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

Chapter 34 - You're Going Down (Sick Puppies)

NATE

Jorge continued walking and I stumbled somewhat blindly behind him.

"You said, 'saw you together'  and 'how it was going to be'. But how did you know....Daryl?"  I blurt out, still stunned at how easily he read me.

"When a man looks at a woman the way he kept looking at you....and still does? Some things are just meant to be. Will be!  It just took you both a little bit longer, to get your shit together and find each other again."

"Never took you for someone who believed in fate, Jorge. Nup.  Strike that, stupid comment. You knew it when you first met Leo, didn't you? Realised straight away, that he was your  fate...."

My words trail away in horror. And he turned back to peer at me while I gathered myself to ask.

"Did he....please tell me that he  didn't know back then....Guillermo?"  I whisper in agony.

"No, he didn't. How could he....you didn't even know it yourself did you?"  Jorge stated emphatically and my head shook in reply.

"Don't upset yourself, little sister. You and G needed each other. That's how it was meant to be....for then. But it was never meant to be forever and I'm pretty sure you both knew that. Deep down?"

I nod this time.

"I mourned for him, Jorge. Grieved over all of you, for a long time. But I knew. As soon as I saw Daryl again? I just knew. And I swear, I never set out to hurt Guillermo. Never...."  Jorge cut me off.

"Stop that....right now!  None of us can help who we love or how we love. What's meant to be is meant  to be! If that's what fate is? Then I'm a true believer."

"I'll repeat what I told you before. You've done well, more  than well! I think, maybe....you each put up a fair bit of resistance? He's a hard man to know, your Daryl. But he's a good man and very worthy of you."

"And I can clearly see....you're good for him too. All of that is enough to make me happy"  Jorge stopped suddenly, pulling me to him.

Crushing me in the kind of hug that only he can give. And I nearly squeeze the life out of him in return.

"You made the time for him too, Jorge. Thank you, for giving him a chance and seeing what I see in him. He trusts you. And as you already know for yourself, that's such a hard thing for him to do at the best of times."

"You put in the hard yards, my friend. And I'll never  forget it!"

The whispered words erupt from my heart. As I reach up on tippy-toes and kiss his sun-toughened cheek.

*

We walked on for another ten minutes until the woods opened to a little clearing. I heard the tell-tale snarls on the breeze. Only they didn't seem to be getting closer.

Until we do.

Jorge pulled out the familiar canvas poncho and arm guards. Beckoning for me to put them on. He also handed over a pair of long welding gloves.

They're fairly supple....and a dark maroon in colour. Have seen a fair bit of action by the looks of them.

"You need to start somewhere, and a walker is as good as any to practice on. However, I'm not taking any chances. I'm not overly concerned about bites, but more so with scratches from broken bone or skull."

"And feel no shame if you lose your stomach. This won't come easily, my little assassin"  He warned.

"I know....I said pretty much the same to Daryl. That killing in this way is way different to using a gun or knife."