Him (TWD//Merle//)

Chapter 13

I feel myself being shaken awake, and force myself to pry my eyes open. The first think I register is the faint outline of our camp area invading my vision.

Why am I outside?

I turn my head slightly and see a certain blue eyed man gazing down at me with concern.

"What happened?" I breathe out a large breath of air to wake myself up.

Memories that happened moments ago rush through my brain, and it's almost impossible to comprehend. My sister is alive.

I spring up from the bench I was currently laying on. Blood rushes from my head but it does little to faze me. I call out Julie's name multiple times, like a crazy woman. I need to see her and make sure she's real. I wouldn't be surprised if I was just hallucinating.

"Woahh ther' sugar, take it easy girl," Merle pushes my shoulder's back, attempting to lay me back down, but I fight against his grip.

My eyes scan the campsite, looking at each and every one of the camp members. I don't stop until I see the one I'm looking for.

Standing next to a vaguely familiar male figure, is my big sister. Julie looks as if she's been through hell. Her brown hair is slightly longer, and knotted into a birds nest. There looks to be blood and mud covering most of her body. I trail my sight to her leg and see the bite mark.

"No," I whisper and start crying.

Please tell me this is some sick joke.

I look over to the familiar figure next to her. It's Lucas. His blonde hair is slicked back, no doubt with the same blood and mud that Julie's covered in. His eyes cast so many emotions into mine. Pain, exhaustion, hunger, desperation.

I always had a feeling that they were okay on their own, but seeing them now makes me regret my past thoughts.

As I lose myself in my mind, she steps forward to give me a hug. I'm very surprised to witness Merle stand between us and shove her back. Julie stumbles, and looks between us incredulously.

"Tha's close enough," he bites out.

"Merle, stop it," I scold. By now I'm sure my face looks like its on fire.

She's my sister. Does he really think she has intentions to harm me? I can see why he'd be wary of the bite, but she doesn't look too sick yet.

I push my way out from behind him and embrace Julie. My arms make their way around her torso, and I realize just how skinny she is. Her waist feels bony and tiny.

"I missed you, Amy," she says and rests her face on my shoulder. I can feel wetness dripping onto my shirt. Julie's crying silently.

"I missed the h*ll outta you too," I'm able to choke out.

She pulls back and looks to Luke with a raised eyebrow, "Come say hi to her."

I'm thoroughly confused now. She spoke to him as if he didn't believe I was there.

I turn my gaze to him as well, and he' already staring at me. I notice his face perk up once he confirms I'm real and unharmed. He rushes forward and embraces me with force, effectively giving me one of his infamous bear hugs. He holds the back of my head to his chest and just stands there for a minute.

"Hi Lucas," I smile up at him.

"Hi, love. It's been a long time," he smiles back down with watery eyes.

"I hate to break up this lil' love fest, but who the hell are y'all," Daryl questions and he looks at me expectantly. I guess I'm explaining.

"Everyone, this is Julie, my sister," I gesture to her. They have no reason not to believe me, as we look scarily alike. "And this is Lucas, her fiancé."