Hey, guys. Still trying to set up my story. The next chapter should start to pick things up now. I hope you guys like this chapter! and please review! It helps me update more faster!
AND check out my main page to see pictures and links for this story!
I DO NOT OWN THE WALKING DEAD (though I wish I did) I ONLY OWN MY OC RILEY GRIMES.
Later on that night, I lay in the tent that Carl and I shared. He was already laying on the sleeping bag next to me, obviously already asleep by the steady rise and fall of his chest. I thought about my past. Right before everything had gone down, I was about to start my senior year of high school. I remembered one teacher from my junior year, she was old and scrawny, but at the same time seemed full of knowledge. She would always say, "Everyday is a new opportunity to change your life. You have the power to say 'This is not how my story ends.'" Well, these days, it's not so easy to say. Either you lay down and die or you can fight until the end. At least, that's what I think.
It had been a couple days since a few of the group members had gone to the city to do a supply run. No one had been back yet and she was beginning to worry about her fellow survivors. But, there was nothing she could do. She decided that she had to et up and do her part in the group. After pulling on some jeans, a black tank top, and some boots she made her way to Carol, to help with the laundry.
"Hey, why didn't you wake me?" She started to grab and fold as she eyed Carol.
"Thought you could use some rest. You obviously needed it."
"Where's Carl?" Riley asked worried.
"Him and Sophia are in the trailer eating some lunch. You could use something to eat. Why don't you go ahead?"
"No, no I'm okay. I need to start pulling my weight around here. Its not fair to everyone else." Riley grabbed the pile of freshly cleaned clothes that belonged to Daryl and Merle. She didn't think Daryl would be there and Merle was away on the run. But, as she made her way to the tent Daryl came out.
"Watchu want?" Riley handed over the clothes. "Thanks." He kept his head down and placed them in the tent. She started to walk away until she heard his voice.
"Hey!" She turned around to face him, "How you holdin' up?"
She shrugged her shoulders. What could she say? Everyday was a struggle. "Same old, same old." She offered a small smile. "You? How are you doing?"
"Fine." He shook her off. Daryl wasn't one to share his feelings. Ever. Not even with her. As she stood in front of him, looking him over, she became overwhelmed by how much she really cared for him. She didn't care how much older he was than her. She didn't care that he would always shut her out. Nothing she told herself could stop her from feeling the way that she did. But, she did do her best to hide it from everyone else in camp. Although, she was pretty sure that Shane had been catching on. That was why he had so many problems with Daryl.
Riley was in such a trance she didn't even realize she was stilling staring up at Daryl. "Whataya starin' at?" Daryl bit at his lip, something Riley loved but of course had to hide.
"Nothin'. Um I have to go finish helping Carol. I'll see you later?" Daryl nodded and grabbed his crossbow and traveled into the woods until he disappeared. What was she going to do? She was so confused. She didn't know how to come out and tell him that she liked him, and cared about him a lot. He made her feel safe, and protected.
Loud sound. Not good. No one knew what it was. It sounded like a car alarm. Sure enough, a red sports car came speeding up to the camp. Glenn came out, all smiles. She felt good looking over seeing that at least someone was happy. Everyone around the camp stopped what they were doing and gathered around Glenn.
"Turn that thing off dammit! It'll attract the walkers!" Shane yelled furiously.
"I'm sorry, I'm sorry!" Glenn lifted up the hood and turned off the alarm sound. Then, a big white truck pulled up behind the sports car. Everyone that left for the city was back... everybody except Merle. That was the first thing she noticed. She knew that Daryl had been worried about his brother, even if he wouldn't admit it.
Carl came up beside Riley, holding her arm. She looked down and forced a smile. She knew that Carl missed their dad, and their mom for that matter. But, before she could say something, she noticed Carl staring in shock straight ahead of them. "Carl...wha-" she looked up and did not believe her eyes. She thought she was losing her mind. It was Rick. Carl ran from her grip, jumping into Rick's arms. Riley was still in shock. She slowly started to walk towards her dad, then started running up to him. Rick grabbed her and hugged both Carl and Riley. Tears started to fall from his face. He pulled back and looked at Riley, who was smiling and crying at the same time.
"Daddy..." Riley shook her head, still in disbelief.
"Riley..." Rick smiled, and pulled her into another hug. He had finally found them.