Sorry - This ones really short, will update next one asap.
Chapter 31
Once they arrived Daryl went in first and found the others. He made sure they were all together and then Eleanor came in with Tyreese. Sasha threw herself at her brother and clung to him. While all eyes were on him Carol slipped into the room, holding Judith in her arms. She walked towards Rick and Carl. They were welcoming Tyreese back, unaware who was behind them. It was when Maggie's eyes widened and her hand went to her mouth that Rick realised there was something going on. He turned and froze when he saw Carol, then his eyes drifted to what she was holding.
"Judith" He reached out and touched her soft hair, not believing what he was seeing. Carl let out a choked cry and held his arms out. Carol handed Judith over and Rick held both of his children against him, tears in his eyes.
"How?" he whispered "We saw the empty seat and thought….."His voice trailed off, he couldn't continue.
Carol explained how she'd been in the tower and heard the tank approaching. She'd shouted a warning but there was no one around. She'd been scrambling down the ladder when the tower had been destroyed. The explosion had flung her to the ground unconscious. She'd come round to find the prison in flames and walkers everywhere. It was the noise of the tank exploding that drew the walkers away so she was able to escape. It was as she was running she found Judith alone in her seat. She'd scooped her up and fled. Once away from the chaos she had come across Tyreese and the two girls. They had stayed together, seen the signs and decided to head for Terminus, hoping other survivors had done the same. The girls hadn't made it.
Rick held her tightly, "I owe you everything" he told her "You saved my daughter's life and both of you kept her safe. I don't think I can ever repay this" He turned to Tyreese and gave him an awkward one armed hug, causing a few smiles.
Judith was being fussed over by everyone as was Carol so it was a while before Eleanor had a chance to speak to her alone.
"Carol" she started "I'm sorry you were in the tower, it should have been me. It was my watch and I…"
Carol interrupted her with a smile "From what Tyreese told me he saw in the forest it sounds like it was worth it. I guess you two sorted things out"
Eleanor sighed "Kind of. It's been complicated" she filled the older woman in on everything that had happened since the fall of the prison "We just can't catch a break" she finished sadly.
Carol looked at her sympathetically "You've really had a bad time. I can't believe he was just gonna leave like that. "
Eleanor shrugged "I guess he thought it was for the best. Good thing you and Tyreese came along when you did"
Carol gave her a cheeky look, "maybe it wasn't, sounds like we interrupted something." She laughed as Eleanor blushed and quickly left the room.