My head is filling with illusions now, is this real? or is it a mirage? Where are we running, where are we running...
My ankles are going to give out, I can feel them crack slightly with each bound I take. He's much faster than I am, with all my strength I try to keep up with him. Sweat is starting to secrete from my forehead now, I must be a million degrees outside. I trying to whip it away without losing my balance.
Dashing into the forest we go. Branches whipping my face like surprise daggers. Every lunge we take I hear the forest ground shake. He's starting to slow down, I can see his breath growing heavy, and his chest heaving. I slow down, and stop beside him. Both of us clutching our knees and gasping for air.
"Daryl, where are we gonna go?" I gasped and stare down at the forest terrain. He huffs a little bit, and whips the sweat from his darkened face.
"I don' know, I just knew we need'd to get out of that God forsaken place." He grumbled at me with grief in his voice. Gaining his composure, he straightened himself out, and looked at me. His face was flushed from the running, but underneath that, I could tell he is broken. I look away, I can't stand seeing people upset, especially when I am ready to die right now.
He starts on forward in a marching step. I am delayed in following him, I don't know what I want anymore. This whole world has gone to a wasteland. My home is destroyed, my father is gone, and my sister is no where to be found.
I am ripped out of my dazed state when I hear his cross bow go off. As I rapidly look around, I realize there is no walkers in proximity.
"What did you do that for?" I question him, he doesn't answer. Instead, we bends down, and picks up a small pheasant. Staring at me with a slight grunge in his eyes, he grumbles to me.
"dinner."
...
We walk for what seems like hours. Beth is slower than I am, so I keep reminding myself to slow down. I keep my eye on her like a hawk, I don't wanna lose anyone else.
My head is hurting. What am I going to do with a 19 year old woman who just lost everything. I just lost everything. What the hell am I going to do..
To my relief, I spot a bungalow up ahead, and for now, that will be our rest spot. I turn to her, she is staring at the ground, with a blank expression that I can only describe as tormented. I put my hand behind her back and push her ahead of me slightly. She breaks her stare and looks at me baffled.
"What was that for?" She practically hisses at me.
"Keepin' ya in my sight... Look ahead." I say as I gesture my head forward. She lights up slightly, her eyes now filled with relief.
We approach the back of the bungalow. All I see is some small plastic chairs and a dirty garden hose. Winding around the front, we climb the porch cautiously. I look at her, and I gesture my fingers over my lips. Last thing I want is to have an unprepared walker attack. I peer into the door window through the dirty glass. I see nothing. My hand climbs up the door, and I bang on it to see if there is a grumbling reaction from inwards. Still nothing.
Waiting about five minutes felt like five years, I impatiently fumbled at the door handle, and eventually just body check the door. It swings open wide, and nearly shatters the wall next to it. I am alarmed by the ugly paisley rug we are standing on. We stroll through the door and I close it behind us. First things first, find a safe room and put Beth in it so I can clear the rest of the house.
My plans have failed already as I see her round the corner into the kitchen.
"Beth!" I whisper to her. She continues into the kitchen. "Beth stop! Be careful!" I scold, still in a whisper tone.
It never fails, there is always something that goes wrong. As she rounds the corner, a half eaten walker crawls across the floor and grabs her shoe. She whimpers, flailing her foot, trying not to scream. I dash forward and send an arrow straight into the damn kritter's head.
"Stay with me" I hiss at her. She stares up at me with her innocent eyes, and nods slightly.
What am I going to do.. She already almost got herself killed. My only option is to train her, she has never had outside experience, considering she was practically Judith's mother.
I re-track my steps, and search the living room. Aside from the ugly floral couch, the room is clear.
"Stay in ere, holler for me if somethin' comes at ya." I tell her as I leave the living room. She silently sinks into the couch. I go through the kitchen, and into the hallway, surveying my surroundings thoroughly. Nimbly, I tip toe up the stairs, and make my way to the bath room. Whipping open the door, I keep my cross bow ready for any surprises.
Nothing.
Cupboards. I need to check for supplies. I open the over head mirror cupboards to find unopened tooth brushes, as if fresh from the dentist's office. I also find some naproxen, gauze, kitten band aids, some nasal strips, and cough medicine. I check the cupboards beneath the sink, only to find toilet paper. I exit the bathroom, and check the master bedroom, clear. Finally, making my way to the last of the bedrooms, I find what looks like a teenage girl's bedroom. No walkers, but plenty of things Beth might like. I manage to get her a lime green fuzzy blanket, and I raid the drawers and gather all the clothing in them. I make my way back down stairs to find Beth, curled up on the couch, silently crying.
I feel a pang of grief, not just on her behalf, but on mine too. I thought things could get better, but clearly it can't.
...
Shaking, uncontrollable shaking. I am going to die. I can't handle this pain. I feel his presence in the room, but I cannot get up. I am frozen. Tearlessly sobbing I manage to get my self up. I look up at him.
I can see the pain in his eyes too. I wonder if he feels as hurt as I do. Regardless, he's better at keeping that in than I am.. He drops some items on the couch and with a tinge of awkward says:
"I found these things up stairs... Thought it might fit ya"
I look at the bubble gum pink pjs, and tank top, as well as a baby blue hoodie, red t shirt and stone washed shorts. How thoughtful.
"Thank you Daryl" I reply while getting up to change into my now found pjs. I grab my items, and turn the corner, so I am out of his site but just around the wall.
I hear him shuffling around in the living room, his steps heavy, and his movements in slow motion. Pulling the tank top over my skinny body, and pulling the over sized bottoms up, I turn the corner, only to find him building a fire in the brick fire place. I crash onto the couch, and watch him as he gets the fire going.
As I get lost in my thoughts, I start to hear something, the slight hum of a walker growl.
...
Hi everyone! I am new here. This is my first Bethyl fanfic! if anyone reads it, let me know what you think!