A Secret

Chapter 19

A/N: This is the second last chapter guys! Can you believe it! Another story wrapping up. I'm glad you guys have stuck around this long! :) Enjoy this chapter.
McBrideReedusLover.~

Daryl had been awake for quite some time. Carol was still asleep, cuddled up next to him. He had to be back home because Merle had wanted to go hunting. Daryl hadn't gone hunting in a while, since things started to get real serious with him and Carol. Not that he was really complaining. But his brother was finally getting away from the drugs, and if hunting was something to distract him from it, he'd gladly join Merle. But then, he also didn't want to leave Carol. He sighed, staring up at the ceiling. He had to. He shifted his position so he was facing her, and propped himself on his elbow. He had to wake her up, let her know he had to leave after breakfast. She looked so peaceful when she slept, he hated having to wake her up.

After a few more minutes of just watching her, he gently shook her. She started to stir, but didn't open her eyes. He shook her some more, but still, nothing. He could tell though, she was awake. If shaking wouldn't wake her up, he had a backup plan. He leaned down and placed a kiss on her lips. He pulled away, but she pulled him right back down. He smirked after she finally let him go. "I knew ya was awake."

"I was waiting for the sleeping beauty wake up call." Carol giggled.

"Well, ya got it." He sat up straight. "I gotta leave after breakfast."

"No..." Carol pouted, hugging him from behind. "Stay here." She rested her chin on his shoulder.

"Promised Merle I'd go huntin' with him. I gotta." Daryl moved to get out of bed. "He's finally stopped usin'."

Carol stretched, and then followed him. "Well, Mr. Dixon," She started, a mischevious smile on her face. "I have to have a shower. Would you care to join me?"

Daryl grinned. "Hell yeah I would."

Carol laughed, and grabbed a change of clothes before heading into the bathroom. Daryl closed the door behind them. She turned on the water, and waited for it to be the right temperature. When it was warm enough, she started to take off her shirt, when Daryl came up behind her. Slowly, he slid off her shirt. She turned around and looked him in the eyes. Never once breaking eye contact, she pulled his shirt over his head, and let it drop to the floor. He moved forward, and leaned down to kiss her, but she put a finger to his lips. "Daryl, before we start we should actually get in the water. I wanted to actually get clean first." She shed the rest of her clothes and stepped into the hot water. It felt good on her skin. Daryl climbed in behind her, and wrapped his arms around her waist. "Clean first, then maybe something else." She smiled. Obviously, Daryl didn't listen to her. He ignored everything she said, and started placing light kisses up and down her neck. "Daryl..." She tried to control her breathing. "You know it's hard to resist when you do that..."

"Exactly." Daryl smirked.

"You're horrible." She turned around, and placed a very heated kiss on his lips. And it only escalated from there.

Sophia was sitting at the kitchen table, waiting for her mother to come downstairs and make breakfast. She had seen Daryl's shoes at the front door, so she knew he was here too. She heard the shower running, and when she didn't find either of them anywhere, she figured thats where they were. She didn't want to know what was going on in that shower, considering she heard it turn on an hour ago. Couldn't they saved that for the night when she was asleep?

Sophia heard the phone ring. She got out of the chair and picked up the phone. "Hello?" She leaned against the wall.

"Hey there kid." Sophia smiled. Merle. "Have ya seen Daryl around? He was supposed to be back by now so me and him could go huntin'."

"I'm pretty sure he's in the shower... With mom." She shuddered at the thought. "I'm waiting for breakfast, and they've been in there an hour already."

"Dear god." Merle laughed. "They just can't keep their hands off each other hey? Well, when they come downstairs, ya tell Daryl that ol' Merle wants him to get his ass back here."

"Will do." Sophia nodded. She hung up the phone after saying goodbye, and returned to her seat at the table. Anytime now would be great. She turned her head when she heard the two of them enter the kitchen. She gave them an 'I know what you did' look. Both their faces turned red. "Daryl, Merle wants you to go home." Sophia said, and then looked to her mom. "And I'm starving."

"I guess I better go..." Daryl rubbed the back of his neck. He did not like Sophia's stare. She was a great kid, but she could scare the crap out of him sometimes. "I'll uh, see ya later I guess."

"Okay." Carol smiled. "Sophia, why don't you run upstairs and I'll start on breakfast." Sophia just shrugged and ran upstairs. "Sorry about her..."

"Don't matter anymore." Daryl slipped on his shoes and opened the door. "Damn, gonna be a good day for huntin'." Daryl noted, stepping outside. It was a warm day outside, but there was a nice cool breeze. The perfect weather.

"Be sure to bring back some meat so I can try some." Carol nudged him with a smile.

"Will do." Daryl turned around to face her. "Ya want me to call ya when me and Merle get back?"

"If you want to." Carol wrapped her arms around his neck. "There is one thing I want you to do though." Her eyes drifted to his lips.

Daryl smirked, and leaned down. When his lips met hers, he wrapped his arms tightly around her waist. "Just can't get enough of me, huh?" He mumbled against her lips.

"I can never get enough." She whispered, finally pulling away from him. Whenever she was with him, she felt like a horny teenager. "You better get going." She stepped out of his embrace. "Or Merle will drag you away."

"He would too." Daryl huffed. "See ya later." He gave her one last kiss before heading down the driveway to his truck.

Ed gripped the steering wheel hard as he watched Carol kiss another man. So the rumors were true. He had heard from the guy who bailed him out that Carol was seeing a strange man in secret. And now to find out it was some piece of redneck trash? Fuck no. That bitch was going to pay. He waited for the blue truck to disappear down the road before marching up to the door.

Carol turned on the stove and walked over to the fridge. She pulled out the carton of eggs when she heard the front door slam. She dropped the carton, and the eggs smashed onto the floor. The next thing she saw, shocked her and terrified her. It was Ed. Why was he back? He wasn't supposed to get out for another month...

"You think you can get away with cheating on me you little bitch?" Ed was in her face in a matter of seconds. Carol was speechless. She was also too afraid to move a muscle. "Huh? You think you can just run around with redneck trash while I'm sitting in jail rotting away? Like fucking hell." He shouted. Carol started to back away, but her back soon met the wall. She was cornered. "When I'm fucking finished with you, you're going to wish you were never born."

Sophia jumped at the sound of the door slam. She tip-toed out of her room, and stood at the top of the stairs. She saw her daddy walk by. Oh no. Fear came over her as she ran back to her room. She could hear his shouting loud and clear. He had found out about Daryl. Her heart started to race as she listened to her fathers angry words. She needed to call Daryl. He would protect her. He would protect her mom. He was more of a father than her real daddy ever was. But she didn't have a phone in her room. She only hoped that her mother still had the cordless in her room. Quietly, she snuck out of her room and into her mothers room. There it was, sitting on the bedside table. She immediately picked it up, and started dialling Daryl's cell number when she heard the loud smack, and her mother cry out in pain. If she didn't get a hold of Daryl fast, her mother would be in serious trouble. Her hands were very shaky as she held the phone up to her ear. It rang three times before the familiar sound of Daryl's voice came over the phone. "Daryl... My daddy is home."

Daryl nearly dropped his phone. Carol's husband was back. And by the sound of Sophia's voice, something was going horribly wrong. "I'll be right there." Daryl growled as Merle entered the truck.

"What's wrong baby brother?" Merle asked. Daryl's expression was not one he should be having when they were about to go hunting. Daryl loved hunting, there was no reason for him to be looking like that.

"Carol's husband is back." Daryl turned to Merle. "I gotta get the fuck over there now."

Merle was shocked at the news. "Fuck Daryl we gotta move. That asshole is gonna kill her if we don't get there soon. And who knows what he'll do to the kid. Step on it before it's too late!" Merle was set on saving Carol and Sophia. He wasn't going to admit it, but Sophia had really grown on him since he met her. She was so full of energy, and they shared a common ground. If that bastard laid a finger on Sophia, he'd kill him.

Carol cried out in pain as Ed's fist struck her jaw. She fell to the floor, tears streaming down her face. She was met with his foot kicking her hard in the stomach. "Ed I'm sorry!" She choked out, pain rushing through her entire body.

"You aren't sorry enough stupid bitch!" Ed shouted, grabbing her and pinning her against the wall. "You still have hell to pay." He growled, and punched her hard on the side of her face. Carol didn't want to know what she looked like now. She was probably recognizable. His fist came down hard on her again. She could taste the blood and tears. He dropped her to the floor, and kicked her stomach with more force than he had earlier. She felt like she couldn't move anymore. When she heard the sounds of someone coming down the stairs, her heart stopped. Sophia. She waited for the next blow from Ed, hoping he wouldn't realize Sophia was coming down the stairs. But nothing came. She looked up, and saw a very scared Sophia frozen in the middle of the room. No. Oh god no. Ed was making his way over to her. She struggled to get up, but it seemed she was powerless to do anything. All she could do was watch as he grabbed her. The sound of her baby girl's scream made her heart hurt.

"Ed please don't hurt her..." Carol whimpered.

"You know what?" Ed looked her straight in the eyes. His eyes were like daggers. "Thats exactly what I'll do. It will teach you a fucking lesson."

"Now baby brother, ya find Carol and the kid, I'll take care of Peletier." Daryl nodded. Merle opened the door slowly, and the sight before him made his blood boil. Ed was holding Sophia in a choke hold. "Peletier, ya let that girl go right fuckin' now!" Merle shouted. The sudden outburst made the man jump, and Sophia was able to escape. She ran and ducked behind the counter. Merle wasted no time storming over and dropping Ed hard on his ass. He pinned him to the ground so the worthless piece of shit couldn't escape. No one messed with a Dixon. He heard tiny cries of pain, and he looked up to see Sophia hovering over her mother. "Daryl!" Merle shouted. Daryl rushed over. He nodded over to where Carol was. "Ya take her to the hospital! I'll take care of this fucker." Merle glared down at Ed. "You think it's fun hittin' a woman?!" He yelled, punching him hard. "Time to get some of what ya dish out!"

Daryl's eyes widened as he saw Carol curled up in a ball on the ground. She was clearly in severe pain. Her face was bruised and bloody. She seemed to be clutching her stomach. He ran over to her. "Carol?" He whispered. She didn't say anything, only looked into his eyes. The look she gave him practically ripped his heart out. "C'mon Carol, were gettin' ya some help." He moved his arms underneath her and slowly lifted her off the ground. Her head rested against his chest, and she tried her best to hang onto him. He decided to take the back door. Sophia followed them out of the house and to his truck. "Now Sophia, ya gotta stay in the back of the truck with Carol, okay? Keep her awake." Daryl could tell his voice was shaky. Sophia nodded, and climbed in after Daryl laid Carol down in the back seat. "Ya take my cell and call the cops alright? Ya tell them what your daddy did. If ya can, ask for Rick. He'll understand everythin'." Rick knew about Ed, and everything he did to Carol. Unless she pressed charges, he wasn't able to do anything though. But with Sophia reporting him, he'd atleast be able to pick him up and put him in one of those holding cells. And he wasn't worried about Merle. Rick wouldn't arrest Merle after Sophia explained

everything. Now, his main focus, was getting Carol to the hospital.

Rick, along with Shane, stormed into the Peletier house. Rick and Shane had to pull Merle off of Ed. "Merle! You have to stop!" Rick shouted as Merle struggled against the two of them. "We're here to arrest the bastard!"

"Ya better get him out of my sights quick then officer friendly." Merle glared as they put Ed in handcuffs. "Ya best sentence that fucker to life."

"If we can get Carol to press charges the chances of that happening are great." Rick handed Ed off to Shane. Shane walked out of the house and threw Ed in the back of the police car. "Now, where are Sophia and Carol?"

"Daryl's takin' Carol to the hospital. She ain't lookin' so hot." Merle sighed.

Rick nodded. "Do you need a ride over to the hospital? Shane and I came in separate cars."

"Awfully kind of ya officer friendly." Merle smirked. "I think I'll take ya up on that offer. Baby brother and the kid are gonna need someone."

"Alright then." Rick started walking to the door. "Let's go."

Daryl chewed on his thumbnail as he paced back and forth down the hallway. Carol was being looked at by the doctors. X-rays, a few stitches. That fucking asshole. He couldn't imagine what would've happened if Sophia hadn't called him. Sophia. Here he was busy pacing the hallway that he didn't even give Sophia the comfort she probably needed. That experience must have been traumatic. He walked over and sat down in the chair beside her. She didn't say anything, or even acknowledge his existance. She stared blankly ahead. Daryl knew she needed comforting. Hesitantly, he put his arm around the girl. It didn't take long for her wrap her small arms around him. "She's gonna be fine, ya hear?" Daryl said quietly. "She's a survivor. She's real strong."

"Any news?" Merle asked as he came running down the hallway.

"Not yet. Should be soon though." Daryl sighed, staring at the door to the hospital room Carol was in.

"Don't ya worry none lil' brother. She'll be just fine." Merle patted Daryl on the back. Just then, a nurse stepped out of the room. She walked over to the three of them.

"Are you Daryl Dixon?" She asked.

"Yes." Daryl nodded, standing up. "How is she?"

"She has three broken ribs I'm afraid." Daryl's heart sank. She should've stayed. He shouldn't have gone hunting. If he had just stayed for breakfast he could've protected her better. Protected both of them better. "Other than that, she is quite alright. It will take around 8-10 weeks to heal I'm afraid. So make sure she doesn't strain herself. She really should rest."

"I won't let her move a muscle." Daryl shook his head.

"Good. Now, we're going to keep her here overnight. So you can feel free to leave if you wish. You can go in quickly and say goodbye to her. We should release her around noon tomorrow."

"Come on kid, let's go say goodbye to your mom." Merle motioned for Sophia to follow him. "When we're done I'll take the kid to the truck. Ya can say your goodbyes in private." Merle walked with Sophia into the room. Daryl waited outside until Merle and Sophia returned. He quickly went into the room.

"Carol I'm so sorry..." He knelt down beside the bed.

"It wasn't your fault Daryl. Please, don't blame yourself." Carol pleaded.

"But I shoulda been there to protect ya. If I had stayed for breakfast-"

"Don't." Carol stopped him. "You wouldn't have known he was coming back. No one knew." She reached her hand out and cupped his face. "Daryl, you came and rescued me from him. You and Merle saved mine and Sophia's life." She gave him a faint smile. "Now you should go home. Buy Sophia some breakfast please. And also clean up the mess I made in the kitchen..." Daryl nodded. He'd do anything for her. "I love you."

"I love ya too." Daryl held her hand on his face for a few more seconds before standing up. "I'll be here at noon to pick ya up."

"I'll be waiting." She chuckled. He could tell it hurt her. That fucking asshole. He sighed, and walked out of the room.

Daryl set the tray of food onto her lap. "How ya feelin'?" He asked. It had been six weeks since Ed had come back. And Carol was pressing charges against him. Ed wouldn't be a bother for them anymore.

"Better." Carol smiled. "I'm surprised you're not sick of me yet. You've never left my side except to get me food. You really didn't have to do that. I could've done it myself. I mean, you went as far as moving in. You didn't have to if you didn't want to."

"I wanted to." Daryl sat on the edge of the bed. "And the nurse said to get plenty of rest and that what you're gonna get."

Carol chuckled. It still hurt a little to laugh, and it probably would for a long while. "But... What if I don't want rest."

"Too bad." Daryl pointed to her food. "Now eat."

"What if I want you?" She asked, ignoring his demands. "It's been over a month..."

"You're injured Carol. Ya can't even think about doin' that at a time like this." Daryl shook his head. He wanted it too of course, but she was hurt. She needed to heal. And even after the ten weeks, they'd still have to wait a long time until she was completely fine. He didn't want to risk hurting her at all.

"But Daryl." She whined. "My body doesn't crave food, it craves you."

"Too much information!" Sophia looked disgusted as she walked into the room. Why? Why did she always have to walk into the room at the wrong time. "Is that all you two ever talk about? Like ew!"

"Sorry Sophia." Carol smiled. "Alright, I'll eat."

"Good. Now c'mon Sophia, let's let her eat in peace." Daryl quickly left with Sophia. Poor kid, always walking in on their sex talk.

A/N: So guys, this is technically the last chapter. The next chapter is going to be an epilogue. I'm really glad you all stuck with me on this. Warms my heart! :) I love you all!
McBrideReedusLover.~