I'm back everyone. I couldn't go long without more Serena and Daryl, and I figured neither could you. I thought I'd start season 2 off for you all. For anyone who hasn't read Carrying A Burden – Season 1, this is a continuation of that story, and I suggest you check that out first.

Also, I know in the show it was only a day between the end of Season 1 and the start of Season 2, but to help speed up the time a little, I sped things forward a week, for the development of my story.

I own nothing, except Serena. But I love comments!

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Carrying a Burden – Season 2

Serena Cummings was a hot mess. She was cramped into Dale's small RV with a whack load of other campers. Her anti-social boyfriend, Daryl, was on his motor bike riding ahead of them, much to her dismay, and she didn't really have the option to join him. She was squished into a seat at the table, beside Andrea, across from Shane. She was turned sideways, as her stomach had somehow in the last week gone from cute, basketball belly to uncomfortable, bloated, beach ball. It was 700 degrees in the camper, even with the windows open. Her dirty hair was pulled up into a loose bun and her head was leaning back against the window, letting the breeze come in and hit her face. Sweat dripped down her back and she closed her eyes, trying to ignore Andrea and Shane's flirting going on beside her. Her baby, Amy, kicked from inside her, and Serena put her hand down around her stomach, trying to calm the movements, to no avail. Her little girl had learned to kicked, and now it seemed to be her favorite thing.

They had stayed outside the city for about a week after the CDC explosion, gathering food, gas, and supplies. It had been decided that it would be better to leave some of the vehicles, resulting in the campers being split up in the Grime's van and the RV, as well as Daryl on his bike, which he refused to leave behind. The van now held Rick, Lori, and Carl, as well as Sophia and Carol, leaving everyone else in the RV. Now they were driving 125 miles to Fort Benning, a good 2 ½ hour drive by old day standards, now there was road blocks and danger at every bend. It would be a road trip and a half.

They had been on the road only fifteen minutes when Dale started to slow down the camper. Serena opened her eyes, looking out the window. On the other side of the highway was a sea of cars, parked and abandoned, but no sign of movement. She couldn't see the road up ahead from where she was, but she could only assume it was the same sort of scene up ahead too.

Shane got up from his seat, going to the front of the RV, when Dale and Glenn sat. Serena leaned into Andrea, getting a peek out the front window. In front of them was a toppled over tractor trailer, blocking most of the road. Her heart jumped for a moment when she couldn't see Daryl, but she could hear the rumble of his bike, getting closer, and she calmed down. She hated that bike. He rode it without a helmet, at relatively high speeds, never mind the fact that there could be walkers at any moment, and that thing was bloody loud.

He appeared now from behind the tuck, moving slowing towards them. He came up on the driver's side of the RV, looking up at them. Dale pointed ahead, "What do you think, can we squeeze through?"

Daryl nodded at him, turning around. He looked up at the window where Serena was now looking out of, winking at her. He was probably gloating, as if to say, 'Look, I'm still fine.' but she didn't care, she still hated that bike.

He pulled out ahead of the camper again, this time leading them through the cars, that Serena could see now was filled with carcasses. Some cars had been pushed aside, seeming as thought people had navigated through the graveyard before them. They crept along at a slow pace, full aware that any one of these dead bodies could easily wake up and try and maul them.

Shane was watching intently out the window, "I don't know if we'll make it through here." He said.

Just as the words escaped his mouth the RV made a chugging noise, coming from the engine. The vehicle came to a quick stop as smoke started to escape out the front of the camper. Dale shook his head, disappointed, and threw his hands in the air. He jumped up, exiting out the back door. Serena rushed to get up, excited for the opportunity at fresh air.

Andrea gave her a hand. She smiled down at Serena's belly, pulling the tank top Serena was wearing down for her in the front. She smiled and looked up at her friend, "Ok, you're good."

"Thanks." She smiled. Since the CDC Andrea had completely come around to the idea of Daryl and Serena. She still didn't really bother to talk to him, or anything, but he made her friend happy, so she was cool with him. She was also in love with Amy. She couldn't wait for the little girl to arrive.

The two girls exited the RV. Dale was at the front of the camper, looking at the damage. It was the radiator hose, again. He shook his head, "Where am I gunna find …" He trailed of, looking around at the collection of vehicles around them. He rolled his eyes, "Guess that was a silly question."

Daryl had parked his bike, joining them now. He wrapped an arm around Serena, "We can find all kinds of stuff here." He told them.

T-Dog nodded, "We can siphon some more fuel from these cars too."

Carol was standing near the RV, "We could probably find some food."

Lori looked at Daryl, "This is a grave yard."

Daryl just looked at her. Was she seriously gunna pass up this opportunity based on her old world morals? He sure wasn't.

She shook her head, "I don't know how I feel about this."

Daryl rolled his eyes. He really didn't care how anyone felt except Serena. He looked over at her, "You wanna wait in the RV? I'm gunna look around, see what we can find."

She shook her head. As large and awkward as she was, she was still mobile, and felt rather useless sitting around. "I'm gunna look too." She told him, taking his hand.

Andrea was standing by Dale, holding the binoculars to her face, "I think there is a cube van or something up there, Dale. It might have a radiator hose to fit this girl." She put the goggles down and looked over at Shane, "Let's go check it out." Shane nodded.

Dale watched as they went across the grass divider to the other side of the highway, towards a commercial van of some kind. He left the radiator alone, climbing ontop of his RV, deciding that with everyone wandering all over this unknown place, someone has to keep a watchful eye.

Glenn was helping T-Dog to collect gas, each of them taking a few empty canisters and hoses. Rick was standing beside the RV still, watching behind them. Lori, Carol and the kids walked along ahead, searching for supplies.

Daryl and Serena walked along the spaces between the cars. She tried her best to ignore the smell. Daryl opened doors and trunks, looking through all the bags he could find. She took what he gave her, putting it all in a backpack he had found a few cars back.

He was rustling through bags in the trunk of a station wagon when her froze suddenly, looking down into a black suitcase. He finally reached down and pulled out a little pink baby onesie. He held it up for Serena to see. It had the full legs with the built in feet and long sleeves. On the front there was a red strawberry, with the words 'berry cute' inside of it. He was smiling so big she couldn't help it, she laughed, taking the onsie from his hand. It would be a few months still, but eventually they would need stuff like this.

He pulled out the bag he had pulled the onsie from, zipping it back up, "It's all baby clothes." He said, handing it to her. He turned back to the car, going through the next bag.

Serena heard laughing from across the highway and looked over. Shane and Andrea were standing at a cube van. Shane had opened one of the sides, revealing gallons of water for water coolers. Shane had opened one and was soaking himself in it while Andrea had turned back to the hood of the truck, looking for a radiator hose. Serena smiled. Water, thank god.

She walked ahead more with Daryl, leaving Lori and Carol behind them. T-Dog and Glenn were up a head of them, finishing filling one of their gas cans. It seemed it had been worth the stop, even just for the extra gas.

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So how does everyone like the jump back into things. I have plans for this season, oh yes, so continue to read.

Comment!