Chapter Text
Beth winced as the bus went over another pothole and immediately hugged the medium sized cardboard box closer to her. She patted the top of it reassuringly before glancing out the window. The bus was taking the scenic route even though the scenic route in Georgia just meant miles of corn fields.
Beth smiled slightly as the bus passed yet another lone farmhouse out in the middle of nowhere. She was instantly reminded of her childhood home which was a little ways out. The farm always had this secluded feeling which was usually nice but could get pretty lonely after a while.
It was one of the reasons why she was so ready to get out that town for college. One of Beth’s biggest fears was being trapped in that small town with no way of ever changing. Beth didn’t want to do the same thing day after day with the same people, she wanted more out of life. The minuet she graduated, she had her stuff packed and ready to be shipped to New York City where she would attend Julliard.
Her daddy nearly had a stroke when she told him her college of choice. He was ready to slash the tires of her truck to prevent her from going before her momma managed to calm him down. Beth swore to them that she would write everyday and come down for the holidays before her daddy finally agreed to let her go. Beth knew how hard it was for him to let his youngest go, after all she was only one he had left, ever since Maggie went off to traipse around the country, Shawn joined the army and Daryl……..well Daryl made his choice a long time ago.
Beth felt the familiar ache in her chest reappear every time she thought about Daryl. Beth frowned and straightened up a bit. Nope she was not even going think about anything negative during this vacation. Beth didn’t need painful reminders about the past to bring her down. She was going to bring her A-game and make sure that Maggie has the best damn wedding that this town had ever seen.
Beth began to drum her fingers absentmindedly on the top of the box as the the vague outline of her sleepy home town came into view. Suddenly she began to feel nervous butterflies fluttering around in her stomach. Beth swallowed as she tried to keep her hands from trembling. She was struck by a sudden irrational fear as the bus took her closer to her destination.
She knew for a fact that she wasn’t the same naive Beth who left home four years ago. Living in a huge city had changed her, and she was scared that maybe she wouldn’t fit in with her family anymore as if she was the jagged puzzle piece that couldn’t complete the whole picture. The bus finally came to a stop and Beth peered out the window looking for a familiar face. Seeing no one at the bus stop, she got to her feet and hesitantly made her way down the bus aisle. The bus driver shot her a kindly smile and tipped his hat towards her.
"Got everything you need darlin?"
Beth smiled back and tried to release her death grip on the box in order to shake his hand.
"Thank you so much for everything. I’m pretty sure you are best bus driver I ever had."
She said cheerfully as she shook the bus driver’s hand. The bus driver chuckled a bit before getting up and handing the rest of her luggage to her. He tipped his hat to her once more before getting back into the bus and leaving her in the dust.
Beth waited at the bus stop for a few moments to take in her surroundings. The bus stop was at the outskirts the town and was usually only used for trips into the nearby city. The town was actually a mile away and Beth waited a couple of more minuets before finally walking down the main road that led to the town. She had never been more happier that she packed light for the trip and only brought one suitcase, granted the suitcase was a hefty, heavy duty one but thank the lord that it had wheels. She had to stop every now and then to catch her breath. Living in the city must have made her soft because she could swear that her skin was melting off. Beth twisted her hair up in messy bun and felt immediately cooler.
She lifted her hand up to shield her eyes and to her relief she could see a dusty red pickup truck making its way towards her. Beth immediately dropped the suitcase and started waving frantically with one hand. As it came closer, she tried to smooth down her wrinkled clothes and held her breath in anticipation. Please don’t be a serial killer or creepy old man, Beth desperately thought as the truck came closer and started to slow down. As soon as it slowed down to almost a complete stop, Beth stepped forward with an excited grin.
"Hi, if you are heading towards the town, mind if I have a li-"
Beth stopped suddenly and stared in shock at the driver. Daryl Dixon stared back with equal astonishment before shrugging a little. He was slouched in the driver’s seat but he slowly straightened up and reached over to open the passenger’s door. Beth opened her mouth and shut it again as she struggled to say something. This could not be happening. Why did she have to meet him of all people while she was out here sweating like a pig.
Every time she imagined meeting Daryl again after all these years, she was dressed to the nines in a slinky red number and killer heels where she would tell him off while drinking a glass of wine in a sophisticated manner. Instead she was dressed in her comfortable travel clothes which included old paint splattered jean shorts and a long white cotton T-shirt with a snarling Zombie face logo in the middle. Not to mention her hair was ragged mess and her face was beet red. Daryl rolled his eyes slightly at Beth’s gobsmacked expression and the fact she still haven’t moved a muscle.
"Yer gunna get flys in that trap of yours if ya don’t shut it." Daryl drawled and gestured at her to come on.
Beth shut her mouth and shot him a nasty glare. She put one hand on her hip and huffed a little bit as she tapped her foot impatiently.
“Are ya gunna help me with my luggage or ya just gunna sit there and watch me?” Beth spat at Daryl who was leaning back in his seat nonchalantly.
He moved his eyes slowly up her legs before finally meeting Beth’s eyes and smirked a little.
"Looks like you still got legs and arms there. Put em to work girl." Daryl said finally before leaning back even more.
Beth rolled her eyes before walking towards the truck. She gingerly set the cardboard box onto the passenger seat before turning around to haul her suitcase to the back. It was heavier than expected but with one final burst of strength she managed to throw her suitcase in the back. Beth wiped her hands on her shorts before going round to the passenger’s seat and clambered in. She may have shut the door with more force than necessary and was awarded for her effort when Daryl shot her a glare.
"Careful with the truck." He said shortly as he put the truck into gear and they started off towards the town.
"Yes Mr. Dixon" Beth shot back mockingly before rearranging the cardboard box to peer inside. Daryl gave the box a curious look.
"Whatcha got in that?" He asked casually.
Beth smiled softly as she peered inside.
"It’s Norman, my pet tortoise." She said sweetly as she caressed the top of the box.
Daryl scoffed and only shook his head.
"The hell you keepin a turtle as a pet for? Turtles are only good fer eatin. Ya want a pet, get a dog."
Beth gripped the box tighter to her and shifted uneasily away from him.
"Okay first off he’s a tortoise. Second, shut up I like him, he’s my buddy so no eating him ya hear me Daryl Dixon?"
Beth ordered before looking out the window. Thank you Jesus she could see the town getting closer. Beth was getting all wound up and she had only been in the car with the man for about five minuets.
"Yes Ms. Greene." Daryl said mockingly. Beth only gritted her teeth and stared out the window in stony silence.
"What type of name is Norman anyway?"
Beth shot Daryl an irritated look before retorting with,
"What type of name is Daryl."
Daryl let out a short huff of surprised laughter before shooting her one of his rare smiles.
"Hell if I know," He said almost cheerfully in a very un-like Daryl manner.
Beth smiled back before looking down again. The tension in the car had started to ease a bit and Beth started to fidget slightly as she tried to think of something to say that wouldn’t ruin the peaceful moment. She quickly snuck a look a Daryl from under her eyelashes.
Of course Daryl would be looking his best while Beth was looking her absolute sweaty worse. His hair had grown longer since the last time she seen him. It now hung into his eyes which he kept reaching up to brush it out of his way. His face had become more defined. Every time Beth thought about Daryl, his pudgy teenage face always to mind but grown up Daryl was very different, now he was all jutting cheekbones and hard angles. Beth looked down for a brief second before looking away as fast as she could. Oh goodness gracious, it looks like Daryl got ripped when he was away. His tanned arms were sinewy with , lean muscles that flexed slightly every time he took a turn.
Beth swallowed and felt her heart nearly leaping out of her chest. Shit, Daryl got hot. Just great, of course he did. Beth tapped her finger tips on the box nervously in order to stop herself from ogling Daryl again.
"So where you have been goin to college at?" Daryl asked finally breaking the silence. Beth jumped a little before shaking her head slightly. She was being ridiculous, after all it was just Daryl.
"I’m going to Julliard, up in New York City." Beth answered. Daryl let out a low whistle under his breathe. He gave Beth an incredulous look.
"Well look at little ole Beth livin in the big city all by herself. How does Hershel feel about that?"
Beth shrugged and smiled a bit.
"Daddy’s gotten used to the idea. After all it’s not like I’m a little girl anymore, I’m 22 years old and can take care of myself."
Daryl gave her a quick look over before returning his eyes to the road.
"Ya certainly did grow up didn’t ya." Daryl said almost wistfully.
Beth started to feel uncomfortable when she caught a glance of Daryl’s expression. His eyes were slightly downcast and his mouth was frowning. Of course Daryl was always nearly frowning but whenever he combined it with the sad eyes, Shawn always called it his hangdog expression.
"At least I’m not as old as you. Jeez, Daryl soon you will be moving into the retirement home with Daddy." Beth said jokingly and elbowed him slightly in the side. Daryl’s lips curved up slightly and he shot Beth a quick look under his bangs.
"As if Hershel would move into a retirement home willingly. Ya would have to drag him kickin’ and screamin’ off that farm of his."
Daryl joked as he turn the trunk round the bend that will finally take them to the lone road that led them to the farm.
Beth snorted slightly at the image of Hershel chaining himself to the farmhouse before he let anybody take it away. Her daddy was awfully protective of the farm. She grinned at Daryl. She was already beginning to feel more at ease with him, it was as he never left and things were the same between them.
"Are ya here for Maggie’s wedding? Do ya know who that groom of her is?" Beth asked him cheerfully. Daryl gave her a startled look.
"Maggie ain’t tell ya yet?" He asked her with some alarm. Beth’s smile started to fade a little and she shook her head.
"Said she wanted it to be a surprise. Didn’t even send me a wedding invitation just some letter. Why? Is it someone I know?"Beth said with suspicion. Then she had a truly terrible thought.
"Oh god is it Jimmy? Cuz if it is, I may have to kill her. There is no way I’m having that cheatin’ rat as a brother-in-law." Beth said heatedly and scowled ferociously. Daryl let out a bark of laughter.
"Naw it ain’t him. As if Shawn would let her. He bout nearly killed that fool when ya came cryin your eyes out. "
He reassured her slightly before looking away nervously as the farm house came into view. Beth let out a sigh of relief. Thank goodness she wouldn’t know who she would have strangled first, Maggie or Jimmy. Beth looked at Daryl curiously. He still hasn’t answered her question and he was acting all cagey like. He wouldn’t look her in the eyes and started to drum his fingers on the steering wheel. Beth opened her mouth to ask what was wrong when he parked suddenly and gestured towards the farmhouse in front of them.
"We’re here, get yer shit and get out." He said brusquely before getting out of the truck.
Beth stared at him in shock. Jeez what the hell was with him? Would it kill him to have some manners? Beth shook her head in exasperation and unbuckled her seat belt. She hoisted Norman up and got out of the truck. Daryl was leaning on the side of the truck with her suitcase and glaring down at the ground. He’s probably brooding about how dumb he is being, she thought snidely as she yanked her suitcase away and started going up the driveway. Beth head shuffled steps behind her and she tried to resist the urge to turn around and stick her tongue out at him.
God, why did he have to ruin the nice moment, she fumed as she set off angrily towards the house. For a brief moment, Beth felt something between them, a certain spark. Them teasing each other was just like the old days and Beth felt the ache return full force in her chest. Daryl Dixon was certainly bad for her health but Beth couldn’t help but be drawn to him. He was there by her side for some of the most important moments in her life, until one day, he was just gone and Beth couldn’t help but missed him.
She stopped suddenly and bit her lip in frustration. The drive up to the farm had been sorta nice and honestly she didn’t know why she was so mad in the first place. What did she expect? That Daryl would come waltzing into her life all these years later and profess his undying love to her? Beth shook her head in order to wave the ridiculous image away. Daryl would rather battle a herd of zombies than to talk about his feelings. She sighed and started to turn around to talk to him. She was being ridiculous. It wasn’t like Daryl was a ball of sunshine before he left. Honestly, he had always been surly and grouchy, nothing had really changed except maybe her.
Beth had missed him for too long and she wouldn’t let her stubbornness or pride get in the way of hopefully rekindling their friendship. Beth turned around completely and took a step forwards Daryl. He was standing a couple of feet back and was just watching her patiently. Beth opened her to mouth to say..what? That she wants to be friends and didn’t mind his grouchy self? Or maybe to invite him for a round drinks later which would surely cause the busy bodies of the town to go into a frenzy.
But before she could pick either one, she felt strong arms from behind wrap around her and lifted her in the air. Beth let out a squawk of surprise and to her horror, she dropped Norman’s box. Beth screeched and frantically started to slap her assailant so she could rescue her poor tortoise. To her great relief, Daryl had lunged forward and managed to catch poor Norman before he fell. Beth immediately relaxed and sighed happily. She wouldn’t be able to handle seeing her poor tortoise smashed to bits in front of her.
"Christ, Beth whatcha being such a spaz for? A low familiar voice said behind her. Beth narrowed her eyes. She knew that dumb voice.
"Shawn Samson Greene! Ya better let me down this instant or I’m tellin!" She cried out and tried to kick her older brother’s shins. Shawn immediately dropped her and Beth stumbled a bit before she was able to regain her balance. She whirled around and glared at her brother who was snickering at her.
"You gunna tell on me Bethy?" What are ya 10?" Shawn sneered at her and grinned at Beth’s outraged expression. Beth huffed a bit before sticking her nose into the air.
"I wouldn’t resort to childish methods if you weren’t such a bone head all the time." She said haughtily. Shawn laughed out loud at this.
"Well look at this, my little sister’s gone all hoity toity in the big city. Whats the matter Beth? We, country folk, not good enough for ya?" Shawn said, making sure to exaggerate his accent. Beth rolled her eyes.
"Just give me a proper hug, you dummy." She said as she stepped into her older brother’s arms. She felt his chest rumble with laughter.
"Hey Daryl, whats in the box?" Shawn called out over Beth’s head.
"Dinner." Daryl said sardonically and shifted the box in his hands. Beth stiffened and pushed Shawn away to go rescue her tortoise.
"Daryl Dixon, don’t you dare!" She cried out and grabbed the box away from him. Daryl and Shawn both started to chuckle and shot Beth identical grins. Against her will, she smiled back at them. Those two always got along so well even though they were as different as night and day.
"Where’s Maggie?" Beth asked looking around. Her question was soon answered when a dark blur hurtled towards her and nearly tackled her to the ground. Beth shrieked in joy and hugged her sister back just as tightly. Maggie stepped back and smiled at Beth.
"I’m so glad you could make it!" Maggie said happily before letting go of Beth to look her over. Beth grinned at her.
"I wouldn’t miss ya wedding for anything! Who’s the lucky guy?" She said stepping back and looking around for the unknown suitor. Maggie smiled widely and walked over to Daryl and Shawn. She looped her arm around Daryl and leaned her head on his shoulder.
"Ya already met him!" She exclaimed happily and snuggled closer to Daryl. Beth felt her stomach drop and she froze in horror.
"Beg your pardon?" She murmured, as she started to feel faint.
"I’m gettin married to Daryl, Maggie said happily and beamed at her sister, "Isn’t that great?"
Beth felt the color drain out of her face as she watched her sister drape over Daryl.
"Super." said Beth faintly and watched as every body began to walk towards the house. She could see Maggie saying something to her but the only thing she could do was nod.
Her sister was getting married to Daryl Dixon, the guy that Beth has been in love with for practically half of her life.
God damn this was going to suck ass.