Fighting for our Future {TWD Daryl Dixon}

21: To The Moon and Back

When my father returned from his run, Daryl and I told him all about the Governors request to meet. He was very skeptical, as am I, but decided to go anyway. My father said that he is wanting to bring Daryl, and Hershel as backup just in case things go wrong. I wanted to join him. Do I want to see the Governor and think about one of the worst nights of my life? No. Not at all. But I don't want to feel powerless either. I don't want him to think that he's bested me, because he hasn't.

"Please, let me go with you." I pleaded with my father.

"No." He said sternly.

"Why not? I can handle myself."

"I know you can, but I said no." His tone was almost harsh.

"Dad, please-" My words were cut off as he snapped at me.

"NO!" He pounded his fist on the car in front of him. The aggressiveness of his voice made me flinch. He had never snapped at me like that. Not even when we were still at the farm. God knows I did a lot to provoke him back then. Honestly the last time I had been snapped at like that was when I still lived with Mom and Hudson. I took a small step back, and was now shaking.

I know my father won't hit me. He's proven that to me by now, but I can't help but get scared when I'm talked to like that. Usually after I was talked to like that, I would be met by a beating of some kind. I try my best to hide my fear, but my supreme acting skills only bring me so far.

"I- I'm sorry.." I said softly, while averting my gaze away from him.

He must've seen how I flinched and was now shaking because I heard him take a deep breath before speaking. "I'm not going to hurt you Nora. I just don't want you coming with us."

"I know you won't hurt me. I'm sorry, It's just a reflex now." His eyes softened now as they looked at me. I had never gone into details about everything that Hudson had done to me, but I knew he could tell that I am pretty damaged from it. "I'll stay, but can you just tell me why you don't want me going?" I ask.

He sighed and nodded. "After everything that he did to you, I don't want you anywhere near him. I heard about what Martinez said. About how the Governor has it out for you. I need you here. I need you safe, while we are there."

"Okay." I folded, finally agreeing to stay.

My father took in my shaking form. "I'm sorry I snapped at you Bug. I just want you safe."

"I'm sorry I'm reacting this way. I guess I'm just pathetic." I frowned.

"No, you're traumatized by your past. It's understandable." He explained. I was about to walk away, as he called out to me. "Hey Bug?"

"Yeah?" I asked.

"While we're gone, can you hold down the fort?" He asked me.

"Of course I can." I flashed him a tiny smile. I watched him nod, and then turn around to continue getting the car ready for their small road trip.

I walked away from my father, and walked back towards our cell block. I hate that I'm not going with them, but I get Dad's point. If I knew someone had it out for Sophia, I would do my best to keep them away from her at all costs.

On my way back inside, I bumped into Daryl who was heading towards the car with Hershel. I stopped Daryl, and let Hershel walk past us. "I don't trust this meeting." I told Daryl.

"Me either." He agreed with me.

"Be safe Robin Hood. Come back to me." I softly said to him before looking down. We just made up, and I don't want to say or do anything to jeopardize what we have.