Chapter 3

Eleanor was enjoying the feel of the sun on her face and the wind rushing by as she sat on the back of the bike. She felt a little bad at teasing Daryl but it was so easy to do she couldn't resist it.

Daryl was very aware of the woman leaning into his back, her hands around his waist. When she let go and moved away he was disappointed. Glancing over his shoulder he saw she was leaning back, her head thrown back, hair streaming behind her and a big smile on her face. He couldn't resist showing off a bit and accelerated the bike, taking it up to 90 on the long straight road. He heard her laugh and when he risked another glance she had her arms up above her head. As they raced along she gave a whoop of delight. He slowed as they approached the prison, giving the car a chance to catch up so the gates were open for the least amount of time.

He pulled the bike up with the other vehicles and climbed off. Eleanor swung herself off and looked around. There was a large outdoor kitchen area, with several wooden tables and benches scattered around a yard. Several people were seated and eating. The yard was filled with the smell of roasting meat and made her stomach rumble. She followed Daryl as he greeted an attractive older woman, cooking on a large grill.

"You're back" the woman smiled "find anything useful?"

Daryl frowned at her "the opposite" he muttered.

Eleanor stepped toward the kitchen and smiled at the woman "I guess I've just been insulted"

The woman's eyes widened as she took in the stranger in front of her, then her face lit up in a welcoming smile.

"Hi, I'm Carol" she pointed at Daryl "I'm sure you're gonna be fine here, take no notice of him. He a great hunter and provider, just no good with people sometimes"

Eleanor leant closer to Carol "Don't you worry; he won't give me any problems."

Carol looked her over again and laughed "You know, I don't believe he will. You want something to eat, honey. You look far to thin" she started to pile food onto a plate as Eleanor's mouth watered at the thought of fresh meat.

Daryl doubled back and snapped at Carol "Taking her to Rick, don't know if she's staying yet. Don't waste food on her 'till we know"

Eleanor glared at him "Thanks Carol, hopefully I'll be back later to eat 'cos that smells amazing." She caught Daryl's arm "You owe her an apology. That was real rude when she was just bein' friendly. Maybe you should take a lesson or two about manners." Carol put a hand over her mouth to hide a smile, no one had ever told Daryl off before. He stood speechless for a second, staring at the tall woman staring defiantly at him.

He turned to Carol "She's right. Sorry I took the fact that she's a pain in the ass out on you" Carol nodded "Apology accepted" She was trying hard not to laugh, as were Maggie and Glenn and several other people in earshot.

Daryl turned and stalked off, expecting Eleanor to follow him. She gave a little wave to Carol and sauntered off.

Daryl waited for Eleanor to catch up, noticing how every male eye was on her as she made her way through the yard. She passed a table where four elderly men were seated and one of them called out to Daryl "That's what I call a successful run." He turned to his companions, "I just wish I was 20 years younger" Their laughter faded away as Eleanor walked up to them. She bent down so she was level with the one that had spoken

"Honey, I wish you were 20 years younger too" she kissed the top of his head and straightened up "then I could introduce you to my Mama" She walked away leaving them all laughing.

Daryl was getting fed up waiting for her so he reached out and grabbed her wrist, pulling her forward.

"You comin?" he snapped

She stopped and gazed at him "Oh honey, you only got hold of my hand" she purred "You may be cute, but you 'aint that good"

It took him a moment to realise what she had said, and it was only when he heard laughter all around him that he realised several other people had heard and found it hilarious. He saw Maggie, Glenn and Carol trying and failing to hold back the laughter. Swearing he let go of her wrist and stalked off.

"You want her to stay, you sort it" he yelled at Glenn as he stormed into the cell block.

Glenn caught up with her, "you are really pushing it with him. Starting to think you've got a death wish"

Eleanor looked guilty "I can't stop myself. He makes it so easy. Will he be able to stop me staying?"

Glenn shook his head, "It's down to Rick. He makes the final decisions. Let's get you in there to meet him"