"Better Days"
Author: carmen_085
Disclaimer: I don't own any Walking Dead characters. Original characters are mine
Author's Note: This story is AU and in it Sophia is never a walker. Takes place on the farm while Daryl is searching for the girl. My first attempt at Walking Dead fanfiction, hope you like it! Please review! I know it's been forever but I'm finishing it even though ten million things have happened on the show since.
Chapter Thirteen
Sweat beaded up on her brow as she worked her small hands into the red clay soil. They all had jobs to do once camp was made for the night and this was hers. She was good at it too. Sophia kept the fires low, always, never knowing who or what was out there watching. Supplying the meager flame with dry kindling she glanced up at Carl sitting across from her skinning a rabbit. Daryl was out walking the perimeter, checking for threats and setting snares. Not a word had been exchanged between the three of them since their run in with Tyrese.
While nothing about him made Sophia feel afraid; she could not believe what he said was actually true. The idea of a safe place, a community, where everyone worked together and no one tried to hurt each other seemed just as much a fantasy as the old world. It couldn't be true. They had been on the road for a year, no place to call home, no group to watch their back. They ran into their share of other people but only a few of them were good. People, Daryl told them as he leaned over the fire one night the flames dancing across his face, were far more dangerous than any walker. And Sophia believed that like it was the word of God. The only people she trusted were Carl and Daryl. She trusted them both implicitly; more than she ever trusted her own mother or father. Aside from them , she wasn't sure there were any good people left in this world.
Daryl circled back toward the kids on his way to check the south end of their encampment. Kids…that was a strange way to describe his two young comrades. Daryl treated them as his equals and whatever they did all three of them decided to do it together, just the way it was. Through the bushes he could see the whisper of smoke; Sophia was a smart girl, always kept the fires low. He wishes he could have taken credit for that but she had always been a smart girl and someway she would have figured that out for herself. He just made it a little easier for her.
Carl stood for a moment as he looked over the greenery in Daryl's direction. The two of them made eye contact and a nod was exchanged before the boy knelt back to finish his work. The three of them had an almost hidden language they shared and often times few words needed exchanged. It was a far cry from where they began; the two of them talking incessantly and getting on Daryl's last nerve. The change was needed though, not for Daryl's sanity, but because each day they lived the world became a more dangerous place.
Daryl tightened his grip on the crossbow as his eyes scanned the trees in front of him. He looked alert and ready but his mind was a million miles away. The guy they met today, Tyrese, he seemed alright. Not crazy enough to pull the trigger but not dumb enough to keep his finger off of it. He looked strong and well fed and clean to Daryl which were all clues that his tale of a prison and a community might actually be true. His first inclination, of course, was not to believe it. They had encountered their fair share of bad people over the last year and more often than not he found himself wondering if there was anyone good left out there anymore. But Daryl knew that wasn't true; despite the shit they had been through he knew…. He really knew deep down in his bones that some of the good ones were still alive.
Merle….yeah he was a shit head and a fuck up….but he was blood and no matter what other shit heads Merle had undoubtedly fallen in with he would always look out for his little brother. Julie…Daryl had left her more than enough rounds to blow her brains out like he was sure she wanted to but for some reason he knew she was still alive. And Rick…while all signs pointed to the obvious conclusion that Rick was dead or gone Daryl could never believe that. Rick was smart, and tough, and he would always find a way to survive.
Kneeling down Daryl ran his fingers over the trail of a deer. The earth was dry and hard; the animal long gone. Breathing out slowly Daryl closed his eyes for a moment trying to ground himself amid the tornado that was his mind. They had to go; they had to see if it was true. Carl and Sophia had come a long way in the last year, but still the road was no place for them. The longer this shit went on the worse people got. He could keep them safe, that he knew, but if anything ever happened to him he knew all too well what they would have to face. The only way to keep that from happening was to find other people; good people.
Standing up Daryl walked slowly back toward camp. He didn't feel any better about the situation but he was more certain that this was a chance they needed to take.
Sitting back on his heels Rick stared at the garden in front of him. It was doing well, not great but good enough to feed their people. Looking up over the plants he stared at the courtyard where members of the community he created milled about. He should be happy…elated even….he had done what he had set out to do. He built a community, a place where good people could make a life for another. But it wasn't enough, not for him at least. He had all this, a mountain of wealth by apocalyptic standards, he was giving these people a safe community and a life. But the irony of it was, that all of this was for two people, and now they were gone. Lori and Carl. Eyes wandering down to baby Judith strapped to his chest he struggled to keep himself together. If it wasn't for her…wasn't for a child that most likely belonged to another man….he would have taken a long walk in the woods and never came back. But here he was, still trying to live another day.
It wasn't only Judith though…there was something more that kept Rick getting out of bed each miserable day. When Carl was born he became a living, breathing extension of Rick. He couldn't explain it but no matter where his son was or what he was doing Rick had a sense of the boy deep inside him. Like the ocean he could intrinsically feel when all was calm or when a storm was brewing inside his son. Almost a year had passed since he last saw Carl alive and despite all logic he still felt the boy inside of him. That sense…that awareness had never died, never even dulled. Carl was still alive somewhere; he would never say that out loud for fear it might turn karma against him but he could feel it and until someone proved otherwise he would still keep looking for his boy.
"Rick…" Looking up from the tomato plant he was surprised to see Tyrese standing in front of him. Shaking his head he stood up; he was getting too comfortable behind these walls.
"Sorry…I…uh was just thinking." Tyrese was new to the group and didn't know much about Rick's past. Just that he lost a wife and son; the core Atlanta group or what was left of them didn't speak of their past to newcomers and he could appreciate that. Everyone here had lost someone and done things they weren't proud of. Tyrese was happy to have a community but there were limits and everyone respected that. Not wanting to pry or become awkward standing there Tyrese immediately took on a business like tone.
"The run went well…found a few grocery stores that hadn't been completely emptied." Rick snapped out of his daze and nodded forcing his mind from the dark places where it so often lingered. Tyrese paused wondering if it was worth mentioning the man and his kids. He knew anyone could be a threat, kids included. For some reason, though, the people he met in the woods didn't strike him as that. They were tough and smart and his gut told him they could be an asset to the prison community. "I….I also ran into some people." Rick raised his eyebrow; there were fewer and fewer good people left in the world. Tyrese looked down choosing his words carefully. "A man and his two kids. They were tough…smart..been surviving out there for almost a year now. Said they lost their people a while back." Rick felt his heart pound in his chest. It couldn't be….
Shaking his head he looked down trying to get his emotions under control before continuing on. "You said a man and two kids…."
Tyrese noted a hitch in Rick's voice. Slowly he nodded, "Yeah…I asked if he was really their dad or if it was something else." Shrugging his shoulders he looked off toward the gates. "They were insistent, both kids, he was their dad. The three of them seemed real close; the way he looked at them…like he really loved them." Tyrese shook his head far off in thought. "Haven't seen a whole lot of that out there lately."
Rick couldn't hide his disappointment. While he had no doubt that Daryl would keep his son alive he also couldn't imagine the man forming a bond like that. He was a good person; Rick had known that for some time but he wasn't someone that let anybody in. Nodding ruefully he forced a smile; at least some father out there still had his son. "Sounds good Tyrese, I'll get Carol to inventory the supplies."
Tyrese nodding taking a few steps back. "I…ah…I told the guy and the kids they were welcome to come here for shelter if they needed it. They were good people but I know you'll make the final call…if they show up."
Rick didn't mind taking in new people….but he wasn't about to take in just anyone. "As long as they're good people, they will be welcome here." Tyrese had shown up at his gates not long ago with his sister, Sasha, and Michonne not long before that. They had all become assets to the community. Bending back over to the tomato plants Rick's gaze wandered toward the prison gates…if they showed up.
It was nearly dark as the early summer sky faded to pink and orange. Despite the time of day, however, it was still hot and sticky with humidity. Daryl knelt down behind the tree as he gazed out across the train tracks. Over his shoulder he felt Carl leaning forward to see what he saw; the boy shifting silently. A smirk came to Daryl's face, he taught him that. Turning his attention back toward the prison, Daryl surveyed the fences which all appeared to be intact. Just beyond that was a large grassy swath of land devoid of walkers, strange seeing something like that nowadays. A garden, livestock, an outdoor common area…and people. In the waning light Daryl squinted barely able to see a few people milling about in the upper yard.
Squeezing his eyes shut for a half second he felt his heart leap in his chest. It wasn't a lie; the man in the woods was telling the truth. Opening his eyes again he stared at the formidable structure; they could be a bunch of psychos. Cannibals…freaks….who knew; by now even the good people had lost their way. Taking a deep breath he said a silent prayer that this would work. Daryl Dixon a praying man…he never prayed a day in his life and he never asked for anything for himself. But those two kids….they needed all the help they could get and if it took praying to give them a life, praying is what he would do.
Turning around he stood up for a moment as he gave a low whistle. From the bushes Sophia appeared, gun at her side and knife still tightly in her hand. Her steps were soft and deliberate, like Carl she didn't make a sound as she moved. Dropping down to his knee Daryl adjusted the crossbow on his back as he looked at them both seriously. "Looks like a decent place…" Carl huffed a little as his eyes widened looking toward the prison and then back at Daryl.
"What if they try to separate us?" Daryl looked down before meeting the boy's eyes.
"That's not going to happen. I won't let it happen." Carl opened his mouth to protest before shutting it, if Daryl said he was going to do something he did it. "No matter what happens we stick together. You see anything….hear anything….anything you don't like we're out of there. Survived on our own this long….can do it again if we have to."
Sophia stared at him, her arms crossed over her chest and indignant as shit for a thirteen year old girl. "So why can't we just keep doing that ? Just the three of us…" Daryl looked at her, it was a good question and while part of him wished for just that, the rational side of him knew it was a bad idea.
Looking up at Sophia he managed a sad smile. "Honey…I would love that but if something happened to me and you were alone out there…"
"Nothing's ever going to happen to you. You'll be the last man standing, Daryl Dixon." He stared at her for a moment not having nearly as much faith in his own mortality.
He swallowed hard about to make a promise he knew he would never keep. Ducking his head he met her eyes briefly. "We'll always be together…I promise."
Sophia's lips drew into a thin line before she nodded her head solemnly. She wasn't dumb, she knew it was lie; but she also knew that no matter how tough or smart or strong willed Daryl was, he was still just a man. He couldn't perform miracles although by apocalyptic standards he came pretty damn close.
Both of them stared at him for a moment before nodding. Standing back up Daryl brushed his pants off as he threw a look over his shoulder at the prison. They had to try. Clearing his throat he looked at them both seriously. "Now remember, no matter who's asking we're family."
They both looked at him strangely. "We are family though." Daryl stared at Carl as Sophia chimed in. "You're our dad."
Daryl looked down before nodding. "I know but…."
Carl cut him off taking a step toward him, "No buts….you're our dad." Even after everything they had been through together Daryl still wasn't sure he deserved that title, nonetheless it made a warmth bloom inside his chest. Tipping his head slightly his eyes fell on the prison as the three of them began their journey into what they all hoped would not be a mistake.
Daryl jumped in bed as he heard the door slam. The curtains in his room sucked in against the screen before blowing forcefully back. It smelled like rain. Hugging the pillow closer to his chest, he prayed that the old man would just go to bed tonight. Drawing his knees up, Daryl didn't even have a blanket to hide under as his old man snatched it off the bed in a fit of rage last night. Underneath of him the mattress was bare as he peed the sheets in sheer terror of his own father. His mama put some newspapers down today, cigarette hanging out of her mouth with a blank stare and her right eye swollen half shut. He stood there watching her not saying a word as she shuffled back to her own bedroom and shut the door.
The stairs creaked as he heard heavy footfalls coming closer. Daryl squeezed his eyes shut and prayed that he would just keep going. He could hear the TV on his in his mother's bedroom; he saw her taking painkillers earlier in the evening so most likely she was passed out cold. Dread settled in Daryl's seven year old chest as he realized it was just him and his old man. The door to his bedroom slammed open as a dim light from the hallway poured in. Daryl squeezed his eyes shut, his heart beating so fast his entire body was shaking.
"There he is….little pussy." Then a laugh, high and like a rat, a sound to make your skin crawl. Sheer terror forced Daryl to crack one eye as he saw his old man and another person he didn't recognize. The other man was short and skinny, greasy hair framed in the meager lighting.
That laugh again and then a statement that would haunt Daryl for the rest of his life, "I get to do whatever I want with him…."
Will Dixon's chest rumbled as Daryl could feel the snicker on his face. "Long as I get all the blow I want…yeah you sure can."
Before he could think Daryl felt the pee running down his leg. His heart hammered in his chest as his tiny body began to shake uncontrollably. Tears beaded up in his eyes as he sniffled. There was nothing he could do….nothing. His mother was unconscious and even if she wasn't she wouldn't get in his old man's way.
The light in the doorway changed as he realized his old man was gone leaving the other man standing there, a sick grin on his face. Daryl's fingers curled around the pillow as is knuckles turned white.
A flash of white lightning illuminated the room as the man took a step toward Daryl. Pinching his eyes shut he just hoped whatever was going to happen next didn't hurt too much.
A clap of thunder and then another bang. Fast, harried footfalls on the stairs as Daryl's heart clenched, my God there was another one coming to join in.
"WHERE THE FUCK ARE YOU?… YOU DIRTY BASTARD?!" Merle. It was Merle…he was saved. His brother reached the top of the stairs a disgusted laugh escaping his throat as he took two steps into Daryl's room. "I heard it but I really did not believe it…" Winding up he punched the greasy haired man as hard as he could. Stunned, the man fell backwards onto Daryl's bed causing the young boy to jump up. "What happen, Joe? Your old lady stop sucking your pitiful little cock….looking at little boys now." Merle grabbed the blithering Joe by the belt and forcefully drug him out into the hallway. Daryl took a few hesitant steps toward the doorway the dirty pillow still clutched uselessly in his arms. While he was practically the definition of malnourished, Merle was big and strong. Eighteen years old now and fresh off another stint in juvie, nobody fucked with his big brother. Joe was on his hands and knees trying to get up as Merle came up behind and kicked him as hard as he could right in ass. The older man went head over heels down the stairs, a painful moan at the bottom. "Dirty piece of shit…" Merle turned back to look at Daryl taking in the boy's wet pajamas and tear stained face. "He didn't touch you….did he little brother?"
Daryl opened his mouth but nothing came out. Shaking his head side to side he ducked his eyes so that he was staring at the floor. Merle reached out putting a hand on his shoulder. At the end of the hallway the bedroom door slammed open as Will appeared half cocked and ready to let loose.
"Who the hell do you think you are, boy?" Daryl let out an involuntary whimper as Merle was quick to step in front of him.
Putting his fists up the younger Dixon squared off as the old man came booming down the hallway. "Come on Old Man….come get a piece of this…" Merle shifted his gaze for only a moment back toward Daryl. "You stay behind me…always stay behind me.."
"Stay behind me…" Daryl's head throbbed as he came back to the conscious world. A woman with long black dreads looked up from the cut on her leg. The katana sat across her lap as she stared at the scruffy haired stranger. Just beyond him in one of the cells sat two kids, a blonde haired girl and a brown haired boy. Both stared back at her; their faces blank. But Michonne had been out here long enough to see the abject fear in their eyes. They both said he was their dad, nothing more. He was definitely something to them.
Eyes wandered back to Daryl as he mumbled it again, "Stay behind me…" It the was the last thing he said before she clubbed him over the head with that tree branch. She was going to just kill him cut his head clean off with her katana the way she did countless other menacing looking strangers in the past. But then she saw them…two kids and she couldn't do it. Immediately after she knocked him unconscious she wished she had done it as the young boy quickly stepped up slashing the knife across her thigh. Her gaze drifted over to his unflinching ice blue eyes behind bars. Good place for the little shit.
Daryl forced one eye open and then the other as he realized his hands were tied behind his back and his feet bound to the legs of the chair. He struggled involuntarily, nobody could ever tie a Dixon down and expect them to take it. His chest heaved with anxiety as he struggled to remember what happened. Carl…Sophia…where were they ? Turning his head sharply to the right he saw a strange woman with dreads and a sword.
"Where are they…" She didn't speak, only nodded her head in the opposite direction as Daryl turned and with much relief laid eyes on Carl and Sophia sitting behind bars. The two kids smiled at him as Daryl's voice came out much higher and emotional than he meant. "You guys ok?Did she hurt you?"
Carl nodded solemnly. "We're fine, dad. She didn't hurt us. Used my knife just like you showed me." If he weren't tied to a chair right now, captured, and physically separated from Carl and Sophia Daryl might have cracked a smile. Instead he acknowledged Carl with a slight duck of the head.
"Good boy…". Michonne wondered if the two kids were actually his or if they had just fallen in with him or something worse. "Look…we don't want no trouble. Just looking for a safe place to rest our head for a few days…only passing through." Daryl tried to sound as diplomatic as possible. He didn't care if the people here let them stay; the only thing he cared about right now was being untied.
Daryl was staring at her when he heard the metal door of the cellblock clang open. Both of their eyes drifted toward the approaching figure.
"What the hell is all this…?" When he stepped into the light Daryl let a deep breath escape his lungs. It was the guy from the woods…Tyrese if he remembered correctly. There was a flicker of recognition in his face before he cast a glance at Carl and Sophia and it was clear he remembered. "I met them in the woods a few days ago…told them it would be safe here."
Michonne eyed Tyrese before turned back to her katana. "Found them sneaking around the fences…thought maybe they were with Him."
Daryl didn't miss the way her tone changed. A certain bittiness hung on the final syllable. Tyrese let out a drawn breath before kneeling down and untying Daryl's legs. "You need to let that shit go already." No way someone didn't want a piece of a place secure as this, Daryl knew that the minute he laid eyes on those fences. Their tense exchange only confirmed the obvious. Casting a glance toward Sophia and Carl he managed a small smile as they stared back at him unflinching, their hands wrapped around the bars. "Have you told the others?"
Daryl felt his heart skip a few times, the reality that they were grossly outnumbered should this all go to shit hitting him squarely in the nose. It was a community, Tyrese told them that in the woods and he could see that from a mile away but he didn't expect a welcome like this. Maybe these people really were savages
Michonne didn't raise her eyes as she replied simply. "Seems like a bad day over there. Don't think he's been out of bed at all today." Tyrese went to kneel behind Daryl and release his hands as he paused for a moment nodding at Michonne.
"The old man will take care of it…always does." Daryl's eyes went from Michonne back to the floor. Trying to read between the lines, his brain worked overtime trying to get a lay of the land. Tyrese walked around in front of him nodding toward the kids. "You will be safe here tonight. In the morning we'll get you set up with new clothes, food…meet the others." Daryl stood up rolling his shoulders out. He nodded at Tyrese while casting a sidelong glance at Michonne.
"Where's our weapons?" Tyrese stopped for a moment as Michonne was quick to protest.
"No way in hell." Daryl bristled but he knew he had to play it smart. It wasn't just him, it was all three of them.
"Give the man his crossbow." Michonne was quick on her feet to Tyrese's side. Meeting Daryl's stare he raised his hand to her. "The man has a right to protect his children. We won't take that from him." She huffed angrily; although a quick trip to the end of the cell block produced the Horton completely intact.
"What about my gun?" From the cell, Carl's voice broke the tense exchange. Tyrese acknowledged him briefly before looking back to Daryl.
"The crossbow is enough for now." Daryl nodded, he was grateful for this much.
"Bullshit !" Michonne looked at the cells incredulously before looking back at Daryl.
"Carl….watch that mouth." Pushing back off the bars, Carl disappeared into the cell huffing his disapproval. Turning back toward Tyrese Daryl nodded his thanks. "Thanks. We won't be no trouble."
"Will you need one cell or two ? Can get kind of cramped at…." Before he could finished Daryl cut him off curtly.
"One is plenty." No way was he putting cinder block and iron between himself and them. Tyrese seemed like a decent guy but what else was here he wasn't so sure.
Michonne opened the cell door as Daryl stepped in. Looking at her seriously his eyes drifted to the latch. "Please don't lock it. Something happens…we'll be trapped."
Michonne met his eyes; he was right. "Fine." Without another word she turned on her heel and left. Tyrese nodded as he flicked the overhead lights off.
"Goodnight."
He stood there at the cell door staring out into the darkness until he heard their footsteps disappear into another part of the building. Part of him was waiting for something…what he didn't know. Their world was full of unpleasant surprises now and no matter how good something seemed he couldn't shake the feeling. Exhaling he let his shoulders drop as he turned around.
In the dark he heard scuffling footsteps as he felt someone throw themselves against him. Letting the crossbow slip out of his hands he wrapped a arm around Sophia. "It's ok. We're all together and we're ok." He felt her sniffle against his chest as he tightened his arm around her. Last year she was a little girl but a year on the road had changed a lot. She had become brave and resourceful and independent. She knew when to act tough and when to actually be tough. But she was still a little girl in so many ways and when the fight was over she often times broke down in Daryl's arms. She felt safer with him than she had ever felt with anyone else; before and after the turn.
"I thought when she came out…I thought that was…" Carl's voice cracked with emotion as he trailed off. In the dark Daryl lifted his other arm reaching Carl and pulling the boy into him. Slapping him on the back a few times, Daryl reassured him that that he was still here; they were all still here. Over the months and days spent together Daryl had learned, just like any parent, what each kid needed from him. Sophia needed to be held close and gently reassured, she needed safety and she needed someone she could always trust. Carl, on the other hand, needed room to assert himself, room to develop and learn and grow. But Daryl had learned early on, the boy also needed a safe harbor always within sight, a place to run and shelter in a storm.
"Its ok, Carl. You did good. Slashed her real good with yer blade." Carl exhaled as he left himself relax against Daryl's strong chest. "Tomorrow we'll see what the rest of them are like. Something don't seem right…we're out of here." They both nodded as Daryl moved toward the bottom bunk. Sitting down he tested the mattress; they had most certainly had worse than this. "You guys can take the top bunk. Keep your shoes on…ready to run if we gotta."
It was dark but he could tell they weren't moving. "What?"
"We don't want to be alone." Sophia's small voice broke the tension. Daryl looked down although they couldn't see his eyes. Even after all this time and everything they had been through; he still couldn't help but feel overcome by their never-ending desire to be close to him. To be held and comforted and….and he didn't know what. Physical reassurance and affection was such a non existent part of his life before he sometimes didn't know how to handle it all now. Still he made a promise to himself long ago that he would be better for them, do better for them. They were kids growing up in world that terrified grown men.
Laying back on the bed Daryl's voice was quiet, "Come on then." Sophia crawled overtop of him laying against the wall as Carl laid down on the edge. It was a twin bed, barely big enough for one person let alone three but some how they didn't seem to mind. Sophia cuddled herself against Daryl her head resting on his chest as he almost instinctually wrapped his arm around her narrow shoulders. Carl laid his head back on Daryl's arm as he pressed his back tightly against him, his breathing still ragged Daryl lifted a hand and ruffled the boy's hair. Carl, he found, could be very anxious as he tried so hard to keep everything he felt constantly at bay.
"We've slept in scarier places than this…" Daryl shifted a little to get comfortable. "We'll be ok…I promise." He hated making promises he couldn't keep but sometimes he had to.
Next to him Sophia lifted her head, "You promise we'll always be together." Now that was a promise he knew he couldn't keep but for now he would make it. His eyes traveled to her young face in the dark knowing that one day, God willing, they would both grow up and not need him anymore. Fact was that day was coming faster than he thought, they could survive without him right now, although the thought of it made him sick.
His voice was barely above a gravelly, rough whisper, "Yeah, I told you earlier. We'll always be together. I promise."
Harsh white light streamed through the narrow barred windows as Daryl blinked his eyes. He hadn't slept that long in quite a while. Both of his arms were numb as two little bodies remained firmly attached to his sides. Pushing himself up, he scooted to the end of the bunk and rolled his shoulders a few times. Somewhere else in the building he heard voices although they were distant and far away. This place, if it was really what they said it was, could be the answer to so many of his problems. All this time on the road searching for Rick and the others and then when that proved futile just searching for a safe place to live, a place for them all to lay their heads down. This could be the answer.
Pushing the barred doors aside Daryl took a few steps out into the common room. The one thing he did have doubts about was this leader of theirs. He didn't miss the tense exchange between the dread locked woman and Tyrese about the man not being able to get out of bed. Weakness got you killed….quick. Hard to believe a whole community was willing to follow someone like that around. Maybe they were a bunch of nuts. Sitting back on the metal table Daryl, free from the burden of looking over his shoulder, let the sun warm his face as his mind wandered.
Footsteps in the hallway snapped him out of his moment of bliss as he reached down for the crossbow laying it across his lap. He didn't want to come off as threatening….not yet anyway. Tyrese appeared in the doorway a smile on his face as he laid eyes on Daryl sitting wide awake and ready.
"Sleep well?" Daryl's hand rested on the crossbow as his eyes wandered to the floor. Nodding his head he grunted.
"Was alright." Tyrese leaned against the gate as he nodded back.
"We have a council here…makes decision together. Also approves all new residents." Daryl didn't know if that was good or bad. In the old world he might have thought a living arrangement such as this was a cult. Silently he nodded letting Tyrese know he understood. "I'm going to go grab our leader and if he says ok I'll take you guys to meet the council. After that…you're one of us." Daryl stared at him, it seemed too easy. Place as safe as this, you'd think they wouldn't be so welcoming to strangers. Nevertheless Tyrese disappeared as he rose and walked back toward the cell. Giving a low whistle both Carla and Sophia instantly woke.
Carl jumped out of bed looking for his gun and blade although they were still locked up somewhere.
"It's ok….come on out here. They're bringing the leader guy over here to meet us…see if we can stay." Sophia ran a hand through her messy hair pulling it back up into the bun on her head, Carl wiped the sleep out of his eyes nodding. Keeping the crossbow close by, Daryl returned to sit on the table. Taking a seat against his leg on the bench Carl's eyes narrowed at the dark hallway as Sophia sat next to himl leaning into his left side.
Collectively, their hearts raced not knowing what was going to happen next. Hoping for the best, Daryl took a deep calming breath. Two sets of footsteps approached as Daryl closed his eyes for a split second saying a prayer to whoever was listening that this would work out. Not for him but for them…he never asked for or wanted anything for himself.
"They slept the night in the cell…no trouble at all. Just a man and his two kids…" Daryl's eyes snapped open when he heard Carl audibly gasp.
There in the early morning light next to Tyrese stood Rick Grimes. Daryl squinted not quite believing what he was seeing. He looked the same but different somehow; thinner, more worn down…desperate even. Carl stood up taking a few shaky steps as he stared at his father. Rick squinted at his son not able to process the sight before him was real. From across the room tears came to his eyes as he pointed at Carl before looking at Tyrese and then looking away shaking his head violently.
"No…it can't be…" Carl broke out into a run as Rick met him halfway falling to his knees on the cement floor. Wrapping his arms around his son, Rick began to sob. "Carl…"
"Daddy…it's me. It's me, Daddy." Carl's voice came out high pitched and frantic. Standing up from the table Daryl kept his eyes on the floor not wanting to intrude in such a moment. Sophia leaned against him watching the reunion between Rick and Carl with sad eyes. Looking up Rick's eyes landed on Sophia with amazement as he yelled back to Tyrese.
"Go get Carol…. NOW!" Sophia looked up at Daryl with questioning eyes.
"You mean my mom is here ? She's alive ?" Rick nodded still clutching Carl tightly to his chest.
Looking back up at Daryl she began to cry, a wide smile spreading across her face. A smile came to his own lips as he squeezed her shoulder. "I told you we would find her someday." Within minutes Carol appeared with Tyrese. She took one look at Sophia and collapsed to her knees sobbing loudly.
Running to her, Sophia smiled ear to ear, "Mommy ! I made it….I found you." Carol clutched the girl to her chest tightly.
For the first time in a year there was no one standing next to Daryl. No one was leaning against his arm, holding his hand, hanging on his belt, or wrapped around his waist. Holding the crossbow he didn't know what else to do. For all that time he knew…he knew what he was supposed to be doing. He had a purpose and meaning and a reason to keep fighting. The warm swell inside of his chest burst into a million pieces. He never wanted to be responsible for anyone, never asked for it and he certainly never looked for it. But one day it just happened and it made him feel so alive and so….so important. For the first time his life meant something and he was someone.
Looking down at the floor Daryl forced a smile. His hands wrapped around the crossbow, completely empty.
Brief Epilogue to follow...Thanks for still reading !