He drove all through the night. Half because he could, and half because he was afraid if he stopped the truck, it would never start again. He had one thing on his mind the entire night. But now, as he pulled into the university parking lot he realized how stupid he was.
Daryl didn't even have a plan of action. He didn't know where the fuck her dorm was. Or even his way around the campus. Was she even there? Was she in class? Should he ask someone if they knew her? He was already getting wild stares from the young kids around him. Where was he supposed to start? He roamed around on his own, first outside, and then in the school. But every girl he came across was too short, or too tall, or not the right colour of blonde.
Maybe he was too quick to spring into action.
Maybe it was better to give up.
Then he heard it. A giggle that could only belong to one girl. She was standing with a group of friends not too far away from him. The girl and boys surrounding her were all her age. All well dressed and cheery. The boy beside her had a twinkle in his eye that looked all too familiar. The boy was even so bold to throw his arm around her as she smiled and laughed again. Daryl smiled sadly and turned away. That truly was, all he needed to see.
…
Beth blankly at the empty spot, where she swore she just saw Daryl Dixon standing. Was he mind playing tricks on her. Had Johnny putting his arm around her given her a weird war flashback?
"Hey Beth, you okay?" Beth glanced up at the sweet brunette boy, who she wished she liked enough to date. "You look like you saw a ghost."
"Maybe…I did?" Beth meant to say it to herself, but ended up speaking aloud.
Her group of friends began laughing and teasing her. But, all Beth could do was dart her eyes around the hallway. "Excuse me."
Beth walked off from her friends. They were confused and called her to come back. But she was sure she saw him. She was sure she'd never hear from or see from him again once her letter went unanswered. So, why would he be here? She headed towards the parking lot.
What was she looking for?
The motorcycle? The truck?
She knew exactly which one it was once the blue Ford screeched to a halt in front of her. She stared through the windshield. So, she wasn't going crazy. He looked surprised. Maybe he thought he'd made a clean getaway. Beth walked around the driver's side window and tapped on it. He sheepishly wheeled it down.
"Daryl?" Beth exclaimed.
"Uhm…" was all he could reply.
Beth grinned. "What…are you doing here?"
"Oh, you know…just…checking out the campus?" She could tell Daryl didn't even believe himself.
"Right?" In her confusion, Beth hadn't even noticed they were blocking traffic. That is until a HONK! from the car behind them sounded off. Beth gave an apologetic wave. "I uh…bye…Daryl?"
Beth backed away from the truck as Daryl shifted back in to drive. But surprised even herself when she grabbed on to the empty window frame. Daryl hit the breaks and Beth almost tripped over her own two feet. The car behind them honked again.
"Give me second" Beth yelled back at the driver.
Daryl stared at her.
"Do you wanna grab some coffee and...catch up?" Beth asked.
She watched Daryl's sour face form a smile. "Yeah. Coffee sounds good."
AN: Welcome to the end. I know it's short and I know it ambiguous. If you hate it, I'm sorry. Maybe I'll revisit this world one day and flesh it out. But for now: Thank you for making it this far with me