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24: Family

"So what'd you say to Rick?"

I slid under the covers and rested my head on Daryl's chest. "I told him to stay."

"What else?" I felt his hand run through my hair, and I couldn't help but smile.

"That was it, basically."

"Then why's he so pissed at you?"

I laughed and sat up, "I might have called him prideful."

"Why'd you do that? It'll just make things worse."

"It's true. This is his family we are talking about… He shouldn't put them at risk just because he wants to do it all on his own." I leaned on my elbow, "I don't think he understands, ya know? He still has his family." I expected him to say something, but he just pulled me close.

"Goodnight."

"Kiss?" I looked up at him, and he obliged. This was the routine. I was beginning to love this routine. "Goodnight." I nestled in and fell asleep.

-o0o-

"Hey, do you need any help in here?" Lori turned away from the cutting board. She had been getting bigger by the day, which was strange to see. The whole concept of childbearing freaked me out ever since I saw a video about it in school. Ever since then it reminded me of the movie Alien. I guess I'll never have to deal with that.

"I can always use a few extra hands," she smiled at me, "besides Carol is helping Carl with something."

I rolled up my sleeves, "What can I do?"

"If you can lift that pot up here and fill it with water that'd be great."

"Of course," I did as she asked.

"So you talked to Rick."

"Yep," she handed me the knife and motioned to the cutting board.

"Honey, you aren't gonna change his mind. I wish there was a way, but he's a stubborn man." I nodded, "So did you and your Mama used to cook?"

"No, actually I didn't really learn until everything happened," I started to chop, "I figured I had time, but…"

"I worry about that," she held her stomach.

"What are you talking about?"

"Nothing," she smiled at me. "Here, let me show you a few of my tricks." I had wanted this. I had always wanted this. I know it wasn't my real mother, I know that it wasn't perfect. But it was something. This wasn't the first nice thing Lori had done for me, by any means. I would miss her too.

Once everything was cooking I leaned against the counter, "Thank you for doing that."

She put her hand on my shoulder, "You shouldn't think you don't have fam-people who care about you." I stared back at her for a second before reaching up and setting my hand on hers. "I hope she's like you," she touched her stomach.

"How do you know it's a girl?"

"A mother always knows," she smiled slyly. "I'm thinking about naming her after you, seeing as…"

I couldn't think of anything to say. What can you say to that? So I just stood there in silence, waiting for something to come to me, "What's it like? Having a kid?"

"Well, it's a lot more difficult than I remember," she sat down. "It's like you're giving a part of yourself to create this life. And it's a part of you, all of you. And it's exhausting. But it'll be worth it, just like it was worth it with Carl. Just like it was worth it for your mom."

I nodded, "Sounds like."

"You'll find out for your own one day." No, I wouldn't. When Carol walked in I decided to take my leave. I walked up to my room.

Family. That wasn't in the cards anymore. Even though Lori and Carl considered me somewhat-a part of-close, they'd be gone in two months. Then there was Daryl, but that was a whole other can of worms.

This is why I stayed alone before. This is why I should have stayed alone for good. What happens? You get close to people and they leave. Then what are you left with? Nothing but pain. I pulled out my pipe, deciding it was best to forget about all of this, at least for now.

Thank you for reading, you guys are seriously the most amazing readers. And a big thanks to my helpers for saving my mental life! Make sure to let me know your thoughts!