This is getting more and more fun to write about.
Anna tied her hair into two loose plaits to stop her from getting bad headaches from her gunshot graze. She grimaced a little, waving off a little bit of the pain from the headache. A blue shade was forming around her temple and her eye socket. She squinted a little, shielding her eyes from the sun, wishing right then and there she had a good pair of dark sunglasses. Today was her birthday, she prayed to all hell that no one knew or remembered anything about it. Anna didn't like the attention to tell the truth, making her feel a little uncomfortable and uneasy.
Anna was biting her lip, concentrating on the tray of breakfast that she was carrying to Daryl. She picked out two bright red apples, a peanut butter and jelly sandwich and two granola bars. One of the apples and granolas were hers. She wasn't all that hungry and Daryl needed it more than her. That damn male was too stubborn to ask anybody for help or anything more to eat for himself; he was too proud and Anna brought it upon herself to look after him without him realizing it. Daryl saw her coming; he perked up a little and sat himself up. Lying alone in the tent had been a little too boring when he didn't have the half pint sized young lady around him who would more than often talk his ear off or even just sit there in silence as she read a book. That was her thing. Anna would tell him stories from when she was a kid on the farm and hunting trips with her dad, Daryl enjoyed hearing what a normal childhood was like.
It was a warm day out there for her, she chose to wear a pair of denim shorts, black Vans with no socks and laces tucked into the shoes, a white tank top and a flannelette long sleeved shirt. Samson was bouncing around her like a puppy, she was laughing at him, talking to him and it was a good sight to see. She was moving around, dodging him. Anna got to Daryl's tent; he was poking the netting with a bolt. Samson ran straight in to the tent and curled up besides Daryl. Samson brought a lot to the camp to everyone around. Anna shook her head "Boys. Always teaming up with each other and ganging up on me"
"Samson and I gotta team up against you somehow. Neither of us can handle you by ourselves. Us two males here stick together. Survival", Daryl teased.
Anna just rolled her eyes, knowing full well that Daryl was baiting her to react but she wasn't going to bite "Jack ass. Anyway, I brought you some breakfast. I know you will be hungry and Samson was crying like a little puppy because he couldn't sleep in your tent" she told him.
"Come on into the Hotel Ritz then." he urged her. "I am bored out of my damn brains right about now. My ass is starting going numb from sitting on it too damn long. Starting to feel that pins and needles feeling in it".
Samson settled his head on to Daryl's lap, looking up at him. Daryl scoffed and scratched behind his ears "Big tough guy aren't you?"
Anna looked on; she loved that dog to no end of the earth. There had been some dark days and Samson got her through them. "I don't know where I would be without Samson; he is my best friend. Saved my ass more times than I can count since all of this happened"
Daryl gave her raised eyebrows, scoffing and pretending to be angry at her.
"You don't have to worry, Daryl. So are you" she laughed.
"Good. 'Cause you would be in trouble otherwise, no one else around here I can trust" he replied.
Anna bit on her lip, carefully placing her steps not wanting to trip over. "I do not have the best balance in the world. Here I am a surgeon but I shit you not, I always seem to keep tripping over my own two feet, even on flat surfaces. Matthew came up with a nick name for me, Gypsy. He said my head would always be in the clouds or I had my head in a medical book of some sort and that is why I tripped everywhere" she joked, blowing a piece of hair out of the way from her face and sat down beside Daryl.
"Did you just curse then, Half Pint" he teased, playfully poking her with the feather end of a bolt. "I think I might just have to go and tell Carol on you now." Daryl shrugged his shoulders "But then again, she probably wouldn't believe a word I say to her anyhow. You just seem to have got everyone underneath that thumb of yours, at will to do anything you say"
"Shut up" she muttered, feeling embarrassed.
As she sat down beside him, she offered him the tray of food and he took it out of her hands gladly. He saw that there was only one sandwich but two granola bars and two apples "one of these apples and a granola bar are for you, aren't they?"
"May be they are, maybe they aren't." she muttered, reaching over his legs to get her book and got settled into the big pillow "But I am not hungry. Besides, you need it more than me anyway with that injury of yours. You need your strength"
Daryl shook his head, taking one of the apples and one of the granola bars off his tray, popping them in her lap. He stared her down, pointing his finger at her "You, eat! Otherwise, you will be withering away to nothing and you need your strength too".
Anna rolled her eyes, taking the apple, narrowing her eyes and taking a big bite of the apple. Her mouth was full "Are you happy now?"
"You are disgusting." he told her. "Wipe your face you grot, you got shit dribbling down your chin".
She wiped her face with the sleeve of her shirt, opening her book. Anna was humming, just sitting there reading beside Daryl and Samson and he was happy about that. Daryl was teasing Samson with feather end of the bolt. Tickling his nose and pulling it out if they way when Samson tried to bite it. He peered at Anna with a sideways look "What are you reading? Some kiddy shit?"
'It is a Harry Potter book that Beth let me burrow, thank you very much. There is a saying out there; you can grow old but doesn't mean you have to grow up. My life motto" she replied without even looking out of her book.
"Thought you would be planning a birthday party or something." he hinted, still looking at her side ways. He grinned as she reacted to his statement.
Anna groaned, putting down her book and put her hands over her face. Daryl smirked, laughed a little and ruffled her hair "Feeling old now are we?"
"Not as old as you? You what, fifty?" she teased.
"Ya a real smart ass aren't you? No, I am 45" he told her. "But it is your birthday. I thought you girls go crazy for birthdays and all that sorta stuff?"
With the world going to shit Anna didn't feel it was right to celebrate. "Just doesn't seem like the best of time to celebrate a birthday, with everything going on and all. Maybe it doesn't feel right, I feel guilty in a way".
Daryl sat there thinking, fiddling with the arrow in his hand, and still annoying Samson with it. "Oh I don't know about that. Maybe a birthday to celebrate is just what they all need to do out there. To just have a time to forget all the bad shit that is going on in the world and has something else to focus on. There ain't much else they got" he told her, licking his lip by force of habit and giving her a sneaky sideways glance "Besides, I heard T Dog got Glenn to find a bottle of southern comfort while he was out on a run. Those two are a little excited"
"You are that determined to see my boobs Daryl Dixon?" she teased
"Well, do you know how long it has been since I have seen a woman's… Ow! Damn girl. Ya bony knuckles hurt like a bitch" Daryl moaned, rubbing his arm.
Anna punched Daryl in his arm and kept burrowing her knuckles in to his "You are a pig; you know you deserved that one, Daryl Dixon"
She buried her knuckles into his shoulder for good measure.
"Damn girl, will you just stop that. It hurts like a son of a bitch. I got stitches you know"
"Don't care, they pop I can just fix them myself. One of the first things you learn in med school" she said matter-of-factly.
"Hey" Andrea called softly, walking into Daryl's tent. "Carol told me you would be in here Anna. I brought you the Chamber of Secrets. Been told you read real fast and would be done with the first book in no time at all"
"Thank you. I appreciate it, Andrea" Anna replied taking the book in her hands.
Andrea looking at Samson reaching over and patting him behind the ears "He is a gorgeous dog. I haven't seen a German shepherd quite like him before, stunning".
"Oh and he knows it." Anna joked.
Daryl gingerly reaches over, cheekily taking the book from her hand "Another book with no pictures. I don't see the damn point of it".
Anna rolled her eyes at Daryl "It is called having an imagination."
"I am so sorry Anna, I feel like shit for what happened to you" Andrea apologized
"Me and Daryl both, don't worry about it. I'm still alive and kicking" Anna assured her.
Andrea was still apologetic, "I don't expect you to forgive me, but is there anything I can do?"
"You were trying to protect your group, we are good. Wouldn't expect any less, just promise me you will take that lesson today" Anna voiced.
"See you out there. And happy birthday" Andrea smiled at her, got up out of the tent but it didn't settle too well with Daryl "Next time you shoot at either of us, you had best pray that we both are dead". Andrea just nodded and kept walking.
Andrea's comment had reminded Daryl that he'd gotten something for Anna. He felt a little uneasy about it but he reached into his backpack, pulling out a small red bag and giving it to Anna. She looked at curiously, "What's this?" she asked, opening the bag and tipping it up. A small charm fell into her hand, "St Jude, patron saint of Lost Causes. Hershel told me that in desperate cases or times, this is the saint that looks over us all. I found it out on a run with Glenn. Figured you could put it on with your dad's dog tags. Double the luck. I mean, you don't have to if you don't wanna. I just thought that you might have liked and all". Daryl was rambling because he was nervous.
Anna unclasped the small ring and attached it with the dog tags. She traced her fingers around the oval shape "Thank you. I really do love it. It isn't coming off. Got to get all the good luck I can get. Me of all people"
That last part made Daryl roll his eyes and chuckle. "Besides, somebody else other than me and Samson has to watch your ass when we are not around. Happy Birthday, anyway"
Anna pulled her necklace out properly so it was dangling out of her t-shirt so her new charm can be shown off proudly. She smiled, leaning forward and giving him a kiss on the cheek. Daryl blushed shifted in his spot. Anna leaned back, putting down her book, dusting herself off and picking up her cross bow. "Are you coming to the shooting lesson with everyone today? Supervise all of us rookies? Tell us how it is really done?"
"Pfft. Someone has to make sure you can damn well shoot that cross bow, course I am coming out there today" He teased but Anna just laughed him off.
She rolled her eyes at him, got up off her feet and held her hand out. "Come on bo zo. We have got to get moving"
'Bossing me around woman like I am your kid or something" he moaned, taking her hand and walking out of his tent. But he enjoyed it in a way.
"It is my birthday. I can do what I damn well want to and boss who the hell I want to; that includes your hick self. Now move your ass" she demanded jokingly.
Daryl, Anna and Samson were walking to Rick when Anna looked up seeing Carl kicking the ground. He looked angry and frustrated.
"What's up with the kid?" Daryl asked.
"I don't know. But I will go over there, talk to him a little and find out what is going on" she muttered, hoisting her cross bow strap around her shoulder. "Remember not to strain yourself cave man. Don't want you injuring yourself and I having to patch you up. Again." Anna tapped his arm, smiled, poked her tongue out and laughed.
"Ha, ha, ha very funny Half Pint, now why don't you go and play guardian angel with the kid" he teased, nudging her shoulder.
Anna laughed, which she seemed to finding herself doing more and more lately. The sun felt good on her skin, her hair blew a little bit in the small breeze. The bruise on her face was getting darker, making Daryl shift on his feet a little; he was starting to feel responsible for her more and more. "I had better go." she told him.
He watched her walk away while his shadow, Samson, stayed by his side. A new found best friend. "Your momma sure is something isn't she buddy?"
Anna walked up to Carl, finding him kicking the dirt and looking grumpy leaning against the RV under the shade. She bent down on her knees to his level. Anna knew if she talked to him while standing up, it would be harder to talk to him and find out what is wrong. "Hey Carl, something is on your mind isn't it buddy?" she asked.
Carl huffed, chucking the stick he was holding to the ground. "I want to learn how to shoot. Can you please teach me? I bet your Dad taught you how to hunt when you were real young too, maybe even younger than I am now"
"You know I am not going to lie to you Carl, I know you are too smart for that" She put her hand on his shoulder, squeezing it a little. "Yeah, I was younger than you are now even"
She felt a little guilty when Carl looked up to her with his puppy dog eyes. Yes, she did learn how to hunt, track and shoot when she was young, but that was a part of her upbringing and only got more into it when her mom died. It was a part of her life but not a part of Carl's, she knew he did need to know how to shoot but felt conflicted. "I don't know about it Carl, you will have to ask your mom and dad if you can. If they say yes, I will teach you"
"Can you go and talk to them for me please? I know my dad likes to ask you advice for all the stuff that goes through his head. He will listen to you, I know he will. Please Anna?" Carl pleaded, standing taller and stronger.
Her heart melted a little, feeling sorry for Carl "We will see, buddy".
Carl tugged at the bottom at his shirt over the top of his pants, hiding something. Anna noticed "What have you got there?"
He pulled up his shirt to show a gun tucked into the top of his trousers. Anna gasped, wiping her hand over her mouth, breathing out loud and put her hand out to take the gun off Carl.
"How did this happen?" Lori said, pissed off snatching the gun out of Anna's hand, tucking it into her pants and staring her down.
"I don't know how he got the gun. There is no need to bite my head off." Anna barked back, folding her arms to her chest and taking a step to Lori. Samson stood on haunches beside Daryl and barked, ready to defend Anna. He looked down to Samson with a pointed finger "Heal, Samson. Stay put you hear me"
Daryl coughed, masking his smile and wiping his smile with his hand. He thought it was absolutely hilarious that pint sized Anna Hendricks having a go at big momma boss Lori "Easy now Tiger. No cat fights with Missus Friendly here, we don't want her breaking a nail now and be complaining about it all day that she can't fold the washing because her hands are too sore", Daryl warned Anna. She stepped down for Rick's sake and for Carl. She didn't want to screw up his chances of learning how to shoot.
Samson lay down onto his belly, whimpering and looking at Daryl with big puppy dog eyes. Daryl got down to his knees, the hot Georgian sun blinding his eyes a little "That ain't gonna work right about now with your momma, Samson. Best bet is to stay by me boy for now or you could be in the dog house".
Dale stepped forward "I don't think there is no need to get angry with Anna, all she was doing was trying to help out with Carl and deal with it the best way she knows. If there is anyone to blame, blame me. It is my fault; I let him into the RV. He said he needed a walkie and that you sent him" Dale said, looking at Rick.
Lori scoffed, shaking her head and not wanting believe her son's behaviour "So on top of everything else he lies. I can't believe this. I really don't", Lori was angry and everyone could tell. Anna thought that maybe she was more upset about her son growing up than anything else.
Anna stepped forward, wanted to defuse the situation a little. "He wants to learn to how to shoot and he asked me to teach him. I grew up hunting and tracking from as young as I can remember, even more so when my mother died. My brother and father are both well experienced snipers in the army, I learnt from the best there is out there."
Lori looked to her feet, then up to Anna and started to realize what would be important to Carl. Daryl looked on between the two women standing off and Lori accepting defeat. Daryl was surprised Anna changed Lori's mind so quickly.
"Now, I know it is none of my business but this is your call whether he learns or not but you have got to know this is the right thing to do. He needs to know. There will be a time when there is no one around him and he will need to know how to defend himself. You've got to realize that is just the way the world is now. Every man for himself, even kids."
Lori looked around at everyone, shocked that a young boy, her young boy, will be handling a gun at such a young age. She wasn't ready for any of this, it didn't feel right "Oh no, don't you all make me the unreasonable one, Rick?"
"I know and I have my concerns too but…" Rick assured her, shrugging.
"There are no buts, he was just shot! He has just got back on his feet and he wants a gun!" Lori was feeling well pissed off.
"Better than him being afraid of them, there are guns around camp for a reason. He needs protection. As Anna just pointed out, we won't always be around to defend him. Carl needs to know." Rick assured.
Anna knew where Lori was coming from and a mothers love is a mothers love, she didn't want to cause any trouble or rifts between a family. "He needs to know how to handle them safely, Lori. My father taught me from a very young age to respect a gun. The first thing he taught me was safety." she said softly, understanding and smiling kindly to her.
Lori scoffed, folding her arms and staring at her with pointed eyes "No offense, Anna. But not all of us grew up backwards country of Georgia riding horses, firing off arrows and shooting squirrels. Walking around with that cross bow on your back like you're country hick in a bad survivor sitcom."
Anna was not happy with that comment, she was furious. Anna gritted her teeth, walking up to Lori, pointing at her "Without us country hicks, you wouldn't have any meat, do you realize that?" referring to herself and to Daryl, who had to grab a fist full of her shirt from behind, worried that Anna might actually lunge at her.
"I do not want my kid going around holding a gun" Lori bit back, looking angrily at Rick
"How can you defend that with him walking around with no protection?" Anna challenged.
"He has all the protection he needs right here." Referring to her and Rick.
"Look, everything you say makes perfect sense. It just feels wrong." Anna admitted.
Anna balked a little, a sideways glance at Daryl. He just shrugged his shoulders, not as if he has heard this before.
Lori sighed, "It did not feel right when he followed after you in the woods. I wish I had said something back then and listened to my gut".
Anna carefully stepped forward, with her hands up in a little surrender "That boy is growing up and thank god for that, he is growing up into a brave, young man and has the maturity to deal with all that is going on. Now is the time for us to give Carl a chance and start treating him as an adult. Times are changing. We need to adapt and handle it the best way we can".
Lori did not want to have a bar of it "Then he needs to start acting like one, he is not mature enough to handle a gun" She was angry, staring down to Carl.
Carl stood up from his seat near the tree, feeling brave and going up to his mum "I am not going to play with it mom, I know it isn't a toy. I am sorry I disappointed you but I wanna look for Sophia. I want to defend the camp. I can't do that without a gun" he pleaded.
"Shane is the best instructor I know, I have seen him teach kids younger than Carl. I have been told Anna has one of the best shots going around", Rick started to realize that this was the best thing for his son and the group.
Lori looked down at her son. She closed her eyes and sighed. She knew she was defeated since Rick was agreeing with the plan. She looked Carl square in the eyes and made him promise. "You will take this seriously. If I hear from anyone that you did not live up to my expectations..." she trailed off.
"Lori. He won't let you down. I know he won't. Carl has a good head on his shoulders, I know he is a good kid" Anna defended.
Lori was frustrated, feeling like she was stuck between a rock and a hard place. Rick looked at her knowingly; she accepted defeat once and for all and bent down to her son's level. "We do this? You listen to both Shane and Anna when either of them are teaching you, you hear me?"
"I will Mom. I promise I won't let you down and will do you proud" he stated triumphantly.
Carl stayed behind, shifting nervously on his feet and walked up to Anna like the man he wanted to be. He reached behind his back, pulling out a pink and purple bandana that had stars and glitter adorned. "Thank you very much for helping me out there with my mom. And here, this is for you. Happy birthday, I know it isn't much but I thought you might like it."
Daryl, shook his head at the young woman. Here she was doing it again in a good way. Anna took the bandana, tying it around her head. "It is perfect Carl, thank you sweetie" Anna bent down to Carl's level and gave his a kiss on the cheek. "I love it, keeps the hair out of my eyes".
Carl laughed and wiped his face, pretending like he was disgusted. "You are like an aunt to me. It is nice to talk to someone that isn't my mom or dad."
"Good, cause you are like a nephew to me and you can always come to me whenever you want or need to. We need to look out for each other in this crazy world right, you got my back?"
Carl stood a little taller "I will always have your back Anna. I will protect you, I promise you that"
"Good" she laughed ruffling his hair. "Now, run along and get going to your mom and dad. We are leaving now, you are riding with them"
Daryl walked up to stand beside Anna "You did good there, calming momma bear down enough to get to her to pull that stick out of her ass and let the kid learn how to shoot" he complimented, impressed by the pint sized woman standing before him.
"There were a lot of days I spent in the ER calming the parents of child patients, family and workers alike in the most awful situations anyone can imagine. That was a piece of cake to handle compared to all that from before" she said, shuttering at the thought.
They both started to walk to the cars when Daryl's side started to hurt again "Damn stitches." he grimaced.
"Come here." she muttered, pulling him behind a large tree so she could examine him without anyone looking on. "Nobody will see us back here, so you don't have to worry about"
She pulled up his t-shirt, taking a closer look "Your stitches are okay, I think you just pulled them a little too tight and it strained them. You have to try and not go so hard okay"
"Great, just what I need right about now. We are getting close to finding Sophia" he grunted, pulling down his sweater.
Anna knew what was wrong with him, she could read Daryl like a book now. "We will find Sophia. Just like my father and brother will find me one day. But for now, you have got to put up with me"
"For now?" he replied.
"Until you get scared of me" she said, walking out from behind the tree.
"In that case, why are you still around? I have been scared of you for a long time now. You should hear yourself snore at night. I am surprised you haven't attracted any of the nearby walkers" he joked back.
She playfully slapped him in the shoulder, Samson barked and bounced a little on his feet, thinking it was a game. Daryl pretended he was hurt, rubbing his arm. "Jesus Christ woman, stitches! I got to take it easy remember."
Anna rolled her eyes at him, pulling her cross around her shoulder "Stop being such an ass then you won't get hit. I am not afraid of you Dixon"
"I can tell that. Always damn well hitting me every chance you get" Daryl complained.
Glenn was a little nervous, shifting on his feet when Anna and Daryl were walking past him. He approached her fiddling with a small package. Anna looked at her with a curious look on her face "what you got there Glenn? You look a little nervous".
"It is a birthday present. I see you are always shielding your eyes all the time from the sun. I found some of these in a Porsche on a run." Glenn gave her a cloth, she took it from him and unwrapping it. It was a pair of Ray Bans. "Happy birthday Anna"
Anna proudly put them on, smiling "Thank you Glenn. You didn't have to, I used to have like three pairs of these before all the dead started walking around."
Daryl shook his head "Why the hell are you wearing those rock star sunglasses for?"
Anna rolled her eyes, bending down and giving Samson a pat behind the ears. "Because I happen to like them. They are not obnoxious; it is just nice to hide behind them sometimes".
"Well I think they are damn stupid. I wouldn't be caught dead wearing them anywhere" Daryl teased, chuckling at the sight of Anna with the sparkly bandana and big sunglasses.
Anna rolled her eyes at him. "Are you coming Glenn?"
She looked at him, Glenn was shifting on his feet and doing all he could not to make eye contact with her. "I have got to help Dale with the spark plugs with the RV. He said he was going to teach me mechanics, I got to go and find him"
"You found me." Dale replied, leaning against a tree. "Happy Birthday Anna. You be careful out there alright, you show them guys out there how it's done. Show Daryl how to really use that cross bow".
Daryl scoffed at the idea, crossing his arms and turning to go. Anna laughed, standing up off the ground and shifting her cross bow further around her shoulder. "Oh you don't have to worry about that Dale. I know I will kick his ass".
"Forget this. Meet you in the car okay Half Pint, don't take too long we don't have all day. Got to use this good light while we still have it".
Dale smiled, seeing Anna had got under Daryl's skin, all for good reasons of course. "I have something for you." He picked up a cloth sack and passing it to Anna. She opened it up; a Polaroid camera and a bag full of film. "Oh you didn't have to Dale." She smiled, feeling excited.
"You deserve it Anna, have a happy birthday. I want you to take a lot photos, you hold onto the memories of us if you leave or not. We shouldn't have to stop leading our own lives just because there are dead people walking around". He hesitated for a split second before turning back to her. "You want to know something; I reckon your father would be so proud of you of where you are right now. You are a strong, beautiful, kind young woman and I know you will do well in this life. I know I am proud of you"
Tears began to fall over her eye lids, she looked around, feeling a little over whelmed and walked forward to give Dale a big bear hug. He chuckled, looking down to her and giving her a loving, affectionate kiss on her hair. "Thank you for everything Dale. This really does mean a lot to me. People will get tired of me taking their photos".
She tucked a piece of hair behind her ear, a little unsure of herself in the world and this group. Anna buried her head into Dale's shoulder, letting her emotions going and crying. She felt heartbroken, missing her dad and brother, not knowing if she will ever see them again. He rubbed her back, shooshing her and pulling her in front of him, wiping away the tears from her cheeks.
"Do one thing for me okay?" he asked.
She sniffed, wiping at her nose, laughing halfheartedly. "Okay?"
"You just make sure you don't lose that big heart of yours that you have there. Everything will be okay in the end for us all; it just might take some time to get there. Now take a deep breath, wipe away those tears because if Daryl sees you crying because of me, I am a dead man" he joked passing her a clean rag to blow her nose on. "He is sending daggers with his eyes right now".
Anna laughed knowing Dale is not scared of Daryl "I think that was the first time I have cried since this whole thing started."
"You secret is safe with me. Come to me anytime you want to talk, okay" He looked seeing Daryl tapping the car door impatiently and staring them both down.
"I will. I promise."
Dale peered over her shoulder, shaking his head and laughing. Anna looked at him strangely and to where he was looking, Daryl.
"Daryl watches over you like a hawk. Where you move, he moves" he said admiringly.
She shifted on her feet. "Daryl is my best friend. He will always be there; I will always be there if he ever needs me too".
"Well you better get going now, I want you show them all out there how it is done with that cross bow of yours" Dale told her, giving her one last squeeze of her shoulder before letting her go.
It was a unique sight to see. There was Anna, with plaited pig tails, pink and purple sparkly bandana wrapped around her head, big sunglasses over her eyes, a locked and loaded cross bow slung over her shoulder and a camera in her hands. Anna looked up; Daryl knew that smirk on her face when she was up to something. Anna lifted up the camera, Daryl leaned forward, both his hands on the outside of the window, sticking up his middle fingers and stuck his out his tongue at her. She rolled her eyes, taking the photo, shaking it about. "You are such a charmer Daryl Dixon. I bet you had the ladies lining up around the corner just dying to go out on a date with you."
She walked around, carefully placing her cross bow in the back of the car and getting in the back with Daryl and Samson, Daryl scooted over to the middle of the back seat. Samson had his head hanging out of the window, excited and happy he was going for a ride.
T Dog looked in the rear view mirror "Happy birthday white chocolate. You don't look a day over twenty-one, trust me".
Anna laughed, leaned forward over the car seat, giving him a quick peck on the cheek and a fist pump. "Thanks dark chocolate."
"I got your present right here but you don't get it until your party tonight." He teased.
Carol was in the passenger seat in the front "You don't really expect any less do you? Happy birthday sweetheart. We have a real good night planned ahead for you. I got a feast planned out, my own roast chicken recipe"
Anna laughed, shifting herself over Daryl's legs and giving Carol a kiss on the cheek "I knew you all were planning something. Thank you very much". But she felt a little uncomfortable with being in the spotlight.
"We even have a cake for you! Maggie found some cocoa powder and is making a chocolate cake" Carol sounded surprised.
Anna sat back in her seat, winding down the car window, the wind cooling down her a little.
"Well it isn't every day that someone turns into am old girl, THIRTY!" Daryl exclaimed almost sarcastically.
Anna rolled her eyes at him "Well, I mean it is better than turning fifty in a few years".
"Ha, ha, very funny Half Pint. Always coming out with a smart ass comment from that mouth of yours." Daryl said with heavy sarcasm.
T Dog reached down beside his chair, bringing up a bottle of southern comfort and shaking it about, laughing. "Bring the night of pretending there are no dead people walking around".
"So how long is this drive to the gun practice?" Anna asked, stretching out her leg that was a stiff from where the arrow wound used to be.
"Rick said about two hours." Daryl replied.
Anna scoffed, will that all knowing smirk on her face. "What? You have that trouble making smirk and that evil giggle happening. What are you thinking?"
"You have got to spend two hours next to Samson, he tends to fart when he goes on car rides and you are the sucker stuck next to him for another two hours"
Samson wined a little, settling his head on to his paws and looking up to Daryl. Daryl looked onto him and then the smell hit his nostrils. "Oh you damn dog, your ass smells like rotten eggs and one of the rotten walkers. Oh good lord." Daryl was holding his nose. Anna was laughing so hard her stomach was starting to hurt.
Anna covered her mouth, laughing as Daryl moved over to Anna trying to get some air. Daryl put his hand over his mouth, trying to stop himself from gagging. Anna had her head out of the open window, doing her best to stop Daryl from getting to the fresh air "I think I am gonna throw up! That smell is damn well burning my nose. You are on evil woman Anna Hendricks"
As soon as the car stopped, Anna stumbled out of the car, clutching her stomach and laughing, pointing at Daryl. "Oh my god, that was bloody hilarious". She bent down wrestled with Samson for bit because her laughing made him hyper.
Daryl stepped out of the car, scowling and grunting at Anna, pointing his finger at her. Daryl was trying his hardest trying to pretend be angry, a smile just hiding underneath his scowl. She was still lying on the ground pleased with herself, Samson was licking her face. But he broke in the end, with a small smirk on his face. "You are a little devil."
Daryl looked around to everyone "Has anyone got some holy water or a cross with them? Got myself a demon to vanquish." he called out.
Anna dusted off her knees, getting up off her feet and walked to the boot of the car. "It is not my problem you fell for it, Daryl. You should have known by now that I was up to something, you fool!" Anna loved stirring Daryl. She reached into the boot, unwrapping the cloth that was protecting her cross bow.
Daryl gingerly took the cross bow out of her hands, checking out the sight and handed it back to her and put his arm around her shoulder, directing her to the others. "You ready to show these amateurs how it is really done out there today?"
"Of course. I was taught by the best, my father and brother" she replied.
Rick looked on, smiling at Daryl interacting with Anna. He was starting to let his guard down with her, maybe Daryl was beginning to believe he didn't have to do it all alone after all. She was good with Carl, like an Aunt to him and looked over him. Anna gave Carl something to do by letting him look after Samson. Rick walked up to the pint sized young woman, who stood a foot shorter than himself but the personality more than made up for it "Happy birthday Anna." He handed her a small backpack. "Something to put your stuff in. I remember your last one is a little worse for wear, falling apart and all. Figured you would need a nice new one that isn't so ratty looking and all."
Anna looked it over in her hands, feeling humbled by the gesture and smiling from ear to ear. "Thank you so much for this Rick. I absolutely love it."
She un-looped the camera from around her neck. "Well, Dale got me this camera for my birthday today, would it be okay by you if I could have a picture taken with me. To, you know, hold on memories and all that. I mean it's okay if you don't want to." Anna felt a little nervous with the camera in her hands. "I think just because there is this impending apocalypse going on around us, we all shouldn't have some form of normalcy in our lives. Plus, all my family photo albums are back at my dad's house back home."
Rick had to hold back a laugh, not quite believing the humanity of this girl. It was a little light in the world "It will be an honour to have a photo taken with you. But could you please excuse me looking a little worse for wear compared to standing to someone like you." he joked, putting down his gun holster down and putting his arm around her shoulders.
Anna passed her camera to Daryl "Pfft, oh don't worry about that, Rick, least you don't look like you have gone through a round of boxing with Mike Tyson. My face has all shades of blue and purple" She handed Daryl the camera.
Daryl scoffed pulling it up to his face "Trust me; it is an improvement from what you were before. The bruising adds a different colour to your face and all. A nice touch."
Anna squinted her eyes, stuck her middle finger and stuck her tongue out at him. "You are such a red neck jack ass."
Daryl winked at her, waving around the Polaroid photo "Can't help my true nature sweetheart".
Rick was smiling, holding in his laughter at the bickering between the two. Anna really was the light of the group. "Looks like we both have ourselves a new trade mark together there, Half Pint. Middle finger up and tongue out like the rock star you are with those girlie looking Ray Bans sunglasses and pink/purple sparkle bandana".
Daryl walked up to her, handing Anna her camera. She rolled her eyes, playfully hitting Rick because he was laughing at her "Are you all ready to have your ass kicked by a girl? Because I am ready to kick your hillbilly asses"
The sun was getting a little too hot for Anna and so she took her flannelette t-shirt off, wearing just her tank top, revealing a demon and an angel on her right shoulder blade, whispering a little to each other. Daryl was a little taken aback by them; Rick raised his eyebrows not expecting a girl like Anna to have tattoos. She knew they were looking as she loaded up her cross bow "Every person has their angel and demon telling them what to do. But the better question is, do you know which voice is which? Better the devil you know gentleman".
She smirked, walking off to be with Carol. Daryl and Rick stood by each other's side, perplexed by the young woman. But Rick liked her, she was a breath of fresh air and a strong young lady "Anna sure is a handful isn't she? She just keeps on surprising me the more I get to know her. Just when I think I get a grasp on who Anna is, she surprises me."
"A lot different to the other women around here at camp that is for sure. I have never met an Anna until she popped into our lives with the end of the world going on and all of these dead freaks walking around the place. She is strong and can handle herself well in this situation. A sick sense of humour though. I thought she sat next to window because she was feeling hot with this heat but it was only because Samson farts in the car and she knew about it" Daryl begrudgingly explained to Rick.
"And?" Rick asked.
"I was in the middle seat! I couldn't get near a window; my nose is still burning from the smell. It smelt worse than a walker that had been rotting in the sun" Daryl whined.
Anna had just put her bolt in to action when Beth came running up to her and gave her a big hug "Happy birthday Anna!" Beth had a beaming grin on her face, an arm still around Anna's waist.
"Thanks Beth." Anna replied, giving the young girl a big hug in return. "I knew you would remember my birthday".
'I would never forget your birthday Anna." Beth replied, pulling away from Anna. "I helped plan your party tonight!"
"Oh did you now? So I am in for a fun night then?", still feeling awkward about the attention but not wanting to break the young girl's heart.
Maggie walked up to them "Sorry about my little sister. She can get a little over excited at times! But happy birthday. As you know we have a party planned for you! Gonna be a real good night. Daddy has even picked out some of our chickens and some vegetables from our gardens."
"We even have a real pretty dress for you to wear tonight!" Beth almost squealed.
"What better for a birthday present than just a few hours of pretending there ain't dead people walking around?" Maggie commented.
"You are too right there! Now are we all ready to learn how to shoot or what?" Anna asked, trying her best to change the subject.
Maggie rolled her eyes "Why do you need to learn how to shoot? You are to Daryl's standards. That is all you need right?"
Anna laughed, waving off Maggie's compliment "I may be a good shot with a cross bow but I am more than a little rusty with a hand gun and need the practice with a long range sniper rifle. Still a little bit gutted that I lost my dad's sniper rifle when I was out with Daryl."
"Oh I don't know about that, Anna." Rick teased behind her with Shane standing beside him.
Anna turned with Beth, Rick unwrapped a large cloth to reveal her dad's sniper rifle. Emotions hit her, biting her lip and feeling overwhelmed, not quite believing it herself. She let go of Beth and gladly stepped forward to get the gun off Rick. "Oh my god. I can't believe it, you guys actually found it." She sniffed, put on a brave smile and took the rifle in her hands.
"You can put your words into action and show us if you can actually shoot like your daddy and brother." Shane taunted.
"Oh you don't have to worry about that Officer Walsh. I will show all of ya amateurs how it is really done" replying with a smirk and lining up to shoot.
"That's my girl! Show the douche bag who is boss" Daryl muttered underneath his breath, standing next to Rick who couldn't but help to chuckle.
"Damn that woman has a mouth on her. Maybe Anna should be the one on a leash, not the dog. Least that thing is trained to keep itself in line, to know what the rules are and who is in charge." Shane pointed out, raising his eyebrows and feeling embarrassed he was smart mouthed by such a tiny woman.
Daryl angrily stared him down. There was no need for words "Yo Anna. Hold up; just wanna check if your rifle is in sight! It looks like it could be a little off from the fall you took with it the other day".
Anna turned around, the sun blinding her a little, putting her hands up to shield her eyes "Alright."
Daryl stepped forward but stopped close by Shane "Touch her or Samson, you are a dead man. You can have my word on that" he threatened.
"You can't guard her twenty-four seven red neck" he whispered back. "Besides, a woman of her standings would be stupid if they didn't pick the Rick's in the world over the backwards red necks of society".
Rick was now standing with Anna; she was showing him how her dad taught her how to hold the sniper rifle. She laughed at something, one of her stories or something. Rick smiled, tapping her back with his shoulder.
"Anna is a good person; everyone in camp knows she ain't one of those women. Anna is the epitome of family, respect and loyalty. Something you don't know jack about" Daryl walked off, stopping to look over his shoulder. "The threat still stands douche bag. Promise you that".
They were all lining up, shooting off the bottles of the top of the fence post. Anna was a good shot at the closer ones and was standing back, teaching Carol how to hold a gun while she was sighting in her dad's sniper rifle. Young Jimmy was shooting off his pistol like a gangster; Anna shook her head, laughing to herself. T Dog shook his head "No shooting off like a gangster man. You were watching Anna close enough; copy how she held her hand gun. Before you know it, you will be shooting off the twenty-five yard line like a pro".
Shane and Rick walked behind T Dog, tapping him on the shoulder. Rick and Shane were walking by Andrea. Holding her gun and acting like she was some hot shot with a gun.
"Don't be discouraged by how well Anna is doing. You will hit the target soon enough." Rick told her, sheen of sweat over his body from the heat.
"Who says I didn't hit the target." Andrea answered a smart ass smile on her face.
Rick, Shane and Andrea looked down past the bottle to the sign that had three bullet holes. Anna scoffed, raising her eyebrows and shaking her head at Andrea. "Stupid woman." She didn't like her all gung-ho attitude with the walkers, it got under her skin. The little scrunched up look on her face didn't go unnoticed by Daryl. "Gonna show them how it is really done now with a real gun, Half Pint"
Anna snickered, rolling her eyes and screwing on her dad's silencer on the end of her rifle. "Of course I am. That woman over there thinks she can shoot a gun." Anna screwed on her dad's silencer on the end of her rifle.
"Here, try this one. Heavy, twice three rounds better aim" Shane handed Andrea a new gun. Andrea shot it without hesitation.
Rick was impressed, "I think someone is ready for the advance classes".
Anna walked up to them "Not bad. Mind if I have a go with my dad's rifle now?"
"You go right ahead Half Pint." Shane flirted.
Rick raised his eyebrows at Shane's remark. Anna just rolled her eyes "Only Daryl and Rick are allowed to call me that. It's just Anna from you. Nothing else, right?"
Anna walked to the fence post, laying down and settling the rifle in for sight. She closed her eyes, taking a deep breath. The smell of the grass, the wafting smell of the cattle, the wind blew her a little from behind her. It made her smile, thinking back to the many memories "Slow is smooth, smooth is fast" she whispered, just what her father and brother had always taught her.
Anna took aim, looking down the scope for the fence down a hundred yards and shot a round, hitting the old petrol can. She muttered 'Well would you look at that, I just might still have it!"
T Dog whooped "You go my white chocolate. Show them how it is done! You are my girl!" She stood up, smiling from ear to ear. Rick walked up to her nodding his head "You don't even need the advance classes! Your father and brother taught you well"
"Slow is smooth, smooth is fast is his motto" she answered, getting up on to her knees and taking T Dog's hand to help her get up.
"Maybe you can teach Andrea and I this in an advance class?" Shane asked.
"Afraid not Shane, we have a birthday party to get back to at the farm. But you and Andrea can still head out but don't make it back too late for the party for the old girl" he replied.
Anna hit him in the arm as they got to Daryl.
"Told you she is abusive. I got bruises up and down my arms."
Carl came running up to Anna, taking a hold of her hand and turning in front of her. "You and Daryl can ride with dad, mom and I? Mom is that okay? Can they come with us? Samson too!"
Lori looked between her son and Anna, not sure what to do. Seeing the look in her son's eye changed her heart "Okay."
The group really did a night off from the dead walking around, a reprieve for them all. Maggie and Beth dragged Anna up to their room to do all her up and scrub her down to look like she was actually female. Anna sat there, twiddling her thumbs as Beth was pinning her hair up into a side bun, her fringe covering the graze from the bullet. Maggie was finishing her make up off. The bruise that was covering her eye and temple was nowhere to be seen. "Do we really have to do this? Just doesn't seem right."
Beth pinned in a fake rose into her hair "Of course we do. We all are looking forward to a few hours of fun. Just a little time to forget that there is dead people walking around out there"
"It is amazing what a person looks like without blood and grime on them" Maggie joked getting up off the chair.
Anna was wearing a strapless, long flowing pale pink gown. Her hair in a sideways bun, soft curls framed her face. She fiddled with her fingers, accepting defeat and ready to face the party down stairs "Shall we get down to the party?"
Rick and Daryl were sitting in the entertaining area as Carol was sitting down some food on the table with the bottle of southern comfort. "That was a real nice thing of you to do, finding her dad's rifle. That gun means the world to her. Anna lost a little piece of herself since we lost it looking for Sophia. Even though she would never admit it herself."
"That young woman up there deserves any form of good to come to her. God knows what thoughts are going through her mind right about now and how she feels about them, Anna needs to have a piece of her father with her, I saw that rifle as a part of him, went out and got it for her. I see Anna is wearing her brother's dog tags with the Patron Saint Jude; Lost Causes." Rick admitted.
"Desperate times man." Daryl sighed, waving his hand his face. "I couldn't think of anything else to do. You and I can't always watch over her. I mean. I know Anna can handle herself out there with anything that comes her way but her wearing Saint Jude, makes me feel a little bit better and able to sleep at night ya know?"
"Look at what she is doing to us" Rick laughed, taking a sip of his bourbon.
Daryl shook his head "You got that right. Merle would have been kicking my ass a long time ago because of that girl and the damn dog."
"Dale volunteered to do the watch tonight; he wanted everyone to have a good time. He thinks the world of Anna"
"Who hasn't since she came into our group?" Daryl muttered under his breath reaching over to the bottle of southern comfort and pouring them both a drink.
Rick laughed, looking at the glass "Southern comfort. T Dog is real determined to get Anna drunk isn't he?"
Daryl smiled to himself, shaking his head and looking to Rick "Anna's personality is enough when she is sober let alone when she has booze in her system" he raised his eyebrows, nodding his head with pursed lips. "What do you think she will be like after having a few drinks?"
Rick knew all too well how boisterous Anna can be "Pfft. I am leaving that one to you, you can handle that one on your own" Rick joked, sipping on his drink, his eyes looking up to the stair case "Would you look at that, there is the birthday girl."
Anna was holding herself shyly, walking down the stairs, camera in hand with Maggie and Beth, who were both holding her arms at the elbows and near on dragging her down. You could hardly see the bruise on her face anymore, make up Daryl guessed. She looked real pretty, he felt a little more of a red neck then compared to her. She looked like the type of girl who would have wiped her shoes on him, he felt a little ashamed of himself. Both men got up off their seats as Anna walked to them with her hands behind her back.
Hershel was standing by the kitchen "Well, well, well. Don't you look beautiful? Like an angel sent from the heavens above".
"You are far too kind Hershel, looks can be deceiving. This all took a lot of work from your two girls. The dress is stunning by the way". She turned to Maggie who shrugged it off.
Hershel gave her something wrapped in cloth. "Happy birthday Anna." he wished, handing her the parcel.
Anna took it, unwrapping the cloth; it was a copy of Tom Sawyer. "Thank you Hershel. You didn't have to! I love reading anything I can get my hands on. It is getting harder and harder to find books that haven't been burnt for fire wood, ya know. Thank you again, I love it".
"You can never go wrong with the classics and that one is yours now." he laughed. "I want a full page report by the end of the week." He joked with a wink. "But for now, it is time for you to enjoy your party" he told her, giving her a kiss on the cheek and a small hug.
"Before I go, can I please take a photo with you? I am making memories and all for a new photo album since mine are all back at home".
"It would be my pleasure" he agreed. He held her around the shoulders and she turned the camera on the two of them and took a snap. The photo instantly popped out of the camera and she shook it for a second before slipping it into a little bag she had dangling from her wrist.
Then Anna turned to Rick and Daryl. "What do you think of the get up, Rick? Do I scrub up half bad or what/" she asked, smirking a little.
"I admit for a moment there, it was a little hard to recognize you not being covered in blood and grime." he joked. "But you do look stunning".
She blushed, looking down to her feet and back to Rick. He brushed her arm, walking to the kitchen, leaving Daryl and Anna alone.
"So what do you think?" she asked. Holding her arms out and spinning once on the spot.
"You don't scrub up half bad Half Pint. For a moment there, even I didn't recognize you all done up and all." Daryl joked, his hands in his pocket.
"Don't judge a book by its cover" Anna screwed up her nose a little, letting out a little sigh and really didn't feel like a comeback. That's when Daryl knew something was up "You really didn't want this party did you?"
"How could you tell?" she asked.
"I happen to be able to read you like a book." he mocked her comment she gave him earlier. "You twiddle your fingers, you sigh softly and you look to your feet so you don't look people in the eyes when you feel a little shy. But most of all you didn't come back with smart ass comment just then."
She twitched her mouth a little, crossing her arms over her chest and looking over her shoulder to the kitchen where everyone sat. "It is what they all wanted to do and I couldn't find myself to say no to them. They needed it to give them a chance to escape this sucky reality, even if it was just for a little while. Better than nothing right?"
'What about what you want, Anna?" Daryl asked her.
She had that all knowing look on her face, that she knew something that he didn't know "Doesn't matter what I want. As long as those people in there have a chance to be happy, then I'm happy. I don't like seeing the people I care about unhappy, upset or in danger, I would do anything for all of you"
Carl came running out to her from the kitchen "Anna! Anna! Come on, we get to eat a roast chicken for your birthday dinner with roast potatoes and carrots and peas! Even a real chocolate cake! I haven't had cake in such a long time".
"Will you be my date for the party Carl?" she asked,
"Yeah! Is that okay Daryl?" Carl asked, looking up holding her hand.
"Be my guest little man. Bring her back before midnight before she turns back into a pumpkin. All that get up she has on can't last forever." he teased.
Anna scoffed at him, playfully hitting Daryl in the shoulder, smiling softly. Daryl somehow made her feel better. "You can be such a jack ass sometimes. Come on Carl, escort me to my dinner. Daryl, lead the way."
"Yes, ma'am" he saluted, walking ahead of them.
Carl pulled her down to his level, walking behind Daryl. "Daryl is funny."
"Ssshhh! don't wanna let people know his secret now do we" she whispered leaning down to his level, peering back up at Daryl with a smirk on her face.
"I promise." he replied, nodding his head, bright eye and bushy tailed.
Daryl entered the dining room, everyone seated at the table. "The old bird is in the house people".
"She is going to kill you." Rick called out, laughing and shaking his head in disbelief. Anna and Daryl brought amusement to their group. Their constant bickering with each other was always entertainment for everyone; the harmless teasing brought light to the group, it made Rick smile. He felt himself watching over her like a little sister.
"Oh don't you worry about that, I will get Daryl back when he least expects is. Big tough, red neck better watch his back" she warned with a smirk on her face. Carl led her to sit by Rick, with Lori on the other side of him.
T Dog got up off his seat, walking around the table to Anna. He gave her a kiss on the cheek "Happy birthday, white chocolate" He poured her a glass of Southern Comfort. Anna screwed up her nose, leaning forward and putting her head down on the table.
Rick roared with laughter, patting her on the back. Anna lifted her head up, setting her chin on her arms and shook her head.
"Let's get this party started!" T Dog told everyone.
Anna accepted defeat, putting her hand out for the glass of whisky. She stood up, raising her glass. "First of all, I would like to thank you all, for planning this party for my birthday. To Hershel, Maggie and Beth for the chickens and vegetables, it won't go unappreciated. But most of all I would like to say thank you." She paused a little, taking a small breath, trying to catch her emotions and keep them in check. "Thank you for taking me in and accepting me as close as family."
"You are a part of our family now." Rick corrected her, getting up off his seat and raising his glass to everyone. "You can be a part of us, Anna, as long as you want to be".
"You all mean the world, to me. In that case you all have me for life"
"God help us all." T Dog moaned, standing up with his glass. "To the best chick I know that can kick ass, shoot a cross bow and a shot gun, handle her knives and most of all, the most genuine person I know. Happy Birthday white chocolate. To a night of fun, laughter and no walking dead around".
"Here, here" Daryl toasted, standing with them all. "To Anna."
"To Anna!" everyone chorused.
The night was going strong; Anna was laughing on T Dog's lap and was a little tipsy. But Daryl still kept his eye on her. Glenn and Maggie were standing in the corner, whispering to each other, not making it more than obvious or anything. But when he looked back, Anna wasn't sitting with T Dog, he walked over "Where's Anna?"
"Said she was going to go and give Dale some birthday cake." T dog replied.
"You let her go by herself?" Daryl pointed out.
T Dog scoffed "You ever tried telling her what to do and she actually listened to what you said, doing what she is told?"
Daryl pondered for a moment, finishing off his drink and setting it down "That will be the day when hell has frozen over" he joked. "But I am hitting the hay, so might as well make sure she hasn't got her ass bitten or anything on the way. Have a good night".
"Yeah you too, brother" T Dog replied, raising his hand to fist pump, a sign of respect towards him and Daryl couldn't quite believe it. But he raised his hand, bumping his hand "See you later man."
Anna really was a good thing to happen to them after all.
Daryl walked out to the front yard of the Hershel's farm, Anna was passing Dale some cake from her party, and Samson stood by her, just as he had been told by Daryl when he wasn't around. It made him feel better at night.
Dale looked up, seeing Daryl with his eye on her as always. He raised his hand and waved at Daryl and beckoning him to come to them.
"You better walk this young lady to her tent, I think young Anna has had a little too much to drink." he laughed.
Anna coughed, getting their attention and putting her hands on her hips. "What makes you say that?"
Daryl and Dale stood there, both trying not to laugh at Anna as she stood there swaying on the spot.
Dale put down his gun, crossed his arms and pointed at her "You walk in one line for me Missy, Daryl will then go straight to his tent and you can walk to yours unsupervised."
Anna scoffed, taking off her shoes and standing up straight. Daryl had to laugh to himself. "This should be interesting. Girl can only just about stand on her own two feet"
"Oh I think it will be hilarious." Dale joked.
"Just proves how stubborn she is, even when she is flat stick drunk" Daryl commented.
Anna was humming, putting her arms up straight trying to steady herself and finding herself a little unsteady on her feet. She looked like a trapeze artist.
"Ya right there Half Pint? Want some help to steady yourself?" Daryl asked.
She raised her hand, turning but then falling flat on her ass. "Daryl. Dale. I think I may or may not be absolutely drunk right off my ass about now and just might be stuck down here."
Dale chuckled and patted Daryl on the shoulder "Think Anna banana needs some help to get back to her tent. Your secret will be safe me Daryl."
"Thanks man." He mumbled.
Daryl nodded, walking forward, kneeling down and putting one arm around her shoulders and one under her knees "Come on now sweetheart. We got to get your drunken ass to bed"
"Mmm Hmm." she muttered. "I had fun tonight."
"I bet you did, but it won't be so much fun for you tomorrow." He assured her.
He got to the tent, looking down at her "Anna, you gotta wake up now sweetheart".
Anna stirred from her sleep, looking up with sleepy eyes. She had an innocent look about her.
"Reckon you can stand on your own two feet while I unzip your tent?"
"Pfft, of course I can" she said with a slight slur to her speech.
Anna rolled her eyes at him; he let her down on to the ground. "Stay." he says pointing her.
Anna turns to Samson "Hear that Samson, Daryl said stay".
Daryl turned to her "I didn't mean Samson, I meant you" Daryl went back to the tent, pulling down the zipper and fastening the flaps aside. "Alright Half Pint, ready?"
Turning around, he saw her about twenty meters away. He growled, running after her and grabbing a hold of her hand "And where do you think you were going?"
"It is none of your business Daryl Dixon!" she wailed.
"Oh I am in trouble now? Getting called by my first and last name. Yeah, I am real scared Half Pint." Daryl teased, getting a better hold of her. Samson thought it was all fun and games, jumping around but not barking.
Daryl got to the tent. She huffed; her hair had fallen out from her bun and was falling over her eyes. Daryl laughed, pulling the hair behind her shoulders. "Ladies before gentleman." he ushered, putting his arm out to the tent. Samson ran into the tent ahead of them, curling himself up into the corner on his blanket.
"Well aren't you the gentleman? Ha! Gentleman my ass. More like a red neck hick." she mocked, ducking under her tent flap and Daryl followed her and closed the tent behind him.
Anna fell down on her mattress and getting comfortable on her bed. She sighed, nestling her head into the pillow. Daryl shook his head, looking around the tent for her clothes bag, picking out a pair of sweat pants, shirt, socks and a jumper. "You can't sleep in that dress, Anna. You will freeze your ass off if you do and I will have to be the one who listens to you complaining about having a cold. Some doctor you will be then." He chucked her the clothes, turning his back to give her some privacy.
"Fine, fine, fine. You are such a bossy boots, Daryl Dixon" she moaned, taking the clothes off her face and then pulling the dress up over her head. "Jesus, Mary and Joseph it is bloody cold. Daryl! Daryl! My breath is white, looks like I am smoking. Look" she said amused by her breath in the air.
"You got your clothes on? I don't want to turn around and have my retinas burn out. "
"Yes. Well almost, can't seem to get my head through the hole."
Daryl turns around, reach over and pulling the jumper down her head.
"Can you please stay?" Anna asked, sounding very fragile.
"I don't think you want me to stay." He replied.
Anna yawned, unzipping her sleeping bag to make it a big duvet. "I don't care what the others think or say. For maybe just one night, the nightmares about when the men attacked me will go away and I will be able to get a decent night's sleep."
"Alright. I'll stay for a bit as long as Samson doesn't fart" he whispered, trying to lighten the situation.
Daryl took off his shoes, laying down beside Anna. "You been having these nightmares every night." He curiously queried.
"There hasn't been a single night where there hasn't been one. I just haven't told any of you." she drunkenly admitted before falling asleep.