Chapter 6 - The Fall Gathering
AN: Hey, guys. Thank you for reading and for reviewing. I would really like to hear from more of you!
0o0o0
Over the next few weeks, Emma fell into a rhythm on the farm. She woke up before the sun each morning and made breakfast. Then, she went out to work with the men, or she cleaned and took care of laundry. Sometimes Merle gave her tasks to do, like milking the cows, or she would find something to do on her own. Lunch was served at noon. Emma would sit with the boys on Merle's porch having cold sandwiches or hot biscuits. Then, Emma would return to her work. A couple of hours before quitting time, Emma would clean herself up a little and make dinner. After supper, if Sam was up to it, Emma would read aloud to him or have him read aloud to her. Sam wasn't terribly good at reading or writing, so Emma thought their sit downs would strengthen his skills. Sometimes, Daryl would stick around after dinner. He would sit on the sofa and smoke his pipe while Sam and Emma sat near the fire reading. Emma suspected that maybe Daryl wasn't great with reading and writing, and that maybe there was a part of him that was interested in learning more. Emma knew she couldn't ask him. Any time she glanced up at him from the book she or Sam was reading, Daryl would suddenly decide to go on home.
Emma made good use of the supplies she had picked up in town. She replaced the windows first, then the shingles. Sam and Daryl replaced the loft floor in only a few days, so Emma was confined to Merle's sofa for a short time. Then, Emma painted the barn. Sam gave her a hand. Merle and Daryl took the animals out and gave them good exercise while Sam and Emma gave the barn a fresh coat of paint. When Merle saw what a good job Emma and Sam had done, he was more open to them painting his house. The day they started, he even helped. Emma remembered Daryl being opposed to his house being painted, so she let him know that they had the paint for it. All he had to do was ask. Thus far, he hadn't.
The first week of October arrived, and with it, the fall gathering. Each year, before the first snow, the Grimes' would host a gathering on their property. Richard Grimes was the town sheriff. He and his wife, Lori, went all out for the gathering. Many of the townspeople looked forward to it all year. Hershel managed to persuade Emma to come with him one year. There was a band that played music into the wee hours of the night and a dance floor for couples to demonstrate their skills upon. There was a feast of smoked ham, chipped beef and toast, cold cut sandwiches, mashed potatoes, sweet potato casseroles, gallons of cider, and much more. The women all got together and baked dozens of cakes and pies. There was a dessert table a mile long covered in gorgeous sweets. There were basins for bobbing for apples, faro games, and stickball. Richard, or as he was known around town Rick, usually held some sort of contest each year. There was always a great prize for the winner. The year Emma attended the gathering, the men tried their hand at log rolling. The winner took home an impressive hacksaw with an engraved handle.
The fall gathering was at the end of the week. Emma remembered that when she and Amy had spoken in Andrea's bedroom before Emma was off, Amy had begged Emma to come back to town for the gathering. Emma told Amy she would try, but didn't make any promises. Since the gathering was getting closer, Emma couldn't help but think about it. It had been a month since she was last in town.
"...Emma?"
Emma looked up from Sam's shirt. She had been sewing a button back on. Sam was sitting on the floor, his knees up at his chest. A book was balanced on top of them. He was scratching his head and looking up at Emma and then back down at the open book.
"I'm sorry, what is it, Sam?" Emma asked, setting the shirt aside.
"I was having trouble with this word..." Sam pointed down at one of the pages.
"What was you thinking about, girl?" Merle asked from his chair by the fireplace.
"Sam was asking me a question, Merle." Emma waved her hand at Sam.
"No, that's okay." Sam closed the book. "I was wondering the same thing."
Daryl came into the house, firewood in his arms. He headed to the fireplace and started putting the wood into it.
"You been spending a lot more time around old Merle's house." Merle grinned mischievously down at his brother as he kneeled in front of the fireplace.
Daryl looked over his shoulder at Merle.
"You want me to go?"
"Nah." Merle shook his head, still smiling. "I was just wondering if it had anything to do with our new farmhand."
Merle nodded over at Emma, who was oblivious to their conversation as she was helping Sam with the word he had tried to ask her about before. Daryl glared at his brother before he went back to starting a fire.
"Now will you tell me what you were thinking about?" Sam asked after he had sounded out the word with Emma's help.
Emma sighed.
"I was just thinking about the fall gathering. It's at the end of the week." Emma replied, picking up Sam's shirt to finish her work. "I was trying to decide whether or not I'm going."
"Fall gathering?" Sam asked, quirking an eyebrow.
Emma looked up from the shirt.
"You don't know about it?" Emma asked.
"Sam, you ain't missing nothing." Merle piped up from his chair. "It's some hootenanny that the people in town throw every year."
Emma suddenly remembered the reason why she had agreed to attend a fall gathering with Hershel. It was something he had said to her to make her change her mind.
"Every young person should have some fun while they can." Hershel had said as they sat out on the porch together the night before the gathering. "Once they come of a certain age, the fun they had when they were young doesn't come so easy. That's not to say older folks don't enjoy themselves, but it's a much different kind of pleasure."
"Well, I'm going." Emma spoke before she realized she had made her decision in that instant.
"What?" Merle asked.
"Hmm?" Daryl looked back from the fire at Emma.
"That's right." Emma nodded. "What's more, I'm taking Sam with me."
"You are?" Sam asked, pointing at himself.
"I didn't think you'd be into that sorta thing, girl." Merle shook his head.
"I'm not, but there are people in town who asked me to attend. More importantly, I think it would do Sam some good to have a bit of fun." Emma smiled down at Sam.
"People?" Merle lit his pipe with a chuckle. "You talking about Clarke?"
"Clarke?" Sam asked, looking from Merle to Emma. "Who's Clarke?"
"Clarke is a friend from town." Emma smirked in Merle's direction. "Not that it's any of your business, but it wasn't Clarke who asked. It was the reverend's youngest, Amy."
Emma and Sam didn't notice, but Daryl's ears had perked up upon Merle mentioning Clarke. Merle watched his brother as he began smoking his pipe. He had his head turned to the side, trying not to appear obvious that he was listening in on the conversation. When Daryl saw that Merle was staring at him, he abruptly stood from the fire and jammed his hands into his pockets.
"I don't know if it's such a good idea that I go." Sam rubbed his neck.
"Why?" Emma asked, folding her arms over her chest.
"Well, I..." Sam glanced over at Merle and Daryl before looking down at the floor and mumbling something inaudible.
"What?" Merle asked loudly.
"I can't...dance." Sam muttered, burying his head into his knees.
Emma laughed, surprising Sam. She covered her mouth with her hand, but smiled behind her fingers.
"I'm not laughing at you, but I just think it's funny that you think you can't go to the gathering because you can't dance." Emma explained herself carefully so as not to offend Sam. "I couldn't dance a lick before I met Hershel. Over the years I spent with him, he taught me well. We have a week before the gathering. Why don't I teach you?"
"I don't know..." Sam scratched his head.
"Oh, come on." Emma stood up. "We can start right now."
"Now?" Sam squeaked as Emma hoisted him to his feet.
"All right...so let's start with something simple." Emma held her hands up for Sam to take.
Sam glanced over at Merle and Daryl, who were watching in amusement by the fire.
"Don't pay any attention to them." Emma waved her hand in Merle and Daryl's direction. "Just focus on me."
Sam reluctantly placed his hands in Emma's.
"Now, we're going to take three steps together this way." Emma slowly moved with Sam across the floor. "On the third step, we're going to turn, crouch down ever so slightly, then come back up...like this."
Emma turned both her own body and Sam's, who was following along halfheartedly. They went down, then came back up.
"Then, we just repeat those steps." Emma replied. "Let's try doing it faster."
Merle chuckled, his pipe between his teeth.
"Emma..." Sam kicked his foot at the floor, visibly discouraged.
"All right, that's it." Emma walked over to where Merle was sitting and slapped his knee. "If you're going to sit there and make fun of Sam for learning to dance, you can leave until we're through."
"Leave?" Merle laughed. "This is my house, girl."
"Well, then stop laughing," Emma put her hands on her hips, "unless you think you can do better?"
Daryl snickered from behind Emma. Merle scoffed.
"You think old Merle can't dance?" Merle asked, motioning with his hands. "That all looked pretty easy."
"Okay." Emma grinned down at Merle and offered him her hands. "Let's see what you can do."
Merle puffed on his pipe for a moment, but then he stood. He placed the pipe on the mantel above the fireplace before accepting Emma's hands.
"Sit down, Sam." Merle led Emma out onto the floor. "Let me show you how it's done."
Sam stood with Daryl as Merle and Emma began to dance. Merle's brow furrowed as he mouthed how many steps he took. He counted one too many, and as Emma went to turn, Merle tried to take her another step. They faltered. Sam covered his mouth to hide his laughter. Merle glared over at him.
"I counted wrong." Merle explained as-a-matter-of-factly. "It could happen to anyone."
"Let's try again." Emma said with an amused smile.
Merle counted to himself again, and though this time he made the turn on the right step, he came down on Emma's foot with his boot. Then, he forgot to crouch. Daryl and Sam could barely contain themselves from the fireplace.
"I can do this." Merle insisted, becoming frustrated. "It's easy."
"Sam, come on." Emma laughed, backing Merle up into the sofa so that he could sit and observe. "Let's try this again, but we'll move faster. As if we really were dancing."
Sam, after having seen Merle stumble, was a little more confident. He was able to dance the steps with Emma without making a mistake. He smiled triumphantly.
"Let's step it up a notch. Step to the right." Emma moved them to the right, but Sam tripped over his own feet and had to catch himself. "Now, to the left."
"I think I got it." Merle stood up and shoved Sam out of the way. "Start over."
Emma let Merle lead her around the floor. After Merle led them to the right and to the left, Emma turned them. It threw Merle off for only a moment.
"Let's weave in and out of each other, now, as if there were other couples here." Emma linked arms with Merle and weaved herself around him to link arms with Sam.
"How about this?" Merle asked, trying out a move all his own.
Merle linked arms with Emma and they danced around each other in a circle before Merle suddenly changed direction. Then, Sam stole Emma away from Merle. He spun Emma out to the left, then spun her a little too hard to the right. Emma was surprised when Daryl caught her hand as she was twirled to the right. She had a smile on her face from all of the dancing. She expected it to continue with Daryl, who had her hand in his. Then, Daryl dropped her hand.
"I don't dance." Daryl mumbled, taking a step back towards the fire.
Emma recovered quickly with a shrug.
"Suit yourself."
0o0o0
The dance lessons continued all week. After supper, instead of reading, Emma would teach Sam steps so that he could dance with a young lady if he wanted to. Merle would watch from his chair, occasionally joining in if he felt like it. Daryl didn't stay after dinner for the rest of the week. Emma figured he thought dancing was silly and he didn't want to be a part of it.
The morning of the fall gathering arrived. People started arriving at the Grimes' at ten in the morning to help set up. Sam and Emma planned on leaving the farm at sunrise. They would arrive at the gathering around noon. For the day, Emma had taken Sam's shirt, a very bright blue button up, and washed it. She ironed it, plus his best trousers. Emma had Sam hang them up so that they wouldn't wrinkle by the time the day of the gathering arrived. She also gave his hair a trim the night before.
Hidden away in her own trunk, Amy had slipped in a gown for Emma to wear for the fall gathering. She knew that was what it was for because there was a note attached to it. The note read - I know this will look lovely on you, Emma. I cannot wait to see you. Emma knew she couldn't disappoint or offend Amy by not wearing the dress. Emma had taken it out of her trunk a few days before the gathering so that she could iron it and hang it up. As she stood in the lantern light of the barn in only the necessary undergarments, she studied the dress. There was no doubt that it was a beautiful gown. The dress was constructed of two pieces - a top and a bottom. The front of the gown was somewhere between cream and gold with a paisley print, which had become popular at that time. The top of the gown had a scoop neck bordered in a silvery green fabric that, Emma was sure was no coincidence, matched the color of her eyes. The bottom of the first piece of the dress came down into a defined triangle. The bottom of the dress was a full skirt, but much less severe than others Emma had seen before on fancy ladies. The sides of the skirt were a very dark yellow, almost the color of mustard, as were the lace cap sleeves. The back of the skirt was the same color as the fabric around the neckline. Yes, it was a beautiful dress, but it wasn't what Emma was used to wearing. When Emma felt the urge to throw on one of her own simple dresses, she thought of Amy, and sighed.
Emma put on the skirt first. She laced up the top piece of the dress with ease. She had been tying herself up for years. All it took was practice looking in a mirror. If one practiced long enough, they could memorize the movement. They would know when to crisscross, when to pull tighter, when to loosen the strings, and where the best place was to tie a knot. Emma looked down at her feet once the dress was on. The skirt covered her feet, so she chose to wear a pair of her boots. No one would notice. Just as Emma knew the routine of tying her laces, she knew how to put her own hair up. She collected her curls into a net, which wouldn't be visible once she folded her hair over it. Then, she tied a simple black ribbon off amidst the curls. A few wisps of hair snuck free to frame her face, but Emma didn't mind. Her hair would do what it wanted to.
When she was finished, as if on cue, the barn doors opened.
"Emma?" Sam hissed in the shadows. "Emma, are you awake?"
"Yes, Sam." Emma replied, walking towards the ladder.
"I came to..." Sam looked up at Emma, who was holding the lantern at her side. "Wow..."
"What?" Emma asked, pulling up her skirt so that she could climb down.
"Here, throw down the lantern." Sam recovered quickly, holding out his hands.
Emma released her skirt to toss the lantern down. Sam caught it.
"Be careful coming down, Emma." Sam warned her, standing close to the ladder in case Emma stumbled or fell.
"I will." Emma promised, starting down.
Emma managed to climb down without any issues, but did take her longer than usual. When she was safely on her feet, Emma took the lantern from Sam.
"Let me have a look at you." Emma smiled, twirling her finger. "Turn around."
Sam turned slowly so that Emma could admire him. He had combed his hair. Emma could see the lines from where the comb had raked through the knots and snarls. He had tucked his blue shirt into his trousers and rolled the sleeves up to his wrists. The white buttons were all fastened. Sam's trousers were tucked into his boots, which looked nice and clean. All and all, Emma was impressed with how he had cleaned himself up.
"You look handsome." Emma reached out to touch Sam's cheek. "The girls will be all over you."
Sam looked down at his boots. Emma could feel his cheek warming under her hand.
"Do you want me to help you with the carriage?" Emma asked.
"No." Sam replied, shaking his head. "You're all dressed up and looking beautiful..."
Sam suddenly looked back down at his boots.
"Thank you, Sam." Emma murmured.
"You're welcome." Sam mumbled, scratching his head when he lifted it. "I'll have the carriage ready by sunrise."
"I'll go inside and make something quick for Merle and Daryl to eat." Emma lifted her skirt to walk through the dirt floor of the barn. "Bring the carriage up to the house when you're ready."
Emma went up to Merle's house. She put an apron on over her gown as she sliced up apples and cut thick slices of sourdough bread she had baked the day before. She boiled a dozen eggs and piled them in a bowl for the boys to peel and eat as they liked. She was just putting the sliced bread into a basket when she heard Merle coming down from his bedroom. When he turned into the kitchen, Emma was surprised to see him dressed in nice clothes. He had on a green shirt almost as bright as Sam's. He wore a pair of nice trousers and a shiny belt at his waist. Emma set the basket of bread down beside the apples and eggs.
"Why are you dressed like that?" Emma asked.
"Old Merle decided to come with you." Merle replied with a smile.
"What?" Emma asked. "Why? I thought you never went."
"I've never went, but I felt like going this year." Merle's smile grew. "Don't you worry about a thing, girl. Old Merle will be on his best behavior."
Emma knew she couldn't keep Merle from going even if she wanted to. Her only reason for wanting him to stay was Sam. The day was for him. Emma wanted him to have a good time. That would be impossible if Merle was starting fights and drinking to excess. On the other hand, this was Merle's chance to show Emma he could change.
"You better be." Emma removed her apron.
"My, my, my." Merle whistled suddenly. "You look mighty pretty."
"Thank you, but," Emma circled the table towards him, "I don't want to hear you whistle at any of the girls today. It's rude."
"All right." Merle rolled his eyes with a grin. "You ready to go?"
Emma followed Merle out onto the porch. The sun was rising as they waited for Sam to bring the carriage. Merle pulled out a wad of tobacco to put in his cheek, but Emma caught his wrist.
"What?" Merle whined.
"You can smoke your pipe, but this stays in your pocket." Emma replied, letting go of Merle.
Merle grumbled, but put the tobacco away.
As Merle and Emma waited on the porch, Daryl came out of his house. He knew Sam and Emma would be leaving soon, but Emma had cooked breakfast every morning since she came to the farm. He figured she had breakfast for him and for Merle. So, Daryl headed up to his brother's house. As he approached, he saw his brother standing on the porch. Daryl was puzzled by Merle's outfit.
When he got closer, he saw Emma beside his brother. Daryl stopped. The sunlight that was becoming stronger as the sun rose higher lit Emma up from behind. Her blonde curls were suddenly golden. A halo of light surrounded her as though she were an angel. Daryl rarely went into town. When he did, he didn't pay much attention to the people. Even so, Daryl felt pretty confident in that moment that Emma looked like the most beautiful thing for miles and miles. Admitting it to himself was hard, but denying it was even harder.
Emma suddenly saw Daryl standing a few feet from the house.
"Daryl!" Emma called to him, waving her hand.
Merle turned to see Daryl standing there. He grinned.
"Come on, little brother!" Merle beckoned Daryl with his hand, much as Emma was doing.
As Sam led the carriage out of the barn, Merle and Emma came down the steps to meet Daryl. His hands were shoved into his pockets and his eyes were hard on the ground. Merle clapped Daryl on the back and put his arm around him when he was close enough.
"I decided to go on into town with Sam and Emma." Merle told him, still grinning. "Why don't you go on and change and come with us?"
"There's still time." Emma assured Daryl. "I can iron something for you-"
"No." Daryl muttered, his eyes still on the ground. "I'm staying here."
"Why?" Merle shook his brother back and forth in his one armed embrace.
Sam approached with the carriage.
"What's going on?" Sam asked.
"I'm coming with ya'll to the gathering." Merle announced, still holding onto his brother. "Emma and I are trying to convince my grumpy, little brother to come, too."
Daryl elbowed Merle to get out of his embrace. Merle just laughed at his annoyed expression.
"I said I ain't going." Daryl grumbled.
"Are you sure?" Emma asked, her hands folded in front of her.
"How many times do I gotta say it?" Daryl snapped, keeping his head down.
"Now, now, don't get so worked up over nothing." Merle reached for Daryl again, but he moved a few steps back. "Before we go, ain't you gonna at least tell Emma how pretty she looks?"
"Merle, leave him alone." Emma spoke in a serious tone and lifted her brows.
"Ya'll ain't no fun." Merle waved his hand at them before he climbed up into the carriage. "I'm going to have me a good time. Who's coming?"
Emma turned towards Daryl. He was still staring down at the ground.
"There's food inside if you're hungry." Emma told him softly.
Emma felt a little guilty leaving Daryl behind. She knew he didn't want to go, but all the same, he was being left behind again. She wished he would at least look up at her so that she could see he was really set on staying put.
"Emma, can I help you into the carriage?" Sam asked from behind her.
Emma turned back around.
"Thank you."
Emma put one hand on the carriage and her other into Sam's. She carefully stepped up, minding her skirt. Clutching Sam's hand, she hoisted herself up into the carriage. She was still holding Sam's hand as she turned to thank him. When she did, she was looking into Daryl's eyes. She nearly gasped, she was so surprised, but she held it in as she looked down from the carriage at Daryl. They held each other's gaze for a moment, but then that hard look was back on Daryl's face. It was like the time he had changed so quickly after catching her in the barn. Daryl let go of Emma's hand and stepped back.
"Ready?" Merle asked as Sam settled himself into the bed.
"Ready." Sam answered right away.
Emma looked at Daryl as he continued slowly walking backward. He set his jaw.
"Ready." Emma murmured, facing forward.
Daryl watched from the porch as Merle drove the carriage towards the gate. Sam waved from the bed of the carriage. Daryl nodded in acknowledgment. As he looked on, Emma turned her head to look back. Rays of sun reflected off of her blonde hair. The sunlight was so bright against her face that Daryl could barely make it out. He knew she was looking at him, though. He could feel her eyes on him, but it only lasted a second. Then, she was turning back around and disappearing into the distance.
0o0o0
The Grimes' had the biggest property in town. Most of the trees on the property had been cut down, leaving the Grimes' plenty of space to host parties, get-togethers, but most importantly, the fall gathering. It was already in full swing when Merle drove the carriage through the open gate. The dance floor was already set up, and though nobody was dancing yet, the band was playing music for the guests. Rows of tables were set up for guests to sit at once the feast was served. Men were speaking with other men in clusters all over the property. Women were setting up the dessert table while gossiping. The kids were already having a game of stickball and running all around while their mothers reminded them not to get their clothes dirty.
Emma had baked two pies for the gathering - one apple and one cherry. When Merle had the carriage situated where he wanted it, he tended to the horses. Sam escorted Emma to the dessert table. She carried one pie. He carried the other. Emma spotted Amy among those who were arranging desserts. When their eyes met, Amy broke out into a smile so infectious, Emma couldn't help but return her smile.
"Emma!" Amy cried, running to meet her.
"Hello, Amy." Emma smiled.
"I would hug you, but your pie." Amy giggled. "Can I take it for you?"
"I have it, Amy, thank you." Emma replied. "While I'm thanking you, I have to thank you for this dress. It's beautiful."
Amy realized Emma was wearing the dress she had snuck into her trunk. She took a step back to admire it with wide eyes.
"The dress is lovely, but you make it beautiful." Amy complimented Emma sweetly.
Emma glanced at Sam as she was about to introduce him and immediately noticed the way he stared at Amy. There was something about the look on his face that reminded her of the way Clarke had often looked at her. Sam was smitten with Amy, who was dressed very nicely herself, though she always was. Her pale yellow dress had lace cap sleeves very similar to Emma's, though Emma's sleeves fell off her shoulders. It would have been inappropriate for a young woman Amy's age to have bare shoulders in a public setting.
"Amy, this is Samuel Graysmith." Emma unwound her arm from Sam's.
Amy turned her attention to Sam politely at first, but Emma saw her eyes light up when she looked up at Sam. Emma inconspicuously nudged Sam forward.
"I...I'm pleased to meet you, Miss Amy." Sam impressed Emma by reaching for Amy's hand and giving it a quick kiss.
Amy giggled and flushed pink.
"Please, call me Amy." Amy smiled up at Sam.
"Amy, can I escort you to the dessert table?" Sam asked, offering Amy his arm.
"Yes." Amy nodded eagerly, looping her arm with Sam's. "Emma, will you come?"
"I'll be right behind you." Emma promised, watching as Sam and Amy walked arm in arm towards the dessert table.
Merle caught up to Emma.
"Who's that?" Merle asked, walking alongside Emma.
"Her name is Amy." Emma whispered. "She's the reverend's youngest daughter."
"Hmm." Merle rubbed his chin. "Does this reverend have an older daughter?"
Emma glared up at Merle, but before she could say a word, Merle was grinning down at her.
"I was only kidding." Merle said, winking at Emma.
Emma's expression softened.
"I ain't going over there to gab with the old hens." Merle said as he and Emma got close to the dessert table. "I'm gonna go find something fun to do, if there's anything fun to do."
"Find a faro game." Emma suggested. "When I came, Hershel said the men are supposed to wait 'til after they eat, but that there's usually a game or two being played out of sight."
"Ahh." Merle looked around for any sign of a card game. "Old Merle'll show 'em how it's done."
Emma went on to the dessert table. Lori Grimes was arranging cakes, trying to keep her very pregnant belly from colliding with any of the desserts. Emma saw her struggling and set her pie down to help her. Hershel had introduced Emma to the Grimes' family about a year after she had started staying with him. She only saw them when she and Hershel ran into them when in town on business, but they had always been nice to her.
"Where do you want this, Mrs. Grimes?" Emma asked, taking the spice cake from her.
"Thank you, Emma." Lori gave her a sheepish, but grateful, smile. "Right there next to that white cake will be fine."
Emma set the cake down.
"I'm glad you came, Emma." Lori rubbed her belly with one hand while she used the other to support her back. "Rick and I were so sorry to hear about Hershel and the farm. I feel terrible that we weren't able to see you before you left town to express our condolensces."
"Please don't be." Emma moved her pie to a better location. "It's not necessary."
Emma looked up just as Rick was heading over. He gave his wife a kiss on the cheek and ran his hand over her belly once before he realized Emma was standing there. He smiled.
"Emma, you came." Rick circled the table to give Emma a kiss.
"I promised Amy." Emma replied as she stepped back from Rick.
"Well, Lori and I should be glad for Amy, then." Rick laughed.
Emma realized how she must have sounded and covered her face with a hand.
"I really didn't mean it that way-"
"Rick knows." Lori piped up, sounding just as amused as her husband. "He's only teasing."
Emma peeked at Rick from between her fingers, which only made him laugh more. She lowered her hand with a smile and shook her head.
"I'm very glad to be here." Emma reassured the Grimes'.
"Well, we're glad to have you." Rick placed his hand on Emma's shoulder. "You should go and get a seat. The food'll be served soon."
Emma nodded and took her leave as Rick returned to his wife's side. She saw Sam escorting Amy to a table where her father was already seated. The reverend stood when they approached. Emma watched as Amy introduced Sam. The reverend offered his hand to Sam, who shook it firmly. The reverend held out the chair at his right for Amy to sit in. Sam stood there awkwardly until Amy urged him to sit beside her. After the reverend was seated again, Sam took a seat next to Amy. Emma smiled.
"I hope you have a nice time today, kid." Emma murmured.
"Who?"
Emma turned around to see Andrea coming up to her. She groaned inwardly.
"I was just talking to myself, Andrea." Emma answered, folding her arms over her chest.
"I see." Andrea placed one hand on her hip. "I'm glad I ran into you. There were some things I wanted to say to you."
"What is it?" Emma asked, getting right to the point.
Andrea exhaled loudly.
"The last time we spoke, I said some things that were rude and inappropriate." Andrea looked away from Emma, up at the sky, and then back at Emma. "I'm sorry to have offended you."
Emma nearly snorted, but refrained. She looked over her shoulder at Sam, who was speaking with the reverend while Amy sat back in her chair and watched with a smile. Emma turned her head to look at Andrea, who had an eyebrow raised as she waited for a response.
"No harm done, Andrea." Emma replied, uncrossing her arms. "If you'll excuse me-"
"There was one more thing." Andrea held up her finger.
Emma remained where she stood.
"I have to say that I'm disappointed in you."
"What?" Emma asked.
"I heard from Lorna Hawkins that you were in town a few weeks ago, yet you didn't inform my sister or my father that you would be visiting, nor did you call on them." Andrea shifted her weight from one side to the other. "You should have visited them. They...like you."
Emma could tell it pained Andrea to admit that. Her mouth probably tasted bitter.
"I like them, too." Emma threw her arms up. "Of course I do. It wasn't my intention to snub them by not dropping in on them. I came into town only for supplies. I stopped to see no one."
"Clarke?" Andrea asked, lifting an eyebrow.
"I'm sure you know the answer, or didn't Lorna tell you that either?" Emma smirked.
Andrea scoffed, but she said nothing else of the matter.
"I'm sure you're wanting to go and sit with your father-"
"Actually, I'm sitting with Deputy Walsh today." Andrea lifted her head proudly.
Shane Walsh was Rick's deputy. They were best friends. Hershel told Emma all about how Shane had been married at a young age, but his wife died only months after their wedding. Shane never remarried. For a while, he had a drinking problem. Since he was confronted by practically the entire town, he sobered up. There were rumors that Shane had taken a liking to Andrea after she was widowed, but there was never anything official. That appeared to have changed, but Emma didn't care in the slightest. Andrea sitting away from her father and sister was good. It meant she couldn't give Sam the third degree.
"Have fun with that." Emma waved to Andrea before she headed to sit down.
Emma had no sooner turned around then she had come face to face with Clarke. She was beginning to wonder if she had a big, red flag hanging over her like a banner so that it made her easy to locate. Clarke was wearing a gray jacket over a white button up shirt and a pair of slacks the same color as his jacket. His hair was grease, as per usual. He had one hand over his chest, the other at his side. He was looking Emma over her, admiring her appearance.
"Emma." Clarke took a step towards her, but then stopped.
"It's nice to see you, Clarke." Emma took a step towards him to ease his nerves.
"What can I say?" Clarke smiled and put his arms out. "You're stunning."
"Thank you." Emma replied.
"I..." Clarke removed his glasses and wiped them with his hanky.
"Oh, Jesus, what is it?" Emma asked calmly, rolling her eyes up to the clouds.
"Well, it's just..." Clarke slowly put his eyesglass back on. "The last time I saw you...well, it was a little awkward...to the say the least..."
Emma remembered their last encounter. The moment she had declared him as 'not her man' suddenly played in her head. She realized then what she hadn't at the time. That statement had probably hurt Clarke's feelings. Though she wasn't interested in him romantically, Clarke was her friend. She had just been so focused on getting Merle out of town without upsetting any of the people around him that she hadn't stopped to remember Clarke.
"I'm sorry about that." Emma softened her tone. "I really am."
Clarke closed the distance between him and Emma.
"Don't be." Clarke murmured. "I was only worried about you."
"Me?" Emma asked.
"Of course." Clarke replied, his forehead becoming crinkled, causing his glasses to slide down the bridge of his nose slightly. "The Dixon family has a reputation in town. I was worried for your safety and security...as a friend, of course."
The dinnerbell was suddenly ringing, signaling everyone to find their seats.
"Emma, would you care to sit with me?" Clarke asked, offering his arm.
Emma quickly looked in Sam's direction. Amy was very passionately explaining something to him while he listened, nodding occasionally. He was just fine without her. Emma didn't want to intrude on any conversation taking place, so she accepted Clarke's invitation. He smiled when she took his arm and allowed him to lead her to a suitable place to sit.
Clarke told Emma all that was new with him. He had been working late hours, often skipping supper. He said the inn wasn't the same without her cooking or her company. The men in town missed her meals. Ed missed the business she brought in. Carol missed the extra work she was able to get done without having to worry about cooking.
The young men the Grimes' hired for the day to set and clear the tables brought out platters of food. They started laying them out on all of the tables. Emma looked around for Merle. He was sitting with a group of older men at a different table. He was already helping himself to food. Emma lifted an eyebrow, waiting for him to notice her. Eventually, he did. When their eyes met, Merle put his hands in his lap with a grin. Emma nodded.
Reverend Horvath stood from his seat to say grace. Everyone joined hands. Emma took Clarke's hand in hers. His palm felt clammy. She smiled to herself as the reverend said grace. When everyone replied, 'Amen', Clarke gave Emma's hand a squeeze before releasing her.
"So, Emma, how is the Dixon farm?" Clarke asked, passing her a basket of rolls.
"It's really beautiful." Emma replied, taking a roll before sending the basket down the line. "The path leading into the farm is lined with dogwood trees. I bet they're really pretty in spring."
"What do you do all day up there?"
"Well, I cook breakfast, lunch, and dinner for me and the boys." Emma helped herself to a thick slice of ham. "I clean and do laundry. Sometimes I work on one of the houses or the barn. Other times I care for the animals. It all depends on what needs fixing or what needs tending."
"It sounds perfect for you." Clarke smiled over at Emma.
"Is it true that they've never seen a woman before you went to live on their farm?" The young woman sitting across from Emma asked suddenly with wide eyes and an overly eager smile.
"Suzanne." Clarke shook his head.
"Merle Dixon, his brother, and his farmhand have all been in town before?" Emma replied, pulling her lips into her mouth as she waited for an answer.
"Well, yes." Suzanne rolled her eyes. "I've seen them."
Emma leaned forward.
"Then how could I be the only woman they've ever seen?"
Suzanne quickly looked down at her plate and didn't speak again. Clarke kept his head down so as not to show how amused he was, but his shoulders trembled with silent laughter. Emma dug into her full plate of food with a great big smile on her face.
When the meal was through, the young boys came by and took up the empty platters, baskets, and plates. Several women went to the dessert table to begin slicing up the cakes and pies. Dessert would be available to anyone who still had room to fill up for the remainder of the day. After everyone had eaten, the women sent their children home. The older ones would look after the younger ones until their parents returned later that evening. Very few kids remained behind. Emma saw Carl, Rick and Lori's son, playing with the handful of children that remained behind.
The band took up their instruments once again. It wouldn't be long before people would begin to dance. They only needed a little while to rest their full stomachs. Emma decided she would check up on Sam to make sure he was all right. Besides, she hadn't gotten a chance to say hello to the reverend. So, she excused herself from Clarke's company and went over to where the reverend was still sitting with Sam and Amy.
"Hello, Reverend." Emma greeted him from the other side of the table.
"Why, hello, Emma." Reverend Horvath smiled and got to his feet. "Amy said you had come with Sam and Merle."
"I'm sorry I didn't say hello sooner, but the three of you looked like you were having a good time-"
"You looked like you were having a good time, too." Amy piped up with a smile.
"Amy." The reverend scolded his daughter gently.
Amy closed her mouth, but her eyes danced with laughter.
"Would you care to join us now?" The reverend asked, motioning to the chair Emma stood in front of.
"Sure." Emma pulled out the chair and sat down.
"Actually, Pa, I was going to show Sam around the Grimes' and introduce him to some of our friends." Amy leaned over towards Sam. "Would that be okay?"
"Of course, dear." The reverend patted his daughter's hand. "I think that would be good of you."
Before Amy could stand, Sam was up and pulling out her chair. He offered her his arm and away they went.
"It was nice talking to you, Sam." Emma said with a laugh, watching him go.
Reverend Horvath smiled and shook his head.
"Sam seems like a fine boy." The reverend's eyes followed them as they walked.
"He really is." Emma nodded. "He has been so kind to me since I've gone to stay on the Dixon farm. I'm really...well, really rather fond of him."
"I can see why." The reverend met Emma's eyes and leaned back in his seat. "So, how have you been, Emma?"
"I've been great." Emma replied, running her hand along the table linen. "I'm doing the sort of work I know how to do. I get paid decent wages each month. I have a small place to call my own."
The reverend's smile changed. Emma lifted an eyebrow and one corner of her mouth.
"What?" Emma asked warily.
"There just...seems to be a light about you." The reverend held his hands up. "I can't quite explain it, but you just seem...you seem very happy, Emma. I'm glad."
Emma looked down at her lap. She remembered Hershel's letter, the one he had written for her to read after he passed away. Though you may not realize it, or even know it's there, there are small moments in which you let another side of you shine through. In those moments, I love you just as much, maybe even more. Do not forget it is there and do not deny its existence. Give that part of yourself the room to grow. Share that part of yourself with the rest of the world, but only if they are deserving of seeing and experiencing it.
"I..." Emma tucked a stray curl behind her ear.
"Yes?" Reverend Horvath asked softly. "What is it, dear?"
Emma shook her head and smiled.
"It's nothing." Emma cleared her throat. "What's new with you, Reverend?"
0o0o0
After everyone had time to relax after stuffing their faces, the dancing began. Emma stood away from the dance floor, watching as Sam led Amy out among other couples. Their eyes met. For the first time since meeting Amy, he noticed Emma. Sam suddenly looked nervous, but Emma gave him an encouraging nod. She quickly mimicked the first move of the dance before it began. Sam nodded. As the song started, he swept Amy across the floor, using the lessons Emma had given him. Although his dancing wasn't flawless, Amy didn't notice. She was smiling and giggling as Sam twirled her around the floor. Emma kept her eye on them.
As that song melted into the next, one of the young men standing off to the side suddenly swooped in and stole Amy away from Sam. That was common. Emma had seen it happening at the last fall gathering. Hershel told her it was because there were far more young men in town than there were young women. It was almost like a competition. Sam was so stunned that he just stood in the same spot he had lost Amy, shuffling his feet. Emma waited only half a second before she glided onto the floor without bringing any attention to herself. She grabbed Sam's hands and swept him in the direction of the other dancers. When Sam fell into step with them, Emma let him have the lead. Sam smiled gratefully at her.
"Thanks, Emma." Sam said, loud enough to be heard over the music.
"Don't be discouraged, Sam." Emma told him as they danced. "I can tell by the look on Amy's face that she isn't having a good time with that boy."
Sam turned his head to look, but Emma guided it back around.
"Pay attention to me." Emma said. "Pay attention to the steps."
Sam danced with Emma until the song ended. Then, everyone stopped and clapped.
"Now's your chance." Emma hissed, motioning towards the thief and Amy. "Go and get her back, but be nice about it."
Sam didn't need any further encouragement.
Emma was about to leave the dance floor when Clarke suddenly came to her side.
"You looked great up here." Clarke cleared his throat. "I was wondering if...if-"
"Clarke, just ask me to dance with you." Emma interrupted with a sigh.
"Well...will you?" Clarke asked, offering Emma his hand.
"Even though I had to practically drag it out of you...yes." Emma accepted Clarke's hand.
The next song started. Emma could tell by the tempo and the arrangement of the couples just what steps they were going to perform. She fell in line with the other women. They held their dresses and stepped towards the men in front of them, who did the same. The second time they stepped to each other, the women circled the men until they returned to where they had been before. The men then went to the women's sides, linked their arms together, and marched forward in a line. Emma looked up at Clarke. He seemed to be quite nervous. He kept adjusting his eyeglasses with his free hand. Emma was sure that if he could have cleaned them at that moment to relieve the stress, he would have. The more complicated steps came next. The couples turned in to each other and there was lots of footwork. Emma could see Clarke struggling to keep up, but he was giving it a valiant effort.
"Clarke, we can sit down." Emma said over the sounds of the couples' footwork.
Emma wasn't sure if he heard her or not, but Clarke said nothing. He was concentrating on his feet. Emma knew that was a mistake. Hershel taught her never to look at her feet when she danced. The men spun their women around and repeated the same steps as before. Clarke barely managed to spin Emma around since he was focused on his feet. Then, as he was performing one of the steps, he tripped over his own feet. Emma tried to steady him, but he fell backwards. Several of the other couples stopped dancing, but a few others continued. Clarke looked completely humiliated as he looked up at Emma. Sam was about to leave Amy to assist Emma and Emma was about to reach down to help Clarke to his feet when something happened.
At the exact moment the dance called for the men to spin their women around once more, a hand grabbed Emma's and spun her around and away from Clarke. As Emma was twirled around, she came face to face with Daryl. Emma was completely stunned as Daryl grabbed her other hand and pulled her in to continue the dance. In rhythm with the other couples, Daryl led Emma to the left, then to the right. He let go of her for only a moment to spin in a circle before taking hold of her hands again. Daryl danced Emma to the right, then to the left. This time, it was both Daryl and Emma who spun in a circle. When they came together again, Daryl guided Emma in a circle. She kicked her feet up as she danced around him. Then, without missing a step, Daryl spun Emma around so that her back was to him. He held one of her hands, the other was upon her waist. Emma kicked her feet about, performing the necessary steps. The dance floor was alive with the sound of the women's feet pitter-pattering across it.
Emma knew the steps so well that she didn't have to think hard about what she was doing. Hershel had taught her well. She felt completely comfortable in allowing Daryl to lead her along the floor. He seemed to know what he was doing, too. He knew when to spin Emma, when to lead her left or right, when to move his feet or when she moved hers. Emma wondered why Daryl hadn't spoken up before. He could have been great in teaching Sam to dance. More importantly, though, Emma couldn't believe Daryl was there. He had to have ridden alone from the farm to the Grimes', but why? He had been so adamant about staying behind. Plus, Daryl didn't like going into town. Emma was so confused by the whole situation that she decided to put it out of her mind until the dance was through.
As Emma resurfaced from her thoughts, she realized that the other couples had vacated the dance floor. It was only Daryl and Emma dancing. At almost the same moment, Daryl realized it, too. Without missing a beat, Daryl let go of one of Emma's hands. He wrapped his arm around her waist at the same time she slipped her hand up onto his shoulder. Daryl danced Emma across the floor, then they spun under each other's arms without pausing their feet. Emma suddenly felt a giddy streak flow through her. Hershel's lessons had been fun for her, but she never really got to use her skills until that moment. Daryl was such a good dancer that Emma felt as though she were dancing with Hershel again. It was fun.
Daryl noticed the smile on Emma's face. He couldn't miss it. Seeing her smile made him feel lighter. Even though he wouldn't show it, he wanted to keep making her smile. So, Daryl lifted Emma's hand high and twirled her in a circle while he quickly dropped to his knee. Just as swiftly as he went down, he was up again. Emma seemed to be on his skill level. Daryl wanted to see just how far he could push their dance. In a bold move, Daryl jumped, wrapped one arm around Emma's waist, and lifted her off the ground. She kicked her legs out, using the leverage to flip over in his arm so that he could set her back down again. When Emma was on her feet, her back was to Daryl. He kept his arm around her waist as they danced backward, Emma's arms waving gracefully through the air. Then, it was Emma's turn to be brave. As she was stepping backward, she suddenly spun up off the floor. Daryl knew what she was up to. He caught her around the middle, lifting her with one arm so that she was horizontal against his torso. When he set her back down, she spun and curtsied to him. Daryl bowed in return.
The crowd was cheering as the song finally ended. Emma smiled up at Daryl, still breathing heavily from all of their dancing. Daryl lifted one side of his mouth in a crooked smile.
"It Ain't Me Babe" - Johnny Cash & June Carter [Emma teaches Sam to dance]
"Within You" - Ray LaMontagne [Daryl sees Emma dressed up for the gathering, Daryl watches Sam, Merle, and Emma ride off]
"I Take Your Hand" - The Wedding Band (Mumford & Sons) [Emma dances with Clarke and Daryl]