Authors Note: In this chapter the two groups finally meet! So...let's begin. Right?

Chapter Three: When Groups Collide

After a hearty meal, the three friends packed up their supplies and prepared for the long road ahead.

Paul sighed. He'd been hiding something from the two friends...maybe now it was time to admit it. Or he'd be killed. Well, everyone was going to somehow anyway.

"So guys?" Paul began and Zach and Alex stopped to look at him. "I...I have a group. We have a safe haven down by the quarry."

Zach sighed. "I figured as much...but why not tell us?" He inquired although he had a feeling.

"I was afraid you were bad people. I couldn't just let you guys in. But you two are genuine. So...follow me." He said simply and lead the way.

ZZZ

Shane was getting up after another round of sleep, hoping things were going well. He opened the tent and saw everything was in fact well. But one thing remained.

Lori saw Shane and asked him what he was thinking. "Has Paul come back yet?" She asked with weary eyes.

Shane shook his head and he rubbed his face. "We, don't know where he is. We lost contact as soon as last night rolled around. His walkie might've run out of battery or something." Lori nodded. She was pretty sure he was dead.

Before she could say more, three people walked into camp. One was Paul, and the others-

"Hold up!" Daryl Dixon yelled pointing his crossbow. The two men raised their hands in fear. "Don't move a muscle. Or I shoot! And when I do? I aim for the legs."

Paul held up a hand. "Daryl, these are good people. I came across em while I was running from walkers. They saved my life." Daryl scoffed.

"Yeah right! You probably save THEM." Daryl growled.

"Daryl!" Shane yelled. "If Paul says they're good. I trust him."

Daryl scoffed again. "Ya can't be serious. Those 'kids,' saved a grown ass man? Gimme a break!"

Shane held his hands on his hips but also showed he was reaching for his gun. "I said. STAND down." Daryl sighed.

"Typical," was al Daryl said before walking back to his trailer.

"Sorry about that," Shane said. "What are your names?"

"I'm Zach," Zach introduced.

Alex twiddled his thumbs and smiled. "A-Alex...S-s-sir."

Shane nodded. "Perfect...welcome to our camp."

ZZZ

Alex sat in his tent, preparing himself for a nap. He felt that's what he was good for. He sighed. "Why...why am I like this?"

He did not remember much about what happened...he just remembered that he was sad. Well, sad was an understatement...he was distraught. But why?

As he was about to lie down, Zach knocked on the tent. Alex hid his tears and said in as calm of a voice he could muster, "Come in!"

Zach smiled and handed him a fish. Alex sighed and smiled. "You're so kind to me buddy..." Alex smiled and shook off his previous feelings. He'd think about the truth some other time.

Zach sat down. "What's up?" He asked. He felt he knew but Alex shook His head.

"I don't know." He replied.

"It's fine buddy. Take all the time you need." And with that Zach left the tent leaving Alex to his thoughts.