When Bethyl Happened

Chapter 4- Never Needed Nobody Until You Came Along

~Daryl's POV~

*This Takes Place Before Daryl Returns To Find an Unconscious Beth*

A frustrated sigh escaped my lips. I looked up at the sky and from the suns position, I could tell it was late afternoon, and I still haven't even see a trace of game anywhere. I walked up to this big willow tree, slammed my crossbow on the ground, and just collapsed. Leaning on the tree, I ran my fingers through my hair. Beth needed food. I had to keep her strong and healthy. I couldn't stand to see her disappointed and I am sure she would be if I returned to our cabin, empty handed. Sure, she would be understanding, but I still didn't want to let her down in any way.

My thoughts began stray away from Beth for a second and I took in my surroundings. The willow tree really was quite a sight. The sunlight leaked through the dangling green curtain of leaves. A large patch of grass wrapped around the sturdy trunk of my tree and stretched all the way to a small creak. Even during the apocalypse there was beauty on this God forsaken earth. Beth had always tried to show me, but I guess  until now I never realized there could be any good left. God, when have I become so cheesy and soft. The answer was clear to me. Beth. She had a way of bringing out my kindness and softer side of me. Confusion is also another things she brings out of me. Weird feelings fill me whenever she is around. I don't know what the hell it is or if I like the feelings. I just can't get this girl off my mind.

My resting time was put to an abrupt halt when I heard a rustle. I snatched my crossbow off the ground and leapt to my feet. I surveyed the area for the source of the noise. I spun around and saw it was just one walker. No problem at all for me. I shot the walker a nasty grin and released my arrow. Right in the head. Black blood poured from the wound as I ripped out my arrow. Hey, I don't waste a single one. That's when I heard the familiar groans and gurgles of many and I mean many walkers. I turned around and I took a sharp breath inward. The herd was so large I couldn't see the end of it.

My first thought other than "Oh, shit," was that I had to get to Beth. The walkers were heading right to the direction of our cabin. I was more than two miles away and I had to warn her. I broke into a sprint. Giving one last look behind my back I saw walkers swarming my willow. So much for beauty. 

I had been running for a while when I heard it. A loud scream rang through the forest. It could have only come from on person, Beth. With that I picked up my speed even more. If anything happened to her I would go crazy. I can't lose her. I just can't.

"Hold on Beth!" I yelled into the forest. Only the groans of walkers not far behind me replied.

After what felt like a year, the familiar cabin came into my view. I breathed a sigh of relief, but the worry quickly returned. Why had she screamed? Did the walkers get to her? Had she been bit? If she was bit, I didn't know if I would be able to kill her or not. I ran up too the door and pounded. I then commenced to slam my body into the door, causing many bruises in the process. The sofa was obviously still pushed against the door. Over and over I called out her name. If I wasn't panicking earlier, I sure as hell was now. The walkers were beginning to close in on me and there was still no sign of her.

"Beth! Please!" I begged.

I ran around the cabin and headed towards the back door that lead to one of the bedrooms. Two walkers were already there waiting for me. I grabbed my knife and stabbed them both. Blood covered me and I was high off of adrenaline. I gave the door a hard kick and it swung open. Thank god we forgot to finish boarding it up. I slammed it shut and pushed the bed in front of it. My heart felt like it was going to beat straight out of my chest and I was barely breathing. I felt like collapsing, but I had to find Beth. With this in mind I had a new found energy burst. I hobbled out to the living room and spotted a trembling Beth curled up on the carpet. I ran to her side and looked at her frail state. A small pool of blood was next her. She was pale and I could tell she was slipping out of consciousness.

Then I just lost it.

"Beth! What the fuck happened? Stay with me here! Don't you fucking dare pass out. I need you here right now. What happened?" I just screamed. 

Beth's eye's closed and she looked almost dead. Even though I knew she was just unconscious, I still couldn't take it. I then noticed her wrists. Was I not good enough for her? I  failed her and I knew it. 

"Beth, I know i sometimes act like a dick and don't show it, but I really need you. You promised Beth. You said you wouldn't hurt yourself," the last part came out as more of a whisper.

I stroked her hair and just sat with her. I didn't care what she though when she woke up. I gently place her head onto my lap and smiled. I wasn't leaving her side no matter what.

~~~~~~~~~~~~Author's Note~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

What? It isn't a Saturday and I am posting? Yup! I am so excited by nearly reaching 200 reads and this is kind of my "thank you" chapter! I never thought I would even reach 50 reads, so the success of my story makes my day. As always vote and comment! Your input is always valued. Oh and thanks to Never-Again-Darling (my internet best friend) for inspiring me and just being there:) thanks hun ;)

Oh, and I still am posting this Saturday. See ya'll soon <3