Welcome to chapter 3!

My chapters are having a pattern of being short - let me know what you think though!

Disclaimer: I do not own the Walking Dead or any of its characters

Chapter 3

"Daryl, do you have any pain killers in that bag of yours?" Beth asked Daryl as they slowly trudged along the railroad tracks in the afternoon sun.

Daryl's face tightened and he shook his head no. Beth sighed.

The crutches were working out great, and Beth was thankful. However, nothing seemed to ease the pain of her ankle. Although it wasn't broken, Daryl had added a splint to give it some support. Beth needed to forget about the pain.

"How big do you think Judith is?" Beth asked Daryl. "I hope she will recognize me if we find them again. Do you think Maggie is with Glenn? I hope we can find them. Maggie will be so excited to know we are both okay!"

"Don't." Daryl responded.

"Don't what?"

"Don't pretend like it's all gunna work out or that they are all okay. We don't know who all made it." Daryl didn't want Beth getting her hopes up. Judith was just a baby, and as much as he hoped she made it he was going to prepare for the worse, same with the others. However, he would look for every sign to prove himself wrong.

Beth was the opposite, she would rather hope for the best and only upon proof that stated otherwise would she let her mind go there.

"Daryl, I was just tryna make conversation. I need a distraction." Beth said.

Daryl thought for a second. "You could sing."

Although Daryl's request was thoughtful, Beth just didn't feel like singing. "Thanks, but no thanks."

Beth decided she didn't need to talk. She would just focus on not tripping instead.

After, walking another half hour, Beth's breathing was starting to become labored. She was grateful for the crutches, but even with the support she was still having a hard time. Beads of sweat were starting to form at the tip of her hairline and her eyebrows furrowed together.

"Can we take a break?" Beth asked.

Daryl nodded. "Do you… ugh… need help?"

Beth nodded. Daryl stepped closer to Beth and slipped his arm around her waist, supporting her, while he took the crutches from her. He gently let the crutches fall and re-position his grip on Beth so that his front was pressed against her side. He then placed the arm that wasn't around her waist, under her knees, and slightly lifted her, so he could set her on the ground gently.

Daryl didn't know why, but even though there was no immediate danger anywhere, his heart was pounding. It was always pounding these days, he just didn't know the cause. Daryl was worried for Beth. He knew she couldn't keep up this pace.

"After break, I'll carry you again. Don't strain yourself to hard. Don't be afraid to ask for help neither."

Beth nodded. With her eyes closed she was trying to focus on anything but the pain.

"Maybe, we can try and find a store, or something. We need to get you some meds."

Beth knew what a store meant though. A store meant going into town where she knew there would be more walkers but maybe some of the others from the prison would have gone there too!

"That'd be good." Beth breathed out softly. Beth laid down on her back and tried to relax. She was so very tired. "Do you think it would be okay, if I just slept for a little bit."

Daryl was becoming more and more worried. It was only mid-afternoon, she shouldn't already be this tired. Was her ankle affecting her this much?

"You can sleep while I carry you." Daryl left no time for Beth to argue, not that she would have anyways. She was nearly asleep.

As Daryl picked up Beth into his arms a voice spoke behind him, coming out of the tree-line.

"Well ah be damned. What is a fella like you doing out here, with some useless and frail chick like her?"

Daryl quickly turned, gripping Beth tighter in his arms, wishing he could have made her disappear and have a crossbow in his hand instead.

Daryl's eyes narrowed at the man.

"What do you want?" Daryl harshly questioned.

At Daryl's demand, the man made a motion and all around them men started walking out of the trees. This didn't look good.

"Now hold your britches there son. Let me go ahead and ask the questions."

How did you guys like it? A little cliff hanger here – but I'm sure you guys recognize this group! How will the situation turn out now that Beth is with Daryl this time?

Also, I have reread my postings and I have noticed a few errors. I will try to get those fixed and I apologize for the mistakes. I just get so excited when a chapter is done, that although I have checked for errors, I am still not getting all of them.

Thanks to everyone who is following and liking my story! Happy Wednesday!

P.S. I just found out I have a Political Science exam next Wednesday, so I might be MIA but I will try to at least post another chapter or two between now and then.

Thanks bunches,

Cass

Disclaimer: I do not own the Walking Dead or any of it's characters