Haven (A Walking Dead fanfiction)

Chapter 12

I brush the dirt from my knees as I pull myself together, now fully carrying my own weight. Maggie's arms still hover close to my back in case I need the support. I take a deep breath in my attempt to calm any remaining hysteria. I manage to stop the tears, my sobs steadying to uneven breaths. I wrap my arms around myself feeling exposed. He told everyone. They all know. I swallow the scream that wretches in my throat, the pain of facing that monster again tears away at my insides. I wish I could just disappear, sink away into the wilderness like I was never here. Daryl reaches out, trying to place a comforting hand on my arm. I instinctively flinch the second his fingers brush my skin. He pulls his hand away, the hurt obvious on his face. I instantly regret my actions. I didn't mean to. I don't want to push him away. No matter how hurt or upset I am with him I know he was just trying to protect me, to protect all of us. He goes to back away, but I grab his hand stopping him. He looks at me surprised. Seemingly waiting for me to lash out, to scream, but I don't. I don't yell or cry or lash out. I weave my arms around his waist, burying my face in his chest instead. His familiar scent eases my nerves as I breath it in. The warmth of his body against mine combats the icy chills that have been buzzing through my body since Randall arrived. He wraps his arms around me, his tight embrace making me feel safe even with the monster that haunts my nightmares just across the yard. He rests his chin against the top of my head. Maggie and the others leave us, giving us some privacy to talk.

"I'm sorry...I had too." He whispers into my hair. I can hear the emotion in his words. Sadness, maybe even regret. I look up into his eyes, shaking my head.

"I know...it's okay." I reply weakly. I'm angry and hurt and betrayed, but not by him. Randall and his group did this, not Daryl. None of this is his fault and I won't blame him for reacting the way he did. If someone had hurt him and I was in his place I would have reacted the same way. He cares, he wants to protect to me and that alone is worth more than anything in this world.

"You're not mad?" He asks, relieved.

"No, I feel dirty and exposed and embarrassed, but none of that is on you. Those sick twisted men did this, not you. I know you were just trying to protect me. Trust me I don't like that he's here either."

"Hailey..what they did...it wasn't your fault...you don't have to feel embarrassed. He's the one that should be ashamed." He caresses my cheek. "You're the strongest, most bad ass woman I've ever met. Nothing they did could ever change that." I feel my eyes begin to water but i blink it away. "We'll figure this out, I'll make him pay, but until then I promise you I won't let anything happen to you. I won't let him hurt anyone ever again." I nod with a sniffle, afraid if I open my mouth to speak I'll start to cry again. I'm so insanely appreciative for him and the feeling of safety he brings. I don't think I could find the words to express it even if I tried.

A few hours have gone by. We've all been waiting anxiously for Hershel to finish Randall's surgery. Everyone has gathered around the dining room table ready to begin the discussion about what the hell we're supposed to do with him now. All we need is Hershel and we can begin. I sit quietly beside Lori, toying with the hem of my shirt as I wait. Everyone else is talking amongst themselves unsure of what to do, but I don't say a word. My stomach is in knots and I just want this to be over with.

"We didn't know who he was, what he'd done. We couldn't just leave him behind. He would have bled out.....if he lived that long." Rick says to everyone from the head of the table.

"It's gotten bad in town." Glenn adds. I can see the fear and concern on Maggie's face.

"What do we do with him?" Andrea asks, but before anyone can answer Hershel walks in.