Chapter 3

It seemed like they were crammed together for at least thirty minutes. Daryl has officially felt parts of this man that he's only felt on himself. For the better half of this hiding out, it was radio silent for the two of them. Eventually Daryl jumped up out of their spot to check if the coast was clear, so they could keep moving. Aaron didn't know why he felt so responsible for Daryl right now, but it became obvious that he did when he yelled, "Be careful," as he climbed out after him.

…

The two of them started back walking towards Aaron's camp in silence once again. Daryl couldn't shake the feeling that Aaron thought he was some incapable redneck. He was tired of being coddled like he would break with just a moments notice. While not paying attention due to being deep in thought, he tripped over a root that was slightly uplifted off of the ground.

"You ok?"

"I ain't no damn little girl, keep movin', we're wastin' too much time. I woulda already been there if I wasn't stuck followin' you."

"Ok, let's pick up the pace then. We're not far out now, we'll be there before dinner time."

…

Daryl and Aaron step out on the road, and Aaron points straight ahead to a large gate.

"That's it. That's Alexandria. It's safe in there, you'll see."

"Yeah, I've heard that before with places. Damn near got eaten at the last safe place."

"I think you'll like it here Daryl, I'm really glad you came back with me."

Finally reaching the gate, some guy opens it up and exchanges pleasantries with Aaron. This almost seemed too normal and pleasant for Daryl. The guy introduces himself as Spencer. Daryl nods and pushes past him, making sure he's ready for anything at this point. Aaron notices Daryl's body language shift to tense.

"It's ok, someone has to stay here to unlock the gates. We try to run a tight ship."

"Good, where are your people? Why ain't they concerned about a newcomer? I don' see anyone."

"They're probably all inside of their homes, it's nearly dinner time."

"Homes? This place is like a fuckin' neighborhood? Screw it. Where's Beth?"

Aaron patiently began walking Daryl towards their medical building. He knew that he wouldn't relax and settle in until he saw this notorious Beth person that has him on edge. Before Aaron could finish pointing properly at the door, Daryl had ran past him nearly knocking him down. Daryl swung open the door and started yelling, "Beth!" No response.

"Where is she?! What have your people done with her?!"

"Daryl, calm down. We haven't done anything. Have you checked upstairs and in the back?"

Daryl pushed Aaron against the front door, "The hell you mean, don' tell me to calm down! She would have heard me yellin' for her if she was here!"

"Daryl! Please try to stay calm. She's here somewhere! We'll find her!"

Just then a older man walked towards the door from outside, "Have we got a problem here?"

Daryl had Aaron's face slightly pushed against the door, but he saw him out of the corner of his eye, "Morgan! Daryl here is trying to find your friend that came from Grady with you."

"I see. Well, Daryl, do you mind letting go of our friend Aaron here, and then we can discuss what business you have with our other friend."

"Scuse me? My business? What's your business with her?! Have you touched her?! Are you one of those dirty fuckin' cops from that hell hole?!"

"As soon as you calm down, we can have a rational conversation, but until then, I'm going to go about what I came here to do."

Daryl watched the older man walk over to a table, and he grabbed a bag. It appeared that he was packing up a few things that was left on the table. He noticed something grey being pushed into the bag, and it looked like a sweater. Beth's sweater.

"Is that Beth's sweater? Why is Beth's sweater here and she's not? Is she ok?"

"Hi Daryl, I'm Morgan. Nice to meet you as well." Morgan chuckles.

"Mmm, yeah.. fine. I'm calm. You gon' answer me?"

"She's fine. She left this building and went into her permanent house with me yesterday. I'm picking up the rest of her things. She got ahold of new clothes since being here, so this sweater wasn't a priority when we left leaving."

"Where is she? I need to see her."

"I'm afraid that's going to have to wait, Daryl. She's resting right now. I'll talk with her in the morning to make sure it's ok to have you over for breakfast."

"Breakfast? You gotta be fuckin' kiddin' me."

…

Aaron rushed after Daryl as he trailed Morgan.

"Daryl, I really don't think this is a good idea right now. I'm suppose to be taking you to meet Deanna. All people we bring in need to meet with her first, so she can officially approve. She's our leader here."

Daryl didn't stop walking to answer, "This first."

From a distance, they saw Morgan enter a home, a nice home at that.

Daryl hung his mouth open, "How many of these do your people have?"

"So far, enough for everyone Daryl. We need to get you set up, come on."

"Not yet."

Aaron was nearly shaking he was so nervous. He knew he would need to fight Daryl back, and he also knew he just couldn't do it. When Daryl started walking towards the house, Aaron had no idea what to do next. He knew this wasn't going to be good.

…

Daryl went to open the door, it was locked. Without thinking, he kicked the door in.

Aaron ran behind him, "Shit!"

Daryl walked in with Aaron right behind him. He started up the stairs, assuming that's where the bedrooms would be. He saw Morgan come around the corner with a baseball bat, and he narrowly avoided a swing to his head. He was moving so swiftly around the swings that it almost appeared he was dancing with Morgan. One second avoiding a swing to the head, the next second he was swinging open a bedroom door. The first bedroom was empty, but the next bedroom had someone in the bed, facing the opposite way of the door where he was standing. Daryl ducked another swing, and entered the room. Morgan stopped swinging, in fear of it getting violent near where Beth was resting.

Aaron ran up behind them and stood in the door way hoping the worst part of this was over.

Daryl walked carefully along the bedside, until he was right beside the the person laying in the bed. The blanket was covering her face, but he saw blonde stray hairs all over the pillow. He gently moved the blankets to reveal the most beautiful face. Beth's face. Scars and all.

Morgan watched Daryl as he kneeled down beside Beth's bed. It had become obvious that Daryl posed no threat to his little friend, and he felt a little guilty that he was so overprotective. She was clearly Daryl's friend, too. Morgan didn't feel too guilty, though. After finding Beth the way that he had, it's a surprise that he was willing to let her out of his sight at all these days.

Daryl looked up and noticed that Beth had shifted a little in bed. He saw her eyes slowly open.

"D..D..Daryl?"