A/N: Hey guys! Thanks for the overwhelming support on this story! I haven't gotten this much support in less than 24 hours from first uploading a story. I hope I don't disappoint you all!

Again, I am sorry for the slow updates. I am starting this just two days after the first chapter was uploaded, but I know it will be a long while before this actually gets uploaded. Enjoy!

She's Still Alive, but She's Barely Breathing

Chapter 2

We made it to the edge of Atlanta before everything went to hell. The road was clear, not a walker in sight. But, the fire truck started smoking, so we had to stop. I stayed with Beth in the back seat while Abraham went out to check it out.

I gently shook Beth awake. Her blue eyes fluttered open lazily. She seemed to realize that we were stopped because her gaze drifted from me to the window and back again. "Truck started smokin'." I explained.

"BITCH NUTS!" I heard Abraham's yell loud and clear from the back of the truck. "Get your asses out here! We gotta move!"

Everyone snapped into action. I threw my crossbow across my chest and got Beth on my back. She wrapped her arms securely around my neck without chocking me or blocking me from using my crossbow and wrapped her legs tightly around my torso. Once everyone was outside, we could see exactly what was wrong. The smoke was attracting walkers from all over the city.

We took off into the woods on our right. I aimed my crossbow and shot, taking out one walker directly in my path. One came up directly after, only to be killed by Rick, who was staying close to my side helping me to protect Beth. I nodded at him in thanks and pulled out my bolt. No sense in wasting any.

We made it to the cover of the trees and sped up.

"Everyone, keep an eye out for somewhere to wait out the herd!" Rick called out from behind me.

My muscles were starting to tire from using my crossbow and running at full speed while carrying Beth that when she nudged me and pointed ahead, I sighed in relief.

~Bethyl~

We, well everyone but me, had been running for nearly 15 minutes through the woods when I noticed a small shack nestled behind some trees up ahead and to the left. I nudged Daryl's arm with my elbow, unhooked one hand, and pointed it out to him.

He let out a breath and called out to everyone. "Up ahead about a quarter mile, go through the trees to the left. There's a small building. Hurry!"

With a destination in mind, everyone seemed to go faster and before long, we were crammed inside the tiny room with our bodies pressed against the door.

An image flashed through my mind of me and Daryl squished together in the dark. He had his crossbow aimed through a tiny crack while I had a knife clutched in my hand. Were we trapped before? I shook my head as the image faded away.

I was sitting alone in a corner of the one room building while Rick and Daryl barred the door with anything that was useful. There were only two windows, but they were tiny and about even with Daryl's head, so they weren't a problem and didn't need blocked. Everyone else was gathered around in the center of the room, all huddled together for warmth, and being extra quiet. Even the baby who looked oddly familiar. We met eyes and her mouth formed a little baby grin, then she snuggled into the big guy's arms who was holding her.

I gasped as another image filled my head, but this one was different than all the rest. It was more than just an image. It was more like a tiny clip.

Daryl was holding the baby, feeding her from a bottle. "You like that? Huh? Lil' Asskicker." He looked up and met my eyes with a small smile and then glanced around the room.

My eyes refocused on the present and found the baby again. Definitely her. But Lil' Asskicker can't be her actual name. I looked back towards the door and saw that Daryl was headed back towards me.

He sat down next to me on my left and asked, "How ya feelin'?" I nodded and sent him a smile, but then looked towards the baby again.

Daryl followed my gaze, and nudged my arm. I looked at him. "Rick's girl. Ya used t' take care of her. Lori, her mom, died after givin' birth." I frowned. "Her name is Judith." He quickly switched to something lighter. "You were the closest thing t' a mom she had. When som'thin bad happened, you looked for her, but couldn't find her. Tyreese, the guy holdin' her, ended up having her and kept her safe for months on the road. We just met back up with them shortly before findin' you."

I smiled and looked at her again as she slept soundly in the arms of Tyreese. Judith. No wonder she looks so familiar. I'm glad he was there for her.

I leaned against Daryl's arm and sighed. Even though I can barely remember anyone here, as long as Daryl's by my side, I feel safe. And with that, I drifted off into a deep sleep.

~Bethyl~

Rick came up to me about an hour after Beth dozed off.

"How is she holding up?" he whispered.

"Fine. Need to change her bandages." I replied.

Rick nodded. "Let's just wait until she wakes back up before that. Remember, the doctor said she is going to need as much rest as she can get. And she will tire very fast for these next couple of weeks."

I just grunted in reply. As Rick walked back over and took Judith from Tyreese, I glanced down to Beth's face. She had a small smile and her eyebrows weren't lined from worry. She looked like an angel fallen from heaven, especially with the sun's rays flowing in from the window on the west. I felt my cheeks warm as those thoughts ran through my head, but I couldn't deny their truth. Beth was, simply put, beautiful. Even after being shot through the head.

Rick decided it was best if we all stay quiet well into the night so we don't draw the walkers near us. So we all laid down for an early night. Since the door was barred and there were no other entrances, no one needed to be put on watch.

Maggie glanced over at Beth with a sad frown before glancing at me and looking away quickly. Maybe if she would have had more faith in her and actually spent more time with her, maybe Beth would remember you easier. I was still angry at Maggie, but not as much as I was when Beth was in the hospital. She survived a damn bullet to the brain. If that doesn't show you how tough she is and that she is a survivor… I shook my head and looked back at Beth. She has too good of a heart. She's definitely going to forgive her sister, so I need to let it go too.

I took a deep breath in and out to clear my head. I leaned my head back against the wall to get some sleep for myself for this short while that we're safe.

~Bethyl~

My dream started out what I thought was normal. I was resting in a field of spring lilies and could see a small pond reflecting the sun's rays not too far away. Off to my left, a brown horse was grazing in the field. I sighed and laid back in the soft grass. What a beautiful day!

A gentle breeze ruffled my blue sundress as I heard approaching footsteps. I looked in the direction of the approach and saw my mother.

"Mom!" I greeted and as I jumped up to hug her.

"What are you doing all the way out here, Bethy?" She asked as she wrapped her loving arms around me.

"Oh, you know, just escaping teenage reality for a little while. Too much stress!" I laughed along with my mother. "This place always relaxes me."

"Well, come on. Supper is on the table, and you know how your father likes to have us all together for Sunday dinners." She started coughing lightly. She's been suffering from some new illness for a couple days now, ever since that weird mark on her arm appeared. A near constant fever and coughing were the only signs though, so we were hoping it would leave her system soon.

I nodded and followed beside her.

"Oh, hey, Mom-" I cut off when I didn't see her beside me anymore. "Mom?"

I looked back and in place of my mom was some rotting version of her. I took a step back from her, or it.

"Honey, it's me. What's wrong?" The creature said in my mom's voice as it stumbled towards me.

I was frozen in place. I knew I should back away. I should run and scream for help, but I was rooted to the spot. Slimy hands grabbed my shoulders, and I saw the face come closer.

"Bethy-" and then her voice quit. A weird growl came out of her throat. And I screamed.

~Bethyl~

I was jolted awake by an ear splitting scream right in my ear. Beth was writhing around and tears were running down her face.

"Beth, wake up, wake up. I's a dream." I tried to soothe her. By this point, everyone was awake and making their way over to us. Not that it was a far walk or anything.

She continued jerking around for a few more seconds before jerking upright and letting out one final scream. Her eyes darted around, taking in all the concerned faces suddenly so close to her. And her already frantic breathing became even more rapid.

I grabbed each of her cheeks and guided her face to mine. Our eyes met, and I told her, "Breathe in 'n out slowly. In," I took a deep breath in, "and out," and I exhaled.

I mimicked the motion a few times with Beth until she was breathing normally again. Once she was calmed down I wiped the tears from her eyes and repeated, "Was just'a dream. Everythin's alright."

She smiled softly at me and then flushed from embarrassment as she registered that everyone was still looking at her in concern. I swiftly picked her up and nudged my way through everyone. After stopping slightly to remove the barricade from in front of the door, I continued on my way and let the door swing shut behind me.

I settled us down on the corner of the porch, with Beth resting between my legs. She looked up at me, smiled gratefully, then buried her head into the crook of my neck. She let out a contented sigh. I smiled, tightened my grip on her small frame slightly, and promised, "No problem girl. I'll always keep ya safe."

I then released my grip on her, and said, "Now it's time t' change yer bandages."

A/N: Hey guys! Again, thank you so much for all of the support! Since you guys wanted it, I will continue this into a short story. There might not be much drama or fighting because I stink at writing those scenes, but I'll do my best.

It took me forever to finish this chapter because I didn't know where I wanted to go with it, since it was originally just planned as a one-shot. I now have a general idea of what I want to do, but please be patient with me. School is starting back up soon, and 17 credit hours of college classes take a lot of work! But I will FOR SURE be continuing this!

Thanks again! :)