Broken strings---➤ Daryl Dixon

11

I inform Glenn of the plan, leaving out my revelation, before Rick and Shane gather us all together regarding today's itinerary. Shane speaks first, talking about gun training. I suppose I can go, my handle on guns is getting better but it might be nice to feel more confident. That's when Beth and Patricia join us asking if they can also be trained. Rick plans to check that with Hershel first, which suggests there is an uneasiness between our group and theirs.

Before we can actually practice, there's some sort of disagreement surrounding Carl and apparently, he stole a gun. Carl clearly charmed his way through because he joins us on the makeshift gun range.

"Hey kiddo," I tap the sheriff hat he now wears.

"I'm gonna be practicing with you guys," He tells me excitedly. Shane talks him through the process before handing him a gun. Carl makes his first attempt at shooting a bottle but he just misses and hits the fence.

"It's a good start," I smile at the boy. The rest of us start practising and I find hitting bottles is fairly easy. It's the kickback which I'm still not used to. Shane continues his lesson when Carl approaches me.

"Can I try your bow." He pleads.

"Didn't you just have to fight your way into being gun trained?" I can't help but laugh at the kid for testing his parent's limits.

I glance at Rick, I sigh gently. I have a soft spot for this damn kid.

"Hey Rick, I think I'm all good with training," I rub the back of my neck, "So would you and Lori be pissed if I show Carl how to use my bow? Obviously he won't carry it around with him but he really wants to try it."

I think I stun Rick slightly but he nods. Rick and I wander over to join Carl.

I show him first how he should stand and where to hold the bow.

"Wow it's heavy." Carl comments but the grin on his face isn't diminished. I then talk him through how to nock an arrow and how to line up the shot.

"Okay pull back as hard as you can, aim and then when you're ready let go with this hand." I say as I tap the one holding the arrow in place. I watch him carefully and he follows my instructions, the arrow fires and lodges itself into the post of the fence.

"Damn good aiming!" I praise him.

"Thank you Jennie!" Carl hugs me and returns my bow.

"No problem, you're badass now."

I catch Rick's eye and he smiles at me. Even though we are shooting for our survival, today has felt more normal than it has in a long time.

When we make it back to the farm Glenn immediately drags me away from the others.

"Man, I can't take anymore news." I sigh.

"No it's just, I told Dale, like everything. He knows." Glenn places his head in his hands.

"I thought I said to tell Rick, not Dale?" I can't help but laugh at Glenn's frustration. " I can speak to Rick if you want me to." I place my hand on his shoulder and he nods, "How about you go get some stuff for Lori in the meantime."

I approach Lori and hope she's thought over what I mentioned earlier.

"Glenn is still going to go on a run if you need anything."

She nods and looks grateful before writing something on a piece of paper and handing it to me. I smile genuinely at her, I can't imagine what she's feeling, before heading over to find Glenn.

I figured he would go alone but I watch as Maggie rides off on a horse next to him.

I stretch, trying to make myself busy in the meantime. I help out with the mundane tasks, I stand near the tent Daryl is in and contemplate speaking to him but in fear it might be awkward, I just can't bring myself to do so.

"Hey! Here's your stuff!" I turn around and can hear Maggie yelling at Lori. Clearly, something must've happened on their journey because she seems really pissed off. I watch as Glenn attempts to calm her down but it doesn't work.
"Oh and here are your abortion pills."

I watch as Lori sits down defeated, I walk over and sit next to her.
"No matter what you decide, or what you tell Rick, I'll support you. But I do heavily advise you tell Rick."
She's having a hard time, and I don't blame her for not wanting a baby. Hell I wouldn't want to be pregnant even before the world went to shit, and it's not like healthcare has gotten better. I squeeze Lori's hand gently and leave her in peace.

For the third time today, Glenn pulls me away from the group.
"I think I like Maggie. I think she likes me?" He starts.
"Are you coming to me for relationship advice?" I tease.

"J, seriously I just, I don't know what to do."
We lean against one of the fences. "Well, I think it's pretty simple when two people like each other. Try not to overthink it."

"Their family believe the walkers can be cured." Glenn reminds me.
I pause for a moment, "I suppose if you've not seen the mass destruction in the cities it's easy to think that humans will fight back and find a cure. And even though we see the barn is filled with walkers, it is still their family and friends, it's a lot to grieve over."

I'm not trying to excuse the actions but trying to point to Glenn where they might be coming from. He nods,
"I just-" he sighs, "I just don't understand women."
"Hey!" I exclaim, "That's offensive." I say with mock anger.
"Sorry I keep dragging you away to complain." He sighs.
"It's okay, I can't help being the superior twin with great advice," I smirk.

Later that night as we sit and eat dinner I can tell by the look on Lori and Ricks faces that they had a talk.