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

Chapter 61 - Spoilin' For A Fight (AC/DC)

DARYL

I know damn well they're looking at me outta the corner of their eyes. Every time the gears crunch on the old Chevy I'm drivin.

Just like with the fuel truck, I ain't used to it is all....especially after so long with my bike. Will get the hang of it sooner or later.

I'll probably give myself a damned whiplash sooner rather than later too.

"What? Tell me?"

Denise had just huffed out what might be her tenth sigh over the last mile or so. Head shakin from side to side in frustration.

"Maybe you're disengaging too soon? I've been driving sticks since I was fifteen, my brother taught me. Usually beat-up trucks like this one."

I gaze down at her. Wonderin how in the hell I allowed her to talk me into lettin her tag along. She's timid and green as grass when it comes to being on the outside.

Except she wouldn't back down when I initially told her 'no fuckin way'.

Said she wants to do her part, but I reckon she already has. Saving so many people over the last few weeks. Then startin a regular clinic, teaching folk all about basic first aid....and then some.

"I'll go alone if I have to"  She put her foot down, tryin to convince us both that she was ready.

"Yer'll die alone!"

"I'm asking you  to help me  make sure I don't!"

Another stubborn bitch!

KEEEERUNCH!

Were sure the gearbox was gonna drop out on me this time. The truck is sliding a bit on a road that's now slick as all hell after the latest heavy rainstorm.

Rosita smirked. Trying to hide it from me by biting her lip, before sittin up suddenly and peering through the windscreen.

"Daryl!"

"Yeah, I got it."

Pull to a stop a few yards from where a massive tree is lyin slap bang in the middle of the road. With no way around it. Climb out of the truck to inspect the damage, ordering Denise to stay put.

I scan around, wary as all hell. Until I see the tree roots are rotted through, it's fallen over thanks to the rain-sodden weight. Natural occurrence and not man-made.

Rosie took care of a walker trapped underneath and got paid for her troubles. Deader had a big bag of miniature booze bottles on him.

"They were kind of my parent's thing, which is why they aren't mine"  Denise turned down Rosie's offer to share.

Went back to lookin at her big ol' map again, getting her bearings.

*

Get short with them both and storm off down the road after telling them I ain't gonna follow no damn rail tracks. Know it's irrational and Rosita is right. The way I'm heading is twice as far.

Except rails are bringing me nuthin but bad juju vibes whenever I follow them nowadays. Not gonna bring them down on my head today along with the damned rain.

Have already got a shitload of mood taking up real estate in there for the last hour or so.

Been worryin about Carol all week.

Something's definitely going on with her since the Saviors. Even though she told me they didn't really do anything shit to her or Mags. I gotta try again. Maybe when I get home today?