I could see the dirt path as we got closer to the camp. I could just see Shane's face as Glenn pulled up with that car alarm going off. He was going to shit a brick. I had a feeling that we would all catch hell for that one, at least until we explained the reasoning behind it. I was excited suddenly, when Cheyenne and Shay popped into my head. I could see Glenn had parked the car and the others surrounding him as Rick parked the moving truck. As soon as the doors opened, I jumped out, Andrea right behind me.
"Amy!" Andrea ran forward. I grinned as the two sister ran to each other.
"SPENCERRRR!" Cheyenne came running towards me, and I grabbed her up in my arms. Shay ran over, grabbing me with an intensity that I had never felt from her before.
"Oh, my God! I didn't think you were gonna make it back!" Shay cried. I held onto the two of them, my own eyes getting a bit watery. Everyone was looking at us, and at the two sisters. I could see a sadness on Carl's face when Morales joined his family. Lori had an arm over Carl's shoulder, and led him a few steps away. She knelt down, talking to him as he cried. My heart was breaking at the sight.
"How'd y'all get outta there, anyway?" I heard Shane ask.
"New guy! He got us out." Glenn said.
"Yea, the crazy bastard saved us all." I tried to grin through my sadness for Carl.
"New guy?" Shane asked. Morales said something,
"Hey helicopter boy! Come say hello!" Morales said, smiling. "Guy's a cop, like you." And as he said that, Rick came around the front of the moving truck. I saw Shane's face change dramatically, and I looked at Rick who was looking the same way. My first instinct was to look at Carl and Lori, who both turned their heads to see the new guy.
"Oh, my God." Rick breathed, pointing at the two. He began walking quickly, and I saw Carl's face light up as he began running.
"DAD! DAD!" He screamed and I put a hand to my mouth, as the father and son collided, Rick falling to the ground with Carl. I couldn't keep the tears from welling up in my eyes, and one fell down my cheek. Rick stood, kissing Carl on the side of his face as he held his son close, and walked towards Lori. She looked stunned. She grabbed him and held on. Rick and Shane shared a look. I couldn't believe it. I was very happy for Rick, he truly deserved finding his family. And to think they'd been here all along...
We were all sitting around the campfire talking. Rick was explaining his story about when he woke up in the hospital. Thunder rolled, and I just sat, stroking Cheyenne's hair. She was near sleep, her blue eyes fluttering closed at my touch. I heard a cracking noise and Cheyenne jumped, clutching onto my arm. I looked over to see Ed building his fire higher. I rolled my eyes. Rick caught it and gave me a questioning look. I just shook my head.
"Hey, Ed. Wanna rethink that log?" Shane asked, looking over at the bastard.
"It's cold, man." Ed replied, not looking over at us.
"Cold don't change the rules, does it?" Shane asked calmly. "We keep our fires low, just embers, so we can't be seen from a distance, right?"
"I said it's cold. Why don't ya mind ya own business for once?" Ed asked, and Shane stood up. T-Dog motioned to stop him, but then just put his hand to his own face.
"Ed, sure you wanna have this conversation right now?" Shane asked quietly.
"Go on," Ed instructed to Carol, "pour the damn thing out. Go on!" He raised his voice at her, and she stood, walking over to the fire and putting it out.
"Hey Carol," I could hear Shane speaking quietly, "Sophia, how are y'all this evenin'?"
"Fine. We're just fine." Carol said shortly.
"Hey," Shane tried.
"Sorry about the fire-" Carol started.
"No, no, no. No apology needed. Y'all have a good night, okay?" Shane got up, and walked back over to us, but not before walking by Ed and saying, "Appreciate the cooperation." As soon as Shane sat down, Dale spoke up.
"Have you given any thought to Daryl Dixon?" Dale asked.
"Been on my mind ever since we left that department store." I admitted, looking at Dale.
"He won't be happy to hear his brother was left behind." Dale continued, giving me a sympathetic nod.
"I'll tell 'em." Shane said.
"I dropped the key, it's on me." T-Dog stepped in.
"I was with you..." I trailed off, shaking my head.
"I cuffed him, that makes him mine." Rick stepped up, looking at me.
"Guys, it's not a competition." Glenn spoke up, looking around at T-Dog. "I don't mean to bring race into this, but it might sound better coming from a white guy."
"He's right." I said looking at Glenn, then to T-Dog. "You know how the Dixons are."
"I did what I did. Hell if I'm gonna hide from it." T-Dog said quietly.
"We could lie." Amy offered, and I almost grinned.
"Or tell the truth. Merle was outta control. Something had to be done or he would have gotten us killed. Your husband did what was necessary. And if Merle got left behind, it is nobody's fault, but Merle's."
"And that's what we tell Daryl? I don't see a rational discussion to be had from that. Do you? Word to the wise... We're gonna have our hands full when he gets back from his hunt." Dale explained.
"That's an understatement." I snorted.
"I was scared, and I ran. I'm not ashamed of it." T-Dog looked away.
"We tried, though, T." I offered a sincere look.
"We were all scared, we all ran." Andrea was trying to help. "What's your point?"
"I stopped long enough to chain that door." T-Dog explained.
"Yea, he did, and the staircase is narrow." I looked at Rick.
"Maybe half a dozen geeks can squeeze against it at one time. Not enough to break through it. Not that chain, not that padlock. My point, Dixon's alive. And he's still up there, handcuffed on that roof. That's on us." T-Dog got up and walked away. I started to go after him, but I stopped when I caught Glenn's eye. Maybe he just needed to be alone. We said our good nights, and when I tried to stand up with Cheyenne, I faltered slightly.
"Need some help?" Rick asked quietly. "You took quite a fall for us on that roof."
"Fall?" Lori asked, looking at me.
"So you saw that?" I grinned at Rick and turned to Lori. "Kicked Dixon, so he pushed me flat on my ass."
"She only did it to keep Merle from beating T-Dog to a pulp." Rick said, picking up Cheyenne.
"Well, are you okay?" Lori asked, looking at my face.
"Fine," I smiled, "my ass is sore." Lori laughed quietly and gave me a smile.
"Maybe it'll feel better in the morning." She put a hand on my arm. "Don't beat yourself up about Merle."
"Not, just beatin' myself up about how Daryl's gonna take it." I nearly whispered the words. "Ain't his fault." Lori nodded, and told me goodnight. She walked off toward her tent, and I walked with Rick toward mine.
"Thanks again, for pickin' her up." I smiled softly at Cheyenne, who was asleep.
"You never mentioned you had a young daughter. She's beautiful." Rick smiled over at me, as we reached my tent.
"Oh, she ain't my daughter. My little cousin." I corrected.
"She's yours now... " He trailed off as he set Cheyenne in the tent beside Shay. "Get you some sleep, Spencer." I felt Rick's hand on my shoulder and I nodded my head. I climbed into the tent and settled in beside Cheyenne and Shay.
"Spence?" Shay whispered.
"Yea?" I whispered back.
"Don't ever do that again." I chuckled and pulled the blanket up to my chin. Before I knew it, I was sound asleep.
I awoke the next morning to the sounds of the camp bustling around. I dragged myself up, and looked over to see Shay asleep, but Cheyenne was gone. I could hear faint laughter, and knew the kids were outside playing. I smiled and stretched my arms over my head. Climbing out of my tent, I realized my ass was still extremely sore. Grimacing, I made my way over to Rick and Glenn, who were watching the guys strip Glenn's muscle car. Glenn was complaining and had a sad look on his face. I laughed.
"Thought I'd get to drive it at least a few more days." Glenn grumbled, and I giggled.
"Maybe we'll get to steal another one someday." Rick offered, patting Glenn on the back, before walking off.
"If that's the case, I'm drivin'!" Then it hit me. My truck! Dammit, we had left it back at the city. "My truck..." I grumbled, upset.
"Ha! Looks like we both lost." Glenn sneered playfully. I smacked his arm.
"Asshole," I grumbled, before walking away towards the RV. I walked over to Dale and gave him a worried look.
"What's wrong, Spencer?" Dale asked, and I glanced over as Shane came tearing up the road in his jeep. He must have went on a water run.
"Been thinkin' 'bout Merle... Well, scratch that. Been thinkin' more about Daryl. If Rick decides to go back to the city, I wanna go. I feel just as responsible." I looked down at my cowboy boots, before looking back up at Dale.
"That's understandable. But you do have a little one to think about." Dale said, looking over at Cheyenne. I nodded.
"Understand that. But so does Rick. Just feel obligated, ya know? And if I gotta go, I need you to keep Shay occupied so she don't lose her mind worryin'. Think you can put her on watch duty or somethin'?" I asked, my eyes pleading with Dale.
"Of course I will, Spencer. You're a very respectable young lady with good morals. I'm happy to see you haven't lost your humanity." Dale smiled, and I smiled back.
"Glad to hear that." I laughed lightly, and started to walk away. I turned back toward Dale. "Thanks." He nodded, and I turned back toward Cheyenne. Walking over, I grabbed her from behind, pulling her into a hug.
"Good mornin'!" Cheyenne grinned up at me.
"Hello, darlin'. You eat breakfast yet?" I asked, letting her go.
"Lori made us bweakfast." Cheyenne said, and I smiled at the way she talked.
"That's Mrs. Lori, to you, little bit!" I grinned, as she covered her mouth.
"Oops." She giggled and I pulled her close, kissing the top of her head.
"You go on and play now. Stay close." I warned, and Cheyenne nodded. She ran off to catch up with Carl and Sophia. I turned to see Lori and Rick talking. They seemed to be having a serious discussion, when suddenly I heard a blood curdling scream, followed by Carl yelling, "MOM!"
"Carl?" Lori yelled, and we all ran forward.
"CHY?" I called, and I caught up to Rick quickly. We ran through the woods to the clearing where we hung clothes to dry. Carl was holding Cheyenne's hand, and Sophia's, but they all let go and ran into us like a ton of bricks. I grabbed Cheyenne and looked her over, but she wasn't hurt. Jacqui was right behind the kids, pointing behind her. Rick, Glenn, Shane, and Jim ran in that direction. Andrea and Amy walked over, only to stop in their tracks quickly.
"What's going on?" Dale asked at my side.
"I dunno, Chy, stay with Lori and Carl!" I ordered, as I ran over to the guys, Dale right behind me. A walker was standing, his mouth bloody from the deer that was lying dead on the ground. I could see arrows sticking out of the deer. Great, I thought, just another thing to piss off Dixon.
The walker came forward, snarling and snapping at everyone. The men began to attack it, smacking it with numerous weapons. I glanced over to see Amy and Andrea watching, Amy looking quite disgusted. I had to agree, it was pretty gross. Finally Dale brought down his axe, cutting the thing's head off.
"This is the first one we've had up here." Dale mentioned, looking at the thing. "They never come this far up the mountain."
"Well they're runnin' out of food in the city, that's what." Jim said looking at Dale. A footstep in the underbrush of the woods made us all snap our heads up. I pulled my gun from my shorts instinctively, holding it low, but ready to aim if needed. Everyone had their weapons ready to strike as the footsteps got closer.
Then I saw it. The dark crossbow appeared first, then I saw Daryl come out from behind some brush. As he hopped down from a small incline, his face met ours. Daryl looked at us, almost unsure, his face asking what the hell were we all looking at. I relaxed, clicking the safety on my gun, and shoved it back into the waistband of my shorts.
"Ughh, Jesus." Shane murmured, turning away.
"Son-of-a-bitch!" Daryl came tromping towards us. "That's my deer! Awl, look at it all gnawed on by this filthy," he kicked the dead walker, "disease barren," he kicked it again, "motherless, poxy bastard." Daryl finished with one last kick.
"Calm down, son. That's not helping." Dale tried to calm Daryl.
"What'dya know 'bout it ol' man?" Daryl walked over toward Dale, but Shane lifted his gun in between the two men as a barrier. Daryl made some remark about Dale and his hat, and I almost laughed, but stopped myself. Not funny, Spencer. I heard Daryl sigh. "Been trackin' this deer for miles." He said as he pulled the arrows from its side. "Drag it back to camp, cook us up some venison. What'dya think, think we can cut 'round this chewed up part right here?"
"Would not risk that." Shane said, and I looked at Daryl.
"That's a damn shame. Well, I got some squirrel, 'bout a dozen or so. Have to do." Beside Daryl's foot, the walker's eyes popped open and it began snapping it's jaw.
"Oh, God!" Amy said, and she turned away, Andrea right behind her.
"Come on, people. What the hell?" Daryl growled, lifting his crossbow and aiming at the walker's head. He shot the walker, the arrow piercing through its head. Putting his foot on the walker's head, he pulled the arrow out and stepped back. "It's gotta be the brain. Don't y'all know nothin'?" He walked past us, and headed for camp. Here we go, I thought, and I felt nervous as we followed behind him.
"Merle!" I could hear Daryl calling out. "Merle! Getcha ugly ass out here. Got us some squirrel." I watched as he sat his crossbow down.
"Daryl," I heard Rick call, "hey, slow up a bit, I need to talk to you."
"'Bout what?" Daryl asked, but his voice was calm.
"Bout Merle." Shane butted in. "There was a... There was a problem in Atlanta." Daryl looked around at all of us, and his eyes caught mine momentarily, then he looked back toward Shane.
"He dead?" Daryl asked, his voice still calm, as he walked. I looked up at him, watching his movements.
"Not sure." Shane admitted.
"He either is or he ain't!" Daryl growled, looking at Shane threateningly.
"No easy way to say this, so I'll just say it." Rick said, walking forward.
"Who'er you?" Daryl asked, looking at Rick.
"Rick Grimes." The sheriff answered.
"Rick Grimes?" Daryl growled, sneering. "Got somethin' ya wanna tell me?"
"Your brother was a danger to us all." Rick confessed, keeping straight forward with Daryl. "So I handcuffed him to the roof, hooked him to a piece of metal. He's still there." I could see T-Dog walking up with an armful of wood, as Rick spoke. My eyes darted back to Daryl who mumbled, turning away from Rick. He wiped his face before speaking.
"Lemme process this." Daryl turned back toward Rick, and I could tell he was upset. Pissed, yes, but mostly upset. He continued, with a slightly shaky voice. "Sayin you handcuffed my brother to a roof? And you left him there?" Daryl was screaming at Rick.
"Yea." Rick replied, looking away. Before I knew what was happening, Daryl threw his rack of squirrels at Rick, who ducked out of the way. Daryl lunged for Rick, but Shane pulled a cheap shot, bulldozing him from the side, knocking Daryl to the ground.
"Hey!" T-Dog dropped the wood and ran over. I saw Daryl pull his hunting knife from his pants, and I lunged forward.
"Daryl, stop!" I tried to catch his attention, but he ignored me.
"Watch the knife!" Shane warned, and when Daryl was to his feet, he swung the knife angrily at Rick, who jumped back and grabbed Daryl's hand. He got a hold of Daryl, but of course Shane had to butt in, once again. Shane grabbed Daryl, putting him in a choke hold. I jumped forward, but Dale grabbed my arm.
"It's okay, Spencer," Dale whispered, "Shane won't hurt him." I looked back at Daryl, who was struggling against Shane.
"Best let me go!" Daryl snarled, but Shane kept a firm grip on him as they struggled with one another.
"Nah, I think it's better if I don't." Shane said, as he lowered Daryl closer to the ground.
"Choke holdin's illegal!" Dixon growled, but Shane didn't give in.
"Yea, well, you can file a complaint." Shane mumbled, and I rolled my eyes. Shane spoke again. "Come on now, we can keep this up all day." Daryl was making noises, trying to get his breath. I felt my blood boiling towards Shane, but I didn't know why.
"I'd like to have a calm discussion on this topic," Rick said, kneeling in front of Daryl. "You think we can manage that? You think we can manage that?" Rick looked up at Shane, who gave a nod, then released Daryl.
"What I did was not on a whim!" Rick was trying to explain to Daryl, who was sitting on his ass glaring at the two. "Your brother does not work and play well with others."
"It's not Rick's fault." T-Dog spoke up, and Daryl's eyes darted over to him. "I had the key.. I dropped it."
"Couldn't pick it up?" Daryl asked, his voice hoarse.
"I dropped it down a drain." T-Dog said, and Daryl's head dropped. He finally got to his feet, throwing dirt as he walked by T-Dog.
"If that's supposed to make me feel better, it don't." Daryl said.
"Tell him what we did, what you did." I said to T, and Daryl stopped in his tracks.
"We?" Daryl sneered at me.
"Yea, I'm just as responsible." I admitted, not backing down.
"Maybe this will make you feel better. Look, I chained the door to the roof so the geeks couldn't get at him. With a padlock." T explained. Daryl looked as if he might cry. I looked away, and when Rick spoke, my eyes went straight back to Daryl.
"It's gotta count for somethin'." Rick tried. Daryl's face scrunched up, and that's when I knew he was crying. He wiped his eyes.
"The hell with all y'all!" He swung his arm. "Just tell me where he is, so I can go get 'em." Daryl have whimpered, half growled.
"He'll show you." Lori spoke up. Everyone looked at her. Lori only looked at Rick. "Isn't that right?"
"I'm goin' back." Rick shook his head. Daryl just stomped past us, looking mad as hell. No one said anything, we all just veered off our own ways and I walked to my tent. I heard someone behind me, and I nearly tripped when they grabbed my arm, hard.
"What the HELL do you think you're doing?" Shay yelled at me. I was so taken back, that at first I couldn't speak.
"Lemme go!" I jerked away from her, tilting my head with a glare. "I am goin' into the city, Shay. You know why, so don't try to talk me out of it. I gotta go."
"For what? Because you and T couldn't save Merle?" She scoffed. "You don't owe that damn boy anything! You owe Cheyenne, you owe me, God dammit!" I was shocked by her reaction to all of this.
"I'm goin', Shay." I said firmly.
"Go figure. Going to save the piece of shit that pushed you flat on your ass. Who cares about Merle?" Shay was in my face.
"I care about what's right!" I yelled back at her, and she took a step back. Without another word, I stepped into my tent and pulled myself together. Making sure my gun was secure in the waistband of my shorts, I walked past Shay and headed straight for Cheyenne. Her blonde hair was sticking out slightly, and she looked up at me with sad blue eyes.
"Where you goin'?" Cheyenne mumbled, poking out her lip.
"Hey, now." I knelt down in front of her. "Don't be sad. I'll be back before ya know it. Just gotta run to the city and pick up Daryl's brother."
"Will you go fast?" Chy asked, hugging my neck. I squeezed her back.
"Like the wind." I whispered in her ear, kissing the side of her head. I stood and walked away from her, my eyes tearing up slightly. I couldn't stand to see the look on her face. I regained my composure and noticed Shane speaking with Rick. It was evident what about. Shane didn't want him to leave. I shook my head and walked over to the moving truck. I could overhear Daryl and Shane exchange some words.
I stood by the side of the truck, but I didn't get in. I just stood, listening to the conversation being held with the group. Shane didn't want Rick to go. T-Dog just told everyone he was going. Rick asked Glenn to go. Now Lori was backing out of her words from earlier and she didn't want Rick to go. I slipped into the truck quietly, I couldn't take much more of their bickering.
I heard someone lift the back doors. I turned my head to see Daryl. Our eyes met, and he just glared at me. I didn't say anything, just looked away and out of the window. He began walking towards me, I could hear his footsteps coming closer. Once he got to me, he stopped. I looked up at him, his eyes locking into mine.
"Why you goin'?" Daryl asked in a huff.
"Responsible." I muttered, not looking away.
"Heard you yellin' at your friend, what's she talkin' bout, Merle pushed you down?" Daryl asked, his eyes still angry.
"I.. He was beatin' T-Dog to a bloody pulp and no one could stop him. So I jumped in and kicked him in the leg. Of course, only after callin' me a bitch, did he push me." I explained, and Daryl narrowed his eyes.
"Then why you comin' along?" Daryl stared at me.
"I said I feel responsible!" I growled, and Daryl smirked.
"Whatever." He huffed at me, then walked away. Before I knew it, Glenn was beside me. He turned the ignition, cranking up the truck. Backing it up, we were silent. I could feel Daryl's presence in the truck, but no one said anything. Suddenly, Daryl swung in between Glenn and I, kicking the horn several times.
"Come on! Let's go!" He growled, and I glared at him, before getting up from my seat. I pushed past him, and sat down on the floor of the moving truck. T-Dog stepped into the back, and after Rick was finished talking to Shane, he climbed into the truck's passenger seat. Daryl pulled down the trucks back door and we were on our way.
Hope you guys enjoy this chapter ! Mostly filler, but things are gonna get better soon ! Well if by better, meaning worse, then yes, better ! hehe The reviews are AMAZING and I will be doing a shout out sometime soon. Thanks again for all the great readers and REVIEWERS ! (:
~Kaila