Teen Mom
Chapter 3 - Phone Call
Daryl Dixon

Beth was going on her date tonight with David and I agreed to have Hunter for the night. One positive out of all of this was that I get an extra night with Hunter. I can't believe she's moving on and dating someone, I didn't even know she was talking to anyone. I've asked her if she's been anywhere every time I see her and she says she hasn't but now she's saying that the two of them went for ice cream a little while ago. I don't know why she lied to me. It just makes the whole thing look really dodgy and I'm really annoyed that she went out of her way to cover it up and Maggie helped and even baby sat Hunter for her. Why didn't she just come to me and be honest with me, I would have loved to have them couple hours with Hunter… she knows I want more time with him and instead of asking me to look after him so she could go out she asks Maggie.

I don't like the idea of Beth going out with someone I don't know especially with Hunter now in the picture. I don't think she'll be bringing lots of guys around Hunter but I am worried about her falling for this David guy and her playing happy families with him and Hunter. I don't want Hunter growing up thinking that someone else is his father, I want him to know that I'm his dad and that I'll be there for him whenever he wants or needs me. I never wanted my kids to grow up messed up like Merle and I did but now it looks like I don't have a choice because Beth is moving on.

I really thought that once the two of us go to know each other better and we basically got our shit together we would get back together, Beth and Hunter would move back in and everything would be ok. I shouldn't have broke up with her in the first place, I ran away from the problems we had. I should have stayed with her and we could have worked things out with each other. I would have been able to have the family life I wanted for Hunter and for us as well, I care for Beth a lot and I would even go as far as to say that I really am falling in love with her. It's just too little too late I think.

My phone started ringing in my pocket and when I took it out of my pocket I saw Beth's name flash up "Hey, everythin ok?" I asked as I answered. Every time she rings I get nervous that something might be wrong with Hunter or even her.

"Yeah… everything is fine. I was just calling to see what time you were coming to pick Hunter up" She said.

"Oh. Erm I can come soon if you wanna get ready" I told her.

"If you could get him in an hour or so. David called and we're gonna go out a little earlier then we first arranged" She explained.

"Right. I'll be over in an hour" I said.

"Thanks" She replied "Is there anything you need me to pack ready for Hunter?" She asked.

"No I got everythin here. We probably won't be goin out anywhere but if we do I got the car seat" I answered.

"Great" She answered. There was an awkward silence for a few seconds "Look I better go I have things to do" She said.

"Right. I'll see ya in a lil while" I replied and we ended the call.

I hate this.

I pulled up to Beth's house and debated sitting in the car and just honking the horn or calling her to come out but that would be rude so I after a very short debate I got out of the car and knocked on the door. It opened seconds later and Beth stood there holding Hunter. As soon as Hunter saw me he put his arms out to me, I took him off Beth and she smiled and invited me in, the three of us went into the living room and I saw Hershel sitting in his chair "How you doin Daryl?" Hershel asked.

"I'm good sir. How's business?" I questioned.

"Not bad" He answered.

"I've just fed and changed in him the last half hour so he should be ok for a while" Beth said as she got Hunter's car seat out for me.

"We'll be fine" I told her.

"I'll have my phone on me so call if you need me" She said.

"I will" I replied.

"I'll walk you to the car and say goodbye" She told me and we started walking out. I handed Hunter to Beth so she could say goodbye and I could put his car seat in properly, it's hard to do with one hand "I really appreciate this Daryl" She told me once I had the car seat strapped in.

"It's fine. I wanted more time anyway" I replied.

"I don't want you to be worrying about David. I don't think much is going to come of this, I'm not really looked for a relationship right now. Hunter takes up all my time and I don't think it's fair to get into a relationship with someone when I won't be able to be with them properly" She explained to me.

"It's your life. You can do what you want" I pointed out "I just don't want my son callin someone else dad" I told her.

"I would never allow that" She replied "Erm… I have to go finish getting ready" She said. Beth said her goodbyes to Hunter and kissed him and handed him to me so I could put him in his car seat, I made sure he was strapped up before closing the car door and moving to get in the drivers seat "Like I said, call if you need me" She said.

"Yeah I will" I replied.

I put Hunter's pjs on him and made sure he was all comfortable and warm before sitting down on the sofa with him. I let Hunter lay in my arms and pulled him close to me so he knew I was here. I always wanted Hunter to know that I was here, I cannot wait until he can talk and he calls me daddy. It will be the best day of my life, other then the day he was born of course. It's just a shame that it's more then likely I will not be with Hunter when he says his first word and I will have to hear about it second hand. I'm not going to be there for a lot of his firsts; first steps, first words, first night without a diaper, first day without a diaper… first everything. I feel like I'm being punished still. Beth keeps trying to tell me that I'm not and it's nothing personal against me. It's like I'm being punished because at the time I didn't think it was best for Beth and I to live together. There is a part of me that stands by that position. We didn't know each other really at all and we didn't know what to expect with the baby coming, all we did was fight and disagree. I didn't want Hunter around all that. He would have hated both of us for bringing him up like that.

I looked down at Hunter and saw that he was fighting his sleep, his eyes were closing but he was trying to stay awake. I don't know why children try and fight sleep. I loved moments like this where it was just hunter and I and spending real time together. Some may not see it as real time as Hunter is falling asleep but it was the best time of my life just sitting here with Hunter. I love him so much and I cannot stop looking at him and holding him, I want him to have a better life then what I had when I was growing up and Beth knows that. She's never stopped me seeing Hunter. Every time I ask to see Hunter she agrees and she is always sending me videos and photos of him all the time. As much as I love getting the photos and videos I would much rather see Hunter in person.

I heard the phone ring and Hunter shot his eyes open from the sound. I sighed and got my phone out the pocket and saw Beth's name flashing up. I said I would call her if I needed her for anything "Hey" I said as I answered the phone. Beth didn't speak but I could hear her sobbing "Beth? Are you ok?" I questioned panicked but there was still no answer "Beth, speak to me" I ordered.

"Daryl… please come and help me" She replied with a shaky and quiet voice "Please" She begged.