Daryl and I fell asleep on the cot as the morning quickly approached. The sun shone through the fabric of our makeshift camp as the birds began their morning songs. It was a bit chillier that morning as it had grown closer to the autumn season. It felt as if there was finally peace.
I didn't feel like moving from our position and it felt as if Daryl didn't want to either. It was an unsaid plan to just stay here all day and relax. It would be the first time in forever that we had any moment of peace.
But in this world, those moments are short and far between. The sound of footsteps pushed Daryl out of bed. They were fast, too fast for them to belong to a walker. Before we had a chance to react, there was someone at our door. "Daryl, we need your help with-" Shane's voice carried as he quickly unzipped the tent.
I rushed to cover myself with our blanket, I was still nude from our night together, but it was too late. Shane had at least seen something and forced him to stop talking and stare for a brief moment. He probably would have stared at me all day if Daryl didn't force him out.
"C'mon man! Don't ya know how to wait till someone answers?" The two men went outside and Daryl zipped the door shut, giving me some privacy.
"Uh, I'm sorry, Rosalyn," Shane called to me.
I didn't answer. That was a pretty nasty thing he did. I wonder if he knew that I wasn't exactly dressed.
Wanting to know what they were talking about, I grabbed a tank top that was laying on the ground and found a pair of shorts under the cots. I slipped them on and ran out to meet Daryl and Shane.
Shane was just about to leave when I emerged into the sunlight. He was in the middle of a sentence, but stopped and looked at me again.
Daryl looked back at what he was staring at. Once he figured out it was me, he took a step into Shane's line of view, blocking me from it.
Shane shook his head quickly and focused back on Daryl. "So, I'll see you over there?"
"Yeah," Daryl responded.
Shane nodded and turned to leave. He looked back only once before continuing on his way. I honestly don't think I've ever been so creeped out.
"What're ya doin'?" Daryl asked as he walked back to me.
"What do you mean 'What am I doing?' What are you doing?"
"You couldn't have put on somethin' more decent?" He flicked his hand at me.
"I'm sorry. I was rushing to get out here. Why does it matter anyway? I wear this kinds of stuff all the time." I crossed my arms, confused at his unnecessary concern.
"Are ya even wearing a bra?"
"Jesus, no! You sound like my father," when he was around. "Do you mind telling me what this is about?"
Daryl pointed back to the house. "That son of a bitch was lookin' you up and down. Did you not seem to notice?"
I stepped toward him. "As a matter of fact, I did notice that, but I'm not gonna let it get to me. And you shouldn't either."
"Whatever. But if he ever lays a finger on you, ya let me know. I'll smash my fist in his face until blood comes out the other side." He breathed as his anger left him. "Now, go inside and get dressed. We gotta meet back up with the group."
"What? No. Not until you tell me what that was about. What was Shane even doing here?"
Daryl was annoyed with my attitude as he placed his hands on his hips. I didn't care if he was annoyed. He didn't get to dodge my questions anymore. "Well?"
"He asked if I would help him and a few others go look for Rick, Glenn, and Hershel. Apparently, they're not back yet."
"Okay, then why do I have to go back to the group, too?"
"'Cause I ain't leaving you by yourself, that's why."
I honestly started to believe that he would stop bossing me around. I guess I fooled myself. "Daryl, I'm not a little kid anymore. I can make big girl decisions, including what to wear and where to go. I don't need you telling me what to do 24/7."
"You can't defend yourself out here when you're alone. You need to be with people in case somethin' does happen."
"Then teach me how to defend myself. It's something I need to learn."
Daryl brushed me off. "I'm not having this discussion now, Rose."
"Why not?" I shouted. "You're the one always bitching about how I can't defend myself. Show me how."
He didn't answer at first. Daryl could only stare at. When he finally did speak, it wasn't the words that I longed to hear. "No. I can't."
"What do you mean you 'can't?'"
"I can't with you..." He stopped and motioned toward me. I knew what he was telling me.
"With me being pregnant?"
His voice was softer. "Yeah. You could get hurt, or the baby. That's why it would be better if ya stayed with other people for now."
I considered his argument. As much as I hated to admit it, Daryl was right. I guess being helpless was the only thing I could do for right now, but just for now. "You'll teach me eventually, right?"
He nodded. "Yeah, I will."
I walked up to him until we were inches apart. My eyes met his as I asked, cutely. "You promise?"
Daryl released a small chuckle. "Promise."
Pleased with his response, I leaned in and gave him a peck on the cheek. "Thank you."
I quickly made my way back to our tent to change. I grabbed a bra this time and a pair of panties and slid them on. Like I said, it was getting colder, so I threw on a pair of jeans and a light long sleeved shirt.
I met Daryl outside. He had his crossbow slung over his shoulder, his gun in his back pocket, and his knife at his side. He was ready for anything, like always, and that eased me. I knew that this was going to be a dangerous situation and I was worried about him, but I knew Daryl could take care of himself. I was more or less worried that whoever was going with him was going to get him killed.
As we approached the camp, I could see Shane and Andrea loading up a car. T-Dog had supplies in his hand, all of it ready to be loaded. By the looks of it, the four of them would be going. Shane, Andrea, T-Dog, and Daryl. I wasn't too concerned about T-Dog. He was one I could trust. Andrea and Shane on the other hand were a different story. Andrea was reckless and only just learned how to fire a gun properly. She did shoot Daryl the last time because she thought it was the right thing to do. Who's to say she won't do it again. And Shane? Well I just simply didn't trust him. He's not the same man as he was before Rick joined the group. Something had changed in that man and everyone could see it.
They were nearly done loading the car, so I gave Daryl one last hug. "Stay safe." I whispered to him.
Daryl never liked public affection, but accepted the gesture anyway. "You too."
As I pulled away, I heard a motor in the distance drawing near.
"Guys." Andrea pointed to the red and white truck that drove down the dirt road leading to the house. It was them.
My fear and worry released. "Looks like you're staying here after all."
The group all ran to meet Rick, Glenn, and Hershel as they pulled up to the front of the house. Lori and Carl were the first two out of the house and ran into Rick's arms. Maggie met Glenn at the car and hugged him tightly, even though he didn't really accept it. Hershel called to Patricia. "Prepare the barn for surgery." Surgery? For who?
T-Dog brought all of the attention to the truck. "Who the hell is that?"