Shattered

Chapter Twenty-Four: Apologies

       We pulled up to the beach and got out. Daryl was back mapping out the roads so I took off my boots and put my feet in the warm sand. I wanted Daryl to come over and put his arms around me or maybe spend a few hours together like we did down at the creek but he wasn't here. That Daryl was left at the prison, I got the other Daryl that consists of surviving, not talking, and giving famous dirty looks. Yes that's the man that I fell in love with but it's harder after seeing him so gentle and loving. I walked down to the water and slowly put my feet in. It sent chills down my spine as I took in the ocean air. The smell of rotting corpses was no where near the beach. I didn't even see one walker so far. Water was splashed at me making me jump. I looked at the source and saw Will. "Come on in Grace it feels fantastic." "Im fine here." I looked back at Daryl who was still busy making me feel bad about myself. "What the hell." I went farther into the water until it reached my stomach. "It's cold." "Just go under." I shook my head and felt my feet go out from under me. I screamed and hit the cold water. I was laughing by the time I came out of the water. "You asshole!" "Watch your mouth hun." I stopped at the name. Daryl hadn't even noticed. I was out here with a mysterious man of my past and he was looking at the map more than he's looked at me in days. I'm jealous of a piece of paper. Watching his rough hands go across the paper made me think about the way he held me.

        "What are you thinking about?" "Nothing." "Come on Grace I know you too well for that." I tensed up and turned glaring at him. "You don't know shit! You know the scared girl I once was. I've changed Will. You don't know me and I don't know you." "Then give me a chance to at least be a friend. You obviously need one." I bit my lip and got out of the water. I put the tailgate down on the truck and sat down. Daryl handed me the map and started talking about directions and everything. I didn't hear a word of it. I knew exactly what he was doing, he was talking to himself and making it look like he needed another opinion. He knew where we were and where we were going he just didn't want to tell me. "Daryl.. Just do what you've got to do." I handed him the map and started walking down the road. I flipped out my cigarettes and sighed when I saw the last one. I put it back in my pocket and tried to push away the need for another smoke. I stopped walking when I saw the gas station. I looked back at Daryl and decided to just go in. I easily went under the broken glass and saw a few walkers. I easily took them down in just a minute. I hopped the counter and grabbed two cartons of my cigarettes. I picked up another lighter and sat on the counter before lighting up. I jumped down and walked over to the liquor. I grabbed the best whiskey they had and sat back on the counter. 

        "Grace? Damn woman keeps fucking disappearing." I smirked at Daryl's words and slid off the counter. I walked outside and put my arms around his neck leaning on him. "Right here Dixon.." "Have you been drinking?" "Just a little bit." I smiled and let a small laugh escape my lips. He sighed and started walking. I followed after him staying as close as I could. I hopped in the truck and leaned against the window. Daryl got in and I laid my head on his lap. "Why don't you like me anymore?" "What are you talkin' about?" "You don't come near me anymore. When was the last time I even got a kiss?" I played with the buttons on his shirt twisting them in my fingers. I was upset and wanted him to be there. He didn't push me away or tell me to get away from him but he didn't hide the fact he didn't want me laying on him.

        We came to stop making me wake up. I looked up and saw a large gate with two men in uniform at the gate. "Step out of the truck." "Why?" "Its protocol." I slid out of the truck and one of the men walked over and gave me a pat down. I looked over at Daryl who was getting one as well. "Are you military ma'am?" "Staff Sergeant Grace Ellis of the Marine Core." "I've heard of you before. Welcome to the safest place in the US." The gate opened and I stood on the back of the truck as we went in. Will looked around more curious than I was. People stared as we came in. Daryl stopped the truck and directed someone to me. "Your husband told me to tell you about the rules of the town." "He's not my husband, far from it." "Very well. We've finished a house for you on the far side of town near the recreation center. You and your friends will reside there together if it is ok with you."