Losing Hope *EDITING*

Chapter 26; Claire Curvel

"What are you doing up so early kid?" Daryl asked me from across the dying fire.

I shrugged, pulling the small blanket Carol let me use tighter around me. She told me it was Sophias'; her little girl that they found in the barn. I'm surprised she even let me use it, it shows she really is selfless.

I stared down at my lap where Glenn's head laid --running my hand through his hair as he snored softly. "I couldn't sleep," I answered. "Dreams aren't so welcoming anymore you know."

"Can't let nightmares run your mind."

I know. But it's not like I can just shut them off. I sighed, looking around for Franco. "You've seen my dog?" I asked curiously.

Daryl shook his head, standing up from the log he laid on. I eyed him worriedly, the bags under his eyes seeming like they were sucking in his face. He looked exhausted, yet every time I wake up he's already up. I don't think he's actually slept since the farm house. "Saw the mutt run into the trees a few minutes ago."

"Okay," I mumbled. I carefully moved Glenns' head out of my lap, grabbing my knife and standing up. I closed my eyes for a second; the ground under my feet feeling like it was unstable. "Woah," I chuckled. I opened my eyes, feeling a tingle run up my spine. Guess I've been sitting down for too long. "I'll be back, I'm going to go take a pee and get Franco."

Daryl nodded, picking up a few stray twigs and tossing them into the fire. I held my knife tightly in my hands as I headed into the trees away from the clearing. I walked a bit further in until I was sure that no one was going to pop up before pulling my jeans down and squatting behind a tree to pee. I felt much more relieved once I was done, pulling my jeans back up and looking around for any sign of Franco or walkers.

I whistled, listening closely for any sound of the cute little dog. I'll probably wash him up before everyone else wakes up. "Franco," I called out. "Come here boy. Where'd you go?"

I hate the woods. My hand gripped tighter around the handle of my knife, my knuckles turning white. I should have woke someone up to come with me. My shoulders were hunched as I took small steps forward, my eyes wide as my body trembled and my mouth stayed open as heavy breathes left my lips. Why do I have such a bad feeling in my stomach?

"Franco," I called out sharply. "Come here."

Where did that little dog run off to? I slowly peered around a tree, feeling like I was going to puke up the ravilio I had yesterday afternoon. "Come here boy," I tried to coax out quietly.

I turned around, looking around in confusion. I couldn't see the group anymore which means I walked further than I intended to. Maybe I should head back now. But what about Franco? I gulped, walking around the tree and looking around.

"Franco!" I shouted.

I waited a few seconds for the dog to appear, but my heart sank when the animal didn't come into sight. "Great," I mumbled.

I froze, my eyes widening as growls emitted from in front of me. I stared in horror as walker after walker began to pour from the trees --coming straight towards me. Oh my god. Run. Why can't I move? Run Claire, fucking run you idiot.

I squeaked in surprise, spinning around and taking off hopefully back the way I came. My knife slipped out my sweaty hand, falling to the ground, and being completley forgotten as I ran for my life. I had to get to the others. We had to get out of here and fast.

"Walkers!" I screamed. "Walkers! Walkers!"

I picked up my pace, praying I didn't trip. I broke through the trees into the clearing where the others were. They looked around frantically, some of them looking like they just woke up. "Walkers!" I shouted out in panic, my breathing ragged and labored from sprinting. "We need to get out of here!"

"Is it the herd from the farm?"

"Quick, move. Let's go," Rick ordered.

"Grab 'yer shit and get to the cars!" Daryl yelled.

"Claire," Glenn yelled.

I ran towards him, grabbing his hand and using my other arm to pick up anything I could. I frowned at the boxes of cans someone decided to take out of the truck. Idiots. Why would they take it out? I groaned, dropping the pathetic blankets and spare clothes in my arm to the ground and let go of Glenns' hand. I ran towards the box, grabbing as much as I could into my arms and running to the cars with the others. Everyone piled into the cars as I dumped the cans of food into the backseat of Maggies' car and climbed in, Glenn hoping in after me and slamming the door shut.

I screamed as walkers banged on the cars, thankful that Rick and T-Dog filled the cars with gas last night. Maggie put the car into drive and we sped off behind Rick, Daryl behind us. I turned around, looking past Daryl to see the hundreds of walkers trying to grab us but we were long gone. We got away. We were safe once again. Luck was still on our side.

I turned back around, huffing out loudly as I leaned back against the seat, wiping the back of my hand across my forehead. That was a close call. Too close.

"Where the hell did you go?" Glenn asked.

I tilted my head, staring at him incredulously. "I went to pee and look for Franco," I answered in a matter-of-fact tone. Was he seriously getting mad at me right now?

"You could have gotten yourself killed," He spat, running a hand through his hair angrily.

I scoffed, shaking my head as I looked forward, catching Maggie's stare in the rear view mirror. "Give her some credit Glenn," she hissed. "If she hadn't have went, we would all be dead meat."

Beth nodded her head from besides me, grabbing my hand and giving it a squeeze. "She's right, we were all sleep and oblivious except for Daryl," Beth agreed. "She knows how to handle herself out there Glenn."

I crossed my arms across my chest, slumping in the seat. "Some people just don't know how to appreciate others," I snarled.

"Claire I-"

"Shut up," I spat. "Just leave me alone."

I closed my eyes, leaning my head on Beth's shoulder. I saved them. Every time I do something right, I get a a disapproving statement instead of praise. What the hell? All I want is my damn dog back and to be away from Glenn at the moment.