A/N: I want to know if you all are enjoying the Beth chapters they are a little more difficult to write then I thought and I'm not sure if they are any good or if you all like them? This goes into if you all want a Daryl chapter as well. I think they are important sections and events but its a little tricky. So I just want to get an idea if you all like them and want more? If so would it be okay if they were just short simple chapters, so we can get an idea of thoughts and feelings? Anyway this is my chapter for when Daryl returns to the church with Noah. Hope you like it...Reviews are awesome and keep me going!
Chapter Forty: This is Your Job
Riley had watched as a boy about her age maybe a little younger walked out from behind the trees, he looked to Daryl before returning his eyes to her
"this is Noah…"
Riley's eyes left the boy and found the matching pair of her brother "he knows where Beth is…" Riley's eyes flew back to him and she watched as a look of realization passed through his orbs
"you're Riley…"
Once inside the church Rick and the rest of the group were filled in on what had happened when Daryl and Carol had vanished, what had happened to Carol and where she was now. Noah explained that Carol was taken to Grady Memorial Hospital, the same hospital he was able to escape from with the help of Beth…..he also told them how Beth wasn't able to get out, that she gave herself in order for him to get out, how she risked her life for his.
"she was determined…" Noah's eyes scanned around the small family before landing on Riley her blue eyes searching his. He suddenly had an overwhelming feeling of guilt and shame as he watched the broken-hearted look that radiated out of the small girl before him
"she was fighting for something…or someone" he spoke looking right into Riley's soul "she's tougher then she looks"
See, they think I'm scrawny. They think I'm weak. But they don't know shit about me. About what I am. About what you are.
Noah looked away from the girl lost in a memory. His eyes scanned the room going to Daryl who was standing behind the group leaning against the doors his eyes trained on his sister.
"she saved my life….and now" looking back up and locking eyes with Riley "...I'm going to help you save hers"
Riley stood beside Noah as the boy spoke about what was truly happening in the hospital and what it would take to get in, find their people and get out. Riley watched Noah as he spoke, she wasn't focused on the words that flowed from his lips, no… she was focused on the fact that this was the last person to see Beth, talk to her, know that she was alive….alive. Part of her felt jealous, felt envious of this boy he had been able to spend time with Beth…..see her….be with her….Riley had forgotten what it was like to be with Beth, what she felt like, smelt like, sure she had the photo but that was nothing compared to actually being able to touch her….see her….feel her
Riley looked away and over to Daryl and her dad who stood quietly talking at the back of the church, a small smirk played at her lips Daryl had been right, she never doubted him but she doubted her belief in him, in the fact that Beth after all this time was alive….in reality it was easier….safer for her to believe that Beth wasn't alive, now it was different…..now she could light the fire of hope…..now she could slowly start to believe again…..
Walking away from Noah she made her way over to her brother and father "you were right…." Riley began causing the men to share a look as they stopped talking "you said she was alive and she is…."
Riley looked between the two as the quietness settled in, her eyes narrowed and a small pit of panic filled her chest "what…." she asked softly looking between her brother and father
Riley watched as Daryl looked over at Rick and she knew, she knew…..
"no….no….I need to go, I need to be there….."
Daryl took a step forward causing his sister to take one back
"Riles we're trying to be smart about this…..we need to go in there calm and levelheaded"
Riley's eyes narrowed even more "you think I would do something stupid…..not use my head, don't you get it Daryl, this….this is the most important…..it's Beth….."
Riley's eyes went to her father "dad…."
"Riley…" Rick looked at Riley's blue orbs and saw the little flicker of life that had been absent for so long, he bit his lip and looked over her shoulder at Carl and Judith sitting in one of the pews "you're needed here…..they need you here"
Riley turned and followed her fathers eyes, with a heavy sigh she looked at both men before turning and walking over to Carl and Judith. Riley kneeled beside her brother and held out her arms; Judith's face broke out into a wide smile as she reached over being scooped up by the woman. She stood and looked back at her brother and father
"I'll stay…I get it, we all have jobs to do…this….." Riley stopped and looked down at Carl before leaning over and placing a small kiss on Judith's temple "this is my job….." she then reached into her back pocket and pulled out the worn photograph before walking back over to her dad and placing the picture in his hand
"this…this is your job…"
A/N: what do I have in store?! Truth is I still don't know yet but I think I'm having Riley stay behind...thoughts? Please leave me some input on the Beth and Daryl chapter(s) as well PLEASE! Struggling a little with those! Thanks!...
