I awoke the next morning to dim light seeping through my tent. Looking around, I remembered I was, in fact, not in my original tent. I was in Daryl's tent. Sitting up, I stretched and rubbed my eyes. My hands dropped back down when I thought about the previous day.
Daryl had been shot. Andrea had been oddly hot headed, somewhat like Shane had been acting of late. I shook my head and imagined all the things I would have done to Andrea, had she killed him. Trying not to think about what could have happened, I stood up and ducked out of the tent, walking toward the house.
Thinking about yesterday, I remembered something. When Daryl was telling me I could sleep in his tent, I had noticed quite visible scars along his chest. I was curious, but I knew now wasn't a great time to be asking questions. Maybe one day he'd tell me about it. I nearly laughed at the idea.
I looked over at the sun coming up, realizing that I had actually slept like a brick in Daryl's tent. I only woke up so early due to the fact that I was still concerned. As I made my way over to the house, I saw Shane and Rick emerge from the front door, supporting Daryl. I saw Dale standing by the stairs, so I walked over.
"Why's he leavin' the house?" I demanded, staring at Dale.
"He wants to be back in his own tent." Dale mused, offering a light smile. I shook my head. Daryl Dixon was going to be the death of me. I would worry myself to death before long.
I decided to leave Daryl alone for now. I walked along until I reached my tent. Peeking inside, I saw Cheyenne and Shay both still asleep. Smiling at the two, I stepped away quietly, noticing Glenn and Maggie having a serious discussion. Glenn looked as if he were having a freak out, and Maggie seemed to be trying to calm him down.
It was probably nothing, just all that had happened yesterday. I made a mental note to myself to ask Glenn if he was okay. June bugs buzzed all around, and I listened as I walked. It felt like one of the few things from the old world I still held onto. A simple sound.
Walking up to the RV, I saw T-Dog and Dale setting up the over hang. I gave them a smile, and T-Dog shook his head with a laugh. I opened my mouth to ask him what he was laughing at, but Glenn interrupted us, bringing fruit. He began passing it around.
"Morning." Glenn mumbled, and I looked up to see Andrea walk out of the RV.
"Mornin'." She said quickly, but she never even looked at me.
"Sup?" T-Dog asked Glenn, who immediately looked panicked.
"Nothing." Glenn said. "Nothing's up, why?" We stared at him as he walked off, all three of us looking at each other questioningly. My eyes wandered to see Andrea walking towards Daryl's tent. I immediately felt myself bristle slightly.
"Don't worry, she's going to apologize." Dale remarked, giving me a sincere look. I relaxed and looked over at Dale.
"Good. She needs to. What she did yesterday was stupid." I said, looking back towards Daryl's tent.
"What's goin' on with you and Dixon anyways?" T-Dog asked with a goofy grin.
"Nothin'." I laughed as if his suggestion was the craziest thing I'd ever heard.
"Oh, no, girl. That scream you let out yesterday wasn't nothin'. It sounded like you were dyin'." T-Dog raised his eyebrows in question.
"I thought he got shot in the head!" I replied, getting frustrated. Dale looked at T-Dog with a slight glare and he shut up. I walked away, when Andrea caught my eye coming from Daryl's tent. I decided to go see him. I walked toward her and we caught eyes. Walking past her, I felt a hand grab my arm gently.
"Spencer, I'm really sorry... I don't know what's going on with you and Daryl but I'm sorry." Andrea looked pitiful.
"Nothin' is goin' on with us! Why does everyone keep askin' me that?" I shook my head. "Just go with Shane. He'll help you and so will Rick. Get some practice." I said nothing more, I just walked over to his tent and poked my head in. "Can I come in?"
"Sure." Daryl grunted. I stepped into the tent and sat beside him.
"How's the head?" I asked, looking at the stitches.
"Itchy." He mumbled. I grinned.
"Good. Mean's it's healin'." I wanted to reach out and touch him, but I didn't. He was handsome, in a rugged way. Very handsome, in fact. From the stubble across his face, to th-
"You slept in here last night." Daryl said quietly.
"Yea. Best sleep I got in forever." I half laughed.
"Sleepin' in here tonight?" He asked, still looking at me.
"Said just 'til you get back. Plus, I don't think Carol would like that." I mumbled, looking down.
"Why? You two together or somethin'?" He asked, causing me to jerk my head up. Suddenly, I laughed. I had been wrong about everything and he was letting me know that he wasn't with Carol. I had been foolish, that's what I had been. Upsetting myself over nothing.
"No... I'll be back tonight." I said quietly, getting up and leaving his tent. My stomach fluttered at the thought, and I couldn't hide the grin on my face.
"Spencer, you look happy today." Rick commented.
"It's a great day." I said simply.
"Uh, huh. We're doing target practice, care to come along? Always room to improve." Rick looked at me. I glanced back at Daryl's tent then at Rick.
"Imma bring Shay. She needs practice." Rick nodded, and I left to find Shay. She was still in the tent with Cheyenne, but they were awake. I popped my head in and gave them a smile. "Shay you're comin' with me!"
"Where?" She asked, looking up at me.
"Target practice." I grinned.
"Wanna go!" Cheyenne jumped up.
"I dunno..." I thought about it. She was five years old. Oh, good God, was this really even a topic up for discussion? I sighed, and nodded my head. "Okay, you can come. But this's serious stuff, okay?"
"I know." Cheyenne nodded. I looked at Shay for guidance, but she only gave me the "Oh wow, you actually agreed to let her go?" look. We walked over to the cars and packed in, Cheyenne on my lap.
The shooting went well. Of course, I did not allow Cheyenne to shoot, even Shane agreed that I was right on my choice. I couldn't give give a gun to a five year old. She was just too small. Her hands were so tiny, I was afraid she wouldn't even be able to handle the weakest of recoils.
Shay, on the other hand, had showed her true colors. With Rick and Shane instructing, Shay had hit nearly every target they asked of her. I was initially shocked, but happy with the outcome. I was proud that Shay could defend herself with a gun. It was something that everyone should know how to do in these times.
Once we arrived back to the farm, all except Andrea and Shane, I began helping Carol prepare for dinner. She smiled and seemed happy to have some company. We talked as I helped her do this and that. I even made her laugh a few times, which made me feel better knowing that was still possible.
"Spencer?" Maggie caught me walking away from Carol.
"Hey, Maggie." I smiled at her as I watched her catch up.
"You can come inside and take a shower if you want. Just be quick." Maggie nodded toward the house. I looked at her.
"Really? Thank you!" I grinned and jogged over to my tent, snatching up my duffel bag. I walked awkwardly into the house and found my way upstairs. Walking into the bathroom, I shut the door behind me. I wasted no time, stripping down and jumping into the hot shower. Letting out a breath, I relaxed as the hot water flowed over me.
I quickly washed my hair and my body. I even took the time to shave, not that it mattered anymore. Not wanting to waste hot water or take advantage of the Greene's, I said a sad goodbye to the water and turned it off. Drying off quickly, I dressed in clean clothes and walked back downstairs.
"Thanks again, Maggie." I hugged her, and she smiled.
"You looked like you needed it." She laughed and I laughed with her. Walking through the door, I gave her a small wave, then walked down the stairs. Walking across the yard to the tents, I saw Carol emerging from Daryl's tent. She had an empty plate. My stomach growled.
I joined the group for dinner, eating and talking. Everyone seemed off today. Lori and Rick were more quiet than usual. Andrea had marks all over her, and I quickly realized why her and Shane looked so happy. Glenn was the most quiet out of the group, stalking off to his tent once he finished dinner.
I laid in my own tent until Cheyenne and Shay were asleep. Then I quietly unzipped the flap, grabbed my sleeping bag, and zipped it back. I stepped quietly to Daryl's tent, and stepped inside. Of course, he was still awake. I spread my sleeping bag out and laid down, looking over at him.
"Thanks." I said simply, then closed my eyes.
"For what?" Daryl grunted.
"Lettin' me sleep in here with you. More room." I kept my eyes closed as I talked.
"Go to sleep." He mumbled and I grinned.
"Night." I rolled over on my side, facing away from him.
"Mhm." He grunted. It wasn't long before I fell asleep. I wasn't ready for the dream that would haunt me.
I was almost asleep, when I heard the door to my bedroom click open. I rolled over to face the door, sitting up to see who it was coming into my room. I figured it was probably Sam, coming in to tell me something outrageously stupid. Something that could wait until tomorrow morning. But when my eyes fell on the figure at the door, it wasn't Sam. It was my father.
"Somethin' wrong?" I asked sleepily, rubbing my eyes.
"No." My father walked over to my bed and sat on the edge of it. "Did I wake you?"
"Not really." I mumbled. "I was almost asleep, but not all the way." I stared at him. He never came into my room in the middle of the night, and I could smell the alcohol. Today hadn't been a bad day, in fact, the week itself had been nearly fight free. Sam had just returned from dropping out of law school four days ago, and my parents had both been quiet with each other since they found out.
And by quiet, I mean nice. They weren't fighting, neither of them had yelled or hit me in nearly a week. That was a new record. Sam and I had even began to worry about their sanity, we were so used to the violence. He had asked me if I thought they were finally losing it, and I had said yes.
"Sorry..." He was suddenly over me, trying to stick his hand over my mouth. "Shuttup girl or I'm really gonna hurt you this time." He growled, but I fought back. He ripped at my shirt, and I jerked away, managing to force him to uncover his hand from my mouth.
"SAM!" I screamed in horror. SMACK. I felt the harsh sting of his hand as it hit my cheek. BAM, my bedroom door slammed open, and suddenly my father was off of me, onto the floor.
I jumped awake, looking around. I sat up, trying not to cry, trying to make the images leave my head. Pulling my knees up to my chest, I rocked gently, shutting my eyes tight. Go away, go away, go away. I willed the dream to disappear, to leave me alone. I was shivering, but it wasn't even cold. A voice made me jump slightly.
"Jus' a bad dream." Daryl's gruff voice flooded through my ears.
"I-I'm sorry. Didn't mean to wake you." I murmured quietly. I felt the tears building up and I told myself not to cry. I looked over at Daryl.
"What was it?" Daryl stared at me.
"The dream?" I asked.
"Yea." He mumbled.
"My..." I trailed off, looking away. "My father, or should I say sperm donor, tried to rape me when I was sixteen. That's what I was dreamin' about. It haunts me." I shuddered.
"He's prolly dead anyways." Daryl muttered, and I realized that was his way of trying to comfort me.
"God, I hope so." I shook my head, holding onto my knees. We were quiet for a few minutes, until Daryl spoke.
"C'mere." He said quietly. I looked up at him, and I saw something in his eyes, a sense of knowing. I crawled over to him and laid down, my head resting between his neck and shoulder. I put my hand on his chest, close to heart. Daryl was tense, but as the minutes passed, I could feel him start to relax.
I was still shivering slightly, but when he pulled me closer resting his arm on my side, I completely relaxed. I stopped shivering, and was overcome with a sense of warmness. Snuggling up closer, I closed my eyes. His skin was warm against my cheek, and his heart thumped against my hand. Never wanting to leave this spot, never wanting to lose this moment, I tried to fight sleep. That seemed impossible with him holding me.
"Wake up." Daryl's voice was ringing in my ears. I felt him shaking me. I lifted my head, one eye open.
"Already?" I mumbled. I saw the corners of his lips tug upward slightly.
"Get up, girl. Time to eat." Daryl snaked his arm out from underneath my head. I sat up and looked at him.
"I'll bring you a plate." I said, letting out a yawn.
"No, I'm comin' outta the tent." Daryl demanded. I glared at him.
"You shouldn't. But I know you ain't gonna listen to me." I scratched my head and stood up. "I'm starvin'." As if to back that up, my stomach growled. I offered a sheepish grin, looking back at him.
"What?" He growled.
"Need help?" I asked, raising an eyebrow, teasing.
"No." Daryl sneered at me. I suppressed a giggle as I ducked out of the tent. I walked quietly around the RV, not seeing anyone. I grinned. I had made it out of Daryl's tent without being spotted.
"Hello, Spencer." Dale's voice ruined my theory. I felt my shoulders sag slightly.
"Hey, Dale." I mumbled, feeling like a kid caught with their hand in the cookie jar.
"Wanna come up?" Dale asked. I looked up at the roof of the RV.
"Sure." I nodded, and climbed up the ladder. I sat down, giving Dale a light smile. "Sleep good?"
"The better question is, did you sleep good?" Dale asked, and I smacked my hand to my forehead.
"Saw that, huh?" I could feel myself blushing slightly.
"I did." Dale nodded. "I thought you said nothing was going on with you two."
"Nothin' is. I only slept in his tent 'cause I can't sleep in mine. Too crowded, too hot. He offered to let me sleep in his. I took him up on it. Not so lonely either..." I trailed off, watching as Daryl emerged from his tent.
"I understand, Spencer." Dale said, but there was something in his voice.
"There really is nothin' to it. Just two people..sharin' a tent." I tried to sound convincing.
"Uh huh." Dale looked out at the field.
"Oh, I give up! DAD." I huffed, trying not to grin. Dale cracked up into laughter as I stood up and climbed down the ladder. When my feet hit the ground, I realized I had never once called anyone dad, not even my own father. I glanced back up at the RV. Dale was one of a kind and I felt honored to call him Dad.
The smell of eggs pulled me from my thoughts, and I saw Daryl sitting in a chair. I sat on the ground nearby and watched my surroundings. Andrea was sharpening her knife. Lori was whispering to Rick. Everyone was quiet, even Carol as she cooked the eggs. I caught Glenn look over to Hershel's porch, seeing Maggie standing on it.
Dale had come down from the RV to eat breakfast. I gave Carol a smile and a "thank you", as she scooped eggs on my plate. I began to eat, closing my eyes at the taste of food. Man, I was so grateful for the chickens running around out here. Usually, they annoyed me, but not today. Today, I wanted to pick one up and kiss it.
I noticed Glenn and Dale staring at each other, sharing a nod. Curious, I watched Glenn from the corner of my eye. He stood up and walked closer to where we all were sitting. He had his hands in his pockets, and he looked oddly nervous. When he began to speak, I listened, looking up at him.
"Um, guys?" Glenn rubbed his chin nervously. Everyone began looking up at him, waiting for him to speak. "So.. The barn's full of walkers." I stopped chewing, and noticed Daryl do the same. He had a fork full of eggs, just hovering over his plate.
It seemed like the whole group went to inspect the barn. Sure enough, there were walkers inside. The whole group began going into a panic. Rick was trying to diffuse the situation, but Shane was riled up and making it worse. He wanted to clear out the barn or leave now. Carol began getting upset, and Shane only made it worse.
"We're close to findin' this girl, I jus' found her damn doll a few days ago." Daryl stepped in. Shane began laughing.
"You found her doll, Daryl. That's what you did, you found a doll!" Shane argued.
"Ya dunno what the hell you're talkin' 'bout!" Daryl growled.
"Hey, look! I'm jus' sayin' what needs to be said, here. Now, you get get a good lead in the first forty-eight hours.." Rick yelled at him drowning out his words. "Let me tell you somethin' else man, if she was alive out there, saw you comin' all methed out with your buck knife and geek ears around your neck, she would run in the other direction, man!" Shane said. I was in shock at his words.
Daryl lunged at Shane trying to get past Rick, who stepped in between them. Dale tried to speak for Hershel's behalf, and when Shane kept yelling, the walkers in the barn began to shove against the door. I jerked my head over at Shane and glared.
"Great goin'." I huffed, and he just glared back at me. Rick decided he would talk to Hershel, and until then, watch duty would be set up at the barn. When everyone cleared out, I stayed behind, watching Shane. I marched up to him and stood directly in front of him.
"Word of advice?" I spat. "Don't you ever talk about Dixon like that again, got it? Don't take me for a girl who won't kill you in your sleep."
"You threatenin' me?" Shane stepped closer to me.
"Think that ship sailed. I promise what I just said." I growled, and suddenly, I felt a hand grab my arm. I jerked my head, my eyes looking right into Daryl's. He said nothing, only pulled me away from Shane, both of us still glaring at each other.
I'm glad that Daryl's scars were brought up. I did mention them briefly in this chapter, but I didn't want to replay the Carol/Daryl scene where she looks at his scars, with Spencer actually making it known that she saw them... She did, but there is going to be a big moment where she does see his scars (the ones on his back), and he may or may not tell her about them, we'll just have to see ! I really enjoyed this chapter, more Daryl/Spencer cuteness. Yes ,Spencer's parents were bad news, and she didn't have it so easy. But you guys will find out more and more about her parents and why things were so hard for her and Sam. I hope you all enjoyed this, and I will update again asap. REVIEWS ARE AWESOME and GREATLY APPRECIATED !
~Kaila