In This Life

Chapter 20

Hey y'all! Don't forget to follow Bea1969 and haymykaelaa !

GUYS GUESS WHAT. Me and haymykaelaa are going to see Norman Reedus at the Austin, TX Comic-Con in a month! WE ARE SUPER STOKED.

Enjoy!

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My head spun in agony as a stream of deep red blood poured from my shoulder. I pressed down on the wound with my left hand as I continued to stumble through the woods. Morning was rising in the sky and was beginning to light up the woods, making the forest easier to maneuver through. Realization of where I was heading settled - back to camp with Daryl and the stranger who saved both of our lives - causing my knees to lock into place, stopping me abruptly. Was it smart to go back? What if Daryl woke up only to find me bitten and turning into a blood-thirsty monster? Maybe he would be safe with whoever that man was. Neither of them had to know I was bitten.. 

The faint sound of fire crackling and feet scuffling around on the ground sounded, telling me I was closer to my camp than I had thought. I looked back and forth from the clearing and the opposite direction, unsure of my decision. 

How could I be so selfish as to make Daryl watch me die? To make him choose between allowing me to end my own life, or ending it himself..

"Hey." A light voice called out, pulling me away from my thoughts. I turned in alarm towards the sound of the sudden voice, only to see a familiar figure. The man from last night now stood before me, basking in the small rays of morning light that shone through the trees. His features were more clear in the light; his chocolate-brown hair which matched his tan skin, all tied together by his honey-colored eyes. He was all together very handsome, and had a velvety voice to match.

He took a cautious step towards me as his eyes suddenly flashed to my shoulder. "You okay?" He quietly asked.

I shook the trance his golden eyes put me under before giving him a simple nod. "How's Daryl?" I ignored him, pushing myself on my tip-toes, looking over him and towards the clearing.

He studied me for a moment before he turned to glance at the small camp then back to me. "Hasn't woken up yet." Seeing my face fall in anguish, he continued speaking in a hurry. "But he's alive." He said, quick to reassure me.

I loudly let out the breath I had been holding before nodding to him. He peered at me curiously, not making any move to question why I wasn't rushing to Daryl's side. 

I cleared my throat. "I- uh. I should be going.."

"Wait!" He demanded. "I don't understand.. Why would you go?" His sunny-bright eyes held mine as he took a small step towards me, only to have me back away in response.

Knowing he would understand if he knew, I dropped my hand from my shoulder, wincing as the warm breeze stung my open wound. 

His eyes flashed down to my shoulder and widened slightly, but he was quick to compose his expressions. 

"Last night.. a walker.." I trailed off.

He nodded, not needing an explanation. He suddenly looked back at me, the same curious look swirling around in his honey eyes. "But still.. why leave without saying-"

"Goodbye?" I cut him off, finishing his question.

He nodded his head in response.

"Look." I said bluntly. "I don't expect you to understand."

His eyebrows furrowed together, almost in anger, before he replied, "Try me."