Hey everybody!

It has been a LONG time since I have updated stories. I'm very sorry for those who were interested in reading more. But, I am back. Summer vacation comes with more free time to write :)

I'm trying to figure out exactly where I want this story to go. I'm building up as I go!

But, please review let me know what you think, and if you have any ideas or suggestions!

Chapter 5. Strong Intentions

Riley slowly began to regain consciousness. The weak light from outside the window was creeping through and hitting her directly in the face. The soft comfort underneath he let her know that she was in a bed. She slowly opened her eyes, trying to clear the fog out of her head, enough to make sense of what had happened. She saw her dad leaning in front of her. His face held fear but relief.

"What happened?" she mumbled.

"You had an accident." Rick brushed her hair out of her eyes, gently leaning down and placing a kiss to her forehead. She had become more aware of her surroundings. She saw Carol standing behind Rick, then she turned to her left to see an older man that she did not recognize. "Riley, this is Hershel. He's the one who helped you."

Riley gave a small smile, "Thank you."

"You're welcome." He returned the smile, and then left the room. Riley turned back to Rick and Carol. "Okay...so what exactly happened, dad?"

"You fainted...Daryl found you."

"Fainted? How long have I been out?" Riley sat up straighter.

"A few days...everyone was so worried."

"Where's Carl? Is he okay?" Riley spoke quickly.

"Yes, he's fine. He was worried about you. I'll go tell him you're okay..." Riley nodded as her father left. Carol approached Riley. "What's wrong, Carol?"

"Sophia..."

"What about Sophia...is she okay?" Riley was extremely worried.

"She's missing..."

"Missing? Still? What? Then what are we doing here?!" Riley jumped off the bed and ran down the stairs, even though she had no idea where she was. She found the group down stairs, talking amongst themselves. They all turned as they heard the thudding of her footsteps. Carol followed down behind her, a few tears escaping her eyes. Riley headed for what she believed to be the front door, until Rick grabbed her arm.

"Where are you going?" Rick stared down at her.

"Sophia is missing. We have to find her. How could you not tell me?!"

"Because I know you, Riley! You're my daughter! We can handle it. We will find her. You need to get back upstairs and rest. You need to get better."

"Quit treating me like a little girl, dad. I'm not a little girl anymore. I can take care of myself." Riley pulled from Ricks grip and ran out the door. She walked and walked and walked. To where she had no idea. That's when she saw Daryl. She gathered all the courage in her to walk up to him and just tell him thank you. Thank you for saving me. It wasn't hard. But, Daryl was just...Daryl. He was older than her and just made her lose her words. But, she lost all thought when she met Daryl's eyes. She smiled sweetly.

"Ya alright?" Daryl asked softly.

Riley nodded, and looked up into his eyes. "Thank you."

"For what?" Daryl asked.

"For saving me."

"Ain't nothin' your dad or Shane wouldn't have done." Riley just nodded and gave him a smile. "Well...I'm glad it was you." She then turned without hesitation and walked back towards the house. She felt butterflies in her stomach. She forgot what it felt like to like somebody this much.

It was dark now. They had finished dinner and cleaned up. Most of the group was already in bed. She grabbed the hunting knife that was sitting on the table, and tip toed her way outside. Heading off into the forest, she was determined to find Sophia. Mindlessly walking around, letting her gaurd down foolishly, Riley wandered through the endless trees. She hadn't even realized that Daryl had noticed her walking into the woods. He had been out by himself, drinking. One of the things Dixon's did best. He could feel that alcohol taking over as he watched her, taking in her thin, fit body, her skin looked smooth to touch. He knew that it was wrong to think about Ricks underage daughter, but he couldn't help himself. He walked up beside her and put his hand on her shoulder. Within a second she had her knife out to him. He smirked dangerously, loving her reaction. Placing his hand on her wrist, he pushed it down and stepped towards her. Riley could feel her heart beating faster, afraid he could hear. This wasn't like Daryl. Yet she didnt care. He was never this forward, but they were alone and he craved her touch. Riley looked up at Daryl, who was smirking back at her. He placed his grimy hands on her hips and pulled her close to him. He smirked, hearing the knife drop, knowing that he had power over her. He has always seen her looking at him, watching him...the way she always looked so nervous around him. As he pressed himself to her, and pressed her against a tree, he felt himself kissing her. Riley could taste the alcohol on his mouth. She kissed him back. This as what she had wanted since she had met Daryl. She moaned in pleasure, but then his lips left hers. Daryl looked down at the small girl he was pushed up against, and turned and left her there.

Riley was confused. Did she do something wrong? Did he not want me? All she felt was rejection.