You never know what you are getting into with this world, danger at every corner, some people will die, you can lose the people you love, but with a good head on your shoulders and people you trust, you just may make it out alive.

After we finished packing up we met at the center again to talk about where to go, what cars we are taking, and who is going with who.

"The quickest route is past this highway, we can also stop into this small town here to resupply and possibly survivors." Glenn said pointing our way through until we reached where I knew the RODV set.

"Glenn, Dale, Andrea, Rick, Lori, and Carl should ride in the camper, Shane, Carol, and Sophia can take the cruiser, the rest of us can take the van we came in." I suggested, they all agreed, I walked to the back of the van, it was getting really hot out and I couldn't wear this jacket for long, I looked at my new clothes, blue jeans, a plain blue t-shirt that may or may not hide the bandages, and my boots I have had since they meet me.

I pulled my thigh strap for my knife tighter and readjusted the triangle on my belt, I'm surprised no one asked about it, the center was glowing blue, filled with human souls, I touched my now masked face, I felt like the Phantom of the Opera, I pulled of my jacket and saw that only some of my bandaged shoulder was showing, of course my arm bandage would be noticeable but I can come up with a good excuse.

"So, you going to tell me why you have a mask and your arm is bandaged?" I jumped in surprise to see Daryl leaning agasint the van.

"Well.." Good excuse? "I got a ugly scar and I don't want to scare people." Okay not so good of an excuse.

"That's bull shit but whatever you want to say darlin."

"Daryl if I would tell you, wouldn't want me around." I said throwing my jacket in the van, I started walking when I felt him grab my arm and rip off my mask, I gasped.

"You.....you've been...." He saw them, the bite marks on my face.

"These are from when this all started, you have to believe me Daryl, I don't know why but I don't get infected, and there's a lot more you don't know but I promise I will tell you everything just please don't tell." My eyes burned with tears of embarrassment and desperation.

"Hey hey don't cry, I won't tell but you have to promise to tell me everything and no covering up the truth." He said pulling me into a hug, I heard footsteps and my heart started beating faster, whoever it is will see my bite marks.

"Hey is she okay?" It's Lori oh no oh no, if she sees she'll tell Rick who will tell Shane and he just may blow a casket.

I pushed my face into Daryl's chest.

"Yeah just thinking about the trip ahead, must have over whelmed her." He said rubbing my back, how can he touch me? Didn't he think I was a danger to the group?

"Oh alright well we are all ready to go, everything is packed and so everyone, don't worry about this trip Rae." I nodded and I heard her walking off, Daryl gently pushed me back, he was close.

"I'll keep your secret, so this is why you really didn't go to the RODV?"

I nodded, "This is why it's all my fault, if I wasn't so selfish maybe people would still be alive."

"No that's bull shit and you know it Rae, you still have free will to make your choices, your a human not a lab rat and I will protect you." He pulled me to him and I felt him push his face into the top of my head.

But who will protect you Daryl?