He watched as Carol slept soundly, inhaling softly, and he wanted to lift his hand to touch her, but she held his one good hand so tightly. He didn't want to risk waking her. He knew she'd been here the whole time, barely resting so he would wait.

He remembered the first time they met on the bus, but he really remembered their first project together. First impression were often entirely wrong, but thankfully Carol was persistent.

– – –

Carol was so mad at Shawn for not getting out of bed till the last second and making her late to class. She hurried in and gave the teacher her note. She filled Carol in on what they were doing: a group project on a life cycle of an animal. Unfortunately, Carol didn't make it in time to join another group, because they had their max amount, and both Lori and Andrea felt really bad, but it couldn't helped. She was going to have to work alone.

Then Daryl Dixon came in after her, tossing the note at the teacher's desk and sitting down.

"Perfect timing, Mr. Dixon." She handed Carol a book on frogs and the requirement sheet. "You are now partnered with Ms. Harrison."

"What?" Carol turned to face him. He was the boy from the bus who moved her backpack. She didn't have a set opinion of him, but she knew she would be doing all of the work. He didn't really do much in class, and he ignored the teacher when she called on him, so she doubted he was going to help much. "Umm...okay." She set the book on a desk and moved it in beside of Daryl's so they touched, and she sat down.

He instantly moved to the edge of his seat.

"I'm not full of diseases." She pulled out her notepad and a mechanical pencil.

He said nothing.

"Okay, let's see what we have to do first." She opened the notepad and wrote their names at the top after pushing down on the eraser twice. "A title. Any ideas?"

"How about bullshit," he offered.

"How about no." She wrote down a titled and marked a check beside the first Roman numeral. "Umm, okay, now we have to write a report on the life cycle of a frog. Do you want to read while I take notes? Or I can read while you take notes."

"Tsk, neither."

"Why not?"

"It's bullshit. Nobody gives a damn 'bout the life of a frog."

"It's an assignment. It's due on Wednesday, so we have a couple of days to finish it." She slid the book toward him, he pushed it back. "Are you...dyslexic?"

He snorted. "No."

"Okay, so read."

His eyes flickered over to hers, and she was determined, so he grabbed the book and read it to her. He ignored the happy smile on her lips.

– – –

Shawn looked around T's shop, wondering where would be the best place to take a picture of the shop. He tried asking Daryl, but he was so focused on fixing a car Shawn worried he was planting a bomb. He knew it was about Carol, but he didn't want to talk about it, even now. Today was their anniversary. Shawn didn't want to rub salt into that gaping hole in his chest.

Sasha watched the attractive man walk through the shop, almost aimlessly. He looked liked fifth grader about to peep on girls undressing in a locker room. She walked over to him. "Can I help you?"

"Probably not."

"What does that mean?"

He looked up. A gorgeous woman with shoulder-length black hair and deep and beautiful brown eyes was watching him. She was wearing an oversized sweater, probably T-dog's or Tyreese's. It was getting cold out, and her skirt probably wasn't helping fight off the cold. He realized he was staring.

"Can I help you?" she repeated.

Speak, moron! "Were—were we talking? I was totally zoned out."

She scoffed, crossing her arms. "Shawn Greene?" And here she thought he was intelligent, what with the way Mom went on and on about him. He seemed very dense and annoying so far.

"Yes." He held his hand out, but she didn't shake it. "I assume you're T-dog's youngest."

"I have a name."

"Sarah? Samantha?" He saw the annoyance on her face increase. "Samara? Am I getting close?"

"To getting hit, yes."

"So, that time of the month, I assume."

She was about to snap back, but her mom called to her. "What?"

"We can go now." Jacqui joined them. "Hey, Shawn."

"Mrs. Douglas." He smiled.

"Do you want me to hit you or is that urge in the air?" Jacqui teased.

"Oh, it's in the air," Sasha mumbled.

Jacqui glanced at her daughter then back at Shawn. "I've told you to call me Jacqui time and again."

"Well, you weren't my employer then."

She smirked. "Anyway, it's chilly out today. Why don't I go get some coffee for you all?"

"I would love you forever."

"Come and help me carry them, Sasha."

"I have class," Sasha replied.

"No, you don't. That's why you're helping out today."

She sighed. "Sure. Which one do you want, hot chocolate or coffee?"

"I love anything dark, so doesn't matter." He mentally kicked himself. Who the hell says that?

She smirked. "We'll see."

Jacqui nudged her then they headed to the car, Shawn shook his head, and T-dog waved him over. He hurried in before the door closed, and he felt a little warmer inside.

"Don't get any ideas."

"What?" Shawn stammered. "Oh, Sasha? N—no, no, no. I would never look at her." T narrowed his eyes. "Not—not that's not good to look at. She's beautiful, very well proportioned—I'll shut up now."

"You should warm up. Your brain's probably frozen."

He laughed, and it was overdone. "Right. I'll wait for them to get back." He swallowed and sat down in the office.

About ten minutes later, Tyreese and T joined him along with Sasha and Jacqui. They sat down to warm up, Shawn frowned when he spotted Daryl still working, and he stood up to go see if he wanted coffee at the exact moment Sasha handed him his drink. The cup fell out of her hand, and since she'd taken the lid off to make sure it was coffee, the hot liquid dump on them.

"Ow!"

She sucked air in through her teeth. "What the hell, you asshole? God, ow."

"I'm sorry." He had it all down the front of his jeans. "I am so sorry." Christ, that burns!

"C'mere." Jacqui pulled Sasha into the bathroom.

"Are you all right?" Ty asked.

"I'll survive." Hey, his scarf was untouched.

"Do you want to come back and do it later?" T grabbed the mop.

"No, no, just give me a minute. I have sweats in my gym bag. Again, I'm sorry. Excuse me." He went out to his car and retrieved the sweats. He changed in the bathroom once Sasha left it, and he went to finish his job and leave.

He took a lot of pictures of the shop, deciding to mess with them later and see which he liked best. He hoped this would help start his career. He was tired of working the Greene Leaf, but he needed money for the equipment, and he didn't want the shop to fall since Mom no longer worked because she was getting a little weak. He would be what they needed until it all worked out. He just hoped it worked out.

Sasha jumped back when he almost ran into her. She glared. "Really?"

"Sorry." He lowered the camera. "I didn't mean to... It was an accident. I wanted to check on Daryl, and I wasn't paying attention to my surroundings, and I'm sorry."

"You ruined Ty's sweater by the way." She folded her arms. "And my scarf."

"Well, here." He removed his and held it out. "I would hate for your neck to freeze."

"I was kidding."

"I wasn't. Here. Give it back when you have a new scarf."

"I'm good."

"Here, please. I'll feel better about dumping hot liquid on you."

"If I take it, will you stop talking?"

"Yes."

She took the scarf and wrapped it around her neck. "Happy?"

He took a picture of her. "Very much so."

"Hey! Don't take pictures of me!"

"I took one."

"Well, don't." She walked by him, going over to her car.

"Hey, where are you going?"

"Home. Why, are you going to stalk me now?"

"Not yet."

She rolled her eyes, but a smile was forming. "Go injury someone else."

He smiled. "Drive safe." He watched her pull out then turned, finding T behind him.

"I told you not to get any ideas."

"Uhhhh... I was just being friendly. Or a pestering asshole, in some cases."

"In many cases," Jacqui informed him.

"See, she gets me." He stepped back. "I'll stop by tomorrow."

He nodded. "Be careful out there."

"You two as well."

– – –

Beth listened as Dr. Ricen spoke to them. She didn't want to be a doctor, but the way he spoke, it made her want to want to become a doctor. She was happy with her major, but gosh, this man had a way with words. She wondered if he taught her at all. She would love to take a class taught by him.

"It's not possible, but my brain is yawning."

She didn't say anything.

"You'd think he'd regale us with colorful pictures at least."

She glanced over at the guy beside her. He was slouched in his seat, his dark blond hair messy, and he wore a worn leather jacket with black jeans. He wasn't a student, she could tell, but he wasn't a teacher either. He was just an ass who wanted to let the entire world know.

"If I squint my eyes, I swear I can see Mr. Potato Head."

"Could you shut up?" Beth snapped.

He looked at her with one eye closed. "Are you talking to me?"

"You're so rude. Some of us are actually enjoying this. It's assholes like you that make public speaking so difficult. Why don't you just leave?"

"I would love to, but I'm too baked to drive."

She rolled her eyes and turned away from him. "Asshole."

He laughed softly.

– – –

Shawn sat on the porch, looking over the pictures he'd just taken of the farm with the fresh snow and the sunlight on his side. He would go inside once he got a good shot of the damn field. He was too bored to not get a good shot, and now that he'd finished T's advertisement, he had nothing else to do but wait. He was tempted to do one for the Greene Leaf and Rhee Bakery just for the hell of it.

"Gah." He couldn't feel his ass anymore. He set his laptop back in the case and zipped it up, seeing an unfamiliar car pull into the driveway. He hopped up, hoping he got feeling back in his ass soon, and he saw Sasha Douglas exit the car.

She was in more sensible clothing today—a black leather biker jacket, long-sleeved white shirt with a black undershirt, jeans, and dark brown fur-lined boots. Damn, she was hot. T-dog's daughter, Shawn. She is T-dog's daughter.

She walked over to him, something hidden behind her back, and she offered him a smile. "Mom said I would find you here."

"You found me. Here to return my scarf?" He gestured to her hands.

"Not today." She walked up the steps. "Are you going to invite me inside?"

"Right, manners, I should have those, shouldn't I? See, I was actually raised by wolves until Annette found me a few years ago. Old habits die hard. I still have to remind myself to the cows are friends, not just food."

"That explains the smell."

"Well, they taught me to lick myself clean."

"Do you have a reply ready for everything?"

"Pretty much." He grabbed his laptop case. "I won't have a lady such as yourself freeze. Come on in." He paused. "Unless I locked myself out then we can go cuddle in my car."

"Likely."

He opened the door and set the case on the couch. "Damn, it's cold." He forgot the heat was bitchy today. "Have a seat. I'll make a fire."

"Oh, don't bother."

"Says the woman who is shaking through her jacket." He closed the door behind him. "Have a seat, and I'll make a fire. It's no big deal. Besides, Beth will be home soon, and she's one of those girls that gets so cold in seventy-five degree weather."

She let out a small laugh at his tone and took a seat, removing her jacket. She watched as he built the fire, arranging the logs and stacking the kindling in such a quiet, methodical manner. He rolled up the sleeves to his sweater, not wanting the material to catch on the logs again, and possibly to show off his muscled forearms. She wasn't sure which. She noted his large hands with wide palms and long fingers that perhaps played the piano—she saw one in the den, but from what she heard, it was Beth who was the pianist.

The fire roared to life, Shawn jumped back then bent down and warmed his hands, motioning for her to join him. He took her icy hands in his, bringing them close to the fire and rubbing his hands over them. It felt really nice.

"Does your car not have heat?" He rubbed her hands, moving them a bit closer to the fire.

"It's been acting up lately. I'll have my father look at it."

"I could take a look. I'm not Daryl or T, but I know my way well enough. If I somehow destroy your car, I'll pay for a new one. Do you like Hot Wheels?"

She smirked. "I'll just wait."

"Your loss. I have a collection."

"Why do I feel like you're not joking?"

"'Cause I'm not." He didn't look at her. "My dad and I used to collect them. It was our bonding thing, I guess."

"I didn't mean to—"

"Nah, it's all right. Just make it up to me by going out with me this Friday night."

"What?"

"It's not a date. I just need...a plus one for a party. A birthday party."

"Whose?"

"Maggie's friend, Rick. I knew his wife, Lori, through Carol, and Maggie wants me to take the pictures. I don't want to go alone, and you're catching on to my humor."

"And what makes you think I want to go?"

"Well, you haven't said no yet, so I'm hopeful."

"And if I have a boyfriend?"

He rubbed his thumbs gently against her hands. "Is he tall? 'Cause I won't fight someone short, but I won't fight a giant either."

"Well, he doesn't exist anymore. He left me a few months ago, which is why I came home." She pulled her hands free.

"A story? Let me put on some coffee, grab some blankets."

"Speaking of coffee, I brought you some. Iced, of course." She retrieved it from the table and handed it to him. "It's for the letting me borrow your scarf."

"So there is a sweet side to you."

"Only briefly if you keep it up."

"Black or creamer?" he asked, referring to how she liked her coffee.

"I'll make it myself, thank you."

"I made some a few...hours ago." He tasted the iced coffee. "Not bad."

"I made it myself. It's not an option at the Greene Leaf, but I have Mom make it for me every morning."

They went in the kitchen, he made a pot of coffee, sipping on the one she brought him, and he grabbed a mug for her when it was done. They curled up by the fire as it began to snow again, he draped a blanket over her shoulders before he sat down, and she thanked him.

"For someone who was raised by wolves, you're quite the gentlemen."

"I was raised by really old wolves. They taught me to make sure the flies were off the boar before I bring my girl to eat it."

"I might have to thank them."

"I can bay at the moon. It gets their attention every time."

She laughed. "How do you say that with a straight face?"

"You don't understand how much of a life I do not have." He laughed with her.

"That's sad."

"I know." He leaned back on his hands. "Tell me about your ex. I double as a therapist."

"Good to know." She stirred her coffee. "There's not much to tell really. We met in college, dated for a year then he transferred into a different school without telling me. I found out from his old roommate."

"What a dick."

"Yeah. I think he had someone else, but I guess I'll never know. Tsk, I don't care to know."

"I'm sorry. That really sucks." He was genuine.

"It doesn't bother me anymore."

"That's good. Don't hold onto the anger."

She rolled her eyes at him.

He noticed she had long eyelashes and gazed at her for a moment too long. Now, you're just creeping her out, man. "Uh, well, I guess it's time I ask Beth and Maggie to find me a date. Ugh, I hate asking them. I always end up with perky blondes who never shut up." Maybe he could fake an illness. Or sprain his ankle. That might work.

"I never said no."

His eyes flickered to hers. "You wanna be my date?"

"Your plus one."

"What does it takes for you to be a man's date?"

"Dinner with tablecloths, utensils and decent lighting."

"Well, I should give up now."

She smirked. "You're not so bad."

"Aww, you're making me blush." He noticed the time and frowned. "Strange. My sisters should be home by now."

"Maybe it's gotten worse outside." She climbed to her feet and checked outside while he attempted to text them. "I can't even see my car." She looked back at him. "Is the power working?" There were no other lights on in the house, just the fire.

"We have a generator." He groaned in frustration. "And no service."

"Do you have more firewood?"

"Yeah." He joined her by the window. "I hope you like chili. That's all I can cook."

"I can live with that." She shivered. "Where are Maggie and Beth?"

"The Greene Leaf. We close early in the winter, they must have decided to clean up." Dad was with Mom, visiting Dale. They could stay over; Dale wouldn't let them leave in this weather if they paid him.

"Don't worry. I'm sure they're fine."

"God, I hope they don't try to drive home."

She didn't like the worry etched into his face. She knew that he'd lost his dad in a car accident. She reached over and clasped his hand consolingly. "It'll be fine."

He nodded, staring at his phone. God, protect them, please.

– – –

Beth waited until the room cleared to make her way over to Dr. Ricen. She saw the rude guy who sat next to her talking to him, and as much as she didn't want to hear his voice, she wanted to talk to Dr. Ricen. She walked over to them and smiled a hello.

"Hello." He returned her smile.

"I'm Beth Greene."

"Thomas Ricen." He shook her hand. "Have you met my associate, Dr. Cole?"

She blinked. "Dr. Cole?"

He smiled. "Nice to meet you, Beth Greene."

"Dr. Cole?" She was stunned.

"Please, call me Zach."

"Sure."

She spoke with Dr. Ricen for quite some time. She learned he did teach a class, but for only one semester, and he had a lot of requisitions. She didn't even care. She just had to take his class. She would have to work her butt off, but it was going to be worth it. He was not only intelligent, but laid back and easy to talk to. He was like a friend, but he took teaching seriously, and she was grateful. She hated classes where students were disrespectful to their teachers. It was just so inappropriate. If they didn't want to be there, they could just leave, but it was like they had to stay and bother the rest of the class.

Beth headed to the parking lot, hoping Maggie was waiting there for her. She was so ready to go home. She was exhausted and hungry. It was also too hot to been stuck waiting.

"Hey, wait." Zach caught up to her. "We didn't get off on the right foot."

She met his eyes. "Why does that matter?"

"We'll be working together one day. I'd like to, at least, have a mutual relationship."

She crossed her arms. "I really have somewhere else to be."

"Look, Thomas is a friend, kinda like my mentor. I was kidding. He's a great guy, and I was pulling his leg. He does it to me too."

"Great. I have to leave now. Excuse me."

"At least get a coffee with me."

She turned to face him. "Do you not feel how hot it is?"

"Well, tell me what you want."

She shook her head as he slowly smiled. "Fine, but you're payin'."

"Yes, ma'am."

– – –

"I'll write the report out," Carol told Daryl while they waited for the bus at school.

"Sure."

She pursed her lips. "Oh, thank you for reading to me. It helped. We have all the notes we needed."

He didn't speak.

The bus came, he took the same seat as this morning, and Carol had gotten on last, so all the little kids and high schoolers had the seats. She sat beside him, feeling him recoil, and she set her backpack in her lap.

"Did you come here last year?" Carol asked. She didn't remember seeing him.

He ignored her.

"Did you not like your old school or did you and your family just move down here?"

Still nothing.

She sighed and began to play with the zipper of her backpack, remembering she had gum. She dug it out, he glanced at her when she stuck a piece in her mouth, and she hesitated. She didn't want to give him a piece, because he was being rude, but she felt bad. Maybe he was just in a bad mood today. Or every single day. Well, she was raised to share.

"Do you want a piece?" She held out a stick.

He took the piece of gum and chewed it. "Thanks."

"You're welcome."

The driver dropped off a bunch of the noisy little kids, she saw his stop was coming up, and she turned her head as he said something to her. She titled her head, surprised he was actually answering her questions.

"Lived down my whole life. Just switched to a new school this year. I dunno why." He shrugged.

"Do you like it?"

"Ain't bad."

She nodded. "Look, I'll present our report. I don't mind to, but could you at least help me with the board? We can go to the pond by my dad's friend's house and take pictures of the frogs there. I'll buy everything, but I would really appreciate you helping me with it."

He nodded. "All right."

"Thanks." She smiled and stood up to let him out. "I'll see you tomorrow."

He nodded again and climbed off the bus.

See, he's not so bad.

– – –

"Mmm..." Swallowing, she opened her eyes and met Daryl's. "Daryl." She sat up. "You're awake." She sounded breathless.

"'Course." His voice was raspy; his mouth and throat dry.

"I'll go get Dr. Stookey." She looked at him for a moment more then grabbed the bedside buzzer, moving off his bed.

A nurse came in, and she took his blood pressure. Daryl kept watching Carol, who woke Sophia and held her close as he took small sips of water. When Dr. Stookey came in to examine Daryl, Carol took her to get something to eat from the machine and to use the restroom, and when they returned, Daryl was sitting up, trying to work around the cast.

Carol lifted Sophia up onto the bed, smiling happily. "Need a hand?"

"Not yet."

Sophia hugged him. "I missed you so much! I was so scared!"

"Easy, easy," Carol told her. "He's still hurt."

She let him go. "I'm sorry."

"It's all right."

"How do you feel?" Carol filled the cup with more water for him.

"I'll live."

"That's not an answer." She sat beside him, grasping his hand behind her back and move it around her waist.

"Hungry and in pain."

"Well, I'm sure they'll give you a painkiller and food."

His lip twitched in slight disgust.

"I hate food here too," Sophia confessed.

"If Bob says it's okay, I can bring you something."

"Can't I just go?"

"It'd be against medical advise."

"So?"

"Just stay for another night, and we'll come and take you home the morning after." She picked up the cup of water. "How does that sound?"

"Fine," he grumbled bitterly, taking the cup.

"Rick will probably be by to ask you about the attack. Do you remember any of it?"

"All of it."

"Can you identify them?"

"Yes, bunch of pricks who ran with Tomas."

"Good. They'll pay for what they did."

"Where's Merle?" Daryl asked. "I don't remember hearin' him."

"I—don't know. I don't know if they forgot or just couldn't contact him, but he hasn't been by." She saw the worry in his eyes then his eyes flashed and it was gone. "I doubt he would do anything stupid."

"Tsk, you don't know Merle."

––

Carol cleaned Daryl's house the night before he was coming home. "Give him just one night of peace, all right?" Carol set Bella down on the couch. "We'll do the breakfast thing the morning after."

"Okay." Annette paused. "How are you, pretty girl?"

"I'm good. I'm unpacked, as is Sophia." They were going to be staying with Daryl for a few weeks, just until he felt hundred percent better. "Don't worry about me. I—I don't know why I zoned you guys out, but I'm all right. It was probably shock."

"Well, I do worry, but I'll try to not worry as much. I love you, honey."

"I love you too. Bye." She hung up. "Sophia?"

"I'm upstairs."

"Have you picked a room yet?" She climbed the stairs and saw the light to Carol and Daryl's old bedroom was on. She entered the room to find Sophia adding Dee Dee and Ethan to the other stuffed animals. "You—wanna sleep in here?"

"Yeah." She moved hair out of her eyes. "Is that okay?"

"Y—yeah, it's okay." She climbed onto the bed. "We'll have to get you a step or something, but it's all right."

She nodded.

"Look, Sophia, it won't always be easy living with Daryl, because of his injuries, but we're going to try and make this work, okay?"

"I don't be loud, I promise."

"I know you won't, but you'll have to watch yourself when you hug him or hand him anything. He's really hurt."

"I know."

"Right, I forgot you win intelligence." She giggled, and Carol smiled at her. "We'll still see Grandma and Grandpa, but not as much."

"Okay."

"Good." She lied down. "Can I sleep with you tonight?"

She nodded, curling up against her mom. "Sure."

She wrapped her arm around her, kissing the top of her head. "I love you, sweetheart. Good night."

"Night."

––

After picking Daryl up from the hospital, Carol helped Daryl to the couch, his legs still not strong enough to carry him just yet, she closed the door and locked it. She sat down on the coffee table and removed his boots, setting them by the door.

"Do you need anything?"

"You." He gripped her wrist and pulled her to him.

She smirked. "Not now. You're still recovering, and we'll have plenty of time for that later." She kissed him tenderly. "I'll make you something to eat." She headed into the kitchen. "Oh, you know how some of Amy's stuff is still here?"

"Yeah."

"She's coming to get it tomorrow."

"Mmm-hmm."

"Are you still coming off the drugs?" She laughed.

"Mmm."

"I'll take that as a yes."

– – –

"We were supposed to meet at Daryl's. That's why I said 'let's meet at Daryl's'," Amy argued with Carol on the phone, standing outside Daryl's house. "I don't want him to have all my extra junk here. I feel bad, and I already feel like shit, because of what Andrew did."

"I forgot. Sue me. And it wasn't your fault. They wanted to hurt Merle for what he did to Tomas, and Daryl's his brother. They know that's the only person Merle cares deeply for." The only person they know anyway.

"Okay, now I don't feel bad about you unloading it all at Andrea's."

"How is that fair?"

"I'm making lemonade."

"You're so... All right."

"I'll be back around ten or eleven. It shouldn't take too long." She dug her key out of her pocket. "I'll leave the key on the island, okay?"

"That's great. I'll just...stand out here and melt. Or tan."

"You need it."

"Don't disturb Daryl. He's sleeping like a rock, and I doubt you could, but please don't make too much noise."

"I'll be as quite as a mouse. Bye." She hung up and unlocked the door, slipping her phone into her back pocket and heading inside. She went upstairs and found about ten boxes in the closet, so she made quick work of it. She had to get a duffel bag since one of her boxes had claw marks in them and that caused the bottom to bust out.

She left the key and a note explaining that she borrowed a duffel bag. She hoped Daryl wouldn't mind. He certainly wouldn't notice.

She headed out, but Merle pushed her back into the house. She glared until she saw him, and her mouth fell open, her eyes wide in horror. "Oh—oh, my God."

He was covered in blood—his hands, his shirt, his boots and jeans, even his hair—that wasn't his own, and he was panting, like he'd been running. He was trying to explain himself to her, but she was just terrified. She scrambled back and held a hand out to stop him from coming any closer.

"Just—just stay back."

"Amy, calm down."

"Cal—calm down? You're covered in blood, Merle! What—what did you do?"

"I found out 'bout Daryl, so I paid Andrew and his "thugs" a visit. I don't remember what happened."

"You don't remember?" she softly exclaimed. "It's pretty obvious what happened!"

"All I remember is going into their place, then it's all black. All goddamn darkness, Amy!"

"U—uh, okay, we can—we can totally figure this out." She grabbed the remote and turned on the news. "We'll see if anyone's been brutally beaten or...killed. Uh, take off your clothes." She ran into the kitchen and grabbed a black trash bag. "And your boots."

He began to unbutton his shirt.

"I'll get something of Daryl's for you to wear." She tossed the bag at him and hurried up the stairs. Oh, my God. Was she really helping him get away with murder? What if he did kill someone? What if he killed all of them and was just lying to rope her in? Would he do that? Of course he would lie, but involve her, she didn't know. If she got arrested, who would take care of Paige? Her daughter couldn't think she was a murderer or an accessory to murder. What was she doing? She needed to stop.

She gathered some of Daryl's clothes without waking him and a pair of oldish-looking boots then returned to him, not looking at him as he kicked off his boots, still mostly dressed. She began to pace the living room, her breathing rough, and she pushed her hair back. "Oh, God." She couldn't go to prison for this. She had a daughter to raise and a family to reconnect with. How was this happening? She couldn't go down with him.

Merle watched Amy virtually burn holes in the floor then grabbed her shoulders to stop her incessant pacing, giving her a good shake. "Stop." He knew exactly what was going through her head. He knew exactly what she was going to do. He couldn't have her do that. He didn't know what happened, so she might be ratting him out a crime he didn't commit. He went there with the intention of beating Andrew into a bloody pulp, but that was it. He was going to let that bitch live so he would know not to mess with the Dixons. Maybe he'd remember in a few days or something. He didn't know, but he knew he needed Amy to calm down and not tell anybody.

"I—I can't become an accessory to murder," she whispered, tears in her panicked green eyes. "My daughter—"

"Amy, don't." He looked hard into her eyes. "If it comes to that, I'll take the fall."

"What? You—you would do that?" She searched his eyes. "You would do that for me?"

"For Paige." He dropped his hands. "I ain't lettin' her grow up without you. In return, you don't mention this to anyone."

She nodded. "Thank you." She hugged him, her hand in his hair, and she gasped. "Oh, my God, Merle." She released him, seeing blood on her fingers and walked around to him, seeing a bloody wound on his head. "Oh, my God. You have a huge hole in the back of your head!" Okay, a dent.

"Where?" She guided his hand to it. "Explains the headache."

"You need to shower. Take off your clothes, and I'll deal with them."

He narrowed his eyes.

"Trust me."

He removed all of his bloody clothes, Amy washed the blood off her fingers then tied the bag up, and he showered off the blood. She tucked the bag in with her clothes and tossed the duffel bag into her car. She knew a perfect place to hide it where no one would ever find them.

Merle walked down the stairs, clean and dressed, twenty minutes later.

"C'mere." She rolled her sleeves up, opening a first aid kit. "Sit on the floor, please."

He did what she asked, feeling her looking over the wound, which hadn't been properly cleaned. He closed his eyes as she disinfected it, and he felt the headache explode as she did. Her cool breath did little to ease the headache, but she was trying. He clenched his jaw tighter.

"Do you have a place to stay?" She smoothed the bandage over the wound very gingerly.

"Couple places."

"Safe places?"

"No."

"I suggest you stay here until this heals."

"Where? Daryl's kid and Carol are stayin' here, ain't they?"

"There's room in the basement." She wiped her hands off. "And my old mattress is still upstairs. We can move it down there together, if you want."

"What the hell?" It was better than the other places.

Since the pipes busted, Daryl had been taking care of the new ones and the basement, so it really was the best place in the house. They found a corner for the mattress, Amy brought down a lamp and what few adult books she had—most of them were children's books—and Merle brought down a nightstand. She frowned at him doing so much heavy lifting; she didn't want him to overwork himself anymore than he already had when they moved the bed.

"I'll make the bed. You should take some medicine. And see a doctor, but we both know you won't, which is stupid."

"I'll be fine. Just a cut."

"Just a c—You know what, it's your head." She bent over and tucked the sheets in. "Merle, stop watching my ass. The last time that happened, Paige happened."

He snickered. "It's a mighty fine ass."

She moved hair out of her face and behind her ear. "Don't look at me like that." She grabbed the quilt and unfolded it.

"Like what?"

"Like you want to take me against the wall." She spread the quilt over the mattress.

He did. "Look, Am, 'bout what happened...with Paige—"

"Don't bother." She grabbed the pillows off the dryer and tossed them on the bed. "It's all right. You don't want to be in her life, and she told you that was fine by her. She said her goodbye." Amy knew what Paige had said was just for Merle's sake. She hadn't meant any of it, but Paige wanted Merle to think she did, so Amy was going along with it. She plopped down onto the bed. "It's pretty comfy."

"I ain't like Daryl, Am. I don't do the kids and marriage and shit. It ain't me."

She met his eyes. "I know it's not. That's why I didn't tell you. I was protecting you both, but...I guess I failed." She shook her head. "Don't worry about us. I've got us taken care of."

He gave a slight nod.

"That's everything. I have to go meet Carol." She hopped up. "I'll take care of the clothes. Feel better and rest." She gripped the railing and headed up the stairs, stopping at the sound of his voice calling to her.

"You were always too good for me."

She crouched down to his height. "Was I?"

"Yeah. Don't know what the hell you saw in me."

"A dark part of myself that I try to pretend isn't there," she answered. "Everyone has a dark side, and mine was fiercely attracted to yours."

"Not anymore?" he teased.

She smiled then leaned over and kissed him once, very plain, and she met his eyes. "Goodbye, Merle." She walked up the stairs and out the door.

––

Amy flopped down on the floor beside Shawn, panting and wiping sweat from her brow. The room was so suffocatingly hot; they were both sweaty and gross. Hopefully, the shower worked this time, because she didn't to leave feeling like this. She needed to find a better place for them to meet. If they kept meeting here, they would die from the heat. Air conditioning was her best friend, and she missed it so.

She hit his bare stomach with her hand. "Round five?"

"Why do I let you do this me?" He ran a hand down his face. "My entire body is sore. You'd think I'd be in shape, but that is not the case."

She giggled. "Aww, our little dance killing you?"

"Yes, it is." He caught his breathe. "Okay, I can do this. Round five."

"I haven't given you many positions." She sat up. "Just give me one more hour, and I will find a way to repay."

"Babysit my kids anytime I need."

"All right." She hopped up. "How is Sasha?"

"Three." He held his hand out, and she helped him up. "I have three months left."

"You'll do great." She smacked his arm. "All right, let's try the lift again."

"You'd better get this part, or I'll kill the person in charge of casting."

"With your help, I will." She smiled. "Okay. One, two, three—"

––

"You need ice?" She saw the way Shawn moved his shoulder.

"No, I'm all right." He shrugged his left shoulder.

"Well, the auditions start next week, so...that's why I'm pushing you. I'm sorry. If there somebody else, I would go to them, but... You're the only decent man I know who's willing to do this."

"It's not a problem. It's actually fun when not you're yelling, adjusting me every five minutes and smacking me when I'm sarcastic."

"I'm bossy, and I am so sorry. I just—I can't afford to screw this up. It's my only shot."

"Well, the only thing getting me through this is knowing I can have Sasha alone anytime I want in the future."

She smacked him. "Sorry. It's becoming a habit."

"You hit like a little kid. It doesn't even hurt."

"Oh, just wait until next time."

"I'll wear padding."

"You'd better. These twins may be your only children."

"You're dangerous, Harrison, so dangerous."

"And Sasha's lucky, very lucky." She crossed her arms.

"Do I sense a story?"

"One you already know." She sighed. "How did you know you wanted to be with Sasha forever?"

"She was the only woman who didn't hit me with a frying pan when I opened my mouth."

"Shawn!" she groaned.

"I was being serious, but all right." He then shrugged. "I dunno. I just...knew, you know? It just made sense, I guess."

"...what made sense?"

"All the songs and cheesy love notes," he joked, using a cry-voice.

"Shawn, I can take you."

"Let's not test that. I don't hit woman." He adjusted his bag. "If I'm being serious, I'd have to say Sasha makes up for what I lack. She's...mature and serious whereas I am childish and silly. We have moments when we switch roles, though." He squinted as their shade disappeared.

She nodded. "So, how's naming coming?"

"Shitty. I'm naming our daughter, and all I have is Jonah. I don't even know how to spell that."

She laughed. "Why don't you look up baby names?"

"'Cause they suck. Do you know how many Jessicas and Courtneys and Ashelys I know? Too damn many."

"Why don't you name her...Willow?"

"I don't like nature names."

"All right. How about Jacquelyn?"

"It sounds too much like her grandmother's name."

"Oh, right." She rubbed her hands together. "Shay?"

"Sure. I'm Shawn, this is my wife Sasha and my daughter Shay. We're the S family." He rolled his eyes.

"Not so friendly. You need coffee; I'm buying."

"I'm...hungry. Let's grab a bite to eat."

"I could use a cheeseburger."

They walked to the diner down the block, Shawn put their bags in his trunk and they ate. He asked how everything was with her family. They were working out all of the drug and Merle stuff still, but they'd gotten close to Paige. Amy was still having issues with her father, because he kept trying to her to attend college. She didn't want to go to college right now. She wanted to get the part in the Romeo and Juliet at the theater. She'd been working her ass for it ever since Jeanette told her about it. She wasn't going to miss out on this. It was everything she liked: love, ballet dancing, soft music...

She needed this, and if he didn't understand that, he didn't understand her. She was going to start pulling away out of habit. She would have Andrea take Paige to their house and pick her up, and they wouldn't see Amy at all. She wouldn't take Paige away from their, but she didn't mind taking herself from them. She wasn't a Horvath anymore. She wouldn't be again.

"All right, short round." He parked outside Andrea's house. "This is it."

"Home sweet home." She leaned over and hugged him. "Thank you."

"What for?" He hugged her back.

"For being your awesome self." She squeezed him then let go. "Thank you for the ride home too."

"You're gonna cry over a ride home?"

"Shut up, I'm emotional." She exhaled. "Tomorrow: same time, same place, yeah?"

He nodded. "We've been spending too much time together."

"What do you mean?" She unbuckled her seat belt and opened the door.

"You just ended that with 'yeah', like I do."

"Let's just hope that doesn't apply your kids." She smirked.

"You're evil."

"Goodbye." She grabbed her bag out of the trunk and headed inside. She saw him watching until she got inside, and she shooed him with her hand before pulling the door closed. He's a big brother to four sister now apparently. Geez.

– – –

"What do you mean, you haven't seen her?" Martinez asked.

"It's been a week, and I thought maybe she went to see her parents, but they haven't heard from her." Phillip ran his hand down his jaw roughly.

"Is any of her stuff missing?"

"I don't think so."

"Let's go check."

They went upstairs to Phillip and Elizabeth's bedroom, searching through her drawers for any missing clothes. They checked the closet, but all the suitcases were there. It hadn't been touch, all of her clothes were all there and all of her shoes and jewelry. Elizabeth just wasn't there. It didn't make any sense. No money had been moved in their account; their credit cards hadn't been used and her car was in the garage, her keys on the hook. She was just...gone.

"Were you having any problems?" Caesar asked as they walked down the stairs.

"No."

"Don't lie to me, Phillip."

"Okay, we had a fight a couple of months ago about Ed, but we worked it out. Everything was all right."

"Did you have any plans?"

"No. We weren't going to take a vacation this year, because...we needed the money."

"What for?"

"Eliza thought she was pregnant. We didn't get to talk about it before she disappeared, but I decided if she was, we needed the money." Ed wasn't going to give them loan, wherever that asshole was. "Could it have anything to do with our case? Could he have found my house and taken my wife?"

"Perhaps." He sighed. "I don't like this. It's too...clean. I could CSU will find any prints, but I'll call them. You'll need to repeat this to someone who isn't your partner."

He nodded. "I don't want Penny here for this. I'm gonna call Milton."

"That sounds good." He walked over to Penny and crouched down. "Hey, little chica."

She looked over at him from her homework. "Hi, Caesar."

"What are you up to?"

"Math. Division."

"Oh, I'm good at math. You want my help?"

"No, I'm good at math too. It's really easy." She sighed. "My mommy's not coming home, is she?"

"I don't know, but I'm positive we will find who did this."

She nodded.

"Why don't you pack all of this up, honey?" Phillip stopped behind her. "Karen's coming to pick you up."

"Okay."

Phillip packed an overnight set of clothes for Penny, just in case, and he hoped Karen let her stay over. He trusted her, and Penny needed a woman to be around right now. Karen was motherly, and that's what Penny needed. He put the clothes in her backpack as they waited for Karen to come and pick her up.

There was a knock on the door, Caesar answered it and let Karen in.

She ignored Phillip and turned to his daughter. "Hey, Pennies." She bent down and smiled. "So, I have a ton of movies that need watched and ice creams that needed sampled. Can you help me with that?"

She nodded.

"Awesome. Wait for me by the door, but don't go out."

"Okay." She turned to her dad and hugged him. "I love you, Daddy."

"I love you too, baby." He kissed the top of her head. "Have fun."

She walked to the door. "Bye, Caesar."

"Bye, little chica."

Karen crossed her arms. "Where's Liz?"

"Missin'," Phillip told her honestly.

"Oh. I—I'm sorry." She meant it. "Was it Ed?"

"My brother?" Phillip scoffed. "He would never—"

You'll regret this.

Would he? Would his own brother take his wife? Would Ed really kidnap Elizabeth? Would he wait in the bushes or just out in the open for her to get home, talk to her to lower her guard and then drug her or knock her unconscious by hitting her and drag her off without anybody noticing? He didn't want to consider his brother doing that. Ed was a little confused right now, but he wouldn't do something so stupid as take a detective's wife just to prove a point. And if he was the one who took his wife, what did he intend to do with her? She was nothing to him, so why take her? She couldn't help him, only Phillip could, and if Ed hurt his wife, he was going to help Ed into the nearest, darkest, inescapable cell.

"What's the matter?" Karen searched his eyes. "Would Ed do that?"

"I—I don't know. I don't wanna think about that."

"Well, you're going to have to. Her life is in danger, you know that. If you think for even a second that Ed took Elizabeth, you need to find his ass and interrogate him."

"I'll put an APB out on his car and put him no the Do Not Fly list." Caesar pulled out his phone and called it in.

"You need to go," Phillip told her. "I don't want Penny involved in this."

"I'll take care of her for as long as I can." She stepped back. "But you have to promise me that no matter what, Ed doesn't hear one word about Carol and Sophia."

"You know where they are?"

"I know you do too. Remember why you made that decision, Phillip, because if you go back on it, I will be here to personally beat the living crap out of you."

"You take care of my daughter, and I'll forgot who Carol even is."

"Good, because I would beat your ass." She turned and headed to the front door. "C'mon, Pennies. Let's go."

Penny glanced back at her house then followed Karen out the door, so sure she wouldn't see this house again for a long time.

– – –

"Do you have to work today?" Carol rolled over to look at him.

"Nah." His hand rested on her hip. "How 'bout you?"

"Not today." She met his eyes and kissed him. "But I do have to pick up our daughter."

"We got time, don't we?"

"Not enough, I'm afraid." She stretched. "Besides, you're still injured."

"Not for much longer," he assured her.

"Well, until you have Dr. Stookey's all clear, turn that look elsewhere." She leaned over and kissed him. "I'm gonna wash my face."

He rolled onto his back as she climbed out of bed and headed into the bathroom. "What'd you want?"

"What do I want for what?" She grabbed a washcloth and looked for soup.

"For your birthday."

She paused. "Oh, that's coming up, isn't it?"

"How'd you forget your own birthday?" He sat up.

"Well...Ed never let me celebrate my birthday, and he always kept Karen away, so she couldn't try and do it in secret. He used to say my birth wasn't anything celebrate." She glanced at him. "And I've been so busy with the Greene Leaf; my sleep is off."

"Asshole."

She turned the water on. "I need to hire someone to help me with the Greene Leaf. Jacqui's great, but we need more help. Mag and Beth can't help out anymore, so it's just the two of us, and I feel bad if I think Jacqui's getting overworked."

"You're overworked."

"I'll live."

"Get Lori to help. She ain't got a job. There's Amy too."

"Okay, thanks for the suggestions." She grasped the door. "If you'll excuse me."

"I'll put on some coffee."

"Be careful, please." She closed the door and went to the bathroom then washed and dried her face. She didn't know what she wanted for her birthday. She didn't want a party, that was for sure. She really hoped Beth and her mom didn't plan anything. She just wanted...a cake, maybe. She wasn't sure. There were no gifts she wanted. She had clothes, food, a roof over her head. There was nothing else. They would definitely buy her gifts, because they'd think that's what she wanted, but it wasn't. She'd already gotten what she wanted: her life back. She was prepared for whatever else came.

"Hey, Daryl?" She came off the last step and found the kitchen empty. "Daryl?"

"Yeah?" He stepped out of the pantry.

"About my birthday, can...we not do anything special? I don't want a party or anything, so if Beth comes asking, tell her I said no."

"It ain't for another day or two."

"Beth's middle name is proactive!"

He snorted. "Fine."

She pulled her hair back. "Do you want to do anything for my birthday?"

He shrugged.

"If you have something planned—"

"I ain't one to plan. Expect for...you know."

"Great." She leaned against the island. "Do you have any food here?"

"Did you buy any?"

"Yeah, but our lovely roommate eats it." She checked the fridge. "Oh, my God. Is Merle all right?"

"Haven't seen him in a couple days." It was very unlike Merle. He always came and raided Daryl's fridge or at least came by for a beer now and then. Merle's been staying with them, but...he didn't come home a couple days ago. Daryl didn't have time to go and hunt him down, not with Sophia and recovering. He could try calling, but he doubted Merle had his phone still. When Merle wanted to disappear, there was no finding him.

"He'll be around soon. With my birthday coming up, he'll stop by for the cake," she teased, opening a bag of cubed cheese.

Daryl gave a nod, still uncertain.

The ringtone Carol had assigned to Jacqui began to sound, and she dug her phone out of her purse. She answered, swallowing a cheese cube. "Hello?"

Daryl watched as Carol slowly turned from him and answered only in uh-huhs. He leaned against the counter and waited. He knew what Jacqui had called her for. Beth had class, and Maggie had to work, so that meant Annette was supposed to help for a couple hours. Hershel or maybe Patricia didn't agree with her working today and made her stay home, so Jacqui was alone and needed help. The timing would never be right, would it?

"Uh-huh, I see. Well, um, all right." She hung up and groaned before facing him.

"She asked you to come in?"

"Yes, but only for two hours. Maybe three."

"I can take care of Sophia."

"I'll try and make it back as soon as I can."

"Can't she just close the shop? I wanna talk to you."

"She can't, not today. I am so sorry." She kissed him quickly then grabbed her purse. "As soon as I can. Bye." She left.

"Carol." He cursed. He wanted to speak with her about her and Sophia living with her this past month. She'd been taking care of him while he healed, now he only had his arm to worry about; but she insisted on stalling, like having this conversation would kill her. He loved having her there, and he wanted to talk about if she had plans on leaving, going back to the farm. He wanted her to move in, and it'd been a month, so maybe she'd changed her mind.

––

Carol hurried to the Greene Leaf and smiled at Jacqui, who gave her a confused look. She didn't want to tell Daryl that she was running from the conversation he wanted to have. She wasn't sure if she wanted to live with him. She was so emotional when he was in the hospital; she would've said anything to get him to wake up. Now he was actually considering, and...so was she. They'd been dating a month now, and yes, she wanted to get out of parents' house, but to move in with him after just one month was ridiculous.

Or wasn't it? They'd been friends all their lives practically, and they were married before, so she knew they would be fine living together. Sophia would love the idea, but she wasn't sure. It was a big step, and she'd spent her entire time here taking baby steps. How could she make this decision? Live with Daryl like she knew she wanted to or stay the farm like she didn't to.

She loved the farm. She loved parents and sisters and Patricia and Otis dearly, but she needed a place of her own. That's the problem about living with Daryl too. There were so many memories in both of those houses, and she wanted this fresh start to be...fresher. She needed a house that didn't know the pain of losing Ethan and pushing Daryl away, and she needed a house that didn't scream childhood at her. She felt trapped between those two Carols, and it sucked.

"What can I get you?" Carol looked up and met the gray-blue eyes of Mason Dixon. Oh, shit.

"Coffee. Black." He tossed the money at her. "Keep the change."

"All right." She handed the money to Jacqui and got his coffee. "There you are...sir."

He took it and sat down in the corner to drink it.

"What is he doing here?" Carol softly asked Jacqui.

"I don't know. I didn't even know he was still alive." She shook her head. "Just ignore him."

"Oh, believe me, I can do that." She moved a curl from her eyes and smiled at her next custom. "What can I get you, ma'am?"

Mason watched the young woman who he once found straddling his son in their trailer. Her hair was shorter, tits bigger and had an ass even he appreciated. She was all smiles, but he could see right through the facade. She was bullshiting everyone, but they just went with it. She was just like her pussy boyfriend: weak, broken, scarred. Tsh, at least she wasn't that ugly.

––

Shawn came home and found Sasha on the couch, just staring off into space, and he frowned. He closed the door. "What is it?" She never just sat around, staring off into space. That was his specialty. Was something wrong? He knew it didn't involve the twins, because they just had an appointment with Dr. S. Everything was great, so why did she look like that?

"Is there something you want to tell me?"

"...I forgot to take the trash out again, but I don't think that's worthy of you looking like that. He studied her eyes. "Sasha, what's going on? You look...pissed."

"I know, Shawn."

"...so do I. A girl and a boy, we're getting one of each."

"Would you stop?" Her voice was weak, but didn't falter. She stood up. "I know about her, Shawn."

"Her? What her? There is no—Oh, God, her!" She thought he was cheating on her. Shit, he didn't mean to make her think that. He hadn't really tried to make her think anything. He hadn't really thought about what she would think about him leaving late at night—which why was exactly it had come back to bite him in the ass! Why didn't he use his brain? He should've thought about that! That should've been his first thought! "No, no, no, there is no her. No she. I mean—"

"You don't need to explain anything. This is my fault."

"No! Don't go off in some rant where you demoralize me and call me a cheater, because I am not! Damn it, woman, I love you! I've been loyal to you these past few years, and the first time was the last time!" He tossed his bag to the floor. "Why do you think there's a woman?"

"Aside from your confirming it not two minutes ago, I wash the clothes here. There's blonde hair on your shirts and I can smell the perfume! Not to mention all the times you've disappeared at night!"

"My little sister is blonde! And all of my sisters wear perfume! My mother even wears perfume! I happen to like hugs as well. And stars! Forgive me for hugging my family and stargazing, I'll try to abstain!"

"I'm not stupid, Shawn."

He sighed. "Look, I can explain all of this. I just need coffee and for you to listen to me without cutting me off. All right?"

"If you're not cheating, what the hell have you been doing?" She was so relieved. She hated to jump to that conclusions—she spent hours trying not to jump to that conclusion—but it's the second thing that came to mind. She thought maybe it was Beth, but the leaving at night made no sense.

"Well, when I tell you, you're going to laugh. I've been—"

A knock on the door cut him off, and he groaned, but opened. At the sight of who was there, he nearly fainted dead away. He laughed outright at the shitty timing and began pull at his hair. Why, God, why?

"Who is it?" Sasha frowned at how he was acting.

"I'm just going to let myself in," the person who knocked on the door and made Shawn pull at his hair said.

A tall, blonde woman with dark blue eyes walked into their living room. She was beautiful and obviously well off money wise. She wore a black expensive-looking pantsuit with her hair styled, and she looked like she wasn't going leave until she got what she came for. She also looked like a rich bitch whose only specialty was gold digging.

"Excuse me, but who the hell do you think you are to barge into our house uninvited?!" Sasha hissed.

"Well, you've been busy," she said, referring to Sasha's round pregnant belly. "I'm glad you two worked it out. Really, I am."

Shawn looked as if he wanted to set her on fire.

"Who the hell are you?"

Her brows shot up. "He hasn't told you?"

"Told me what?" She looked at him, feeling annoyed and slightly dizzy.

Shawn opened the door wider. "I told you over the phone we have nothing to discuss, so get your ass out of my damn house!" His tone was cold, and it almost shook Sasha. She'd never see him like this before. Whoever this woman was, he hated her.

"Wait." The pieces began to fall together—his reaction, his tone, her words, that unknown number—and she thought she might heave. "This is her, isn't it?"

"Vivian Lovelace." She smiled. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Greene."

"Sasha." Shawn narrowed his eyes at her, feeling a shift in her. "S—"

He didn't have time to get the words out. Sasha punched Vivian in the face, knocking her on her ass, and effectively making her bleed. He didn't want to smile because it was so wrong that Sasha just did that without even giving her a warning; but damn, he'd been waiting for someone to do that for almost four years. He would never hit a woman, unless she was trying to kill him and especially if she was trying to hurt his wife and kids.

He stepped over Vivian's legs and took Sasha's hand, looking at her knuckles and seeing a few of her knuckles were bruising from the impact. He silently chuckled at the pride that welled up inside of him. "I'll get an ice pack, yeah?"

"I'm fine." She exhaled. "Over the phone? She...called you?"

"She was the unknown number that called me last month," he explain. "And she kept calling, so I just answered to see what she wanted. I tried to ignore it. I almost got a new phone too, but she would've gotten that number too somehow." He reluctantly offered Vivian a hand, just out of ingrained manners, and he helped her to her feet, immediately dropping her hand. "She's a persistent bitch."

"And you didn't tell me?"

"I'm sorry. I didn't want you to know. I didn't want myself to know either." He glared at her. "I told her to piss off, but apparently that wasn't enough."

She wiped blood off her cheek. "Since you busted my cheek open, may I have a washcloth?"

"No, you may not." Sasha crossed her arms. "What the hell do you want?"

"I came to speak with Shawn, not you. Can we have a moment alone?"

"Don't talk down to my wife," he snapped. "And whatever bullshit you think you need to say, you'll say in front of her."

"Fine, it's your error." She clasped her hands. "Recently, you've been on my mind, and I thought it was time you know."

"Time I knew what? You're a manipulative bitch? See, I know that."

"I thought it was time you knew about Nathaniel," she corrected, ignoring his comment, "our son."

Shawn stared with horrified eyes at her. "Our...what?"