I forgot to say in this story it may jump from time to time and certain events will be changed. As usual I do not own The Walking Dead or any of its characters :)

Chapter 2: Crush

Ever since Beth talked to him Rick had been better at sharing responsibility. He was shocked at how much lighter he felt. Everyone was settling into their own routine but the threat of the Governor weighed heavy on his mind. Just when they all thought things were starting to work in their favor another hurdle was thrown at them. It had been two weeks since Maggie and Glenn returned to the prison and since Michonne became a permanent member of their group. Hershel was sure to keep an eye on Maggie ever since she returned from her imprisonment. Now with Michonne in their camp he felt a little more confident if anyone tried to fight in hand to hand combat but he knew the others were going to need weapons training. "Hey Daryl," Rick called to his friend who was heading to the watch tower. "I think we need to start training everyone, just in case the Governor tries anything."

"I think so too, I'll ask Glenn to help out." He explained, pulling the strap of his crossbow over his shoulder. "We need to make a run here soon, lil' ass kicker is growing like a weed."

Nodding his head Rick smiled. "I'll go talk to Beth and see what all we need to get."

Leaving his friend outside Rick headed into the cellblock. Over the past few weeks it was slowly starting to resemble a home instead of a prison. Carol and Beth tried their best to decorate the cells but they could only do so much with what they had. Poking his head into her cell Rick saw Beth sitting on her bunk with a green notepad on her lap. "Hey, whatcha doing?"

Jumping slightly she sighed. "Gosh, you scared me."

"Sorry, I guess everyone is a little jumpy these days." He chuckled. "Me and a few others are going to make a run soon. I know Judith needs some clothes, does she need anything else?"

"Well maybe some teething rings? I know it will be a while before she gets any teeth but it will be better to have them when it does happen."

"Is she awake?"

"No, I just put her down for her nap. She should be up here soon though."

Nodding he noticed the book on her bed. "What's that?"

"Oh...its nothing." She blushed moving her pillow over the book. "Writing just passes the time, you know?"

"We all need an outlet, I guess."

"Is yours killing walkers?" She joked.

"I probably need a better outlet." He laughed.

For some reason Rick felt like he did when he and Lori first started dating. She reminded him of the old Lori he fell in love with. She helped him forget just for a little while. Hearing a small cry he noticed Judith start to wake up. "I guess she wanted a short nap today." Beth cooed leaning down to pick up the baby. "Look who's here. Your daddy is here."

Taking his daughter into his arms he smiled. "Hey baby girl, is Beth taking good care of you?" He muttered. "Do you need anything when we go on the run?" He questioned glancing at Beth.

"Uh...no I think I'm all right, thank you though." She stammered. "If you're gonna be here a while I better go see if Carol needs any help with the laundry."

Without waiting for him to answer she headed outside where Carol usually hung up the clothes. As she walked she felt her heart thumping faster than usual like it always did whenever she had a conversation with Rick. She kept trying to tell herself it was just a silly crush, like Maggie previously had on one of her middle school teachers but for some reason Beth found herself wanting it to become more. She found herself blushing more whenever he was around, she was nervous when she spoke to him, and she wanted to be around him at all times. He made her feel safe, something she rarely had in this world. It was different with Jimmy, she wouldn't have even called her relationship with him love but she knew it was impossible with Rick no matter how much she wished they could be anything other than friends.

"Well hey there, I thought you were with Judith." Carol yawned, stretching her arms into the air.

"I was, Rick is with her." Beth explained sitting by the tub. "Its nice to see him bonding with her."

"Yes it is," She agreed. "He and Carl seem to be getting along better too. I was worried about that. Lets just hope neither of them go back to that place they were at when they lost..." Carol trailed off, she never really enjoyed talking about her deceased friend.

Beth frowned, "So what about this Governor guy?" She questioned wanting to change the subject.

"I don't know, from what Michonne says he doesn't sound good. I just wonder why Andrea decided to stay with him rather than come home."

"I was thinking about that too...you don't think he'll try anything do you? Michonne didn't make him out to be a 'forgive and forget' kind of guy."

Carol shrugged. "We'll just have to be ready just in case he does. How's Maggie doing?"

"Good, her and Glenn seem better too."

"I'm happy for them." Carol smiled. "It must be nice to be young and in love in a world like this. People were lucky to find that when everything was normal, they were extremely lucky."

Ringing out a shirt Beth glanced at the older woman. "Do you think its possible for anyone to find a love like theirs?"

"I think so, I know it may seem hopeless at times but love happens when we least expect it. Why? Do you have someone in mind?"

Beth could feel herself start to blush. "N-no, I was just thinking is all."

Even though Carol wasn't convinced she let the subject go. She was close enough to Beth to know when something was on her mind. Maybe she did have a crush on someone in the group and she was embarrassed to talk about it. She would talk about it when she was ready. "Ok well if you're here to help me you better start washing some shirts." She ordered with a smile on her face.

"Yes ma'am," Beth giggled.

So I'm an insomniac and decided to write another chapter. Hope you liked it :)