Hush Baby Im here

Chapter 11

Judith was actually quite content in Rick's arms, even in the heat. It had been two days since we buried Tireese. Since I last talked to Daryl.

Our last vehicle had run out of gasoline, and we were walking to Washington on foot.

Only about sixty miles to go. I dragged my feet along side Maggie and Glenn. We didn't look much better then the group of walkers trailing us. I turned, there was about twenty of them.

Sasha and Michonne lagged at the back of the group, not talking much, Daryl and Rick at the front.

"We could take 'em" I heard Sasha tell Michonne, cocking her gun toward the walkers.

I turned forward, trying not to eavesdrop.

"We are not the same!" I heard Sasha forcefully inform Michonne, almost a shout.

"But it is."

...

I listened again, in the midst of the group, to Maggie telling Gabriel she used to be religious, to Daryl leave to look for water, and Carol follow him.

We were so worn out, like nothing really mattered any more.

Carl walked up beside me, he had grown a lot since the first time I'd seem him. I was surprised I missed it. Now when we were reduced to skin and bones all the features stood out, his high cheekbones and almond eyes. 

"Here." He said, holding out a small music box.

I opened it, not disappointed that it was broken. There was a small blond figurine in a ballerina suit, her hands placed above her head gracefully.

It reminded me of one I used to have before things got bad, one my mom gave me.

"Thank you Carl." I smiled at him, he returned the gesture.

We came across a bridge and got in formation, we figured throwing them over would be the easiest way to get rid of them. It doesn't take that much effort. Carol returned but Daryl never did, saying he sent her back.

I stood beside Abraham and Alex, who looked sweaty and drawn out, almost like he was scared.

The first one headed for Glenn, it came so close, before he spun in the other direction. Causing it to fall. The next to Rick, and on they came. When one came near me and Alex, he froze up and grabbed on to my arm tightly. His body slammed in to mine trying to escape the walker and I was sent flying towards the ground.

My palms and knees dug into the ground, I gave a yelp. Rick turned to see what happened, not taking into account the walker that was near by.

I watched as it grabbed his arm.

"Rick!" I shouted, as its teeth lowered towards his fore arm.

For a second I thought it had got him, but then I saw its face being held back by Daryl. He pulled on its hair forcing it back ward, but also ripping it's scalp.

Relief flooded over me.

Everything was okay.

I turned onto my butt and sat up, in the middle of the bridge, I observed my palms and knees, there was also a cut on my elbow, but all minor wounds.

"What happened?" Daryl asked from above me, offering me a hand, I grabbed hold and he pulled me up toward.

I bumped into his chest, because of the force. Wow, he looked good.

"Nothing." I said looking down at my feet and blushing, "I fell."

"Well yeah." He said trying to hold my eyes, but I kept staring at the ground, "but how?"

"I tripped?" it even sounded like a question coming out of my mouth, luckily the group was focused on Sasha and Michonne, who were in a heated argument.

Daryl's eyes narrowed as they caught a hold of Alex, then his eyebrows raised in my direction.

I just shook my head, lying, just in case someone thought it was on purpose.

We left the bridge then, about fifty miles to go, and made camp beside the road.

It was quiet, and hot, but yet thunder rumbled threateningly over head.

The dogs came out of no where, snapping their jaws and growling. My knife was out in a flash and so was everyone else's. They slowly crept forward, everyone ready to spring, when they all fell to the ground and shots rang in the air. We all jumped in surprise as Sasha lowered her gun. This was our meal.

The dogs were, surprisingly good, I guess if your hungry enough any thin is good.

I chewed slowly, my mind somewhere else as I stared into the fire.

"Your brother tried to help me." I heard Noah say, "I don't think I can make it."

"Then you won't." Sasha replied, her face was ice cold and she just went on putting wood in the fire.

I crawled over to him, "Noah, its gonna be alright." I said, giving him a hug. His body shook against mine as he sobbed, I held him in my arms till the fire burnt out.