Unexpected (A Daryl Dixon Fanfiction)

24 - Scars

Everyone had gathered around the table as Rick explained what was going on with this Randall character. I sat awkwardly as I continued to slowly eat the rest of my late breakfast.

"We couldn't just leave him behind, he would've bled out. If he lived that long," Rick explained.

"It's gotten bad in town," Glenn mumbled.

"What do we do with him?" Andrea addressed.

Hershel walked in before Rick could reply to Andrea.

"I repaired his calf muscle as best I can, but he'll probably have nerve damage. Won't be on his feet for at least a week."

"When he is, we give him a canteen, take him out to the main road, send him on his way," Rick confirmed.

"Isn't that the same as leaving him for the walkers?" Andrea added.

I turned my head as the door creaked open and Daryl walked in, nodding to Carol. He didn't he acknowledge me, or maybe he didn't even know I was there. Was he really that mad about me going off by myself yesterday? I slowly chewed on my food avoiding eye contact with him.

"He'll have a fighting chance," Rick assured.

"Just gon' let him go? He knows where we are," Shane inquired.

"He was blindfolded the whole way here. He's not a threat," Rick replied.

"Not a threat? How many were there? You killed three of their men, you took one of them hostage, but they ain't just gonna come looking?" Shane argued.

Jesus, here we go again.

"They left him for dead. No one is looking."

"We should still post a guard," T mentioned.

"He's out cold right now, will be for hours," Hershel clarified.

"You know what? I'm gonna go get him some flowers and candy. Look at this folks - we back in FantastyLand," Shane scoffed.

"You know, we haven't even dealt with what you did at my barn yet? Let me make this perfectly clear once and for all – This is my farm. Now I wanted you gone, Rick convinced me otherwise, but that doesn't mean I have to like it. So do us both a favor. Keep ya mouth shut," Hershel cautioned.

Dang, Shane want some Ice with that burn? Burned by and old man, I laughed to myself as I played with the fork in my hand.

"Look we're not going to do anything about this today. Let's just cool off."

With Rick's final words everyone walked out of the house or went their separate ways. I was going to wash my plate, but Maggie dragged Glenn into the Kitchen, so I figured I'd sit there instead. I knew eventually I would have to have a talk with Mr. Dixon, but I couldn't figure out anything to say to him right now.

~

I stood in the kitchen with Andrea and Lori. Upstairs Maggie and Beth were yelling at each other. I found out from Maggie that Beth is having suicidal thoughts and to be honest... I don't blame her. It's a stage of hopelessness that she's reached and I can't say that I never had those thoughts either. Of course, my situation was different.

"Where's Hershel?" Andrea asked impatiently.

"He doesn't want to find out yet... It's a family affair. We'll let them work it out," Lori said as she took a bite of a cucumber.

"That's working it out?" Andrea asked in disbelief.

"When Beth stops fighting, that's when it's time to worry."