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.

32. Dare You To Move

Disclaimer: I own nothing.

––

"What do we do?" Carol frantically whispered to Daryl, paralyzed.

"He ain't just gonna leave."

"We can't open the door either, Daryl!"

He sighed. "Just hide. Get Sophia and hide somewhere. He doesn't know I know y'all are here in Georgia, let alone that y'all are stayin' with me. Just hide, stay quiet and take those pictures with you."

She yanked the pictures down on the wall and silently hauled ass up the stairs. She remembered the vent in their bedroom that he used to hid stuff in. They would hide in there. She slipped into the bedroom, locking the door just in case, and she popped open the vent, gently setting the pictures inside. She was so grateful Sophia didn't keep as many animals out in the open anymore, so she tossed Dee Dee and Ethan inside.

She scooped Sophia up, smoothing out the sheet and crawling inside. Sophia woke, so Carol let her go and adjusted the vent, sliding back just in case. "Baby, I need you to be really quiet."

"What's going on?" Sophia sleepily murmured.

"Shh." Carol held her in her arms, moving as far back as she could, rubbing Sophia's back as she gripped her Mom's arms, peering through the holes in the vent. Carol couldn't hear their conversation, but she knew that Daryl wouldn't let Phillip inside or Ed. She just hoped he was alone, because she didn't want Daryl to get hurt. If Ed had sent any assholes like the man who attacked her with Phillip, she was going to walk into his office and shoot him pointblank. She wouldn't even blink.

"What can I do for you?" Daryl leaned in the doorway to block Phillip from entering the house.

"I need to speak with her," his voice was low, as if he was thought someone would overhear, as if he was scared.

Daryl drank in Phillip, not wanting to forget the face of the asshole who let his bastard brother beat his woman and bruise his child. He was tall and slender with neatly combed brown hair, murky green eyes that seemed to be shielded, and his lips pressed into a thin line. This was the detective brother of Edward Peletier. Half-brother, anyway. He wasn't even intimidating.

"I don't know what you're talkin' 'bout. Just me and lil' Bella here." He nodded his hear to the kitten that came to rub against his feet. She wasn't fond of the outdoors, so he didn't worry about her trying to run out. Sophia had turned that cat into a fat, loved, ball of lazy. "I don't date neither."

"Don't play games with me, Daryl Dixon. I need to speak to her. This is important. It's about Penny and my wife, Elizabeth. Please—"

"It's late, and I gotta an early shift in the mornin'. I think you oughta head home." He picked up Bella and started to close the door.

"Tell her what I said!" Phillip pleaded before the door shut.

Daryl locked up and listened, hearing Phillip groan loudly before stalking off. His car drove out of the driveway then down the street and out of hearing range. He turned and made his way upstairs to Sophia's room as Carol climbed out of the vent, and she looked him over, relieved to see he was all right. He set the cat on the bed and took Sophia from her.

"He's gone."

She nodded. "Not for long, I know." She sighed. "I'll deal with him later. For now, I have promises to keep. I have to go shopping for Amy's debut. I will not wear slacks or a skirt; I want to look decent, so I can pretend that's why people are staring at me."

He smirked. "You'll be beautiful either way."

She smiled. "I already love you, Daryl, you don't have to try and win my heart. It's always belonged to you."

Before he could respond, Sophia protested grouchily about her mother's comment, and Daryl snorted at her grumblings. Carol smiled widely and set her hands on Sophia's cheeks, assuring her that she, too, had Carol's heart, and then they took her into their room to sleep tonight. Carol locked the door just in case, setting Bella on the bed, Sophia cuddled Dee Dee to her chest, and Daryl placed a kiss to his daughter's forehead before changing into his nightclothes with Carol in the bathroom.

"How does it look?" Carol asked, her back to him, referring to her bruise. "Still bad?"

He looked over the bruise near the small of her back, and he oh-so gingerly brushed a finger over it, feeling a shudder pass through her, and he suspected it wasn't a pained one. "It's turnin' black. It ain't that bad."

"Lair." She tugged down her nightshirt and gathered her hair into a ponytail. "Tomorrow, I'm taking Sophia with me when I go dress shopping, and to the shower too. On the day of Amy's recital, I want you to take her with you to the shop. I have some things to finish at the studio and the Greene Leaf, and I don't want her roaming off again. I don't want her out of our sight ever. I don't trust Phillip. Blood has always come first with him, that's one of the first things Ed told me about him."

He nodded. "Ty oughta be there. He works in the summer, so he can keep an eye on her too."

She picked up her toothbrush and met his eyes. "Right after the baby shower, I'm going to go see Rick. I have to find Ed before he finds us."

"Patricia or somebody can take Sophia for that time. They still got that RV, and they can take a trip so she won't be in town. Ed won't get her. I'll die before I let that happen, and I ain't dyin' any day soon."

"You know how to use a gun, right?" She leaned against the counter, and he nodded. "I have a gun, and if he or any of his idiots come here for her, use it, because they won't be knocking on the door. If they don't come to us before we leave, we'll let Beth or Patricia or whoever offers to take her have the gun to protect her and themselves. I refuse to let anyone else die, because of Ed. Milton was the last, and nobody—expect maybe me—will hurt my family."

––

Carol blew out a long breathe as she looked over dresses. Amy had decided to tag along to buy a new dress for the dinner her parents were taking her to after the performance, which Carol and her family were invited to as well. Paige and Sophia were running through the store, hiding behind the many differently styled hems and annoying the saleslady. Carol didn't care, they knew better than to rip anything, and they were just playing hide and seek. They weren't hurting anybody, and Amy had her eye on them just as Carol did.

Sophia ran over to her mom, panting. "Find anything?"

"Not yet." She stepped back. "So, hiding or seeking?"

"Seeking!" Paige tackled her.

"Okay, girls, bench." Amy joined them. "She's starting to come over here, so you two need to sit on the bench and act like the little angels I know are in there somewhere." She paused before adding, "I'll buy you both a milkshake on the way back."

Paige took Sophia's hand and led her to the bench by the dressing rooms, Amy let them have her phone to having something to entertain themselves with, and Carol asked for her opinion on a dress. She'd only worn dressy dressing when she was with Ed and she had no choice but to go. She didn't know what looked good on her anymore, and Amy was good at finding dresses that looked really good on people. She's the one who picked out Andrea's dress.

"Okay, why don't you find a dressing room and I will bring dresses to you."

Carol bit her bottom lip. "I—I guess, but keep an eye on the girls."

"Always, now scoot. I would like to have lunch before I'm thirty."

Carol stepped into the dressing room and sat down, crossing her legs and watching the girls as she didn't pull the curtain shut. She laced her fingers together, resting them on her knees, and she sighed softly. She had to buy some type of bracelet to hide her wrists, because people would stare at them. She didn't want the attention they brought. She was happy when her old pancake makeup covered the bruising nicely—sadly, she knew it would. She just had the bandage on her forehead, and luckily the swelling has gone down on her jaw, so it was all right. Her legs weren't that badly bruised, but she couldn't wear a short dress just yet.

She had to visit Shawn after this then the farm. She needed to see which one of them could get away from work to take care of Sophia, and for that, she had to tell them about Ed. She was ready now. Before, she felt as if she had no choice but to tell them. She didn't know she had a choice. She always had a choice, and it was time she remembered that. Ed wasn't going to destroy the life she was building here. He wasn't. If he tried, she would destroy his businesses and his future if it was the last thing that she did to him. She was done being submissive to him and to the memory of him. This was her life, and she was done wasting it on him.

Amy brought her a dress that was sleeveless, black, long with an inset hourglass beaded waist. It was perfect. It didn't show her back or her legs, so those bruises were covered, and it was a little long, but heels could fix that. It was just right, and it only took her about ten minutes to find it unlike Carol who had taken an hour and found nothing. She was beyond pleased to see Carol liked it a lot, and Sophia and Paige both approved of it.

"I just need two bracelets, and I'm done." Carol adjusted her belt as she changed back into her clothes. "Thank you, Am. I probably wouldn't have found anything if you hadn't come with us."

"That's what I'm here for." She grinned. "Now, I need you tell me which dress looks better."

"I'll be out here with the girls. Let us know when you're ready." She stepped out of the dressing room and noticed someone watching them. She knew it wasn't the asshole who had attacked them, because it was a woman. She frowned and told Amy to hold up as she walked out of the store. She ran over to where the woman was and grabbed her forearm in such a tight grip that the woman actually cried out.

"Who are you? What do you want?" Carol growled.

"Let me go!" She looked around, but no one was paying attention to them. The woman was small, a little older than Carol, probably twenty-six or -eight, and she looked so pale. Her hair was a dirty blond, and it appeared to have no been washed in quite some time, and her brown eyes were wide and full of fear. She wasn't here for Carol, that was for sure.

"What's going on?" Amy ran over to them after making the saleslady watch the girls. "Who's this?"

Angry boiled in the woman's eyes. "Amy." It was spoken through clenched, slight yellowed teeth. She was watching Amy, not Carol.

"Do I...know you?" Amy looked the unfamiliar woman over.

"No, you don't know me."

"Can't I say I'm not relieved to hear that." Carol released her. "Who the hell are you? Why are you watching us?"

"I ain't watchin' you, just her." She didn't look away from Amy. "Just wanted to see who was so special... Tsk, you ain't."

"So special...? Is there an end to that?" Amy pressed, crossing her arms. "Did I do something to you?"

"You don't remember me, but I was there the day you left him."

"Him?" Carol stressed the word. "Him who?"

"Merle?" Amy asked. "You—you were the woman he'd brought home."

The woman nodded.

"Why are you watching me? I am no longer with Merle. I haven't been with him in years, so I don't know what your i—"

"He moved," the woman cut her off. "He's changed. I don't see him around no more. Don't lie to me."

"H—he moved?" Amy frowned. "Where? Out of town?"

"No, he's still...in this town, but he ain't right 'cause of you."

"Is—is he all right?" she demanded. "Isn't right how?"

"Mommy!" Paige ran over to them. "Mommy, I need to go to the bathroom!"

"Wait, baby. What happened to Merle?"

"Oh!" Carol grabbed a tissue out of her pocket and held it to Paige's nose as it bleed. "Nosebleed. I'll take her."

"Oh, I get it now." The woman scoffed. "That's his kid, isn't it? He cleaned himself up 'cause of her. He threw me out, 'cause he had you."

"Merle threw you out? We're not together," Amy insisted. "Yes, he is the father of my child, but no, we aren't getting married nor are we starting a relationship. I am in a relationship with somebody else, so if you'll excuse me—and I don't care if you don't—my daughter needs me. Or Carol's daughter needs me." She turned and went back to the store. "Stupid bitch."

She just grabbed her favorite dress and paid for both her and Carol's dress. She then held Sophia's hand as they went to the bathroom to find Paige and Carol. "Hold these, sweetheart." Amy wet a paper towel and bent down. "I've got this. Thank you, though."

"You're welcome." Carol smiled at Sophia, who looked horrified at the blood on the tissue and Paige's shirt. "It's okay, honey."

"She's dying!" Sophia stared. "Oh, my God! That's too much blood, Mommy!"

"She's not dying. It happens sometimes."

Amy tossed the bloody wad into the trash and handed her a new one, wiping at the blood on her chin. She kept thinking about Merle. He straightened up and got a job. That would explain why he was so clean when she saw him all those weeks ago. She was impressed. Merle wasn't the type of man who worked then went home to sleep and wake up to work again. She knew he didn't want more with Paige, so did he just decide it was time for him to straighten up his life? She hoped so. She didn't want him to get into any more trouble. The Andrew thing was as close as she wanted him to get to death. It still made her cringe to know that Tomas was so twisted that he had another man bash in Merle's head, toss Andrew's blood on him after he beat Andrew to death. He almost got away with it, but the person in charge of the case was relentless. He found the man's bloody clothes and then the man, who was wasted at John's. She was glad she burned Merle's clothes. There was no evident left to be found, because she cleaned it thoroughly then the maid cleaned it. Damn fireplace was immaculate.

"This shirt needs washed." Amy folded it as Paige dug the hood out of the back of her hoodie. "I'm glad it was raining enough that you had to bring that. Also glad it was hot in there." She stuffed the shirt into her purse. "All right. I promised milkshakes, let's go get 'em. I have some bracelets you can wear, Carol."

"Thanks."

Carol drove them home after they drank the milkshakes and talked about the dinner Allen and Maura were taking them to; Amy hung up her dress in her closet and Paige changed out of her hoodie. She closed the doors to her closet and found her daughter in the doorway.

"What's up?" She gestured to her bed, removing her sneakers, and Paige plopped down onto her back on the end that was short to her mom. Amy joined her once her shoes were off, and she stacked her hands on her stomach, looking over at Paige. "What do you want for dinner? Andrea's working all night, so we're fending for ourselves."

"Fried pickles and chicken."

"Blek! I only like pickles when I'm pregnant, but I will get it for you. I think I'll take a salad with grilled chicken, which means Fee has to come and make it for me."

"I love Fee!"

"Me too." Amy smiled.

"...I love Merle too," Paige admitted. "I love him, because of what you've told me about him."

"That's not something to be ashamed of. He's your father."

She pursed her lips then sat up. "Is Fee going to be my dad too?"

"What?" Amy laughed then saw how serious she was. "No, no, no, no! No, he's not going to be your father. Why do you think he's going to be your father, Paige?"

"'Cause you're always with him whenever you come and get me, and you're always smiling and laughing with him. He makes you happy, and...I want you to find a dad for me who makes you happy."

"Felix is a good man, and he does make me happy, but I doubt he'll be my husband one day. He could be your father figure one day. How would you like that?" She reached over and brushed Paige's hair to the side.

"Very much." She smiled.

"Heh. I am going to call Fee, and you are going to find a movie for us to watch." She hopped up and grabbed her phone off the nightstand. She followed Paige into the living room, calling Fee and inviting him over to help her with dinner. She was too lazy to go out, and they had the ingredients here. Plenty of ingredients.

"You couldn't have called me at a better time. I'll be over there in ten minutes."

"Thank you. By the way, Paige may have a conversation with you about being a father figure, so just go with it."

"Oh, there's some pressure, Am. It hasn't even been a year yet. Or even two months."

"Just shut up and come food for me."

"Fine, but I demanded sex for this."

She laughed. "Yeah, okay, sure. Ten minutes, Fee."

"Yes, Master. I will be there soon, Master." He hung up.

She slipped her phone into her front pocket and plopped down beside Paige on the couch, making her bounce. Paige looked at her, and Amy sighed. "Fine, I ate four cupcakes at your friend's birthday party."

Paige giggled. "No, you're just sitting on my hand."

"Oh." She shifted. "Sorry."

They watched a marathon of horror films that Andrea had left out, and Amy noticed how Paige wasn't repulsed by all the gore. Amy wasn't exactly fond of it, but she didn't close her eyes and plug her ears. Paige was so calm about it, Amy squirmed a little from it, so Paige probably got that from Merle. He loved horror. That was his favorite genre.

Felix arrived twenty minutes later, Amy and Paige had helped themselves to caramel popcorn, and he just dropped beside them and shoveled in a handful. They watched the rest of the movie then began dinner. Felix's mother was a chief, so he knew how to cook many different types of food, so he made Paige's favorite meal then their grilled chicken salad. It was so pretty, Amy and Paige weren't sure if they wanted to disturb it.

"Eat it or be in the next dinner I make." Felix took a drink of whiskey.

"Yes, sir."

"And the veggies," Fee told Paige. "All of them or no dessert."

She nodded.

Amy mouth a thank you over her glass of water, and he gave a nod.

––

"Okay, I need to burn off that dessert." Amy flipped through the songs on her iPod, clicking her tongue against her teeth. It'd been an hour since they ate, and she could move again without feeling the food just sitting in her stomach, so she assumed they could too. If not, she was dancing alone. She was in such a good mood that she didn't care if she had to dance alone, and she was in the mood for one particular song: Who We Are by Imagine Dragons.

As the song began to play, Fee looked over at Amy, but not Paige. She was too busy with her puzzle, and she knew her mom loved to dance to this song anyway. He was on his feet and came up behind her, taking her hand in his. They both chuckled and began to dance.

Paige did look up from her puzzle when they laughed, and she watched Fee and her mom as they danced in the living room. She giggled at them, setting the puzzle piece down on the table.

Amy released his hand and moved the coffee table aside. "C'mon, Paige!"

She slipped out of the chair and joined them.

"Don't you dare act shy now," Felix teased. "C'mon."

She inhaled and they all just started to dance randomly, letting the music and laughter fill the room. Amy didn't care how she looked, she just wanted to be silly and laugh with them. She didn't even care if they were laughing at her or with her, although she knew Fee was laughing at her, but he was doing just as bad she was. It was fun to cut lose and not follow routine, and Paige was making them look even worse, because she had moves that Amy had never seen before. They used to dance all the time, and not once did Amy see them. Amy decided to question later and cheer her on now.

"Go Mama Bear." Fee's back came against hers.

She laughed and danced against him.

"Nice jeans too."

"Nice ass." She smacked his ass. "It's huge, by the way."

He gave her ass a nice, big but painless smack, and she laughed again, pushing hair out of her face.

Why won't you save us, what we are,

Don't look clear. It's all uphill from here.

Ooh.

Merle peered in through the open blinds, seeing Paige and Amy dancing around the living room, and he spotted another man in the room. He was dancing with Paige, and Merle eyed the man who was touching his daughter. He was tall, very thin, but he had muscles too. He had dark brown hair with deep brown eyes and his lips were a little too scarlet. He suspected Amy had kissed him, because it was the same color as her lipstick.

His jaw tightened as the man bumped his back into Amy, watching them grind against each other then she smacked his ass, and his hand twitched the man did the same to her. She just laughed and pushed hair out of her face, and he clenched his jaw, stepping back when Paige looked out the window. Shit! He'd noticed her looking around for him sometimes, and he always tried to make sure she didn't see him. He just wanted to make sure they were all right. After Mason told him about Tomas' thug, he didn't want them to go after his little girl. Amy's little girl. Goddamn, he needed to get it straight. Paige was Amy's, not his. Amy's. Christ, Amy wasn't even his. She and the ballet boy were together, it seemed.

He peered over once more, the ballet boy had his hands on Amy's hips now, his pelvis against her ass, and Merle wanted to burn the boy where he stood. Not only was he dancing like that with Amy, but he was doing it front of his daughter! Amy's daughter! Goddamn, he was just pissed!

He stalked off before he kicked in the door and knocked the ballet boy's pretty white teeth down his throat.

Because it's who we are.

Doesn't matter if we've gone too far.

Doesn't matter if it's all okay.

Doesn't matter if it's not our day.

Gareth watched Amy with the man and the little and he watched the man who watched Amy with the man and little girl, and he chuckled darkly.

"Call me Paul." He gestured to the cot beside him. "Sit, please."

"Paul?" She took a seat. "Is that your real name?"

"Nothing throws people like the truth."

"Let's cut to the chase."

"Please do."

"I need you to help me."

"I know that look." He chuckled. "He left, eh?"

"This isn't about him. It's about you and me. I need your help, so here I am."

The baby girl-child was his, the same his who she lied about. He chuckled again. He knew. She looked just like him, sensed like him, and he knew he couldn't get close. He had to wait, had to plan. Of course he would plan. He would plan well. He would be back. No girl would stop him. He would get to her, both hers, and he wouldn't stop. Simple: drug and take, drug and take. No, no, no, no. Challenge: fought back and ran, fought back and ran. New plan: drug, kill and take. Yes, drug, kill and take.

He chuckled again as Merle stormed off, and he lifted his eyes to the little girl again. "Paige Merrill Harrison. Harrison, Dixon. Dixon, Horvath." He fingered the locket. "Sophia Nora Dixon. Peletier, Dixon. Dixon, Harrison. Harrison, Greene." Too many names, too many options. Harrison and Dixon, he decided on.

Why won't you save us, what we are,

Don't look clear. It's all uphill from here.

Ooh.

– – –

"I brought the mule." Carol thrust her thumb back at Daryl as she entered Sasha's house for the baby shower that was to be in four hours, but since Shawn had forgotten to bring chairs and tables in last night, he had to rush to do it today. Carol brought Daryl to help with the heavy lifting. "Hey!" Carol hugged Sasha. "What can I do?"

"Help me with this baby."

"Baby?" Carol looked over and saw a baby sitting in a carrier on the table. "Aww. Who is this?" Carol set her purse on the floor and scooped up the little baby girl.

"Judith." Rick stepped in from the back yard. "The youngest."

"You guys have another child?" Carol gaped. "And I wasn't informed?"

"That's on Lori." He held his hands up. "I have to help with the heavy liftin'." He bolted to get away from her, but not before Carol saw the pain in his blue eyes. There was a story there.

"I know it's been years, but I don't know why Lori wouldn't tell me about her." Carol shifted the baby in her arms. "Then again we really didn't talk all that much at that party or...after. I should call her."

"She's coming to the shower. You can talk to her then." Sasha glanced over as Shawn and Rick and Daryl laughed outside. "They will never get anything done."

"Go and scold them then tell me why Judith is here."

"Five seconds." She walked out. "Shawn!"

Carol felt the baby reaching for her necklace. Daryl had went out and bought her a little heart necklace with a silver chain to temporarily replace her lost one; just to have something there, he said. He did it while she and Amy were dress shopping, and he presented it to her that night. It was really sweet, and she loved it, but she would get her locket back. She knew she would, but until then she would make sure Daryl knew how much she appreciated the necklace, even if it took hours. "No, Judy, no, no." She pulled the necklace away from her.

"I think I crushed his male pride." She rejoined Carol. "I didn't know he had one."

"Me neither." Carol laughed.

"Where's Sophia?"

"She's at home with Maggie. It's still early, and I want Sophia to get some sleep, and Maggie had some free time, so she accepted." Carol pointed her index at the baby in her arms. "How'd you get her and not Carl?"

"He's at the dentist, and Rick brought her with him, because Rick offered to help and didn't want to leave me with only Shawn since we didn't know if Daryl was coming. Lori didn't want to leave Carl alone with the dentist, because he's scared of the dentist."

"I see. Well, I'm happy to have her."

"Good, because I need to work on these gift baskets." Sasha pursed her lips at the question Carol's eyes. "I just hate people giving me gifts, so I make these. I have issues, I know."

"It's sweet. Once Shawn gets done, he can help. Daryl too."

"Because I can see Daryl trying to neatly place bath balls and scented candles into gift bags."

Silence filled the space as images poured into their mind of Daryl embracing a feminine side and delicately placing bath balls into gift bags then smiling with pride as he adjusted curled ribbon. They both died laughing, Shawn arched a brow as he and Daryl brought in a table, and neither Sasha nor Carol couldn't look at Daryl directly.

"But she can laugh?" Shawn scoffed. "Ah, it's better that way."

Daryl said nothing, just glanced over at them once more before heading out to help Rick.

Sasha took a seat as they slowly stopped laughing, and Carol read over the note Lori had written about Judith. She was a little sadden that Lori hadn't mentioned the baby, especially after telling her about Carl. One would assume having a baby would be one of the first thing you tell an old friend. She severely doubtedl Lori forgot, so...why not tell Carol? Did she think Carol wouldn't care? Speaking with Lori was a little strained, but she never once thought it was because Lori was mad at her or didn't trust her. Shit, they really did need to talk. God, if her list got any longer, it would wrap around the damn earth!

"I know," Carol replied to the baby's burbles. She pulled the baby back and looked her over. She looked a lot like Lori, but something was off about her eyes. They were like Lori's, but not quite Lori's. It was strange. They had a tint that didn't belong. They weren't at all similar to Carl's eyes or Rick's. It was odd. Maybe she was imagining it. The baby was beautiful, of course, but it made Carol wonder about things she probably shouldn't. She wasn't worthy to judge anybody, only God.

Shawn and Daryl and Rick brought in all the tables, Sasha gave them some water to drink and Daryl wondered where Carol was. He heard laughter, but from the baby, and he walked to the backyard. He found Carol outside in the grass with the baby, smiling widely and happily, bringing a light to her beautiful eyes and lightening her angelic face, her hair falling in her face just right. He'd never seen Carol with a baby before, but as he observed silently, he couldn't help but smile and hope to see this again one day.

Carol laughed and dropped her face onto the baby's little tummy to place a kiss there, and she pushed herself up onto her knees. "You gonna stare all day or get over here and talk?" She looked at him through her hair, smirking.

"Wondered where you went to," he explained.

"Well, you found us." She sat back on her legs. "I assume you've let Judith Grimes."

"Nah." He walked over to them and crouched down. "Judith? What kinda name is that?"

"Hers." Carol tucked hair behind her ear. "She's so precious. I love babies, and I hate that I missed most of Sophia's being a baby. Oh, so you're cute. Yeah, you are." Carol giggled.

"Why'd you miss it?"

"Ed and...a little bit of depression." She met his eyes. "When I had Sophia, I was...numbed by it. I wasn't thrilled, you know? Bouncing off the walls happy, that came later. For a few days, I just felt...really sad. I missed Ethan."

He set a hand on her shoulder. "I'm sorry."

"You weren't there." She shook her head. "Don't be sorry for anything that happened those four years." She picked up Judith and rose. "I think I should head in and help. Do you wanna take over?"

"What?"

"Easy, Daryl." She began to put Judith in his arms. "She's a baby, not a football. Here, support the head. Here, I'll grab this." She took the bottle of water and positioned his arms. "There you go. Have fun." She opened the bottle and drank from it as she went inside.

"Carol!"

She poked her head out. "Consider it practice!"

"For what?"

"That thing call the future." She winked and disappeared inside. In two days, they would have one together officially and no one was going to take it away. She smiled at Sasha's progress with the gift baskets. "Wow, how many people are coming?"

"Just twenty." She pointed to the purple baskets. "These are for you, Beth, Maggie, Michonne and my mom, along with a regular basket. I just want to thank you all for being here, being supportive."

"Why me? I haven't been here at all. Gosh, I really hardly know you, Sasha."

"That's not true. You have been here." She smiled. "And you have time to get to know me. I'll be here with the twins, and I could really use help. You know, babies and feedings, and I don't have anybody to watch Shawn."

She chuckled. "I'll be here."

"I am good with babies," Shawn corrected. "I took care of Carol when she was younger."

"I had to eat the hard candies Mom and Dad left in the dish for guests when you watched me, because you forgot to feed me!" Carol shot back. "You're the reason I got a cavity."

"Yes, but look at that smile. It's beautiful." He backed out of the room.

"All right, I'm gonna run home to get Sophia and your gifts then I'm coming back." Carol scratched her arm. "Daryl has the baby, and he's going somewhere with Shawn and Rick, so tell him where I went, because Mag has to shower and get ready. Like ten minutes ago." She grabbed her purse and ran out the door. Shit! Maggie would never let her forget that she was late. Ugh!

––

Music, light chatter and little kids and adult laughter filled the house as people enjoyed themselves at Sasha's shower. She was pleased that everyone had made it. Everyone who really meant a lot to her were there: Michonne, her mom, Carol, Beth, Maggie, Lilly, and Donna. She could hear Andre and Carl playing with Sophia and Paige in the backyard. She kept glancing back to make sure they were all right. She told them not to play near the pool, and they weren't, but she was nervous. Andre was capable of watching them, being about four years older, but still, she worried.

"So?" Carol asked nonchalantly, sitting by Maggie at a table, legs crossed with a glass of water.

"It's in my trunk," Maggie replied. "It'll fit you good. I took the liberty of findin' a...a-hem to match."

"Thanks, Mag." She smiled. "And I will tell you all tomorrow why I need this and the training."

She smiled. "That better be a promise."

"It is." She smiled back, seeing Lori alone finally. "I'm going to get some water. I'll be back." She dumped her water into the plant by the kitchen and waltzed over to Lori. "Hey."

"Hey yourself, stranger." She smiled a little over her drink. "So, you'll be an aunt in...what? Three weeks? Two?"

"I haven't kept track lately." Her brain was too busy with thoughts of Ed. "How have you been?"

"Good." She nodded. "You?"

"I've been busy. Since my mom died, Dad's all but given me the Greene Leaf, and I have to keep up with it. It's a little dizzy, and I guess the recent spikes of violence aren't helping my business either, but I hear we have great coffee." Lori laughed, and Carol sucked a breath in through her teeth. "But luckily I've taken some time off, and I'm going to regroup and then open in October."

"I'm sorry about Annette."

"It's all right. She's at peace now, and we're here, celebrating life that will be here in a few weeks, so that helps."

Lori smiled a little. "Okay, selfish, but please tell me you'll be making those pumpkin cakes? They're so good! I ate so many during my pregnancy, I'm surprised the baby wasn't the color of a pumpkin."

"Judith, you mean?"

Lori stopped smiling. "Yes, Judith." She dropped her eyes.

"Why didn't you tell me about her? She's absolutely precious, and we used to tell each other everything. You were my best friend."

"Let's not talk about this." She began to walk away, but Carol grabbed her forearm. "Carol, please."

"No, I want to talk to you about this."

"Fine." She led her to the front porch, because she didn't want Carl to overhear. "You want to talk? Let's talk. You and I were supposed to go to college together and be roommates and—and go to parties just to laugh at how wasted the other underclassmen got."

"I was pregnant by that time, and married. How can you be mad at me for that?"

"I am not mad at you for Ethan or for Daryl! I was happy for you! I just—You didn't just push away Daryl." She licked her bottom lip. "We had been friends for as long as I could remember, and I never told you, but you were my first best friend. I trusted you with everything in my life, and I loved you like a sister. When I found out you had lost Ethan, I wanted to see you. I went to see you, actually."

"When?" Carol started shaking her head. "I don't remember this."

"How can you not? You sat there and just degraded me! You mentioned every secret I had to the entire room and laughed about it! You ripped up the flowers I brought as well!" She was glaring. "I trusted you, and you just betrayed me."

"I—I have no idea what you're talking about, Lori. I never—I never saw you."

"I guess you were too busy mixing pills." She sighed. "I—Sorry, I didn't mean that. I understand that losing Ethan was difficult, but you took it out on everybody. You pushed me away. Pushed us all away."

"Then why are you telling me this now? Why didn't you find me the minute I stepped into that party and scream this at me?"

"Because you were right. Everything you said about me was true." Her voice caught, and she covered her mouth with her hand. She whimpered and tried to hide the tears.

"What did I say? What did I say?" Carol tried to comfort her as they sat down on the steps. "I'm sorry! The pills made me numb, and—and I'm just really sorry."

It took a long time for Carol to calm Lori down enough to talk. She was so upset about things Carol didn't know about, that nobody really knew about, and it was killing her. She'd known Carol all her life, and when she left, Lori had no one. She and Andrea fell out after high school, and she couldn't talk to Rick about her problems, because she just couldn't. She had no one to turn to and then... Oh, God.

She exhaled shakily and ran a hand through her hair. "We're getting divorced this September."

"What?" Carol exclaimed. "Why?"

"Because I had an affair with his best friend." She met Carol's eyes. "I got pregnant."

"Oh, my God." Carol gasped. "You mean, Judith—"

"Is Shane's little girl, not Rick's." She nodded. "I don't know how it happened. God, we were just talking. It was normal talking about Carl's birthday, and I made a comment about how Rick probably wouldn't remember then Shane snapped and told me he would. We argued then I went inside, and he followed, apologizing about his tone and then...somehow he was holding me. I don't why I kissed him. Maybe it was because Rick hadn't held me in weeks, maybe because I was just vulnerable at the time, I can't say."

"But...you didn't stop there, did you?"

She shook her head, gasping in a small breath, wiping at her eyes. "Over the next few weeks, Shane would come over when Rick was at work and Carl was at his friend's or at school. I never tried to break it off either. I didn't want to. God, I was considering doing that until Shane found someone he wanted to settle down with. I'm so horrible to have done that to Rick."

"Hey, hey, don't. People make mistakes, and we're stupid. Really stupid sometimes, but that's just who we are. That's what makes us human."

"What human makes love to another man in the same bed she made a son with her husband?"

Carol was silent.

"Tsh, human." She shook her head. "I'm just a bitch."

"Do you love him? Rick, I mean."

"Of course I love him. I just... I don't know. I love Shane too, I guess."

"You guess or you know?" Carol peered at her.

"I know." She looked at Carol with teary eyes. "Why are you asking me that?"

"Because if you loved Rick, you wouldn't love Shane. I think...it's better for you two to divorce. Don't fight it."

"What do I tell Carl?"

"That you love him and that this changes nothing. You're still his mother, and Rick is still his father. You just—you have to see the good in this. You just have to."

"What good? My husband is leaving, because I'm a horrible person."

"You have a beautiful baby daughter," Carol reminded her. "And she'll be so loved by you and by her big brother Carl and by Shane too. You know he wants to be in her life. That's how Shane is—was—is. I don't know. It's been too long."

Lori laughed weakly. "He wants to get married once the divorce is final, raise her right." She wiped her nose on her sleeve. "I don't know. It's all just a mess. We haven't even told Carl. It's been six months since Rick decided he wanted a divorce."

"But Judith isn't even—"

"He did the math," Lori cut her off. "We hadn't slept together in weeks, and he figured it out. He didn't know who it was until Shane...came over and discovered I was pregnant. He realized it then and left. He's been staying in an apartment ever since."

"I've seen Rick and Shane. They're friendly. I know they are."

"Because Rick blames himself and me, and he puts his job before anyone else. He doesn't bring his personal life into work with him, but he did request a change in partners. I know a while ago they got into it, had a really bad fight, but they agreed the job came first." She dried her eyes. "This is my fault. I ruined a lifelong friendship, because I missed being held. I wish it never would've hap—"

"Don't you dare!" Carol snapped. "Don't you dare try and wish that affair away, because there is a sweet little baby in there that's life shouldn't be wished away!" Carol was screaming. "How dare you? You feel bad about the affair, but so what? It happened! You move on and raise that little girl, because she needs you! How could you be so cold as to sit there and say you wished that affair hadn't happened! Especially to me, of all people!"

"What's going on out here?" Andrea stepped out. "We heard the screaming."

Carol couldn't look at Lori. "It's nothing. Let's just go inside. It's about time to open gifts."

"Car—" Lori gripped her wrist.

Carol jerked her arm back. "Go cry to yourself, because nobody wants to hear you wish that child away!"

"I wasn't wishing her away! I was just—"

"Don't try and change her, because she is perfect the way she is! Cherish her and accept the consequences of your actions." She walked back inside, her anger vanishing at the sight of Sophia playing with baby Judith. She smiled and her hand went to her necklace. Maybe one day in the future Sophia could play with her own baby sister or brother. Maybe.

––

Carol helped throw away the trash from the shower with Michonne as Andrea and Amy headed out, saying goodbye and taking a few of the cute little mini cakes with baby booties in icing on them to go. Sophia and Andre were shoulder-to-shoulder on his tablet, playing some game, and they were having fun with it, because they were laughing and grunting when they messed up. Carol hadn't spoken to Lori the rest of the night, but she did see Lori spending quite a lot of time with the baby. She wasn't going to hold Lori's hand and help her through it, not when she regretted having Judith. Carol was fine having only Amy and Andrea as friends and now Sasha too.

"I still can't get over how adorable these are." Sasha held up the two little bears Carol had made for the twins. "Thank you again, so much."

"You're welcome." She smiled. "I'm just glad you like them."

"I love them. I'm tempted to keep them for myself."

"She never learned to share," Michonne commented. "We would go out with our moms, and I shared all the time, but she was stingy. It was all "that's mine" and "don't touch my stuff". She smacked my hand for trying to touch one of her favorite snow globes."

Sasha covered her face with the bears, embarrassed.

"I know the feeling." Carol folded a tablecloth.

"You were like that?"

"No, Shawn."

"I can't see that." Michonne set the folded tablecloths on top of Carol's.

"He was a chubby kid," Carol confessed, "and he would steal my cereal. Mom would give me some then turn her back to make breakfast, and Shawn would steal a big handful. I would cry and point at him, but Mom thought I was jealous about not getting eggs and bacon. No, the asshole stole my damn Fruit Loops! Every single time."

She laughed.

"Oh!" Sasha set the bears aside. "I almost forgot. I have those baskets for you two."

"Free stuff. This is why I came." Carol smirked and sat down.

"Here you two are." She handed them out. "Enjoy."

"Should I be worried?" Carol removed the bow and moved the wrappings aside, seeing a few samples of massage oil and a few lotions and some lacey unmentionables. "I'm more alarmed that you know my bra size than anything else in here."

She laughed. "I'll tell never tell my secrets."

"Tell me this." Michonne held up a skimpy, white lace design piece of lingerie. "Who the hell I am going to wear this for?"

A couple days after Andre turned seven, Larry and Terry had died in a car accident, because they were under the influence. Thankfully, the people in the other car weren't too badly injured, though ever since, Michonne hadn't been with anybody. She just raised her son and focused on him, and Sasha thought she'd waited long enough to go out and date somebody. She was giving her a push. Hopefully, she took it.

"Umm, well—"

"Really? You're goin' to give me that?" Rick scoffed as he and Shawn entered the house. "No, you can do it yourself. Some of us are too—" he cut off when he saw Sasha, Carol and Michonne in the living room and his eyes went to Michonne and the lingerie. "Um, sorry." He blushed a little. "We shoulda knocked."

"Aww, look who's tongue-tied." Shawn slapped a hand on Rick's shoulder. "Ladies."

Michonne smirked. "Shawn." She crossed her arms, resting the lingerie in her lap. "You can move the tables now. I'll help."

"No, we got it," Rick assured her.

"I said I'll help." She set the lingerie in the basket and rose. "Even if the Greene Leaf isn't open, these tables and chairs need to be returned, and the sooner the better, so I'm helping."

"Well...all right then."

"Where's Daryl?" Carol glanced between them.

"He's outside with the truck, opening it," Shawn answered. "He's alive, don't worry."

"With your driving, I worry."

"I will wrestle with you," Shawn promised. "I will snap you like a twig."

"I've been training with Maggie, remember?"

"Oh, yeah? I can and will run like a woman," he promised. "Let's move these tables."

They all laughed, even Sophia and Andre who only heard what Shawn said, then Michonne and Rick carried out a table then Daryl came and helped Shawn with another. Carol nonchalantly slipped the gun and holster into her basket while they moved the tables and chairs out, and she took a deep breath. Soon, it would be over. It would all be over. It made the world spin to think in less than forty-eight hours she would be free of Ed Peletier. It made her a little sick too, but in a good way. She was going to divorce him and never look back. She wouldn't waste another thought on Ed in two days. God, that felt good. The storm was about to end, finally.

––

"So, what did we get?" Shawn sat beside Sasha on the couch once everyone had cleared out. "Anything good? Anything we'll burn and pretend we never got?"

She smirked. "Nothing like that. We have anything we need and plenty of clothes. Seriously, these kids will dress better than us."

He smiled. "That's for insulting my clothes."

"Well, they are horrid," she teased.

"I'm too tired to respond." He sank into the couch.

"Where did you three go anyway?" Sasha reached over and moved his bangs from his hair.

"To your parents' house. We hung out with T and Ty." He closed his eyes. "You? How was the shower?"

"It was really good. I'll admit it made me miss spending time with my friends, going out and drinking, but I'm really—" she cut off at the sound of soft snoring, and she looked over, seeing her husband passed out beside her. "Shawn?"

He was out.

She smiled a little and kissed his forehead. "Good night to you too."

– – –

Carol spent the morning of Amy's big day telling her dad and siblings about Ed and the abuse. She had edited it for them, because she didn't want them to chase after him with guns and knives, but it was still horrible. She could see the rage behind their eyes, but not one of them looked at her with disappointment or hate or disgust. They looked at her with love and then they each gave her a hug to let her know she was loved and it would be all right. She couldn't stop crying at the reaction, and she had to excuse herself for a moment.

She returned to the living room and explained her backup plan to them. She'd told them her plan. She was going to see Rick shortly after this and try to sway to him abuse his power as a cop to find Ed—hopefully, dropping Mag's name helped—then she was sending Sophia with Hershel—he demanded to be the one to protect her—tomorrow morning so she'd be safe, and she and Daryl were going to find Ed and talk to him. She mentioned the training, so she could defend herself, and she had a gun for protection, just in case it went south. She was prepared, and they seemed to admire that. She was glad. She was terrified they'd think she was being stupid. She was so relieved they didn't.

She drove to the studio where she was meeting Amy. She was so excited about telling Amy, and she wanted to do it alone. Daryl was working anyway, and Sophia was Dale and his wife today, so she wasn't worried about her. She was in good hands. All Carol had to worry about now was trying to convince Amy this was a gift and could not—would not be accepted back. It was hers, and Carol wanted her to have it. Amy deserved it.

She parked and whizzed up the stairs, too excited for her own good, and she found Amy inside. "Hey!"

"Hi!" Amy hugged her. "So, what's up? Why are we here? When do we eat?"

Carol laughed. "You're hungry?"

"I'm starving, but I'm scared I'll throw up on stage, so I'm trying not to eat. Andrea would chew me out, and Fee would shovel food down my throat, and I know you'll freak on me too, so that's why we're eating after this. I seriously need meat."

"Okay, Amy, breathe."

She inhaled deeply and exhaled it then did it two more times. "I am not okay. I'm scared, Carol, but I'm so, so, so happy! No, I am ecstatic! I'm going to perform for the first time in years in front of my friends and family and strangers, and my parents are going to make it and—and—why is the room spinning?"

Carol gripped her wrists and steadied her. "You breathe, and I will talk." She released her and gestured to the room. "Welcome to your new dance studio!"

A beat.

Amy looked at her, a laughing expression on her face then it faded into one of shock then to one of guilt then she was just pale. She couldn't stop staring at Carol, and Carol tried to keep the big smile and arms out, but eventually, her arms started to ache with a dull burn from being held in the same position for too long, and she dropped her arms and smile. She eyed Amy, bending over to wave a hand in front of her eyes, and Amy inhaled deeply.

"Holy shit. My what?"

"I saw how happy you were to have taught the girls that dance, and I know you don't want to spend your life performing in front of strangers, so I bought you this with my inheritance."

"You—and your inher—on me?" Her voice broke and tears flooded her eyes. "No, no, I couldn't possibly let you—"

"You will and you have no choice in the matter. This is your place now. We can paint it and move in benches. And there's a room for an office! It's very spacious." She grinned. "We have painters coming in, thanks to Dale, who is paying for them, and they want to do whatever you want them to."

She hugged her, having only happy tears, and Carol gripped her tightly. "Thank you." She sniffed. "I'll repay for you this somehow."

"It's a gift. You don't owe me anything."

She released her. "Yes, I do. Now, is there a bathroom? I didn't wear waterproof mascara."

"Through there."

She went to the bathroom to fix her makeup, Carol smiled at how much Amy liked it, and she waited for her, looking around and thinking of all the possibilities. Dale didn't care how much it cost to paint the rooms, the outside and add a sign; he just wanted to help make it Amy's place. Carol didn't tell Amy Allen was going to buy any furnishings she wanted and help reel in students. They were both just dying to help Carol surprise Amy, mostly because they wanted Carol to be the one to receive Amy's anger when they spent too much money on her, but she didn't care. She was all fuzzy with warmth to care.

"I'm thinking a pale blue." Amy sat beside Carol as they shared a pizza in the studio, the first meal there. If only the floor was the table. It was clean, Carol knew, but she liked to eat at tables.

"It's your place, but I like that."

She wiped her hands on a napkin. "I had sex with Merle." She looked at Carol.

"And how did that make you feel?" Carol teased.

Amy rolled her eyes. "Be serious, please. If I wanted Shawn, I would find him."

"All right, I'm serious. How did it happen? Where did it happen? How many times did it happen?" Carol arched a brow playfully at the last question.

"All right, you're twenty-five. Please."

"When?"

"Before the fourth, I was seriously desperate. I went on with the biggest asshole at Andrea's office just to sleep with him, and I ended up moaning Merle's name when he kissed me, so that didn't work. I ran into Merle that night, and I just wanted to talk." She picked at the crust to her pizza, no longer hungry. "We talked for a while...then he made a joke about me needing to get laid and I teased him back, but he offered, and I didn't hesitate."

Carol took a drink of pop from her can. "Were you drinking?"

"A little Scotch, but he took mine from me and drank it. He had about three."

"That's like a warmup for Merle."

"I kept telling myself that it just sex. I've always told myself it's just sex." She met Carol's eyes. "Then Paige looked at me yesterday and told me she loved Merle because of what I told her about him. I came this close to saying I love him too." Panic filled her green eyes. "Love, Carol. Love!"

"It's all right to love Merle."

"I don't even know what love is, Carol. I was sixteen, an—and had no relationship to draw off of, so for all I know I'm just comfortable with Merle. He's been there for me these past five, six years, and I don't want to pressure him, because I don't know if it's love or convenience. I don't want to trap him." Her eyes burned. "I just... There are things, little things, that make me question that though."

"What things?"

"When he kisses me or touches me, it's...like my entire body wakes up. When that asshole kissed me, I felt nothing. He just...felt like a substitute, you know. He wasn't who I wanted, and I kept telling myself that it was only Merle, because he was the last man I was with, but it wasn't true. I wanted Merle. I craved Merle." She shook her head. "I don't know why I felt that way, and it's eating at me, especially since I almost told Paige I loved him."

"Did you?"

"Honestly? I think I did deeply, but...it was too hard. It was too dangerous, and I ran. Not far enough apparently."

"Talk to him."

"It's not like Merle has a phone. Don't give me his number, I already tried to call him last night. Voicemailed me." She pulled her legs in. "I wonder if it'd be worth it to fight for him."

"I think so."

"See, I feel like I've already lost." She sighed softly. "And you know what really throws me?"

"What?"

"The last time we had sex that night, he was...tender. I think that's the first time I've ever considered me and Merle making love." She shrugged a shoulder. "I doubt it was anything. By that time, we were both exhausted, so I'm going to say he was exhausted. It's far less complicated that way."

"You wore him out?" Carol teased to lighten the mood.

Amy smiled at the gesture. "Completely."

"Well, good job."

"Shut up!" Amy hit her shoulder, and Carol laughed. "If I wanted someone to ask me how it was, I would talk to my sister."

"How was it?"

"Carol!"

She laughed.

– – –

Carol placed the pizza box into the backseat and closed the door. "If you want to speak, don't be shy. I know you're there."

Phillip walked over to her, and little arms wrapped around her waist. "I brought my daughter."

"Auntie Carol!" Penny cried. "I missed you!"

Carol turned and hugged her. "Hey, Penny! Oh, you got big! Look at you!" She smiled and held her a little tighter. "How are you?"

"We need to talk," Phillip said before his daughter could answer. "I'm on your side, Carol. I swear to God, I am on your side, but we need to talk. Please, it's important. It's about Ed."

"How can I trust you?"

"I wouldn't have brought Penny here if it was safe for her at home, now would I?"

She nodded. "Come home with me then. You already know where that is."

They met up at her house, Carol warmed up two slices of pizza for Penny and poured her a glass of pop as Phillip set a box on the coffee table. She was glad Daryl was at work, and that Dale had taken Sophia out for the day, because she didn't want either of them here for this. She'd even given Penny his phone to entertain herself with. She didn't want her to hear whatever Phillip had to tell her, and she didn't want her to see her aunt threatening her father. If came down to it, Carol would fight him too. If it meant keeping Daryl and Sophia safe, she would gladly fight.

"Ed sold the house," Phillip told her, opening the box. "He moved to New York last week for business purposes, but it's more than that."

"What do you mean?"

He held a folder out to her. "He bought a house out of the city, and he's gotten cleaned up. It's not like Ed. He was...broken by your leaving with his daughter. He couldn't just snap back. I know my brother. He wouldn't unless he knew it was coming back to him."

She flipped through the pictures, seeing the new house. It was lavishing, all of Ed's tastes that disgusted her, and she saw several women in the photos. She felt bad for them, but oh well. She had enough to worry about. She saw the address on a picture and studied it, searing the letters into her memory. "So, he's normal now?"

"I guess you could say that." He sat beside her. "He's planning something, and I won't let my niece get hurt. I've lost too much to let her get hurt."

She lifted her eyes. "What do you mean?" She saw the pain in his eyes and frowned. "Phillip?"

"He... He killed my wife." He covered his mouth with his hand. "Elizabeth's dead, because I didn't tell him where you and Sophia were."

She swallowed. "How long have you known where we were?"

He shrugged, trying to catch his breath.

"Why did you keep it a secret? Because of Sophia?"

He inhaled roughly and met her eyes. "Because of you. I—I owed you. I knew what Ed was like. I've always known, and I should've told you that day when you came over for dinner. I knew Ed would've snapped at me if I tried to tell you, and now..."

She exhaled softly. "Sophia isn't Ed's daughter, Phillip. I was pregnant with her before I met Ed."

"What?" He was breathless.

"Do you regret not telling him or me now?" She searched his eyes. "You don't have to answer me, just yourself." She rose. "What's in this box?"

"Just...pictures and—and addresses of the house and of his office."

She nodded. "Good. I'll need them." She set the folder inside. "I am sorry about Elizabeth. She was good person, and I loved her. You have my condolences." She closed the lid to the box. "I wish I had more to say, but I don't, not to you anyway. I am sorry, but you put my family at risk by coming here."

He shot up. "I drove here. I made sure Ed didn't—"

"Ed already knows where I am!" Carol shouted. "I know you know he does! Stop lying! Stop trying to get my sympathy! I have none for you, because I know you were helping him! You're the reason Axel died!"

Penny turned the volume up to the music, not wanting to hear the yelling.

He clenched his jaw. "Yes, I did help him, but I stopped!"

"Not before an innocent, good man lost his life!" She glowered. "You're a bastard."

He scoffed. "Think what you will, but know that Ed will come for you two sooner or late, whether or not Sophia is his child. He'll kill you. He's out of his mind, Carol. He sent Gareth after you."

She paled. "That—that was Gareth? He attacked me in my shop, but I fought back and he ran off with my necklace. Do you know where he might be? Do you?!"

"No, Gareth is unstable, but intelligent. He's the best at many things, and I can't find him. I've been trying, because I want my daughter to be safe, but I can't find his name, where he's staying—nothing!"

"Why would he hurt Penny?"

"Because Ed wants blood, and Gareth is his weapon. It'll all fall on Gareth in the end, and Ed wants to make me, make us, suffer for what we did."

"Gareth likes children?"

"Little girls." He nodded. "He likes to "play games". We have files from a case where the bodies of six girls around Penny's age were found mangled up in the woods. What he does is brutal, especially if the little girl has his "special attention". He's a smart son of a bitch, because we have no forensic evidence, no witness, nothing. We'll never catch him... What?" He studied her face.

"He took my Sophia." She set a hand on her stomach, as if to still the wave of queasiness that shot through her at the thought of what he could've done to her. "He... Oh, God, he was the one who made her hide from me. I thought—Oh, my God! He could've taken her! He could've—could've—" she cut off, shaking her head. He didn't. He didn't. That's all that mattered. He only played with your head. She's all right. She's all right, breathe!

"He was near her?" Phillip growled.

"She's fine. I don't think he wanted her. He was just messing with me." She crossed her arms, feeling her heart in her stomach. Sophia was alive and safe. He wasn't going to get her again. "Look, I've got a plan for my daughter, and I don't need you to try to protect either of us. Besides, she's not your kin."

"I love her like she is, and that's enough for me." He shook his head. "Look, I—I just want to make sure you two are all right and...if you'll do me a favor."

"Yes, let me assist the man who killed my friend, didn't tell me I was going to marry an abusive asshole and practically led his brother to me."

"It's for Penny," he spoke through clenched teeth. "I can't stay here another day. He'll get suspicious, if he isn't already, and I won't bring her back there. I need you to keep her safe, please! Please, I am begging you!"

She looked over at her niece. "You don't have to beg. Of course I'll keep her safe."

"Thank you." He sagged with relief. "I don't care what happens to me, just as long as she's safe."

She nodded. "You need to go. I have plans tonight, but after I will pick Penny up from wherever you're staying. I have plans of my own, and I can include Penny in those plans. She'll be in good hands."

He nodded. "I'll write the directions down."

Carol rubbed her arms, swallowing hard and waiting until they were gone before she cried about Elizabeth's death. She was close to Elizabeth. They did a lot together and for each other. She was her friend when Karen was busy with Milton's company parties. She was good to Carol and Sophia. She was really sweet and patient and strongly disliked Ed. She was the only person who really hated Ed enough to let Carol vent from time to time and not tell him. Now, she was gone. Penny was motherless. That poor child.

Saying a prayer for Elizabeth and Penny, Carol pushed off the door and scooped up the box. She had some time, and she had studying to do. She would know her prey before she went hunting. If Ed wanted blood, maybe talking wasn't going to be enough. How many people had to die to appease him? She was done playing games. If it came down to it, she would make sure that number stayed at three.

– – –

Daryl sighed as he wrapped his arms around his woman, hearing her let out a soft breath of slight annoyance as it was the second time he'd done it that night, and she still hadn't gotten anything more than her bra and bracelets on. They were running out of time, and Carol still had to check on Sophia and make sure their plans were in order for tomorrow. She just felt sick and nervous. No, dizzy and nervous. Eck!

"You keep gettin' smaller and smaller," he murmured.

"No, I'm not." She turned her neck to nuzzle her forehead into his neck. "I am, however, getting a little scared."

"Don't be." He tightened his grip on her shoulders. "I'll be right there with you. I ain't gonna let him hurt you."

She'd told Daryl about Phillip's visit, and they both agreed she would pick up Penny after dinner tonight and let her stay with Amy, just in case. Andrea could handle a gun, and she was tough, so was Amy. They could keep her safe and if it was a trap to lure in Sophia, they would make Phillip pay for trying to hurt her. They were both willing, and it made Carol feel proud to be their cousin. Now, it was just about getting Sophia to the RV tomorrow without Phillip knowing or Gareth seeing. It was going to be hard, but they would do it. They had no choice, not anymore.

He kissed the top of her head. "Lemme know if you need help with the zipper."

"Down or up?" Carol teased.

"For now, up." He stepped back. "Gonna check on Sophia."

She nodded and looked at herself in the mirror. Tonight was the end of it all. No more hiding, no more games. It was going to be just the three of them very soon, and Ed wasn't going to get away. She wasn't going to let him. Either he agreed to their deal or it was all over. She would find proof that he killed three people. She would. Phillip was looking, and so were the police. Sooner or later, he would have to stop running and face the truth, like she had to. She was either going to become a widow or she was going to get divorced. She'd rather have justice than vengeance, but sometimes you have to do what you have to do.

––

Carol sat with her legs cross in the dark theater, watching her baby cousin perform, but all that played in her head were Ed's words. He always thought he knew best, but he didn't. She wasn't going to take his bullshit anymore. She was done taking it. She had a man in her life that deserved the very best of her, and she wasn't able to do that because he still had that part of her. She couldn't forgive him to get it back. Her mother was right, but she just couldn't forgive him, because he not only raise his hand to her, but to her daughter, and he killed Axel and Milton and Elizabeth. How could she forgive him for that? How could anyone forgive him for that? He took away sons and a daughter, a mother and a husband, friends. It made her almost consider the latter. It was so tempting, but she was going to do this the right way.

She shifted in her seat, Daryl's hand never left her knee, and she peered over to see Sophia watching. She and Paige would nudge each other, gasp and giggle and make comments Carol couldn't hear. Andrea tried to keep them quiet as to not disturb the people around them, but they were in awe of the whole thing. Amy's parents were watching as if they didn't want to forget a single thing. It was a little strange, but it'd been years since they'd seen Amy dance. Carol had to admit, Amy was awesome tonight.

In the back of the theater away from the little girls' laughing softly and onlookers commenting softly, stood Merle Dixon. He knew it was just a little harmless dancing here and there, but he couldn't stand to see that prick touching Amy in any way, especially after what she and he had done. He thought...but no. They were two different people, and Amy would never want that from him, just Fee. Good ol' Felix Manning. Tsh.

Merle left with the intention of getting shitface drunk.

– – –

"That was amazing!" Carol hugged Amy. "You did so great!"

Amy laughed. "Thank you!" She hugged Andrea. "Oh, I am so, so, so happy you all made it!" She hugged Dale then Sophia and Paige, and she saw her parents, her heart dropping to her knees. She was out of breath, and she threw herself at them, hugging them both at once. She wasn't expecting them to make it, but they had. They were there for her. They didn't let her down. They came!

"And I get no introduction." Felix smiled. "Hello. I'm Felix."

"I've heard so much about you." Carol returned the smile. "I'm Carol."

"I'm starving," Paige grumbled before anything else was said. "Can we please eat?"

"I love this kid." Fee laughed. "I'm starving too, and if I had to wait through the hugs and tears and introduction, I would wither away."

They exited the theater and went to the restaurant where Allen and Maura were paying for dinner, no one had a choice in the matter either. Amy and Felix began to tell them about how many times they'd messed up in rehearsals and how relieved they were they didn't tonight as the server filled their glasses with champagne, Paige and Sophia both received sparking apple cider, so they wouldn't feel left out.

Allen smiled. "And you weren't hurt?"

"No, Dad, I wasn't." Amy crossed her legs. "Felix was very kind and got me an ice pack."

"It did, however, take half an hour to trust me again." Felix took a drink of champagne. "I had to sweet talk her. I also had to bribe her too, actually."

"When have you ever bribed me?"

Carol shifted in her seat, the cool metal of the bracelets on her wrists knocked together, and she felt her phone vibrating in her purse. She ignored it and listened to the conversation, feeling Daryl's hand slide over her lap and grip her thigh, squeezing it comfortingly. She set her hand over his, skimming her thumb over his knuckles softly, and she gave him a soft smile.

"All right, you two, cut it out," Dale teased.

"Seriously," Beth added. "There's a meter of how much cuteness I can handle, and you're about to break it."

Carol giggled.

"Yeah, you're stealing Amy's attention," Shawn playfully scolded them. "And dude, stop looking at my little sister like that!"

"Shawn, really?" She pointed to Sophia. "I doubt there's much—"

"I'm about to eat," Shawn cut her off, covering his ears. "Don't even!"

"And there are minors at the table." Amy nudged her head toward the girls. "So, Hershel couldn't make it? Maggie either?"

"Daddy had plans with Otis and Patricia tonight," Beth explained. "Mag's...working. Glenn sent flowers to your house from both of them, though."

"They didn't have to do that."

"I'll take them," Fee offered. "I can give them to my mother. Maybe she'll learn to love me again. She didn't take the news well, so now I'm an orphan."

They stared at him.

"He's kidding!" Amy assured them. "He's totally kidding!"

It took a minute for the conversation to go back to normal, Carol never let go of Daryl's hand until the food arrived, and Carol wondered if Maggie was helping Hershel prepare the RV. That's the real reason Daddy didn't make it. He wasn't one for ballet either. He wanted to make sure his granddaughter was safe, so he was probably buying food and some type of ammo. He knew how to shoot, but he just didn't like to. Ethan wasn't fond of guns either, but he kept one at the house just in case. They found it by accident when she was and Shawn were snooping through their bedroom trying to find their Christmas presents before they wrapped them. They were horribly nosy, and Shawn was the one who found the gun. He was the only one of them that could reach the top shelf without a stepping stool. As soon as he pulled it out the case, Mom walked in and freaked out on them. Shawn nearly dropped the gun she'd scared him so bad.

Mom...

Her hands traveled to the necklace that wasn't her locket. She sighed softly, feeling a knot in her stomach as the night got later and later. She had to meet Phillip right after she dropped Daryl and Sophia off at home—she didn't want Sophia to know they were in town—and took Penny to Amy and Andrea's. She was going to hold Sophia tightly in her arms tonight and pray that wouldn't be the last time.

"I just want to thank you all for coming tonight," Amy announced during dessert. "I really, really appreciate you all taking the time to—" she paused, trying not to cry, but she couldn't help it. She'd never really felt good enough to be apart of the Horvath family, but they'd taken the time to come see her debut and take her out to dinner and gushed over her. It was just too much.

"Aww." Maura slid her arm around her daughter's back and rubbed her back gently. "It's all right, take your time, darling."

"Just...thank you all so much." She smiled at them.

"Someone give the girl a damn tissue," Shawn said.

Amy laughed as Beth and Maura offered her tissues, and she wiped her eyes, looking over at her daughter, who was smiling at her. They'd made it. Everything was going to be all right from here on out. She had quite a few people to thank for this, and she needed to start with the person who helped her when she needed it the most. If he ever showed up again.

– – –

Alone in her house, Amy looked over herself in the mirror to her vanity, feeling pride in herself for the first time in a long time. She had a studio that just needed a little TLC, but otherwise was perfect and would be ready very soon. She knew her parents and Dale were ready to help her when she asked, and she might never ask, but it was really nice to know they were there for her. And Carol. She hadn't had a friend in such a long time, and knowing she had one as great as Carol added to her happiness. She was just really blessed.

She'd done so well tonight. Her daughter and sister and family and friends were all there to see her, and for once, Amy felt like she'd done something that made them proud too. She always felt like a such failure as a child, but now...she felt like a success, no matter how brief it was. She had done very well. She had flowers from her parents, Glenn and Maggie, Dale and Andrea in the kitchen to remind her how well she did. Until they withered and died. She had the feeling, and that would be with her. As will be Paige, who looked at her with pride.

She set her earrings down inside her jewelry box, smiling to herself, and she heard a knock on the door. All right, it was more like a pounding on the front door. She removed her heels quickly as to not keep the person waiting with her pained wobbling, because these heels were new and evil and tortured her poor feet—whoever made them hates feet and wants to see them die. They were probably filled with her blood.

She hobbled as fast as she could to answer the door, wondering if Andrea had forgotten her key. She knew Andrea and Paige had gone stargazing after the after-performance-dinner, and Amy was going to join them soon. She just needed her Converse and for to digest her dinner. Oh, and for Carol to drop of Penny. She wondered if Andrea forgot the telescope. For someone so smart, she was so forgetful. You'd think she'd have come up with a system to help her to remember. Although Andrea probably didn't have enough force to knock like that, did she? She was butch, but not that butch. Right?

She opened the door and found Merle on the other side. "Merle?" She was stunned to see him, and it wasn't a good stunned. He looked absolutely horrible. He wore a black wife beater with a tan button-down shirt and cargo pants and a bottle of something alcoholic dangled in his fingers. His eyes were wide and dark. Oh, no. Did he fall off the wagon? That slut told her he was doing well. Now this? God, Merle, what happened?

He ran his eyes over her. "Damn, you look mighty fine." He tossed the bottle behind him, it shattered onto the walkway, and he grasped her hips, kissing her neck.

"Merl—Merle, stop it." She pushed on his chest, trying to get him back. "Stop!"

"Mmm, love when you're feisty." He chuckled, she groaned at the wave of hot alcoholic-filled breath that hit her and shoved him back with her all her weight. He stumbled backward, knocking the door shut with his body weight, and he chuckled again. "You done good tonight."

"Thank you so much, and if you weren't completely intoxicated, I would offer you a hug or possibly a drink, which I may need to get through this." She smoothed down her dress that he had hiked up with his grabby hands.

"You need a stiff one?" He made a jerking off motion by his groin.

"Merle, please, you're wasted. Let me take care of you, all right?" She picked up the phone to call a taxi or maybe Daryl to come and get him. "I'll get you some water."

"I don't want water." He gripped her ass tight, almost painfully tight, in both his hands through her dress. "I want you, Am. C'mere."

"Stop it, Merle." She nearly dropped the phone, but she tightened her grip and managed to get free. "You're being vulgar, and you're being an ass! Just get off!"

"What, do I scare you?" He stepped toward her.

"No, of course you don't scare me." She held her ground. "You've never scared me, so stop trying. Just sit your ass down on the couch and let me get you some water and call you a taxi."

"I see." He eyed her. "You and pretty boy are bumpin' uglies, ain't you?"

"Merle, that doesn't concern you."

"That's a yes. He any good? Don't look like he got much."

She rolled her eyes, ignoring him now. He didn't know what he was talking about, and she wasn't going to talk or listen to him while he was besotted. "You're just drunk, and I doubt you have any money on you, and neither do I, because Andrea has my purse. Umm, I guess you can stay here tonight. I'll prepare the guest bedroom. Andrea will probably burn the room afterward, but try not to break anything, please." She doubted Daryl needed to see him like this tonight. They had enough problems, and she wasn't going to add Merle to that tonight.

He pushed her against a wall, she groaned at his weight slamming into her, the phone falling from her hand and landing on the floor in pieces. He ran his hands down her body. "He ain't ever gonna know your body like I do." He gathered the soft material of her dress.

"Merle, what are you doing?" She searched his eyes as her dress was being tugged up passed her thighs. "Are you going to force me to hurt you? I don't want to hurt you."

"Yeah, you do."

"No, I don't. Now, stop this before you do something you're going to regret."

"Too late for that." He tried to kiss her, but she turned her head, so he gripped her thighs and lifted her up.

"Merle!" She gripped his neck tightly, locking her thighs around his waist. "Oh, my God! Put me down!"

"End of the hall, right?"

"Merle!" She pushed hard on his shoulders, trying to get free, her thighs hanging low on his hips. "Put me down right now! You know you don't want to do this!"

He said nothing.

"Merle, please don't do this. You can have me sober, you know you can, so stop this. Please, please don't do this!" She struggled to get free, and he eyed her. "Please, just put me down. You know you don't want to do this."

"Amy?" It was Felix. "Am?"

She felt the muscles in Merle's back tense against her palms, and she shook her head. "Merle, no."

He dropped her and went over to Felix, she grunted and scrambled to her feet to stop him, but she only made it in time to see Merle punch Felix in the face, knocking Felix on his ass. She grabbed his arm to stop him from hitting Fee again, and Felix groaned, covering his nose with his hands.

"Stop it!" Amy glared at him, giving him a good shove. "You asshole!" She dropped to her knees by Felix. "Let me see."

"Who's the brute?" Felix asked as she inspected his nose.

"Merle, this is Felix Manning, my dancer partner. Felix, this is Merle Dixon, the...father of my child." She apologized when he groaned in pain. "It's not broken, at least."

"You let this guy have sex with you? And you let him knock you up?" Fee looked him and scoffed. "Really? Thought you had better taste, Am."

"Merle, don't," Amy snapped at him when he started to walk toward them. "And yes, I did let him. He's a very proficient lover and a massive jackass too, especially when he's drunk. C'mere." She helped Felix stand up. "Go to my room. I'll bring some ice and whiskey."

He headed back to her room, and Amy stepped in the way when Merle started after him.

"You need to stop right the hell now, Merle Dixon!" she growled. "How dare you!"

"How dare I? Tsh, how dare you?"

"How dare I what? What the hell I have done? I danced with a guy, because it's my job. It's not like it was a lap dance either. It was ballet!" She glared. "I can tolerate you feeling me up inappropriately, because I know you, and you weren't going to hurt me. You would've let me go, and I can forgive you for that. But Fee?" She shoved him with all of her anger and strength, and he stumbled a little. "Punching Fee was a dick move! God, you're such an asshole! I can't even look at you right now! Get out of my house!"

He swallowed hard, sobering at her words. "He means that much to you?"

"I love him, so yeah, he means a lot to me." She pointed her finger to the door. "Out! That night a couple weeks ago was the very last time! You have no claim on me, Merle! None! God, I'm tired of men acting like I'm property! I am just so freaking done with men like you!"

"Men like me? You're gonna compare me to Tomas? Are you shittin' me, Am?"

She folded her arms over her chest. "I am sorry that we ever had sex after I had Paige. I truly am." She paused to settle her rough breathing. "Do you want to know why I named our daughter Paige?"

"The hell does that got to do with anythin'?"

"I named her Paige because our life was a new chapter in my story. A chapter that wouldn't involve you and your bloody, drug world. I think it's time I live by her name." He paled a little. "If I were to die, I wanted Paige to go to you, but not anymore, not if you're going to act like this. If I die, she's going to Andrea or to Carol if Andrea's gone. I am going to relinquish your rights as Paige's father somehow. We aren't friends or—or two people who occasionally get together to shag anymore. We are done."

He blinked at her then his face hardened. "You're a goddamn bitch, Amy."

"And proud of it." She opened the front door. "Be a man for once and just leave silently."

He scoffed and walked out the door without another word, slamming it so hard the wall shook.

She released her breath and stood there for a moment, panting as a tremble ran through her, and she couldn't breathe. Lowering herself down to the floor, she tried to catch her breath. She saw tears splashing onto the wooden floor before she felt them filling her eyes, and she coiled up, her forehead touching the cool surface. Oh, God, no. Did that just happen? Did she just say those things? Oh, God. No, no, no, no. What the hell did she just do?

"Fee!" Amy cried out. "Felix!"

He ran to the living room with a stiletto ankle boot as his weapon since that's all Amy had in her room. "Where is he?! I'll kick his ass!" He dropped the boot instantly at the sight of Amy on the floor and dropped beside Amy, setting a hand on her back. "Amy?"

She wrapped her arms around his neck. "I'm so stupid." She dug her nails into his back. "I'm so horrible."

"What happened?"

"I—I didn't mean to... I didn't mean to say—"

–––

Carol knocked on the motel door where Phillip and Penny were staying, her hand on the switchblade in her pocket should anyone else open the door, and she offered Penny a smile when she opened the door. She stepped inside, closing the door and seeing a pink backpack on the bed with a gun beside it. She set a hand on Penny's shoulder as Phillip exited the bathroom.

"Right on time." He smiled a little. "She just finished packing."

"We should go. I don't want to linger." She picked up the backpack. "I'll let you two say goodbye."

"We already did." Phillip looked pained at having to part with his daughter. "Have fun, Penny. Tell Sophia I said hi."

"I don't want to go!" Penny shouted. "I wanna stay with you! Please, I'll be good!" She clung to his waist. "Daddy, please don't make me go!"

"Penny, we talked about this."

"No!" she sobbed. "No!"

"Penny, please, you promised."

"I don't wanna go! You can't make me!"

Carol dropped the bag down onto the bed and took a seat on the bed. "Hey, c'mere, honey."

"No!"

Carol set a hand on her back, she looked over at her aunt, and Carol smiled softly, taking Penny's hands in both of hers as Penny turned to face her then Carol pulled her closer. She wiped away her tears. "I know you just lost your mom, sweetheart. I know it's the hardest thing you've ever had to go through, and you don't really understand it." She tucked hair behind Penny's ear. "I can't promise you it'll be all right. I can't promise you'll feel better tomorrow. I can't promise anything but this: Your dad and I will make sure the man who took your mom away from you is punished. He will never hurt anyone else again. I know that doesn't mean much to you now, but one day, it will make this loss a little easier."

Penny studied Carol for a long time then nodded.

Phillip ran a hand through his hair. "Why don't you go wash your face, Penny?"

"I don't want you to leave me too," Penny whispered.

"He won't," Carol assured her. "When we get back, he's going to take you out for pizza and ice cream, and you tell him all about the fun we had."

"Do you promise?"

"I promise." Carol hugged her.

"I promise too," Phillip swore.

Penny wasn't happy about leaving, but she went to wash her face like she'd been asked to do, and Carol gripped her backpack, waiting by the door. Phillip reassembled the gun and made sure the safety was on. He held it out to Carol, she eyed him, and he stepped closing, taking her hand and curling her fingers over the gun.

"Just in case."

She met his eyes and nodded. "I won't hesitate." Amy and Andrea wouldn't either.

"Thank you for doing this for me."

"Let me tell you this, Phillip: I am not doing this for you." She met his eyes. "I'm doing this for Penny and for Elizabeth. This has nothing to do with you and I do not want your thanks."

He nodded.

Penny walked over to them and gave her dad the tightest, longest hug, and he kissed the top of her head, reluctantly letting her take Carol's hand and leave the room. Carol didn't look back, just gave her niece an encouraging smile and led her to the car. She had to prepare tonight, and the sooner Penny was safe with Amy the sooner Carol could plan on getting her daughter to the farm unnoticed.

At Andrea and Amy's, Carol knocked and found Andrea folding a blanket up while Paige scooped out ice cream. She saw a telescope by the window, so they probably were stargazing. It was odd that they were back from stargazing so early. Their dinner ended less than an hour ago, and it was a clear night. What happened to change their plans?

"Hi, what's going on?" Carol asked Andrea.

"Merle." Andrea smiled at the little girl. "You must be Penny. Hi."

Penny turned to her aunt. "You're leaving me with strangers?"

"No, they're my family and your family too by marriage." Carol smiled at Paige. "Hey."

Paige returned it to be polite. "Hi."

"Where is she staying?"

"First door to the left," Andrea replied.

"I can find it myself. Thank you, ma'am." Penny gently took her backpack from Carol and went to the room to unpack.

"Now, I feel old." Andrea tossed the blanket onto the couch. "I have a five-year-old niece, and now I'm a ma'am."

Carol smirked. "We're the same age, and I don't appreciate you calling me old."

"Sorry." She closed the space between them. "We need to talk."

"Why? Can you not watch Penny?"

"No, no, it's about Amy." She crossed her arms. "Apparently Merle came by and was rough with her and Felix. Felix told me Merle was...possibly going to..." She trailed off, hoping Carol would fill in the blankets.

"Merle's a creep, but he's not a rapist."

"I know, but whatever he did really shook Amy. She's really upset. She won't even talk to me about it, or Paige, not that she would tell Paige about how bad Merle could get. All I know is she wants Merle's paternal right terminated."

"What? No!" She frowned. "Why would she do that? Merle may not be an ideal father, but he should still be able to be involved in his daughter's life!" She'd seen the way he held onto Paige at their pool party. She'd seen the look in his eyes when she walked away. She was wrong about him. He could be a good father. It would take time for him to realize that, but he would be a good dad.

"I can't lose my sister again, so I'm doing this for her. I'll speak with Dale, and we'll help her do this. If I thought Merle could change, I would defend him in a heartbeat, but I don't think he can."

She sighed. "All right, I'll talk to her about what happened."

"You can try."

Carol made her way back to Amy's bedroom, her bedroom door was ajar, and she pushed it open. "Hey, Am."

She lifted her eyes. "Hi." Carol placed one foot into the room. "If you think you can talk me out of my decision, just leave now."

"Can I ask why?"

"I'm doing this because I love my daughter more than anything in the world, and I will protect her with my last breath. I can't let Merle be in her life, because he's a bad influence. I don't want her to have the life I had. I've made too many mistakes before her and a couple after her, and I won't let her follow in my footsteps."

"Everything works out the way God plans it to."

"Exactly."

She sighed. "At least talk to him about it. He may change if he knew—"

"I'm not going to talk to him about her anymore. Or to her about him. I just need to focus on the studio and raising my daughter right now. Also keeping Penny safe. I can't think about Merle right now." She stood up and hugged Carol. "I'm sorry, and thank you for the studio again. I wish I could repay you. I'll find a way."

"I know how you can repay."

"How?"

"Repay me by telling me one thing."

"And that would be?" Amy released her.

"You told me you were in love with him, so...are you doing this, because you don't want Merle in her life or because you don't want him in yours?"

She laughed weakly. "Well, I am the more selfish of the Horvath daughters." Her eyes welled up. "Don't hate me for that. I hate myself enough for the both of us."

Carol shook her head and hugged her again. "I don't hate you. If you think this is best, I'll support you however I can."

She nodded then whispered, "Me and Merle have one thing in common: we both don't know what to do with love."

– – –

Carol sorted through her keys to find her house key on her way up to the front door, her head spinning at the thoughts that ran through her brain. She unlocked the door and stepped inside, closing it and lifting her head from her boot, sighing. Her eyes widened as she slowly stepped forward, examining the room.

In the dimly lit room, she could see stuffing from the couch littering the floor along with glass from fallen pictures frames and books from the shelves that lay in shambles. The coffee table laid in pieces with glass from the TV and wood from the entertainment center. The kitchen appeared as if a hurricane had blown through, and all of the glasses and dishes were shattered onto the floor, drawers were lying about with their contents resting among broken glass; the fridge door was broken, and even the wallpaper had been ripped from the walls.

"Daryl!" She shouted, panic filling her lungs, running to the stairs. "Sophia!"

She tripped on a stair, but didn't stop. She ran down the hall, first going to see her and Daryl's room. Perhaps Daryl was in there with Sophia, hiding or looking over the damage. She stepped into the room, seeing it was in disarray. There were no signs of Daryl being in this room. He wasn't in the bathroom or closet, and there was no note. They'd come up with a way to tell each other where the other was in case of an Ed emergency. They had a hiding place for a note that nobody knew about. There were no words, just a colored card. Red meant Ed, white meant random men Ed sent, but there was no damn note! There was nothing!

"Sophia!" She threw open the door to Sophia's bedroom. The turtle lamp shade was smashed onto the floor, so the light of the lamp was fully exposed and shined light in every dark corner on the floor. Carol drank in the room, shaking from the inside out. The sheets were all messed up, her books and coloring books tossed about with the colored pencils broken and Crayons stepped on; Dee Dee was lying on the bed completely gutted. The window had been kicked open and a cool breeze blew through the room, turning to ice as it settled into Carol's bones as she realized that this was never about her. The attack on her at the Greene Leaf was just to distract her from the real objective. It wasn't her.

It was them. It had always been them.

And now they were gone.