Chapter 4: Strawberry Fields
Daryl was busy hunting one day and he had already caught some squirrel and rabbit. He was hoping for some larger game but he hadn't seen anything yet and it had been hours. He did see some wild strawberries that were fully grown on the ground. They had been untouched and were in perfect condition. They were always Brooke's favorite snack. She had anything strawberry that she could get her hands on. Every time he met her she even smelt like fresh strawberries. King County was a major supplier in strawberries and peaches. Every year in May, King County would have their annual strawberry festival. Everyone would dress in red, and all the food contained strawberries. It was one of Brooke's favorite events. He remembered the first year they knew each other he had finally gotten the courage to take her.
It was May and it was already close to 90 degrees. Brooke and Amber were outside hanging up posters all over town for the King County Strawberry Festival. Rick and Shane approached them while they were busy. Amber saw Shane out of the corner of her eye and started to gussy up. Brooke rolled her eyes but secretly fixed her hair when she saw Rick.
"Hey girls!" Shane greeted. "You need some help?"
"Oh, hey Shane! I didn't see you there." Amber flirted and flipped her hair. "No we're fine."
"So why is it a strawberry festival?" Rick asked. He's only been in town for less than a year. "We live in Georgia why not a peach festival?"
"Because strawberries are delicious and no one looks good in bright orange." Brooke said. "Not even you Shane so stop snickering." Shane playfully shoved Brooke.
"So has that Dixon boy asked you to go with him?" Shane asked. Amber gave a flirty laugh but to Brooke she just looked insane.
"Um, no." she answered. "Why would he?"
"Well, to me it seems he has a little crush on you." Rick teased.
"We're just friends, boys. Nothing more." She cleared. They finished hanging up the posters and ran into Becky. The girls went back to Brooke's house and sat on the porch with her mother. It was about 8 o'clock in the evening and the air was surprisingly cool. They all sipped on some lemonade and chatted about the latest news and gossip. Daryl had a bouquet of Daisies, Brooke's favorite kind of flower, and was dressed nicer than he usually did and had even combed his hair. Of course he had to walk since Merle took the truck but he didn't mind. Mrs. Gina saw him walking around the corner and flashed a smile.
"Oh Brooke, I see a man with Daisies coming to our attention!" she said. Brooke stopped petting her old German Sheppard and looked up to see a figure coming from the shadows. As it got closer she saw Daryl Dixon who was more handsome than usual. He had a white button up shirt, a nice pair of slacks, and he had fixed his usually messy hair.
"Evenin' ladies." He greeted with his voice shaking.
"Evening'." They greeted back with sly grins at Brooke.
"I would like to speak to Ms. Brooke, um, alone." He stammered.
"Sure thing honey." Mrs. Gina said. "Come on girls I'll refresh your drinks. Bryan, come here boy!" the ladies and the dog went inside, leaving Daryl alone with Brooke in her jeans and Georgia t-shirt.
"So now I'm Ms. Brooke?" she teased. He smiled nervously. "Okay Mr. Dixon, what's up?" Daryl shakily handed her the Daisies that were wrapped in a bright red bow.
"I came to ask you if you wanted to join me in going to the strawberry festival tomorrow?" he asked. Brooke looked at the ground while she was blushing. She could feel the burn to her ears.
"Mr. Dixon I would be honored." She replied. He sighed and smiled in relief. They looked behind in the window because they heard squeals from behind the curtain that was moving back and forth. Brooke laughed. "Nosy jerks!"
"Well, um, I'll see you tomorrow." He said. "Goodnight ladies!"
"Wait Daryl!" Brooke ran after him. "How did you know that Daisies where my favorite?"
"Just a hunch I guess." He shrugged. Brooke thought and looked up at him.
"You asked Shane didn't you?" Daryl could feel his face getting red. "Alright Daryl, goodnight!" she walked away and as soon as he was far enough away the girls ran out and squealed. Daryl chuckled and kept walking.
"Oh my God!" Becky exclaimed. "You have a date with Daryl Dixon!"
"Wait! Who said that they were just friends again?" Amber joked. Mrs. Gina smiled at the girls while Brooke blushed as much as a person possibly could.
"He didn't ask me on a date." Brooke suddenly pointed out.
"Honey he just asked you-" Becky began.
"He didn't say anything about it being a date though." She said. "I told you we were just friends Amber."
"Maybe it'll become a date tomorrow?" Mrs. Gina said braiding Brooke's hair.
"Maybe." The ladies could tell that Brooke was a little disappointed with her discovery.
The next day was the strawberry festival. The girls had to work until 12:30. Every store closed early and almost everyone would come and join in the festivities. Of course some people had come in for the usual cup of coffee and it was always a slow day on that certain May day. Daryl was sitting in the corner with his cup of coffee and was reading the newspaper. Mrs. Gina was finishing up her strawberry pie and the girls were just talking to each other about their dresses they had picked out. Daryl could barely wait to see Brooke's new dress that she saved for the occasion. A teenage boy who was about eighteen walked through the door in a simple t-shirt and jeans. The t-shirt had Pillsburry Academy written across it so that indicated he was a prep school boy.
"Hey Seth!" Brooke greeted. She didn't know that Daryl was in the store. "What can I get ya?"
"Well, Brooke I was wondering if you had anyone taking you to the festival today? If not I would be honored if you let me accompany you." he asked. He a light blonde hair and emerald green eyes. Becky had always commented on how much she wanted to mess with his hair but she never really liked him. He was a bit too snobby. Brooke agreed but said he was nice and polite most of the time. Daryl could feel his ears getting red and he hid his face more with the newspaper.
"I already have someone taking me but thank you so much for the offer." Brooke said politely.
"Who's taking you?" Seth asked.
"Why Daryl Dixon is taking her!" Amber said and nudged her arm.
"Daryl Dixon?" Seth asked almost appalled. Brooke crossed her arms.
"Why so surprised Seth?" she asked in a defensive manner.
"Well he's just a little, well…" he began.
"A little what?" Brooke asked a tad more angry than she was before and shifted her weight. "Go on spit it out."
"He's a little shady isn't he? I mean he just doesn't look really presentable. Isn't he just a redneck?" Seth asked but soon realized his mistake.
"Excuse me?" Brooke almost yelled. She heard a smack coming from a back table. "Daryl?"
"Alright prep school brat you listen to me!" he roared. "I would really watch what you say because you never know who's here! You don't know me and you don't know what I've been through! I think you should respect Ms. Brooke and respect her decision to go with ME to the festival. I also think you should respect to the rest of the ladies and leave."
"Whatever man!" Seth said. "You're just a piece of white trash. I don't have to deal with you." He started to walk out but Daryl grabbed his shirt collar and punched him. Seth went down with one angry punch and Brooke saw a tear shed from his eye. He looked up at Daryl. "You know I can get you arrested!"
"Yes but you have witnesses claiming you sent him derogatory comments about him." Brooke said. "He was defending himself."
"And I have the right to refuse service to anyone I choose." Mrs. Gina said from behind Brooke. "I'll have to ask you to leave Seth." Seth scoffed and rubbed his face. He walked out of the café defeated. Daryl looked back at the girls.
"I'm sorry." He said quietly. Brooke walked over to him and gave him an ice packet for his hand.
"He's a douche anyways." Brooke shrugged. "I've never seen him like that before. If I had known you were here I wouldn't have made him finish his description. Now don't leave me at that festival by myself, I'll need someone to eat that pie with." She smiled and closed up shop. "I'll see you in an hour and a half!" She called out and the girls got into Mrs. Gina's car to go get ready at her house. Daryl ran home as fast as he could. He snuck past his father. He didn't have anything red except a flannel shirt. He quickly changed and rolled up the sleeves. He checked his wallet and actually found his money. His mother called him down and she was wearing red as well with some cookies decorated a strawberries. They left in the truck and got there just in time. He waited impatiently for Brooke to get there.
"Come on we're going to be late!" Brooke yelled running in her new red, small, heels. The other two soon caught up and they almost knocked down a bald man and his motorcycle.
"Watch where ya goin' sugar-tits!" they rolled their eyes.
"Why does your mom have to bake so many pies it fills up her car?" Becky panted in her red, button up, shirt dress.
"So we get off our lazy-asses!" Amber yelled in her strapless, red, sun dress. They ran into the festival and fixed their hair very quickly. "I see your beaux!" Brooke looked over and saw Daryl biting on his thumb.
"Well go on! We're fifteen minutes late so he probably thinks you stood him up." Becky warned.
"Crap!" Brooke cursed and made her way towards him.
Daryl heard his name being called and looked up from his thumb to see Brooke running towards him. He instantly lit up and stood up straight. She looked gorgeous. She was wearing a fifties style, bright red dress that had a little bow in the back. Her hair was half pulled back in a strawberry clip and she was a few inches taller than he last remembered. "Hey!" he greeted.
"I'm so sorry! Dad's working at the hospital, Mom's car is filled with pies, and Shane is nowhere to be found! We ran here and almost knocked over this old guy!" she panted. "Sorry!" Daryl laughed and he brought her over to the place where they were giving out strawberry lemonade. She almost chugged the entire thing in less than thirty seconds. They walked around a little bit until Mrs. Gina arrived and they helped her set up. As they were walking away Daryl had stuffed cheeks.
"What are you eating?" Brooke asked. He opened his mouth and revealed the whipped cream he had sprayed in it. "You didn't share?" Daryl walked over and grabbed the can. She reached out to grab it and he sprayed it on her nose. He laughed hysterically as she squeaked in surprise.
"There I shared!" he laughed. She wiped off the whipped cream and smudged on his face. They heard a cough and saw Mrs. Gina and Mrs. Dixon.
"I believe that belongs to me." Mrs. Gina smiled. Daryl handed her the can and was quickly pulled by the hand to another table that sold some more sweets. "Well Mary-Anne who would've thought?" she chuckled.
"Who would've thought?" Mary-Anne repeated and giggled. A couple of hours later the sky was pink and yellow. The people who worked the festival had begun to light the lanterns that were of course strawberries. Brooke was admiring a bracelet with a strawberry charm. She picked it up but put it back down. She loved it but she knew she had to save her money for a trip she, Amber, and Becky had planned on taking. She walked away to dance with the large group that were clapping in a circle while people where dancing inside of the circle to some banjos, drums, and regular guitars. Daryl snuck to the jewelry table and picked up the same bracelet.
"How much is it?" he asked the elderly lady.
"Ten dollars." She replied in a frail voice. He looked in his wallet and he only had ten dollars but handed it to the old lady anyway.
"Do you have anything I can wrap it in?" he asked. The elderly lady looked over at Brooke who was smiling and clapping along to the music.
"Let me check with Susan." She came back with a strawberry embroidered handkerchief. "Don't worry about the pay. It's on us." He thanked them and wrapped the bracelet up and pocketed it. He was taken by surprise when a strangers hand grabbed his and was pulled into the middle of the circle and collided with Brooke. Their hands were right where they needed to be for dancing. He looked over at the other couple, Amber and Shane and looked at their movements.
"Just go with it!" Brooke smiled. He smiled back and bounced around the circle, while twirling her several times. He got really into it and lifted her into the air at one point and spun around. She laughed and the people cheered them on. He dipped her as the song ended and both couples were out of breath. He lifted her up from the dip and they bowed to the crowd. Shane gave Amber a hug and she thanked him for the dance. Amber looked over at Brooke who raised her eyebrows up and down. Amber looked back at the two who were still holding hands and winked. Daryl pulled her over to the side to grab a drink and to sit on a bench. "That was so much fun! I've always wanted to do that!"
"Yeah it was!" he admitted. She took a sip from her tea.
"I was not expecting that lift!" she laughed. Daryl reached into his pocket and pulled out the gift. "What's this?" she asked and took the handkerchief.
"I got you somethin." He said. She opened and gasped.
"I was looking at this bracelet earlier today! I love it! Thank you!" she gave him a hug and put on the bracelet. "How does it look?" she asked standing up and posing.
"It looks beautiful." He said not looking at the bracelet. She smiled at the bracelet and picked up the charm. They heard a slow song playing in the background. "May I have this dance Ms. Walsh?"
"You most certainly may Mr. Dixon." She said and he grabbed her hand. Her hand was on his should and in his hand. His were on her waist and in her hand. They swayed for a bit and she rested her head on his shoulder. He smirked to himself. They were the only ones in that small area of the park and it was a perfect moment to him. "Thanks so much for this. It's been amazing." She said softly.
"We still have a little bit left." He said. "It ain't over."
"I know but you know me. I forget the proper etiquette easily." She joked.
"Well darlin' I ain't proper so I don't mind." He replied. "I'm gonna twirl ya." She lifted her head and was spun around and crashed back into him. Her small nose was barely touching his and she was looking straight into his steel blue eyes. He rested his forehead on hers and he knew he could just kiss her with one quick movement.
"Hey there Darylina!" A gruff voice greeted. Daryl sighed and Brooke looked behind him. The old man. They separated but Daryl still kept her next to him."Never knew you were one for dancin'." Merle laughed. Daryl silently grew angry and Brooke squeezed his hand. Somehow she knew. "Come on little brother, Mom's waitin' in the car for ya." Merle looked at Brooke. "Hey sugar tits! You almost knocked me down earlier."
"Kinda wish I did." She grumbled and Daryl hid his smirk.
"Bye Brooke." Daryl said sadly and walked over to his brother.
"Bye Daryl." She replied quietly and walked over to the station her mom was working. Amber and Becky saw the last few minutes of their dance and goodbye. "Okay girls lets clean!" Brooke said and Becky patted her back.
Daryl got a small container out of one of his cargo pockets and put two large strawberries into it. He pocketed it and went back to the peace and quiet. The peace was quickly disturbed by big boots clomping behind him, scaring off any game he might have had. He turned to see Merle behind him.
"Hey little brother!" he greeted. " You pickin' the flowers? I'm goin to Atlanta to get some supplies with Chinaman and a small group."
"What?" Daryl asked.
"You deaf little brother?"
"Merle that's really dangerous! Why do you even want to go? You hate the people here!" Daryl explained.
"That's why!" Merle said. "I need to get out of here before I go crazy!"
"You mean you're not already crazy?" Daryl thought but kept his mouth shut.
"Maybe you should go? You were starin' at those berries for a long time!" Merle laughed. "What you thinkin' 'bout?"
"Nothin' that concerns you Merle!" Daryl snapped.
"You thinkin' about that little bitch again?" Merle laughed. "Man give up. She's dead and you know it. Might as well get over it. The two blonde ones are single ya know?" Daryl roared and attacked Merle. He punched him repeatedly in wherever he could hit. He got off of Merle and shook out his hand. Merle just laughed and sat up. "That's right little brother, let it out!"
"She told me about that time Merle!" Daryl confessed. "I know you're worried too!"
"She told you she…" Merle began.
"What that she saved your ass from gettin' killed by your friends?" he said. "And then patched you up afterwards? Yeah she told me." Daryl walked out of the woods with his game and went into his tent.