blush and Glenn had to led Beth out of the room before she exploded into a million happy pieces. She was way too proud of how Carol looked, and he sensed she had alternate plan. "Hey." He returned her smile. "You look gorgeous."
"Thanks." She felt a little better, though her stomach was tied up knots. "You look handsome yourself."
"Thanks. Are you ready?"
"Yes."
"What, you aren't going to say good bye?" Sophia grumbled, walking in from the living room.
Carol sighed mentally. Sophia hated the idea of her going out with anyone who wasn't Daryl. Sophia had been a brat all day because of it, and she'd even slept in Shawn's room to avoid Carol. She knew Sophia liked Ty, because she spent a lot of time with him at the wedding. She just hated the idea of her dating anyone... who wasn't Daryl.
She bent down and kissed her forehead. "I'll be home late, so be good for Patricia, okay?"
"How late?" Sophia demanded.
"Past your bedtime," was all she said. "We'll talk in the morning, all right?"
She nodded.
"I love you."
"Love you," Sophia mumbled.
She gave her a hug and stood up. "Thank you for coming over to watch her."
Patricia smiled. "I wouldn't pass up the chance. Have fun and don't worry about us. Once Maggie and Glenn leave for their date, we'll watch a movie then it's off to bed."
She nodded and left with Tyreese.
"I hate him," Sophia told Patricia, crossing her arms over her chest.
"And why do you hate him?"
"Because he—"
"Ahh!" Beth screamed at the top of her lungs and she barreled down the stairs. "Oh, my gosh."
"What?" Patricia asked, worried.
"N—nothin'. I just—opened the wrong door." She gripped the banister. "I—I'm gonna go sit down."
Sophia frowned and went after her aunt. "Are you okay?"
"Uh-huh." She smiled at Sophia. "C'mere." Sophia sat beside her, and Beth moved hair out of her face. "If I had a daughter, I'd want her to be just like you."
Sophia smiled.
"Which is why I have to say: don't be mad at Carol, Sophia."
"I don't like Tyreese."
"Because he's not Daryl?" She nodded. "Why does it matter if it's Daryl? Hmm?"
"Because he makes Mommy happy." Sophia sighed. "Ed made Mommy sad. She used to cry all the time, but with Daryl, she smiles. And laughs. Ed never made Mommy laugh."
"What do you mean, Ed made Carol sad?" Beth frowned, glancing back at Patricia as she moved closer to hear better. "He made her cry?"
She nodded, very serious, not lying like Beth was hoping. "He was mean to her. He called her mean names and...and hit her."
"What?" Beth gasped. "He hit her? That b—man hit my sister?" She looked up at Patricia. "Oh, my God."
"Beth, I told you to knock before you—" Maggie cut off. "What?"
"Go talk to Shawn," Patricia told them. "We'll be down here."
Beth grabbed Maggie's arm and hurried upstairs to tell Shawn. She closed his bedroom door as he fitted the second contact over his eye, and Maggie waited as Beth began to pace, the look on her face was so anger, so murderous. Maggie was about to grab her and demand to know what the hell happened to make her look like that, act like this. What did Sophia say?
"I missed you too." He closed the last box. "But I have to go, so can this talk wait?"
"No." Beth faced him. "You know how Carol told us Ed died?"
"Yeah. So?" Maggie shrugged. "It was horrible, but that doesn't matter. She has us, just like Sophia has us."
"Yeah well, she forgot to mention the part where Ed abused her."
"What?" Shawn hissed.
"Who told you that?" Maggie demanded.
"Sophia. Before you start, I know her. She's not lying. She can't lie. She's tried, and I know what it looks like. She's...probably worried that Ty might be like that, because he hasn't made Carol smile or laugh." She folded her arms over her chest. "That bastard! How dare he hit her! How dare she not tell us! Why didn't she tell us?"
"Because we're short-tempered and all can use a gun," Maggie answered. "God, how could she keep that from me—er, us? That's bullshit."
"Damn right, it's bullshit," Shawn huffed. "If I didn't have a pregnant wife at home who turns into evil incarnate when hungry, I would find her and Ty and demand to know what the hell happened. I swear to God, if that man put his hands on Sophia, I'm going to kill him even more. Maggie, plan me an airtight alibi. I'll need it for when I intend to do with to man."
"Wait, just calm down!" Beth interrupted Maggie's rant before it started. "Carol came back after all this time and told us Ed died, but that's a lie. What if she ran away from Ed? What if he's chasin' her and Sophia?"
"Again, we have guns and we all know how to use them." She turned to Beth. "We have to assume that. Carol didn't tell us, because she didn't us to know, so we can't let her know we know."
"It ain't like we're gonna so tell her."
"Yeah, but Sophia told us. She'll tell Carol, and Carol will know we know."
"I'll bribe her." Shawn grabbed his wallet. "I used to bribe Carol all the time."
"We are not bribin' our niece," Maggie hit him, "unless we absolutely have to."
"Because telling her not to tell will surely work. Carol was a brat growing up."
"Sophia's not Carol." Beth opened the door. "Let's just talk to Sophia. I'm sure we'll come to some kind of agreement. Besides, maybe Sophia knows more, and if we don't want Carol to know we know we need to know all of it. Or most of it. Carol probably woulda shielded Sophia from it."
"Are you sure you're related to us?" Maggie asked, teasing a little. "Sweet, rational, not the type to hurt anybody. If it came down to it, Shawn and I would beat the shit out of Ed. I don't think you would."
Beth met her eyes, very calm. "If I ever met Ed, I'd leave no trace of his existence. I know what you cops look for, and I'm a nurse: I'm good with my hands—and needles." She headed downstairs.
"My skin is literally crawling." Shawn looked at Maggie. "No one should be the calm when they say things like that."
She followed after Beth as did Shawn, and they found her in the kitchen with Patricia, drinking hot coco and eating a cookie. Beth took the seat beside her, smiling warmly at her, very motherly, and Patricia dropped her eyes, and Maggie and Shawn leaned against the island.
"Sophia, honey." Beth tucked hair behind Sophia's ear. "Will you tell me more on how Ed made Carol sad?"
She set the cookie down on the plate and dropped her hands to her lap. "Mommy will be mad. She didn't want anyone to know. She didn't want me to know."
"It'll be our secret," Maggie persuaded.
"Mommy says secrets are bad."
"Not between family," Shawn informed her.
"Mommy says especially between family."
"What did she teach this kid?" Shawn grumbled.
"Look, sweetheart, we need to know." Maggie moved beside her, taking one of her hands. "Carol will understand."
"But I can't tell Mommy, 'cause it's a secret."
"Yes."
She pursed her lips then sighed. "Mommy always sent me to my room to listen to music, but I could still hear. Ed would call her bad things, and I would hear glass break." Her little face began to turn red as tears sprang up in her eyes. "Mommy asked him to stop, but he never did." She lifted her hand to her eyes. "Sometimes...Mommy wouldn't come to tuck me in."
Shawn clenched his jaw, a wave of anger washing over him as he thought of Carol lying on a floor, beaten unconscious and bleeding.
Sophia began to sob loudly, no longer able to talk as she remembered how bad Ed was to her, and Beth picked her up and held her, shushing her and rubbing her back. She carried her out of the room, soothing her.
"Maggie, can you track down Ed?" Shawn asked.
"Shawn—"
"Don't. I want a face to go with the name." He lowered his voice. "If that son of a bitch comes here for her and Sophia, I'll bash his fucking face in."
Patrica exhaled. "Do we tell Hershel?"
"God, no!" Maggie's eyes were wide. "He'd die if he knew."
"And Annette?"
"Mom would hunt Ed down and beat his ass, and I would gladly help," Shawn answered. "With her condition, I don't think we should tell her."
She nodded. "It's y'alls secret. Do with it what you want."
"Speaking of want, I need to call Sasha and see if she still wants... Oh, shit, I don't remember." He shook his head. "Well, I'm going to call her."
"I'm gonna go out on my date." Maggie rubbed her arm.
They lingered a moment longer then went back to what they were supposed to be doing, but before the cars left the driveway, Shawn and Maggie returned to the house as Beth lulled Sophia to sleep on the couch downstairs, brushing her bands gently to the side.
Beth looked up. "You thought it too?"
"Yeah." Maggie crossed her arms, looking from her to Shawn.
"Do we tell Daryl?" Shawn asked.
––
Carol laughed, lifting her head from her hand and lacing her fingers together. "So, did you know that Sasha was pregnant?"
"Not at first. Mom knew right away, and Sasha begged her to keep it a secret. She knew I didn't approve of her and Shawn."
"Why not? I thought of all people, you would be their biggest supporter." She took a drink of water.
"That's right, you weren't there when it happened."
"When what happened?" She searched his eyes.
"A while after Shawn proposed to Sasha...he cheated on her."
"What?!" Carol softly exclaimed.
He nodded. "I don't know who the woman was, all I knew what she told me. She said..."
––
Sasha handed Shawn a plate of chicken fried rice, sitting beside him on the couch with a glass of wine and an egg roll. She wondered why he was so quiet tonight. Normally, she had to beg him to stop talking. It was...disquieting.
"Umm, I talked to my mom today, and she told me that we can use the cafè for the reception. It's spacious and easy on the eyes." She studied his face. "Beth offered to decorate it."
"Sounds like Beth." He set the plate on the coffee table and leaned forward, not looking at her.
She set her glass on the table and the egg roll on her plate. "Look, if you don't want to get married, tell me now. I can handle it." She waited, but he said nothing. "Or do you want a small wedding? Like Hershel and Annette's? It was cute."
Still nothing.
"Is this about Carol? Do you want her there?" She moved closer to him, setting a hand on his shoulder, but he moved instantly, standing away from her. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to upset you. I know it's hard talking about her. I can't say I know what you must be feeling, but—"
"There isn't going to be a wedding," he slowly said.
"All right." She stood up. "You'll be the one to break it to our mothers."
"Sasha—" His voice broke.
Suddenly, she felt very concerned. She knew Shawn probably wouldn't go through with the wedding. Marriage wasn't something he wanted. He never told her that, but she knew. She knew him well. Because she knew him so well, she knew something had happened. He was beyond upset, and it wasn't with her. She'd taken everything—the location of the wedding, the invites, the sitting arrangement, etc—slow because she knew he wasn't ready. He only asked because it seemed like the right thing to do. After all this time, he probably felt pressured to propose, but it wasn't what she wanted. She just wanted to be with him. She loved him deeply, and to see him like this was a dagger to her heart.
"It has nothing to do with Carol or the reception or you, even." His voice was thick. "You deserve better..."
"What are you talking about?" She walked over to him. "Shawn, what happened?"
"I was out late last night, you remember?" She nodded. "I...wasn't alone."
"Who else was there?"
"The client who I met with the other day. She wanted to discuss the pictures, so I went to see what was wrong with them, and when I got there, she offered me a drink. I accepted, and we—"
"I don't need the details, Shawn," she interrupted him. "Did you have sex with her?"
He dragged his hands down his face. "Yes."
She picked up her glass of wine and drank deeply, emptying it. Once it was empty, she looked down at it and tossed it at the wall just behind him, causing him to flinch. "Get out."
He swallowed. "S—"
"Do I need to repeat myself? Get out of my apartment!" She thrust a finger toward the door.
"I didn't mean for it to happen, you have to know that." He met her eyes. "If I could take it back, I swear to God, I would."
"Don't give me your swears and regrets. Don't give me your tears or your words, just get out of my apartment!"
"I can't just leave knowing you hate me," he explained. "I can take Hershel hating me, I can take my mother disapproving of my career choice, but I cannot handle the thought of you hating me. You're the only person in my life that has ever... God, and for me..."
"What do you want me to say, Shawn?" She crossed her arms. "Because what you want from me is no longer an option."
"I know that!" He searched her eyes. "I just—I don't know, all right? I don't know how any of this happened. It's all a damn blur, and I don't understand how I could ever cheat on someone like you. I keep trying to figure it out, I keep going back, but there's nothing!"
She closed her eyes. "Shawn, whatever happened that night is between you and her now. I'm not going to try and make you feel better. I'm not going to listen to your honeyed words, even if you do mean them."
"Of course I mean them. I love you, Sasha."
"It doesn't matter now, Shawn." She opened her eyes. "You did the one thing you swore not to! Don't stand there and take the subject off the fact that you had sex with someone else and try focusing it on how much you love me and how you don't see how you allowed yourself to cheat! I don't want to hear it! Just get the hell out of my apartment! I can't even look at you!"
"All right." He grabbed his keys from the dish by the door and paused in the doorway. "I know it doesn't mean anything to you, but I am sorry, and it was a mistake."
"Go!" She couldn't look at him, but she heard him open the door and step out. She lowered herself down onto the couch and sat in silence for a moment then her body began to tremble as tears filled in her eyes and sobs slipped through her lips. She knew Shawn was many things, but not once she had ever had to think he was unfaithful.
––
"Oh, my God, that's horrible." Carol was stunned. Shawn was many things, but not a cheater. She found it hard to believe. Her brother...cheating. It was implausible. Shawn was the most loyal person she knew, and she couldn't fathom this. Why would he ever do such a thing? Sasha was a good person. Carol knew her through T-dog when she was here before. Why would Shawn cheat on her? And why did Sasha forgive him? She needed to talk to her brother.
"That's why I don't trust Shawn. I went to see Sasha the next day when she was sent home from work early for having a bad attitude, and she was raging. I'd never see her so mad."
"Wasn't she sad?"
"Sasha doesn't get sad. She gets angry."
"Why did she give him a second chance?"
"I don't know. I guess she saw how upset I was that she took him back, so she chose to not tell me." He shrugged a shoulder. "I guess with the baby on the way, I should try and make amends with him, but it's hard. She's my little sister, even though she acts like it's the other way around, and he hurt her. There was nothing I could do to make it better."
"That's what makes it worse." He nodded. "I know how that feels."
"Daryl?"
"Not everything in my life is Daryl."
"I—I didn't mean—"
She giggled. "I'm kidding. Yes, Daryl. Only I'm the one who hurt him. I don't expect him to ever forgive me. I...I can't."
He set a hand over hers. "I know you. You care, and I know you want Daryl to be able to forgive you one day, but maybe you should try to forgive yourself first."
She smiled a little. "Is this a date or a therapy session?"
He let out a laugh. "Let's talk about something else."
"All right. Tell me about you. What are you doing with your life?"
––
Daryl walked the streets alone, his mind busy with thoughts of how Thursday could turn out. He was excited for sure, but it wasn't just for finding out Sophia was his. He wanted to know that something good had come from his and Carol's relationship. After Ethan, it was all so messy, and even after Carol was back on her feet, it wasn't easy.
– – –
He glanced over as she studied for some test, sitting on the floor with her books open on the coffee table, notes on her upraised knees. She was doing a lot better since she entered college. She was making straight A's and working the Greene Leaf as well. She even smiled from time to time, and Daryl was glad to see that. It made him happy, but... she was so distant. She rarely spoke to him about anything, just when her classes were and not to bother her while she studied. She never looked directly at him, and she never, ever touched him. Whenever she needed help with something—getting a plate down from the top shelf or getting something off the fridge—she did it herself and nearly broke something on herself or the item she wanted to reach. Too many times he'd caught her or the item, and she'd jerk away, like his touch hurt. And she slept on the very edge of her side of the bed. It made him ache, but what more could he do? He wasn't going to let her take meds again, and he wasn't going to push her, so he would wait. Maybe one day she'd smile at him again. Maybe.
The phone rang.
"I'll get it." He let her study and answered the phone. "Hello?"
"Is Carol home?" It was Beth.
"Yeah. Why?"
"Just wonderin'. Tell her I said congratulations! I gotta go, but please tell her." She hung up.
He set the phone down and returned to the living room. "It was Beth."
She nodded, highlighting something in her notes.
"She said congratulations."
A faint smile appeared on her lips then faded. She wrote something in pen on her palm then returned to her notes.
"Congrats for what?" he asked when she didn't say anything.
"Nothing," she murmured, shrugging a shoulder.
"Congrats for nothin'?"
She sighed. "I received a scholarship. It's nothing fancy, but it'll help me with this semester."
"That's great."
"I guess." She closed the lid to her highlighter and then closed her notes and gathered her books, placing them into her backpack. "I'm gonna go to the library. I need some references." She stopped in front of him. "Don't wait up, okay? I'll probably be there late."
"Yeah." He dropped his head. "Congrats on the scholarship."
She gripped her notebook to her chest then leaned up and placed a light kiss to his cheek. "Thanks." She left without another word.
– – –
Daryl came home early from work, finding a mess of books on the coffee table, but no Carol. He closed the door and tossed his jacket on the couch. He went into the kitchen to grab something to drink when he heard indistinguishable coming from upstairs.
He set the bottle of water down and went upstairs, his movements slow and silent. After years of being abused by his father, he'd learned how to walk softly so his father wouldn't know he was home or so he wouldn't wake him.
As he neared the bedroom, he could make out the voices. The one that spoke was Carol, and the other one was...softer. The person was possibly in the bathroom or closet. He wasn't sure who the person was or what sex they were, but he was certain he heard Carol laughing. He stopped to listen, having nearly forgotten the sound. It pulled at his heart to hear the happy sound of her laugh. He'd missed it. After all this time...and she was laughing with...someone else.
"Put on the blue one," Carol suggested. "It'll look great with your eyes."
"Uh-huh."
He opened the door as Carol started to laugh, and he saw the other person was Andrea. She was modeling a dress for Carol, making her laugh, but the minute he entered, Carol stopped laughing and stood up.
"I'm going to go try this on." Andrea slipped by Daryl and to the bathroom down the hall.
"I didn't mean to interrupt."
"Why are you home so early?" She glanced at his face then around the room, arms folded over her chest.
"T sent everybody home early. He had some business to attend to somewhere."
"Oh? What business?"
"Dunno. I reckon it's 'bout the shop."
She nodded. "Well, we won't be here much longer, so you can rest. You look exhausted."
He scoffed. For her to know that, she'd actually have to look at him. "Yeah, sure."
She frowned a little.
"You have to let me keep me this dress," Andrea called from the bathroom.
"Excuse me." She walked by him, making sure to not touch him even a little and went to see how it looked on Andrea.
He listened to their conversation and felt as if he were a stranger to Carol. Or perhaps Carol was a stranger to him. They didn't know each other anymore. He kept trying to fit the pieces together, but they were too broken, too scattered. He didn't have enough glue. All he was doing was cutting up his fingers and piecing small, irrelevant slices together. In the end, it was just broken. It would never be the same; all of the cracks would still be there.
"Let's find something for you to wear." Andrea led Carol back into the room. "I'm thinking something sophisticated and a little slutty."
"I'm thinking not."
"You have greats legs," Andrea countered. "Show them off."
Carol glanced at Daryl but said nothing, lowering her eyes to the floor.
"Here, this'll be perfect." She turned to him. "Are you coming?"
"Coming where?"
"To the party, of course." She noticed the confusion on his face then looked from him to Carol. "It's a annual post-exam party held by the only frat house that actually has good taste in snacks, alcohol and music."
"I don't think he wants to go," Carol whispered, meaning she didn't want him to go or herself anymore. "Maybe—I should stay. I wasn't even invited."
"Nobody's ever really "invited", they just show up. It's like a Gatsby party." She tossed a shirt and a pair of jeans at Daryl. "Get dressed. We're leaving in twenty minutes." She guided Carol back to the bathroom to do her makeup.
They all got dressed, Andrea wasn't taking no for an answer, and they left for the party. It was full of people who all seemed to know Andrea and quite a few knew Carol. They were all surprised to learn she was with Daryl. Carol never mentioned they were married, and she only said they were together, because Andrea practically shouted it. He felt unwanted, unneeded, so he decided to use the bathroom and go. He would meet Merle at the bar. He didn't even have to check to know Merle was at the bar. Merle was always there.
On his way back down, he spotted Carol on the couch in the corner, talking to some guy. The guy wasn't too ugly, and he dressed well. He didn't know the guy, but he didn't like how close he was to Carol. She was talking, telling him about school, he assumed. She was gesturing with her hands, and he noticed then she didn't have her rings on. He didn't care about her rings when the guy set his hand on her bare kneed, which made her uncomfortable instantly—he could tell by the expression on her face.
He weaved through the crowd of people, trying to keep an eye on them while trying to get through the mass of people. He saw the guy kiss her and snapped. He pushed through them and grabbed the guy by his shirt, punching him in the face, and Carol covered her mouth with her hands in surprise, horrified as he kicked him the ribs. "Get the fuck off my wife!"
"Daryl!" She grabbed his arm. "Daryl, stop!"
Everyone was watching them now, Carol was embarrassed, but Daryl didn't care. He was pissed and he was so done. He jerked his arm free of her grip and left the house, storming down the stairs and up the street, beyond livid. He didn't hear anybody behind him, and he chewed his bottom lip.
"John?" Carol lowered herself down beside him. "Are you all right?"
"Get away from me!" He scrambled back from her. "Get out!"
"John—"
"Go!"
"Hey, don't talk to her like." Andrea helped Carol stand up. "C'mon, let's go."
As they headed for the exit, John called her a few more foul more things, and Andrea stopped. Carol begged her not to, but she went back and punched him in the gut so hard he threw up. She grabbed Carol's hand and hurried out of the house before anyone could respond. Carol was in a haze as
Andrea started to lead Carol toward her car, but Carol stopped, looking around.
"What?" Andrea studied her face.
"Where's Daryl?"
"I don't know. Do you want to call him? My phone's in my car." She pointed to it with her thumb.
"No, no, I think I know where he's going." She backed up. "I'll call you when I get home. Thank you."
"He's been asking for it."
She smiled. "Bye." She turned on her heel and ran up the street. She saw him a good fifteen feet away from her and hurried to catch up to him. She didn't bother calling out to him; he probably wouldn't turn around. She had to catch up to him. One, she wanted to talk about what happened and two, he was the only one who knew how to get home from here. He knew every road practically.
She slowed down as she got closer, catching her breath, and her shoe slipped, causing her to trip. She groaned and pushed herself up, seeing Daryl watching her. She stood up, feeling a slight pain in her knees and ankle, but she still walked over to him, ignoring the feeling of something wet on her knees. She wiped her hands together as the space between them was erased.
"Don't," he said before she spoke. "Just don't."
"Don't what?" She met his eyes for the first time in months.
"Tell me I oughta apologize, that I ruined your night, some shit like that."
"I—I didn't come to say any of that." She crossed her arms. "I'm sorry I didn't tell you about the party. I'm sorry I let John get that close. I didn't expect him to kiss me. I thought he was interested in Andrea, honestly."
"You honestly think I give a shit?"
She dropped her eyes.
"You don't even wear the goddamn ring anymore, so go right ahead. It ain't like you give a damn 'bout me anyway."
Her head snapped up."I do care about you!" Her eyes locked with his. "And I do too wear the ring! I wear both of them!" She pulled a necklace out of her top, showing him a locket and the engagement and wedding rings. He'd put the engagement ring in the locket before giving it to her after they were married. He was able to pay for it then, and he wanted her to have one. "I wear them close to my heart." She gripped them in her hand. "I don't want to lose them."
He scoffed. "Sure."
"Daryl, I do give a damn about you. I love you." She met his eyes. "I love you so much, and the only reason I didn't tell you about the party is because I know you hate to be around people like that. I was only going to be Andrea's driver. I wanted to make sure she made it home safely."
He chewed his bottom lip.
"I'm sorry."
A beat.
"Your knee's bleedin'."
"I know."
"C'mon, let's get it cleaned up." He slipped an arm around her waist, taking one of her hands, relieved she let him, and he led her into the coffee shop nearby. He took her into the bathroom, locking the door and wetting a paper towel. He bent down and gently wiped the blood and small pieces of gravel off her knee, hearing her wince a little. He blew on her knee, wiping the rest of it away, and he tossed the paper towel in the trash once her knee was clean. Then, after calling a taxi, he bought a coffee and hot chocolate for them to drink while they waited for the taxi to come pick them up. He sat beside him and handed her the hot chocolate.
"Thank you." She curled her hands around the mug and blew on it before taking a sip. It warmed her insides.
"Car oughta be here in a couple minutes."
She nodded. "Good. I just wanna go home. Maybe take a bath." She took a small sip. "Maybe just go to bed. I don't know."
He didn't want to speak. He was glad to hear her voice. Usually, she just spoke a few words or texted him every now and then, but she was actually talking to him. He'd missed this. He wondered how long this would last. He didn't want to think that, but he had a feeling it wasn't going to last very long. He hated that feeling too.
Carol spoke to him a little more as they drank, and when the taxi arrived, she held his hand the entire ride home. She stopped talking halfway home, he couldn't see her in the dark to wonder why, but he got his answer when her head landed on his shoulder, her warm breath on his neck. She'd fallen asleep.
He paid for the ride and carried her inside. He carried her upstairs, setting her on the bed, her hands were clutching his collar, and he had to pry them off. He placed the bear he'd won for her in her arms, letting her curl her fingers around it, and he removed her shoes, dropping them onto the floor.
"Mmm..." She drew her legs in, burying her face into the bear.
He changed into his nightclothes, locking up downstairs and turning the lights off before brushing his teeth and going to bed. By that time, Carol had wormed her way into the middle of the bed, and he only had one real option: to lie behind her.
He wasn't sure that he should, but he was tired, so he pulled the covers out from underneath her gently and lied behind her, covering them up. She turned her head a little toward him, but she didn't wake. He wrapped his arms around her and held her close, burying his face in her hair. For the first time in months, Daryl slept peacefully.
– – –
"So...the answer would have to be... but wait." She chewed on her lip, trying to determine how that was the correct answer. It was giving her a headache.
"Carol?" Daryl opened the door.
"Hmm?" She peered at him over the top of her notepad. "What is it?"
"You know how T had business involving the the shop?" He removed his jacket.
"Yeah." She set her book and notepad aside.
"He wanted to make some changes: new sign, another shop across town, and a partner."
"He wants to open another shop?"
"Yeah, he's gonna run that one."
"What about this one?" She rested her hands in her lap. "Who's in charge of it?"
"Me."
"What—He made you his partner?" She saw the answer in his eyes. "Oh, my God! That's incredible, Daryl!" She climbed to her feet and hugged him. "I'm so proud of you!" He held her close, burying his nose in the crook of her neck, and she waited a minute before pulling back. "Tell me everything." She pulled him down onto the couch beside her.
He told her what happened, she looked so happy and proud of him, and it was like before. She even gripped his hand encouragingly when he shared his concerns about him being in charge. He wasn't sure he could do it, but she gave him the confidence to try. With the look her eyes and the words she spoke, he knew he could do it and do it well. He was so...happy.
Carol grinned. "That's it. I am making your favorite dinner, and we're going to tell everyone."
"Actually, T invited us to have dinner with him and Jacqui and their kids. It's at seven."
"Oh, all right. I'll make it another night then." She looked at him for a minute then leaned over and kissed him briefly. "I'm gonna go get dressed." She gathered her belongings and went upstairs.
He noticed she'd left a journal on the floor as he rose, but he left it. He had to get ready himself, and she'd probably grab it on their way out tonight. He paused just outside their bedroom, seeing Carol at her vanity, trying to decide on what earrings to wear, and he smiled to himself. Everything was getting back to normal like Annette had said. They were finding their way back to each other. Finally.
– – –
Daryl stuffed his hands into his pockets as he walked the street, the night air dry, and he felt worried about Thursday. He wasn't going to come out and tell Sophia she was his daughter—if he was—but he would have to her father in the sidelines. What if she does something he doesn't approve of? What if she does starts shoplifting? Or smoking when she's older? He knew Carol would be pissed and would go off, but Carol wasn't the most threatening person in the world. She might do it again. If he told her off, she'd think he was just being an ass. At what age were they going to tell Sophia about him? If he's her father.
Grunting, he shook his head. He heard laughter and glanced over, seeing a couple exit a pricy restaurant a cross the street. He looked them over and was stunned to see it was Carol and Tyreese. He'd seen Carol dressed up many times, but she looked...different this time. Ringlet curls shaped her beautiful face, her gorgeous blue eyes were sparking brightly, her painted lips smiling, and she wore a classy brown dress that hugged her figure. She was...stunning.
And she was stunning for Tyreese.
He dropped his head, biting his bottom lip, his chest tightening. He started to walk away, but he stopped himself, daring himself to look back at her just once more. So he did. He glanced over at them, watching as Carol pulled her jacket on and then watching Ty give her a hug. It looked like they were saying goodbye. He turned away as Tyreese leaned down toward her, to kiss her good night.
He turned into the alley beside him, fighting all of his instincts that told him to go back there and pry Tyreese away from her.