Home Is Your Heartbeat ('Home Is' Book Two - Daryl Dixon)

Chapter 11 - My People (The Presets)

NATE

"Once we all get there safely? I won't be staying"  Carol announced from the back seat of the Jeep.

She'd finally told us how Rick had banished her from the prison. At the height of the illness and before the Governor attacked.

That's why she'd relied on Tyreese to tell the story. Couldn't add to it....as she wasn't even there in the first place.

We left the little cabin two days ago, going slower than a snail's pace. Because we have to pretty much stay right on or near the train tracks now.

But by my reckoning? Terminus is less than three miles away. Three miles until I reunite with my hubby and the rest of our family again.

"How about we wait until we get there to discuss it, Carol? As I think we've got some other priorities right now."

I pull the Jeep off the tracks. While keeping an eye on the rear-view mirror, as the huge cluster of Walkers shuffle up behind us.

After turning off the ignition, we listened to the sound of gunfire over their snarling. The herd was probably five hundred strong. And like a flock of starlings, they followed the shots.

Started stumbling towards Terminus.

When they were a few hundred yards away from us, we all got out of the vehicle. Tyreese held Judith while Carol and I scanned the area.

"I know you'll think I'm crazy. Especially considering how desperate I've been to get here....and find everyone. But I'm not going to just walk up to their gates. Because I've learnt that  lesson the hard way."

"So, if it's Ok with you both? I aim to play this safe. Check out the lie of the land first and take some precautions."

Tyreese and Carol glanced at each other, then back at me. Nodded in sync.

I move to the rear of the car. Retrieve my automatic rifle, ammo bag, some grenades and flash bangs. Grabbing two canvas condom sets, I hand one over to Carol.

"Just going for a quick reccie, will be back in twenty minutes. Why don't you get ready, Carol? Tyreese, can you give Juju something to eat? Then maybe she'll have a quiet little nap while we're gone."

Again, nods from them both.

Since leaving the cabin, they've pretty much left all the decisions up to me. Haven't really spoken directly to each other....not since Carol's confession.

"C'mon, Mutt"  I whispered to my little farty bum.

*

Two minutes in, the realisation hit me. Of exactly how much I've missed the freedom of being out in the woods.

Tracking, identifying sounds and hunting for food. And my thoughts inevitably turn to Daryl....who's usually my companion and teacher.

Now that we're getting closer to being together again?

I can't help but brood on how he'll go upon seeing me....not dead after all. I doubt it'll be the same response as Tyreese's. Disbelieving, then overjoyed.

My friend had told me about Daryl's near-hysterical reactions. When he found out that I'd fallen ill and was in quarantine. And how he'd been rendered almost feral....believing me dead at the prison.

It's taken my man so long to show any emotions at all....except to me. And I'm getting a bit anxious about how such intense feelings of fear, anger and sorrow might've impacted him.