As we entered the camp,my eyes scanned the environment. There was a white farm house in the distance. In the front yard there was a cluster of tents and an RV. A boy came running up to Rick."Anything new dad?" Rick shook his head and pointed to me "Just her." I smiled awkwardly "Hi, I'm Angel" he kinda eyed me for a minute then replied with "Carl. Hi." Daryl walked towards a tent that was off from the others, I was observing him until Rick invited me forward "Let me introduce you to our group" I trudged forward, nervous and shy. I was greeted by everyone almost instantly surprisingly feeling welcomed. Dale gave me some extra blankets while Hershel supplied the small one person tent. Carol handed me a plate of food smiling sweetly, she looked exhausted. I smiled and investigated the food on my plate with my eyes. Meat,potatoes, and beans. I took a small bite of the meat that was so tender. "Oh my god, real food. It's really good!" Carol laughed lightly "Thanks. Local Squirrel,fresh" she strolled off into the RV. Maybe this is a fresh start. I set up my tent close to the RV figuring it was good to be close to the transportation. I sat on log that I set just outside my tent for a makeshift chair,observing the group around me. Everyone seemed to be getting along. I saw Lori obviously avoiding the guy they said was Shane, the only one who didn't greet or acknowledge me. Everyone was conversing and settling in but Daryl. My tent was across from his. I could see him skinning some fresh squirrel that I noticed hanging from his belt earlier. I couldn't help but admire his build, watching him pull the excess meat off the small rodent. I could see that crossbow worked in his favor of his arms. I shook my head to free my gaze. I felt like I was being watched so I changed my eye sight to Shane who was glaring me down, I made a mental note to pay careful attention around him.
The next morning, I woke up surprisingly rested. I examined the commotion of the day. Wanting to be useful for this group who took me in. I checked my gun over and stashed it away in my holster,and armed my trusty knife. I decided to head out and see what I could find, just as I was setting up to explore Hershel approached me. " I know your new here, I just wanted to let you know for future reference I'd like to keep everyone's weapons put up while on my property. To keep it a safe ground" this confused me but I tentatively nodded "when I return, I will be sure to do that sir." Not wanting to be kicked out right away. Hershel was a man of few words but he got his point across bluntly. As I was walking past I heard Rick and Daryl discussing a missing girl by the name of Sophia. I cautiously walked to them hoping I wasn't over stepping my bounds. "I couldn't help but to hear, there's a girl missing?" Daryl exchanged glances with Rick who decided to include me in on the situation. " She's Carol's Daughter, we lost her in a situation up on the highway." No wonder Carol looked exhausted she must be worried sick. "I'd love to help,If you'd let me." Rick seemed surprised at my statement "Sure, we could always use the extra help around here. We are leaving in fifteen to scout the woods." He walked off to Lori and to supply his gun. "That's a great crossbow you got" Trying to break the ice with Daryl's silence. He just nodded as if to say thanks but still stayed quiet. This is going to be interesting.
"We made our way to a clearing. "We should spread out for just a bit. Daryl, you take the right,Angel you take straight ahead,I'll take this way. Meet back here." I nodded pursuing my focused area. I was only a few yards in when I saw something through a few trees, I examined further, a shed.
Daryl saw a figure moving ahead of him and realized it was her, she was actually trying to look for Sophia she seemed focused on the dirt for tracks. Gotta give it to this girl if this is an act she's good. He saw a walker slowly lurching behind her,aiming carefully to make sure he didn't hit her and made his shot.
Before I got closer to it something flew by my head, with a thud I saw a walker collapse behind me. "The Fuck?" Daryl stepped out from the woods behind the shed. "Duck." he was reloading his arrow as I leaned down, he shot another arrow over my head. "Daryl! You almost shot me dead!What the hell?!" I exclaimed as he passed me and yanked his arrow from the carcass. "Your welcome,girl" Daryl watched as she brushed the wisps of black hair out of her face,raking her hair up into a ponytail.
I rolled my eyes. "Thanks." not bothering to correct him. "Did you go through your side already?" He glanced down "been that way already, I've searched a few times while huntin' on my own." I could see the feeling of failure on his face. I lightly touched his arm. "You'll find her" I reassured. We faced the small tool shed as Daryl reached for the door I pointed out a piece of blanket fabric sticking out of the bottom of the door. He flung the door open and a walker lunged forward I reacted quickly forcing my knife into its skull. Daryl looked disappointed...no Sophia. "Gonna be dark soon, lets head back" Daryl was very calm still and turned to the way I came. Several feet ahead there was 3 walkers wandering near. I aimed my gun until Daryl interrupted my aim "Hold it Girl, your gonna call more attention to us. Let me take this" He killed each walker with no problems in aiming. "Well, Sorry we can't all know how to shoot a bow" I joked lightly. He glanced at me as he loaded his crossbow on his back and simply stepped forward. "Tough crowd" I grumbled under my breath.
He wanted to talk to her more but he didn't feel like she wanted to talk to him,after all he's used to dealing with the girls that are easy or psycho. He made it a point to put forth an effort to get to know her better before making an ass of himself.
Several Days have passed, I helped search for Sophia off and on while also doing what I could at camp. After helping Carol,Maggie, and Lori prepare dinner we found ourselves talking about guilty pleasures we used to enjoy before the virus. I caught myself zoning out onto Daryl again. He had just returned from another search. Carol saw my glances and looked hopeful,it was shot down quickly when she saw he was alone. She simply returned to slicing the carrots,Hiding tears back. I felt sorry for her as I rested my hand on hers,smiling softly to here as if to say it was going to be ok. She Nodded.
I was intrigued by Daryl, his silent, Devil may care ways drew me towards him. I came out of my thoughts to Maggie laughing slightly at me. I looked at her confused trying to look innocent. "I see what your doing. You've got some interest in Dixon back there." "What? No I was just..." I couldn't even deny it. Carol smiled at me "He's a sweet guy once you get past that exterior,looking for my daughter day and night, hes under appreciated around here. Unlike his brother." I looked confused at her. "He has a brother?"she shrugged. "Not sure anymore," she continued "He was left behind by Rick,Glenn,T-Dog,and Andrea awhile back, for being difficult. They went back for him but he was gone." Looking up I realized why he was so cold, he lost his a family member. "His brother is a polar opposite from him,ya know the type, stubborn, racist, and rude."I sighed. "All too well..."
Daryl observed Angel's interaction with the group,making herself useful and appreciative of them. he caught her glancing at him several times during the conversation. Her Laugh brought a feeling of warmth to him, he wasn't sure why. There was something about her that was growing on him. He saw Shane walking up to her knowing how he was, he glared watching him like a hawk
After Dinner I sat alone by my tent, thinking of something to say to him. "Might as well give it up..." Shane startled me,seeing were my eyesight was. He took the last drink of his beer,leaning on a tree that was by me. "He's a dense redneck who only cares for himself,just like his brother. He doesn't even want to be here." I quickly glared at him. "Like you have room to talk!" unknowingly getting louder than I meant to be. " He's been out looking for a little girl that you wanted them to give up on! I heard your opinion the other day! I've been here for almost a fucking week and you seem to be the selfish asshole who doesn't want to be here!" I snapped, feeling eyes on me. Mostly everyone was locked on me, confused. Daryl was looking towards me kind of puzzled. Shane threw his bottle at my feet and walked off shaking his head. I was embarrassed and decided to turn in for the night before anyone could ask questions.
Daryl was shocked, she actually stood up for him. Did he hear that right? He started wondering how he was going to try and officially break the ice with her,maybe opening a door to something he wasn't used to