"I don't want to hear some sob story, Liz, so that better not be what this is." She said, her tone unpleased as she walked into her kitchen.
"It's not, I just-" I sighed, "I wanted to tell you why I did it-- why I left."
"Thought we already went over that; you were stupid and selfish, right?" She asked sarcastically, putting the container away.
I nodded slowly, "I'm not going to pretend like you're not right-- I didn't think it through and I was only thinking about my own feelings.. but that's not the only reason why I left."
She sighed, annoyance present as she turned to face me, "Then what was it, Liz?"
"I left because I couldn't stand to see one more person die.." I breathed, "After everything that happened I just- it all happened after I showed up here.. I thought that meant that it was my fault and that maybe if I left, it wouldn't happen anymore-- or at least I wouldn't have to see it."
"Well, it doesn't work like that-"
"I know that now," I cut her off, "But at the time, I would've done anything to protect everyone in Alexandria-- I still would. I killed people for this place-- for these people, and I still think about every one of them.. but I would do it again in a heartbeat."
She sighed again, this one more genuine than the last, "Did you ever kill anyone before you came here?"
"One person.. he was a friend who was bit." I said quietly, "I hoped I'd never have to do it again, but it just seems like that's an impossible wish now.. because I'd do anything for these people."
Carol nodded, folding a hand towel that laid in front of her, "Well.. I'm sorry for being so hard on you earlier, I just worry about Daryl sometimes and I know that if he wouldn't of found you when he did, he would've never stopped looking."
"I just didn't think he cared about me that much," I shrugged, "But now I know."
"He really does, so just.. take care of him, ok?"
I nodded, "I'd give up my life for him-- for any of you."
***
"So, Rosita said not to say anything, but she told me that you and Daryl are like, kind of a thing." Tara said, pushing a wheelbarrow filled with weeds as we helped Maggie with the garden.
I let out a small laugh as I shook my head, "You know, I had the chance to shoot Rosita once."
"Kinda wishing you would've taken it?" Tara asked.
"Just a little." I laughed, patting the dirt off my gloves.
"So.. is it true?" She proceeded, wanting to know the answer before getting interrupted.
"Is what true?" Maggie asked, coming up from behind us, "What're y'all trying to hide from everyone?" She joked.
I let out a nervous laugh as Tara struggled to keep the grin off her face before she continued pushing the wheelbarrow off, leaving Maggie and I behind.
"C'mon now, spill it." Maggie smiled as she walked back towards the garden, gesturing me to follow behind.
I let out a steady breath, knowing I could trust her because she had already confided in me before, "It's just about Daryl and I." I shrugged, not really knowing what to say or what to call us.
"That's what you were trying to hide?" She chuckled, "Darling, anyone with half a mind can tell that that man's in love with you."
An uncontrollable smile pulled on the corners of my mouth at what she said, hoping that it was true.
"But now, the real question is, do you feel the same way about him?" She asked, looking over at me as we continued walking at a slow pace.
"I told him I did." I said, giving her a small nod.
A genuine smile appeared on her face as she looked over the land in front of us, "He's a good man, Liz."
I felt as my cheeks began to ache from the constant smile that they were creating, before I nodded again, "I know he is."
_____
A little bit of resolution between Liz and Carol and, slowly but surely, more and more people are finding out about Liz and Daryl's relationship.
Sorry this chapter was so short, it was more of just a filler chapter, but the next one will have a bit more action.
Let me know what you think!