I'm sorry the chapters are so short, they'll probably get longer as the story goes on. As usual I do not own The Walking Dead or any characters.
Chapter 5: Wishes
True to his word Rick brought Judith by Beth's cell almost every day. As time went on he couldn't tell who enjoyed the visits more. Judith laughed and smiled more whenever she was around Beth something that warmed his heart every time. Even though it was a happy time he was still sad it wasn't Lori enjoying these types of moments with their daughter. He remembered when Beth told him Judith had Lori's eyes, the memory brought tears to his eyes. Now here he was witnessing these moments with someone else. It should have felt wrong but watching Beth with Judith was just the opposite. She had taken to motherhood easily, especially for someone her age. He wanted these moments to continue, they brought him a kind of peace which was almost impossible these days.
Weeks passed, the gate was almost fixed completely while Beth was feeling back to her old self again. She felt like time went by slower than usual when she was cooped up in her cell. Stepping out into the yard the warm Georgia air made her realize just how much she missed being outside. With Judith on her hip they walked around to where Carol was working on their new garden. "Well it sure is nice to see you back on your feet." She smiled.
Sitting down next to her Beth grinned. "Yeah, it seemed like daddy was never gonna let me leave my bed." She giggled placing Judith on her lap.
"You're the youngest, he will always be more protective of you. Might as well get used to it." Carol sighed. "So how do you like the garden we got going on?"
"It looks good so far. I wish I could have been around to help you out."
"Daryl's been helping a little bit but he never sticks around long. I think killing walkers is more of his idea of relaxation."
"Daryl gardening?"
"You had the same reaction as everyone else in the group. Speaking of the group I think Tyreese and Sasha are fitting in nicely."
"I think so too. From what I've seen." Beth thought back to when Tyreese and Sasha's group first arrived to the prison, their stay didn't last long and then they ended up at Woodbury like Andrea. Then all hell broke loose and they came back along with a few Woodbury survivors. From what she was told by her father the town was no more but the Governor was still out there.
"You know a few boys around your age moved in too." Beth could already tell what Carol was hinting at. "Have you seen anyone you might like?"
When Beth was stuck in her cell she had only caught glimpses of the teenage boys. In the past she would find them attractive but now she just couldn't force herself to be attracted to any of them. Maybe it was just because how mature she had gotten over the past year or maybe it was because her heart was already set on someone else. No matter how much she wished it wasn't. "I don't know," She mumbled running her fingers through Judith's hair. "I better get her inside. Its almost time for her nap."
Without another word she headed back into the cellblock. Inside she saw Rick along with Daryl, Glenn, and Maggie leaning over a map. Over time they found a town close enough to the prison that hadn't been picked over too badly. With new residents at the prison they needed more food and supplies so runs became more frequent. "I don't see why someone else can't go," Daryl grumbled.
"Most of them can't even shoot, they never had to worry about it at Woodbury." Rick explained glancing over to see Beth and Judith heading over to her cell.
"Yeah well they need to learn. Its always the same people riskin' their necks out there while they stay here and work on their tans."
"As much as I never thought I would say this, I agree with Daryl." Maggie spoke up. "I understand they don't have a lot of experience with weapons but they ought to learn while they're here."
"We'll talk it over with them when we get back but for right now gather what you need and we'll leave in half an hour." Rick told the group before walking over to Beth's cell. "Hey, how are you feeling?"
"Great," Beth beamed, cradling Judith in her arms. "I uh, I heard y'all are going on a run. If you need someone to go I will."
A little taken back Rick shook his head. He didn't want to hurt her feelings so he chose his words wisely. "I appreciate you wanting to help but I think Carol needs you here."
"Which is you trying to be nice and say 'Beth don't be silly, you would get yourself killed out there.'" She mumbled.
"No, that's not what I'm saying." Rick sighed. "I just think Hershel would want one of his girls here. Maggie is already going this time, you can go on the next one ok?"
Smiling she nodded her head. "Be careful," She whispered as he bent down to kiss Judith's head.
Looking into her blue eyes Rick saw the worry in them. Of course she was worried, her sister was leaving the prison, whoever left wasn't guaranteed to come back. "She'll be fine," He told her placing a hand on her shoulder.
Glancing at his hand she bit her bottom lip. "You be careful." She murmured, her voice so quiet he barely heard her.
Not knowing what to say he gave her a short nod before walking over to the group. "Y'all ready?" He asked.
From her cell Beth watched them walk out of the cellblock. Placing Judith in her crib she gently ran a hand over the baby's hair. "He'll be back, Judy." She muttered placing her hand over where his previously rested.
Throughout the day Beth tried to get back into her old routine. She kept Judith occupied but when the baby was napping she helped Carol with the laundry. With more people living in the prison the clothes seemed to accumulate faster than before. "Where's Karen?" Beth questioned pinning a T-shirt to the clothesline.
"She said she was gonna look after the kids today." Carol shrugged. "I guess some have been sneaking out of the gates."
"Why in the world would they do that?"
"Your guess is as good as mine but boredom isn't an excuse to be stupid."
Beth looked out into the yard to see Carl running around with a few Woodbury kids. "Well its good that Carl has someone around his age to hang out with."
"Maybe he can help them make wiser decisions."
Several loads of laundry later Beth was carrying a basket full of clothing when she felt someone run into the side of the basket. "Oh shit, I'm sorry." She heard a deep voice say.
Looking up she saw a boy around her age with sandy blonde hair and brown eyes staring back at her. "I didn't see you there." He smiled.
"Uh, its ok, I should have looked where I was going." She stuttered.
"I'm Liam." He introduced holding out his hand.
Placing the basket on her hip she took it. "I'm Beth."
"Oh right, you're the old man's daughter."
"Old man?" Beth snapped raising her eyebrows.
His eyes widened seeing he offended her. "Sorry, I'm kind of new here, I don't know everyone's names just yet."
"Well his name is Hershel. You should probably know that cause he's the one that takes care of everyone when they get hurt."
"Got it, and the leader is Rick, right?"
"Right, now I wish I could stand here and educate you on everyone that lives here but I have to take these inside."
"All right well hopefully we'll see each other soon. I mean, we live in a prison, we're bound to run into each other sooner or later." He smirked.
Rolling her eyes she nodded. "Bye Liam."
A few miles away from the prison Rick and Maggie were picking through an abandoned supermarket while Daryl stood outside. Soon Judith would be able to eat more than formula which meant they had to find something else for her. Picking up a few jars he looked them over for an expiration date before placing them in his bag. "Its hard to believe she's almost four months old already." He heard Maggie whisper from behind him.
"Yeah, we got lucky. Your sister has taken such good care of her. I'll always be grateful for that." Rick sighed picking up a few bibs and a pack of diapers.
"Beth loves that little girl. We all do." Maggie couldn't help but think when Judith started talking would she call Beth 'mama.' She wouldn't dare say it out loud to Rick but the worry was always there.
"Did you find everything?" Hearing Rick's voice tore her away from her thoughts.
"Yep, got batteries and found enough food to last us until we have to make another run." She explained.
"All right, let's get Daryl and get out of here."
Beth sat in the floor of her cell mending a few tattered shirts. Judith was laying in her playpen on her stomach. Over time Beth learned her singing made the baby smile. Taking a deep breath she began singing softly, the first song that popped in her head. 'A dream is a wish your heart makes,' she sang. 'When you're fast asleep. In dreams you lose your heartaches. Whatever you wish for, you keep.'
Seeing the baby's smiling face Beth stopped. "I wish I had that movie, I used to watch it ever day. Maybe its cause Cinderella was blonde, maybe it was because of her pretty dress." She chuckled. "Maybe it was because she never gave up even when things seemed hopeless. Then it got better."
In these types of moments Beth envied Judith. This little girl had no idea what was going on in the world. Then she dreaded when Judith grew up because she will know nothing other than this world, nothing but death and not knowing whether you and your loved ones are gonna make it. 'No matter how your heart is grieving. If you keep on believing, the dream that you wish will come true.' She finished seeing the baby's eyes slowly droop until finally she let herself fall asleep.
I have no idea if Beth was a Disney fan, the song was just one of my favorites when I was a kid so I thought it would fit. Hope its ok :)