Chapter 37

Kaitlinn's POV

A dream.

That was the first thing that crossed my mind as I smelled the eggs and bacon. I was convinced that everything that had happened had been a dream, and that if I opened my eyes I'd be in Daryl's truck and he'd de watching me with those calm blue eyes.

That was what I hoped would happen, because it would mean that Daryl and I wouldn't be on bad terms and that we would act normal again towards each other. However, 'hope' wasn't exactly something that worked out well, and so when I shifted my weight and felt the mattress underneath me, I knew it hadn't been a dream.

The feeling of dread that entered me made me want to crawl away under the blankets and just leave for the dream world again. I couldn't do that though. Not only because it was time to get up, but also because I couldn't let Daryl's cold attitude get to me. If I did that I wouldn't survive another day, and that was not part of my plan. The only thing I had to do was keep control of my emotions as I was a bitch right back at him. I'd just have to be strong until he apologized, or started acting normal again. One of the two was enough, I didn't care which he would choose, but I wasn't going to be nice to him if he wasn't nice to me, that was for sure.

Feeling the determination course through me I slowly sat up, rubbing my eyes and opening them to take a look around the room. It was mostly dark, the only light coming from behind the thick dark red curtains. The way the light tried to escape from behind them reminded me of home.

I remember that when I was young I used to always wake up because of the light from the sun that shone relentlessly through my window. I couldn't sleep with all that light and when I told my mom that she smiled, an excited glint in her eyes. I didn't know why until she put me to work, making my own curtains that would stop the light from entering.

When I finished, after having yelped every time I pricked myself, I felt proud of myself. From then on every morning when I saw that the light couldn't get through the thick fabric, that same sense of pride made me start the day with a smile. I had been able to stop a force of nature from waking me, and that felt empowering, I was twelve at the time.

Now, I wished I would be able to stop another force of nature, an undead force. That wasn't as easy as stitching though, and the worst thing that could happen wasn't a pin prick that drew a drop of blood.

I sighed, pushing myself off the bed reluctantly. I'd rather watch the light the rest of the morning, but that wouldn't exactly be productive. Andrea, who had shared the bed with me because there hadn't been enough spare rooms, had already gotten out of bed. She probably had gone downstairs already. If she was awake I bet that Shane and T-Dog were also up, and Daryl for that matter. They were probably working on a plan right now and I should be doing the same. I had been the whole reason they had to come looking for us, so I should at least be getting out of bed.

The first thing we should be thinking of is how we were going to find the others back. Maybe, if Lisbeth and Robert lived around here, there would be other people around. There might be someone who saw, or heard, from them. If not, we would be facing a bigger problem. Where the hell had they gone? We had no idea where they went and the only thing we do know is where they had started their search. That didn't say much however.

We couldn't split up and both go looking for them, then we would be making the exact same mistake all over again, and I wasn't planning on repeating that.

I opened the curtains, squinting my eyes at the sudden light. When they finally had adjusted I saw the green forest, the perfect view to start your morning with. The only thing missing were the chirping birds. There was a problem with that though, as those had left this place a long time ago.

They say animals have instincts that tell them a disaster is about to strike, I guess that is true. I still remember when I first noticed something strange, a week before I got attacked. The birds that usually chirped so happily in the back yard, had stopped singing. When I started to look for them though, because I was missing their songs, I saw that they weren't just not singing, they weren't there at all. It was as if every bird had disappeared, leaving their homes without looking back.

Then it had saddened me, not to be able to hear them sing anymore. That changed over the next few months, as I started getting used to the silence and embracing it. I thought back to the birds once in a while, wondering what happened to them. I liked to think they were lucky and that they had been able find a safe place where they could sing their hearts out. The truth was that I needed to think those things once in a while, just to believe that not everything was doomed.

I turned around and looked around the room once again. It had a double bed, made out of dark colored wood, with purple covers. There was a dresser, made from the same kind of wood, against the wall across from the bed, with a large mirror above it. It was the guest room, Lisbeth had told us, which was the reason it wasn't all too full. Not that I minded, I liked the way it looked and I wouldn't have complained if I hadn't liked it. I walked over to the dresser and caught myself in the mirror. I was wearing a short nightgown Lisbeth had given me. It wasn't sexy or anything, not with the flower pattern on it, but it was good enough to sleep in. I'd actually been grateful she gave me this to wear, at least I didn't have to sleep in my filthy clothes. The same clothes that were now gone from where I'd put them in the lower drawer.

I was about to call downstairs and ask the rest if they'd seen my clothes, when I noticed a clean bundle of clothes in the top drawer with a note on top of it.

Thought you might want some clean clothes

~Lisbeth

I smiled at the note and shook my head slowly as I picked up the bundle of clothes and inspected it. It wasn't that I would be complaining if there was anything there that I didn't like, everything was better than wearing my dirty clothes, but I was still curious.

I saw a pair of army trousers, making me grin widely. Not because they were stylish, far from it, but I loved them anyway. I guessed they must've belonged to Lisbeth's son and made a mental note to thank her for them later. Other than the pants there was a simple black shirt and underwear, it looked like she had washed my bra before she put it back and I thanked her silently. This woman really was like a mother, taking care of us like this.

I quickly changed and grinned when I saw myself in the mirror. I looked like someone who would love to join the army and even though that wasn't true I didn't mind. The feeling of the army trousers reminded me of home, of my brother. He used to have the same sort of pants and I always stole them from him. Not only to annoy him, though that was the main reason, I also did it because they were seriously comfortable.

My smile soon turned into a frown, as memories of my family's death started to resurface again. I hated the fact that I couldn't just think of the positive things, the fun times I'd had with them, without any deaths filling my thoughts.

I wondered how long we could stay here without forming a threat to these friendly people. I didn't want Lisbeth and Robert to get hurt because of us, and I knew that with the more people you were, the bigger the chance was of getting found by walkers. There were more people who could make sounds, or who could be bleeding. However the feeling of a group surrounding you, of people being there for you and looking out for you, that was something that felt safe.

I wished Lori, Carol, Carl, Sophie and the rest were all ok. I really didn't want anything happening to them, I had started caring for all of them. Not as much as I had started to care for Daryl, but enough to not make me want to find them dead.

Daryl's POV

"Mmm, it smells delicious in here."

Andrea's voice carried itself through the room, making me want to groan in annoyance. I had a horrible headache, resulting from two nights of complete lack of sleep, and her voice wasn't exactly something I wanted to hear.

I rubbed my temples as I heard her make her way to the kitchen, where Lisbeth was cooking breakfast, quite loudly if I may say so. I seriously wondered how she'd been able to survive for so long without the group to protect her, because the way she moved was like she was trying to make as much noise as possible.

I knew that Shane, T-Dog, Robert, Dale, Zayn, Nico and Kirra were already at the table, eating to their heart's content. I, on the other hand, hadn't even gotten up from the couch yet, which wasn't usually how I spent my mornings. Then again, I didn't usually spend my nights sleepless either.

I never had any trouble sleeping, taking naps between my rounds if necessary. I knew how important sleep was, to stay alert and all, so I always did my best to get the sleep I needed. Now though I've had two nights without sleep, and I hadn't had a chance to take any naps.

Two nights ago I couldn't sleep because of Kaitlinn, and last night she still hadn't left my worrying mind. The other reason I stayed awake was that I wasn't one to believe in the whole 'let's all go to sleep and nothing will happen' thing, I've lived in this world too long and knew that wasn't how it worked. I had gotten the couch assigned as my sleeping quarters, and I hadn't minded. I'd kept an eye out for anything that looked suspicious or dangerous outside. There was nothing though, we were safe.

I knew, even though I'd tried to convince myself that the main reason was that I was worried about our safety, that the real reason I hadn't been able to sleep, and the only reason, was Kaitlinn.

Every time I closed my eyes, it could be for a second or for an hour, I thought back to the kiss we'd shared, followed by the image of Kaitlinn pretending to be asleep. If I kept my eyes shut any longer I'd think back to our conversation the next morning, and to the way we'd acted ever since. I was worried, and for once I wasn't worried about how to survive, but rather about what to do while I was still alive.

I knew, from experience, that you had to take one day at a time, especially now. But while Kaitlinn and I were 'fighting', or whatever you want to call it, I couldn't say that I was happy, or as close to happy as you can be after all that has happened. I didn't want her to be mad at me, and I didn't want to be mad at her either. It just seemed like every time I remember her 'pretend sleep' I couldn't help myself and I'd get pissed. She had seriously hurt me with that, and truth is that Daryl Dixon doesn't normally get hurt.

I sighed, pushing myself off the couch and stretching my arms and neck to try and relax. Not that I thought it would work, but it was at least worth a try. I'd been staying here all morning not because of the headache, but because I'd been waiting for Kaitlinn to come down. I didn't know exactly what I was planning to do if she did, maybe apologize? I was hoping that if I did we would be able to act normal again towards each other, and forget about the kiss. Not that I wanted to, but now it seemed like she didn't want anything to do with it, so I would do better forgetting about it as well.

Right now though, that didn't matter. I was getting sick of waiting and letting my thoughts wander, I needed something to distract me, so I headed towards the kitchen.

As I entered Lisbeth looked up with a warm smile on her lips. Soon though it changed into a look of concern. "Are you feeling ok, son?" She asked.

I clenched my jaw, wanting to snap at her that I was fine. That would be rude though, and I didn't want to be rude towards someone who was only trying to be nice, not to Lisbeth anyway. So instead of snapping I nodded, choosing a spot next to the door where I leaned back against the wall, watching the rest, who's attention had turned back to where it had been before.

Andrea and Dale were telling a story to Kirra and Nico while they were eating. Robert was talking to Zayn about his truck, Zayn listening with an interested look on his face. Shane and T-Dog were both quiet. T-Dog was eating clumsily with his left hand, his right hand bandaged up and unusable. I hadn't noticed it before, but considering I didn't care all that much it didn't really matter.

I stayed like that, watching the rest in silence and doing my best to not let my mind wander. When suddenly the sound of footsteps distracted everyone, I kept staring at the table. We all knew who would be coming in, and I couldn't say I particularly liked it. I couldn't apologize in front of everyone like this, especially not in front of that damn Shane. If I'd just waited on the couch a bit longer-

"Kaitlinn," Lisbeth greeted the figure that had appeared in the doorway, the same warm smile on her lips as had been before. I watched everyone's face and noticed Shane's eyes widen slightly as he saw her. That made my own eyes narrow as I started wondering why. The moment I looked up however, I knew.

She might be wearing army trousers which were too big and formless, but she looked damn sexy in them. The simple T-shirt she wore on top of it complimented her figure and made up for the figureless pants. Her hair was pulled back in a ponytail, which was good because if her hair had been loose I might've not been able to control my thoughts. Now I was able to focus on what she was saying rather than what she was wearing, which wasn't much but at least something.

"Morning," She said with a smile, more natural than I'd ever heard her speak before. She walked over to Kirra and kissed her forehead, messing Nico's hair up and high fiving Zayn who was already sitting with his hand up. When she found everyone else staring at her questioningly she just grinned, "Our normal morning ritual. Used to do it every day." She said with the same grin. After everyone seemed to understand she walked over to Lisbeth and thanked her for the clothes.

"No problem dear," The elderly woman said, "Would you like something to eat maybe?"

She looked around the table which was full of all kinds of stuff. Bread, butter, milk, peanut butter, Jelly, everything. For a moment she looked surprised at the wide assortment, probably not having expected it. I had to admit that if I hadn't heard Dale's surprised exclamation as he'd seen it, I would've been as surprised as her.

"I think I can make do with all this," She said with a chuckle as she had composed herself again. "Where did you get it all?" She asked.

Lisbeth was the one to chuckle this time, facing away from the pan she'd been making eggs with and taking the chair next to her husband to sit down on. Kaitlinn did the same, only taking place next to Zayn instead of Robert. She took some bread and started making herself a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, earning her a disgusted look from Andrea which made her laugh. She soon directed her attention at Lisbeth again though, still waiting for an answer.

"Robert goes into town every week," Lisbeth explained when she caught Kate's look. "He brings everything with him." She said with a shrug as she took the Jelly.

"Town?" I asked without thinking, wondering what she was talking about and not being able to stop myself from asking. The word sounded strange in my ears, I had been convinced that there were no real towns left. The way she said it though it sounded like a place that was still 'alive' so to speak, and that made me curious.

Kaitlinn looked up at the sudden sound of my voice, as if she hadn't noticed me before. That agitated me slightly, but I wasn't about to make things worse between us by snapping at her, even though I wanted to badly.

Lisbeth seemed to notice my agitation, a small frown showing on her face. It disappeared when she started talking again, directing her answer at me. "Yes, town." She said. "Actually, Robert?" Robert looked up from an old newspaper he was reading and made a sound that told her to continue. "Weren't you planning on going again today?"

He hesitated a second before replying, inspecting the faces of the members of the group. I think he still didn't completely trust us, which I didn't find strange. Eventually though he nodded.

Lisbeth smiled excitedly. "You can take them with you," She said. "Maybe there is someone in town that knows something about the rest of their group!"

This exclamation attracted Shane's attention and he looked up at Robert. "Would you mind?" He asked.

Robert was frowning, obviously not liking the idea. "Truth is actually that I had decided today wasn't the best day to go," He admitted. I guessed because we would have stayed behind with his wife, which wasn't the best option. He started thinking though, probably believing that if he took a part of us with him we wouldn't be as much of a threat. "But I guess we can go." He finally decided. "Who will be coming then?"

Shane looked around the group, deciding for us that every guy would come along except for Zayn and Nico. Lisbeth noticed Zayn's disappointed face and frowned. "Can Zayn come along as well?" She asked her husband.

Kaitlinn froze a second at the sound of Zayn's name and then looked up. Zayn looked at his siblings before silently asking Kaitlinn for permission. I noticed her hesitating and for a moment she locked eyes with me, as if she was checking something. She quickly looked away again though and smiled at Zayn, giving him the ok. Zayn seemed excited and was grinning during the rest of breakfast. I didn't feel that bad anymore either actually.

I knew why she'd looked at me, and that made me feel better than before. It meant that she trusted me enough to leave Zayn with me. This was a good thing, because maybe if I apologized we would really be able to act normal towards each other again. If she still trusted me enough to send one of the three kids with me, that meant there was still hope and I liked that fact.

Author's Note:

So Daryl feels betrayed because Kaitlinn acted like she was asleep when he returned downstairs after the kiss. That is the thing pissing him off, and the fact he's pissed off makes her pissed off etc. Hope that's a good enough explanation! If you have any other questions just PM or review and I'll answer. (Promise it'll be ok soon again between them btw! I'm just struggling a bit with what's gonna happen between them after they kissed, sorry... haha. Hope you enjoyed this chapter! Please Review!