Chap 15

Though I must say I should be jealous how often it happens around my husband, but we both know it's his sexy accent. Plus it's a good ego boost for him" she'd said with a winky face at the end. Let's just say from that day on my hormones where on lock down. I had turned to start walking when he suddenly asked "Wanna Ride?"

BPOV

I had to physically bite my lip and tighten my hands around the straps of my pack to keep from yelling out "Hell Yea!" and fanning my face. I really didn't want to walk and haul all the stuff back by myself. When I turned to look at him, he seemed more nervous than I did. He was chewing on his thumb and shifting his weight from side to side like he was ready to bolt out of there the second I said no. Like that was going to happen! I nodded my head and said "Yeah, sure. Thank you Daryl" while walking back over. I waved my hand in the direction of the cars and asked him "So which one are we taking?" Now he looked really nervous as he slightly nodded his head in the other direction away from the cars. When I looked over I couldn't stop myself from letting out an excited squeal at the sight of the bike, "We get to go on that?! This is so awesome! It's been so long since I've ridden a motorcycle!" I said trying to resist the urge to jump up and down while clapping my hands. We walked over to the bike and he strapped his crossbow to some contraption under the seat. He climbed on and then I did. When I put my hands on his sides to hold on, he seemed to tense up; so I loosed my hands to just hold on to his vest. We were only going a few miles and if he was more comfortable without me touching him, then so be it. But then he started up the bike and that notion went out the window. I wrapped my hands all the way around him hugging his back and grabbed on to his shirt for dear life.

The bike was so loud compared to the bikes Jake fixed, we weren't even going yet and I was concerned about falling off. I didn't even care about him tensing up even more nor could I enjoy the fact that my hands were on his drool worthy abs; there was no way I was letting go. I don't know how long we sat there but eventually Daryl started to go up the drive and turned right onto the road where Lori wrecked my car. It was a short drive but enough for me to remember why I enjoyed ridding in the first place; the wind in my hair and leaning with the turns. I got over the noise and enjoy the ride but still refused to move my arms; if I fell off this bike he was coming with me. He pulled up beside the car, and I couldn't help but be sad the ride was over already. I climbed off and looked around before going up the rear driver door. Inside I found the item I wanted most, a blanket my mom had sewed for me when she was pregnant. Well, tried to sew I should say; it was crooked and uneven, threads were still hanging out here and there. It was pretty ugly to say the least but my mom had made it for me and there was no way I was giving it up. I rolled it up and strapped it to the bottom of my pack and turned to Daryl to ask "Will you hold the trunk lid when I pop it? I don't want everything falling out."

I popped the trunk and hoped my surprise from Jasper was still intact. Well it was either from Alice or Jasper, but I just can't picture Alice shopping for grenades. As I walked around the car Daryl asked "So how'd ya know bout Shane kill'n Otis?" I didn't really know how to answer his question and shrugged a little "I didn't see him or anything. I just kind of knew about it. It's hard to explain; you probably wouldn't believe me if I told you anyway" I said reaching into the small gap Daryl had let open in the trunk, pulling out my sawed off shotgun and a few boxes of shells. I stuffed the shells in my pack and went to reach back in for the grenades when he asked "And tha quarry and Atlan'a?" I shrugged again and looked at him "I just knew where to be and what to do… that's all I really have to say about it. I'm sorry you brother is missing, but I did what I was tol… what I needed to do and ran. People make me a little jumpy now days, more so than the dead ones. I mean really take Shane for example, that guy is losing it" I stated reaching back into the trunk. I pulled out a few small boxes and after a quick look around I bent to check them over and start loading them into my pack. Was I a little nervous to be carrying loose grenades in my pack? Hell yeah, but I couldn't haul the crates around anymore.

When I came to the last one, I paused and decided to give it to Daryl, never know when you might need one. "Here, thanks for helping me out" I told him handing him the grenade. He tried to not take it when I went on "Come on, you never know when you might need one. I have plenty. But whatever you do, don't lay the bike down on our way back…" I said a little nervously. I know that grenades are durable and all, but carrying like 5 of them in my pack made me a little worrisome. He snorted slightly and ended up taking the grenade. I didn't think he would use it on me; he already had plenty of opportunities to kill me if that was his plan, and I'm not sure I could really take him if he did. He was a powerhouse last time we sort of fought. "So what's the deal with your group.. everyone is sooo…. I don't really know how to say it nicely… so relaxed. There aren't enough people on watch and the kids were just running around unarmed and no knowledge on how to protect themselves. No one communicates, take tonight for example. Rick and Glenn ran off, Hershel's missing; Lori stole my car to go look for Rick, Shane opened a barn with no telling how many dead ones in it… Do any of them even have a backup plan of where to meet up if shit hits the fan?" I asked while poking around the back of the car getting a couple jars of peanut butter I still had.

When I turned back to Daryl he just shrugged one shoulder and said "They don't think tha kids need ta know. Rick and Shane runnin tha place 'n both a them are distracted with other stuff." I had noticed the tension between Rick and Shane, and the way Shane looked at Rick's wife I could only wonder "Let me guess, Lori?" at his slight nod I laughed a little and shook my head. Whole zombie apocalypse going on and people are still having drama like that. "Well the kids should learn. Sofia picked it up great. She seems more confident now that she knows what to do" I said reaching for the rearview mirror to grab one last thing. It was the anklet my mother wore the day she married Phil… She was so happy that day. I shoved it in my pocket and turned to Daryl, "I'm ready if you are." We climbed back on the bike and set off on a slightly more relaxed ride back.

When we got back, I got off and turned to thank Daryl once more but paused to take in the sight. And what a sight he made sitting on his bike. Right as I opened my mouth, a truck came tearing down the driveway. When it came to a stop, Rick and Glenn got out and picked up a blind folded guy that appeared to be injured. Hershel was talking about operating and Shane was throwing in his two cents to Rick as well. Where the fuck did they find this guy? And where the fuck have they been? I turned Daryl with a raised brow as they disappeared from sight, and he once again shrugged one shoulder. I was learning he wasn't a man of many words. "Thanks again Daryl" I told him once more and smiled. "Weren't nothing'" he mumbled out in return, looking away from me. I looked around, trying to think of a place I could get some sleep when he spoke up "Dale'd prolly let you stay in the RV." I turned to look at the box on wheels and all the people milling about around it and on top of it. I pulled in a breath and shook my head trying to keep the horrified look off my face, "No, that's ok. I think I would rather sleep in the woods." I stated as nicely as I could. Truth is, even with how tired I was, I wouldn't get any sleep in there; out in the open, stuck in a box with nowhere to run, no defense at all except people stomping around on the roof, and not to mention all the people going in and out probably to use the bathroom.

I turned back to Daryl to see him looking even more nervous than before. He was fidgeting with the strap of his cross bow across his chest and shuffling his feet while avoiding eye contact with me. "You could share wit me if ya want, … its big 'nough. Merle use'ta sleep in there too." I looked at him for a moment and asked "Are you sure about that Daryl? You don't really seem comfortable with it. I don't want to put you out. You're injured and need your rest to recover… I don't want to be a bother" I stated. He shook his head and started walking back to his tent. I was starting to wonder if Rick asked him to keep an eye on me, but dismissed it just as fast. He didn't seem like the spy type, more of a hands on kind of guy; get the information you want and be done with it type. I also didn't think he was up to anything else like trying to get me in his bed either, since he didn't seem to like being touched. Not that I would really be unwilling…. I thought to myself. Great, my hormones are trying to turn me into a slut… Wanting to sleep with someone just because he looks good on a bike…

I followed him there, and unstrapped all my weapons before crawling into the side that wasn't being used. I had unrolled my blanket and laid it out on the floor of the tent, when I noticed Daryl was still hesitating outside the door. If he didn't want to share his tent with me why did he offer? "Look Daryl, if you're not comfortable with this I'm sure I can find somewhere else to sleep. It's really not a problem…" I was cut off as he entered the tent, laying his crossbow by the top of his sleeping bag still not looking at me. I decided to try to break the tension with food, "Would you like some peanut butter and crackers?" He looked over at me as I was taking a bite with one hand and trying to hand him a small roll of crackers with the other. He finally took them and we ate in silence. He still seemed tense and I was starting to feel guilty he felt so put out in his own space. I looked down to my lap and fidgeted with my pant leg and spoke "I really do appreciate you letting me stay here. I have been pretty spoiled with sleeping arrangements since all this started and haven't had to really sleep out it the open yet. I was planning on sleeping in the car… But sleeping in that RV with all those people…" I paused for a moment "I just can't do it. I would rather take my chances out in the woods. But if you are not ok with this then I can go. I'm not going to do anything if that's what you're worried about…" I said quietly finally looking up. It hurt my pride a little to admit that I couldn't do something but I really didn't want to sleep in the woods; but I would if I had to. I probably wouldn't get any sleep, worrying about the dead and not to mention psychopath Shane; but even that would be better than trying to even close my eyes and pretend to sleep in the RV. He stared at me for a bit then laid on his back putting his arm over his eyes "It's fine" was his reply.

I laid my bow next to his, and put my other weapons next to my bag. I slipped off my boots and socks to give my feet some air and laid back. I felt really safe sleeping next to Daryl, which seemed a little odd to me since I don't really know much about him. Maybe I have just been spoiled with sleeping next to someone whether it be a wolf or vampire. The last year in Forks someone was always either in my room or outside my window on Victoria watch. I drifted off quickly thinking about Daryl.

DPOV

Bella fell asleep fast, or she was jus' good at pretending to be asleep. I kept think'n bout why I offered to give her a ride and why the hell she even went with me. She seemed worried about Merle doin something to her in Atlanta but yet she hops on a bike with me, even after I hurt her out in the woods. Girls crazy is the only thing I can come up with. Sleep'n in a tent with some man she don't even know, but I saw the look on her face when I asked her bout the RV. Looked like she was going to have a panic attack jus' lookin' at it. I heard her litt'le slip earlier too; she almost said I did what I was told, but who'd have told 'er when she seems ta be travelin' alone. I'm missin' somethin' and I my gut tells me she ain't gonna spill the beans bout it neither. She seems ta be one step 'head of us, but yet she don't seem bad neither.

I did'n want her out there with Shane either, piece of shit needs ta keep his hands to himself. I heard what he said 'bout Otis earlier, just confirmed my suspicions.. came back with tha mans gun was evidence 'nough but nobody else seemed ta notice. I'de followed 'er that day she tossed me the pills while I was restin' in my tent. Girls face was all fucked up trying to make it back to where ever the fuck she came from, I's just try'n make sure she didn't get killed on the way there. She'd gotten pissed when she couldn't hunt shit cuz her eyes where swelled up. Once she made it inside the small farm house, I searched 'round tha place n couldn't find nothin' 'sides her n Sofias shoe prints, and a walker here n there. So I went back ta my tent n took the some of tha antibiotics n read some more of the book Andrea had brought out ta me.

Right as I was bout to go ta sleep, the girl started talk'n in 'er sleep like that first day I'd choked her out. Makes me cringe; just tha thought of putt'n my hands on a woman like that. Something bout Victoria 'n a few Alice's. I closed my eyes once again when I heard her say Daryl. I looked over at 'er just ta make sure she wasn't try'n ta ask me something but she was still sleepin'. She said it once again, then stopped talkin'. Girls dreamin bout me and ain't screamin' like it's a nightmare… like I said she's crazy.

When I woke up tha next morn'in, I could tell somethin' was off right away. I was too warm for a fall night in Georgia. My muscles locked up when I realized why. Girl had somehow made 'er way all cuddled up nex' ta me. I could'n get up 'n out of tha tent without roll'n over her and that sure as fuck wasn't happen'n. So I tried ta wake 'er up n hoped she realized that shes tha one that came over 'ere. I nudged 'er a bit n all she did was pull tha blanket up higher. So I nudged 'er again, "No shopping Alice" came her mumbled reply. Damn girl is crazy. I nudged 'er again and this time she threw tha blanket back 'n sat up "Dammit Alice, it's too early…" She stopped talk'n as she looked at me n noticed tha position we were in. Her arm was still on my stomach and her leg was thrown over mine n' her head just came off damn near on my shoulder. Her face turned a bright shade of red as she slowly got up n was apologize'n ta me. As soon as she was clear I grabbed my shit and got outa there. Why the fuck didn't I wake up when she got close ta me.

BPOV

Oh my god….. Daryl bolted as soon as I was out of his way. He literally grabbed his stuff and ran out. My face was still hot as I thought of the close position we were in… how I had basically molested someone that doesn't like to even be touched while they were sleeping… I was mortified. I thought about going to try to hunt something this morning but then thought better of it after I realized that's probably the direction Daryl went. He couldn't seem to get away from me fast enough. So off to see Rick it was. I found him close to the barn, talking to an older man in a fishing hat. When I approached they stopped talking, and Rick introduced me to Dale. He left soon after and I turned to Rick "So who was that guy last night?" I asked.

He stared at me hard when he answered "A guy that was in town, he was injured in the leg when his group just left him behind. He said his name is Randall Culver." My eyes went wide at the name Randall. "Did you say Randall?" I asked just to be sure. Now he was looking at me with suspicion… great the cop look is back. "Dammit, stop looking at me like that and tell me. Did you say Randall?" He nodded his head. "Look Rick, Randall is bad news. Sofia and I heard those guys up on the highway and Randall was one of them. Ask her yourself if you don't believe me. They want more women for their camp… they are not good Rick. What are you going to do with him?" I asked. He was no longer looking at me with suspicion, but the words that came out of his mouth scared me "I was thinking about letting his leg heal up some and then driving him blindfolded to a safe location far away from here." Before he was done I was already shaking my head, "Rick, they will come back and kill everyone except for the women they want, and their fate will probably be worse than death. You cannot let him go. How many people have been out to the barn? What if he recognizes somebody like one of the Greenes? I hate to say this about someone's life, but he has to go Rick… What you're talking about doing will get a lot of people killed." I stated firmly, even though the thought of killing a living person made my insides turn, but then again he was in a group with a bunch of rapist.

Rick looked down and shook his head "It's not that simple Bella, the group is divided on what to do." Aw, this is why I never enjoyed politics; somebody was always going to feel like they got the short end of the stick. "You said he was hurt right? What happened?" I asked, trying to come up with a plan. I didn't fancy getting nabbed by some rapist. "He jumped off a building and a fence spike went through his leg, all the way through. I had to rip him off the fence." He said. Damn, that sounds painful. "Well can't someone give him an injection like euthanasia and say he must have died from infection?" He seemed a little shocked at my idea but still seemed reluctant. "I also need to know what you've decided about the prison. If that's going to happen we need to start preparing things. Also before you get caught up in something else, you need to get more people on watch or you're going to lose some people when the herd does arrive. One person on the RV isn't cutting it; also tell your people to be cautious when its foggy…" I stated getting a little ahead of myself. He still hadn't answered me about the prison yet.

Rick nodded his head as he thought about what I said, "I'll think about the Randall situation. For now he's tied up in the barn with someone on watch all the time. I think you have a good point about getting more people on watch and I'll talk to Shane about it …" I cut him off with a wave of my hand. "Shane is losing it Rick. He threatened me after Lori wrecked my car last night and …" It was his turn to cut me off, "Lori wrecked your car last night!?" he seemed shocked…. Well someone hasn't been talking with the other one it seems…"Yeah… she flipped my car over after she lifted the keys while I was sewing up Beth's wrist. You all need to communicate better around here too. No one knew where anyone was yesterday. Not to mention, ya'll need a backup place to meet incase shit hits the fan and people get separated… Back to Lori, she tried to go find you and flipped my car on the road. I'm surprised you didn't notice it last night. Daryl took me over there to get the rest of my shit out of there. But back to Shane, you know he killed Otis right? He told me he'd feed me to the walkers too. You need to pick a new right hand man; Shane's going off the deep end Rick. So, the prison. What are you going to do?" I asked. Rick shook his head slightly, probably trying to keep up with my train of thought that had jumped the track like 3 different times. "I think the prison would be good if we can clear it. I did a scout of the location the other day, and it's off the beaten path so it would be harder to find. I want to take the signs for the prison off the road ways to remain well hidden. I would like to take a group of people and work on clearing the yard first thing tomorrow, but first I need to think this Randall thing through. I'm sorry Lori stole your car and wrecked it. We can find you another one if you want.." I waved him off "Its fine. I can get another one whenever I need one, I just held on to that one because it was my mother's" I said the last part softly. I don't know why I was telling him that; it's probably the fact I know he's a policeman and slightly reminded me of Charlie.

As Rick set off to decide what to do with Randall, I saw Shane busy working on a windmill, or at least that's what it looked like from over here. I figured it was safe enough to slip into the woods and try to hunt. I was getting really sick of peanut butter, but at least I had something to eat. After a while of finding nothing, I climbed into a tree and laid back on a branch. I started to think about Daryl's reaction this morning and tried not to let it sting to deep. It kind of reminded me of Edward if I got to close he would jet out of my room so fast… I know he has a past of abuse and I keep trying to reason with myself that that is why he was upset this morning because I was touching him without permission; or was it because I'm that repulsive and seem desperate and needy my mind keeps saying. Starting to feel down from my thoughts, I remember Jasper's letter I still haven't read and pull it out.

Bella,

Alice said to tell you that you are not repulsive. You know I don't like the worthless feelings you throw out sometimes. Things are fine, you just have a problem with your own confidence. You know you're a bad ass. I know I've told you about Peter already but he was a bad ass too…

He went on to describe all his time with Maria. The good and the bad, and the worse. He and Peter got up to all kinds of fuckery while also dealing with crazy shit. Maria had used them both, Peter realizing long before Jasper did. Jasper thought she loved him, but she was just using him for his gift… much like Edward used me for mine. My silent mind was a break for Edwards's ability and also like a rubixs cube for him as well since he couldn't just pick the answers out of my head. Jasper went on to tell me his feelings on the matter… How Maria told him no one would ever want him now that he was all scarred up and how worthless he felt. When Peter came back for him, he was still depressed and didn't find relief until Alice. It wasn't a love story right away though like I had thought. Jasper was still weary of anyone, but he and Alice became friends and eventually lovers a while after.

Isabella, you are my dearest friend. You have shown me extreme kindness after an act I would've deemed unforgivable at your birthday…. You look at me no different than any of your other friends even after showing you my scars. I feel your love and friendship for me, and just know it means the world to me to have someone that truly loves me as a friend and wants nothing in return but the pleasure of my company. Sometimes I wish that you and Peter could have met, but Alice informed me this would be a big mistake. The amount of crazy shit ya'll would've gotten up to… let's just say Alice said it included jail time and cost Charlie some more gray hair. I believe her too. Peter may have a gift of just knowing shit, but he can be an idiot sometimes, a very convincing idiot. I love you Bella, don't ever give up darlin'. Your worth it. (I hope you read that in my accent ;) )

-Jasper Whitlock

I traced his beautiful penmanship, something I used to tease him about, but he informed me that back then everything was hand written and it was way better than my chicken scratch. Next to Alice, Jasper was my best friend; even before Jake. Jake had always wanted something more from me and Jasper just wanted my friendship and opinions. All this self-loathing and the pity parties would get me nowhere. I needed to be the person I believe I am and woman up. With that thought in mind, I reached for my Ipod and laid back down on the branch to enjoy the simple luxury for a while. I just simply lost myself in the music for a few songs then Eye of the Tiger came on and I couldn't resist channeling Dean Winchester. Some peoples go to is Rocky for Eye of the Tiger,… nope not me. I was singing and going through all the motions when I opened my eyes just as I stared to play my leg guitar…. And low and behold there stood Daryl staring at me from the ground below with what appeared to be a full blown smile on his face trying not to laugh at me.

I'm sure my face was bright red as I looked at his beautiful smile and shrugged my shoulders while putting my Ipod away. I was embarrassed beyond belief but it was worth it to see him smile like that. I jumped down and asked him "What's up Daryl?" He nodded his head away from me and said "Track'n a deer." "Mind if I come along?" I asked hoping to get over this awkward feeling I had around him. He shrugged one shoulder and started quietly making his way into the woods and I, almost as quietly, followed.

Sorry it took so long! Homeschooling is taking it out of me. Thoughts and opinions are always helpful! Next chapter will skip a few days to get to some more of the action. You all are great! Hopefully the next chapter will not take so long since I already have a layout for it. Sorry to those of you who want me to get into Daryl and Bella's relationship, I hate to tell you this but Daryl is going to be a tough nut to crack; Hint the Slowburn I stated at the beginning.