DISCLAIMER: don't own the walking dead or it's characters. this chapter's pretty tame, if maybe a bit boring but I felt it was necessary.
~*~TWD~*~TWD~*~TWD~*~TWD~*~TWD~*~TWD~*~TWD~*~TWD~*~TWD~*~TWD~*~TWD
"I don't think y'all realize what it did to her, or what it's already doing to her. She's the only person that's breaking down while keeping their shit together, and in my experience that means 1 of 2 things. Either she's going to shut down completely, or she's going to explode." Darryl was looking between Rick and Hershel as he spoke. He didn't waste any time, as soon as everyone entered the library he'd said what was on his mind.
"What are you referring too? I mean, what do you mean by 'what it did to her'? What is 'it'" Rick calmly leaned forward as he spoke, his face calm and genuinely curious.
"Carol was the only resource Beth had when she's ever had questions or needed a break, and now she's gone. Look Rick I know you see it too. She's trying as hard as she can with that little girl, and I'm not trying to say you ain't a good daddy because we all have our jobs to do. I'm just saying, your job, your original job was to be our leader, and even you got a break from that. Now since Carol's gone, and you're stepping up to the plate again, who's gonna help her with that baby?" Darryl had stepped forward, kept his voice level and looked Rick in the eyes.
"My little girl's tougher than she looks, son." Hershel began, "Beth's always been the type that simmers, she can take the heat she's just gotta adjust a little bit." He lightly tapped his fingers on the table top before lifting his eyes to meet Darryl's.
"I think you're pushing her too far. You're trying to make her grow up and stay a kid at the same time and it doesn't work like that. You either set her up for failure or you set her up to survive. She needs to learn what it's like to only have herself before she can be responsible for a baby too. I'll step in and give her a break on my own if I have to." Darryl's jaw had tightened but he refrained from raising his voice.
"I suppose after this meeting Carl and I could take her for a few days, give Beth some breathing room and free time, but I want to make myself clear here. I don't for one second doubt the call I made. You want to point out what a loss Carol was, I get that, I respect it and trust me we all feel it, but don't insinuate that I did it to make things harder on another of our own. I will wade through the waves I've made Darryl, I just need to know you're still with me." Rick had tilted his head to the side and leaned in carefully as he always did when having a serious conversation.
"I'm with you, just making sure no one gets neglected is all." Darryl nodded as he spoke.
Meanwhile, Beth had been contending with Judith, who she had resolved had Lori's iron will and Rick's determination. At this point there was no doubt in her mind that Rick was this little girl's dad.
Judith had taken to kicking and trying to smack when she didn't get her way. It'd been a long day of trying to give her cereal and carrots but every time Beth got the spoon close, Judith smacked it away.
Beth had given up, she'd made a bottle and washed a pacifier, sat on the bunk beside Judith's crib and watched as the child ate. Slowly Beth sank into the bunk, laying Judith down between her body and the wall so she wouldn't roll out.
"Beth, where's Judith?" Rick had tried to remain calm when he walked into the cell.
It took her a while to wake up, she looked down to see that Judith was still sound asleep, and holding onto the bottle with one hand and had her pacifier in the other.
"I'm so sorry Rick I know you told me never to fall asleep with her. I didn't mean to I swear and it'll never happen again." She'd plead with the man, carefully scooping up the baby and putting her in the crib.
"It's quite alright. I understand that a baby can be a handful and maybe we've put a little too much on your shoulders here lately when it comes to my little girl."
"I can handle it I promise Rick. I just didn't think I was that tired." She'd interrupted him but he quickly put his hand up to stop her. He moved to sit on the bunk and Beth took that as a sign for her to sit down too. She knew what was coming.
"We've got a much needed spot in the group that needs filled now. With Carol gone we need someone to cook and teach the kids. I understand that you've been around Judith a lot her recently and I want to formally offer you the job. Carl and I can take care of Judith while you adjust and after a while we can figure out a schedule. How's that sound?" Rick had a slight smile on his face as he watched Beth's face light up.
"Rick, I'd love too. Don't take this the wrong way because I love her and I still want to be a big part in her life but, I'm no where near ready to take care of a baby 24/7 by myself. Come to think of it, not sure if I'm ready to cook for a small army but hey, I'll see what I can do." Her eyes were smiling as she spoke.
"You'll adjust I promise, we want to make sure that you're spending enough time to yourself. Figure out what it is that you want to do, even though I know your options are pretty limited. Read some books, maybe get some fresh air though I warn you, the air pretty much smells like rotting flesh every where." Rick mildly chuckled at the last sentance but so did Beth.
"I might start training a bit more, I know I'm a horrible shot and I need to brush up on my knife skills. "
"I think that's a great idea, I can see if Michonne wouldn't mind working with you on your foot work, and see if Darryl can help you with the rest when they have time. For now though, why don't you go get cleaned up and rest. I know It's been pretty rough on you lately." Rick said, patting her leg just barely above the knee before standing up a gesturing for her to leave.
"Thank you so much Rick." She beamed before stepping to the exit.
"Thank Darryl, he's the one who spoke up for you at the meeting today, I'm just the messenger." Rick smiled before watching Beth's figure disappear behind the sheet. Hopefully, his plan to help Beth will end up working.