Rise Up

Chapter 20

I caught up with him, grabbed his hand and followed him to the front gate. The rest of the group followed behind us.

“The more food we give them, the more arms, the more everything, every day any of us gives them something, they become harder and harder to beat,” I heard Richard say.

He wanted to fight them. I was certain he wasn't the only one in this place who felt the same way.

“All right, open it up. We're gone,” Daryl called to one of the guards.

“You're not,” Rick said.

I knew this was coming. It was the safest way to make sure the Saviors didn't get to him. Carl came over to us.

“I ain't staying here,” Daryl said.

“You have to,” Rick said.

“Babe, it's the smartest play,” I said.

He looked at me. He looked hurt.

“You know it is,” Rick said.

Daryl was frustrated.

“Amelia,” Carl said.

I nodded at him. He came up to me and gave me a hug.

“I'll see you again soon,” I whispered.

I kissed his cheek. Rick looked over at me.

“Amelia is staying too. Try to talk to Ezekiel. Or stare him into submission. Whatever it takes,” Rick said.

He looked at me and hugged me.

“Same goes for you,” he said.

“I know,” I retorted.

“We'll be back soon,” Rick said.

I grabbed Daryl's hand and he held it tightly. Daryl and I watched as Rick and the rest of our family made their way further out until the gates closed. I kissed the back of Daryl’s hand.

“We'll get through this,” I said.

He then pulled me closer and hugged me.

“For a second, I thought you were gonna leave me,” he whispered.

I reared my head back to look at him.

“You serious? Daryl, I will never...ever leave you. Ever. We're a team remember?” I said.

He half smirked. It was the first time since he got back that he showed any sign of a smile. I pulled him in for a hug.

“We've got to try,” I said.

I leaned back once again and placed my hands on his cheeks.

“Promise me you'll try,” I said.

He leaned in and kissed me.

“Promise,” he said.

I kissed his cheek.

“You two make yourselves at home. Richard and I need to handle some things with the King,” Morgan said.

“What things?” Daryl asked sternly.

“Just some minor scavenging. The usual,” Richard chimed in.

I looked and Morgan and he simply nodded.

“I'll see y'all later,” Morgan said.

He and Richard left.

“The deal,” I said.

“You think they're going out to meet them?” Daryl asked.

“What else could it be?” I retorted.