Left to Wander • • Daryl Dixon

Chapter Eleven

When I awoke I heard talking downstairs, I stretched out my arms and started to make my way down to find out what all the noise was about. I found everyone in the kitchen talking about a man Rick had brought back with them and the debate was what to do with him. Daryl walked in himself and I felt his gaze on me but I ignored him for the most part not wanting to forgive him for the unreasonable slap. The events of the night were explained how this man won't be able to walk for a week, three men in his group were killed and we basically took him hostage. I could tell there was strain between Shane and Hershel, making the older man bring up the barn mishap.

"I wanted you off my land, but Rick talked me out of it. That doesn't mean I have to like it. So do us both a favor and keep your mouth shut." Hershel scolded, this obviously made Shane furious as he stormed out of the house to which I rolled my eyes.

"Look, we're not going to do anything about it today so why don't we all just cool off." Rick stated which basically meant this conversation was over. Almost everyone left the home and I did too, walking to the fields to gaze out at the land before us. I heard someone walking behind and I left out a relaxed sigh.

"It's beautiful isn't it." I said gently and glanced to my side noticing Carol. I smile before looking out to the landscape. "So we stay now? Is that what we had to do was save Hershel to stay?" I asked her confused as if she had the answers, my sight going to her. She had been watching me and I looked out. "I wish he hadn't left. My brother." I started and I glanced to my feet with a small laugh. "Always was the voice of reason. My dad wasn't however. He'd beat us if we did something he didn't like. I'm surprised my mom never left him." I explained and I patted her shoulder.

"I'm going for a run to town, if anyone asks... Just say I went for a walk in the fields. Please." I said gently and left walking to the house. I entered through the screen door and saw Hershel sitting at the table eating a meal. "Hey Hershel, mind if I borrow a horse? I need to run to town." I asked politely and he glanced up at me with unease.

"Have you rode a horse before? Have any knowledge on how to care for one?" He asked cautiously and I nodded. He sighed and nodded. "Then I suppose so. Just be cautious with Nelly, as in Nervous Nelly. She gets spooked easily." He warned and I nodded yet again showing i understood before making my way to the barn. I brought my satchel and went to the barn where the sounds of horses neighing and whining erupted. I went to the one where the name Nelly was carved into the wood.

"Alright girl, let's take it easy." I coaxed softly and grabbed the saddle and reigns for the horse. I got the horse ready to leave and gave her a small carrot as a treat. I swung my leg over the horse and smiled gently petting her side before kicking the foot holders into the horses side. "Let's go Nelly." I said gently and she started her trot eventually to a gallop as we made our way to town. I had her stop in front of the shot out bar. I tied her to the post as I walked in, looking for any good alcohol to have in case I needed any in the future. I grabbed about four decently filled bottles putting them in the satchel I had brought to hide them. It was a quick run but I didn't want to run into trouble. I climbed back onto the horse and she started to trot her way back to camp.

When I arrived back I lead Nelly back to the barn showing her to the stall with her name. I got her unsaddled and brushed her off with the treatment of an apple. She let out a happy whinny and I gave her side a pat. I finally closed the stall and made my way to the house. Maggie and Lori were making lunch for Beth who had collapsed the day of the Barn incident. I ate a little bit of the fruits and vegetables that they had out as I sat on the counter. Lori left to give Beth the food and I sighed softly then looked at Maggie.

"Hey Maggie? Can I ask you something personal?" I asked shakily and I looked a little embarrassed as I glanced up at her. She nodded slightly looking confused and she walked over.

"Sure, what's wrong?" She asked, a concerned tone in her voice and I sighed softly.

"How do you know if you're getting feelings for someone?" I asked softly and I bit my lip roughly as she sighed softly with a smile.

"Well for me, it was like a truck hittin me. It was a wave of emotion I didn't want to admit it, but in the end I just gave in. How come? Someone here peakin your interest?" She asked with a teasing tone and I felt my cheeks heat up quickly as I shook my head.

"Don't be ridiculous." I grumbled and hopped off the counter embarrassed as I stopped off. "Forget I asked." I grumbled and I left the house to sit on the porch. I sighed running a hand through my knotted hair. I forgot I had a brush and I sighed softly. I noticed someone walking up to the house and it was Daryl. I started to walk off the porch and past him but I could hear him following me now.

"So you're ignoring me now?" His voice was deep and rough as I continued to ignore him walking to the RV. He entered as well as I sighed and looked at him.

"Would you leave me be?" I snapped frustrated and I pushed him slightly. I shook my head in anger. "What the fuck did you slap me for huh? Cause you don't like running errands for people? That's a bullshit reason and I'm not gonna take to beatin me up for it." I growled out and he seemed frustrated himself as I shook my head.

"Why do you care so much bout me anyway? I'm not your responsibility." He grumbled and I rolled my eyes.

"I know you're not idiot but you've been through a lot with me so sorry I give a shit." I sassed grumpily as I stepped closer and gave his cheek a gentle and soft kiss. I could feel him tense up and I pulled away after a moment and he looked utterly shocked. I pushed past him to get to the door of the RV. "I'm starting to second guess my feelings for you Daryl, but I dont know if I can handle this much longer." I growled under my breath and left the RV, leaving him alone as I started to walk, no run my way to the field to get away from everybody. I had enough anger for the day and I didn't want to get anymore upset. I didn't want to become like Shane who just pushes everyone away.