All You Leave Behind

by Lynnth2014

Carol's on the run from a mistake in her recent past, but the only place she can go has the man she ran from originally. She had to find somewhere safe for her daughter, and that meant going home, back to her friends and family, back where they would find happiness. But with light, there is always dark, and he was Carol's. He would find them, it was only a matter of time.

21. Friend Like Me

Disclaimer: I own nothing.

––

She drove to Karen's summerhouse with Sophia in the backseat, eating a cream-filled doughnut as an afternoon snack. She hadn't been back here since they first arrived in Georgia. It was the same as always, and she'd discovered she had arrived before Karen and Milton. She parked and got out, opening the door to the backseat and helping Sophia out.

"Karen's not here?" Sophia licked cream from her finger.

"Not yet. I'm sure she'll be here soon."

"Daddy too?"

"Yes. He'll be here around five, and we're all going out to dinner." She dug the key out of her purse and went inside, an alarm blaring.

"Ah! What the hell?" She covered her ears, finding the system and used the same code Karen used for everything, silencing it. "Christ." She looked around the house, the furniture covered in sheets, and she dropped her purse on the counter, removing the sheets. "Don't touch anything with your sticky fingers, sweetie."

"Okay." She stood in the doorway.

"Well, come inside." She closed the door behind Sophia. "Sit here."

"I'm thirsty."

"I told you not to drink the milk first." She folded the sheet up and dropped it to the floor, grabbing another. "All Karen has is water."

"I like water."

"I'll
get you a glass in a sec." She place the sheets into a folded pile, turned a light on and went to the kitchen, finding a glass. She filled it with ice and water and gave it to Sophia. "Karen and Milton will be here soon." She kept repeating it to herself. She was so excited and nervous and happy at all the same time.

"Is Noah coming?"

"No. It's Karen and Milton's anniversary, so their coming down here. Today, Milton has some business, so it might just be the three of us then Daryl's joining us four for dinner. I don't know for sure though. Milton might have already finished up his work."

"Oh."

Carol had noticed how quiet Sophia had been lately. She spoke, but she didn't speak a lot. She knew what it was about, and even though everything would eventually smooth out, Sophia was still upset about it. Amy had stayed out all night, and Paige wasn't in school today, so Sophia didn't get to talk to her. She was worried about her, and Carol was worried about Amy. She knew they'd met up with Andrea, but that's all. She wondered what happened. She also wondered if Paige knew Daryl was Merle's little brother and her uncle. She doubted it. Amy probably wasn't thinking about it. It might be good to get the girls and Daryl together and talk about it. It might make Sophia feel better, and Pagie would know she had an aunt and an uncle who were here for her. Dale and Andrea were awesome, but sometimes it's reassuring to know you have a lot of options. That you're never alone, even when you think you are.

"Why won't you go over to Daryl's tomorrow after school? You can spend time with Paige."

"Can I?"

"Yes, of course. Mag wants to spar with me, so I'll pick you up when that's over." Karen and Milton might want to go some grocery shopping or something, so she would have some extra time on her hands.

"Spar?"

"It's...uh, nothing important." She heard someone pull up. Was that them? She walked over to the window and pulled the curtain back, seeing their car. "They're here." Carol ran out to greet them, Karen hurried out of the car and hugged her tightly.

"I missed you too." Karen smiled. "God, how long has it been?"

"It feels like forever." Carol released her. "Hello, Milton."

"Hey." He smiled. "I'll get the bags."

"Thank you." Karen led Carol inside. "Sophia!" She hugged her.

"Hi." Sophia smiled.

"Look at you. You're so big."

"I'm the smallest in my class," Sophia told her.

"Well, you're big to me." She smiled. "How have you been? You look so adorable. I missed your pretty curls."

"I missed you too." Sophia giggled softly. "I'm okay. I like my new school and I have friends too!"

"That's great to hear! You can tell me more at dinner, because that doughnut looks yummy, so I'm gonna let you finish eating." She turned to Carol. "You look amazing. You've gained some weight, and you've gotten a slight tan."

"I feel all right." She crossed her arms. "Okay, I'm damn ecstatic. Everything...is really, really good."

"Does this have to do with the father who isn't here?"

"Oh, he's joining us for dinner. He had to work."

"Milton, please watch Sophia." Karen grabbed Carol by the wrist and hauled her into the bedroom, and she closed the door. "Okay, what happened?"

"What do you mean?" Carol sat beside her on the couch. "Nothing's happened. Well, a lot has happened. My mom is doing very well. So well, in fact, she's back at home with us, along with Patricia and Otis. Oh, Shawn and Sasha got married and are expecting twins! He's completely freaked out, but he'll make a great dad."

"That's fantastic. I'm so relieved. I've been so worried since your last call, but I'm glad they're all right. How about Beth and Maggie?"

"Well, Beth...can't have kids. She went off on me after we went off on her for taking the girls—Sophia and Paige—to the zoo without permission, and she told me she would never have children of her own. We talked it out later that evening, and we went over her options. Beth's very prepared, and I'm so proud of her." She bit her lip.

"What?"

"It's just...I feel like if we hadn't made her mad, she wouldn't have told us about her infertility. I think our mother may have known, because she and Beth are very close, but I can't say for sure." Patricia probably knew. She practically raised Beth when Jo was sick, and they're best friends.

"Well, that's horrible. Is there nothing she can try? Like some type of medication or something?"

"She's looking into it, I assume. She didn't want to talk about it too much."

She nodded. "And Maggie?"

"She's good. She's a police officer, and she wants to make detective. I think she'll do it. She's a quick learner, and she can adapt to any environment, so they'll get one hell of a detective someday." She tucked hair behind her ear. "She's been dating a guy named Glenn for about...five months? Maybe four and a half, I can't be sure. They really are good together, and they're so cute. She smiles a lot, and I'm happy for her."

"And Daryl?"

Carol blushed. "He—he's good too."

"What's that blush?" Karen narrowed her eyes then gasped "You slept with him, didn't you?"

"How do you do that?"

"I just guessed. You look like you did after you slept with Ed, only less shame and more blush, so it must have been really good."

Her blush deepened. "Once, but it was about a month ago, and he was drunk. He doesn't even remember."

"I guess that makes it easier if you want to forget it happened." She studied Carol. "Or harder since you want him."

"I've been trying to just be friends," she admitted. "I want him to be happy, but he doesn't date, and I have this hope he doesn't date, because he's still in love with me too, but I'm ignoring that. We can't be together. It would be so hard on him and on me, not to mention Sophia."

"Explain to me how it'd be so hard."

"I left once, and I don't want him to worry I'll leave again. Sophia just got to meet her dad, and I don't want her to pick up on any tension between us. I want them to have a relationship like I had with my father. They're so close already, and Sophia will back away if she feels tension. She did the same thing with Ed, and I don't want her to think Daryl is anything like Ed."

"Carol, you're stupid."

"Excuse me?"

"If you love him and he loves you after all this time, it's more than obvious what you should do."

"I—I can't."

"You're just scared."

"What if I hurt him again?" She lowered her voice. "What if he just doesn't want me like I want him? I—I'm different. My body is scarred, and I'm not—"

"If he does love you, none of that will matter. The way you look when you talk about him... If he feels even a portion of that for you, you've nothing to worry about. You're just wasting time. I think you've wasted enough, Caro."

She said nothing.

"I'll see it for myself tonight."

"Yeah."

"Do I get to meet your family too?"

"Well, tonight you're meeting Daryl, and tomorrow you can meet my family. We can spend the afternoon out if you want then go over there for dinner."

"Great. I can tell them all about your wasted college years. You left the only party you went to after five minutes."

"I was pregnant then I had a child, so forgive me for being responsible."

"Nah." She checked her watch. "I have to help Milton unpack."

"How long are you two going to be down here?"

"Unfortunately only today and tomorrow. Milton's mother arranged for just to spend our anniversary in Paris."

"I want his mother."

She laughed. "It's just a fancy way of telling me to get pregnant."

"Well, I still want his mom." Carol titled her head at the look on Karen's face. "What's with that face?"

"Well, I may be already, but I don't know."

"Oh, my God!" Carol grinned. "That's amazing! Congratulations!"

"Shhh! Milton doesn't know, and I'm not one hundred percent sure, so stop smiling."

"Right." She couldn't hide the smile.

"Let's go unpack."

Sophia ate her doughnut silently while the three of them unpacked and aired out the house. They caught up with each other, Milton had to take a few business-related calls—he could do them now since it wasn't technically their anniversary vacation until they reached Paris—and Karen assured Carol Milton and Ed were no longer speaking. Ed apparently left his assistant in charge of almost everything, so Milton only spoke to her now. Milton was never fond of Ed anyway, so Ed just made their business association easier.

– – –

Amy added the meat to the sauce, listening to Paige trying to smoothly read the chapter of the book she was working on, and she stirred the sauce, pulling down the noodles. She was still considering Andrea's offer, but she still wasn't sure. Their parents knew where Andrea lived, and they'd have easy access to her and Paige at any time.

"How's this?" Daryl asked Amy.

"Hold on." She faced him, holding back a laugh. It wasn't funny because he looked funny, but seeing him so nervous about looking good was kind of funny. She never expected him to be like that He was in a dark blue shirt with black pants and a black jacket. He'd combed his hair, but didn't get it cut. She suspected Carol liked it long, and he picked up on that. He looked less angry with long hair. "You look great."

"Very handsome," Paige agreed.

"Okay."

"Oh, here." She handed him directions to the restaurant. He'd never been to it before, because it was very pricy, so Amy wrote the directions down. Her parents used to take her and Andrea there for their birthdays. "Now, remember: You're driving, so no more than one glass of wine or whatever you might drink. The parking lot isn't close the restaurant, so you'll have to walk a few feet, and I will be here when you get back, so not sexy time."

He glared.

"Seriously, though."

"It ain't a date. I'm just meetin' her friend. She told me to dress nice, so I did."

"Oh, poor, sweet, naive Daryl." She smiled at him, and he glared back at her with even more ire.

"Your keys are upstairs on your dresser."

"Crap." He didn't want to be late.

He had no idea what tonight really was about. Sure, Ed was involved, but it was mostly so Daryl and Karen met. Karen, Carol's best friend for the past five years, and Daryl, the man she was desperately in love with, were going to sit down, have dinner and get to know each other. How did he not see this for what it was? He didn't date much, yeah, but he was still smart. It's almost cute how unprepared he'll be for this.

Daryl ran by her.

"Good luck!" she called after him.

––

They met up at a nice restaurant, Carol was really impressed how at Daryl dressed for this. She decided then and there he should never be without a jacket, because it looked very, very good on him. As for the rest of them, Karen wore an elegant blue dress, and Milton wore a suit, which Carol rarely saw him out of. Carol had borrowed one of Karen's black dresses with her hair pulled up in some weird curl-braid thing Beth did—Beth now doubled as the family hair stylist.

Sophia didn't feel like going on with them after all. She said she wasn't hungry, and she wanted to spend time with Uncle Shawn and Aunt Sasha. Carol was disappointed, but she didn't to make her do anything she didn't want to, and Shawn and Sasha seemed happy to watch her for the night. They didn't have plans, and Shawn said watching Sophia was like a test run. It terrified Carol. If Sasha wasn't going to be there, she would've make Sophia come with her tonight.

"Daryl." She took his hand and led him over to where Karen and Milton were. "Karen, this is Daryl Dixon." She gripped his hand tighter. "Daryl, this is Karen Mamet."

She smiled. "Well, it's nice to finally meet you. I've heard so much about you."

He gave a nod. "Nice to meet you."

They went inside, Carol almost forgot to let go of Daryl's hand, but Karen had noticed before Carol let go to remove her coat. They sat down in the back, Milton and Daryl began a small argument over who was going to pay, and Carol and Karen laughed, both surprised how easy they got along since they were total opposites.

When their server came by and asked what type of wine they wanted, Daryl leaned over and whispered, "Where's Sophia?"

Karen and Milton looked over the list of wines.

"At Shawn's." She crossed her legs. "She isn't feeling well, so Shawn and Sasha are taking care of her. My parents had plans tonight, and Sophia hasn't spent much time with Shawn, so she wanted to spend some time over there."

"Is it bad?"

"I think it's an upset stomach. She's had a lot of junk today." She met his eyes. "She'll be fine, don't worry. She'll be over there tomorrow to spend time with Paige, so you can see for yourself how she is."

He nodded.

Karen called to Carol to ask her if she wanted any specific type of wine, but Carol didn't reply. She turned and found her and Daryl watching each other, not even speaking. "Carol?"

"Hmm?" She looked over. "What?"

"It's nothing. I don't think you need a drink."

"Oh, water's fine. I don't like alcohol."

"And you, Daryl?" Milton asked.

"I don't drink." He took a drink of water.

They ordered what they wanted, Carol giggled at how Daryl ordered, but it wasn't at him. It was at how he was acting, like he was trying to impress somebody, and it was adorable. Karen had to pull Carol away, so they went to the bathroom, leaving Milton and Daryl to either sit awkwardly or talk to each other about spots or hunting or business or...types of beer.

"Not to sound rude, because it doesn't matter either way, but is Daryl slow at all?" Karen asked when they were in the bathroom.

"No, not at all. Why?"

"Because I don't see how he doesn't know how you feel. My God, it's so obvious that you're in love with him."

"It is not—Is it?"

"Yes, but it's refreshing. Normally, you cringe and keep silent. Now, you're smiling and giggling and flirting. I've never seen this side of you before, but I like it." She smiled. "I like him too. He's a little rough and a lot of redneck, but he's all right. He's very...Daryl, I guess."

"Is that a good thing? Because if you're using his name to describe him, you can't think of an actual word to describe him."

"Yes, it's a good thing." She crossed her arms. "He...changed you."

"Changed me?"

"You're different, more... Well, just more you."

"Thanks, I guess."

"Let's go before the awkward silence spreads through the entire restaurant."

Daryl and Milton had found something to talk about, so it wasn't that awkward. They enjoyed their meal, getting to know each other, and Carol felt so very content by the time they were halfway through their dinner. Daryl wasn't an open person, but he still answered the questions, and Karen wasn't asking anything too invasive, so Daryl wasn't tense at all. Karen was an open person, but Daryl didn't ask many questions. Carol and Milton mostly watched and listened, but it was still very comfortable. She hoped it wasn't one of those things where they were all having a good time and then when she and Daryl left, he told her he hated them both. Or vice versa. It would break her heart.

Carol started to ask about Ed, but she didn't want to ruin the evening. They had tomorrow to talk about him. "So, how's Noah?"

"He's doing well health wise, but school wise, he's failing."

"Why? He's smart."

"Yes, but he's lazy. He won't apply himself, and he doesn't know what he wants to do for a living." She shook her head and picked up her glass of water. "He wanted me to tell you he says hi and he hopes you and Sophia are doing well."

"How sweet. Tell him I said the same." Carol adjusted her earring. "How's your Grandmother?"

"She's in uh...in a nursing home." Milton set his hand over Karen's, and she held it. "She had a stroke last Monday, and Noah and I agreed it would be best to put her in a nursing home. We checked it out, and I know the doctor personally, so we're not too worried. I trust them, and I know she's in good hands I know she'll be fine."

"Oh, I am so sorry." Carol knew how much their grandmother meant to them. After Karen's mother, Grace, passed and their step-father was arrested, their grandmother took them in and raised them. Because of her, Karen met Milton. Daya, their grandmother, knew Milton's father when he was a child, so after Karen turned fifteen, Daya sent Karen to Randall for a job to help her pay for college, and after working their for two years, she met Milton. He had accidentally broken his glasses, and he was stumbling down the stairs as Karen was heading up, and she helped him to his father's office for the extra pair he had in his briefcase, and that was that. They were friends for a year then Karen asked him to her senior prom, and they started dating after she kissed him in their prom picture.

"I'm okay. It's Noah I worry about. He's been very distant." She inhaled to calm her emotions. "I'm fine." She gave Milton a loving smile.

"God, Karen, get a room," Carol teased, trying to cheer Karen up. She hated to see her look so sad.

"Don't even go there." Karen turned to her. "Do you remember when I came home and found you—"

"Oh, gross, don't even." Carol shuddered. "We said we would never bring that up."

"What?" Daryl glanced between them. "Found her?"

"Karen," Carol warned.

"It was our freshmen year of college," she said over Carol's protests. "And Carol was staying with me and Milton for Thanksgiving, and I walk in on her and my cousin were making out on my bed."

Carol buried her face in her hands.

"What?" Daryl blinked.

"She blames it on hormones."

"Shut up, please!"

She laughed. "You were five months pregnant, but for some reason, she was carrying Sophia very high, so you couldn't tell she was pregnant. She dropped around the last month or so, and she was so cute."

"What, did you bring the pictures?" Carol was rethinking her decision to have wine.

"I do have them at my place. You should come by tomorrow and see them."

"Or not. I think he's thinking not," Carol pressed.

"Sure," Daryl agreed.

"Yes!" Karen cheered softly as to not disturb the people around them. "Mamet one, Greene zero."

"For now," Carol shot back. "For now."

"Well, whatever happened, he certainly is still into you." Karen moved hair out of her eyes. "He still sends flowers."

"For the trillionth time—nothing happened! We just kissed, and then you walked in. He bolted, and I ate the pecan pie."

"I know, but I haven't gotten to fluster you in two months, so I'm making up for lost time." She smirked. "Besides, we both know who—"

"I still shank you." Carol held up a knife.

"Oh, my gosh!" Karen gasped, suddenly remembering. "The play."

"Oh, dear God." Carol paled. "Don't!"

"Play?" Daryl glanced between them, swallowing water along with annoyance of Karen's cousin touching and kissing Carol. "What play?"

"Every year, my father and a few of his business associates put on a play," Milton explained. "They donate the money to a charity. That particular year, Carol and Karen were asked to help, because no one else could fit into the costumes."

"It was a nightmare. A really bad, never ending nightmare." Carol tucked hair behind her ear. "And they recorded it."

"I still have a copy." Karen winked at Daryl. "I'll hook you up."

"And I will stab you." She waved the knife at her. "I will burn the DVD."

"I have more than one copy."

"Then I will burn your house down and all of your other summerhouses. Try me. I have no life, so beware all my free time."

She laughed. "Let's just tell him about it. It'll be fine. He won't see you in costume or anything."

"Fine, but I'll be the first to prove you can die of embarrassment."

Daryl watched how Carol and Karen interacted, and he saw they were really close, like her and her sisters. He'd never heard Carol mention college, not any of the fun stuff, but it was like Karen made her feel safe enough to talk about it. He knew it was both of them being there that made her safe. He didn't know how he knew, but he did.

They told him about the play and how much of a disaster it was, but luckily, the viewers assumed it was parody, and they got a lot of laughs. Daryl had an image of his head of this play, and he seriously wanted to see the hell they were doing, because it was so damn strange. It was stranger still that Carol had done so much while she away, before the abuse really broke her, but he was glad she was able to enjoy herself. Not matter how he felt, he always felt better knowing she was happy. He was grateful to Karen, more than he could ever express with words, but he wanted her to know, so he was going to tell her.

When they finished their dinner, they continued to talk through dessert, and Carol wore this smile that Daryl only seen on rare occasions. She was contented, and it brought a small smile to his lips that he was part of the reason she was so happy.

"I'm paying," Milton decided.

"No, I can—"

"Daryl," Carol interrupted softly, "pipes."

Well, shit. Daryl nodded. "Er, thanks, man."

They got ready to leave, Carol spoke to Milton, thanking him for paying for dinner and asking him about their plans for their anniversary. It wasn't until Thursday, so Carol didn't feel too guilty about them having to be down here, because Karen was worried about Carol. She would try and make it up to them when this shit was over, and they could call and write.

"Hey, Daryl." Karen buttoned her coat up. "Could I have a word?"

"Yeah, I wanted to tell you somethin'."

"May I go first?"

He nodded.

"I don't know what Ed intends to do about Carol and Sophia, but I do know whatever it is, it isn't going to be fast. He's going to make Carol suffer for these past couple months. He'll keep Sophia, but she won't be safe with him. He'll probably do horrible things to her when she's older, maybe even at the age she is now." She shook her head. "I have to know that if Ed offers you—"

"I ain't ever gonna let that bastard take them," he vowed. "Nothin' he has, I want." He already had what he needed.

She nodded. "Good. I'm glad."

"'Bout Carol and Sophia, I just wanted to thank you for all that you did for them. I can't ever repay you, but know I'm real grateful."

She smiled. "You're very welcome. I'm really grateful to you as well. You've helped to change her for the better, and I can't repay you for that. I haven't seen her smile so much ever. Maybe when Sophia was born."

"Are you ready?" Milton asked, holding the door open.

"Mm-hmm." She turned to Carol. "Are you riding with us? We're going home, but we can take you to the farm, if you want."

"No, thank you. I'll ride home with Maggie. She'll be heading home in an hour, so I just have to find something to do until then."

"All right." She hugged her goodbye. "Good night." She whispered, "I love him."

Carol smiled widely. "Good night. And thank you for dinner."

"You're welcome." Milton smiled. "Good night. It was nice meeting you, Daryl."

"Same to you." He stepped back toward the parking lot. "Drive safe."

Carol fell into step beside him. "So?"

"They're all right." He glanced at her, and she just kept smiling. "What?"

"It's nothing."

"You look creepy as hell."

She laughed. "I'm just happy." She checked her watch. "I should go find something to do for an hour. I don't want Sophia to feel rushed. It's been a long time since she's spent time with him, so I'll give her an hour more. I just need something to do."

"You can come back to my place."

"I'd love to."

The drive back to his house was short, Carol told him about college and all she and Karen used to do. She wasn't a party girl, so he wasn't surprised when most of it was studying. He listened to some weird stories, most because Carol looked so happy to tell them. She was opening up, and he even learned how Carol and Ed met. He tried not to clench his jaw, because one of these days, he might break his teeth from the grinding.

– – –

"Do I have to?" Carol asked again, still clinging to her notebook where she was rewriting notes for her first test. "I don't like parties."

"Well, you need to get your nose out of a book." Karen pulled out a sleeveless, V-neck, red and black plaid schoolgirl-looking tartan dress with a swingy layered hem. "This would be so cute on you."

"Where the hell did you get that?"

"It was a gift from Milton's uncle to his wife, but she didn't like it, so it ended up in my suitcase. Look, it's cute, and it'll look great on you. We'll curl your hair and add a belt. Please, I need to get out of this dingy little room, and so do you. Fresh air and all that."

"I have to study."

"The test is next week!"

"So? I can pretend to not know that. Besides, preparation."

"What are you, a slayer? C'mon, just put this on and tell me no."

"For the love of all things holy, I am going to murder you!" She slammed her book closed and grabbed the dress. "One hour. We are only staying one damn hour then you are buying me coffee and we are coming home to study in silence!"

"All right, killer."

"Don't. I will hurt you."

"Fine." Karen turned her back to let Carol dress and found a gold and black dress for herself. She changed and did her hair and Carol's. She hoped by the time they arrived, the evil would've receded. She didn't know if Carol was just hateful on her period or what, but she hoped it didn't last too long, because Karen was a bitch on a hers. They'd kill each other.

Arriving at the party, Carol instantly hated it. It was loud and full of smoke and smelled of stale beer. Karen got her a glass of punch, which Carol refused, because it smelled like alcohol and she wasn't drinking. She grabbed a bottle of unopened water and sat down in the corner, just watching and trying not to get a headache.

About twenty minutes in, Karen came over to her, and Carol closed the half-empty bottle of water.

"Come and dance with me."

"I don't feel like dancing. My stomach's upset."

"Why? Cramps?"

"No, hunger. I haven't eaten since lunch. I forgot to eat dinner."

"We'll go to the place down the street after and eat. Do you want some chips?"

"No, I want to leave."

"Could you at least try and have fun?" Karen begged. "Smile!"

"What for?" She had nothing to smile about. All there was was her leaving the love of her life and losing her baby boy. She wouldn't be surprised if she never smiled again. "Just leave me be, okay? I'm here, so just accept that."

"All right. I'll grab you another bottle of water."

Carol crossed her legs and rested a hand on her stomach, hoping the time until they left flew by. She forgot her watch, so she had no idea what time it was. She just wanted to go home and eat and sleep. The dorm wasn't home. She no longer had a home, not one that she could easily return to anyway.

"Here."

She lifted her eyes and found a young man in front of her. He was tall with dark hair and gray-blue eyes that made her insides quiver. He was wearing jeans and a graphic t-shirt, offering her a bottle of water. It hadn't been opened, but she wasn't going to accept any drink from a stranger. "No, thanks."

"It's not drugged, I swear." He smiled.

"I'm not thirsty." She averted her eyes, feeling the pepper spray in her jacket pocket. If he kept bugged her, she would use it.

He sat down beside her and opened the water, taking a drink. "Is this your first college party?"

"And hopefully my last." She still didn't look at him.

"Why do you say that?"

"I'm not a people person. In fact, I'm practically a hermit, so excuse me while I go be socially awkward. By myself."

He laughed, and she turned to look at him. "Well, I'm Ed. Can I call you Pra for short?"

She didn't smile. "I'm Carol."

"Ed Peletier." He held his hand out.

"Carol—er, Caroline Deangelo." She shook his hand. "It's nice to meet you." Thank God she remembered that.

"Can I get you anything? More water? A Jell-O shot? A quiet place to talk?"

"You know, I think I'm good for...pretty much ever." She shook her water bottle. "So, you're not new, are you?"

"Nah, I'm almost outta here. One more year then I'm gone." He smiled about it. "How'd you know?"

"You have that arrogant air about you. It typically comes from the wealthy and upperclassmen."

"Well, I'll keep my air to myself then."

"Could you do it over there?" She pointed to an empty seat across the room.

"Are you always so charming? Or is this just all for me?"

She met his eyes and saw he was genuinely asking, and...she laughed. It was short, but it was a laugh. She'd forgotten what that felt like, and as soon as the laugh was over, she felt like she'd betrayed herself. She was laughing while Daryl was suffering. What a bitch she was.

"You all right?"

She swallowed hard. "I'm all right, yeah. I just—the smell is getting to me."

"Let's go for a walk. Fresh air's always good for you."

She looked over and saw Karen talking with one of her other friends. She didn't want to go with him, but she had pepper spray and she could run if he was a pervert. She really didn't want to stay here any longer. Karen would just have to understand."I'd love to go on a walk. Just excuse me for a moment." She weaved through the crowd. "Karen!"

She turned. "You're gonna dance?" The excitement was in her tone.

"No, I'm going to get some fresh air. I'll call if I need a ride."

"Don't walk home, Carol! It's dangerous."

"I'll be fine. I'm not—going alone."

She grinned. "All right. Tomorrow, you're telling me everything."

"There'll be nothing to tell." She turned and slipped through the crowd, meeting Ed by the door, and they left. "Do you go to those parties often?"

"Only from time to time." He stuffed his hands in his pockets. "You obviously hate parties. That girl dragged you along?"

"Yes, she did."

"So, Caroline Deangelo, how come I've never seen you around before?"

"I just moved here."

"From?"

"Ohio."

"I have family there."

"Oh?"

"An uncle." He nodded.

"That's...something. Do you speak to him still?" God, did he have to talk so much? Couldn't they enjoy the silence? Good Lord.

"Not really."

"Why not?"

"He's older and doesn't really like my mother, so we don't talk to him anymore." He shrugged. "What about you? Do you still speak to your family?"

"I don't have any family." She rubbed her arms. "It's just me."

"I'm so sorry. I—I can't imagine how that must feel."

"No, you really can't."

He set a hand on her arm then removed it, not speaking for a moment. "Are you hungry? There's a place around down the street that makes the best pizza."

"I don't have much money, so—"

"I'll pay for it."

"Oh, no, you don't have to do that."

"Well, you got all prettied up, so don't waste it. C'mon, we'll eat and talk. I'm not taking no for answer. You're probably the best company I've had in a long time." He walked backward toward the restaurant. "Please?"

What the hell? It might be nice to do something she normally wouldn't. It might take her mind off of Daryl. "I'm coming." She fell into step beside him. "I'd rather have a burger, though."

"All right. I can share."

She put on a smile. "Sure." What's the worst thing that can happen?

––

After eating and listening to Ed talk about his life, he took her to his place. It was nearby and the rain was really coming down at that point, so Carol just went with it. She might as well try and make friends. Karen was trying really hard to be friends and make sure Carol had fun, so she was going to make the most of it. She was going to try and have...fun.

"...so I've spent the past couple years slowly taking over my uncle's business. That's my dad's uncle, not my mom's." Ed unlocked the door. "Well, this is it."

She stepped inside, looking inside. It very simple and a little bit of a mess, but it was warm and dry. Her jacket had done little to warm her, because it was made from a thin material and it was already pretty worn from years of use. "It's nice."

"Ignore the smell. It's...probably old pizza." He guided her into the living room. "My brother stayed here last week, and he made a mess of everything."

"Oh, you have a brother?"

"Yes, his name's Phillip." He cleared the couch of shirts and blankets. "Technically, he's my half-brother, but he's been with me all my life, so that doesn't mean much."

"He's older?"

"By a few years." He tossed them into the spare room. "Have a seat, please."

She sat down. "Could you turn the heat on, please?"

"Yeah." He tossed a blanket beside her. "It's a really shitty system, so use that till it kicks on."

She covered her legs and removed her jacket, setting it on the arm of the couch. She rubbed her arms. "You stay here by yourself?"

"Uh, yeah." He returned. "Do you want some...coffee? It's the only hot drink I have."

"I'm okay."

"You're shaking." He walked over to her. "Here." He removed his shirt, leaving himself in wife beater and he held it out. "I'm clean, and it's clean too."

"Um...okay." She took it and pulled it down over her. It smelled musty like cologne, and it gagged her momentarily. She didn't like the smell. She preferred the scent of earth and...leather. It was warm at least. She lifted her eyes, feeling her necklace ice cold against her chest, and it was hard to breathe. No, no, no, no.

"What's wrong?" He saw panic and tears fill her eyes. "C—Carol?"

She couldn't breathe; her lungs felt as though they were shrinking and the air flooded out. Her body began to shake, and she grabbed the hem of the shirt and yanked it off. She stood up and walked away from the shirt, away from Ed and the couch, and she inhaled shakily, gasping for air.

"What the hell?" He looked at her. "Oh, Christ." He touched her arm. "You okay?"

"No." She shook her head, clutching her necklace and squeezing her eyes shut.

"Shit, your arm."

Red bumps spread across her arms, and she blinked back tears. "I—I should go."

"Not when it's raining like that." He pulled her back gently. "Just sit down. Breathe. I'll get some Benadryl and some water. It's probably my detergent. It's generic shit." He studied her. "It's all right. Just calm down."

She took a seat on the couch after a moment, catching her breath, and he disappeared into the kitchen. She ran a hand through her hair down to her neck, massaging the base of her neck, and her body shook as tears climbed out of her eyes.

No, no, not again. She squeezed her eyes shut. She wasn't going to do this again. She wasn't going to break down and cry. God, it's been two weeks. Why wasn't this getting any better? She could do this. She had to do this, so why didn't her heart just accept that? God, it was just getting so much harder. Her body was even rejecting clothes that weren't hers or Daryl's. Great. God, it was just a shirt, why did she do that? He's probably going to think she's insane. He's probably calling the cops right now.

"Take this." He held out a bottle of water, sitting on the coffee table, and he opened a bottle of Benadryl. "And these."

She took the bottle of water but not the pills. "I'll be all right."

"Smart, but they're just Benadryl."

She shook her head. "I don't want them."

"All right." He dropped them back into the bottle and closed it.

She opened the water, breaking the seal, and she took a long drink. "Thank you, but I should still go."

"Once the rain stops," he insisted. "Unless I'm bad company."

She sighed. "So, your brother? Is he out of college?"

"Yes. He's a detective. Well, he's getting there." He slid back on the coffee table. "Do you have any siblings?"

"No. I'm an only child." She took another long drink of water. "And I don't see my parents anymore, so it's just me."

"That must be lonely."

She shrugged a shoulder. "It's...how I live now."

"Do you have any friends here?" He loosely laced his fingers together. "Or a boyfriend?"

"No. No, it's just me. Well, there's Karen. She's...friendly." She closed the bottle of water. "I'm okay with it. Or...I'm trying to be. I guess I don't like to be alone." Tears filled her eyes, and he tilted his head. "I'm afraid of being alone to be honest."

"Me too," he whispered. "That's why my brother stays here a lot."

She met his eyes, seeing Daryl behind those gray-blue eyes, and she didn't look away. She missed him so much, and everything kept telling her to go back to him. If she could look into those eyes forever, she might not feel so empty anymore.

Carol blinked when Ed kissed her, pulling away quickly, and he jumped back, hands up in a gesture of peace. "What?" She sounded confused, and she didn't know what just happened.

"Sorry, I—I just to conclusions all the time, and—Damn it, I didn't mean to—"

She set the bottle of water on the floor then grasped his face with her hands and kissed him, never looking from his eyes. His lips were soft and warm, although she could taste liquor on his tongue. She pushed against him, her knees touching the edge of the coffee table, and she wrapped an arm around his neck. She knew this was stupid, because she didn't really know him or want him and she was still deeply in love with Daryl, but she wanted to feel something other than this engulfing pain. She couldn't stand another second of this damn pain. She couldn't.

He grasped her hips, pushing her back so he could catch his breath. "Are you sure? I mean—"

"Just shut up." She searched his eyes. "I'm not asking for commitment; I don't want it. I just want you to have sex with me. Okay?"

He nodded. "Okay."

"Then stop talking."

He stood up and kissed her hard, his hands digging into her skin, and she was almost thankful because it was pulling her out of her head. She couldn't be in her head for a second longer, and even though she knew she would regret this, at least she wouldn't have to see Ed after tonight.

– – –

She waited Daryl unlocked the door, and she felt his eyes on her, so she looked up and slowly smiled. He was just watching her, and she couldn't look away from him. She didn't want to.

"What?" she finally asked.

"You...ain't even upset 'bout it." He opened the door. "You cried before."

"Yeah, well... I had a long talk with Shawn," she confessed. "He's not the best at holding in his anger, but he did his best for me and gave me really good advice." She stepped inside.

"What advice?" He locked the door and removed his jacket.

"If I'm afraid of the mere memory of Ed...how can I ever hope to face him?" She turned to Daryl. "I have no illusions that Ed will just let me and Sophia go, so I need to prepare myself, mentally and physically. Mag's gonna teach me how to fight. She doesn't know about Ed or the abuse, so it's just...for fun to her."

He nodded. "Are you gonna tell 'em?"

"One day."

He set his keys in the dish. "Want somethin' to drink?"

"Actually, I would love a glass of wine." She laced her fingers together. "Would that be too awkward? Us drinking together?"

"How do you think I'm gonna get through Christmas?" He smirked.

"Oh, don't." She stepped toward the kitchen. "Dad will flip out. He abhors alcohol, and none of us can drink in the house."

"Gotta flask."

"Daryl."

"I'm kiddin'." He pulled out two beers out of the fridge. "Amy don't drink, and I don't drink wine, so here."

"Can I at least have a glass?" She took the bottle and set it on the island.

He grabbed a glass. "'Bout Sophia comin' over... Can she just stay over?"

"You wouldn't mind?" Carol opened the beer. "She'd love that." She emptied half of the beer into the glass and took a drink then softly said, "You don't have to force it."

"Hmm?" He lowered the bottle from his lips.

"A father-daughter relationship." She sat down on a stool and crossed her legs. "It'll come on its own."

"Not if I never see her."

"What, do you want me to move in with you just so you can see her all the time?" She ran her finger across the moisture on the bottom of the glass.

"Tsh, I just wanna see her more than once a week."

She met his eyes. "Okay, look, let's work out a schedule."

"A schedule?"

"Yes. Sophia's with me all week, so do you want the weekends? Or every other weekend?" She searched his eyes. "What time is best for you? I'm working a lot lately, and with Mag and Beth busy with work and school, and Dad and Mom and Patricia and Otis having their hands full with the farm and the shop and trying to get better, there's no one to really... Well, I hate saying watch; Sophia's not a test subject. There's no one to spend time with her."

"What, have her over every day till you get off?"

"When you're not working, sure." She smiled at his expression. "Too much?"

"Yeah." He took a long drink from his beer.

"Okay, let's talk about this." She was sure Shawn wouldn't mind having Sophia stay a little longer. It wasn't as if Sophia would be awake anyway, so she would just pick her up after.

––

"She's exhausted," Sasha told Shawn. "Why don't you let her take a nap in our room? I just washed the sheets. She should be comfortable there." Or just sleep in there tonight since Carol was supposed to pick her up an hour ago. It didn't matter, they had room, and Sophia was a good kid. She was really sweet, and Sasha was very fond of her.

"Sounds like a plan." He set his laptop on the coffee table and joined Sophia in the kitchen. "Hey, munchkin."

She lifted her head, her eyes lips dropping slightly. "Hi."

"You look pooped, kiddo." He crouched down. "You even drew on the table." He pointed to the purple mark on the wood.

"Huh? Oh...I'm sorry."

"Don't worry about it. It's just a table." He held his hand out. "C'mere, it's time for a nap."

"No, I'm okay. Mommy will be here soon."

"You can help us paint if you nap. I promise. I'll even let you help me with the collage I'm gonna hang up in there."

"Mmm'kay, but I don't have Dee Dee." She rubbed her eye.

All he had was an old baseball glove, and it was buried in one of the boxes in his so-called office. He really needed to unpack. He looked at his wife. Any stuffed animals? he mouthed.

She held up a finger, disappeared into the nursery and returned with a stuffed blue dog.

"I have a dog you can borrow." He picked Sophia up and walked over to Sasha. "She's cute with big floppy ears. I call her...er, Pluto."

Sophia looked at the stuffed dog. "Hey, Pluto."

"You wanna put her down?" Shawn asked. "You could use the practice."

"Tempting, but I have to finish sending off the thank you notes since you "forgot"." She tucked the dog under his arm. "Good night, sweetie."

"Mmm..."

Shawn carried her into the bedroom, she coiled up in the middle of it, and he covered her with the duvet, tucking the dog into her arms. "Do you want me to tell you about Ethan again? The great protector?" He doubted she needed a bedtime story. After the day they had, he wasn't surprised she was drained.

She shook her head. "I know he's with me."

"Yes, he is." He smiled at her. "Ethan's always protecting you, munchkin."

She nodded, her eyes closing.

"Sleep tight." He flicked the light off, closing the door but leaving it cracked. "She's out."

"God, it's so late. Where is Carol?" Sasha looked at her watch. "I'm going to have to make dinner for her tonight. All she's had was a couple of chips and half a sandwich a couple hours ago. I suppose we'll have hamburgers. It's really all we have that she'll eat."

"Darn, I was looking forward to the kelp wraps."

She smirked. "I may make them just for you."

"Can't you just kill me?"

She laughed. "Here, sign your name."

"All right." He took the pen and signed the card. "Thank for the toaster...person I don't know."

"Shawn!"

"What?" He tossed the pen on the table. "I don't know Michonne. She doesn't know me either."

"Thank God for that, or she'd have your balls on a plate for cheating on me."

"She lives far away, right? I don't have to, like, put bars on the window, do I? Does she hold grudges?"

"She does."

"So, we've thought about a security system, right? I had afford it, just let me see how much my soul is."

"Not much, I'm guessing."

"I could sell my body, but my mother would kill me herself." He cocked a hip. "Just give me a feather boa."

She arched a brow. "And a cheetah thong."

"I like it better on you." He kissed her, sitting down. "So, is that all the cards?"

"Yeah, I'll drop them off tomorrow." She tucked hair behind her ear and felt Shawn's hand on her stomach. "Are you summoning them to kick again? I thought I explained the whole process to you."

"Sometimes, I just like to feel."

"And sometimes your hands goes to the wrong place."

He moved his hand. "Does my touching your stomach bother you? I've always touched your stomach. I've sucked a marshmallow out of your belly button before, so if my touching bothers you and that didn't—"

"No, it doesn't bother me." She met his eyes. "It's just... My pants don't fit anymore."

"So? As you explained, that happens," he teased.

She glared. "Forget it."

"What?" He watched her take the box of cards into the kitchen. "Am I being insensitive again?" He joined her. "What is it?"

She shook her head. "It's just very ridiculous."

"Tell me. I'm your husband. I've said stupider things, I assure you. I could write a book on how many ridiculous things I've said. A really long book."

"It's just that late I've felt...very...unattractive."

"What?" He almost laughed.

"I know I'm pregnant with twins and getting fatter is normal, but I feel...like a blob."

"Sasha, you're hot."

"No."

"If Sophia wasn't in our bed, I would take you in there and do stuff to you that would make Merle Dixon blush."

She rolled her eyes. "Sure, you would."

"Hey, I would." He grabbed her arm. "Sasha, you're gorgeous, and there's nothing you do that I don't find sexy. Well, not vomiting, but who finds that attractive? Now, when you yawn, it's freaking adorable. So is your laugh, and when you hiccup. That's probably the cute—what?"

She smiled a little. "You totally love me."

"Yeah." He blushed. "Yeah, I do."

She kissed him. "I love you."

"Good, because our children hate me." He took the box of thank-you cards. "I'll drop these off tomorrow. I have to see my mom."

"What for?" She'd get back to him on the children hating him comment.

He shrugged. "Nothing important, just something I have to talk to her about." He put them into his bag and closed his laptop.

"What do you have to talk to her about?" she pressed.

"Stuff, you know? Pictures and stuff. It's really not important."

"It is, because you're lying." She crossed her arms. "What don't you want me to know?"

"I have an unholy love of cheese."

"I know that already."

He glanced at her then narrowed his eyes and scoffed. "You've got to be kidding. Do you really think I'm going to—?"

"No, I don't."

"Oh, please, I can see it in your eyes," he softly hissed. "I thought we worked this out."

"We did, and that's why I'm not thinking that you're having an affair. I just want to know what's so important you can only tell Annette."

"It doesn't concern you, and before you get pissed, it's not because you're not apart of my family, because you are. It's—just very sensitive."

"What is it about?"

"Uh...Carol?" He needed to throw her off. Carol had secrets, but there was no way in hell he was going to tell their mother about Ed. She would find Ed and slaughter him. Or have a heart attack. He wasn't even going to think about either of those happening. He just needed to talk to her. He only had a couple months before the twins were born, and he needed to talk to her about his father and how he handled it. Then he was going to talk to Hershel. He didn't want Sasha to know about his doubts.

"Again, you're lying."

"Do you have to know every little thing I'm doing?" He said it softly, but his voice was sharp. "I have to speak to her."

She scoffed. "Fine." She walked out of the kitchen and into the guest bedroom.

"Shit, Sasha." He tried to follow her, but the door was locked. "Sasha, open the door. Please?"

She said nothing.

"I'll stand out here all night." Or stand for five minutes then sit. "I'm unyielding, you know this."

Still not a work.

"Sasha, please?"

There was a shuffling, and he tried the knob, but it was still locked. He groaned and hit the door then sat down. He didn't sit long, because Sophia started screaming. He scrambled to his feet, Sasha opened the door, and he bolted into her room, flicking the light on, and she was on the floor with a cut cheek and tears rolling down her cheeks.

"Christ." He dropped to his knees. "Sophia, what happened?" He picked her up and held her. "It's all right."

She was shaking, and she didn't speak.

Sasha checked the window, but it was locked. She looked under the bed and in the closet, but nothing was there. She turned to Shawn, shaking her head. "There's nothing."

He smoothed her hair down. "Shhh, it's all right, munchkin. It's all good." He rubbed her back. "I might not be tough, but I don't lie. You're safe. I promise you're safe."

She gripped his shirt tightly.

"Shh." He stood up slowly, making sure he had a good grip on her, and he took her to the living room, grabbing a box of alcohol pads off the bookcase. He handed it to Sasha and set Sophia down on the couch. He took the alcohol pad from Sasha and opened it, wiping at the blood on her cheek, and she closed her eyes tight. "Sorry."

She sniffed, wiping her nose on her sleeve.

"Could you get her some water?" Shawn asked Sasha. "Her princess cup thing is in her bag."

She nodded, going into the kitchen and digging the cup out of her bag and filling it with water.

"It's all right." He tossed the pad into the trashcan. "I'll be right back, okay? I'll be in the kitchen."

She didn't look at him.

"Okay." He set a hand on her head then joined Sasha. "The window was locked, yeah?"

"I always lock them when it gets dark." She closed the lid to the princess cup. "And there's no other way into the house. Besides, you were right there. Even if there was someone in the room, that person wouldn't have had time to react; you'd have seen them. You certainly would've heard them, so maybe it was a bad dream."

"She could've cut her cheek on the dress," he suggested.

"Or maybe on the pillowcase," she reminded him. "That zipper broke last week in the dryer, and it's pretty sharp."

"Screw Carol's health food rules. Let's just order a pizza and give her some ice cream. It'll make her feel better. It always worked with Carol." He grasped the cup. "A small bowl of butter pecan. I'll get it in a sec." He returned to Sophia and handed her the cup, sitting on the floor in front of her, his arms resting over her little legs, not adding any pressure.

She took a drink and looked at him. "I'm sorry."

"What for?"

"Being so loud." She studied the princesses on her cup.

"Don't worry about noise. I'm loud all the time."

"I couldn't get away."

"Away? Get away from what, munchkin?"

"A really bad man. I ran and ran, but he kept finding me." Her eyes were wide and full of fear. "I woke up and thought he was in the room. I fell out of bed and hurt my cheek..."

"See, we should've talked about Ethan." He met her eyes. He wanted to see her smile; it broke his heart to see her so shaken. It reminded him of when he and Carol were kids, and she'd scrap her knee or something. He always went out of his way to try and make her smile. Sometimes it worked.

She sniffed. "Can we now?"

"Do you want to start?" He crossed his legs, sitting on the floor. "Or do you not remember?"

"I remember, but I want you to tell it."

"I can do that. Can I get a smile first?" She didn't smile, so he grasped one of her little feet between his index finger and thumb, tickling her, and she squirmed back, giggling. "Once there was a little baby named Ethan. He was so little, you see, and God knew he wasn't ready for this world, so He took Ethan in His arms and out of world and He made him an angel."

Sasha watched Shawn from the kitchen.

"Well, for several months...Ethan was just lost. He didn't know where he was or where to go even." He smiled a little. "Then Ethan saw this beautiful white light that revealed an even more beautiful little girl, and he knew it was his job to protect her. He vowed to look after this little girl, to shield her from harm, and he did. He never failed in his duty, but—" He waited for her to say it.

"But then," Sophia slowly said, "the little girl got hurt."

"Yes, she did." He stopped smiling. "Ethan saw the little girl ran out in front of danger, so he flew as fast as he could to jump in front of her. He softened the collision—you remember that means, yeah?"

She nodded.

"And by doing so, the little girl only got cut and a little bruised, but overall, she was just fine."

"You forgot the part—"

"No, I didn't," he interrupted her, "I'm getting here. I was building up to it, calm your jammies."

She waited.

"As the little girl rested, she dreamed of Ethan, and they had the same eyes, didn't they?" She vigorously nodded, and he laughed. "And tonight, Ethan was there too, but you pushed him away."

"No, I didn't!"

"You were scared, yeah?"

"Well...yes, but—"

"You chose fear, not Ethan." She frowned. "See, this bad man scares you a lot, yeah?"

"A lot." Her voice was small.

"Well, he's a bully, and Ethan's a protector. Ethan wants you to face your fear, and it was a little mean how he did it, but he was trying to tell you this man has no power over you. This bad man is nothing, and he'll never, ever hurt you."

She thought about it. "He never found me."

"Ah, see."

"So...Ethan was with me, and he was helping me to not be afraid, 'cause the bad man won't find me."

"Smart munchkin." He smiled at her. "Yes, that's exactly what he was doing."

"But I'm still scared. What if Ethan hates me because I'm weak?"

"Tsh, you? Weak? Not possible! You're the toughest kid I know!" Then more gently, "Ethan will never hate you, Sophia. He loves you and is watching over you always."

"So, if the bad man finds me, I don't have to be scared?"

"No."

"Because Ethan's protecting me."

"Yes. If the bad man finds you, just stay hidden and don't be scared, because he'll never find or hurt you. Ethan will make sure of that."

"What about Mommy? Will Ethan protect her too?"

"Mommy has another kind of protector. Do you know who?"

Sophia smiled. "Daddy."

"You win intelligence." Shawn high-fived her. "You win it all!"

She laughed.

"Let's get some ice cream and forget all about the bad man." He stood up. "Are you all right? You didn't get hurt when you fell off the bed, did you?"

"I'm okay."

"Just checking." He followed her into the kitchen and lifted her into a chair where Sasha gave her a spoon and a small bowl of ice cream.

Sasha walked over to him. "Is it a family trait to never see yourselves as you truly are?"

"What?"

"You and Carol both don't see how amazing you are. Do you not see what you're doing? How you took care of Sophia just then?"

"I'm just trying to teach her not to be afraid of Ed." He'd told Sasha the story, but only just bits and pieces. What Carol told him was just between them, and he wouldn't betray her, but he didn't want any secrets between him and Sasha, so he told her enough for her to understand. "If he somehow finds them and somehow gets Sophia alone, I want her to not be frozen in fear. I want her to be able to run as fast and as far as she can. I don't want her to stab anybody, but I might go there."

She smiled. "I'll order the pizza."

"Hey, wait." He caught her in the living room. "I still want to speak to my mother and to Hershel, but I know you know why. It's a little creepy how well you know, but... I've always second guessed myself with everything, and I need to know that I can do this."

"This being?"

"Raise our kids and be a good, supportive father. Be...a good husband. I—I'm sarcastic and awkward and not...all that great at giving out advice. Seriously, I steal advice from my parents and TV shows and occasionally from fortune cookies."

She laughed.

"You aren't helping."

"You're doing just fine as you are. You're not Ethan or Hershel; you're Shawn, and you're pretty damn good at being Shawn."

"Have you met me? No, seriously, I will completely—" he was cut off by her lips.

"And that's how I'll know you'll be a great father."

"That's a cheap answer," he mused.

"We're having twins, of course it's going to be cheap."

"Uncle Shawn?" Sophia called, shifting in her chair.

"What?"

"Someone's calling your phone." She pointed to it as the screen lit up.

He grabbed his phone and answered it. "Hello, abandoner."

"Excuse me?" It was Amy.

"Oh, sorry, wrong woman. What can I do for you?"

"I need to talk to you. Are you free tomorrow?"

"Uh, sure. We can meet at the Greene Leaf or in a dark alley?"

"Ha ha." She began to tell him where they could meet, and he began to wonder what she wanted from him. It didn't sound shady, but most shady stuff in his life isn't shady until he saw it. Even then, it sometimes went over his head. God, he hoped his kids got their mom's brain.