Contagion Chapter Seven
Avery awoke the next morning and raised an eyebrow as she saw Jessica sitting on the empty cot that belonged to Kate and Zac. She looked like she had just woken up and she also looked scared shitless. "Jess?" she asked as she sat up some and wiped at her eyes still feeling a bit tired. Anymore when she slept she dreamed of walkers and death and losing more people she loved.
"Huh?" Jessica asked as she raised an eyebrow and looked at her sister.
"Are you okay?" Avery asked as she stood from where she had slept and walked to the cot where her older sister sat. "You look kind of scared shitless which to be honest I haven't seen from you in awhile. Not since the herd on the highway anyway."
At Avery's words Jessica heaved a sigh as she shook her head, "Glenn's out there," she whispered not sure if she could face Glenn, not after having sex with him at the pharmacy. She wasn't even sure why she had let things go that far and why she had sex with him except for the fact that it had felt right in that moment.
"And?" Avery asked feeling confused about why Glenn being out there would scare Jessica so much. "Last I checked you and Glenn were friends."
Looking away from Avery, Jessica blushed, "Friends who had sex yesterday on that pharmacy run."
Avery felt her eyes widen at Jessica's admission of having sex with Glenn, "Wow," she muttered as she smiled slightly. "I mean I knew he liked you but I didn't really expect you two would finally hook up," she said trying not to show that while she was happy a part of her was also jealous because as it seemed right now she and Daryl would never get past this awkward phase of him being pissed at her even if he denied that he was.
"You knew he what!" Jessica stated as she eyed Avery. "And you didn't tell me?" she asked wondering how she had missed the clues on him liking her and she also couldn't help but wonder how she felt for him now. Yes the sex was good but she wasn't sure if that meant she liked him or she just liked how his dick had felt inside of her.
"Well the camp was kind of overrun when we came back the day that I found out and then after that you know we went to the CDC and almost died again. Sorry if it slipped my mind," Avery teased as she nudged Jessica back. "But why are you so scared to face him after having sex with him?"
Jessica shrugged, "Because I'm not sure how I feel for him. I mean what if he thinks I love him or something?" she asked as she ran a hand through her long hair.
Avery knew it was wrong but she laughed at her sister's words, "Honestly Jess so what if he does?" she asked as she stood from the cot. "Would it be so wrong to love Glenn or have him think that you love him? At least Glenn doesn't hate your guts like Daryl hates mine," she nodded before finding a pair of clean clothes and changing into them. "You could at least have some happiness. I just have to watch mine slip away because I was too weak and I gave in to Shane too many times," she admitted before leaving the tent.
Before she could object to Avery's theories on Daryl, Jessica watched Avery leave the tent and she looked down knowing Avery's words about Glenn had hit home sort of. What would be wrong about loving him? He wasn't Merle but then again she wasn't sure if she was ready for a relationship even if she had to admit Glenn did make her feel happy and somewhat safe. Things she had thought Merle had done too but he really hadn't. She had just been on the rebound from Joe's loss.
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Kate smiled at Carol as she helped the woman hang their clothes up on a line. Doing simple chores helped Kate forget for awhile the reality of the groups situation. That at the moment they were temporary borders on some man's land and that things could always change. Doing simple chores also reminded her of their time at the lake quarry and how at least then they were all happy and things seemed to be easier.
Turning away from Carol, Kate raised an eyebrow as she saw Lori walking towards them. The woman had slept in today and Kate really couldn't blame her given what all she had been through lately.
"I can't believe I slept in," Lori spoke to Kate and Carol as she walked to where the two women stood putting clothes on the line.
"You must have needed it," Carol mused as she turned around to get more clothes out of the basket. "Feeling alright?" she asked as Lori too now got clothes from the basket to hang up.
Lori just made a face at Carol's words, "Next time wake me okay, especially on laundry day," she said once she had some clothes and she turned around walking to the line where Carol was hanging clothes up at.
"I can manage," Carol told Lori knowing she had done fine. Anyway she had Kate's help today which was good. "I had an idea I wanted to run by you."
"What's that?" Lori asked as she hung up one of the shirts she had grabbed.
"Saw that big kitchen of theirs," Carol answered referring to the big kitchen in the Greene's house. "Got me thinking I wouldn't mind cooking in a real kitchen again. Maybe if we all pitch in we can cook dinner for Hershel and his family tonight," Carol smiled and when Lori stayed silent she continued. "I am kind of looking for things to keep my mind occupied."
Lori nodded briefly and put up a pair of jeans, "After everything they have done for us it seems like the least we could do."
"You mind extending the invitation?" Carol asked as Lori came over to the basket to get more clothes. "It'd just feel more right coming from you."
After getting out a few more clothes Lori turned to walk away but paused at Carol's words, "How so?" she asked not understanding how it'd be more right coming from her.
"You are Rick's wife. It sort of makes you our unofficial first lady," Carol spoke as she shrugged.
Again Lori paused at Carol's words and then turned to look briefly when she heard her husband as he came towards where Andrea and T-Dog where and he offered them a good morning before telling them they had to get going because they had a lot of ground to cover.
Shaking her head slightly she looked at Kate who had remained silent during her talk with Carol. Kate was a huge reminder now of her own problems that she dealt with. Kate was pregnant just like Lori now found herself though as far as Lori knew Kate had gotten pregnant before the world went to hell and not after.
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Zac chewed his lip as he stood around the Cherokee as Rick laid out a map to explain to them how the search for Sophia would go. He was nervous about looking for the girl but he knew he wanted to find her and bring her home. Maybe finding her could change how he felt about Kate's pregnancy.
"Alright everyone's getting new search grids today," Rick informed the people who were at the car. "She made it as far as the farmhouse that Daryl found she might have gone farther east then we've been so far."
It was after Rick spoke that Zac turned his head when he heard Beth's boyfriend Jimmy speak up as he came towards the group saying he'd like to help find the girl. Zac wasn't sure it was a good idea mainly because he really didn't look like he was equipped to helping. He was just some scrawny farm boy kid.
"Hershel's okay with this?" Rick asked as he eyed Jimmy after the boy spoke.
Jimmy nodded his head, "Yeah," he lied hoping that Rick couldn't see through his lie. "He said I should ask you."
Rick gave the boy a smile, "Alright then, thanks," he said before turning to look at Shane as he began to talk.
"About what Daryl found. Ain't screamin Sophia to me," Shane said as he opened the door of the Cherokee and and sat down. "Anyone could have been holed up in that farmhouse."
"Anybody includes her right?" Andrea asked as she turned to look down at Shane since she was the closest to him.
Daryl who had listened to Shane made a face, "Whoever slept in that cupboard was no bigger than yay high," he said showing them with his hand before looking to Avery who nodded to confirm his words.
"That's a good lead," Andrea spoke after Daryl did.
"Maybe we'll pick up her trail again," Rick said hoping that they did.
Daryl shook his head, "Ain't no maybe about it. I'm going to borrow a horse," he said as he eyed the map. "Head up to this ridge right here. Get a birds eye view of the grid. If she's up there I'll spot her."
"Good idea," Zac agreed as he looked at Daryl. "Maybe you'll see your Chupacabra up there too," he smirked as he teased the redneck.
Rick made a face at Zac's words, "Chupacabra?"
"What you never heard this? Dale asked as he made it to the Cherokee and laid the gun bag down. "The first night in camp Daryl tells us the whole thing reminds him of the time he went squirrel hunting and he saw a Chupacabra."
When Jimmy laughed at Dale's words, Daryl glared at the boy, "What are you laughing about jackass?" he grunted annoyed that the teenager found this funny.
"So you believe in a blood sucking dog?" Rick asked feeling amused as well.
"You believe in dead people walking around?" Daryl asked his tone serious.
Zac who had went silent after his comment made a face as he watched Jimmy reach his hand out for a gun.
"Hey," Rick said as he saw Jimmy's hand reach for the rifle out of the corner of his eye. "Ever fire one before?" he asked as he reached out and moved Jimmy's hand off the gun before picking it up.
"Well if I'm going out I want one," Jimmy spoke knowing he'd feel comfortable that way, even if he had never shot a gun before in his life.
Daryl slung his crossbow over his shoulder as he listened to Jimmy's response, "Yeah and people in hell want slurpees," he replied before walking off to get one of the horses so he could head out.
After Daryl left Zac turned to look at Avery before nodding. He would take her with him as they went to look for Sophia. Hearing Shane telling Jimmy to come gun training with them tomorrow he made another face as he lead Avery away so they could get going. He wasn't sure how he felt about that kid even holding a gun for gun training. He just seemed so ill equipped or maybe that was just his inner gun enthusiast talking right now.
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Jessica who had just finished showering in the main house chewed on her lip as she headed towards the door. She could hear the guitar being strummed and she knew Glenn was out there. She'd have to face him and that thought scared her because she really didn't want too.
"Just do it Jess," she spoke to herself before opening the door and stepping outside. Once she did she watched as Glenn looked up at her and then stood up. Giving him a smile she walked over to him. "Nice guitar," she nodded as she looked down at the guitar in his hands. She could vaguely remember Kate telling her over dinner last night about the guitar that Dale had found.
"Dale found it on the highway," Glenn said as he gave her a smile not sure if she had known that. When Jessica didn't respond but just gave him a look he looked around briefly before leaning closer. "You know we still have eleven condoms," he informed her as he smirked.
Jessica laughed slightly at Glenn's words, "You see eleven condoms, I see eleven minutes of my life I'm never getting back.."
Glenn chuckled for a bit before getting serious, "It wasn't that bad was it?" he asked almost feeling slightly offended and confused by Jessica at the moment.
"Look I don't even know if I like you," Jessica told him honestly as she shook her head. Honesty was the best policy right now.
"But you're thinking about it," Glenn stated as he leaned in closer to her and put his hand on the house for support. "You should," he said not sure where this confidence was coming from but he'd go with it. It meant that Jessica finally knew how he felt and well now the ball was in her court.
Rolling her eyes before laughing again Jessica just shook her head as she turned and walked away from Glenn.
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Avery chewed on her lip as she walked through the woods with Zac. They were walking at a slow pace and she raised an eyebrow mainly because he seemed to be off in another world now. "You okay Zachary?" she asked knowing that he hated to be called Zachary. Only their mom had called him that, though it was usually when he was in trouble.
Hearing Avery, Zac turned to look at her, giving her a small glare, "I'm fine," he lied knowing he had let his mind wander to the Kate and Taylor kiss again. He kind of wished now that Taylor hadn't told him but then again he was glad his brother had been honest. Something his wife should have been.
"Really because it seemed like you were a thousand miles away from me," Avery said in disbelief as she shrugged when Zac just gave her a glare. "You know I know we aren't as close but you can talk to me and I'll listen. Better than me having to deal with my own shit right now."
"Like being worried about Daryl being out on his own?" Zac asked as he eyed Avery. He had seen her face when Daryl had mentioned taking a horse and going out. She had looked terrified at the idea and it was then that Zac knew that his baby sister was in love with that redneck. "I may not like the Dixon's but at least he is better than Merle," he admitted as he ran a hand through his hair.
Avery blushed at Zac's words, "I'm not..." she started but stopped knowing she'd be lying if she said she wasn't worried about Daryl being out on his own even if she knew he could take care of himself. "I am but he is my friend," she lied though she figured Zac could probably see through it. "And nice way to change the topic."
Zac looked down and blushed now as well, "I wasn't changing the subject. I was just trying to see how my baby sister felt for a dirty redneck," he laughed as he looked back up at her. "And I have my answer."
Rolling her eyes Avery shook her head, "I guess you do," she said knowing whatever conclusion Zac had came too he was probably right. "So tell me your problems?" she asked wanting to know what had made him zone out. "I'm not giving up til you answer me Zachary."
Zac glared again playfully when she called him Zachary. Opening his mouth to answer he paused though when he heard a tree branch crack in the distance and he paused in his tracks not sure if it was a walker or a person. Looking at Avery he could tell from the panic on her face that she had heard it too and he raised his finger to his lip to shush her before slowly starting to walk towards the noise they had heard.
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Taylor who had came into the bathroom after Jessica left sighed to himself as he stepped out of the shower and wrapped a towel around his waist. He had probably taken much longer than he had meant too in there but it was nice to have some hot water again as well as to just shower. Not to mention showering seemed to help him forget things though right now it seemed he had nothing to forget. He sure as heck didn't want to forget Maggie or how he was starting to feel for her. He hadn't felt like this since Natalie.
At the thought of his wife he frowned slightly. He knew Natalie would want him to move on but maybe it was too soon but then again in this world he knew he couldn't just let moments slip by. Not when things were crazy.
Hearing the door open Taylor turned to look at whoever had came in and he cursed himself mentally for having forgotten to lock the door.
Maggie who had opened the bathroom door paused as she took in the sight before her. Taylor was clad only in a towel around his waist and his hair was wet still. It was a sight that made her blush and a sight she had to admit she liked even if she knew that liking him was probably too soon.
"S..sorry," she stuttered feeling her blush deepen as she tried to look away from him. "I didn't realize anyone was in here."
Taylor couldn't help but laugh when she stuttered, "It's my fault," he said as he shook his head. "I should have locked the door," he told her truthfully knowing he should have. "I guess it slipped my mind."
Nodding Maggie chewed on her lip as she stood in the doorway for a bit longer, "I..I should go," she muttered as she blushed even more before backing away.
"You really don't have too," Taylor spoke up watching as Maggie stopped in her tracks. He knew it was wrong but yet he didn't stop himself as he walked towards her and gently reached out pulling her into the bathroom with him before shutting the door and locking it.
Maggie took a deep breath as Taylor pulled her into the bathroom and locked the door. Chewing on her lip she looked up at him before deciding to be just as bold as he was being. Leaning in she kissed him on the lips not caring about consequences or even how long she had known him. All she cared about in that moment was the fact that she was slowly growing attracted to him. An attraction she wasn't sure she wanted to stop.
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Kate shook her head as she sat in the tent she shared with Zac. Again it seemed Zac had gone off without telling her though this time she had learned from Mac that Zac had went out with Avery to look for Sophia. She knew she couldn't be mad over that but she was mad. She was so very mad that he had left without telling her. Did he like making her worry?
"You okay?" Mac asked as he sat across from Kate. He had agreed to keep Kate company as she knitted and it had been during that, that he had revealed to her that Zac had went out with Avery. Something that he was shocked to find out she hadn't known.
"I'm pissed but okay," Kate muttered through gritted teeth as she began to knit faster. "This is the second day in a row Zac has left without telling me and while I am okay with him going to look for Sophia I wish he would have told me. Hell I was right there outside hanging up clothes with Carol. I don't see how he couldn't have taken the time to just fucking tell me."
Mac just sat there as Kate ranted, "I still can't get over the fact that sometimes you could probably make a sailor proud with your mouth Katie," he smirked as he gave her a wink.
Kate looked up at Mac and glared, "Don't try to make me forget that I'm pissed at your brother," she told him sounding dead serious.
"Oh trust me I'm not trying too," Mac laughed as he shrugged his shoulders. "But I guess I don't really want you stressing. You are pregnant with my nephew or well my nephew," he chuckled hoping the baby was a boy.
Laughing some Kate looked down at her stomach, "Or it could be a niece," she said smiling some. "I'd like a little girl," she told her brother-in-law honestly. "I just wish this baby's daddy would make things easy for me and do simple shit like tell me when he was leaving. He knows I worry."
"He's with Avery," Mac said as if that should ease Kate's worries. "She won't let anything happen to him or even herself. She's strong. Stronger than most people would think," he said as he smiled thinking of Avery. He had known what she had been through. He was sure most of their siblings did. It was a silent fact within their family. Something they never talked about often but it was always there and he was sure sometimes it had made Avery into who she was now.
Nodding Kate hoped Mac was right, "I just don't get why he is being like this," she mused as she went back to knitting. "Things were good between us yesterday morning."
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Avery crinkled her eyebrow as she bent down to pick up the locket that laid on the ground. It was the only thing left next to the snapped twig. A twig that she was sure had made the noise that she and Zac heard. "You don't see anyone?" Avery asked as she stood up and eyed her brother.
Zac shook his head at Avery's question. "No one is in sight," he said as he looked down at the locket in her hands.
"Someone was here," Avery nodded as she handed him the locket. "Doubt it was Sophia though. I don't remember her ever having that."
Taking the locket from Avery, Zac opened it and eyed the picture inside it. It was a picture of a redhead and his mouth fell open as he saw that the redhead was kissing another female in it. "Yeah I don't think it belonged to her either," he blushed before laying the locket back down.
Avery watched Zac lay the locket down, "You think whoever dropped it will come back for it?" she asked curiously as she crossed her arms.
"Yeah," Zac nodded knowing that with that picture in there they probably would. "Let's get going," he said knowing they were almost to the end of their zone anyway. "Think you can get us back just by tracking like you got us here that way?" he asked knowing he had started to lead the way but Avery had taken over. She had apparently learned a few things from the younger Dixon during her short amount of time in his presence.
Making a face Avery just stuck her tongue out at Zac. Instead of leading the way though she walked side by side with him.
During the silence Zac looked at Avery as he chewed his lip briefly, "I can see why you like Daryl," he spoke as he nodded. "He's broken just like you."
"I never said I liked Daryl," Avery spoke keeping her voice calm.
"You didn't have too," Zac smiled as he nudged her shoulder. "Like I said earlier your face at the thought of him out there gives away everything and I already have my answer. I know you do."
Groaning Avery just blushed, "It doesn't matter if I do," she whispered as she shook her head. "He'll never like me back. Not like that and not after what he's seen."
"What he's seen?" Zac asked confused as he raised an eyebrow. "What don't I know Avie?"
Avery groaned again but she rehashed everything to Zac. She told him about how she had given into Shane on top of the RV and then again at the CDC. She told him about how Daryl had seen them at the CDC and since then that things had been weird between them. Then she had also confessed how she had turned down Shane here at the farm when he had propositioned her on the first night she came here with Taylor.
Making a face at Avery's admission Zac shook his head, "I'm just going to ignore the fact that my baby sister slept with Shane Walsh," he muttered as he pretended to hurl.
"What you don't want me with someone who was a cop?" Avery asked as she laughed at Zac's reaction.
"To be honest I'd rather you be with who you love," Zac told her honestly as he reached out to put his arm around her. "And you love Daryl. I guess it was inevitable. I mean broken people tend to gravitate towards other broken people," he nodded. "Maybe you didn't blow your chance though Ave. You just need to talk to him."
Avery gave Zac a look as she rested her head on Zac's shoulder but she continued to walk with him, "Yes because getting Daryl to talk about emotions or feelings would be an easy feat," she replied back sarcastically. "He doesn't seem the type of guy who does that."
"My type of man then," Zac joked as he laughed. "I give you my blessing though to be with him if that's what you want," he smiled knowing he'd be okay with it."
"Maybe you should date him then," Avery teased as she pulled away when they got closer to the farm. "I'd even call you guys Zaryl. You know since the media used to love to give awful ship names and you were famous."
Zac laughed more at Avery's words but he raised his hand to flip her off. At least these fun moments with Avery were enough to make him forget his troubles getting over Kate's secret that she was keeping from him.
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Lucy came out from behind the tree she was hiding behind as she watched the man and woman walk away. Going to where the man had dropped her locket she picked it up and smiled as she held it in her hands and opened it. Seeing the picture of her kissing Renee she felt tears come to her eyes. She hadn't looked at this picture since Renee had turned and died. She just had never had the courage before now.
"I'm glad they left this Renee," she spoke as she slipped the locket back on. "I don't know what I would have done if they took the only gift you ever gave me," she laughed as she reached up to wipe away a few tears that had came down her cheek. Shaking her head she knew she probably looked crazy standing out here talking to herself.
Looking around to make sure no walkers or humans were in sight she headed off to the old abandoned farm house that her group was staying at. She was debating on telling Viv that they had other survivors close by, but then again Viv may not care. Viv liked things the way they were. Viv liked the small group they had. The small group that consisted of Viv,Lucy,Sutton and Alice. They had all met when each had gotten separated from their own group and Viv had said that was how it should have been and if they were to ever take anyone else in Lucy figured it would happen that same way. The person would get lost from their own group.
It was at that thought she knew she wouldn't mention her findings. She'd just keep it to herself.
Avery awoke the next morning and raised an eyebrow as she saw Jessica sitting on the empty cot that belonged to Kate and Zac. She looked like she had just woken up and she also looked scared shitless. "Jess?" she asked as she sat up some and wiped at her eyes still feeling a bit tired. Anymore when she slept she dreamed of walkers and death and losing more people she loved.
"Huh?" Jessica asked as she raised an eyebrow and looked at her sister.
"Are you okay?" Avery asked as she stood from where she had slept and walked to the cot where her older sister sat. "You look kind of scared shitless which to be honest I haven't seen from you in awhile. Not since the herd on the highway anyway."
At Avery's words Jessica heaved a sigh as she shook her head, "Glenn's out there," she whispered not sure if she could face Glenn, not after having sex with him at the pharmacy. She wasn't even sure why she had let things go that far and why she had sex with him except for the fact that it had felt right in that moment.
"And?" Avery asked feeling confused about why Glenn being out there would scare Jessica so much. "Last I checked you and Glenn were friends."
Looking away from Avery, Jessica blushed, "Friends who had sex yesterday on that pharmacy run."
Avery felt her eyes widen at Jessica's admission of having sex with Glenn, "Wow," she muttered as she smiled slightly. "I mean I knew he liked you but I didn't really expect you two would finally hook up," she said trying not to show that while she was happy a part of her was also jealous because as it seemed right now she and Daryl would never get past this awkward phase of him being pissed at her even if he denied that he was.
"You knew he what!" Jessica stated as she eyed Avery. "And you didn't tell me?" she asked wondering how she had missed the clues on him liking her and she also couldn't help but wonder how she felt for him now. Yes the sex was good but she wasn't sure if that meant she liked him or she just liked how his dick had felt inside of her.
"Well the camp was kind of overrun when we came back the day that I found out and then after that you know we went to the CDC and almost died again. Sorry if it slipped my mind," Avery teased as she nudged Jessica back. "But why are you so scared to face him after having sex with him?"
Jessica shrugged, "Because I'm not sure how I feel for him. I mean what if he thinks I love him or something?" she asked as she ran a hand through her long hair.
Avery knew it was wrong but she laughed at her sister's words, "Honestly Jess so what if he does?" she asked as she stood from the cot. "Would it be so wrong to love Glenn or have him think that you love him? At least Glenn doesn't hate your guts like Daryl hates mine," she nodded before finding a pair of clean clothes and changing into them. "You could at least have some happiness. I just have to watch mine slip away because I was too weak and I gave in to Shane too many times," she admitted before leaving the tent.
Before she could object to Avery's theories on Daryl, Jessica watched Avery leave the tent and she looked down knowing Avery's words about Glenn had hit home sort of. What would be wrong about loving him? He wasn't Merle but then again she wasn't sure if she was ready for a relationship even if she had to admit Glenn did make her feel happy and somewhat safe. Things she had thought Merle had done too but he really hadn't. She had just been on the rebound from Joe's loss.
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Kate smiled at Carol as she helped the woman hang their clothes up on a line. Doing simple chores helped Kate forget for awhile the reality of the groups situation. That at the moment they were temporary borders on some man's land and that things could always change. Doing simple chores also reminded her of their time at the lake quarry and how at least then they were all happy and things seemed to be easier.
Turning away from Carol, Kate raised an eyebrow as she saw Lori walking towards them. The woman had slept in today and Kate really couldn't blame her given what all she had been through lately.
"I can't believe I slept in," Lori spoke to Kate and Carol as she walked to where the two women stood putting clothes on the line.
"You must have needed it," Carol mused as she turned around to get more clothes out of the basket. "Feeling alright?" she asked as Lori too now got clothes from the basket to hang up.
Lori just made a face at Carol's words, "Next time wake me okay, especially on laundry day," she said once she had some clothes and she turned around walking to the line where Carol was hanging clothes up at.
"I can manage," Carol told Lori knowing she had done fine. Anyway she had Kate's help today which was good. "I had an idea I wanted to run by you."
"What's that?" Lori asked as she hung up one of the shirts she had grabbed.
"Saw that big kitchen of theirs," Carol answered referring to the big kitchen in the Greene's house. "Got me thinking I wouldn't mind cooking in a real kitchen again. Maybe if we all pitch in we can cook dinner for Hershel and his family tonight," Carol smiled and when Lori stayed silent she continued. "I am kind of looking for things to keep my mind occupied."
Lori nodded briefly and put up a pair of jeans, "After everything they have done for us it seems like the least we could do."
"You mind extending the invitation?" Carol asked as Lori came over to the basket to get more clothes. "It'd just feel more right coming from you."
After getting out a few more clothes Lori turned to walk away but paused at Carol's words, "How so?" she asked not understanding how it'd be more right coming from her.
"You are Rick's wife. It sort of makes you our unofficial first lady," Carol spoke as she shrugged.
Again Lori paused at Carol's words and then turned to look briefly when she heard her husband as he came towards where Andrea and T-Dog where and he offered them a good morning before telling them they had to get going because they had a lot of ground to cover.
Shaking her head slightly she looked at Kate who had remained silent during her talk with Carol. Kate was a huge reminder now of her own problems that she dealt with. Kate was pregnant just like Lori now found herself though as far as Lori knew Kate had gotten pregnant before the world went to hell and not after.
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Zac chewed his lip as he stood around the Cherokee as Rick laid out a map to explain to them how the search for Sophia would go. He was nervous about looking for the girl but he knew he wanted to find her and bring her home. Maybe finding her could change how he felt about Kate's pregnancy.
"Alright everyone's getting new search grids today," Rick informed the people who were at the car. "She made it as far as the farmhouse that Daryl found she might have gone farther east then we've been so far."
It was after Rick spoke that Zac turned his head when he heard Beth's boyfriend Jimmy speak up as he came towards the group saying he'd like to help find the girl. Zac wasn't sure it was a good idea mainly because he really didn't look like he was equipped to helping. He was just some scrawny farm boy kid.
"Hershel's okay with this?" Rick asked as he eyed Jimmy after the boy spoke.
Jimmy nodded his head, "Yeah," he lied hoping that Rick couldn't see through his lie. "He said I should ask you."
Rick gave the boy a smile, "Alright then, thanks," he said before turning to look at Shane as he began to talk.
"About what Daryl found. Ain't screamin Sophia to me," Shane said as he opened the door of the Cherokee and and sat down. "Anyone could have been holed up in that farmhouse."
"Anybody includes her right?" Andrea asked as she turned to look down at Shane since she was the closest to him.
Daryl who had listened to Shane made a face, "Whoever slept in that cupboard was no bigger than yay high," he said showing them with his hand before looking to Avery who nodded to confirm his words.
"That's a good lead," Andrea spoke after Daryl did.
"Maybe we'll pick up her trail again," Rick said hoping that they did.
Daryl shook his head, "Ain't no maybe about it. I'm going to borrow a horse," he said as he eyed the map. "Head up to this ridge right here. Get a birds eye view of the grid. If she's up there I'll spot her."
"Good idea," Zac agreed as he looked at Daryl. "Maybe you'll see your Chupacabra up there too," he smirked as he teased the redneck.
Rick made a face at Zac's words, "Chupacabra?"
"What you never heard this? Dale asked as he made it to the Cherokee and laid the gun bag down. "The first night in camp Daryl tells us the whole thing reminds him of the time he went squirrel hunting and he saw a Chupacabra."
When Jimmy laughed at Dale's words, Daryl glared at the boy, "What are you laughing about jackass?" he grunted annoyed that the teenager found this funny.
"So you believe in a blood sucking dog?" Rick asked feeling amused as well.
"You believe in dead people walking around?" Daryl asked his tone serious.
Zac who had went silent after his comment made a face as he watched Jimmy reach his hand out for a gun.
"Hey," Rick said as he saw Jimmy's hand reach for the rifle out of the corner of his eye. "Ever fire one before?" he asked as he reached out and moved Jimmy's hand off the gun before picking it up.
"Well if I'm going out I want one," Jimmy spoke knowing he'd feel comfortable that way, even if he had never shot a gun before in his life.
Daryl slung his crossbow over his shoulder as he listened to Jimmy's response, "Yeah and people in hell want slurpees," he replied before walking off to get one of the horses so he could head out.
After Daryl left Zac turned to look at Avery before nodding. He would take her with him as they went to look for Sophia. Hearing Shane telling Jimmy to come gun training with them tomorrow he made another face as he lead Avery away so they could get going. He wasn't sure how he felt about that kid even holding a gun for gun training. He just seemed so ill equipped or maybe that was just his inner gun enthusiast talking right now.
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Jessica who had just finished showering in the main house chewed on her lip as she headed towards the door. She could hear the guitar being strummed and she knew Glenn was out there. She'd have to face him and that thought scared her because she really didn't want too.
"Just do it Jess," she spoke to herself before opening the door and stepping outside. Once she did she watched as Glenn looked up at her and then stood up. Giving him a smile she walked over to him. "Nice guitar," she nodded as she looked down at the guitar in his hands. She could vaguely remember Kate telling her over dinner last night about the guitar that Dale had found.
"Dale found it on the highway," Glenn said as he gave her a smile not sure if she had known that. When Jessica didn't respond but just gave him a look he looked around briefly before leaning closer. "You know we still have eleven condoms," he informed her as he smirked.
Jessica laughed slightly at Glenn's words, "You see eleven condoms, I see eleven minutes of my life I'm never getting back.."
Glenn chuckled for a bit before getting serious, "It wasn't that bad was it?" he asked almost feeling slightly offended and confused by Jessica at the moment.
"Look I don't even know if I like you," Jessica told him honestly as she shook her head. Honesty was the best policy right now.
"But you're thinking about it," Glenn stated as he leaned in closer to her and put his hand on the house for support. "You should," he said not sure where this confidence was coming from but he'd go with it. It meant that Jessica finally knew how he felt and well now the ball was in her court.
Rolling her eyes before laughing again Jessica just shook her head as she turned and walked away from Glenn.
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Avery chewed on her lip as she walked through the woods with Zac. They were walking at a slow pace and she raised an eyebrow mainly because he seemed to be off in another world now. "You okay Zachary?" she asked knowing that he hated to be called Zachary. Only their mom had called him that, though it was usually when he was in trouble.
Hearing Avery, Zac turned to look at her, giving her a small glare, "I'm fine," he lied knowing he had let his mind wander to the Kate and Taylor kiss again. He kind of wished now that Taylor hadn't told him but then again he was glad his brother had been honest. Something his wife should have been.
"Really because it seemed like you were a thousand miles away from me," Avery said in disbelief as she shrugged when Zac just gave her a glare. "You know I know we aren't as close but you can talk to me and I'll listen. Better than me having to deal with my own shit right now."
"Like being worried about Daryl being out on his own?" Zac asked as he eyed Avery. He had seen her face when Daryl had mentioned taking a horse and going out. She had looked terrified at the idea and it was then that Zac knew that his baby sister was in love with that redneck. "I may not like the Dixon's but at least he is better than Merle," he admitted as he ran a hand through his hair.
Avery blushed at Zac's words, "I'm not..." she started but stopped knowing she'd be lying if she said she wasn't worried about Daryl being out on his own even if she knew he could take care of himself. "I am but he is my friend," she lied though she figured Zac could probably see through it. "And nice way to change the topic."
Zac looked down and blushed now as well, "I wasn't changing the subject. I was just trying to see how my baby sister felt for a dirty redneck," he laughed as he looked back up at her. "And I have my answer."
Rolling her eyes Avery shook her head, "I guess you do," she said knowing whatever conclusion Zac had came too he was probably right. "So tell me your problems?" she asked wanting to know what had made him zone out. "I'm not giving up til you answer me Zachary."
Zac glared again playfully when she called him Zachary. Opening his mouth to answer he paused though when he heard a tree branch crack in the distance and he paused in his tracks not sure if it was a walker or a person. Looking at Avery he could tell from the panic on her face that she had heard it too and he raised his finger to his lip to shush her before slowly starting to walk towards the noise they had heard.
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Taylor who had came into the bathroom after Jessica left sighed to himself as he stepped out of the shower and wrapped a towel around his waist. He had probably taken much longer than he had meant too in there but it was nice to have some hot water again as well as to just shower. Not to mention showering seemed to help him forget things though right now it seemed he had nothing to forget. He sure as heck didn't want to forget Maggie or how he was starting to feel for her. He hadn't felt like this since Natalie.
At the thought of his wife he frowned slightly. He knew Natalie would want him to move on but maybe it was too soon but then again in this world he knew he couldn't just let moments slip by. Not when things were crazy.
Hearing the door open Taylor turned to look at whoever had came in and he cursed himself mentally for having forgotten to lock the door.
Maggie who had opened the bathroom door paused as she took in the sight before her. Taylor was clad only in a towel around his waist and his hair was wet still. It was a sight that made her blush and a sight she had to admit she liked even if she knew that liking him was probably too soon.
"S..sorry," she stuttered feeling her blush deepen as she tried to look away from him. "I didn't realize anyone was in here."
Taylor couldn't help but laugh when she stuttered, "It's my fault," he said as he shook his head. "I should have locked the door," he told her truthfully knowing he should have. "I guess it slipped my mind."
Nodding Maggie chewed on her lip as she stood in the doorway for a bit longer, "I..I should go," she muttered as she blushed even more before backing away.
"You really don't have too," Taylor spoke up watching as Maggie stopped in her tracks. He knew it was wrong but yet he didn't stop himself as he walked towards her and gently reached out pulling her into the bathroom with him before shutting the door and locking it.
Maggie took a deep breath as Taylor pulled her into the bathroom and locked the door. Chewing on her lip she looked up at him before deciding to be just as bold as he was being. Leaning in she kissed him on the lips not caring about consequences or even how long she had known him. All she cared about in that moment was the fact that she was slowly growing attracted to him. An attraction she wasn't sure she wanted to stop.
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Kate shook her head as she sat in the tent she shared with Zac. Again it seemed Zac had gone off without telling her though this time she had learned from Mac that Zac had went out with Avery to look for Sophia. She knew she couldn't be mad over that but she was mad. She was so very mad that he had left without telling her. Did he like making her worry?
"You okay?" Mac asked as he sat across from Kate. He had agreed to keep Kate company as she knitted and it had been during that, that he had revealed to her that Zac had went out with Avery. Something that he was shocked to find out she hadn't known.
"I'm pissed but okay," Kate muttered through gritted teeth as she began to knit faster. "This is the second day in a row Zac has left without telling me and while I am okay with him going to look for Sophia I wish he would have told me. Hell I was right there outside hanging up clothes with Carol. I don't see how he couldn't have taken the time to just fucking tell me."
Mac just sat there as Kate ranted, "I still can't get over the fact that sometimes you could probably make a sailor proud with your mouth Katie," he smirked as he gave her a wink.
Kate looked up at Mac and glared, "Don't try to make me forget that I'm pissed at your brother," she told him sounding dead serious.
"Oh trust me I'm not trying too," Mac laughed as he shrugged his shoulders. "But I guess I don't really want you stressing. You are pregnant with my nephew or well my nephew," he chuckled hoping the baby was a boy.
Laughing some Kate looked down at her stomach, "Or it could be a niece," she said smiling some. "I'd like a little girl," she told her brother-in-law honestly. "I just wish this baby's daddy would make things easy for me and do simple shit like tell me when he was leaving. He knows I worry."
"He's with Avery," Mac said as if that should ease Kate's worries. "She won't let anything happen to him or even herself. She's strong. Stronger than most people would think," he said as he smiled thinking of Avery. He had known what she had been through. He was sure most of their siblings did. It was a silent fact within their family. Something they never talked about often but it was always there and he was sure sometimes it had made Avery into who she was now.
Nodding Kate hoped Mac was right, "I just don't get why he is being like this," she mused as she went back to knitting. "Things were good between us yesterday morning."
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Avery crinkled her eyebrow as she bent down to pick up the locket that laid on the ground. It was the only thing left next to the snapped twig. A twig that she was sure had made the noise that she and Zac heard. "You don't see anyone?" Avery asked as she stood up and eyed her brother.
Zac shook his head at Avery's question. "No one is in sight," he said as he looked down at the locket in her hands.
"Someone was here," Avery nodded as she handed him the locket. "Doubt it was Sophia though. I don't remember her ever having that."
Taking the locket from Avery, Zac opened it and eyed the picture inside it. It was a picture of a redhead and his mouth fell open as he saw that the redhead was kissing another female in it. "Yeah I don't think it belonged to her either," he blushed before laying the locket back down.
Avery watched Zac lay the locket down, "You think whoever dropped it will come back for it?" she asked curiously as she crossed her arms.
"Yeah," Zac nodded knowing that with that picture in there they probably would. "Let's get going," he said knowing they were almost to the end of their zone anyway. "Think you can get us back just by tracking like you got us here that way?" he asked knowing he had started to lead the way but Avery had taken over. She had apparently learned a few things from the younger Dixon during her short amount of time in his presence.
Making a face Avery just stuck her tongue out at Zac. Instead of leading the way though she walked side by side with him.
During the silence Zac looked at Avery as he chewed his lip briefly, "I can see why you like Daryl," he spoke as he nodded. "He's broken just like you."
"I never said I liked Daryl," Avery spoke keeping her voice calm.
"You didn't have too," Zac smiled as he nudged her shoulder. "Like I said earlier your face at the thought of him out there gives away everything and I already have my answer. I know you do."
Groaning Avery just blushed, "It doesn't matter if I do," she whispered as she shook her head. "He'll never like me back. Not like that and not after what he's seen."
"What he's seen?" Zac asked confused as he raised an eyebrow. "What don't I know Avie?"
Avery groaned again but she rehashed everything to Zac. She told him about how she had given into Shane on top of the RV and then again at the CDC. She told him about how Daryl had seen them at the CDC and since then that things had been weird between them. Then she had also confessed how she had turned down Shane here at the farm when he had propositioned her on the first night she came here with Taylor.
Making a face at Avery's admission Zac shook his head, "I'm just going to ignore the fact that my baby sister slept with Shane Walsh," he muttered as he pretended to hurl.
"What you don't want me with someone who was a cop?" Avery asked as she laughed at Zac's reaction.
"To be honest I'd rather you be with who you love," Zac told her honestly as he reached out to put his arm around her. "And you love Daryl. I guess it was inevitable. I mean broken people tend to gravitate towards other broken people," he nodded. "Maybe you didn't blow your chance though Ave. You just need to talk to him."
Avery gave Zac a look as she rested her head on Zac's shoulder but she continued to walk with him, "Yes because getting Daryl to talk about emotions or feelings would be an easy feat," she replied back sarcastically. "He doesn't seem the type of guy who does that."
"My type of man then," Zac joked as he laughed. "I give you my blessing though to be with him if that's what you want," he smiled knowing he'd be okay with it."
"Maybe you should date him then," Avery teased as she pulled away when they got closer to the farm. "I'd even call you guys Zaryl. You know since the media used to love to give awful ship names and you were famous."
Zac laughed more at Avery's words but he raised his hand to flip her off. At least these fun moments with Avery were enough to make him forget his troubles getting over Kate's secret that she was keeping from him.
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Lucy came out from behind the tree she was hiding behind as she watched the man and woman walk away. Going to where the man had dropped her locket she picked it up and smiled as she held it in her hands and opened it. Seeing the picture of her kissing Renee she felt tears come to her eyes. She hadn't looked at this picture since Renee had turned and died. She just had never had the courage before now.
"I'm glad they left this Renee," she spoke as she slipped the locket back on. "I don't know what I would have done if they took the only gift you ever gave me," she laughed as she reached up to wipe away a few tears that had came down her cheek. Shaking her head she knew she probably looked crazy standing out here talking to herself.
Looking around to make sure no walkers or humans were in sight she headed off to the old abandoned farm house that her group was staying at. She was debating on telling Viv that they had other survivors close by, but then again Viv may not care. Viv liked things the way they were. Viv liked the small group they had. The small group that consisted of Viv,Lucy,Sutton and Alice. They had all met when each had gotten separated from their own group and Viv had said that was how it should have been and if they were to ever take anyone else in Lucy figured it would happen that same way. The person would get lost from their own group.
It was at that thought she knew she wouldn't mention her findings. She'd just keep it to herself.