Daryl's Angel (Book One in the Apocalypse Angel Trilogy)

Chapter 6: Dixon #2

I wake to the sounds of birds chirping, wind rustling the leaves, and small talk.

I sit up, stretching and yawning. I rub the sleep from my eyes and squint at the blinding sun coming through the front of the tent, smiling lightly. I look at the foot of my bed, seeing some fresh clothing sitting in a neat pile. I get up, picking up the stack of clothes. There's normal, non-ripped jeans and a black tank top. It's nothing fancy.

I take off my dirty, stained clothes and put on the new ones. They fit perfectly.

Before I leave the tent, I notice a backpack on the floor. I bend down, picking it up.

I unzip it and peek in. There's extra food and water, a leather jacket, and a small pistol packed inside. I put down the bag and leave the tent.

"Morning Hope!" Rick calls to me.

"Hey Rick!" I smile and wave. "How'd you sleep?"

"Better than I have in a long time." He walks over to me. "I see you got the clothes I left you."

"You left these? Thank you," I say.

"They were Lori's. She packed extra clothes when they left. She thought you should have them." He looks at the tent behind me. "Did you get the backpack?"

"Oh! That was for me? I thought it was Merle or Daryl's." I laugh a short laugh.

Rick laughs too. "It was Carl's idea. He wanted to make sure you had something to carry your things in. The pistol was my idea." He puts his hand on my shoulder, looking me in the eyes. "You need to be safe. I can teach you how to use it if you like."

"That'd be great! I look forward to it."

Rick's eyes travel to my waist, where my knife sits in its sheath, hanging carefully in my belt.

"Looks like you beat me to it. In getting a weapon and all," he says, looking surprised.

"Dale gave it to me yesterday," I say. "It's nice to know that people care about my safety."

"I'm glad you're happy. The backpack has a holster for the pistol in it. You can put the knife in there too."

"Sounds good. Thanks again!"

Rick walks away as I turn back to the tent. I go in, grabbing the pistol and belt out of the backpack. I briskly put it on and holster my knife and gun.

I laugh to myself. I'm not used to feeling like this, almost dangerous.

I leave the tent again and head towards the main gathering spot. I notice a woman with short grey hair ironing Rick's uniform. I stroll over to her.

"Hey! I'm Hope. I don't think we've met."

The woman looks up. "I'm Carol. It's nice to meet you."

I smile and look at Rick's uniform. "Need some help?"

"No. I'm good..."

She glances behind her, where a balding man stands smoking a cigarette. He eyes me dangerously and I look away.

"I'll see you later then."

"See you."

I once again start walking over to the RV, where I can see Dale perched on top, holding his binoculars.

"Morning Dale!" I call, shielding my eyes with my hand.

"Morning!" he calls back.

I head over to one of the fire pits, grabbing half a can of soup for breakfast. I settle down by the flames, eating slowly.