Okay. A new chapter every one!
Anna needed to get herself out of the house to get some fresh air, to feel the sun shine on her face and to have the wind blow against her skin. It was suffocating for her being stuck inside. Her whole body was aching from the flu and it had been hard for her to walk around by herself. She took the blanket off her legs, easing herself off the rocking chair. Hershel had felt sorry for her when he kept on finding her looking miserable lying in the bed. So he surprised her by bringing up the rocking chair from the lounge room so Anna could be more comfortable. Anna also liked to look outside to watch over the others. It also gave her a view of the outer fields where their camp was. Anna liked to keep her eye on Daryl especially.
Once Anna had made it outside but only made it ten meters outside of the house. She heard the growling from Samson and the voice of Daryl growling at her. Anna did try to run away from them both but Samson caught up with her quickly, stopping Anna in her tracks and standing in front of her, his nose up in the air and walking side to side, stopping her from running away again. Daryl caught up with them both; he took her cross bow away from her, dropping it on the ground and picking her up over his shoulders. Anna tried to hit him with all the energy she had with her fists, kicking her legs about, punching his back but she ended up getting herself into a huge coughing fit and not being able to breathe properly. He put her down and keeping a careful eye on her, trying to help her even out her breathing. Samson was whining, bobbing his head up and down, worrying about his owner "It's alright boy, your momma will be okay. She is strong, she will get through this".
Daryl shook his head, "See, you aren't ready to be outside yet, Half Pint" Daryl whispered, wiping some hair away from her face. Daryl put the back of his hand to her forehead to feel her temperate; Anna was hot and sticky from her fever. Daryl felt pity for her, he was feeling scared. Having flu in the way the world it is now could kill a person.
"I think that you have to know that you can't go outside don't ya, Anna. You need to get better for me so I'm not left alone with all these idiots. So, I am real sorry but you are going to have to go back and stay inside just till you get better. Then once you are better you can come and hang out with little old me outside"
Anna's face fell, looking to the ground in defeat, patting Samson behind the ears absentmindedly "But I don't want to go inside. I don't like it in there. It gets real lonely when people aren't allowed to visit me because they are all afraid they will get what I have." Anna's voice cracked, broken. She was so sad, down trodden and it was getting to her "It is so boring when I am inside and when you are outside Daryl. I don't have anyone else to talk to since Lori banned Carl from seeing me. We would read Harry Potter to each other".
Daryl carefully helped Anna get up off the ground. He gently put his arms around her shoulder and put her other hand in his. It was so small compared to his, everything about her was. But she made up for it being so full of life and the fire cracker personality she had. Daryl crouched down to her level, finding it better way to support her "Put all of your weight on to me. I know you don't like to be babied and happen to know you would kick my ass if I tried to carry you into the house in front of everyone".
"Thank you. What would I do without you Daryl?" trying to laugh, but her breath got caught in throat and choking on it a little. "I really don't know where I would have been if you didn't find me that night in the woods".
"I would hate to imagine" he muttered, trying to shake the image from his mind.
She yawned, her attempted escape taking a bit out of her, making her tired "I would probably lying dead in the woods and having a walker feasting on me or something. Or maybe even one of those things. Funny how everything has worked out, hey?"
Daryl rubbed her side a little "You remember that promise you made with me? Stuck with me for life remember, so none of this dying talk on me. You aren't allowed to. Ever!" he joked, trying to make light of the situation. "Then again the world would be quiet for me again without you in it. I could get me some peace and quiet. Just like how it was all before you got here".
Anna looked on after Samson who was trying to bite a fly which was buzzing around his head, annoying him. Anna leaned her head into the side of his chest "I am too stubborn to die just from the flu Daryl. You aren't going to lose me just yet."
"Yeah well, I had better go and find myself some wood to touch because that is a jinx I do not want to break. Anyhow, you aren't going anywhere when I am around, at least not until you're all better little pixie. Damn escape artist you are!"
Anna's chest felt tight with each breath she took, her muscles ached and her eyes were starting to hurt from the sun's glare. Daryl seeing this reached into his pockets, taking out Anna's sun glasses and put them on her eyes. "There, that's better now isn't it. Now your eyes won't hurt so much from the glaring sun"
"I feel so sick Daryl" she muttered, feeling defeated and down trodden. "I just want to sleep and sleep forever, to get over this damn flu. That is all I want to do. But I can never fall asleep because I am coughing so much. I can't just win"
The way Anna was talking was scaring Daryl, he had to find a way to get her feeling better "I guess I had better make that run into town for you and get some more books to read to me then huh. You still need those last two Harry Potter books don't you? What were they called again?"
"You can't do that just for me" she whispered, smiling and wiped her face the sleeve of her top.
He held on to her, opening the front door of the house. Daryl then noticed Anna had a smudge of some chocolate pudding Hershel had gave it her as a treat to try and get her spirits up. He gave it to her to perk her up a little bit and to lift her spirits. He smirked to himself and wiping the chocolate smudge off her face as they walked through the hall way. "You little grot" he chuckled. "Half of your food always ends up on your face or all down the front of you".
Anna closed her eyes, trying to let pass a wave of nausea that hit her. She took big, deep breaths but with each breath it hurt. He saw Anna was struggling and knew how stubborn she was being. "Come here Half Pint. Let's get you into bed now". He pulled back the covers of the big four posted bed, easing her in gently and pulling the covers over her, up to her chin. Daryl looked around the room, getting her the Harry Potter and the Philosophers Stone book.
"Well I had best hurry up and go to a book shop or something to get those for you. Before I know it, you would have read all the books again" he stated.
Anna yawned, nestling herself more into the bed, the warmth and securities making her feel sleepy "They won't let you go on a run just for that. Plus I would be worrying about you out there by you without me as your back up".
Daryl scoffed, shaking his head "Yeah, well, what they don't know won't hurt them. Even if they had a problem, I would still go out there. They wouldn't be able to stop me even if they tried".
"Be careful Daryl Dixon, you don't want the others knowing you got a soft side there. But please take Samson with you, it will make me feel better knowing. I think he is out playing with Carl near the orchard. He will keep you safe out there" She yawned.
The sun was shining bright outside and Anna was playing tug of war with Samson. Daryl watched on, shaking his head. You wouldn't think the woman was near on her death bed just a few days ago "Come on now, you need to get checked out by the doc. You need to prove it to all of us you are fit and healthy enough to go out today with me".
Anna laughed, chucking the ball across then to Carl which Samson chased after "Sorry Carl, I have been told to stop playing by the big bad wolf here. Don't forget you are looking after Samson for me today as a part of your chores. He needs to be washed, brushed, and walked".
Carl smiled; he loved looking after Samson and tipping his hat at Anna "Of course, Anna. I will take good care of Samson. A dog like this deserves it".
Samson ran back to Carl, dropping the ball at his feet "But Daryl is so going to kick your butt for being such a smart mouth Anna, calling him a big bad wolf." Carl laughed, picking up the slimy ball and wiping it on his trousers. "Good luck with that".
She laughed, riffling his hair "You go on now and play, alright. You both have to be on your best behaviour while I am gone, I don't want to come back from the run and find you both are in trouble. Again".
Carl hugged Anna around the legs "Love you Anna. I am real happy you are a part of this group. Look after her if she passes the test from Hershel, okay Daryl?" Carl yelled out to Daryl. He was chucking the ball up the air, playfully teasing Samson who was looking up and down.
Daryl saluted Carl "You got it kid. Nothing will happen to her while I am around".
Anna rolled her eyes at them both and straightening his hat "Love you too kid. Now go on".
Anna walked up to Daryl her long hair blowing in the wind. Daryl shook his head at her; stopping her and making her turn around. She rolled her eyes at him, handing over her hair bangle "What have I said about your hair?" he warned her.
She rolled her eyes at him as he tied her hair the way he liked it to be to keep her keep it from getting caught on anything "Always in a braid or a bun".
"Now you are getting a little boy to do your dirty work" she commented.
"I had to get someone who was brave enough to do some undercover work for me in dangerous enemy territory. Like hell I would be doing it, I ain't that brave or stupid. I know what you would have been like if you had have known I had someone looking out for you with you knowing".
Daryl finished with her hair, tying it into a bun at the base of her neck and together they walked up the front steps of the house. He held the door open for her, letting her in first to the house "Ladies before gentleman".
"In that case you should have gone first Dixon" she teased, smirking at him.
Anna walked into Hershel's office; she had to have a second glance of the room for herself. She saw Rick standing in the corner with Hershel, she was a little confused and taken a back. "What are you doing here Sheriff? I thought you had a perimeter patrol with Shane" she asked, curious about it.
Anna always knew where everyone was on the farm. He told her "I am second witness to make sure you are really okay and strong enough to go out on that run today. But I am mostly back up for Daryl just in case you aren't well enough to go out on a run and you don't take it too well. We all know what your temper is like".
Anna rolled her eyes at the three men staring her down "So it takes the three of you to make sure I don't do a runner or beat any one you into a pulp". She took off her jacket, rolling her eyes at them "Yeah, you all are real brave men, aren't ya? Scared of a five foot nothing woman but can take down dead people reanimated".
Daryl scoffed, crossing his arms across his chest "Pfft! We have seen you angry. We need all the help we can get if shit goes down".
Hershel had to chuckle at the way Anna was interacting with the two men. She truly was their light and brought life back into them. Hershel shone a light into her eyes and the reactions were good. He listened to her breathing and checked her heart rate. "Well this young lady is almost a hundred percent healthy. Her breathing is a little shaky"
Anna quickly looked up at Daryl and Rick, her heart in her throat. Hershel could see the fear in her eyes.
But Hershel knew how to reassure her "But who wouldn't be after a bad case of the flu that knocked them about. A lot of people should have been bed ridden for a lot longer than young Anna Banana here but she didn't. Anna is a strong, young woman and has proven time and time again that she is a survivor. I think Anna is ready to go out for a run, as long as Daryl keeps a good eye on her".
Daryl was biting down on his nail, taking his hand away "She won't leave my sight".
Anna's smile grew from ear to ear; she stood up and put her hands on her hips. Hershel gave her a quick hug and a chase kiss on her temple. "I knew you would be strong enough. Nothing can keep you down. It is a good quality to have in this day and age. You are a fighter young lady. Keep it that way, alright"
She laughed, giving Hershel a hug. "Thank you Hershel. I appreciate everything you have done for all of us".
Hershel let go of the hug "Any time little angel. Just be careful out there today. Come back to this farm safe and sound, you hear me"
Anna smiled, trying to hold back some tears that wanted to fall. "Be back before you know it old man" she joked.
"See, there is that light we all wished we had" he chuckled, leaving the room. He knew Anna would be alright out there today. Daryl wouldn't let a thing happen to Anna on his watch.
Daryl leaned down, picking up his cross bow off the floor "I have got to go out and make sure the car is all sound. I don't trust it if I haven't had a look at it myself"
"We aren't taking your bike?" Anna asked.
"Hell no! Not with you just getting over being sick as a dog. We don't want another sickness in the camp" Daryl growled, "Move your ass won't you? Need use as much light as we can get to where we need to go"
Rick beckoned for her to come forward with his hands and took her into a hug. "I was kind of hoping that you would not have been well enough to go out on the run, but of course you prove me wrong once again".
Rick let go of their hug, ruffling her hair and she laughed, trying to straighten it out "Seriously Rick, Daryl did my hair and he won't be happy even if a small piece is out of place. God forbid that piece gets caught on something".
He laughed, picking up her jacket and helped her put it on. There was something special that Anna had, somehow she always found a way to make them all feel better. He picked up an old New York Yankees cap from the back pocket of his jeans and sat it on her head, tipping the beak of it over her nose. Anna tried to pretend to be angry with Rick but she saw the caring look in his eyes "I will be okay, Rick. But nothing will happen to me out there today, I have got Daryl watching my back and we all know what he is like. He just doesn't like to show it in front of people sometimes".
She was concerned about Rick. He has become more and more like an older brother to Anna each and every day since she came to the farm. Anna cared a lot about Rick "Please will you just be careful out there with Shane, I do not trust him out there alone?"
Rick smiled at Anna, tilting his head a little. This little half pint sized woman had a heart of gold and was always concerned about others. "Yeah. I know that about him. I am going to talk to him today and finally get it all sorted once and for all".
Anna grabbed his hands, looked up to him "Be safe out there Rick Grimes. Come back to us all in one piece, okay?"
"Always" he said back to her, putting his hands on her shoulders. "Now I think Dale wants to see you before you go out on that run today. So you had best hurry up and see him before Daryl starts yelling for you by your full name and not Half Pint. That's when you know you are in big trouble"
Anna jogged out of the house, passing Daryl, who gave her a pointed look watching her as she passed him "I am just going to go and see Dale before we leave"
"Move it then" he shook his head. "You got five minutes and we got to head off" he told her checking her cross bow over.
"The cross bow is fine Daryl!" she called out from over her shoulder. "Stop being such a worry wart"
Daryl leaned forward out of the car, laying the cross bow on his lap "I'm still going to check it. So move your ass ANNA HENDRICKS, we need to get going soon" He needed to know for himself that her cross bow was sound enough for her out on the run.
Dale came out to her, smiling ear to ear and his arms out wide "Come here Smiley"
Anna laughed giving him a big hug in return. Dale let go, putting his hand on her shoulders "Good to see you outside. You even have some colour in your cheeks and some meat on your bones again! I tell you something, I did not like how fast you were losing that weight".
"Daryl did kind of force feed me countless amounts squirrels. But I am feeling much better and I think I got almost all of my strength back" she said.
He looked at her "You be careful out there today. I want you back in one piece".
"I am going out on a run with Daryl in Shane's car and not his motor bike. So I have no risk of my flu coming back"
"You are everyone's little guardian angel you know that right? Since you have joined this group, everyone has changed for the better. People are starting to find themselves smiling again".
Anna felt a little bit uncomfortable about such a big accolade from Dale. He could see it in her "Take it as a good thing. I mean, look at what you have done with Daryl. That man has changed and he doesn't even know it. Nor would he admit it actually".
She laughed out loud "I think I have actually made him smile once or twice".
"I think you have made that happen more than once. Whenever that man wasn't out hunting or on a run he would be visiting you and made sure you had everything you needed to get better. He was worried about you and how sick you had got so quickly. Why do you think your first time on a run off the farm is with him? He was pretty insistent you both go out together because he said he was the only one that would be able to keep a good proper eye on you".
Anna smiled, wrapping her arms around Dale's shoulders and let go "Love you old man. I will bring you back a squirrel or two".
Dale looked at the young woman in front of him "Right back at you little one. Come back to us safe ya hear me. One scratch on you and Daryl will be getting a lecture from me".
Anna waved good bye to Dale, and made her way back to Daryl. He handed her back, her cross bow "The sight was a little off but I fixed it. You ready for your first proper run?" he asked.
"Of course" Anna huffed, rolling her eyes and made her way to the other side of the car. "I am ready to kick some walker ass. Show you how it is really done out there".
Daryl shook his head at her, tapping the hood of the car when he noticed Shane staring at them. Anna scrunched her eyes at him, grinding and clenching her teeth together. Anna spat on the sleeve of her shirt, wiping the handle of the door. "All clean now. Got rid of the bad germs" she said rather loudly and a big smile at Shane.
"Shane isn't stable" Daryl said as they drove off the farm. "He isn't a man like Rick or Hershel. He has no morals or conscience. No boundaries either. He feels threatened by you Half Pint, so you have got to be more careful when you antagonize him"
'Or like you" she muttered, looking up from the map she was reading.
"What?" he asked, curious as to why she said it.
"Shane isn't a good man like you" she said. "You are every bit of good and decent man like Rick and Hershel. In my opinion, I think you are better than all of them put together".
Anna woke up from her little nap; her head was resting against the car door of the window. She yawned, stretching her neck and sitting up in her seat.
"You still must have been still tired from your flu. You fell asleep pretty quickly and you even started to do that noise that you call a purr but actually should be called a snore. Sometimes I thought a pig was dying".
She playfully hit his arm "You can be such an ass, you know that right? You really know how to make a girl feel special"
He playfully knuckled her shoulder "Right back at ya Half Pint. Think of it next time when you call me a hobo redneck".
There was a couple walkers feeding on a cow as they drove by, she yawned again "Things sure have changed since all of this started for everyone, hey? I mean it is not every day that you see the dead just walking around and feeding on the local farm life just like that back there"
Daryl scoffed "Things have only changed just a little bit for me; it just has the dead walking around now is all. I am just around better people now and I have a better family. My old family. They weren't good people or even human for that matter".
Anna looked at him, feeling a bit smug with herself "I am your family now am I, huh?"
Daryl shook his head; playfully tickling her neck "Don't let it go to your head".
"What about your mom? What was she like? You haven't told me much about her" Daryl asked driving a little off into the woods and stopping the car.
Anna reached into the inside pocket of her leather jacket and passed it to Daryl. He looked at it. It was her mother with her arms around what seemed a little Anna. They both had the same long deep, dark brown hair, the light green eyes and the same big dimpled, apple cheeks smile. Just by looking at the photo as well, he knew where Anna got her personality from, her mother. He turned the photo around and on the back in faded black pen "My angels, Gracie and Anastasia".
Anna smiled sadly to herself, looking at the photo. She missed her mom every moment of every day "This was the last photo we ever had together. I remember the moment this photo was taken. My father always fussed over us, he always called us his angels. He said we were the ones that always got him through the tough times whenever he was on tour. We were his light and his way that guided him through the dark times for him. He always found a way out because of us"
He looked at her as they both got out of the car "I can see why he did. Having something like that would get you out of pretty much anything".
Anna smiled, just thinking of her mother "I never got to say good bye to her. As long as I have this photo of her with me, I can still see her face so I guess I don't have to say goodbye to her. I have you all as my new family now. You are all doomed to put up with my loud cackling laughter now" She smirked, poking her tongue out a little at him
Daryl wanted to make light of the situation "Your full name is Annabelle? That is just as redneck and country bumpkin sounding as my name. I can't wait to tell everyone back at the farm about your name. Annabelle Hendricks. A redneck at heart".
She stopped, put her hands on her hips, trying her best not to laugh. He just stared at her, knowing she couldn't hold up the act for long before breaking out into a big smile "You are such a jack ass Daryl Dixon. Come on now, let's go get supplies and maybe a little hunt on the way. Do the job we were meant to do out here"
Then it hit Daryl, Anna never got the chance to say goodbye to her mother, father or brother. That is why she was so adamant to say good bye to everyone today.
Anna was skinning a rabbit on a log and Daryl brought over another string of squirrels. Together they worked quickly and clean with their entire kill. He looked at Anna; she had lost all of her family since the outbreak had started, she had been used and abused by her fiancé. People had tried to kill her since the world went to shit, but she still found a way to hold herself together by some miracle.
So he decided to tell her a part of his story "My dad was a drunk and my mother died in a house fire that she caused because of her cigarette burning down the curtain. She didn't wake up because she drank too much".
He waited for the look, the same look every one gave him when they found out about his past. But she didn't make one, she just smiled. "Life sucks for some of us hey? Mine did before all of this as you know" Anna said to him. "We all have our scars we like to hide from everyone. You and I are lucky enough to know each other. We understand each other".
Daryl nodded to her; he had a lot of respect for Anna. He looked up at the sun, they had been out since sunrise and it was close to the afternoon now, it had been a good, relaxing day for them both. It was going to suck for them both going back to all of the drama of the farm. They both got to know each other during the day away from the prying eyes and all hearing ears. It had been a nice time out on the run, there was no judgment and no sorry looks. They both could just be themselves with each other without anyone bothering them or thinking it was something else.
He didn't want to go back, but he knew he had to "It's getting late. We had better head back to the farm soon before the sheriff sends out a search party for the golden child of the camp"
She rolled her eyes at Daryl, slinging the string of squirrels across her body and just walks past him, playfully nudging him as she went "Well we had better get you back then hey?" she called out, smirking over the crook of her shoulder.
He jogged a few meters to catch up to her, both hands on his cross bow "Ha ha very funny ya smart ass. Think you are funny, don't you?"
She rolled her eyes at him, smiling "Of course I do. Someone has to be the one that can make Daryl Dixon smile".
Anna was proud of herself, she got three rabbits and twelve squirrels. Much to Daryl's disapproval, Anna was going to give Hershel a rabbit and a squirrel as a thank you to Hershel for letting her stay in the house while she was sick with the flu. Anna was a sight to see, she had some blood smeared across her face from where Daryl had got her back from trying to get him and she had dirt all over her trousers from where she slipped on a wet log. Daryl changed once they reached the farm; he put his armor back up.
"Anna!" a voice yelled at her.
Anna turned to see Lori running to her out of the house. Her face looking relieved seeing Anna was there "Oh thank god you are finally back from your hunt. Beth smashed a mirror and she used a piece of glass to try and kill herself. There is blood everywhere. We really could use your help!"
Anna quickly pulled the string of squirrels and rabbits of her shoulder. Daryl already had his hand out ready to take them and nodded at her. "Go and save the day for them. Dinner will be ready when you get back here" He handed Anna back her cross bow and her medical bag.
"Thanks" she muttered.
Anna followed Lori through the house "How did this happen?"
Lori was flustered "Maggie needed a break and she let Andrea look over Beth for her. Andrea must have left Beth alone to make her own choice like how she didn't get to make hers back at the CDC".
"Stupid bloody woman" Anna muttered. "Beth is only sixteen years old. How can you do that?"
They reached the door of Beth's room; Lori gently knocked on the door and they walked in. Maggie's face was fear struck and wet from crying, she had towels around Beth's wrists but seeing Anna, she felt relieved "Thank you. Thank you so much" she whispered.
Anna had seen this plenty of times when she had shifts in the emergency ward. It broke a lot of families and it still breaks her "You look exhausted Maggie. I can take care of Beth from here. You can go and rest a little. I will come and get you once we are done".
"No, I can't leave her right now. I can't leave her again" Maggie said distraught.
Anna was firm with her "You need to leave, Maggie. Beth will be safe in my hands, you can trust me. I promise you no more harm will come to her".
'Alright then." Maggie answered. "I will come and see you later okay."
Beth nodded, sniffing and feeling sorry for herself a little. Anna sat down on the chair and gently lifted the towels off Beth's wrist, taking a closer look at the cut. "Well, I have some good news, it has seemed you have stopped bleeding enough that we can now stitch you up"
"Really?" Beth asked.
Anna nodded at Beth, smiling and chucked away the towel into the bin "You will need to just take it easy for me because the stitches will sting like hell" she joked, trying to make Beth feel more comfortable. There was some scratching at the door, Anna got up and let Samson in the door. "He always knows when someone is upset"
"You aren't going to judge me, are you?" Beth asked nervously, patting Samson along his back. Samson loved the attention he was getting , his eyes were drooping and already falling asleep.
"No. I think you punishing yourself enough as it is. Nobody is perfect; everyone has their own demons to deal with including me. " Anna admitted.
Beth couldn't believe it "You wouldn't have any demons. You are a strong woman and almost too perfect".
"Every time I close my eyes I see them. I used to hardly sleep. Only since coming to this farm I have started to sleep properly" Anna admitted solemnly.
Beth sat up a little straighter on the bed, her cut stinging a little bit "Maggie is so angry with me right now. I would hate to imagine how my dad must be feeling".
Anna pulled out the stitching kit from the medical bag and she decided to give Beth a piece of advice "When someone you love takes their own life, the pain just transfers on to their loved ones. The pain just gets worse and you just feel guilty there wasn't something you could do about it".
Beth dropped her head, feeling guilty and looked up to Anna "I am so sorry. You have lost someone like that didn't you?"
Anna knew she was going to sound harsh to Beth, but she had to say it "Killing yourself doesn't solve anything. No matter how hard this life is in this new world, you will always have people that care about you and who will always be there for you no matter what happens. We need people to survive".
Beth bowed her head "I feel even worse now. I really am sorry Anna".
"Don't be sorry little one. We all make mistakes in life; we just have to learn from them and not let them happen again" she told the young girl.
Anna quietly worked on Beth's wrist, Anna was gentle and kind and before Beth knew it, it was done. "All done!"
"Can we talk more often? It feels nice talking to someone who isn't on my side or on their own side; I don't have anyone like that here. You listen to me though, Anna. Thank you for that" Beth asked.
"Of course we can talk more. Don't get me wrong, Daryl is great but it would be nice to talk to a girl once in a while and feel like a girl for that matter"
Anna looked up from Beth, hearing loud voices outside, she squeezed Beth's hand and picked up her cross bow "I will go outside and see what is happening. I will leave Samson here. He is a good listener when you need to talk".
Anna walked opened the front door, her eyes scanning the angry women and every one stopped talking 'What's going on out here?"
"Nothing that concerns you" Andrea snapped at her.
Anna raised her eyebrows at Andrea smugly, walked down the steps and put down her cross bow and leaned it against the post. Daryl watched on from the tree he was standing by. He knew Anna could handle herself but he also knew she had a temper that could match his.
Maggie pointed at Andrea "She left Beth by herself, knowing what would happen and because of that I almost lost my little sister. That woman is not allowed to step foot back into my house again. I almost lost Beth because of her stupidity".
Anna nodded smugly, crossing her arms across her chest "You know what, I have to agree with Maggie with this one. We don't need someone to influence Beth in that way again. I am surprised you even lasted this long to be honest, Andrea".
Andrea was pissed with Anna, walking up to her but Anna met at her at the bottom of the steps, not intimidated by her.
"I did what I thought was right. I gave the opportunity to Beth to make I choice that I never go to make" Andrea scoffed, shaking her head at the women standing on the porch "You can talk can't you Anna. Rick, Carl. Look at the miracle you performed with Daryl Dixon of all people on the farm. Who knew him of all people had emotions and was even human for that matter?"
Anna was absolutely pissed off at Andrea now. How dare she say that? She pressed her lips hard together, gritting her teeth and trying her best not to completely lose it "Daryl has always had that in him, you all just fail to realize it or even give him a chance without judging him".
Anna smirked at Andrea, Daryl knew that look all too well "Oh shit is about to go down" he muttered. "Watch that temper Half Pint" he whispered to himself.
She shook her head at Andrea, getting right up close to her "Yeah, I know all about what happened at the CDC. You gave up, you wanted to die and I bet you still do. You have no fight in you! You just want to give up and take the easy way out. Dale did what he thought was right to help you survive, to help you live. It is something someone would do to protect those who they love, to want something better for them. You really have no idea of what the pain would have been like for Dale if you had of died that day. The pain may leave you but it would have been always there for Dale. It would have never left him".
"What Anna? Your mommy kill herself to get away from you?" Andrea taunted.
Crack! Anna had punched Andrea in the face and tackled her to the ground. "Who the hell do you think you are, you stupid bitch" she growled, pushing back Andrea's punches. "Not so tough now with someone who can handle themselves".
'Anna, just stop" Lori pleaded. "Daryl!" she called.
Daryl ran forward, pulling Anna off Andrea, leaving her with a bleeding nose "You broke my nose. You crazy bitch!"
Anna was squirming around in his arms and carried her away from them "Just let me at her again. The stupid woman has no idea! YOU HAVE NO IDEA YOU BITCH!"
"If I let you down, are you going to be calm" he asked her.
Anna sighed, relaxing her body and looked up to Daryl "Yes".
Daryl put her down, eyeing her off warily. Daryl saw it and he was quick enough to grab her and put her over his shoulder again "Just let me down and let me at her again. That stupid woman has no idea what she is talking about. How could she let Beth do that to herself?"
Anna was quiet as Daryl walked the rest of the way to their camp. He put her down on a log. He grabbed her medical bag, taking out some supplies to bandage up her hand "I haven't seen you that angry before. But I am sorry".
"My mom did drown, she drowned because of her own demons that she had inside of her head that were talking to her. One day she just got tired of their voices and committed suicide. I was the first one to find her. That is something I will never get out of my head. There was so much blood, I just froze. I didn't scream, I didn't cry. Guess it was the shock of it all. That's why I went so mad at Andrea. She has no idea of the pain that is left behind" she confessed. She was gritting her teeth real hard, tears brimmed her eyes. "I guess I just gave them all a reason to hate me even more, huh? They must think I am some crazy person".
"Nah. You are just a fighter who doesn't back down from a fight" Daryl knew what it was like to be an outcast on the farm, even after all he had done, they still looked at him weird. Anna didn't deserve to be treated like that, she wasn't like him "They are all idiots. They don't know how to survive like the way you have had to do even before all of this shit happened".
Daryl made sure the bandage wasn't too tight "How does that feel?"
"Fine" she grunted, wiping her eyes.
"You wouldn't even tell me even if it was too tight. You are too damn stubborn" he murmured.
Anna's head snapped up, hearing a car pull up at the house. She stood up, seeing Rick and Shane drag Randall out from the car "Something happened. They brought Randall back".