Wanderlust

Body heat

Daryl stared at her for a moment the back at the river. It would be an understatement to say he was shocked that she couldn't swim. Going over a plan in his head, he turned to her again.

"I can get you across the river, the current doesn't look too bad and I'm a strong swimmer. I can get you to the other side but you're going to have to trust me. Can you do that?" Daryl asked quietly.

Gypsy stared at the river and then back to Daryl.

"Can't we just turn around and go another way?" she asked still terrified

Daryl shook his head.

"All the other roads the saviors patrol. I'd rather face this river than be caught by them again. I promise you Gypsy, I can do this, we'll be OK" Daryl said doing his best to convince her.

Finally after several minutes, Gypsy nodded her head. Getting out of the truck, she could feel her heart race and her legs shake. She was absolutely terrified of the water and had been since she was a small child. Looking at Daryl again, he gave her a look of sympathy which gave her the kick in the pants she needed to do this, he was NOT going to feel sorry for her, she thought.

"OK, I'm going to get into the water, I want you to get in after me and put your arms around my neck. We'll be on the other side before you know it" Daryl smiled softly.

"Just shut up and swim" Gypsy said back, trying to put on a brave face to hide her fear.

Gypsy watched as Daryl waded into the water then held out his hand to her.

"You ready?" Daryl asked quietly

Gypsy nodded and waded in behind him, feeling the running water trying to push her body. Watching Daryl squat down, she locked her fingers around his neck as he began to swim. They were making good time, Daryl was right he was a good swimmer but the water was so cold she couldn't feel her fingers anymore. Getting to the middle of the river, she could feel the current pick up and her fear return. Trying to re-adjust her grip, her fingers slipped as she went under and began floating away from Daryl. Trying to swim with all her might, nothing would work.... she just keep going under no matter what she did. Ready to give up and accept her fate, Gypsy felt a strong arm around her waist that lifted her out of the water. Her mind was fuzzy and she wasn't entirely sure what was going on but they were moving fast and then she was suddenly thrown onto the grassy bank. She lay there not sure if she was really there or had died. Opening her eyes and seeing Daryl's concerned face above hers, she felt the water bubble up in her chest and then out of her mouth.

"Oh thank God" Daryl whispered and put his cheek on hers.

Gypsy sat up and looked at him

"I'm sorry Daryl" she choked "my fingers were so cold and I c-c-couldn't feel them and I-I-I lost my grip" Gypsy stuttered. She couldn't believe how cold she felt.

Daryl shook his head

"No, it's my fault. I didn't consider how cold the water would be, I should have thought of another way. I'm sorry" He said in earnest.

Gypsy didn't have the energy to argue with him, so she just nodded while she tried to stand. Feeling Daryl's hand under her elbow, she looked at him while she felt her body shake all over.

"Oh man, your lips are blue and you're shaking, I need to get you some place warm and fast." Daryl said in a bit of a panic.

Picking her up in his arms he began to run. She wanted to protest this but she was so cold and tired, she just didn't have the heart to. She closed her eyes while he ran and decided if this was how she was going to die, it was OK. His arms were warm and strong and it sure beat the hell out of being ripped apart by drooling freaks. Gypsy felt him take a turn somewhere and heard him say "Thank God" under his breath. She could feel the wood under her rump as he sat her down.