Exhausted {Daryl Dixon Fanfic}

XI. The Doc

I wasn't sure what to do. These people had basically kidnapped me. And yes, I knew logically I could leave right now if I chose to, but I didn't. I stayed seated on the porch until I heard a woman's voice beckoning everyone inside for lunch. When I entered the house my mouth dropped open. Not only did the house look as if it hadn't been touched by the world ending, but it smelt like it. My stomach growled and I let out a embarrassed apology to Jacqui who only smiled at me.
She led me to the dining room where a few people had already gathered. Lori reappeared after bringing Rick a plate who insisted on staying with his boy. She took a seat next to Sophia and her mom, who I learned was named Carol. I stood awkwardly in the doorway as more people piled in and seated themselves around the table. I nearly walked back outside, much to my stomachs disappointment, when Sophia saw me. She gave me a wide smile and waved me to the empty seat between her and the small blonde I had seen earlier. I tried to ignore the stares that followed me around the room as I took my seat. The blonde girl passed me a plate and I thanked her as quietly as I could to avoid more attention.
I could hardly wait as Andrea passed out silverware to everyone before taking her seat next to Shane. I dug in quickly before the small blonde next to me giggled and nudged my arm. I looked around the table and noticed that the older man who had spoken to me earlier had his head down and was saying grace. I felt my face flush red and bowed my head awkwardly. Growing up my family had never said grace, except maybe my grandmother on Thanksgiving, but I wasn't one to judge others choices. When he finished a few others murmured amen and began to eat. When I rose my head I caught the eye of the man I had seen earlier by the RV. He seemed to be chuckling at something I didn't quite catch. Before I could say anything he disappeared out of the house and my attention was veered to the small blonde next to me.

"I'm Beth," her voice reminded me of a song, "Sorry about daddy. He's still got the Lord in his veins." She giggled again, and her southern twang warmed my heart.

"I didn't mean to offend your dad-"

"Hershel," she interrupted. "And I doubt you did. You're new here anyways, ain't ya?"

"Yes, I just meant to being Sophia back but your da...Hershel," I corrected myself, "Invited me to stay."

"Well, of course," she smiled, "You brought back Carol's little girl."

"Between you and me, I think I'm more glad that she isn't gonna be cryin' all the time than I am that the girl is back," the brunette woman on the other side of Beth didn't look up from her plate and it took me a moment to realize who said it.

"Oh, Maggie," Beth smacked the woman on the arm but she couldn't hide her amusement.

"None the less," Maggie continued as if she hadn't heard Beth, "We're very thankful for you. That's why daddy is letting you stay."

The two sisters had begun a conversation of their own and I finished off my plate quicker than I imagined. Once I finished I followed Andrea and Lori back to the kitchen. I helped them scrub the dishes and put away what was left from lunch. When I finished with that I stood against the counter awkwardly, unsure what to do now. I played with the sleeve of my jacket while trying to remember everyones name that I had met today. It was something I did as a child when I was in a new place. Learn their names because you never know when you need to ask someone where the bathroom is. That being said, however, I didn't want to speak to anyone just yet.
I made my way around Lori and Andrea and slipped out of the kitchen. I glanced around the hallway and wandered down it, studying the family pictures that lined the walls. I peaked in each room I passed, and noticed why their were so many tents outside. There was barely enough chairs for everyone in the dining room as is, so I couldn't imagine everyone staying in this house at once. I passed by an office, a bedroom, and toom note of how many doors I passed until I saw a bathroom, and finally at the end of the hall was another bedroom. Only, this one wasn't empty. When I peaked inside the door creaked and Hershel and Rick turned to look at me.