Living in the Zombie Apocalypse

Chapter Twenty-Seven: Continuing the Search for Sophia

We reach camp and his tent was right next to mine. I kiss him good night and he kisses my forehead and we part ways.

I got inside and zipped up my tent. I decided it was time to wear my new white beaters and no boxers. I had a feeling I would kick them off anyways.

I slowly crawl in bed and the back of my head really hurt so I took two Tylenol and closed my eyes but I couldn't fall asleep.

I finally found my cozy pants and slip them on and decide to bother Daryl. Besides it is payback for last night. He scared the shit outta me.

As I am about a foot away he unzips his tent.

"Boo!"

"Fuck! I thought ya were sleepin"

"Nope, I couldn't so I decided I would fuck with you. But you do it the best I guess"

"Whatever. Comin in or yer tent?"

"I prefer mine but yours is ok too"

"Mine it is" he winks at me.

He zips his back up and we heads to mine.

We both heard some leaves crunching and footsteps. I quickly unzip my tent and grab my bow. He points to the barn area but it is just Glenn running back from the barn.

"What's the matter?"

"Oh! Umm na-na-nothing!"

D "Why ya runnin?"

"I am just a little spooked that's all!"

"Alright then. Sleep good Glenn!"

"You guys too"

"Well that was strange"

We both get in and he makes himself comfortable while I put up my bow.

"You cozy? I have a thousand pillows. Throw them to me if there are too many.

He carefully chucks one at my leg.

"What an asshole" I whispered while I crawled back into bed. He wraps his muscular arm around me. I felt so safe.

"Daryl. Why do you think Glenn was frightened?"

"I don know"

"It couldn't of been a walker because he should of killed it"

"Who cares"

"Me"

"Don't worry. Ya got me"

"I am not scared but I haven't seen him so freaked ou.."

I think he was sick of me talking because he kissed me. I shut up after that.

"G'night Grace" Then he kissed my forehead and dozed off.

'Look at those huge muscles!' Was my last thought before falling asleep.

I was awakened from Shane yelling at us to get up.

"Well that's nice to wake up to!"

"No shit"

"How are you feeling Daryl?"

"Fine and ya?"

"A minor headache from SHANE'S HORRIBLE VOICE!"

"Yer so weird but that's true"

I shooed him out so I could get dressed.

"Morning Grace"

"Morning Rick"

"Breakfast is almost ready!" Said T-dog

I walk over to help T-dog. I grab the plates and I fill them up.

One by one they all come and take a plate. T-dog and I ate last.

"Alright Grace and Daryl, you will search north of where Sophia's doll was found" and then I tuned him out. I just wanted to get on the move.

"C'mon Grace" Daryl grabs my hand and heads to our tents.

"Grab your bow, gun, and knife"

"Don't tell me what to do. I know what I need!"

He laughs and gets his shit.

We all got to the creek and spilt up.

"See that? It's a Cherokee Rose. The story is that when American soldiers were moving Indians off their land on the Trail of Tears, the Cherokee mothers were grieving and crying so much 'cause they were losing their little ones along the way from exposure and disease and starvation. A lot of them just disappeared. So the elders, they said a prayer; asked for a sign to uplift the mothers' spirits, give them strength and hope. The next day this rose started to grow where the mothers' tears fell. I'm not fool enough to think there's any flowers blooming for my brother. But I believe this bloomed for Carol. And yers is right there for yer sister."

I began to cry. I have never heard Daryl say something so endearing. He pulls one for me and one for Carol.

The flower was so pretty! "I have never seen anything like it. It is so beautiful Daryl!"

He wipes my tears and kisses me. This time it wasn't lust kiss, it was a kiss of love and affection. I have never had this happen. Daryl was a strange character but I liked that about him.

We walked for hours and found nothing. Not a single trace of Sophia.

The sun started to set so we head back to the creek. Everyone was waiting for us. I guess Rick must of did that because surely Shane wouldn't do that.

We all quickly hurried back to the farm to have dinner. I didn't care whether if I ate shit, I was hungry.

We arrived with dinner waiting for us. It was chicken with salad and a side of beans. During dinner no one spoke.

Just like last night everyone left one by one but this time Daryl and I were left.

He walked me to my tent.

"You wanna sleep in your own bed?"

"No, I wannabe with ya"

"Alright"

I quickly changed so he wouldn't see me but when I turn around I see him in just his boxers. I blushed, and quickly turned around.

"Ya never see anyone change?"

"Shut up"

"Yer good. Now com lie down"

I gently climb in bed and I kiss him good night. Now it's time to enter my dream land.