Thank you all for the support for the last chapter! It really meant a lot.
I hope you all enjoy this! I thought this was moving a little too quick at first, but now I've got some more chapters sorted, I'm cool with it.
So, enjoy this chapter! :]
I woke up early and opened my eyes groggily to find Alex sitting up, trying to pick at his stitches, sling discarded on the table.
"What are you doing?" I murmured, a disheveled eyebrow raised. He jumped at my voice, obviously not expecting me to be awake.
"Sam, you're awake! How did you sleep?" He asked, an innocent smile playing on his lips.
"Alex, don't pick at it!" I said, ignoring his conversation change. But I slept badly. Barely. I put my hands to my eyes and rubbed.
"But it's so itchy! Can I not even just rub it?" He asked, exasperated but humoured, eventually smiling.
"No way. Those stitches are flimsy enough. Hey, maybe I could ask Rick to see if can get some proper medical stuff. Just be prepared for pain." I said, dropping my hands and tried to conjure a menacing smile. Alex's smile slid off his face.
"Oh, yay, more pain." Alex said sarcastically, and I rolled my eyes.
Getting up, I pulled my messy hair into a bun and walked towards my bag. I hadn't changed clothes in a few days, which was pretty gross, but who can blame me?
Pulling out a pair of black leggins and an old faded short-sleeved T-shirt with the band Thin Lizzy on, I went into the small bathroom of Dale's RV and got changed. I wondered if the band on my shirt were dead or even walkers now. The thought sent shivers through me.
Looking up I jumped at the sight of a person standing close to me, only to realise it was a small mirror on the front of a medicine cabinet. I looked over my face and sighed. My hair was messy and dirty, falling about my face which was pale and skinnier from when I last looked at my reflection. My eyes were then drawn to the cut that edged across my face - now I know why people keep looking at it. It was hard not to notice. A thick line stretched across my right cheek, the skin around it slightly raised.
"Looking sexy baby." Alex said with a sarcastic turned-on voice as I left the small bathroom rolling the short sleeves higher. At the comment, I winked at him seductively - well, what I hoped was seductive. I pulled on my pair of beaten up old converse and laced them up tightly.
I walked over to Alex, picking his sling up on the way. I sat down next to him and began to reapply the sling, which was extremely difficult as he wouldn't stop wriggling.
"You're such a pain Alex." I muttered as I stood up and strode towards the door. He chuckled lightly.
I walked out of the RV and headed down to the camp. It couldn't have been late in the morning as the sun was still fairly low. Thankfully, the assembled crew that were to go into town were still getting ready. I spotted Rick walking towards a truck, and I jogged over to him.
"Hey Sam!" He called as I drew closer.
"Hey Rick. I don't want to be a pain, but do you think - only if you have the opportunity though - that you could try to get some proper medical thread and needle and stuff please? I want it for Alex - although everyone would be free to use it, obviously - and well, yeah. Please." I blabbed. Smooth Sam, smooth.
"Of course Sam. I'll see what I can do." He said with a comfortable smile.
"Cheers Rick." I smiled, and walked back towards the RV. I smiled at a few people along the way and eventually ducked back through the door.
"Well good sir, with any luck, you'll be stitched up propa lata!" The last bit I said with a South London accent.
"Thank you squire!" Alex retorted with a posh English accent.
"Well, I've got another day of wondrous chores ahead. And you've got the hard job of doing bugger all." I smiled sarcastically, and Alex smirked.
"It's a hard knock life baby girl." He said, and I stuck my tongue out at him.
"So mature, Sambo. Now get that ass of your out of here and do some work woman!" he laughed and I giggled but headed out.
My mind flashed to Merle as Alex called me 'woman', and I shuddered slightly. At least I don't have to worry about fighting him today if he's going to town. I could feel my shoulders relax at the thought. And hopefully that crossbow douchebag won't be around to bitch either. I chewed on my lip at the thought of another argument with the brothers, and I bit down a bit too hard, making me squeak in pain.
I spotted Carol hovering by the fire, and I decided to approach her about the chores, pushing all thoughts to the back of my mind.
"Hey Carol, is there anything you want me to do?" I asked, and she turned to me with a smile on her face.
"Yes please Sam. Could you do the washing again?" She asked meekly, and I nodded.
After getting the basket off of a nervous-looking Lori, I set about gathering laundry. I nearly had it all when I heard Rick calling me.
I turned to see the group gathering by the trucks, all probably to say their goodbyes. I felt my stomach churn as I thought about if this would be a last goodbye. I headed over slowly and placed the basket on the ground. I hovered around the back of the group, only catching the last bit of what Rick was saying.
"... We'll be gone a few hours, and you all know the drills. Bye everyone." Rick said, the last bit with his voice breaking.
People burst into goodbyes and tight hugs, and I felt my face flush as I felt like I was intruding on these people's goodbyes. I didn't know all of them that well, and I didn't really feel what they had to lose. A hand on my shoulder turned me and brought me into a tight hug. Glenn squeezed urgently and I hugged him back. After a few seconds we let go. Because of our chat with Alex last night, I was really starting to like and feel protective of Glenn. He seemed like a really awesome guy, and he could be a really valuable friend. If he.. If he survives that long.
"If you don't come back, I'm going to find you and bring you back to life - only to kill you again. Got it?" I said to him but my voice was quiet, and he let out a small laugh. Anxiety flashed over his eyes, and I reached out and squeezed his hand gently.
"Sure thing, Sambo." He said and turned towards the truck. I smiled at the nickname, but the smile turned sad as he got further away from me. Further from safety.
"You be good now Sam, you hear?" I heard and snapped my gaze from Glenn's back to Rick's face.
"Yessir!" I barked with a mock salut, and he laughed before pulling me into a friendly hug.
"Just come back breathing Rick." I smiled as he pulled away and went back over to his family. I watched as he knelt down to talk to Carl before hugging him, and he stood up to Lori, cupping her face and pulling her into a gentle kiss. I pulled my eyes away - they probably don't want an audience for their tender goodbye.
"Sam, don't go starting any fights without me here to watch, okay?" T-Dog said as he walked over to me and hugged me. I laughed against his ear and pulled back from him to land a mocking punch to his arm.
"You got it, big guy." I said, and laughed as he also walked away from me.
I said goodbye to the others with a few words as I didn't really know them, or Andrea who wasn't really bothered about my goodbye. Whatever.
The last person to join the convoy was Merle, who rocked up and headed for the less full truck. He glared at all of us, and when his eyes landed on me, he looked at my shirt and looked to the ground, shaking his head with a smirk on his face. Ooh, I think we've got a fan over here.
I watched as the engines started up and the two trucks rumbled into life. They drove away as the remaining survivors drew close, reaching out to comfort each other.
I picked up the basket and headed back towards the quarry pool, not thinking about the odds of them all surviving, but instead thinking about all the fun I'm going to have with the chores today.
Not.
"Guys!" Dale cried from the RV, at around midday, judging from the sky and heat.
Everyone stopped short of what they were doing and rushed to him. I hung back just a bit, although I was straining my ears to hear.
"We're trapped in the department store.. We're surrounded here.." T-Dog's garbled transmission came through Dale's walkie-talkie. Gasps and cries rang out around the camp. I felt my jaw fall open. W-what?
"We've got to go. We have to help them. My sister is there!" Amy yelped, her lip quivering.
"I'm not risking our lives. She's gone now. They all are." Shane said, speaking in what he probably thought was reason but it sounded more bitter and spiteful.
A few people began to shout. Morales family began to hold each other. Others held themselves. One or two people looked to the ground, almost as if they were accepting this decision. I swallowed back a cry that wanted to escape me. How could you even begin to accept this fate for them?
"Asshole." Amy spat, her face white.
She jogged away from him them, slowing near me. When her emotions became to much, she began to sob and reached out for someone, which so happened to be me and my arm. I didn't even know the girl, but my heart broke for her. Her sister? If it was my sister.. God.
I wrapped my arms around her as I heard her trying to calm her hyperventilation. I uttered soothing words to her as she steadied her breathing. I knew she was only a few years younger than me, but I felt like more and that I needed to protect her - she just seemed so vulnerable. Especially without her big sister.
"We need to go help them." Dale stated defiantly bringing my attention back to the rest of the group - although I noticed his chin quiver slightly. The group murmured in support, and even Daryl grunted in agreement at that.
"Not a chance. I'm not risking your lives. They're stuck now." Shane declared, stepping forward. I stared at him, my mouth mid-gawp. I felt Amy go rigid in my arms, but I merely held her tighter.
"You can't dictate to us, Shane. There's friends and family out there." I spat, stepping forward towards where the group were, amy still wrapped under my arm. As Shane met my gaze, I noticed there was a strange glint in his eyes that I couldn't place.
"Like that matters to you Sam. You're family aren't here - they're safely tucked away in little old Britain." He snarled. What the hell do they have to do with this - how was bringing them up going to make us think his way? That little bitch! I'm going to kill him. With my bare hands. Slowly. My fist balled tightly, my teeth gritting so hard I could have ground them down in seconds.
"Shane! Don't you damn well dare - that was totally out of line. Don't bring them into this - this is about everyone, right here, right now. At least she cares about everyone returning..." Alex spoke up, appearing from somewhere beside me. He walked beside me, gripping his hand on my hip, almost to stop me slaughtering Shane.
"I do care, which is why no one is going, and that's the final word." And with that, he spun on his heels and stormed off, everyone's eyes trailing him in total disbelief. Everyone looked totally deflated and completely fearful for their friends and family.
"Are you okay Sam?" Amy said, pulling back from my arms to look me in the eye. Gazes snapped back to me, waiting for me to answer.
"Yeah. Yeah.." I trailed. I smiled weakly and met all the eyes that stared at me. If I convince them I'm okay, they won't ask questions, which I can't handle. Not right now. Not while I'm infuriated, and hurt like hell.
I met Dale's tender eyes and then Daryl's confusing gaze last, before removing Alex's hand from my hip and gently letting go of Amy before I turned without so much as a backwards glance.
I marched back to the laundry I had only just got stuck into, and began to work furiously. I had a lot to get through, which was a welcome distraction.
If I so much as hear Shane breathing near me, he's walker food. Total fucker. What heartless woman would I be if I didn't care about everyone out there? I damn well cared. Rick had let us stay with no problems and had been a friend for me. Glenn and T-Dog were just too nice and had such nice hearts. Morales and I had spoke a few times around the fire at meals, and he had a sense of humour that made me forget everything bad that had happened. I wasn't close to the rest of those that went, but that didn't mean I want anything to happen to them. Especially getting trapped by walkers, and meeting their end. Or worse.
No, I can't think like that. Even if Merle fucking Dixon is there. He doesn't deserve that fate - only a punch square in the face.
I was vaguely aware of hands reaching into the laundry by my side, and only when a warm hand touched my shoulder had I realised that Amy had come over. Giving her a warm smile, I gave her half on the soap I was scrubbing with. I regarded her for a second before turning back to the jeans in my hands.
We worked in silence for a few minutes until she couldn't take it anymore and spoke, which made me smirk despite myself.
"I know we haven't really spoken before, but I totally appreciate you being here. No one else would've spoken up to Shane like that, especially before Rick came." She blurted, attempting to lighten my mood. It definitely worked, as I felt my shoulders relax slightly at her nice - although slightly haphazard - words.
"Thanks Amy. And if it weren't for you, I'd have floored him. Was Shane always this-?"
"Dickish?" she interrupted and I laughed.
"Yeah."
"No. Before Rick came, he was pretty bearable. But you see, he was with Lori. They thought Rick had died, as he was married to Lori and Shane was his best friend and deputy. When Rick turned up and his family were back together, Shane just.. I don't know. He changed." She said, meeting my eyes. Well well well, maybe Shane isn't so heartless after all - just scorned. Doesn't give him the right to act the way he does though, that much is obvious.
"Ouch, talk about Jerry Springer material! Wow... Do you know everything that goes on here?" I asked, smirking. She was quite the gossip! But I liked that. She had a bit of life about her.
"Pretty much." She smiled proudly.
"Then what's the deal with the Dixons? Like, why do they hang around if they don't like people? They barely seem to stand each other sometimes..."
"Ah, yeah." She said, casting a quick glance towards their tent. I followed her gaze and Daryl was sitting outside, cleaning that crossbow again. I looked back at Amy, eyebrow raised expectantly.
"Safety in numbers I guess. We all kind of merged, and we put up with each other. Daryl and Merle hunt, we cook and so on. Although Merle is usually doped up on something, so he just sits about and digs at people while Daryl hunts." She looked back down to her hands again and continued scrubbing.
I looked back at Daryl, my hand subconsciously reaching for the cut on my face. He did more for this camp than be a child like I thought he did. As if sensing my gaze, he jerked his head up. He caught my gaze for a few seconds before scowling and looking back at his precious contraption. He then got up and, grabbing his arrows by his fire, walked through the tree line. I scowled and looked back to the laundry, a million thoughts running through my mind - most of them about Daryl.
After a short while, Amy and I eventually slipped into casual conversation - well, me mostly answering questions about England. I happily answered, and I found myself really starting to like the girl. She was bubbly and extravert, whereas I was more introvert, but that didn't stunt the flow of our conversation, or how quickly we opened up to each other. All the anguish and hurt I felt were forgotten while we giggled and chatted away about anything and everything. It was nice to gain another friend in this sinister world.
"We should be helping." A guy mumbled next to me, someone who I believe was called Jim. I nodded in agreement, as did one or two others. We were sitting around on the logs and chairs, eating beans, and god knows what else - I learnt to not ask questions and just eat.
"No way," Shane growled. Eyes snapped up as he had silently joined the group. I felt Jim shift next to me. "I said I'm not risking more lives."
There were a few more murmurs, but Shane had decided that no one else would go, and was adamant about it.
The guys had to come back. For many reasons. I mean, what if Rick - in his own selfless way - did something so he couldn't return? Would Shane 'take over' as 'leader'? It's not like they guy would be totally crazy - he apparently managed before - but he doesn't seem like the most honourable of men, to say the least. Shane giving me orders? Not a hope in hell.
I looked up to see that the sun was pretty low in the sky. They had better think of some way to get out, or they'll have to stay there - it's never safe to be out at night. if nothing's already happened to them...
I was forced from my internal monologue as a blaring alarm could be heard drawing closer and closer towards us. Appearing through the trees on a worn path, a red car turned up with blacked out windows and the alarm wailing at an ear-bleeding level. I heard Shane cursing as he stormed up to the car and yanked Glenn out when it had rolled to a halt. Shane's hands balling up the shirt on Glenn's shirt while holding him against the car, shouting.
Glenn!
Upon hearing the dangerously loud alarm, Jim ran from and popped the hood on the flash red car, doing something there that managed to turn the alarm off. When the shrill ringing had subsided, Shane's angry yells could be heard clearly.
"Are you trying to draw every walker for miles to us?" He finished, and Glenn held his hands up in surrender.
"Hey, the hills will echo. But just be more careful, okay?" Dale said slowly, sending a stern looks to Glenn, who nodded solemnly. Shane looked between the men before stepping back, letting out a harsh sigh and releasing Glenn.
The sound of rumbling came towards us, and I strained to see what it was. Twisting towards the sound of crunching gravel, we looked to see Rick turning up in what looked like a removals van with Morales riding shotgun. We all just stood back out of shock and relief, before people started surging forward.
Amy - who had stilled next to me, jeans dropping from her hands - sprinted towards the vehicle, and as soon as Andrea had climbed out of the van, she launched, hugging her sister tightly, her cries of joy resonating throughout the camp.
I pushed myself up and threw the last bit of laundry in the basket before I walked quickly over to Glenn and wrapped my arms around him. He placed his arms around me and squeezed, relief hitting me like a smack in the face.
"Kid, you were cutting it fine." I murdered into his shoulder, and his chuckle shook me with him.
"I only did it to annoy you, Sam." He said after a while, and we withdrew from each other.
"Don't start getting cocky Glenn. I'm just glad you're okay." I laughed, lightly punching his arm.
He smirked as he walked away, only to be embraced by Carol. I gave Jacqui a friendly squeezed and had managed to survive a bear guy from Morales. T-Dog then walked up hugged me, chuckling.
"Did I miss anything good?" He asked, his eyes twinkling mischievously.
"A little." I smirked but then it faded, thinking back to the small spat with Shane earlier. Thinking of him, I sought him out through the camp. My eyes fell upon him leaning against the RV, arms crossed, glaring as Rick kissed Lori. His gaze was unwavering, and he mumbled something to himself.
T-Dog followed my gaze, staring at Shane. I looked back at him, and he smiled sadly.
"That man.." He said, but shook his head and returned his gaze to me, not finishing, which intrigued me - what about him?
"Well, I gotcha back, okay?" He asked, laying a hand on my shoulder. I smiled warmly and pulled him into another hug.
He walked away then, and I stood back, watching the survivors greet one another, and relief spread through my veins.
It was then when I noticed something, or rather, lack of. Where was Merle?
I frowned. Rick approached me then, and went to pull me into a hug when he saw my expression.
"Sam?" he asked, his features concerned.
"Rick, where's Merle?" I questioned, worry flaring slightly. Sure, the dude was a total dick, but he doesn't dererve to totally suffer, did he?
"I know Sam. I'll explain when everyone settled down." He said, his face a mask of indifference, but his voice faltering.
I nodded, watching his face intently, almost hoping to find the answers there. He hardened his face, but his eyes swam with concern. I pulled him into a tight hug, my arms gripping tightly around his shoulders. His arms went around my waist, and I heard his ragged breathing in my ear. We pulled back, although my arms were still loosely around his shoulders.
"If ever you need to talk Rick, find me. I won't judge you." I said quietly but firmly and he nodded once.
I let him go, sighing as he went.
Andrea walked past, and we made no move to greet each other. I nodded once at her and forced a small smile, and she merely nodded in reply. I don't like that woman, and I'm sure the feeling's pretty mutual.
I looked round at the rest of the group, chewing my lip in thought.
I almost didn't want to know these people any more. I hadn't really thought about it, but knowing Merle hadn't come back, I was starting to feel unsafe, especially as we're with a group. It would be like a buffet for the walkers here. It would be hard to protect them all. It was also hard if you cared about them, and judging from the aching relief I felt at the groups return, I definitely cared. It was hard enough when I was just with Alex and Helena, but now there's over a dozen people in this camp. If anything... If anything was to happen... These people had settled into what life they can make here. Letting their guard slip. Unprepared. Acting like they're safe. They may be for now, but pretty soon shit'll go down. It always does.
I wrapped my arms around myself, watching the group merge together again. I felt an arm coil round my shoulder and I turned to see Alex, concern etched in his eyes. I put my arm round his waist and sighed.
"Later." I whispered, knowing he'd want to find out what was troubling me. He nodded but held me tighter as he steered me closer to the group. Helena had sauntered over and was now standing in front of Alex, leaning back into him slightly.
Rick had gathered everyone in a circle so that he could speak.
"Where's Dix- Daryl?" Rick asked.
"He went into the woods a couple hours ago." I answered, my voice slightly hoarse.
"Well, maybe that's for the better right now. Erm.. Some of you may have noticed that we've come back one person short.." he trailed, rubbing the back of his neck nervously.
He then started telling us of the situation at the shopping mall, Merle shooting rounds at walkers from the top of the roof. Rick carried on talking, occasionally stopping, with Andrea filling in the blanks.
I felt my mouth drop and my heart racing as their tale continued. Alex's hand on my shoulder gripped when Rick spoke of the rain washing away their cover, and I reached up to squeeze his hand quickly.
Rick finished talking, by which time the sky had turned a bloody-pink from the setting sun. Helena had grown restless, and slipped away from Alex to play with Carl and Sophia, not really understanding the direness of this situation.
I looked at the faces of the group, and the once joyous faces at the return of their loved ones turned grave and hollow. No one liked Merle - that was for certain - but he was a life, and he was out there, possibly on the verge of death. But he wasn't lost yet.
Merle Dixon. If it weren't for him, he'd still be free and alive. By what Rick had said, his racist and disgusting attitude is what got him locked up in the first place. Glancing at T-Dog, I saw that his eyes were wide, staring at a far of point away from the survivors. I could tell that guilt was welling inside him, boiling at his brim.
"Dixon is going to be pissed." Shane grunted, running a hand through his hair. I snapped my gaze to him as he pushed his way through to stand opposite Rick.
"I know, but he's got to know." Rick replied, his eyes at the floor.
"Well we don-"
"We can't lie to him Shane. Or deny him knowledge about his own family." I cut across him, disgust slightly present in my voice.
"Well you tell him then. I'm sure he'll have no trouble with accepting the news that his brother was left to die. Use your head Sam." he spat, pressing two fingers against his temple.
"So telling him the truth is better than him believing us until he realises his brother isn't returning? I'm sure he'll take a lie and then the cold, hard truth very lightly." I retorted, bringing my hand down from Alex's to ball my fists. Alex fingers squeezed my shoulder slightly, but he made no move to stop my argument with Shane. No one did.
"She's right Shane. He'd be more out of control that we could handle." Rick stated calmly, and I tried steadying my breathing. I needed to be more calm, like Rick. He knows how to handle Shane. I mean, they know each other, right?
"You tell him then. Just don't expect a handshake off the man." Shane snapped, and turned to glare at every pair of eyes that were brave enough to meet his - there were few that did.
"What would you have us do, Shane?" I asked, my voice cracking slightly.
"Don't tell him a thing. We'll say Merle went off on a bender or something. We don't need him kicking up a bitch fit." He snapped, stepping closer to me.
"So what if it was someone you cared about out there? Would you prefer it if I lied to your face while they're out there battling for their lives?" I watched as his gaze sped towards Lori - it was so fast that it almost went unnoticed. Almost.
He didn't reply then, but merely looked me up and down, his eyes full of utter contempt. He then skulked off, kicking the dirt on the floor as he went.
The group dissipated then, and I shut my eyes, sighing. Alex hugged me with his one arm and walked away. I stayed there until everyone had gone from the spot, and I finally opened my eyes, my heart feeling heavy.
After a a tasty dinner of god knows what, we all gathered down around the fire as the sun slowly slipped from the sky. I looked around the faces, and a smile made its way across my face. I was actually here, sitting around a campfire with people I'm relatively comfortable with, despite everything. I felt like a teenager again, despite the weight I felt in my heart.
"I could kill for a cup of tea right now." I sighed, earning a couple of chuckles around the camp.
"Don't forget the scooones." Amy laughed, putting on her best English accent.
"Just because you're jealous I'm wonderful and English, Amy." I said, sticking my tongue out slightly.
"Aren't you meant to be on watch Dale?" Shane murmured, his eyes fixed on Dale next to me.
"Jim's covering." He said blandly. I could tell he was trying to prevent Shane from getting provoked, despite the fact he was picking for a fight himself. Shane shook his head and snickered.
I stared at him, disbelief. Why was he being so malicious all of a sudden? I'm getting tired of arguing with him - it's constant and unrelenting.
"Oh Sam, I've got you a tent and some sleeping bags in my backpack."Andrea said, and I looked at her and smiled.
"I'll get it if you-"
"It's okay. I'll get it in a sec." I said, but in all honesty, I was enjoying sitting with the group.
"So you're staying." Shane said, more of a statement than a question.
"Yeah, for now..." I said, uncertain of where he was heading with this.
"Hmm."
"What, Shane? Have I done something to offend you?" I snapped, my patience with the man all but disappeared.
"Maybe your attitude-"
"My attitude? My attitude?! Have you seen-"
"Sam, come with me a minute." Dale cut in, taking me by the arm and dragging me up and just a way away from the fire, away from Shane.
"Dale, what?" I snapped, but then winced, but he seemed to ignore my tone, which I was glad about.
"Don't do this to yourself Sam. You're working yourself up, and you're working Shane up at the same time. Now I like you a lot, but you're not exactly going about the right way to make friends. With the Dixons too.." Dale said, resting a hand on my arm trying calm me, but his words were direct.
"But everyone just sits back and take it Dale! I take it to heart if someone insults me, and I definitely don't keep quiet."
"I understand that, but life's hard enough without having to watch our back with walkers, let alone with the living too." He said with a sad smile, and I hung my head.
He was right, of course. But really, I didn't want to admit it. I had to keep alert for walkers. Not keeping up a tense atmosphere in the group. I had already caused a problem with Merle and Daryl, and now Shane. I know saying it wasn't just my fault would've sounded juvenile, But it was the truth. I bit my tongue though. This group doesn't need any more drama, especially since I came and started kicking up the mud.
I took a deep breath and smiled slowly at him, nodding. He squeezed my arm gently, searching my face.
"Sam! Don't forget your tent..." Andrea called, snapping me back to the others.
They were all watching the exchange between me and Dale, although he kept his voice low enough so only I could hear. He kept his hand on my arm, and being under scrutiny if the group, I shifted uncomfortably. Shane was shooting daggers at both me and Dale, but I stared back as defiantly as I could.
Breaking off the stare, I stumbled forward to get the tent and sleeping bags. Thanking her, I walked towards the RV, feeling the groups gaze burning through my back. I swallowed back my self-consciousness and forces myself to keep going.
Once I had ducked inside, I saw Alex standing by the window, a blush on his cheeks.
"Enjoy the show?" I asked, a smirk creeping on my face at the sight of his blush. I could hear the murmur of voices outside start to trickle back to life, and I relaxed slightly. Tough crowd.
"You're quite the fiery red, aren't you?" He said, his blush fading and his smirk growing.
"I would be, but everyone keeps stopping me from saying my piece! I'm not a wackjob or anything..." I moaned, causing Alex to raise an eyebrow at me.
"Whatever." I said, waving the conversation off. "We've got a tent now! So get your backside out of this RV and help me in whatever way you can." I said, grabbing his safe arm and dragging him out, complaining as he went.
"You do the physical stuff then. I've heard you're pretty alright at that." Alex remarked, and I spun to face him. I opened my mouth to find out what he meant when he put his hands up.
"I'm kidding. Let's just get this tent up!" I stared at him incredulously, but then I smiled and started unrolling the tent bag as I stepped out of the RV.
The sun was barely visible on the horizon, leaving everything a little harder to distinguish in the fading light. I looked to Alex who was looking at the instructions oddly, and I held back a snigger. He sat down and crossed his legs Indian-style, his arm shifting slightly in his sling.
"Sam, do you know how to read Chinese? Hey, Glenn!" Alex shouted, and Glenn emerged from his tent and jogged towards us. Alex turned to him, instructions in hand.
"Yeah?"
"Translate this for me, will you?" I heard Alex say quite genuinely, but he had a smirk on his face.
"Shut up! I'm Korean, dammit. There are English instructions on the other side, dumbass." Glenn chirped mock-annoyed, but he pitched in and gave me a hand with Alex's confusing instructions.
"Okay, grab that pole - no, the other one.. Yeah, now put it through that sort of tube thing on the outside of the tent.."
After a surprisingly easy half an hour - with no thanks to Alex but a lot to Glenn - the tent was pretty much finished. Alex had tried to regain some of his manly pride by hammering some of the tent pegs in the ground, and had almost obliterated my hand in the process. However, we had accomplished it, and our tent was already looking pretty inviting. I pulled Glenn into a quick hug and thanked him before he went back to his tent.
I jogged back to the RV and grabbed all our stuff, throwing it into our tent. Our little haven. Our place to be together. I could feel all my insides going mushy at the thought.
Helena had wandered over, and after seeing we had our own tent, she ran to Carol's to get all of her stuff and put it in with ours.
"I'm glad you're all together now." Carol chimed, bringing over a small pile of Helena's clothes that she had left.
"Thank you Carol." I said, resting a hand on her shoulder. She smiled at me and walked away, playing idly with her necklace.
Helena tugged at my hand and dragged me in the tent. It was actually pretty roomy, considering how small it looked from the outside. I grabbed and unrolled my sleeping bag and put it down the left side of the tent, Alex doing the same on the right. Helena unrolled her adult size one right in the middle of us, grinning. Alex tousled her hair slightly, before we all laid down, relaxing. I rolled on my side to face Helena and she gasped.
"What?" I asked, concern falling across my face as I searched hers.
"What happened?" she asked as her hands traced the cut across my cheek with a feather-light touch. I tried not to wince at the contact.
"I.. I walked into a branch. Silly thing to do really, wasn't it?" I asked in a gentle voice and she giggled - probably thinking I was a bit stupid.
People noticing this was sort of getting to me now. I mean, it's not like they've not been cut or anything. I know it's pretty distinguishing on my face and all, but no one's being subtle about noticing it which makes me feel even more uncomfortable than my awkward self was used to.
"Oh well. You've eaten, yeah? Good. Kick your shoes off chick, and we'll crawl into our sleeping bags and sleep, yeah?" I asked, and she nodded furiously.
Helena snuggled down between me and Alex, and shut her eyes with a delicate smile on her face.
I rolled onto my side facing her, and I put my hand up and stroked the side of her face gently. She shifted a little, sighing comfortably.
I looked up at Alex who was facing us with his head proper on his hand, an amused look and smirk on his face, He laid back down and sighed happily, his hand cupped over his wound.
"You can relax now Alex, but you haven't escaped being stitched again. I'm doing that tomorrow." I stated, stroking Helena's face gently but a smirk playing across my lips. I heard him laugh nervously, and swallow hard.
Laying back, I snuggled into my new sleeping bag, and shut my eyes. It only took a few minutes for me to fall totally asleep, smirk still firmly planted on my face.
A scream, piercing and blood-curling obliterated the peaceful sleep I was in, and I was instantly alert.
I looked around out tent and saw I was fully alone. Grabbing my machete near my bed, I sprang up and out of the tent, running in the direction of the scream. I ran past Lori comforting Carl, and stopped alongside Rick.
On the floor in front of us was a deer. Well, part of a deer, because attached to it, to my horror, was a walker. It was so close to the camp! I vaguely heard the others talking, but I couldn't hear them, my eyes stuck to it's back.
My grip on my machete tightened, but when it reared it's ugly head, my confidence fell. Thankfully, the guys surrounding it took quick care of it. I shifted on the spot, and winced slightly. I looked at my feet and realised I hadn't put shoes on before I flew out of the tent, and now they were stinging like hell.
Looking at the deer again, I noticed there was an arrow sticking out of its rump. I smirked slightly as I recognised the fletchings, and looked up to find its owner.
Daryl eventually emerged from the tress, pissed.
"Fuck! I tracked that damn deer for ages!" He grunted.
I looked him over, wondering about of he was going to find out about his brother soon. I bit my lip in thought, dread settling deep within my bones. He had a fresh layer of grime covering his skin, mingled with sweat. I wasn't surprised the guy was tracking a deer and going after it all night. His hair was dishevelled and he had a few tiny grazes and rips on his clothes and arms.
Everyone set their eyes on him, as if we were all sharing the same thought.
He looked at the deer and was talking to Dale, but I wasn't paying attention. My gaze continued flicking between Daryl and the walker.
"Ya'll know you got to get the brains..."
I continued to chew my lip as he turned to meet my gaze, and I saw his jaw clench slightly. We're still not on good terms, then. But whatever - there's more important things right now.
He broke off our gaze and strolled back towards the camp, calling out for his brother. I felt my stomach plummet from nerves. Was he actually going to skin Rick or T-Dog?
We all followed him, which he didn't notice - or at least pay attention to. He went through to his tent, cursing at his brother, before walking out and into the middle of the group looking perplexed, and pretty ticked off.
"Where's Merle?" Daryl barked.
Shit.
I guess the truth is going to come out, whether we were ready for it or not. I wanted to be all smug for Shane, but I couldn't. I was worried about Daryl's reaction.
I looked about to the guys who went with Merle, waiting to step forward. Rick and T-Dog shuffled nervously, and Glenn had changed colour. Morales wasn't anywhere to be seen.
"Well?" Daryl snapped, his face flushed and angry.
Rick took a shaky breath before explaining what happened. When he got to the bit we were waiting for - that Merle had been left handcuffed to the roof - Daryl lunged at Rick before anyone could even blink.
Daryl was trying to land punches on Rick, and was trying to draw what I thought was a knife - but I hoped I was seriously wrong. Running forward, I dragged him off Rick with the help of a reluctant Shane, and I held him in a sleeper hold, taking him to the floor. He sat panting for a few minutes while Rick scrambled to his feet. When he had stopped thrashing about and seemed a little less volatile, I started to slowly let go of him but he pushed me away and stood up, glaring at Rick with a look full of loathing.
"It's my fault." I heard to my right, and my gaze snaps round to T-Dog. I pushed myself off the floor and looked back at Daryl, judging his next move. I could see the muscles in his jaw twitching and his face burning a bright red. I stood facing Daryl slightly, waiting to see if I needed to jump him again.
"What?" He growled lowly.
"I dropped the damn key. I was running back to unlock him, and I dropped it. It was an accident." T-Dog spluttered, but he kept his gaze strong.
"An accident?" Daryl spluttered, staring the man down.
"Yeah man. But I chained the door and padlocked it.."
"And that makes it better?" He barked taking a step forward. I moved alongside him blocking him, and he stopped to look at me. I shifted a little, but held his gaze, hoping he was going to stay as calm as possible. I softened my features to appear calm, and he looked at me slightly lost.
"Merle's still out there, and that's on my hands." Rick said, and Daryl flew round to face him, his face resuming the former hatred.
Rick drew a deep breath, choosing his next words.
"I'm going back."
The group stopped, all eyes facing Rick.
"You can't. You can't man." Shane said, stepping towards Rick.
"It's my fault he's out there. There's a chance he's still alive, so I'm going back for him, but I can't go alone." Rick said, and his gaze shifted to Glenn.
"No-"
"I need your knowledge, Glenn. You saved me, and you know your way around. Will you help me?" Rick said, his voice cracking slightly.
Glenn gulped hard, but nodded, his hat shifting on his head slightly.
"Thanks."
No. Not again. I'm not letting Glenn go again. I stared at him hard, biting my lip.
"I'm coming too. It's my fault he's still there." T-Dog said, stepping forward.
Rick nodded, and I looked around at the men going. This was nuts. They can't just go alone like that. They're all too upset and stuff. They'd be so focused on Merle, who's gonna watch their back? No one else volunteered, and I gulped hard. Then I gulped again, looking down to the floor.
"I'm coming too." I croaked, the words had falling out of my mouth. I shut my mouth quick, trying to hold on to any confidence I had left in my body.
I brought my head up and held the uneasy gaze of Rick. I then looked at Glenn who looked like he just got slapped. I finally looked at Daryl in front of me, expecting him to look totally disgusted. Instead he looked at me, eyebrow raised and the slighted trace of a smirk. I stared at him incredulously, a frown forming on my face. What was he smirking at?
"No!" Alex gasped, walking towards me, but stopped when I send him a fleeting look.
"No, Alex. We owe you guys for putting up with us, right? And you're going to need someone rational going. You're all too caught up on this. Someone with brains has got to have your sorry backsides, right?" I stammered, forcing myself to not shake from fear.
In truth, I felt like I owe these people, and if they think I'm staying here again, twiddling my thumbs and worrying, then they've got another thing coming.
"If you're sure Sam." Rick said, and I nodded once. "There's something else too. I arrived a day before you guys Sam, and Glenn saved me. I had a bag of guns which I left there, and with all the trouble yesterday, I couldn't retrieve them. You can help us get them back. And I need the walkie-talkie in the bag too. A debt.." He smiled weakly. I looked at him and tried returning the smile, but my insides were churning so much I thought I was going to be sick there and then. I looked up at Daryl, and he was still looking at me. He studied my face for a few seconds and grunted before turning away.
Rick nodded and looked all of the group in the eye. I didn't look up from the ground, worried about looking at Alex and being crushed by guilt and an all-consuming fear.
"Okay. Let's get ready."