A/N: Hey everyone! Glad to see that a lot of you enjoyed last chapter! Also, I wanted to mention that I had no intention on making Maggie a bitch, but rather just a very overprotected sister. I guess she just turned out that way, but I suppose it doesn't hurt! Also, someone had previously asked if I was going to avoid the Pete/Jessie/Rick fiasco and to answer that question, yes, I will be avoiding it. I have enough drama between Daryl, Maggie and Beth to deal with! :P Plus, it's handy having a doctor. Anyways, here's chapter 14! Much love.

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

Secrets

Beth couldn't recall a time when Daryl looked so somber, and she knew he was in some sort of troubled state of mind. She despised seeing him like that. It made her uncomfortable, not knowing what to expect as he carefully leaned against the wooden railing. The rain pounded heavily on the porch roof, sounding like a fast paced waterfall crashing against the rocks beneath. Beth furrowed her brow as she stared at the angel wings on Daryl's back, the faded white had seen better days…just like everything else in this ugly, infected world.

She unhurriedly sauntered over beside Daryl and rested her left elbow on the rail while facing the man beside her. He retained his eyes on the street as he held his tongue in silence, and the questions that were once idle musings in Beth's mind had begun to feel strangely urgent. She noticed him biting his bottom lip and it had oddly calmed her. Despite his lack of words, the blonde knew his head was scattered with thoughts on whatever it was he wanted to tell her.

Finally, Daryl turned to look at her and his eyes searched her face. "Yer starin' again."

"And you're worryin' me. What's wrong?" She ignored his futile banter as she gently lifted her hand and used her index and middle fingers to carefully brush away the damp strands of his bangs out of his face. The tone in her voice was a little higher since she had to speak over the rain.

Daryl instantly shut his eyes briefly as he felt the tenderness of her touch over his brow. He was fighting every part of his being to answer her one, complicated question. When he opened them again, he immediately spotted the frown beginning to form on Beth's mouth as she suddenly became more aware about what was going on inside his head.

"Is this the 'it's not you, it's me,' scenario all over again?" She sighed, hoping he would shake his head at the notion, but he remained still.

"What we did the night before I left with Aaron…" Daryl began and Beth's eyes widened. "I'm not sure if that's me—"

"Daryl…" Beth faltered, but her expressions were steely. "There's somethin' I need to say to you, so I'm just gunna come out and say it. I'll admit that back at the farm and even in the prison, you were just the redneck named Daryl—Rick's right hand man who worked hard at protectin' our group. But…" the blonde's voice trailed off as she caught Daryl's stare and her cheeks burned. "But somethin' changed after that. When it was jus' you and me for those couple of months, I got to know the real you. We dealt with each other's stubbornness; we confessed our inner fears…we got closer. We made each other stronger. And I…" Beth paused for a moment as her heart leaped out of her chest and she breathed deeply. "And I started fallin' for you."

The rain began to thin out into lighter droplets as Daryl remained speechless from the blonde's confession. Once again, he felt like running from the panic of exposing himself, and that was precisely what he wanted to talk to Beth about. As much as he cared about her, as much as he started to feel strongly for her, he just didn't know how to approach it. He was never loved by anyone—ever. Because of those long felt inadequacies, he believed he was worthless…and eventually Beth would see that and reject him.

Daryl sighed as he thought of words to say, though his tone was dejected as he spoke. "I don't have anythin' t' offer you. I don't think I could be the man you want me to be."

Beth shook her head as she frowned, and water began to form in her eyes at his negative impressions of himself. "I don't want you to be anyone but the person you've always been."

"That's what I'm worried about," Daryl retorted abruptly, though his body warmed from her sentiment. "The person I am…I would only cause you stress."

"You don't know that…" Beth said quieter than either of them expected. She felt the sadness expanding inside her. "I want to try."

The pleading in her tone made his body shiver with guilt and apprehension. Beth had no idea about the things he wanted—about how much he cared for her. He would sacrifice anything, even if it meant losing her just so he wouldn't cause her heartache in the future. Daryl thought about the things that could transpire, how she would open up to him in the perfect moments and he would remain quiet and unintentionally ignorant. Beth would take his silence as a sign that he was uncaring for her feelings, and his less affectionate side would break her.

"I'm sorry, Beth…" the softness in Daryl's voice matched hers. "…I can't."

He noticed the glistening tears beginning to form in her eyes and they quickly rolled down her cheeks. On instinct, Daryl reached to wipe them away but she backed off. Beth's sudden actions stunned him, and he instantly wanted to take everything back…but he couldn't. The damage had been done, she left back inside and he stood there…alone. Daryl closed his eyes and gritted his teeth, constantly repeating to himself that he did what had to be done. And then the door opened and his heart leaped.

Turning around, it was Carol looking at him solemnly. "Daryl…is everything okay? I noticed Beth run up the stairs in silent tears."

He looked at his friend, but he didn't reply. Daryl felt his eyes sting when she said those words, but he quickly regained his composure. Without giving an explanation to Carol, he left the porch and decided to take a walk in the gloomy, dark streets faintly lit by the bulbs on the lampposts. Daryl counted them as he passed each one, hoping it would get his mind off of Beth. Eventually he caught sight of Rick, and decided to join him in his quandaries with Ian.

. . .

Beth didn't take the next two days as well as she liked. She kept to herself in her room, only coming out to eat and use the bathroom. Carl attempted to invite her to join him and Enid out past the wall to read a few comic books the day before, but his offer was in vain when Beth unhesitatingly declined. She felt empty inside despite knowing that she couldn't let what happened with Daryl drag her down. Beth heard the news through Maggie that Daryl, Abraham, Aaron and Glenn set out to retrieve Greg's body earlier in the day while Deanna and Reg prepared the burial, so by now they would be back at any time. She wondered if his arm was even healed up enough for him to drive his motorcycle back to Alexandria.

"Ian still won't tell us anythin'," Maggie sighed as she sat down beside Beth on her bed. "We're runnin' out of options."

The blonde only shrugged in return as she looked out the window. The sun was out for the first time in the past few days, but the weather was only getting colder. Maggie studied Beth with a discerned look, figuring that something must have happened between her and Daryl. Though her sister wouldn't admit it to her, it was blatantly obvious. Beth's sadness was now Maggie's responsibility, and as much as she felt the guilt, she still believed it was all for the best.

The brunette sighed as she placed her hand on Beth's shoulder. "Whatever is wrong, everythin' will turn out as it should."

"Thank you," Beth replied, though her smile was weak and frigid. "Will the funeral be held today?"

"As soon as they get back," Maggie nodded with certainty, taking the hint that her sister wanted to change the subject.

Beth stood up on her feet as she headed towards her closet to look for something black to wear. "Alright, I'll get ready for it then."

The brunette took that as her cue to leave, and the moment Beth found herself once again alone, her thoughts immediately raced back to Daryl and the water began filling her eyes, soon becoming rich with tears. She hadn't spoken to him since that evening on the porch, and whenever he happened to be around, he would make a point not to even waver a glance in her direction. It was like Beth was non-existent. She couldn't understand why he made the choice to ignore her after everything they had gone through together. That was the core reason why she was so upset.

A half an hour went by before she heard the faint sound of Daryl's motorcycle resounding in the entire neighborhood. By then she had already journeyed into the living room, sitting on the beige colored sofa beneath the Ferris wheel decoration that hung on the wall behind her. Beth had calmed herself since the breakdown in her bedroom, challenging herself to think about anything but the hurt she carried. Noah kept her occupied as he attempted to crack jokes, and after several minutes of his little jests, he finally made her smile.

When they eventually did hear the arrival of Daryl and the others, the rest of Rick's group made their way towards the graveyard where everyone else would be waiting to start the memorial service. Greg's body was wrapped up securely in a large burlap sack when they brought him to his grave. Everyone stood together in a sea of black, with Hannah standing between Deanna and Aaron. Her face was red and drained, emotionally exhausted from her husband's brutal, untimely death. Beth hung her head low in sorrow, realizing that her problems were nothing compared to what Hannah was going through at that very moment.

As those from Alexandria said their last words to Greg, Beth decided to speak up since no one else from her group had opened their mouths. "I didn't know Greg," she began, and Daryl snuck a glimpse in her direction as he and the others listened closely. "I only met him once, but he seemed like a kind man. He helped my family get here, even though he was taking a chance at trustin' us. If it wasn't for Greg, we'd probably still be out there with the walkers…just tryin' to survive. So for that, I'd like to thank him—and Hannah. I hope he finds his way."

Hannah's eyes swelled with tears as others from Beth's group expressed their appreciation as well, and a small smile appeared on her lips after she heard the words spoken from the blonde. When they caught each other's eyes, Hannah nodded at Beth, acknowledging her kindness. It was a caring gesture, one she would not forget. At the end of the service, Beth left quietly back towards the house, but was promptly chased down by someone who she did not expect.

"Beth, wait!"

The blonde turned her head to see Aaron walk up beside her and she regarded him curiously. After studying the puffiness under his eyes, she knew straightaway that he had been crying.

He cleared his throat as he urged them to keep walking. "Those were some very nice last words spoken to Greg. It took me by surprise, but it also made me comprehend that accepting you all into this community was probably one of his last requests. I'm glad we did it."

Beth smiled heartwarmingly, knowing that she had so many things to appreciate and be thankful for. "I'm happy you all gave us a chance to prove ourselves."

Silence lingered between them for several moments as they ambled towards the house before Aaron spoke up again. "Deanna talked to me yesterday about you wanting to join Daryl and I on our recruitment runs. She seemed very adamant about it. I'd be more than happy to take you along, provided that you'd be ready to head out tomorrow. We'll be going at first light."

Beth stopped in her tracks as she thought about what Aaron said, but her first concern was about Daryl and his bullet wound. "What about Daryl's arm? Doesn't it still need time to heal?"

Aaron chuckled with broken laughter as he ran his fingers through his curly hair. "He insisted on it, in fact it was his idea. If there is anything I've learned about Daryl, it is to give in to his stubbornness. There is no fighting it, it seems. Besides, the bullet didn't pierce anything serious, so I gather it won't be too much of a strain on him."

Beth frowned suddenly as a thought entered her mind. "Does Daryl know you're asking me?"

"No, but I don't see why that would matter?" Aaron questioned her peculiarly as he studied her. There were questions in her eyes, maybe doubts, surely sadness, and she hesitated.

She wondered if that's why Daryl had insisted on going out again tomorrow. Anything to avoid her, she assumed. Beth sighed as she looked at Aaron in the eye. "It doesn't," she lied, finally answering his query. "Thank you for the offer…but I think I changed my mind, at least for the time bein'."

Aaron squinted his eyes in utter confusion. "Are you sure?" When all he got was a slow nod from the blonde, the muscles in his face relaxed and he patted her shoulder lightly. "Okay, Beth. If you ever change your mind, just let me know. The offer will still stand."

"I will, thanks," Beth forced a smile in his direction before he said his goodbye and departed back the way they came.

The blonde watched Aaron go, looking on in unhappiness, wishing that things were different. She would have been so thrilled to hear of his offer if everything was still sunny and unruffled between her and Daryl. Beth wondered why he felt he needed to avoid her, but as much as she wanted to make things better, she knew she had to give him space. Perhaps after some time he'll change his mind. She sighed and twisted around slowly, continuing her trudge to the house once again.

. . .

The next couple of days were both busy and chaotic in Alexandria after Daryl and Aaron left. Beth decided to help as an extra hand in the garden, harvesting broccoli, leaf lettuce and cauliflower to keep herself occupied. Hannah, on the other hand, was growing anxious with worry over her daughter with each passing day. Rick was ready to try beating up Ian for the information since talking nicely, intimidation and subtle threats wasn't working. However, Deanna and a few others from the community wanted no part in it. By the second day, Deanna and Rick were at odds with each other.

They fought against their own beliefs and morals, causing a commotion in the middle of the street by early afternoon. Eventually, Hannah had broken down during the fight, arguing with Deanna that she would do anything to get her daughter back. After a discussion between the three of them and Reg, they all finally decided to let Rick be in charge of what happens to Ian. Beth understood that this would be a first for him, except for what happened with Randell back at the farm. Rick had noticeably changed a lot since then, as this time he wasn't hesitant on doing what he had to in order to protect those in his group. Helping Hannah was the least he could do after she and Greg guided them to Alexandria.

By mid-afternoon, Beth brushed herself off as she stood up from her kneeling position, carrying a basket of vegetables in her arm. She had just finished harvesting her section and proceeded to make her way towards the armory where the food was also stored in the same building. Beth ultimately bumped into Olivia who began a less than interesting conversation with the blonde about how she used to work in a coffee shop before the infection started. Olivia admitted that she used to spit into the mugs of the mean customers that she would sometimes get. Beth had no interest in her aimless musings, but smiled kindly so not to be rude.

The blonde was relieved when she finally got out of there, realizing that Olivia had stolen her attention for almost a half an hour. It was something to pass the time, Beth decided. As she headed her way down the street, she came across Carl who caught up beside her.

"Hey Beth, I thought you'd be interested to know that Daryl and Aaron just got back. They found someone," Carl explained rather suddenly.

"Oh, they are?" Beth was taken aback, almost believing that he was fibbing at first, and he nodded in response. Still, her heart fluttered rapidly when she heard the redneck's name. Her first instinct told her to race towards the gate to meet him. That was until the cruel reality came crashing down, shattering her excitement just as fast as it came. Despite that, Beth was still curious about who Daryl and Aaron brought to Alexandria. "Well, that's good to hear. Who did they bring?"

Carl shrugged as he slid his hands in his jean's pockets. His sheriff's hat partly covered his eyes as his chin pointed towards the ground. "A woman named Madelyn. She didn't look too good. Been on the road for a while I guess."

"I guess…" Beth's voice lowered in thought as she bit the inside of her cheek. "Where are they now?"

"They were headin' towards the infirmary. Pete is gonna examine her for bites and her malnutrition…or something. I can't remember," Carl replied nonchalantly, seeming as though he had somewhere else to be.

"Okay, thank you for lettin' me know," Beth smiled weakly before turning around and heading towards the infirmary, parting ways with Carl.

It took her several minutes until she arrived at her destination. She spotted Glenn and Maggie just as they entered the building when she turned the corner. When Beth reached the door and peered inside, she noticed the unfamiliar face straightaway, sitting on the examination table with Daryl by her side. Madelyn was Caucasian with long, messy charcoal black hair, had high cheekbones and a soft jaw. Her face was weather-beaten, but it was hard not to mistake her beauty. Judging by her looks, she was in her late twenties and quite slim. Beth wondered if that was due to a lack of food that she was unable to scavenge. Speckles of dry blood covered parts of her thin, light grey rain jacket, indicating that she had several run-ins with walkers or some other horrible being not too long ago.

Beth noted how comforting Daryl was being towards Madelyn, and she couldn't help but feel an instant streak of jealousy. She let her imaginations get the better of her too quickly and she turned on her heels, feeling the tears beginning to form in her eyes once again. Beth despised the fact that she was a stranger and yet Daryl still treated Madelyn better than herself within the past four days. She was still letting his avoidance slowly burn away at her, and not understanding why drove her up the wall.

By the time she reached the porch of her house, tears had now begun rolling down her cheeks, letting the sadness overtake her. Once Beth's hand grasped the doorknob, a familiar voice called out her name.

"Beth?"

She froze in her spot, not wanting to turn around and expose the waterworks on her face. Beth took a deep breath, trying to gain back her composure as best she could. "What is it, Glenn?"

"You don't have to hide, you know. It's just me," he replied, obviously not fooled by her attempts at looking stronger than she was. Beth turned around slowly as he walked up the porch stairs, barely able to give him eye contact. He sighed. "What's wrong?"

Beth kept silent, debating on if she wanted to tell him everything right then and there. She needed someone to talk to; she couldn't hold it in anymore. However, she held her tongue as he narrowed his eyes in her direction.

"It's Daryl, isn't it?"

The blonde felt her heart jump to her throat as she wiped the tears from her eyes. She knitted her brow in puzzlement and shock. "How…how did you know?"

Glenn frowned suddenly as he crossed his arms. "I was afraid of that…"

Beth cocked her head, even more confused than before. Her tone had become forceful at the thought that he knew something she didn't. "Glenn, do you know somethin'?"

"Look, I'm gonna tell you something but I need you to know that she only did it because she was looking out for you," Glenn said rather hastily.

"'She?'" Beth repeated as her face began to burn. Her tears were practically gone. "What are you talkin' about?"

"Maggie…she found out about your interest in Daryl. Being the overprotected sister that she is, she…sort of meddled in things she shouldn't have," Glenn explained as calmly as he could. The words exploded out of him like an uncontrollable sneeze. "I love Maggie, but sometimes I don't agree with everything she does. I guess she finally had a talk with Daryl."

Beth's sadness had now turned to fuming anger. She tried to keep still as she listened to her brother-in-law, but deep down she felt betrayed by her own sister. "How could she do this?!"

"Please," Glenn implored. "Go easy on her. She's gonna kill me when she finds out I told you. But…you had a right to know." Honesty was a compulsion that had damned him more than once, but he just couldn't hold it in anymore.

Beth stood on the porch, feeling exasperated and deceived. For a brief moment, she tried to comprehend Maggie's reasoning behind it, but no matter how hard she tried, she just couldn't grasp the fact that she interfered with something that could have given her and even Daryl a chance at happiness. Beth got so close to Daryl, and her sister destroyed it without a flicker of regret. And then to pretend like nothing had happened…it was despicable.

Glenn began to tense up as he felt the hot remorse burning his throat. Though he wasn't the one to mess with Beth's relationship with Daryl, he felt like a part of it was his doing because he never tried to intervene until now...after the damage had already been done. "I'm sorry…"

The blonde heard his last words as she darted past him like a heated bull charging to its target. Beth regretted leaving in such a huff, but she couldn't think straight. She wanted to tell her sister off. She wanted to tell Maggie how she ruined a perfectly good relationship that was slowly starting to form—how wrong it was to treat her like a child. Beth wasn't going to let it go, and it created a mark in their bond that would never be repaired. As she marched her way back to the infirmary, an unpleasant face suddenly blocked her path.

"Ah, there you are," Aiden said rather snidely as he regarded the blonde. "I've been meaning to talk to you."

Beth glared at him, not wanting to deal with his shit. "What do you want?"

"I overheard that you wanted to join Aaron on his recruitment runs. Unfortunately, you're just not cut out for it," he declared with a side grin. "You've been doing just fine in the garden though. I suspect that would be your safest bet. You barely look capable enough to hurt a fly, let alone a biter."

"Excuse me?" Beth couldn't believe her luck. It seemed like everything was hammering her at once, and she just couldn't take it anymore. Her emotions were dragging her down, barely even listening to the next few words that were uttered from Aiden's mouth when he replied.

Beth didn't bother with him, and at that moment she just wanted to get away. Instead of replying to the jerk, instead of having it out with her sister, she left Aiden and blindly searched for Enid. The blonde was hoping that she would show her how to climb the wall without being detected, knowing that she had done it many times before. Beth needed to let out her anger, but she had to do it outside of Alexandria. As rain began to pour on top of her clothes and hair, Beth finally caught sight of Enid by the pond with Ron—Jessie's son—and didn't hesitate as she sprinted towards her, all the while her body scorched with boldness and determination.

So I have once again added a new character. Madelyn will become a constant character in my story, so I am going to include an extra chapter of her back story just for the hell of it. It was originally going to be a separate story, but I decided to just scrape it and put all of my concentration on Love and Survival. If anyone is interested, I will be posting it tomorrow. Thanks!