Together by Apocalypse (Daryl Dixon)

Chapter 17

I woke up due to the brightness of the sun shining through my tent. I groaned and rolled over to see if Daryl was awake. All I saw was Thea's tiny body snuggled in her sleeping bag, meaning Daryl was no longer in the tent. I sighed and layed my head back down. Daryl never really slept in, so it didn't surprise me. The familiar voices of Dale and Shane were currently finding their way into my tent. They were arguing about something, as usual. I tried not to listen, not wanting to be involved in that at all. I sat back up and threw my hair in a messy bun on top of my head, using one of the scrunchies I always kept on my wrist. I knew I wasn't falling back asleep besides, I wanted to see Daryl anyways. Thea shifted beside me and stretched her little arms above her head as her eyes fluttered open, revealing her baby blues.

Thea: mama!

Her tiny voice made me smile, hearing her call me mommy never got old. I smiled at her, even with her hair all messy from sleeping, she was still adorable as ever. I embraced her in my arms for a moment as she yawned one last time.

Danielle: good morning babygirl.

Thea stood up and made her way toward the tent opening, she was always so curious. No matter what, I could never get that little girl to sit still, I let a small giggle escape my lips at the thought. She peaked outside the tent opening and then looked back at me with a questioned look on her face.

Thea: mama? Where daddy?

She shrugged her shoulders and innocently looked at me for an answer. I thought for a moment. Daryl could be anywhere really, hunting, tracking and he doesn't really make a public announcement that he's going. I sighed at the fact I couldn't answer Thea's question.

Danielle: i don't know babygirl

I looked down at my swollen ankle and knew it wouldn't be a good idea to attempt walking, even though the swelling had gone down. Pain shot through my ankle when I tried to move it causing me to groan in frustration. I held back cussing in front of Thea, she looked at me confused.

Danielle: mommy hurt her ankle yesterday, it's ok baby.

Thea put her tiny hands over her mouth and was dramatically shocked, as any 4 year old would be. She quickly turned around and exited the tent before I could stop her.

Danielle: Thea Marie!

I groaned. And layed my head back on the ground, waiting for whoever Thea was bringing back. Of course she had to go get help.

*********

I anxiously sat in my camp chair with my ankle raised. The farmer Herschel had taken a look at my ankle a few hours ago, he said it was sprained pretty bad and it just needed elevation. I had to keep it up, meaning i couldn't hunt or do anything for the camp. I was just a cripple right now. And on top of that daryl was still no where to be found. I wasn't too worried about him, I knew he was tough enough to handle himself. I just missed him. I watched as Thea and Glenn threw some pinecones into the fire together. I looked over at the farm house porch to see that farm girl, Maggie, watching Glenn's every move with Thea. She had her arms crossed and a tiny smirk across her face. I smiled at the thought of those two having a potential relationship. Shane slowly approached me, his head now shaven. He shaved it right before that man Otis's funeral. Otis sacrificed his life and thanks to him, Carl was successfully operated on. He still hadn't woken up, but Herschel said he should be ok and he was lucky. Shane interrupted my thoughts.

Shane: how's your ankle?

He placed his hands on his hips and pursed his lips. He was so fake, I couldn't stand it. Something just wasn't right with him. I lowered my head and casually played with my long brown hair.