Bitten ( Daryl Dixon / The Walking Dead Fanfic )

Chapter 14 - Ariana's P.O.V

Ariana's P.O.V

According to Dale it was past 9 and that was an hour ago. I was starting to feel impatient and suffocated in this stupid RV. Oh how I yearned to be out doing some productive tracking and actually finding Glenn! I can't believe neither Ava or Daryl have returned with him yet.

"Uh Ariana do you mind if I sit with you for awhile?" Rick hesitantly ask from the doorway. I smiled and nodded, I really must've been lost in thought that I didn't even hear him approaching. He sat on the bed next to me and nudged me playfully causing me to let out a chuckle.

"You worried huh?" he almost whispered for some reason. I looked down at my hands on my thighs and the smile vanished from my face.

"I guess so, it's just really weird how two highly skilled trackers have been out all day looking for a grown ass guy and neither of them have returned with anything! I just wish I could go myself, it is after all my fault that he got lost ..." Rick nodded and put his arm around my shoulder, I wished I could just take this chance to cry my eyes out but they were dryer than a desert.

I rested my head on his shoulder and waited for him to say something but instead of replying he let a few moments of silence pass by. I started wondering maybe he thought I was to blame too and started feeling my stomach twist into a knot. I obviously know it is my fault but I just didn't want Rick to think that his group member is out there in danger because of my over dramatic escape.

"I don't think you're to blame Ariana" he sighed as he rested his head on mine. "don't beat yourself up about it, shit happens. Everyone knows you'd be out there looking for him yourself if it weren't for your wounds"

I looked up at him and due to being only inches away I could see how tired he was, he had really big bags under his eyes and his stubble had grown into a beard which rather suited him. His confused yet tired eyes were searching my face, trying to work out what I was thinking. I just shook my head and rested my head back on his shoulder. "What's up Rick ?" I sighed knowing something was bugging him.

He sighed and rubbed my arm before saying "It's Ava..." knowing where this was going I took a breath in and slightly moved away so I was now facing him. "I don't understand what connection you've got with her. She's nothing like you... well personality wise anyways" I looked towards the floor feeling slightly annoyed. I know Ava may come across a lil ... rude but that doesn't mean that she should be sent to fend for herself! Behind all that toughness she still a 16 years old kid!

"Ariana !" I heard Maggie cry from outside. Instantly both Rick and I stood up, he rushed out the door and I quickly followed after picking up my knife and gun from the small dresser, We made our way out of the RV. I walked down the steps and saw everyone huddled up near the side of the highway infront of the forest.

I looked at Rick who was returning my confused look. It was dark out so I could not make out what was going on. We quickly walked towards them and as they heard our footsteps all heads turned to us. I first noticed Maggie looking shaken, her eyes were glossy and wide as she looked at me.

I noticed her hands were trembling as she held out a teared up fabric that seemed to be stained dark red.

"G-Glenn's" She managed to say before letting out a sob.

I sighed in frustration at how easily these people gave up and looked at Ava. "So you found that" I pointed at the shirt "and called it quits?" my voice held no grudge or sense of annoyance because I'm sure there must've been some sort of explanation to this lack of commitment from her.

"Said the trail went cold" Maggie spat as she held the shirt to her chest.

"It did" Ava snarled back "tried to track for three hours after we found that shirt, it was completely dark by then. We'll pick it up tomorrow."

"This is his blood ! He can't be out there another night ! H-he'll... He" before finishing Maggie let out a cry and started making her way towards the RV but stopped infront of me for a breif moment.

"This is all on you ! His blood is on your hands! Go! Go find him !"