Chapter 18 - Lauren

Daryl had fallen back asleep after that last time of having sex. I desperately needed a shower, and had declined his invitation to join me. I wanted time for myself. I was sticky between my legs, sore and I needed a moment to think. As the hot water pored over me and I covered myself in soapy suds, I couldn't help the huge smile I had. I was so happy. In this crazy chaotic world we now existed in I had found the man that was meant for me. The man that Daryl was now was the man I knew was going to be the only man I would ever completely truly love. I hoped he could learn to love me back. I knew he liked me and wanted me, but I needed him to love me. While rinsing myself, I thanked God for giving me Daryl and prayed that he would love me the way I loved him.

I was lost in my thoughts for a bit, but when the water started to turn cold, I quickly turned it off and jumped out to dry myself off. Wrapped in a towel, I went back into the bedroom and searched through my dresser drawers for clothes. I found an old pair of jeans and another tank top.

"Are you covering that hot body?" I heard coming from the bed.

"I am. We have stuff to do and responsibilities. We can't stay in bed all day." I turned to look at my still naked man in the dim light. He was clearly read to go at it again. I laughed. "Are you trying to make up for lost time?"

"Hell yeah I am."

"Don't forget it's been a while for me too and I'm a bit sore, okay?"

"Fuck babe, I'm sorry. I didn't even think of that. Stupid of me." With a wink, Daryl moved to the side of the bed and stretched. He stood up fully naked. I stared admiring his body. He was thin, but muscular. I have always admired his arms. Hard work and having the crossbow his weapon of choice kept his arms strong and well-defined. I was practically drooling.

He was looking around for his pants. Spying them across the room, he walks over to pick them up. I was shocked at what I saw on his back. How had I missed this?

Daryl was zipping up the jeans by the time I got over my shock and went over to him. I gently laid my hand on his back feeling the scars. He stiffened at my touch and went to move my hand away. Quickly I thought, "Had I ever seen his bare back before?" No I hadn't, he never went shirtless and come to think about it I had always wanted him to take his shirt off like Rick did on the hot summer days we encountered, but he never did. Now I knew why.

"What happened, Daryl?" I asked softly. He tried to turn away from me, but I wouldn't let him. "Who did this to you?"

"Lauren…I… oh fuck," was all he could say. I took his hand and together we sat down on the bed.

"You can tell me anything Daryl…anything."

He took in a deep breath. I could tell he was trying to gather up his courage. "Remember I told you that we grew up different? You have a good family, well me and Merle came from… scum." I was a bit shocked at his harsh word, but kept listening. "Both of my parents were alcoholics. My mom died when I was eight. She was drunk in bed and her cigarette lit the whole place on fire. I watched her burn in our piece of shit house. My pop was drunk more than he was sober and he was a mean drunk…a really mean drunk. He took out his anger at the world, first on Merle and when Merle left….me"

I was stunned. "Your father did this to you? That …that…fucking animal beat you so bad that it left these?" I purposely touched the scars that covered his back. How dare his father do that to him? How dare any parent abuse their child that way! "Is he dead?" I asked my voice full of contempt.

"Yeah, he's dead," he answered in that soft coarse voice I loved.

"Good! Otherwise I'd have to kill him myself." I knew the last thing Daryl wanted was pity from me or anyone. Anger he could understand and boy was I angry. We sat quietly for a few minutes. I turned and kissed his bare shoulder and stood up. I put out my hand for him to grab. "Food?"

"Food… and remind me never to make you angry." I laughed at him, glad that the serious mood was broken. He took my hand and we headed out of the room.

This time we finally made it downstairs.