Together by Apocalypse (Daryl Dixon)

Chapter 9

I heard the moans of the dead close behind us. All I could think about was Thea.. She was running along side of me. Was this the end?? How long could her little legs keep up. I was sweating and crying and wanted nothing more than to get my little girl to safety.

Thea: mommy!!

I turned around to see my Babygirl laying on the ground, unable to get up. She layed there waiting for me to help her. I ran over but no matter how hard I ran I wasn't faster than the walkers inching toward my Thea.

Danielle: Thea!!!!

I cried at the thought of seeing my baby torn to shreds and just as i cleared the thought it became a reality. Thea let out a blood curdling scream as I watched a walker bite into her neck, I was still unable to make my way over to her. I was frozen and no matter how hard I tried.. I couldn't move. Tears streamed down my face like a river as I was forced to watch my four year old get devoured by walkers.

Danielle: daryl!!

I cried out in hopes that he would hear me. I needed someone.. Anyone!! Thea's body layed there motionless as the walkers finished their meal.

Danielle: daryl!!

I fell to my knees. Thea was gone. My little girl.. Was gone. My boyfriend was no where. I couldn't cry, I was too upset to cry. Thea. Thea. Thea. Thea.

Voice: Danielle?

I heard it! I heard someone say my name! I didn't know who.. It sounded like daryl but as I looked around me I realized he was no where in sight.

Danielle: Daryl!!!

Everything around me began getting fuzzy.

Daryl: dani!! Dani wake up!!!

My eyes shot open to see a worried and shirtless daryl looking over me. There was little sunlight coming thru the window telling me it wasn't quite morning yet. I was hot and sweaty and I felt my face was wet. I didn't know if it was from sweat or tears.

Daryl: come're

Daryl pulled me into a hug in our bed. That was an awful nightmare. Absolutely awful. I looked at the little bed, daryl made Thea on the floor, to see my adorable baby girl sleeping. We were safe now, I didn't need to worry anymore. We were safe.

Daryl: Ya l'right?

I rolled over in bed, to face daryl. I was lucky to have him. His blue eyes looked into mine with worry and concern.

Danielle: I'm fine

I pressed my lips to his to reassure him. After our lovely shower last night, Dr Jenner had invited us to dinner. It was the best dinner I had in a while, with wine and just amazing food!

Daryl: you wanna talk about it?

Daryl played with my long brown hair, he twirled pieces between his fingers and ran his rough hands thru it.

Danielle: I couldn't save Thea... I watched her die...

Daryl pulled me close, as I began to cry at the thought of that actually happening.

Daryl: shhhh shhhh shh.... We are safe now dani... We are safe...

I looked up at daryl, he wiped my tears off my cheeks and kissed my forehead, then my nose and then my lips. I smiled.

Danielle: I love you....

Daryl: I love you.. Go back to sleep, we don't need to get up yet.

Daryl wrapped his arms around my small body and pulled me close. I felt very protected. My eyes were locked on my little Thea laying close by, in her make shift bed. We are safe, was the last thing I thought to myself before I fell back into a deep sleep.

****************

Slowly everyone in the group began waking up and making their way into the lobby, where Jenner showed us how this disease takes control of someone. Daryl was being a little awkward with me an Thea this morning. When I woke up in the middle of the night, from my nightmare, he was so comforting and reassuring. This morning he didn't even say "good morning." I watched as glenn stumbled into the dining area, with his hand on his head.

Glenn: I am.... Never.... Drinking again

I laughed along with everyone else in the group. Glenn did have quite a bit of wine last night. Glenn shot me a glare, I knew he was just kidding around but he had to be in serious pain. I was curious of the time, so I looked at the clock on the wall, something I wasn't used to. I noticed something about it, that i didn't notice before. It was counting down. 2:34:55 then 2:34:54 then 2:34:53. Don't clocks count up?

Danielle: Uhm dr. Jenner? Isn't that clock supposed to be counting up from the time?

I pointed at the clock and the group turned to look at it, then at doctor Jenner. Dr Jenner looked at the ground and he spoke softly.

Dr Jenner: it's a timer

Rick began to look worried and he walked over to Jenner with purpose.

Rick: what happens when that timer runs out!

Dr. Jenner: decontamination...

Everyone looked at Jenner concerned for our lives. I saw the fury building in Daryl's eyes, and I lifted Thea onto my hip.

Dr. Jenner: do you know how many deadly diseases we have in here? When the power runs out! There is nothin to contain it!! It blows up...

Things began to get chaotic. Daryl ran over to the door and Rick grab jenners arm.

Rick: open the door.

Jenner: I can't. I told you once I open it.. I can't reopen it.

Rick had anger building in his eyes. Lori tried to calm him, I smirked at her as he shook her arm off of his shoulder. Lori rolled her eyes and motioned her head toward daryl who was holding an ax and making his way toward dr Jenner.

Daryl: how bout I just burry this ax right in your head then...

I ran over to daryl, with Thea on my hip. I put my hand on his shoulder but he still ran over to Dr Jenner.

Danielle: daryl! No!!!

Daryl didn't stop for a second. Rick and t-dog grabbed daryl. Dr Jenner stood there. T-dogs wife made a point.

Jackie: maybe this is how it's supposed to be...

Dr Jenner: it's quick and painless...

They had a point. I wouldn't have to watch Thea get torn to shreds. And we wouldn't have to suffer anymore. The rest of the group was panicking and ready to find a way out. I sat on the ground with Thea in my lap. I would die with Thea in my arms. I wouldn't feel anything, we would just be gone. Andrea had the same idea, she sat on the ground and decided it was time.

Rick: we are getting out of here!!

Dr Jenner: you can't!

Daryl: shut the f*ck up!!

I heard glass break and watched as the window shattered. Daryl looked at me and I shook my head no, pulling Thea close. Daryl made is way over to me and Thea on the floor.

Daryl: dani?! Come on!

Danielle: this is a better way to go...

Daryl: I'm not losing you girls... I need you dani!

Danielle: daryl this is a better way to go...

Daryl: you don't need to go! I'll protect you.. Dani I need you!

Thea looked at her father intently and then at me. Maybe I should go with daryl. He reached down and grabbed Thea off my lap, she wrapped her arms around his neck clung to him.

Daryl: do it for me dani... Do it for Thea...

Daryl reached his hand down to me and waited for me to grab it. He mouthed "I need you" and I grabbed his hand and we ran.