Bleeding Love

Chapter 16: Exact Opposite

Beth's POV:

Shortly before Daryl comes back to the entrance we let Morales and his family through the gate. Morales begins talking,

" We have a bigger group, we were here before, but then it got overrun by walkers so.....we left. I was sent back to see if it died down, obviously so." he paused, then continued,

" Did you guys reinforce it on your own?"

Austin pointed at himself and Alison and answered,

" We did...."

Rick then stepped forward,

" Wait, you said there's more of you?"

Morales answered with a nod.

" No disrespect Morales, but I'm gonna have to come with you to see what the rest of you guys are like.... I know you lived here first but its our home now." Rick paused to look at the ground then finished,

" If they can answer three simple questions then we can join up as one big group."

" Sounds good...." Morales replied, as he stuck out his hand for Rick to shake. Rick shook it and stated,

" We'll get some rest tonight then head out tomorrow."

As soon as the words left Ricks mouth, Daryl's gruff voice was heard from behind,

" Rick, can I talk to you?"

Daryl's POV:

Rick glances back at me and shrugs. He then follows me a ways away from the group.

" Rick, I'm going with you." I say

Rick looks surprised,

" Why?" he asks.

" because I don't think its smart for you to be going off with these people on your own." I answer.

He studies the ground as he considers what I've just said.

" Well, we leave tomorrow at daylight....I'll let the others know that you're coming with."

I just nod as Rick walks back across the street, over to them. I look over at Beth to see her sad eyes plastered on me...

That Night; Still Daryl's POV:

I'm deep in sleep when I feel someone tugging at my arm. I blink my eyes open to see Beth.

" Daryl?" She says innocently like a little kid who's just had a bad dream.

I yank my arm away,roll over, and grumble,

" Go away Beth. I don't have to be up till daylight. I need my rest."

I hear her sniffle as she murmurs,

" Why don't you want to talk to me anymore?"

I let out a sigh, this wasn't about a nightmare after all, it was about what had been going on with me and her,

" Beth, just go back to your room and go to bed. When you wake up, I'll be gone and you'll be fine."

" But Daryl, I can't sleep with the thought of you being mad at me..."

" I'm not mad at you!" I snap

" Well then what's wrong?" she asks

I answer with silence. After a second of me not saying anything she sighs, stands up, walks about halfway across the room, spins herself back around to face me and whispers,

" I don't know what I did to make you hate me, but I'm sorry"

I hear the sound of her fast paced footsteps down the hall and then the slam of her door.

" I'm doing what you wanted Beth, this is it right? And I don't hate you. in fact its the exact opposite....." I mumble into my pillow.