Disclaimer: I don't own 'The Walking Dead'.
Iris
Ch.12
I was looking at myself in the mirror, not so much primping as seeing how my black eye was doing. It had faded a bunch in the last few days now it looked to be a slight discolored smudge along my eye socket near the bridge of my nose. I endured the questions and looks of concern throughout the week including Maggie's reaction.
By the time I came across my sister I had all but forgotten about it. It wasn't so much her yelling or concern that reminded me but the way she responded to seeing it. I was getting together Judith's blankets and clothes to get washed when Maggie came into the room.
"Hey Beth!" She tossed over her shoulder barely glancing my way as she went to leave the common area. I just smiled and continued to fold when I noticed in the corner of my eye that she had stopped walking.
Turning my head up I watched as Maggie wrestled with herself then walked backwards to come to a halt beside me. I gave her a toothy smile knowing she was about to flip out. Instead of yelling in concern she eyed me critically. It was silent for maybe two minutes as I waited for the verbal assault but it had yet to come.
"Everything okay Maggie?" I asked innocently. She brought her hand to her chin as if in deep thought.
"Yah, just tryin' ta figure out wha ya said ta make Daryl hit ya." She barked a laugh. "I know ya can be annoyin' but damn." I dropped my head into the folded pile of clothes.
"Maggie!" I groaned just as she full on laughed at me. "You know that ain't true!"
"Yah, I know. Had ta tease ya though. So," Maggie moved to sit across from me, "how'ja get the black eye?"
"Bumped the rifle scope into my eye." My sister hissed touching her eye. If I recalled it correctly Maggie had done the same thing too.
"Yowch! At least it wasn't yer eyeball 'member how swelled up my eye got." Unfortunately I did, she looked like she had gotten into a fight, it was much worse than mine and it took forever to heal which was inconvenient considering it was near the time the Governor was going to attack. "I woulda thought Daryl would have taught ya correctly." Ugh. I just know she's going to make fun of me.
"Yeah, about that. I sort of…tried to show off and wasn't paying attention." Maggie stared at me hard. Then…she laughed, loudly.
I felt the sudden urge to throw the folded clothes at her.
"Wow Beth! Yer somethin' else!" I sighed in defeat.
"Yeah, yeah. Yuk it up." Maggie then reached over to pat my shoulders.
"Aside from that blunder how was yer shootin'?" Finally something that wasn't making fun of me, learning from my mistake earlier I avoided sounding cocky.
"Really well actually I was really getting the hang of it." Maggie smiled.
"Great, ya'll be goin' on runs before ya know it."
We talked a bit more before she left for guard tower duty. What she said though made me both nervous and excited. I wanted to go on runs and be more help for us but it scared me because of what's out there. I didn't do so great during the shower incident, I tripped and goofed not to mention almost choked when knifing a walker. Because of my feelings Daryl had taken me out of the fence with Michonne to help take out the growing crowd of walkers. Rick figured they migrated from the back of the prison where he had distracted them. Either way it became my practice range.
Daryl was with me every step of the way as I knifed walker after walker.
At first I had a hard time, just looking at their faces made my stomach churn and my gag reflex choked me.
"Daryl I don't think I can do this." My voice quivered and my hand ached from how tightly I was holding my knife. Daryl stood behind me with his hunter's knife in hand and crossbow on his back.
"It ain't that hard Beth, don't thank 'bout 'em as anythang but walkers. Thair walkin' dead bodies." I nodded pinching my lips together as one walker; a female that was short and stout approached me. We matched in height which made it easier for me.
No stretching my neck to reach her.
But as she came near I felt sick to my stomach and a sinking feeling of dread weighed me down. I kept telling myself to raise my knife and put her out of her misery but it was like my arms were numb. They wouldn't obey me.
"Beth." Daryl said my name sharply, warning me that I needed to kill the walker. I sucked in breath but no matter how much I tried willing my arms to listen they wouldn't. It was like the feeling you get when your leg or foot goes to sleep, I didn't have the pins and needles feeling but I did feel as though my arms were out of my control, numb even though I could feel them.
Suddenly she was right on top of me, reaching with her blood encrusted arms that were slowly rotting from the inside. I think my fight or flight reaction is busted cause I just stood there, waiting. To my left fast as lighting Daryl slammed his knife into her forehead without flinching. The walker dropped to the ground, motionless in a heap of decaying flesh. Tears sprung from my eyes as a sense of failure and self-loathing came over me.
What the hell is wrong with me?! I fought with Daryl on this, to be taught to survive in this world and the minute I'm out here I fall apart! All that training and trust was pretty much all for nothing if I can't suck it up and do what needs to be done! I mean their walking corpses who won't think twice if at all about killing and eating me!
"Fuck Beth! Git yer head outta yer ass!" I pulled back from Daryl's harsh words as though they would physically slap me across the face. He looked as angry as he sounded. "If ya can't do this than git back in the gate and stop wastin' my time."
Now that-that was a punch in the gut.
An answering anger replaced my self-loathing. I gritted my teeth together and gripped my hands tightly. Before he could blink I was running pass him and slamming my knife into the first walker I saw. I bum-rushed it and quickly enough it crumpled on the ground with a nice sized hole in its head.
I didn't stop there though I kept going taking out one, two, three, four walkers in rapid session. Suddenly it was like I had taken off my rose colored glasses to see what I needed to see. It's all right to feel for these dead people, it's humane and the most humane thing I can do for them is let them rest in peace. No one wants to wander this world lifeless and eating others to survive.
Clarity shined upon me and as we finished taking out the rest of the walkers I felt much better, almost at peace with myself. It was even better when I saw how approving Michonne looked and the pride in Daryl's smile. "Good job Beth."
I can still hear his voice when he said that. Vaguely I wondered if he said what he said to get me motivated and pumped up. It was a possibility.
After that Daryl, Rick and Glenn took care of the bodies, dragging them to the woods and burning them. Since that day I've felt better, self-assured of my strengths and I knew without a doubt that I could take out walkers with just a knife. I practiced daily like I was suppose to with little direction from Daryl, he was mainly there now to watch over me and my partner when we sparred.
I smiled at my reflection lightly running a finger along the bruise. Daddy said it should be gone in two, three days tops. I turned away from the mirror to ring out the water in my hair. I was by myself in the showers so I wasn't self-conscious enough to hide my nakedness. I didn't much like showering with the others, years of being modest and self-conscious can't be forced away so easily.
I placed my hands on my stomach. It wasn't as concaved as it had been and I could see the muscles hidden within. But, I looked to my reflection, I look like I have boys body. Almost no shape, not to mention my breasts were so small. I reached up to cup them and they barely filled my hands. The only thing I had going for me were my legs and a bit of my butt.
Jeans made my butt look better.
A sigh echoed around the empty room. I didn't feel very attractive right now, haven't felt that way for a while really. It's hard to feel that way when you're covered in sweat, blood and dirt, and possibly walker entrails. I did feel cleaner though, more human. I especially liked that I am able to shave my legs again!
It's the little things in life that matter the most now.
Just as I left the showers to head towards the cafeteria I was pulled down another corridor. "Thair ya are, been lookin' 'round fer ya."
I looked to Daryl in confusion. "You have?" He nodded dragging me down to the library.
He didn't give any explanation why he was looking for me and before I could ask further we were already there. I took in everyone standing or sitting around one of the tables. Maggie caught my eye and smiled.
"A'right now that everyone is here and accounted for we can start this meeting." Rick announced from his spot at the front of the table.
Wow, I couldn't believe I was actually a part of a council meeting, normally I wouldn't be but I have a good guess that Daryl said something. My eyes briefly roamed over him as we stood off to the side.
"So it's pretty obvious that we're headin' inta winter fast so I want to git a quick run in for more blankets, warm clothes, and possibly food, but mostly we need things fer winter." I smiled knowing this was gonna be coming. "Now I just need two people to drive over to the crossroads shoppin' center."
"I offer Beth and I ta go!" I jumped at my name being called out by the person I least expected to. I wasn't the only one either, Rick looked perplexed and Daddy looked as though he was sick to his stomach.
"Are ya shore…Maggie?" My sister nodded with a smirk shoving how confident she felt about her decision. I for one had very mixed feelings about this and apparently so did Daryl.
I glanced at him to see his shoulders tense and his face encased in a frown. It was only two days ago that I had gotten over my fear of killing walkers and now…
"Hershel?" Rick asked further. I bit my lip to keep from saying something I would come to regret. I understand his need to get approval from my Daddy but I am old enough to make those decisions on my own. Daddy laced his fingers together as he thought.
"Don't I get a say in this?" I questioned not able to hold my tongue for very long. Rick looked extremely stressed as I waited to be acknowledged.
"What do you have to say Bethy?" Daddy inquired gently bringing all eyes on me. I stilled my fidgeting fingers and steeled my resolve.
"I'm old enough to make my own decisions and I've been training real hard for weeks. I want to help out there, I want to do this." Maggie nodded.
"She's ready." Daryl stated stunning me, I tried not to look so astonished but I don't believe I could hold back my eyes from widening. It's one thing for Daryl to praise me by ourselves and a whole other to do it in front of everyone.
I couldn't get a better recommendation.
"And I believe it. Beth is old enough to make her own decisions. I am alright with this Rick." Daddy turned to give me a very proud smile. I felt instant relief; though I wanted everyone to know that I'm deciding on what I want to do it was still nice to have my Daddy show that he approved of me going. Daddy's girl to the end I suppose.
"Well a'right, then Maggie, Beth git ready ta leave in an hour." Rick nodded to everyone and we all started to leave. I lingered seeing as Daryl had as well. I had a feeling he wanted to talk to me and I really wanted to thank him for his vote of confidence. Without it I probably wouldn't have gotten to go, I know he feels like he doesn't matter all that much to anyone here but really his words held more power and persuasion than he realizes.
"Beth." I turned to see Maggie coming up to me with a steady smile. That was another thing that surprised me, I know she joked about us going on runs together but I never thought there was any value in what she said. Guess I was wrong huh? "Ya ready for this?" Maggie asked walking up to me with a cheeky smile then reached over to punch Daryl in the arm. "If not for yer recommendation we might not be goin' together, thanks." Daryl shrugged rubbing his arm; I had no doubt that my sister punched him hard she's not one to hold back.
"I'm nervous but more excited to get out of here for a bit." Glenn popped up beside Maggie his arm finding its way around her shoulders. He smiled encouragingly towards me.
"I wouldn't worry with your sister by your side I think everything will run smoothly." I nodded high fiving Glenn's hand.
"Tch, hope so." Daryl mumbled out not looking quite as excited or all that happy really. I raised an eyebrow but he only looked the other way. Did he regret giving his opinion? Does he really not think I'm ready for this? If so then why the heck would he say I am when he clearly thinks I'm not?
My brain was starting to hurt from all this processing. Maggie seemed to pick up on Daryl's attitude cause she was frowning at him before looking back at me with smile. She pulled me into a hug then though it was one armed at first and I know I heard a grunt from my left so I assumed she hit Daryl again. I smiled into her shoulder. "Everything will go just fine, don't ya worry. Big sister's here." I rolled my eyes but squeezed her tighter to me.
Thank goodness for that.
Daryl disappeared after that and I talked a bit to Maggie and Glenn hoping they could help settle my nerves. Luckily for me Glenn knew just how to keep me laughing and feeling better about everything and I already felt tons reassured with my sister by my side, I couldn't feel any better unless I had Daryl coming with me to.
Even with all this reassurance going on I still felt…confused about him. I didn't get why he was going back on what he said, he was so sure of his words I could hear it in his tone. He wasn't lying to anyone either so why the sudden change of heart? Maybe my skills really weren't up to par for him? I would think he would point that out, Daryl's never had a problem nitpicking me when we were training. Oh great, now I'm second guessing myself. Maybe I should go practice while I still have time.
And that's what I did.
I practiced my swipes with the knife even taking the stupid BB gun out and shooting a few walkers through the fence. Literally nine times out of ten I was hitting their heads even with them limping around. Not to tut my own horn but I was doing just fine. I ran my laps, I did my pushups and sit-ups; I did everything I normally do. There was sweat dripping off of me at this point and that kind of pissed me off cause now that shower I took was all for nothing. Great.
The more I practiced the angrier I felt. Where the hell does he get off!? I am so ready for this, I couldn't be any more ready than I am right now so what the hell is his problem!? Well I'm not going to know it if I don't ask right?
I whipped around getting ready to chase Daryl Dixon down when I ran right into him, literally. My nose ached at the impact to his chest which was like running into a wall and his hands propped me on my shoulders into place. I pulled back abruptly though releasing his hands from me as I glared up at him. My anger was still boiling just under my skin, strangely it seemed only he could get that out of me.
"Beth." Before he could even begin to speak I was already on top of him, figuratively.
"What the hell is your problem!? I am ready for this, I've been practicing for the last forty-five minutes and I know for a damn fact that I am so ready to be out there! So please Daryl with all your wisdom and knowledge tell me why the fuck you don't think I am ready?!" My face burned from the blood rushing to it and honestly I was sort of embarrassed at how loud and explosive I got. I can't believe I just said the 'F' bomb! I could barely think the word much less say it but here I am spewing them out like a regular sailor.
Daryl's reaction though was much more interesting than I would have thought. He looked embarrassed though I wasn't sure if it was from my lovely words or possibly from the fact that I picked up that he thought I wasn't ready. He was red in the face like me but his lips were set in a thin line and his brow pointed downwards in a frown. He wasn't happy, well good cause I wasn't happy either!
"Ya are ready." Daryl stated tightly gridding his teeth together. I placed my hands on my hips not willing to back down from this.
"Well if I'm so ready for this then why do you act so reluctant about letting me go?" He didn't answer my question just left it hanging in the air between us. Frowning I went on, "I've learned from the best Daryl, you! I can defend myself, I can fight and take out walkers; I don't understand you! You tell everyone I'm ready but act like I'm not, just tell me what you're feeling here cause I ain't a freaking psychic here!" He just stood there though staring down at me but not saying anything. It was so infuriating! "Daryl!"
"Cause I ain't gunna fuckin' be there wit' ya! Damn girl!" Daryl backed away wiping his bangs from his forehead as he directed his own glare at me. "Ya wanna know wha I'm fuckin' feelin'!? I'm worried as fuckin' shit 'bout lettin' ya out! Yer first run should be wit' me, I'm the one that trained ya! I just…fuck!" Daryl flung his arms out, his hands tightly pulled into fists. He looked like he wanted to hit something. I was shell-shocked to be honest.
I knew he cared about me, as much as I put myself down at times and feel as though I'm worthless here I always knew he cared. I just didn't know how much this arrangement upset him. Honestly thinking about it, it upset me too. I wanted my first run to be with Daryl too but Maggie's my sister, I can't just tell her 'no' plus it's already set. I won't go back on my word how awful would that be, or even how that would make me look to everyone?
"Wh-Why didn't you say anything?" My voice shook as I spoke. Daryl just looked away from me, his anger shimmering down as he walked back and forth. My hands dropped from my hips to hang limply.
"Yer sister said it first. Why the hell didja thank I looked everywhere fer ya? It won't fer Maggie ta take ya out." I nodded. That made sense; he did say he looked all over for me. Rick didn't hold up the meeting for me he held it up for Daryl, of course. No wonder he was stunned about Maggie wanting me on the run, did he know Daryl was gonna have me go with him?
"Did Rick know?"
"Sorta, I mentioned it ta him but I didn't say it would be so soon. Look at me Beth." I lifted my eyes from the ground to level a stare at him. "Ya are ready, much more than any of us were when this shit happened. Ya got ta prepare fer this, ya are ready I just…wasn't ready fer ya ta go wit'out me." Daryl shrugged at the end rubbing the back of his neck; his eyes left mine to look to the ground this time. Suddenly I couldn't contain a smile from lighting up my face.
All this time I was thinking he thought I wasn't ready when really…he wasn't the one ready. It was such a strange turn around I could help but smile and then laugh. Daryl frowned at me but I couldn't help myself, never have I ever been so thrown through my emotions and ricochet back. Even when I'm on my period I've never felt so out of control of my emotions, so easily back and forth with them. Not till I got to know Daryl that is.
"A'right stop laughin' at me." I rolled my eyes and shook my head at him.
"I'm not laughing at you, I'm laughing at me." He looked confused, I'm sure he wouldn't understand but I do now feel very confident about this run. I walked right up to Daryl and like as of late I wrapped my arms around his middle hugging him, not quite as tightly as I do with Maggie but close enough. He was tense but slowly loosened up. I felt his hand settle on my shoulder giving me a little squeeze after a moment, his way of telling me enough was enough.
He was never very comfortable with being this close to someone, at least when he's not initiating it.
"Ya'll do a'right, like ya said yer trained by the best." Upon releasing him I just rolled my eyes.
"Now don't be getting a big head from that." Daryl shrugged.
"If ya stop strokin' my ego I wouldn't." I just laughed lightly punching him in the arm as we left the area.
"What else would you like me to stroke then?" My mouth halted just before closing as those very words started to make sense in my head. That sounded much better in my head than it did out of my mouth. Oh God! Daryl choked to my right coming to a stop as I walked a little ahead. I peeked over my shoulder with a red face. I wondered what he would say to that but I also wanted to run away, crap that sounded like I was coming on to him!
"Anybody ever tell ya that ya need a damn filter fer yer mouth?" I blushed deeper than before following him with my eyes as he walked pass me. He walked further ahead then looked back over to me. "Yer lucky ain't nobody 'round ta hear yer mouth." His comment did nothing to ease the blush from my cheeks. I walked behind him slowly feeling like such an idiot. Just as I got to his side and we were about to enter the cell block I heard him mumble, "It'd be my ass on the burner not yers."
Thinking about it, he's so right. My comment would be seen as something innocent while it being only directed to Daryl it would make him seem like…a dirty old man. Seriously though good thing no one was around to hear that.
Maybe I do need a filter for my mouth…
"I miss music." Maggie commented as we drove through the barren back roads. I was looking out my window when she spoke and I gave her a funny look.
"There's cassette tapes in the glove compartment." I pointed out reaching over to open it to further prove my point. Maggie rolled her eyes.
"No I mean music on radio stations! I miss flipping through the different stations to hear music." I shrugged turning my eyes back to my window.
"I guess, I still prefer my own mix tapes." Makes me wish we could get them back from the farm house. If only, that would be too risky though. God only knows if there's still a herd inhibiting the land now.
"Sometimes when it's just me and Glenn I fiddle with the stations, ya know just hopin' something might play; anything. Guess that's wishful thinkin' huh?" I turned back to Maggie to see her glancing at me with these hopeful eyes. I smiled placing my hand on hers.
"Better to be wishful than to give up all hope." My sister smiled brightly at me.
"I knew it was a good idea to bring ya along." I snorted. I still would have liked Daryl being here instead but I felt calmer with my sister around. With Daryl I feel like I'm out to prove something to him while with Maggie I could just…do my thing and have her back.
"You know Daryl actually wanted me to go with him over you." I stated bringing my eyes to face forward. I kind of wanted to see what Maggie would say on the matter, would she care that I had a major crush on him even though he's way older than me or would she view him like I had been thinking earlier, a dirty old man.
"Really? Guess he wanted ta see how his protégé would do out here." I nodded absentmindedly.
"Yeah, he was real worried though. Kind of felt nice you know." I looked in the corner of my eye to see Maggie frowning, her nose all scrunched up as she concentrated on driving while we talked.
"No I don't know, how nice are we talkin'? Like its nice ta have someone care or like it's nice that he cares for ya?" I gulped trying my best to not give away much but the tone Maggie was using put the fear in me. I had the unsettling feeling that she knew which nice I was talking about and just wanted me to confirm it to her. She's crafty like that. Ugh.
"Mmmhmm, mostly the latter…" I hummed gently rolling the window down further than the crack; I just needed something to do.
"Beth." Maggie said my name in that tone, the tone that meant she wasn't playing around and I better listen up. I ignorantly ignored the warning in her voice and avoided making eye contact with her. "Beth." She said again and still I refused to turn to her. I know the instant I did she would see that I liked Daryl much more than I should and I can just hear the yelling that would follow. "Beth!" Nope not turning to her.
Then she did something I should have seen coming. Maggie whipped the steering wheel to the left making me whack my head against the window. "Hey!" I yelled afterwards rubbing my skull as I glared at her. She smirked with a shrug.
"Next time ya'll look at me now wontcha?" I stuck my tongue out at her resisting the urge to push her. Why was it that I reverted back to my childish ways whenever I was with my sister? She always did bring out the worst in me more times than not. "Beth, seriously you like Daryl? He's…old…and dirty…" I snorted trying to hold back my laughter when she said those two particular words. At least she didn't say dirty old man, but it's very close.
"So," I shrugged, "it's just a harmless crush, it's not like anything will come from it."
"Yer right, nothing will come from it." I looked away instantly turning to my window once more with my chin propped on my arm in the door. I know she didn't exactly approve but she didn't have to shoot it down so quickly like that. I mean of course I know nothing will come from it, look at me! I'm not exactly fine pickings to begin with, I don't connect with him on the same level as Carol does nor am I a cute little baby to get his affections.
I'm just Beth Greene, barely an adult and one step up from Carl. My left hand picked at a hole forming in my jeans as I stared blindly out the window. I hate this back and forth in my mind. It's like one moment I feel like I might actually have a chance with Daryl and then something happens and it's like I never had a chance in hell of being with him. It didn't help that practically almost everyone I care about wouldn't approve, though I don't get why.
"Yeah, it's just wishful thinking…" I mumbled to the window though I was loud enough for my sister to hear me. She sighed deeply but didn't say anything else. I hope she feels bad cause I feel worse…
We stopped a few blocks from the crossroads area turning off the car and just sitting there for a good minute. I glanced around our surroundings to see it mostly empty, that wouldn't last for long though I'm sure. Maggie unbuckled her seatbelt leading me to follow; she reached behind her to pull out the machete she usually carried. I looked between her weapon of choice then at her. She looked so badass with it in her hand; I wonder if I looked even remotely like that with my knife? Probably not.
If anything I more than likely look like a crazy homicidal blonde.
"Ya ready fer this?" Maggie asked putting her hand on the door handle turning to me for confirmation. I smiled tightly and nodded placing my hand on my side's door handle. "Let's do this then."
We both opened our doors simultaneously then shut them gently. I kept my eyes peeled as we walked towards the crossroads. It was literally a big four way section of this small town that had different shops on all sides. Normally this would be dangerous for just us two but Rick had stated before we left that they had checked the area to find that many walkers have vacated it. I wondered why though? I could only assume that something else had taken their attention and dragged them away from here.
I let Maggie lead the way since she knew best what to do for runs, much more than I did. She moved quietly and swiftly making me look quite clumsy and all over a wreck. My shoes kept scuffing the ground as we moved and I almost tripped over a turned over garbage can cause I was too busy looking around myself than looking at my feet. I just felt incredibly nervous; the emptiness of the streets worried me. Even if most of the walkers have left shouldn't there be a few stragglers?
"Beth here." I looked up to see Maggie looking through the glass window of a clothing store. I caught up to her and peeked in too, I had to put my hands around my eyes to see better with the sun glaring down on us. There were clothes, hangers and stands knocked to the ground but aside from that I couldn't see anything moving inside, though there were many shadows within.
"Do we go through the front door?" I asked pulling away from the window to look at my sister. She smiled at me then nodded.
"I ain't seen any walkers inside, mind as well." I walked over to the door looking around area. I peeked around the corner of the building by the door to see a very narrow alleyway, so narrow in fact that I could probably make it through but just barely. Seeing nothing ready to jump at me I grabbed the handle to the shop and twisted it open. Maggie quick as lighting reached up grabbing the jiggling bell that almost indicated our entry.
"Nice." I mumbled out as I squeezed through the small gap we created. I reached up having to get to my tip toes to hold the bell so Maggie could get in once done she shut the door so I could let the bell go.
"Remember that when we leave." She stated then we moved into the open area. There wasn't much places to hide really, most of the clothes were on the ground gathering dust and dirt.
Maggie and I went our separate ways then just searching the area for warm clothes. Since it was in the summer that everything went to shit it was harder pickings to find long sleeve clothes for winter. I looked around sharply but almost everything I came across was meant for summer like tank tops, shorts, and even bathing suits. I looked to the wall opposite the entrance to see a sales rack on the ground. Usually that meant winter stuff for sale. Feeling quite hopeful I went that way bending down to search the clothes find a few long sleeve shirts in the bunch.
I took off my backpack and tried to neatly fold the shirts so they would all fit inside my pack. I looked to my right to see Maggie had found children clothes and was stuffing them into her pack, and so very like her she didn't bother folding them just stuffing them in there as they were. I guess it was a bit of over kill to fold them but I wanted to be sure I could fit in tons. I found some jackets too including a nice big winter coat. It was dark blue with soft brown inside. Feeling a little giddy at the find I couldn't stop myself from putting it on, I figured if it fit then I would take it.
The coat was a bit loose but not much, room to grow as Daddy would say.
"That's cute, ya should take it." I smiled at Maggie seeing her coming my way. I did a little spin around to show it off to her.
"It's really warm. Wish there were more though." I looked around the pile but there wasn't another. Maggie just shrugged her shoulders.
"It ain't a big deal, I'm sure this won't be the only run we do for this stuff." I nodded in agreement before taking off the coat I could barely just get it in my pack. Luckily I also had a crossover pack for other things, so if I did find something else I could still grab it. Rick had made it known he only wanted us to grab what we could, no return trips. "Hey ya'll be a'right here alone?"
"Alone? Where are you going?" I whipped around to stare at her in disbelief. Maggie pointed outside.
"Just wanna check for food next door is all. I won't be long, once yer done just head on over." I frowned feeling like that wasn't the best idea. "That is unless yer afraid ta be alone." My jaw clenched. I know she wasn't intentionally trying to rile me up but she did regardless.
"Nah, I'll be fine. Go on." I snapped at her turning away to look further into the store. When I looked over my shoulder I watched as she grabbed the bell then slipped through the crack without making a sound. I felt a bit of envy lick at my insides.
I had always for as long as I can remember wanted to be just like Maggie. Her confidence, power, and of course beauty made her easy to like. Everyone trusted Maggie, she was such a powerful force all her own. I just wish I had that ability too. Instead I'm just looked at as little Beth. I want to be seen as someone everybody can rely on, someone that could be seen as strong and powerful.
Well I'm on a run right now; I could prove to everyone that I could do this. Maggie won't be the only Greene who can pull her own. I'm just as much a fighter as she is!
"Ack!" I yelped out tripping over a stand and landing on my face and stomach. "Okay, not as much as a fighter as I thought…"
I got back to my knees rubbing my face with my hand. Thank goodness no one saw that, that would have been extremely embarrassing. After I got up I found some underwear for both men and women. Not knowing what I should get I just grabbed a bunch of random sizes but making sure I got what I needed as well. I pulled out this cute pink leopard print bra with black lacing on the tops of the cups. It was so sexy looking. Blushing I pulled it up to my chest, it was actually a bit smaller than what I needed but hey it would make my little mosquito bites look better.
I wonder what Daryl would think?
Quickly I banished the thought from my mind stuffing the bra to the bottom of the pile in my crossover. I really didn't need to be thinking about those types of thoughts right now, maybe later in the privacy of my cell but out in the open here was not the place. Once I packed that to the brim I figured I mind as well mosey on over to the place next door to see how Maggie was doing.
I got to the front to see nothing out of the ordinary going on, it was just as empty as I had left it. That still didn't settle my nerves though. Sighing I turned the handle and pulled the door open.
Then the bell had rung, loudly.
"Shit!" I mumbled out reaching up to grab the bell but by then it had already sounded off, like a dinner bell. I gulped nervously looking around the area but I didn't see any walkers clambering to get to me. Damnit Maggie should never have told me to remember! I only remember best when no one says anything!
Then I heard it.
Those terrible, fear inducing groans. Not just one but many. I slammed the door shut setting off the bell once more, why can't anything be easy for me?! A thump on the door told me the walkers had located my hide out. I stepped back from the door looking over to the windows to see Maggie coming out of her store. I didn't hear her but I could tell she cursed upon seeing the walkers then her eyes looked back at the windows. I connected mine to hers but I'm pretty sure the glare from the sun on the glass made it impossible for her to see me.
"Go out the back and git ta the car Beth!" Maggie shouted out swinging her machete at the first walker that came to her. I watched in a trance as she worked through the walkers, where ever the hell they were coming from they were just piling on out. If I didn't do something then my sister was going to get overrun.
"Hey! Over here! Hey!" I banged against the windows gaining the attention of the walkers going for Maggie. I kept banging letting my sister find her way through, she glanced back at me this time I knew she saw me. I could see the fear in her eyes. "Just go! I'll be there!"
Her nod told me she heard my words. I pulled back seeing as my view was getting blocked from the abundance of walkers coming at the window. A few banged on it causing cracks to form in the glass. I didn't have much time.
I spun around and ran to the back jumping over the fallen stands and clothes. Luckily there was a back door to the store and I went to push it open but it wouldn't budge. I heard more cracking from the front and my hands trembled as I pushed harder against the door. It was a simple fire escape door but it wouldn't open for me! Looking down I noticed a key slot. Crap! I pushed on it again just as a crash was heard behind me.
The thought that I was going to be eaten alive struck me to my core.
I ripped out my knife and forced it into the key slot then with a twist and push I got the door open. I struggled on pulling out my knife but got it just as walkers got close by. I slammed the door shut holding them back but just barely. Now that it was unlocked all they had to do was push their combined weight against the door to get through. My feet slid on the concrete then something grabbed my arm. I gasped as a walker; a boy probably had been about Carl's age when he died.
He bared his teeth down on my arm but I slammed my knife into his forehead stopping him before he could get close. His body dropped to the ground and I kicked it away as I held back on the door. I wouldn't be able to keep this up though; I had to make my run for it. I looked around but there wasn't any place I could go. The wooded area behind the crossroads was blocked off by a big stone fence that was too high for me to climb up on. I could try going through this back alley but if my eyes were right it stopped mid-way down connecting with the last building.
That's when it came to mind.
The alleyway!
I wouldn't be able to get through though with my packs. I would have to take them off and carry them in hand and that was dangerous since it left me without my knife to defend myself. I really didn't want to leave anything behind, not after finding it all. Plus it wasn't just for me; it was for everyone at the prison. It was going to be very cold once we hit winter; I wouldn't be surprised if anyone got hyperthermia from just being inside the prison. We needed these clothes.
I pushed back on the door just once then bolted to my right. I flung off both packs putting them in both hands then quickly side walked in the alleyway. It was tight as I figured it would be but I was making it through. The walkers though sniffed me out and at least two of them, one after the other had gotten in as the rest crowded the entrance and getting stuck. With nothing holding them back they moved much faster than I did.
I got mid-way through when the first one reached me. I brought up my crossover blocking the walker's teeth so it was chopping down on the pack. I kept going though forcing my way through. There was no way I could stab the walker even if I had a hand free, the space was too tight and as I got further through it, it only got tighter.
Just as I reached the end of the alleyway was when I truly got stuck. My backpack wouldn't budge through the two corners of the shops. I pushed my knee into it getting it to move a little bit but not much. Double crap!
I let go of my pack then reaching for my knife as the walker came upon me again. I used my crossover as a shield as I tried to stab it in the head with my knife, that's when the other walker that made it through bombarded the first which knocked into me. I wanted to scream at this point but I held it in my throat. I could not afford to scream, I couldn't afford to do anything but live. And I was going to live!
This would not be the end of Beth Greene!
I yanked my crossover down and with the adrenalin racing through my veins I brought down my knife into the walkers head, right at the top of its skull. Blood sprung from the wound hitting my face and chest. I cringed at the feel of its nasty blood on me. Then with that same power I pushed my backpack through managing to not trip on it as I followed it out into the open. Without sparing a glance back I slung my pack on my shoulder and ran. I hit a walker just around the corner taking it out as I went.
The car came into my sight and Maggie drove right up to me. I got in quick and we were off.
"Holy shit are ya a'right?!" Maggie cried out seeing my blood stained face and shirt. I just nodded leaning back against the seat after forcing both of my packs to the back of the car.
"Yeah, I'm fine." I searched the glove compartment to find some napkins to wipe down my face; I could feel the blood dripping down my chin. I made sure to be extra careful of wiping around my mouth, don't want this stuff inside me. We never discovered if drinking walker blood could turn you but I didn't want to be the test subject and find out.
"Ha, shit. That was a close one. Where the hell were they hidin'?" Maggie commented giving out a relieved chuckle. I shrugged my shoulders.
"I don't know…man I can't believe I forgot to grab the bell!" I couldn't help but berate myself over that. Had I just remembered we wouldn't have gotten into that predicament. It was all my fault.
"It ain't yer fault, they were bound ta come out at some point." I nodded. She made a point but it was mainly said to help me not feel so awful about it. I did need to look on the brighter side though; I went head to head with a herd and a few stragglers and made it out alive.
"Not bad for my first run huh?" Maggie snorted reaching over to push my shoulder.
"Yeah, not bad."
A/N: I know some of you were hoping for badass Beth, well she'll be coming soon. Well okay later on in this story but she'll be coming I promise! So really again my mind just won't work with me! The run was suppose to be simple, easy but no my mind won't let me make it easy for Beth. I am truly evil at heart apparently. Also the whole thing with Daryl wasn't supposed to happen either; him worrying over her wasn't really supposed to be a thing. Thanks Mione788 for getting that into my head with your review in ch.9!
Anywho I hope y'all liked it! I had fun writing the interactions between Beth with both Daryl and Maggie. The whole banging her head on the door thing, yep my sis has done that to me. Bitch. Lol. Oh and please check out my story 'Stronger' it's a 3rd POV for both Daryl and Beth bout my take on the mid-season finale afterwards. Till next chapter!
ALCzysz17
