Fallen Angel (Daryl Dixon)

Welcome Home

As soon as night fell, we loaded up and made our way to Alexandria. The thought of venturing out was unnerving. I'm not sure what I was thinking when I offered to go out on my own. I was relieved that Rick and Daryl talked me out of it, but I still didn't want anyone dying because of me.

The ride seemed to go on forever. I kept watching for saviors. I knew they ran the woods day and night. When the gates of Alexandria came into view, I was able to breathe a little more. A beautiful dark woman was at the lookout. A large red head opened the gate. The car came to a stop. Rick and Daryl stepped out. I felt nervous to meet a whole new group. They probably have been together since the beginning, and it was always awkward to be the newbie, especially alone.

At least with Mason....I stopped, I couldn't think of him.

"Are you comin?" Daryl opened my door, breaking my gaze. I stepped out into the darkness. The woman and the red head studied me up and down. Rick made the introductions..."Leah, this is Sasha and Abraham."

"Good to meet you." they nodded back.

"We found her out on a run. She needs a place to stay."

I felt like a new pet, but I was glad they left out how they found me.
They walked me to the infirmary where I met, Tara. She was so nice and I felt comfortable around her, which was good because I would be her roomie for the time being.

Once I got comfortable in my room, sleep came peacefully. I'm not sure if it was because, finally, I felt a sense of protection or if my body was still trying to recover from my time with Negan. This was a safe place, and as long as he never found out I was here, it would be a good place to live. Mason and Jackson stayed on my mind that night. I would have loved to bring them here. I missed them so much.

The next day, I was anxious to meet the rest of the group and find a purpose. It was a warm day without a cloud in the sky. I took in every minute of this new freedom. There was also an overwhelming feeling growing inside me. It had been months since I was able to go outside, and I wanted to hold on to this moment as long as possible.

I could see Daryl and Rick down by the gate getting ready to go back out. There were some new faces too. It was like being the new kid at school all over again.

Rick spotted me and waved me over. As I walked over, I could feel the suspicious glares coming from the others. I suppose in this new world, trust was out of sync.

"Good morning, Leah. Did you sleep well?" Rick smiled.

"I did, thank you."

He then introduced me to Rosita, Aaron, and Michonne. I think she was the most suspicious of me. It was okay because I felt the same. It would take time to feel comfortable with each other. Daryl kept his distance from me as well. He paced the ground around the car, looking agitated. I thought it was a little strange after wanting me to come back to Alexandria with them and convincing me it was a great idea.

I focused my attention back to Rick.

"So, Rick, I'm thinking that I would like to have some sort of responsibility here. So you think you could find me something?"

"Um, sure, we could find something for you to do."

"Great."

Daryl was sick of wasting time and whistled for Rick.

"You comin?" He circled his hand in the air for Rick to get into the car.

I watched as they loaded up and drove away.