When the woman awoke she knew she was no longer in the clearing. Fear pinpriked it's way through her body and she forced herself to sit up. Her vision descended to darkness and she gripped onto the sheets to force herself to stay sitting up. Now was not the time to be weak. Now was the time to run. Wherever she was was not safe. Her lungs ached as her breathing quickened, shivers ran down her spine as she relived the horrors of the end of the world.
Not now,she scolded. Get out first...
As she stood shakily to her feet, she noticed her arms. From her wrists to her shoulders were bandaged up. She prodded lightly at her ribs and felt the stiff material as well. Wherever she was, the people here had dressed her wounds and changed her into clean clothes.
Now she stood confused. Who were these people? What game were they playing? Or was it nothing more than a kind gesture?
No,she snapped. Never trust. Never give in.
As quickly as she could, she limped her way through the room in search of her things or any kind of weapon. The bedroom was small. Only enough room for the bed, a dresser, and the closet built into the wall. There was nothing of use here. Only old, worn collared shirts.
Voices echoed into the camper and the girl headed to the window. Carefully peeking through the curtain she dared a glance outside. There were at least a dozen people there, all moving amongst each other. She saw men, woman, and children parading around the campgrounds. Her breath hitched as she watched them, her heart beating it's way out of her chest. What the hell was this place?
On unsteady legs she headed out of the bedroom. Thankfully the camper was indeed empty and from the front door she could make a beeline for the forest. A poor plan at best but she would not allow herself to be a victim again. Her hands shook as she reached for the door. This was it. Run or die.
She pushed the door open as quick as she could and forced herself into a sprint towards the tree line. All conversation stopped around her and she could hear them calling after her. The same thing that happened before.
Stop. Don't run. Come back.
She vaulted herself into the trees and began pushing herself even harder. However, she did not consider her weakened state. Her severe malnourishment and deep bruising caused her to lose her balance once her feet hit the dirt. She landed hard on her side and rolled until she laid painfully on her back. Her arms would not listen to her as she tried to force herself up. No, she was too weak at this point to even stand. Black clouded her vision and she banged her head repeatedly onto the ground.
Stupid. Stupid. Stupid.
Out of one bad situation and immedietly into another. Tears brimmed over and she sobbed quietly at the sound of approaching footsteps. The voices drew closer and she prayed for a quick death. Anything to take away the pain.
"Hold up, hold up," a male voice called. The footsteps drew near until right beside her. Still, she did not open her eyes. "Hey there girl,"they said soothingly, as if talking to a frightened animal. "It's dangerous out there... I know you're scared..."
"Shane, I think she passed out," a woman spoke. "We need to get her back to the RV."
The man, Shane, sighed and reached for the girl. Once his fingers touched her, her eyes shot open. Memories flashed in her vision. The knife. The crazed laughter. The stench of blood and silent screams tearing through her. She rolled away from the man and onto her knees as she began to dry heave.
"Hey, hey. Relax. My name is Shane Walsh," he tried again, kneeling with her and keeping his arms up in surrender. His head was dripping in sweat and she could see his curly brown hair purtruding out from under his hat. The man was probably thirty, fit for sure, and acted with an aura of authority. Instantly she catalogued him as a threat. "I want you to know that you're safe. One of our men brought you back. You're at the quarry, along the outskirts of Atlanta. The woman here behind me, that's Lori. She tended to your wounds while you were unconcious. We don't want to hurt you but you need to come back with us."
The girl eyed them with distrust and slowly curled into herself. Shane seemed to be telling the truth. If they meant to harm her, why help her? But over the past month her sanity had been pushed to the brink more than once and she found her mind yelling at her to run. Her eyes moved to the woman behind Shane, Lori he had said. She was tall, thin like her, and wore her hair in a loose pony tail. In the world before Lori could have been on the poster for soccer mom's of the world.
"We only want to help," Lori tried calmly, kneeling next to Shane. "If you want to leave once you're healed you can. But, please, come back with us."
The girl weighed her options. She could, in theory, run off again. Take her chances amongst the dead. No humans to worry about. But that was quickly shut down when she realized how weak she truly was. Even now, she could not force herself to stand. Instead, she stayed sitting on the ground. There was no way she could last more than a few minutes on her own. Not only for her lack of strength, but she had no weapons. No food. And only the clothes on her back.
Or, she could do the logical option. Allow these people to take her in like a stray. If they were good like they said then she could gain back the life she lost. That was a big if in her book. One she was not sure she could trust. Maybe, maybe, if she had never went through hell this past month she could easily accept their offer. But now, now she cowered before them.
"You find her yet?" a gruff voice called out from the trees.
"Over here Daryl," Shane replied. He looked to the frightened girl. She was so small in front of him. Couldn't be more than five foot, if that. At one point she may have been very attractive but now she shivered under his gaze with a look that only just revealed the horrors she had seen. Shane had seen this a lot. As a cop domestic abuse calls were all too common. The woman all shared this same look. Fear, anger, betrayal.
As branches began to stir behind her, the young blonde looked away from Shane and to whoever approached. The newcomer stepped easily towards them and her breath hitched. As if a flip were switched, she could now very clearly remember him. He looked the same. Same short dirty brown hair, deep Georgian tan, and the same glowing blue eyes. He stared at her with a mixture of concern and understanding, the two mixing together under his scowl. Still, the memories of him carrying her back were clear.
"You're gonna make it, ya here?" he huffed with conviction. Her whole world shook as he carried her bridal style through the forest, the darkness was threatening to take over. She focused on his even breathing, his heartbeat, and the voice that saved her from death. "Can't back out on me now."
They stopped some time later and he gently shook her to conciousness. "Drink this," he cood, gently placing the bottle of water to her parched lips. Greedily she drank. "Easy, now. You'll make yourself sick. I'm going to move for a minute. It's late. Gonna have to camp for the night. I have some food I'm gonna cook up. You're going to have to take it slow."
She managed to force her eyes open as he turned from her. The man worked on building a small pit for a fire and he looked at home out in the wildlife. He was a mess, though. His arms covered in dirt and blood, his hair slick with grease, and clothes covered in grime. But, still, she stared at the man who found her with a smile.
A sigh escaped her as he drew closer, cautious as he did so. She was like doe, get to close and they run. He was surprised, though, when she smiled. It was small but it caused her whole face to light up. No one in his life had looked at him like that before. Just genuine happiness to see him. Even the group he was with couldn't muster up a thank you when him and Merle brought back fresh game.
"Hey girl," he spoke. He glanced to Shane, a warning to back off. Then, to her, "Ya gave us a scare back there. Kind of a firecracker, aren't ya? You know you can't just run off like that. Come on, let's head back." He reached out tentatively to her and after a few seconds she slipped her small hand into his. "Can you walk?"
She nodded and he gently pulled her to her feet. Her hands gripped onto him as she tried to find her center and remain standing. How did she become so weak?
"You got a name?"
She pursed her lips as they slowly made their way back to camp. This would be the make or break for this group. Either they could accept her or send her on her way. Knowing how she already felt about this stranger, she wasn't so keen on leaving anymore. The way he looked at her, now and when he found her, showed her they were the same. Two broken souls left to wander. He didn't show her pity, just understanding.
Under thick lashes she glanced to Daryl as he waited for an answer. Taking his hand she led it to her neck as he stared back confused. Slowly his fingers ran along the sides of her throat and her two scars burned under his gentle touch.
"You can't talk," he muttered.
She nodded sadly and gestured for a pen. In her bag she knew she had had one. If it hadn't been taken, that is. Out of the corner of her eyes she watched him. Again, no pity. Anger, though, was evident.
"That sick fuck do that to?" he practically snarled.
She shook her head and gestured again for a pen. The man shook his head and placed a hand gently on her lower back. As they neared the RV he did his best to ignore the stares from the group. He didn't need to deal with them right now, and neither did she.
Back in the RV they sat across from each other at the small table. She dug through her bag and produced the small legal pad and pen. Thankfully, those had been left untouched. She uncapped the pen and stared at the blank page for a moment before writing.
My name is Haisley. It's good to meet you Daryl. And thank you for saving me.
He read the paper carefully before pushing it back to her. As she began writing again he stared into his hands uncomfortably. This was definetly new territory for the group. No communication can be made if one side is left silent. He watched her as she wrote. Her hair fell into her face and she glanced up at him as though she felt his gaze. Her emerald green eyes shown with the same fire as they did the night he carried her back to the camp. Whatever had happened to her before shaped her into a fighter.
"If this didn't just happen, it means you've been dealing with this for awhile then."
She nodded as she held her arms far a part. A long time in deed.
"Does that mean you sign?"
Her ears perked up at that and she tilted her head to the side. Does that mean you can too? she signed slowly.
"Never was good at it myself. One of the kids I grew up with was Deaf. Guess I just kinda picked it up along the way. It's been awhile but I can probably still grasp it."
A smile grew across her face. Happiness bubbled inside her. Not only did this man save her but he could also understand her. For as long as she could remember she had been carrying around notepads and pens. Even living in a place like Atlanta, not many people knew sign language. Communication for her was always tedious and drawn out. When the world ended that made things even harder. She couldn't warn people, she couldn't cry out for help once she was taken, and she couldn't try to gain attention from anyone once she was captive.
Do you really understand me?
"Wouldn't say it if I didn't."
So you saw it, then. What I did.
"That man deserved it, if not more."
And you're group is okay with this?
"Gonna have to slow down a bit there. Remember, it's been a few years for me." She signed again and he nodded in understanding. "Nah. It ain't their business. That's for you to decide. See, these people are good, well, at least most of them. They're scared and just trying to survive. They're naive as hell but they won't do nothing to you."
Will I cause problems if I stay? I know it can be hard to deal with someone who can't talk.
He shook his head. "It'll be fine. Remember, they're good people, just dumb. I can't see them lasting long."
People adapt. They always have.
He scoffed. "We'll see."
A soft knock caused them both to turn to the sound. Daryl's somewhat soft expression turned to one of annoyance while Haisley slid further back into the seat. Shane stepped inside slowly and glanced between the pair. He did his best to hide his distaste for the younger Dixon as he smiled to the girl.
"I didn't mean to scare you back there," he apologized. "I know how it looks having a group chase you down."
Haisley glanced to Daryl. The man stared back but did not speak up. If he explained everything then it would make her introductions here easier but it seemed 'nice' Daryl was gone for the moment. She sighed the grabbed the notepad and pen. Shane shifted awkwardly on his feet as she wrote, shooting a threatening glance to Daryl. If he had hurt her...
The notepad was pushed towards him and he read it quietly.
I guess this is kind of awkward. My name is Haisley. I've been quiet because I have to be. You see, I lost my voice some years ago. I can't speak.
"Oh... Oh," he said in response. He coughed awkwardly, unsure of how to approach the girl now. "I guess, honestly, I don't know what to say to that. I mean, you are welcome here. I don't know what happened to you, but I hope that asshole gets what's coming to him."
Haisley looked, realizing Shane still clutched her notepad. Instead of reaching for it she turned to Daryl. Can I meet everyone now? I think I'll be okay.
"If that's whatcha want," the hunter sighed. Daryl stood and went to her side but was stopped. "Might be better to talk to him though."
"Since when could you do that?"
Both stared back at Shane confused. "Do what?"
"Read sign language."
"What? Just 'cause I fit your bill of redneck trash, ya think I can't do anyhing else?" His voice was laced with venom, the total opposite of the Daryl she had just talked to. He stood tall and broad shouldered, squaring up as if prepping for a fight. She glanced between the two and suddenly felt very out of place. Before she would have jumped in, pushing them both to back off. Probably strewing a line of profanities along the way. Now, however, she slid further into the booth and tried to keep the memories at bay.
"Watch your mouth, Dixon."
"Or what?"
Haisley tentatively reached out and until her hand brushed Daryl's fingers. After a moment of the two men staring each other down, he looked to her. His expression softened as he took in her worried appearance.
Can we please go?
Daryl nodded his head and moved aside so she could stand. She quickly grabbed her bag and slipped past Shane to step outside. The two men bickered back and forth for a moment but she didn't pay attention as she was too busy taking in the sight of the camp.
There were a lot people, over a dozen from what she could see. In all her travelling she had not seen a group this large since the major cities fell. Everyone seemed to have fallen into a rythymn. Some of the men were chopping wood, organizing the small collection of guns, or looking over a map of the area. The women moved around caring for the three children, the laundry, and prepping for the meals. She felt out of place here. Her chest tightened as she continued watching them as she clutched her small bag in her arms. Because of her lack of vocal chords, groups always had made her nervous. Communication was always difficult for her. Where she had grown up, not many people knew how to sign and she became limited on who she could talk to. Even then, there were always struggles.
"Come on, I'll show you around," Daryl said carefully. "Or, if you'd rather, we can just get you a tent set up."
I don't think I can do this.
"You can. If Merle and I can stay here, you can too."
Because what I saw between you and Shane was just so reassuring.
"Shane's an ass but that's between me and him."
Can you show me where I'll be staying?
"Got some options on that I guess. Gonna have to meet some people for that. Andrea and Amy have one of the larger ones. Shouldn't mind you staying. Amy's around your age I'd guess." He pointed towards the two girls heading down the path towards the lake. There was definitely an age gap between the two but they were still obviously sisters. "Glenn has his own, doubt the kid would mind you staying. Depends on if staying with a guy bothers you."
She kept her eyes on the group and debated the two options. The idea of sharing a tent wih the sisters seemed crowded but she also wasn't keen on the idea of staying with a male stranger.
Can I stay with you?
"Not unless you wanna sleep outside. Merle and I share a tent. Ain't much room. Doubt you'll care for his company either."
Before she could answer Shane stormed out of the RV and tossed the pen and pad back to Haisley. She caught the pad easily but the pen fell to the ground. Still clutching her things, she clumsily reached down and picked up the pen before glaring at Shane. Unfortunately his stunt caused some of the members to look over to the scene. When they saw Haisley a few headed to the duo. She clutched her bag closer to her and glanced to Daryl. He sighed in annoyance and it seemed he'd rather be anywhere but next to her. However he stayed, causing guilt to rise in her. Surely it was only due to her lack of speech.
Lori approached first with another woman behind her. The later was small, older, and her peppered hair was shaved to stubble. By her composure Haisley could tell something wasn't right with the woman.
"Hey, are you feeling any better?" Lori asked with care. "I hope we didn't scare you too bad."
Haisley smiled slightly to the two then at Daryl who groaned. "This is Haisley. She's alright now. Don't expect much from talking though. Girl's mute."
"Oh," the second woman gasped. "I'm so sorry to hear that. That must be so hard."
The young girl shook her head and looked to Daryl. He sighed again and crossed his arms as he waited for her. She signed quickly and then he spoke, "Said she don't need the pity. Never saw it as a disability before, don't see it as one now."
The two women eyed Daryl suspiciously then to Haisley. "Why don't we show you around a bit? This is Carol, she helped me take care of you. Figure you'd like to meet her first. You can meet everyone else and we'll get you settled in."
Before she could say anything else Lori took her arm and slowly led her away from Daryl. She looked back at him and saw he had already stalked off, to where she didn't know. Even though she just met him there was a sense of security with him. Not just because he had saved her, it was deeper than that. They were the same. Without knowing much about him, she could tell just by meeting his gaze. His eyes shown the same as hers.
"I hope he didn't give you too hard of a time," Lori said as they stopped by the fire pit.
Haisley pulled on her bag and held onto her pen and pad. Who?Shane?
"No," Lori replied after reading it. "Daryl. He isn't exactly one to socialize."
"The Dixon's are concerning, Merle especially," Carol chimed in. "They try and cause a lot of trouble... They're here with us but they don't seem to want to be with us."
Daryl seems nice enough. I'm not sure about Shane.
"Trust me, don't mess with the Dixon's. Daryl's more the quiet type but don't let that fool you," Lori warned. "They were scum before and it hasn't changed yet."
The blonde put her stuff away before she absentmindedly started chewing on her lip. The two women chatted back and forth, passing information to the newest addition to the group, as they led her through camp. However, she was not paying attention. Her focus was solely on the quarry. Within this clearing sat the whole group. People were crowded out along the open area and every inch of her stilled. Almost all sound was blocked and her only focus was on the frantic beats of her heart. She suddenly craved for Daryl to be with her. The stranger was the only safe haven she knew at the moment. It was unfair to think of him as such but her mind kept circling back to him.
"Hun," Lori said, placing a hand on her shoulder. Haisley jumped, her vision refocusing on the two worried women. "We can take you back to the RV. I know this must be hard."
Inside she was screaming to run. To get out and bail on this whole thing. Why was she even here? But she mustered up whatever courage she had and motioned for them to lead on. She swallowed down her anxiety and forced her feet forward. One step at a time. Ignore the sweaty palms, the shortness in breaths, and the nausea. Daryl said these people were good. All she could do was listen to him.
The group noticed the three approach and all conversations ceased. The wildlife became overpowering. The sound of cicadas echoed off the trees and she stared at her worn combat boots, suddenly interested in the caked on mud and blood.
"All of you know about our newest member," Lori began. "Her name's Haisley. I know we were all concerned for her safety there for awhile but she seems to be okay now."
Haisley felt a hand on her arm and glanced over to Carol. The older woman smiled at her. "You're safe here. They're just curious."
"There's another small matter..." Lori continued. "I don't know all of the details around it but she doesn't have a voice. She's a mute, for lack of a better term."
Finally the young girl dared to glance towards the group. There was a mix of reactions on their faces and she tried her best to provide a smile, though it felt more like grimace. The first one to head her way was a young asian man, one who looked way too innocent for the world they now lived in. A smile covered his face and he tipped his hat to her. Meeting his gaze, she couldn't help but to smile back.
"I'm Glenn," he greeted, awkwardly shoving his hand towards her. She shook his hand before he went on. "Welcome to the quarry. There's a lot of us, but I'm sure you'll fit right in here."
Slowly introductions were made after that. Glenn helped her through the rounds with the people and she did her best to remember the names. There was Lori, Shane, and her young boy Carl. Haisley took to Carl instantly. The boy reminded her of her youngest brother, who still was three years older than her. He was intelligent, driven, and an overall charmer. The boy was also unbelievably interested in sign language, a reaction she was surprised by.
Next was Dale, Andrea, and Amy. Dale was sweet and welcoming. The older man gave off a sense of wisdom and experience. Andrea was a spit fire, someone the old Haisley would have loved. She was opinionated and unafraid. Amy was the opposite, though. Sweet, shy, and totally unprepared for the end of the world. It scared Haisley to see the comparison between the two of them. Amy and herself were about the same age but Haisley now saw the cruelty of this world. Her eyes shown older than she was. Unlike Amy, Haisley was broken.
T-Dog greeted her with a huge grin. He stood with Jim and Jacqui, a petite woman who smiled warmly towards her. They were at ease with each other but T-Dog reminded her of a football player. He was huge and bulky, pure muscle. Standing next to the man, she felt smaller than she already was. Jacqui was a meek woman, quiet and calm through the whole ordeal. Jim, however, was a ball of jittery energy and had Haisley on edge.
Then there was Carol, Ed, and Sophia. Ed was someone Haisley automatically disliked. He reminded her of all the people she hated in her life. Her drunk of a father, her one abusive ex, and her captor all in one. He was loud, obnoxious, and it was evident both Carol and Sophia were terified of him. Carol offered up another small smile when Glenn introduced them and Haisley had returned it before shooting a glare to Ed.
While they all seemed nice enough, Haisley escaped as soon as the attention moved from her to what they were doing previously. She darted into the trees in silence and leaned against one once she was sure she was out of view. A shudder creeped through her and she dropped to her knees.
Not now,she thought as panic weaved through her. While before she maintained her cool, now the wall has crumbled and she was left shaking on the forest floor. Could she do this? Fear began building in the pit of her stomach no matter how hard she tried to beat it down. She was free now. She was no longer with him. Slowly her fingers traveled over the length of the bandages on her arm.
"Oh my sweet little Haisley." She whipped around at the sound of his voice and frantically began searching her surroundings. He couldn't be here. The man was dead. Yet she still heard it, as if he were speaking over her shoulder as he always had. She shivered and dropped to the floor again, curling into herself as she tried to calm her breaths. "You will learn to love me, my sweet."
She silently screamed and placed her hands over her ears. Had she lost it? She didn't dare open her eyes and prayed it would stop. That was her past. He wasn't here. She repeated it over and over in her head. He is dead. I killed him. I am free.She repeated the mantra over again in her head. His laugh radiated around her and she forced her eyes to stay shut. Tears fell down her face and she allowed herself to crumble, if only for a moment. As much as she tried to remember she was now with a new group, full of good people, she could almost feel his weight on top of her again. Her arms burned under the bandages as she felt each cut being pried open.
"Haisley?" a new voice called after some time. The hunter prowled through the forest, trying to make sure his steps were able to be heard. He held his crossbow out and loaded, unsure and unconvinced the quarry was actually safe. Unlike the others, he had watched the girl duck into the woods. At first he did nothing, knowing the girl wasn't his problem. However, once the group realized she was gone after an hour or so, they asked for him to find her. He sighed again as he recalled how useless the group actually was.
He had found her trail easily and closed in on her. By looks she took off in a hurry. However, as he drew closer her steps became more frantic, more in fear. The scene reminded him much of how he found her the other day. Only now she was curled in on herself and stayed unmoving.
"Haisley," he spoke again, trying to keep his voice quiet and soothing, something a Dixon was not accustomed to. She made no move to acknowledge him and he slowly rounded her until he could see her face. Her eyes were forced shut and she hugged herself tighter as she mouthed something he didn't understand. "Girl, hey. The hell is going on?" He kneeled down in front of her, debating in how to help the obviously terrified girl. As he watched her he was reminded of just how small she was. He reached out tentatively and touched her arm.
She shot back from him, rolling until she was squatting a few feet from him. Her hands were raised, poised and ready to fight. Her eyes met his and he knew physically she was here but mentally she was somewhere else. Those green eyes were glazed over and she suddenly turned, desperately searching the area behind her. She dropped to her knees and placed her hands over her ears.
Daryl cautiously approached her and knelt beside her. "Ain't nothing there, Hais," he tried. "I came that way. No one's there."
When she looked to him this time, she actually saw him. Her eyes still shown in fear but the distant look was gone. Slowly her hands trailed up her bandaged arms and she stared nervously out into the trees. She swallowed hard stayed crouched among the trees.
He's dead, isn't he?
His brow furrowed and he ran his free hand over his face. Of course she was hallucinating. After what she had beem through, he wasn't surprised. "He's dead. Has been. Look at me." She turned her eyeto him and he tried to speak with conviction. "You killed him. He's dead. The bastard's long gone. Say it."
Her lips moved slowly, elongating the phrases he spoke. She dropped her head into her hands and a shudder spread through her. At this point Daryl shifted uncomfortably. Every part of him wanted to leave. Afterall he found her and she was alive. He did what he had been asked to. However, he forced himself to stay by her side until she lifted her head and carefully rose to her feet.
"I want you to take this," he said. He handed a hunting knife to her. She eyed it for a moment in confusion before her hand grasped the handle. He jerked it slightly so she gazed into his eyes. "You killed him. You used this knife. Drove it right into his temple. Remember that."
She nodded slowly and took the blade and sheath. Her eyes lingered on the knife in awe before she carefully hooked it to her belt. Finally she seemed to relax and the duo began walking back to camp. As she walked her hand traveled to rest on the knife. Over the course of her life she had learned to hunt and the weight of the blade provided a sense of comfort. However, a new anxiety rose in her. Her mind flashed to the moment she drove the blade into her captor's skull. That had been her first kill. Not just human kill, but in general. Since the outbreak she hadn't so much as dealt with the undead.
Once the camp came into view Daryl was gone. She swallowed back her growing fear and kept her eyes down as she entered. No one noticed her as she silently crept towards her shared tent with Glenn. Her body felt weak and she did not feel like dealing with the strangers.
In the tent the air was slightly cooler and she lowered herself onto her sleeping bag. In her head she knew she was safe, that she was no longer held hostage. She curled into herself in exhaustion. Though her body craved to sleep again, her mind kept rolling through the past week when everything changed.
A few hours had passed and Haisley sat up, finally giving up on trying to sleep. Slowly she stretched and pulled herself to her feet. Now that the adrenaline had worn off she was left feeling drained and heavy. Previous thoughts were shoved to the back of her mind as she pulled her hair back into a bun. Her hand rested on the hilt of the hunting knife and she began to relax as Daryl's mantra echoed in her head, his voice soothing away the fear.
Finally gathering up her remaining courage, she headed outside and scanned the camp. If she were to stay here she had to pull her weight. She felt she needed to prove herself, like she had her whole life. While she was still weak, she could at least hang clothes or help prep for a meal.
The Georgia sun beat down on her as she stepped out. Humidity was at an all time high but she still pulled on the sleeves of her shirt, self concious of the gauze that covered her. She spotted Lori hanging some shirts on the line and went to her. Lori smiled warmly to the girl as another shirt was put up.
"Hope you're feeling better. Lunch is going to be up soon," she commented.
Haisley pulled out her notepad and pen. I was actually seeing if there was anything I could help with.
"No, no. It's alright," she objected. "Don't worry about it. You need to rest."
Please. I want to help. I don't think I can handle just sitting. I'm going around in circles.
Lori's eyes softened and she sighed. "Alright. The other's are finishing up their washes. Why don't you finish putting these up and I'll see if there's anymore down there. If you get tired or dizzy promise me you'll stop and sit."
Haisley smiled and crossed her fingers. The mother nodded then headed towards the water. A sigh escaped the girl and she began hanging the clothes down the line. Miniscule work for sure but she felt better as she worked through the basket. Anything to occupy her time. She recalled the clothes she had before. Had they kept them? She knew the outfit she had now was new. Or at least new to her. Even these fabrics hung loose on her. She was thankful for the clothes and also saddened by this. Before she had always been in shape, constantly working to stay as thin as she was. Now, though, she hated it. She felt weak.
Her muscle mass was gone and the small amount of fat she had dwindled down. This body no longer felt like hers and as she hung up another shirt she was drawn to how thin her arms looked. A month. That's all it took for her to lose everything. To lose herself.
Another basket was placed beside her and she glanced to the brunette. "Hope you're ready. There's still two more loads after this." She grabbed a few articles and began adding to the line. "To think there's this much. God, I miss my washer and dryer."
A snort escaped Haisley and she shook her head. The two worked side by side to work on the two baskets. Lori rambled on in an attempt to make the younger feel more at ease. The later learned of Carl, Lori's son, and how he had been very smart before the outbreak. How he engulfed any and all information given to him. Apparently the boy had been very curious of the young girl, a laugh escaping both after the hint of the young boy's crush.
Then the mother talked of her late husband, Rick, who had been shot during his days as a cop. Left in a coma, he passed once the hospitals shut down. Haisley felt for Lori, for also having lost someone close to her. In todays world, however, these stories were all too common.
Shane had been her helping hand in all of this. She spoke of how he gathered her and Carl, before making the run for Atlanta. He never allowed her to give up hope. He reminded her she had to stay strong for Carl.
After their baskets were empty the two sat and Haisley grabbed her notepad.
I wish I would have found all of you. This is amazing what you have here.
"We're still figuring this all out but we're making it work. We have to." She looked to Haisley and smiled. "You're wih us now and that's what matters. What happened to you... that was beyond a tragedy. But you're here now. Things get better. They always do."
Soon after Carol and Jacqui returned with the last two baskets. The four women hung the rest quickly and then Haisley followed after Carol, who was to begin lunch. The rest of the day moved in a rythym. She bounced back and forth between helping cook, skinning the meat, and helping the three children with their school work. She did her best to keep the hard work minimal and still found herself exhausted by dinner.
As she took a seat, with Carl and Sophia trailing behind her, she stretched her legs out in front of her and allowed the fire to warm her sore limbs. After the day her cuts felt tense and sore. However, she had ignored them most of the day. For the first time in a long time she felt human. The irritation was worth it for the relief she felt. Maybe she wasn't beyond redemption. Lori's words echoed. It all gets better.
"Here you go, sweetheart," Carol spoke softly. Haisley took her plate and signed 'thank you' to the woman. Carol meekly smiled back and returned to her seperate fire with Ed. A scowl took over her face as she eyed her husband. Before he noticed her, Carl spoke up.
"Mom can Haisley teach us sign language?"
Lori froze for a moment and looked at a loss. "Um, that's not my call. If she wants to..."
Haisley set her plate aside and grabbed her notepad. I would be happy to. I taught my mother and brothers. I can show them some other subjects too.
"Did you teach or something?" Glenn asked after Lori read her response out.
No, I was in school. Halfway through college, actually. I just have a lot of practice teaching language.
"What were you going for?" Dale inquired. "Education is such a beautiful thing."
I was undecided, actually. I was debating becoming a teacher or majoring in theater. I was in dance and gymnastics since I was little. It seemed fitting I guess.
"My wife would have loved that. She was always fond of ballet, though I never favored it myself."
"I think it's cool. I've never met someone who actually kept to either passed grade school," Amy commented.
Haisley smiled and looked between the two before writing and passing it onto Glenn. I couldn't speak. What better way of self expression than through dance?
"Such wise words." Dale leaned back in his chair and smiled. "My wife always said dancing was the hidden language of the soul. I never took much stock into it until she started taking me to those shows. It really is beautiful to watch."
