I pedalled my feet faster until I stopped by Daryl's side as he hit the floor.
"What the hell?!" I shrieked.
"Andrea." Rick sighed and I felt my blood boil as I crouched down and looked Daryl over.
I couldn't see any major entry wounds, and he was breathing, but still. I held his chin in my hand and gently brought his face round to me and gasped. There was a graze across the left of his head, essentially shaving off a line of hair. There was an alarming amount of blood pouring from it. That was too damn close.
I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding as I studied his unconscious features.
"What is her problem?!" I grunted as Rick bent beside Daryl and began hoisting him up with the help of T-Dog. I took Daryl off him and stared long and hard at Rick.
"She's still pretty torn up about Am-"
"Don't say that. You can be torn up, but this was just careless. She wasted a bullet, she could've killed a vital member of this group and attracted walkers from all over the place!" I growled as we began steering Daryl up to the house. I heard him grunt, indicating that he was now slightly conscious, but it was barely like his usual as he was so weak.
"I don't know Sam. I told her we'd sort it." Rick said as he shook his head.
Daryl got heavier as we walked through the field. He began leaning into both me and Rick and grasped our shoulders for support. He was pinching my skin but I gritted my teeth, and he was making his crossbow dig into my side. It wasn't until his arm slumped over my shoulders that I realised he had passed out again.
"Hey, isn't this Sophia's?" T-Dog asked from behind.
We turned slowly and looked at the doll. I had no idea, but I heard Rick's breathing hitch.
"Yeah. Come on. We'll get him seen to first." He said as firmly as he could, pushing himself forward.
"We should probably do something about this.. Necklace." Rick grunted as he tried taking most of Daryl's weight.
I reached across and yanked it from his neck. Rick took Daryl on his own for a second as I quickly shoved it in my bag. I put Daryl's arm back over my shoulders and took some weight as we approached the house.
We awkwardly dragged him over the fences before Hershel came running out of the house.
"What happened?" Hershel exasperated as he ran towards us. He must have heard the gunshot.
"He was shot just now, and he has a large gash on his leg apparently - I don't know how deep it is." I explained as Hershel began leading the way, rolling his sleeves up.
He straight into the house as Rick and I struggled to keep pace. Daryl was a hell of a lot heavier than he looked.
Hershel jogged upstairs and rushed off to a room at the end of the hall, while Rick and I looked on. We couldn't just drag him up the stairs!
"Should we try and wake him?" I asked, but Rick shook his head.
"We'll drag him - it's only his feet that are touching the floor, anyway." He said, and on the count of three, we dashed up the stairs.
We entered the room Hershel had entered when Daryl began to stir. His head lifted up to between me and Rick, staring about at the room.
We span and sat him down on the bed, gently easing him back.
"Sam, can you get me some warm water?" Hershel asked as he began peeling away Daryl's trousers. I panicked.
"What about Patricia?" I asked, edging back towards the door. Rick had already left the room, and I didn't particularly want to help Hershel strip and sort Daryl out.
"She's sleeping now, and I don't want to disturb her peace." He said calmly, not looking up from Daryl.
I hesitated slightly before I nodded and slid my bag off my shoulders. I left the room and headed to the bathroom, pulling a hairband of my wrist and tying my hair in a high bun. I knocked and as there was no reply, I walked in.
I grabbed a small wash bowl that I found in the cupboard under the sink and began filling it with warm water.
As quickly as I could without spilling it, I dashed into the room and put the bowl down on the bedside table.
"Clean the cut on his head." He ordered as he passed me a cloth. I took it and was careful to avert my eyes to a trouserless Daryl.
"Not Sam-"
"Shut up Daryl." I snapped, cutting him off from his hoarse protest.
"He's got another injury on his side here. We're you pierced with something?"
"Arrow." He grunted hoarsely.
I stared down at him utterly shocked. How did I not notice? His eyes flickered to mine briefly, before he gritted his teeth and sighed harshly.
I dipped the cloth in the water and wrung it out, and began dabbing the cloth on the wound on his head.
As I leant closer to Daryl's face, his eyes began fluttering before they shut. I looked over at Hershel, and he sighed.
"The man's slipping in an out of consciousness. We've got to work quickly. You'll have to do a couple stitches in his forehead and bandage it up. have you done them before?" he asked, not looking up from what he was doing. I fought the urge to snigger.
"Yeah, very recently." I muttered as I began to dab at the wound.
I worked quickly but carefully, wiping away all the blood and any dirt or residue.
Hershel gave me instructions for how to clean and stitch the wound properly, and it was relieving to know I'd done most of what he'd said when I was stitching Alex.
"Okay, now. I want this to be as quick as possible." he said as he handed me an already threaded needle.
I took a deep breath before I leant down and pushed the first stitch through.
Daryl's eyes flew open and locked onto mine. I tried not to flinch as I worked but I could feel his gaze hot on my face. His left arm lolled of the bed letting me get closer. I gently turned his head so I could get the last few stitches in.
I was soon done and had begun to clean the wound again. Daryl turned his head back, fixing his gaze back on me.
Hershel had begun stitching too, but it apparently hurt Daryl more as he hissed and gritted his teeth. His left arm came up from hanging off the bed to grip something - my hip.
As Hershel pulled the needle through, Daryl dug his nails into my hip, making me grit my teeth hard.
Despite Hershel telling me to be quick with the stitches, he was taking his time with his.
Daryl was trying his hardest not to visibly show he was in pain, but the way he was treating my hip told another story.
I stared down at him to try and tell him to get off, but his eyes were staring at the ceiling, ripples of pain pulsing through his face, despite the fact he was trying not to show it. I decided I should just do the same.
Hershel eventually finished, to my great relief. Daryl's hand slid off my hip and back down the side of the bed. I moved out the way and began clearing up while Hershel checked the quality of my handiwork. When he was satisfied, he packed up his things.
"He needs some rest Sam." Hershel said, giving me an 'knowing' look. I nodded and watched as he left the room before I turned back to Daryl.
"You're a pain in the arse." I sighed as his eyes once again fell into me.
Hershel had pulled the covers over him so I wouldn't see anything which made me want to chuckle. Daryl sniffed as he studied me.
"Where're the ears?" He asked.
"In my bag. For safekeeping." I smiled.
He eventually nodded and settled back into the bed.
"Well, I'll leave you to it then." I said, feeling a little awkward.
"Ye. And don't kill Andrea. I wanna do it." He grunted, his eyes fluttering open to meet mine.
"I'll try. She did a pretty stupid fucking thing, but I'll try." I said, feeling my blood start to boil again.
He tried raising an eyebrow at me but winced. I subconsciously stepped forward to help but stopped myself.
"Don't... Don't. Just rest." I sighed, flicking my eyes over him before nodding to myself.
He looked at me for a second before I turned to leave. I bent down and picked up my bag and slung it over my shoulder.
I cast one last glance back at him before walking out of the room, shutting the door quietly. I leant against it to collect myself when I hears him sigh deeply on the other side. It sounded a little short-tempered. Frustrated even, but after a short time, laboured breaths of sleep filtered through the door.
Smiling to myself, I pushed myself off the door and began walking back to the group.
I walked out of the house and towards the tents, utterly drained.
I made a b-line for my tent, wanting nothing more to collapse and sleep through the next century.
"Oh Sam, do you think you could give us a hand? We're cooking dinner for Hershel and his family tonight. As a thank you." Lori called over as I was mere feet away from our tent.
"I can't cook to save my life. You should ask Alex to, though." I yelled over me shoulder, finally getting to the tent.
I went in without waiting for a reply and collapsed on top of my sleeping bag.
I don't want to eat. I don't want to sit and be sociable. I want to curl up and sleep.
"Come on Sam. If you can't cook, you can help do the washing up!"
I managed to get out of it.
Although I was charged with the duty of keeping watch.
Climbing on top of the RV, I sat down with the rifle by my side, binoculars in hand.
It was comfortable to be back here. It felt like there was some order. It's hard to keep watch on your own, especially when you're tired. But now were all together again, we'll always have eyes open.
"Are you sure you're not coming Sam?" Helena called from below. I leant over and gave her a smile.
"I'm sure. Go and enjoy your food!"
She nodded and waved at me before catching up to Glenn and walking with him up to the house.
I sat back round and watched quietly as the light slowly disappeared and the stars began emerging.
I kept my eyes planted on the treeline, my gaze raking the surrounding area constantly.
As I kept my eyes peeled, my mind wandered.
I thought about everything I had been through that day. I mean, I know in comparison to Daryl it had been pretty good for me, but I'd felt so many things. It was surprising that I haven't had a heart attack yet. There was still time, I guess.
I pulled my legs up close to my chest as the night air grew colder, trying to huddle myself to keep as much warmth in as I could.
What had actually happened to Daryl?
I mean, he was a state. He didn't have the horse with him either. And those ears on that necklace... Did he have to fight off walkers? I hope he wasn't injured when he had to. I know he's tough as nails, but that could seriously damage him in the long run.
And what the hell was up with my reaction when I saw him? I acted like a princess. I did I really care that much about him?
No. I mean, I can't do. He's an idiot, and he's heartless and he shot Alex. Of course I don't care.
Oh, shut up Sam. You care.
I shut my eyes tight before opening them again.
I focused on keeping watch and not on Daryl Dixon. I paid attention to the cold that was seeping into my every pore and the bright stars in the sky, and not that crossbow fool.
"Sam, I'll take over."
I looked round to see Shane standing by the RV ladder. I nodded before casting one last glance over the fields before I got up and climbed down the ladder.
"You go and get yourself some food." He nodded and I smiled tiredly at him.
I walked slowly up to the house, wrapping my arms around me. I don't want food. I just want to be warm and sleep.
I got to the porch and the door, and I could already feel the warmth radiating from inside.
I pushed the door open and was greeted by over a dozen pairs of eyes. Repressing the urge to shudder, I smiled weakly and walked to what I presumed was Shane's empty spot. I looked across at Rick and gave a small smile before I began to dish myself some food.
The first thing that struck me was the silence. It wasn't comfortable either. There were shifty glances being shared, and no one moved; only to bring food or drink to their mouths.
I swallowed before I started eating. I dared not to look up as I ate, just concentrating on my food.
My plate was empty in no time - I never realised how hungry I was. Everyone else had finished too, all sitting, waiting for something.
Carol was eventually the first to move, as she began putting more food on a plate. Everyone watched as she did this, but no one made a comment.
Once she was done, she scurried away to the stairs, her light footprints petering away.
She was taking food to Daryl, then. I stared at the door, waiting for her to emerge again, but she didn't.
I don't care, anyway.
Impatiently, I stood up and began piling plates. Everyone else got the gist, and soon the tables were empty of dishes.
"Alex? I think I should change your bandages." Patricia said, and Alex nodded.
She began leading him away, and since there was nothing left to do, I sat with Alex and Patricia. We chatted lightly whilst watching Helena ordering people around in the kitchen. It made a small smile trickle onto my face.
Patricia changed the bandage in no time, so we all headed back down to the tents.
"Alex, here." Glenn said excitedly, thrusting a guitar in Alex's hands. I raised a sleepy eyebrow at him, but he merely smirked and scurried away, disappearing out of sight.
The group eventually all reconvened back by the fire as Alex began to strum out a few chords. It became a small bonfire event, everyone wearily huddled together to listen to some music.
Helena had tried plucking a few of the stings, and giggled when it made a strange twang.
Eventually chatter began to fade as people began to listen. Alex even hummed words, but never sang - he was always a little shy about that.
It was beautiful to hear music again. It had always been such a huge part of my life before, and now I never hear it. It gave me shivers.
After sitting on the log for a whole, I began to grow restless. My feet kept moving and I started playing with my hands. Sighing, I stood up and smiled at the group.
"Back in a second."
I didn't wait for a reply as I began walking to the house. I jogged up the steps of the the porch and stepped quietly through the door.
Maggie walked out of the kitchen and upon noticing me, she smiled and walked back in.
I walked up the stairs and to the end of the corridor. I tapped lightly on the door and strode waiting for a reply.
After a slight grunt, I took that as an 'enter' and pushed the door open, stepping into the dark room.
"Daryl?" I called out.
"What?" He grunted, and I rolled my eyes. I didn't reply straight away. yeah, what did I want?
"I just came to check everything's okay." I confessed, shrugging to myself.
"Who are ya, Carol? I'm fine." Daryl snapped, making me grit my teeth.
"Whatever." I sighed.
I shook my head, feeling like an idiot. Why did I even come to Daryl, of all places? I'm an idiot.
I turned on the spot and began walking to the door. I grabbed the doorknob and pulled the door open again, the light from the hallway illuminating me. I winced at the light and looked back at Daryl.
"Ya didn't have to babysit me today neither. I've been through shit an looked after myself before. I don't need ya." He grunted, stopping me in my tracks.
I spun round to face him, shutting the door hard.
"What-"
"And you acted like Carol, cryin' an bein' pathetic. It ain't nice." He spat, and although I couldn't see, I could feel his eyes burning hot on me.
Why couldn't he leave it? Did he want me to fight him?
"Stop comparing me to Carol! And you can forget it - I shouldn't have cared about whether you were alive of not." I snapped, stepping closer to the bed. I heard him sit up, but I couldn't see him. Which was pretty irritating.
"Ya shouldn't care! Ya don't know me." He growled, and I huffed.
"You don't have to be such a dying swan all the time Daryl. People are actually allowed to have emotions. You should try it sometime." I snapped.
"I ain't no pussy."
"No, you're a complete fucking wimp. It takes balls to let someone know you care." I said spitefully.
Before he could reply I marched to the door and yanked it open, bathing myself in light. I took one last look towards the bed, and frowning, I stormed out of the room, slamming the door.
"What's you problem?!" He shouted, and enraged, I kicked his door before storming down the stairs and out of the house.
I marched back down to the rest of the camp, seething.
Who the hell does he think he is? I'm not sorry for caring. But I am sorry it had to be Daryl. It's obviously a waste of time worrying about his life. If that what he wants then fine. I won't care.
As I got down the porch I looked back up to the window. His light flicked on, which angered me even more.
When I argue with someone, I want to see their goddamn face. Their eyes. I wanted them to know how angry I was. And how hurt.
;]
Let me know your thoughts! I love hearing from you all.
And can I just say, these next couple chapters are my favourite. Stay tuned, kids!
- Loré. X