The two of us wandered out of the trees behind Rick and Shane, to the central campfire where everyone was gathered, listening to the plan.
"I've known this man a long time. I trust his instincts." Shane glanced over his shoulder from his crouched position and waited until the two of us stood off to his right to continue.
"I say the most important thing here, is that we need to stay together. So those of you that agree, we leave first thing in the morning. Okay?"
Leaving? Wait, what? Where are we going?
I glanced at Daryl for clarification as everyone began to disperse and go about their business, and he shook his head.
"If you wanna know this stuff, maybe you shouldn't wander off so much." We'll see how well that goes. "We're goin' to the CDC."
Okay…I get why that's a logical move, but Rick can't possibly think we're the only people who thought of that.
What do we do if it's gone? Or occupied -by the dead or otherwise. What then?
I noticed Daryl walking off, motioning for me to follow and watched him grab his crossbow.
"It's late, but we could probably still catch somethin' before sun goes down."
Nodding, I went to my tent and grabbed my night vision goggles. Just in case. I came out and Daryl was waiting by the forest edge for me but as soon as he turned to go Rick called out behind us.
"Eve"
I turned, giving him my attention as he came over.
"I understand you have night vision goggles" I held them up and he nodded.
"Would you mind taking watch tonight? Everyone's still a little freaked out about...I think they'd feel safer knowing you're on watch."
I nodded and Daryl spoke up, "We're goin' huntin' first. Should be back before dark."
Rick nodded and finally let us head off, going back to his family himself.
Why would anyone feel safer with me on watch over someone else?
My shoe kicked a rock, clacking it into another and I flinched; startled by my own lapse in silence. Even if it was small, it's still more noise than I'm used to making.
Daryl stopped and looked at me, snapping a twig of his own under his boot. Almost like he forgot I was still here—...he might have actually. Wouldn't be the first time, and I doubt it'll be the last.
Don't ask me why but it's unnerving both of us making noise on a hunt. Even if we're only headed back to camp. I don't think anyone 'cept Daryl's gonna wanna eat that skunk though. I know I don't.
Leaves crunched underneath my boots and Daryl glanced at me again, this time looking around to make sure we weren't unwittingly bringing something back with us.
Moving quietly in the woods is a lot harder than in a city, and I keep forgetting that just because we're near camp, doesn't mean I should relax.
Anything could happen while we're gone. Hell just the other day camp got overrun and... we lost a lot of people.
And if I step on another twig, I might get stabbed. He's a lot jumpier than he was earlier. He couldn't have seen something I didn't, could he?
I glanced around, scanning the trees behind us. Either I'm losing my edge, or there's nothing behind us. It's possible he saw it earlier, when we were deeper, or it could be paranoia.
I don't blame him if it is. Even I have to admit to a little paranoia right now; and I've been looking over my shoulder for as long as I can remember.
We cleared the trees, treading on the dirt of the camp finally. Just in time too, the sun's touching the horizon already. It'll be dark within the next half hour.
I nearly went to my tent, I'm so used to just heading straight there but I've got watch tonight. I waved to Daryl as we went our separate ways and trudged towards the rear of the RV.
It'll be nice to sit down after all that walking. I've been on my feet almost all day.
Jumping on the ladder, I climbed up to the top and slumped into my camping chair throne, nodding goodnight to Rick when he glanced at me. He returned the gesture and disappeared into his tent.
Looks like most everyone is hittin' the hay early tonight. We are leaving first thing in the morning.
I sighed, watching the sky go dark as the sun faded behind the hills. It's gonna be a long night.
"Eve"
I looked over the edge of the RV and Glenn tossed something up to me. Moments before I caught it, I realized it was a canteen. A full one judging by the weight.
"Wake me when it's my watch"
I nodded in thanks and waved goodnight, watching him walk off to go sleep while he can.
8 hours later, I finally got tired enough to hand over watch. I wanted to let Glenn sleep a little longer, given what's happened over the last two days but even I have my limits.
One more scrupulous glance around and I climbed down, securing my goggles instead of simply looking through them. Heading to the edge of camp, I pulled my knives and walked the perimeter, scanning out deeper into the forest.
I'd rather be safe than let something like yesterday happen again. Plus it'll give me some piece of mind, changing over the guard.
I completed my sweep, and carefully woke Glenn up. Checking under his pillow as best I could to make sure I don't get shanked or something.
Last night I woke Daryl up, I came this close to ending up with a slash scar across my chest.
Thankfully Glenn isn't Daryl and he woke up sluggish. Although he did flinch.
I handed over my goggles and watched him go the RV while I headed to my own tent. My legs are so sore now, even with how exhausted I am, it's noticeable.
Getting into my tent and zipping it closed, I proceeded to collapse onto my sleeping bag. Not bothering to change my clothes, I used my feet to kick off my boots, moving as little as possible; letting everything around me fade.
The next morning, everyone packed up the entire camp and huddled together by the cars, to hear Rick & Shane explain the plan.
I hoisted myself up on the hood of the Cherokee, next to Carl & Lori and flashed them a smile, which was graciously returned before Shane began speaking.
"Alright everyone listen up."
"Those of you who have CB's we're gonna be on channel 40. Let's keep the chatter down okay? Now you got a problem, don't have a CB, can't get a signal anything like that you gonna hit your horn 1 time. That'll stop the caravan." Shane explained.
"Any questions?" Shane looked over the faces of the group.
"We're uh...We're not going." Morales spoke up.
My eyebrows shot up to my hairline, and all eyes fixed on them in seconds; a whole range of emotions spanning across the many faces present, but surprise leading the majority.
"We have family in Birmingham. We wanna be with our people." his wife elaborated giving the briefest smile.
"You're on your own, you won't have anyone to watch your back." Shane reminded.
"We'll take the chance. I gotta do what's best for my family." Morales' conviction is hard to argue with but still...
"You sure?" Rick asked.
"We talked about it. We're sure." Morales replied. This is a curve ball.
"Alright." Rick agreed reluctantly.
Rick and Shane had a mumbled conversation as Rick knelt down and dug through the bag from Atlanta. Rising again, Rick went over and held a gun out to Morales.
Shane came over, holding out a box of ammo as well. "Box is half full"
Daryl huffed, turning as if to walk away before pacing back to his spot.
Lori jumped off the car along with Carl and went to hug everyone.
I can't believe they're leaving. Safety in numbers guys.
How long will they make it on their own? Two kids, and only one person who can really defend themselves? Those odds are ridiculously unfavorable.
I'm sorry but their family probably isn't even alive. Although I can't blame them for holding out hope, there's no reason why they couldn't have held on either. But the chances of that are slim to none and even if they are alive, how do they plan to find them?
Anything, anything could have happened to them and there's no way —short of a bloody miracle— they'll find them in this mess. Rick finding his family with us was the one, in a 1-in-a-billion chance.
"Let's go, people! Let's move out." Shane called, snapping me back into reality.
"Eve! Come on. Yer ridin' with me." Daryl called.
I nodded and grabbed my backpack, slipping off the hood. I stopped to hug the kids, and fist bump Morales'. I'm gonna miss these guys. God I hope they stay safe.
Making my way over to Daryl's truck, I slide into the passenger seat, dropping my backpack by my feet. Daryl near-slammed his door and mine followed suit.
Exchanging a brief look, I shot him a small smile and was repaid with a nod that couldn't be considered more than a jerk of the head.
The caravan pulled out, washing a wave of nostalgia over me.
I've never been on a road trip before I was 19 but I feel like a kid going on one with their family for the first time.
In a way we are taking a road trip, but I doubt it'll be fun.