Daryl's Precious Gem (Daryl Dixon FanFiction)

22: Gone Mad

"Okay this will be bright but I need you to follow my finger with your eyes." Denise explained as she checked me over. I followed her instructions as she shone the bright light in my eyes. Her shaky hand moved side to side and then up and down. After Daryls and my steamy shower I had a severe headache. Daryl helped me dress and brought me over to Denise.

"Okay," She clicked off the light. I rapidly blinked my eyes as they adjusted back to normal. "Have you experienced any nausea, dizziness, headaches, or drowsiness since the incident?"

"All of the above." I winced, holding my throbbing head.

"On a scale of one to ten what would you rate it?" Denise fumbled with her chart.

"A solid seven." I groaned. Daryl stood beside me and gently held my shoulder to steady me.

"I'm afraid you have a grade two concussion. I highly suggest you take it easy for the next couple of weeks."

"Grade two?" Daryl crossed his arms. "What does that mean?"

"It means her senses will be cloudy for a while. She may experience dizziness, amnesia, confusion, ringing in ears and/or irritability."

"Amnesia?" My eyes widened.

"It's not a for sure thing but definitely need to keep an eye out for it." Denise eyed Daryl. "It would be wise to keep her under twenty-four hour watch. At least for a week."

I groaned in annoyance. Daryl squeezed my shoulder as Denise handed me some Advil to take later. She instructed me to only take it if my headache didn't worsen. Daryl guided me out the door and down the road as I battled the sunlight. Why did it have to be so bright? I wished it was still raining.

"You okay?" Tara jogged up to us. "I heard what happened."

"I'll be okay." I shaded my eyes from the sunlight. "Don't happen to have a pair of sunglasses, do you?"

Tara grinned as she handed me a baseball cap. I thanked her as I slipped it on and pulled my hair through the back.

"What the hell?" Daryl muttered as shouting came from down the street. We all made our way to the scene as Rick and Pete fought each other. The men swung fists and rolled in the dirt as each fought for dominance. Tara held me back as Daryl stood close to the men waiting to jump in if Rick needed help.

"Come on Rick." I whispered. I hadn't realized Rick had shaved his face and cut his hair very short. Although it was now covered in blood and dirt, I could see how he would've looked before the outbreak. Tara rubbed my shoulders as she held me tighter. She knew me too well. If I had it my way I'd be in there right now landing punches on Pete myself! Our group and the Alexandria group gathered around the fight and watched with wide eyes.

Pete now had full control as he wailed on Rick. Jessie yelled and ran to Ricks aid which ended with Pete's elbow in her face. She fell backwards as Maggie ran to her aid. Deanna, her husband Reg and her kids stared bewilderedly at the commotion.

Daryl now stepped in and pulled Pete off of Rick. Rick slowly stood as he coughed and spat out blood. Pete muttered curse words and pulled out a hand gun, waving it around between Rick and Daryl. The Alexandrian's gasped as they stood back.

Deanna tried to defuse the situation, "Pete, put the gun down!"

"No!" He shook his head, blood dripping down his face. "You see what they're doing to us?"

"Please. This isn't who we are." Deanna stepped forward.

"This isn't who you are." Reg added, standing next to his wife. Pete slowly lowered his gun and let out a shaky breath. Rick took the opportunity and hit Pete behind the neck knocking him out cold. Pete's unconscious body fell to the ground along with his gun. Reg and Spencer stepped forward to check on Pete but Rick snatched the hand gun and pointed it around the group. Carl stood cautiously behind his father with a new girl beside him, named Enid.