Welcome To The Apocalypse.(Daryl Dixon)

Here To Stay.

Asher carried me through the woods. His breathing was hard and his gallop had a slight limp in it. I knew he was tired. I hadn't let up on the poor boy since we left the farm. Walkers were everywhere. I constantly had to lead him left and right, bobbing and weaving around the walking corpses. I was out of ammo and lost my knife after digging it in the head of a walker that came biting at Asher as we rode. I hoped to Hell that we were close.

Finally, I saw the break in the trees ahead of me. "Almost there, boy." I kicked at Asher's sides and he gave all that he had left in him to get us through those trees. Once through, the sun was intensely bright. I pulled Asher's reigns to stop him and looked out over the graveyard of cars. "Please..." I whispered. "Someone be alive..." My eyes landed on the beautiful sight of Hershel, Rick and Carl. I clicked my teeth to Asher and he carried me over to the guys. The look on their faces were that of surprise, joy and confusion. "Zoe..." Hershel said my name, holding out his arms. At first I was reluctant. This is really what I want? Am I really staying? Who was I kidding? I knew I was staying. I smiled and engulfed Hershel in a big hug then moved to hug Rick and Carl. That old faithful lump found it's way in the back of my throat once again and I feared to ask the question that I knew we were all thinking. "Are- Are we it? Are we the only survivers?" I immediately regretted my question when Carl's bottom lip began to quiver. "We don't know... but I was just telling Rick that we shouldn't stay here. Walkers are all around, we can't afford the risk." Hershel's voice was shaky. Like he didn't want to leave either but he always seemed like the voice of reason. He knows it's not safe to stay. Carl grabbed my arm, "I tried to tell them... we CAN'T leave! Mom, Glenn, Beth, EVERYONE!" Carl just looked at me with pleading eyes. "What about Daryl?" he added. I looked from Carl to Rick. I didn't know what to say. I've lost my touch with talking to children.

Before I could think of anything to say, we heard an engine in the distance. The hair stood up on the back of my neck when we saw the cars approaching. "Thank Heaven!" I yelled and we all ran over to our friends. I hugged Glenn after he and Maggie and Dale got out of the car. "I'm so happy you guys are okay!" I exclaimed. I looked over to see Rick and Carl hugging Lori. This brought tears to my eyes. Wait... "Where's Daryl and Carol?" I asked. Everyone looked around. "Did they make it?" Lori asked. "Daryl was on his bike and I sent Carol with him." I felt my heart start pounding. Is this already happening? Did I send them to their deaths? "What about Patricia? Jimmy or Shane? Andrea?" Where are they?" Glenn asked.

I walked away. I had already zoned out when the rest of the group started conversing about our other losses. All I heard was Beth's sobs. My vision started to blur. I knew I should have just left in the beginning. I knew I shouldn't have gotten attached. I was knocked out of the thoughts when I heard a motorcycle. I spun around and saw Daryl approaching on his bike, with Carol in the seat behind him. You know that lump I get in the back of my throat? It had nothing on the tears that came pouring out my eyes. It felt like everything was in slow motion. I power walked my ass over to the bike. Carol got off first. I didn't expect it, but she grabbed me and hugged me. I hugged back. "Thank you so much, Zoe. You and Daryl saved me." she said, still holding on to me. "There's absolutely no need to thank me..." she pulled away and smiled then walked over to Lori and hugged her. My attention was back on Daryl within seconds. He and Hershel were shaking hands. He looked over to me and patted Ricks back as he approached me. Here comes the smart ass comment... I thought. Daryl didn't say anything though. He stared at me for a moment then pulled me in and wrapped his arms around me. I was in shock for a moment and still had my arms at my sides. His arms were strong and I didn't know whether it was heat stroke or the fact that no one has ever held me like that... but I never wanted him to let go. I finally threw my hands around his neck and hugged him back. "I was really worried..." he whispered. "Me too.." "I didn't want to let you go by yourself and when you insisted..." he paused, pulling away. "...Not knowing if you were going to be okay... I ain't leaving you again." he fumbled for what words to say. I chuckled to myself and he almost looked offended. "I'm sorry. I'm not making fun of you. I just didn't expect that from you." he just smirked. "I didn't want to stay... but I can't go now. I don't want to leave you either. I don't want to leave any of you guys..." I smiled, and grabbed his hand, giving it a squeeze.

Daryl and I walked back over to the rest of the group. Carol gave us a look but quickly looked away when I saw her. "We have to get moving." Rick spoke up. "We should head East." I suggested. "Does that mean you're staying?" Beth asked. I just looked around at all the faces of these people. I just met them and I already am in love with them all. I never wanted this, but it would be worse if I left now. I'm already in too deep. Besides, Daryl would never allow it now. He'd probably tie me up if I even mentioned it. I just smiled at my new family. All our dirty faces. "I'm here to stay..." I stated. Lori came over to me and grabbed my hand and smiled at me. "We're so glad." she said and walked back to the blue truck that her and Beth pulled up in. I took  moment to release Asher. I hoped the best for the beautiful horse but there was no way we could take him with us.

"Alright, let get in the cars everyone. We have to go." Rick stated to everyone, following his wife to the blue truck. "Come on..." I heard in my ear. "You can ride bitch seat." I turned to see Daryl smirking. I slapped his shoulder, playfully and followed him to his chopper. "Stay close!" I yelled.

On the road again...