Beth had never really had a key role in the group's survival, she had always been on the side, looking pretty if you wish, but all that changed when Judith was born, she had a role, as a mother. Of course she wasn't the main mum, that was Carol after Daryl found her in the tombs, but she was happy, happy as happy could be those days, in-between the Governor fucking things up, and of course the walker scares, she was truly happy.
Judith's crying never spoilt Beth's day, it was always a joyful sound that reminded her that life still happened after the tragic end to civilisation, however, on this day, her wails shot through her like knives. Teething. Something told her, deep down, that it was teething, and no matter how hard she tried, Judith just wouldn't shut the fuck up. That was it; she had to get out of here. Beth passed Judith onto Carol and went outside.
'If only there was a pack of cigarettes when you need them,' she said out loud, thinking that she was alone, and by alone, I mean her and the walkers
'Here, take my last'
It was Daryl. She was shocked at first but took one and lit it with the nearly empty lighter. It took her a few times as she was never a smoker before, more socially, like she did with friends, or with Jimmy. Oh Jimmy, she forgot about him. To be fair, they'd only be dating a few months and after it happened, her dad, Hershel, made it out as if they were married. She hated that, 17 and married, I mean she hadn't even had sex yet, eugh, why did men have to make a big deal out of nothing.
'Thanks,' she replied after a long deep drag of the cigarette, it tickled her throat, and she wanted to cough, but even during times like these, she didn't want to look like a dick, especially in front of Daryl, one of the most sane (and attractive) member of the group.
'I didn't know you smoked'
'Well, I guess you don't know a lot about me,' she replied, in a flirty way. Why?!
'Aha!' Daryl laughed and smoked on his cigarette, leaving a lingering sense of sexual tension in the air, 'not trying to be rude, but, you don't look like the kinda woman who would smoke.'
Woman. Wow, she liked the sound of that.
'Why? Because I'm quiet, small and country? That's funny. Well I don't really smoke, you know, had the occasional, never really suited me, but now I just don't give a shit.'
'I'll drink to that! If I had a drink.'
In all the long, torturous months Beth had known Daryl, she never thought he had a sense of humour, she wondered what else she'd been wrong about.
'Look, I've seen you, y'know, killing walkers and shit, and you're pretty good with a hand gun, and very handy with a knife, and I need some company when I'm hunting, so I was thinking, if you wanted to get better and grab some extra skills, I could teach you if you were to come hunting with me.'
This completely took Beth by surprise. She knew Daryl was a hard ass, stubborn person, but yet now, he seemed so timid, and somewhat cutesy. This was new to Beth, and she liked it.
'Yeah sure, I'd love to'
Realising what she just said, and after waiting an awkward 5 seconds to redeem herself, she continued with
'Well, I mean to, err, get some extra skills'
Smooth.
'Great, I'll grab some gear and call for you in an hour; it's still early in the morning, so I'll have lots of time to show you how to handle a knife, and other weapons.' He slapped her on the back in a playful, boisterous way, but let his hand linger on her lower back for more than what was necessary.
Beth watched him walk off, and when I say watched, checked him out. The world may have ended, but sexual tension definitely hadn't.