The beginning

Chapter 9

That night, I snuck into Daryl's room and snuggled into him. Being in his arms made me feel so safe and secure. I hadn't slept like this since before everything happened. Early morning I left to go back to my room so that no one would know about the two of us. We had both agreed that it was best to keep it quiet for a while. Shane was still acting strange and neither of us wanted to put up with his erratic behavior. It was easier this way.

I had a quick shower in the morning and every time I closed my eyes, all I could see was a repeat of the night before. I had never felt more satisfied or genuinely happy. I got changed into a pair of jeans and a tank top then headed to where we had all eaten the night before. I was absolutely starving.

Most of the group were already sitting around the table. Some looking a little worse for wear than others. Glenn in particular looked seedy thanks to Daryl forcing liquor down his throat the night before. Jacquie was comforting him as I walked in. Rick was downing some pills Jenner had provided in case anyone was feeling hungover. Lori offered some to me when I entered, but I shook my head.

"I'm actually feeling pretty good," I admitted.

"Smart girl," Lori smiled. "We should have learned from you."

I shrugged, "I've made enough drunken mistakes to know me, and alcohol aren't friends..."

"Eggs?" T-Dog offered. "I made them myself," he beamed.

"Hell yeah," I exclaimed, grabbing a plate and letting him pile them high. Shane walked in looking terrible. He had bags under his eyes and scratches on his neck. I stood and walked over to him, pulling the collar down. "What happened to you?" I asked.

Shane moved his head and pushed my hand away, "I'm fine...must have done it in my sleep."

I gave him a look, but he avoided my eyes.

"Never seen you do that before," Rick chimed in.

"Me neither," Shane sighed. "Not like me at all."

I watched him closely as he spoke, he looked at Lori who seemed put off. She glanced the other way, avoiding his gaze. I could feel the blood rush to my face. He had tried something with her last night, I knew it. My knuckles turned white as I gripped onto my plate. I wanted to say something there and then, but it wasn't the time or place to do so.

I gathered some more eggs on my fork and forced myself to swallow them. My appetite had suddenly disappeared, and I had a sick feeling in my stomach. The sight of Daryl exiting his room and walking down the hallway perked me up slightly. He glanced at me quickly and we caught each other's eyes. I blushed furiously. When I looked up to see if anyone had noticed, I found Rick staring at me knowingly. I subtly mouthed 'don't' and he nodded his head ever so slightly, before mouthing 'later' back. I groaned internally knowing I was going to get a 'big brother' Rick monologue later.

Dr Jenner walked out and joined us, heading straight for the freshly brewed jug of coffee sitting on the bench. We said good morning to our host who repeated it back.

"Doctor, I don't mean to slam you with questions first thing..." Dale began.

Dr Jenner replied monotonously, "but you will anyway..."

"We didn't come here for the eggs," Andrea concluded.

After breakfast Dr Jenner brought us into a large room where several workstations with computers adorned on them, as well as a huge screen hung in the center. I took a seat and listened eagerly.

"Give me a playback of TS-19," Dr Jenner called out. Vi repeated his command and soon a video began playing on the screen. I looked up and watched what appeared to be an internal scan on a human brain. As the picture zoomed in, you could see thousands of little lights shooting about like lightening.