Roamers (Book 1)

by Viper, Velveteen

  Thinking fast, Scarlett rolled agonisingly onto her back with a grunt and drew the pistol from her boot. She hated to use her gun, but the Biter was almost on top of her, so she fired a direct shot through its temple, knocking it backwards. She had to move. The gunshot would attract any other dead bastards that were close by and she wouldn’t stand a chance with a horde. She got herself back up with an awful ache running round her abdomen and into the bottom of her spine.

  Scarlett didn’t get far before she noticed wetness. Not just moisture from the ground, but dripping, trickling wetness running all the way down her legs.

  Shit, shit, shit!

  She continued to walk, trying not to think about what could happen if she went in to labour now. Alone.

  Suddenly, she found herself doubled over in pain, an involuntary cry escaping her mouth. Idiot. She was alone in the forest and about to give birth. She had to move. Either back to the cottage to find Henry, or deeper into the woods to keep looking for Travis.

  Pain overcame her again and she fell to the floor, clutching her belly. She began to sob, believing there was no hope for her or her baby now. She was ready to give up.

  She had just enough fight left in her to inhale deeply and scream, so loud that birds evacuated the nearby trees and she thought her lungs might burst.

  “TRAVIS!” again, “TRAVIS!”

  Travis had heard the gunshot and was crouched by a tree observing the area around him. At his feet was a deer with two arrows in its heart.

  Then came the screams. Instant recognition painted a terrified expression on his face.

  “Scarlett,” he said to himself, picking up his crossbow. What was she doing out here? And why the fuck was she screaming like that?

  “SCARLETT!” Travis yelled as he started to sprint toward the sound of her howling.

  Scarlett was on all fours, relief easing the pained expression on her face as she heard his voice.

  They continued to call for each other until Travis saw her. He threw himself down beside her, out of breath.

  “Scarlett, what the hell? What are you doin’ out here?”

  Scarlett took his hand, gasping with pain as she tried to talk.

  “I came to find you. Really stupid. My waters broke and I think I’m in labour.”

  Travis turned white. He thought about the distance between them and the cottage and realised that he was probably going to have to deliver his baby. “Please, Travis. Please help me.”

  He looked around to check for Walkers before standing and helping Scarlett to her feet.

  “You need to walk, Scar. You can’t stay here. I’m going to help you, but we need to get to Henry.”

  They began to walk back toward the cottage, stopping every few minutes as Scarlett was blinded by pain. She was becoming weak as the time between her contractions became shorter and, in almost constant pain, she fell to her knees.

  “No, no, no, no, no, Scar. Come on, get up.” Travis pleaded, “We’re nearly there.”

  “I can’t.” She sobbed amid distressed breaths.

  Travis looked around desperately. He couldn’t leave her to get Henry, so he saw no other option.

  “Okay, sit down here,” he said, helping her to the ground, “You’re gonna be fine, both of you.” Scarlett knew that Travis was trying to convince himself as much as her.

  He glanced around, sure that he’d heard something. He dropped his crossbow from his shoulder and, after loading it, he set it down beside him.

  “Holy shit, Travis! I need to push!” Scarlett cried.

  Travis hurriedly opened his bag, pulled out a spare shirt and handed it to her before unlacing her boots and yanking them off, along with her jeans and underwear.

  “I really don’t know what the fuck to do from this point,” he said with panic in his voice. He lifted her ass and placed her jeans underneath before carefully lowering her back down.

  Suddenly, he made a grab for his weapon and span to face the opposite direction. A Roamer was slowly approaching and Travis took aim and fired the bolt through its eye.

  Scarlett was unable to fight the urge to push any longer and let out a shriek. Travis turned back to face her.

  “You can do this, Scar. Come on.”

  “FUUUUCK!” Scarlett screeched.

  “Scarlett, you need to try and stay quiet--”

  “Shut up, Travis. Shut the fuck up. I’d like to see you squeeze a golf ball out of your dick quietly.”

  Travis peered down at Scarlett’s lower half and his jaw dropped.

  “Oh, Lord. I can see her head! Keep going, you crazy fuckin’ bitch!”

  Beads of sweat started to form on Scarlett’s head as she threw it back for another almighty push, crying out in agony.

  “I can’t do this, Travis!” she breathed, exhausted.

  “You can, Scarlett. You can do this! Don’t you fuckin’ dare give up now,” he demanded, grabbing her face with both hands. He put his forehead against hers, “You are Scarlett McKenzie. You’ve been kickin’ undead ass for the last three years and you’re tellin’ me you can’t do somethin’ that women have been doin’ for thousands of years? Pfft. Don’t be such a goddamn pussy!”

  “I swear to God, Travis, if I make it out of this alive, I’m gonna cut your fuckin’ balls off and feed them to the Biters! I fucking hate you, you knuckle-dragging, white trash, drug-loving turd nugget!”

  “Yeah, I love you too.” He replied dryly.

  “Am I going to die, Travis?” Scarlett asked, completely genuinely.

  Travis made her look him in the eye, silently willing her to trust him.

  “You hear me?” he asked.

  Scarlett caught her breath and looked at him through fatigued eyes, every ounce of humour faded.

  “I hear you,” she confirmed.

  “That’s my girl,” Travis kissed her head before turning his attention back to the baby. Scarlett took a deep breath and pushed with all the power she could muster. “That’s it, Scar! You’re almost there, keep going!”

  Scarlett pushed, again and again, tears and sweat rolling down her face.

  “Okay, stop!” Travis instructed, “Put your feet on my shoulders and give me that shirt.” Scarlett did so, gasping for breath, “You give me one more big push and the baby’ll be out.

  Scarlett nodded absently and inhaled deeply again before pushing with everything she had left.

  “That’s right, use your legs!”

  Scarlett did so, almost knocking him over.

  Travis put his hands on the baby’s head and pulled gently as the shoulders, arms, body and legs followed and Travis scooped the tiny form up into his arms, staring right in its face.

  Both Travis’ hands and the baby were covered in blood. He wrapped the baby gently in the shirt and held it close, looking down at it.

  He began rubbing its back, trying to provoke a cry. Nothing.

  “Come on, come on.”

  “What’s wrong? Why isn’t it crying?” Scarlett asked desperately. Travis said nothing, but opened the baby’s mouth and breathed gently into it twice.

  Nothing.

  A couple of tears fell from Travis’ eyes as he tried again.

  Still nothing.

  “Give me the baby,” Scarlett requested.

  Travis passed the unresponsive body to her and she unbuttoned her shirt, unwrapped the baby and placed it on her chest, laying the shirt over the top.

  “Come on, baby. Wake up.” Scarlett pleaded, holding the little human close and rubbing its back.

  It suddenly made an unpleasant gurgling sound before releasing a welcome cry.

  Scarlett shook with relief, tears rolling down her cheeks, and Travis let out an audible sob. He crawled closer and wrapped his arms around them, kissing Scarlett’s face.

  “She’s breathing,” Scarlett said disbelievingly, “I can’t believe it, she’s fucking breathing!” Scarlett allowed herself to smile as she kissed her baby’s head.

  “I knew she was a girl. What di
d I tell you?” Travis said with a teary chuckle.

  “We should get back. She’s going to get cold out here and we could all do with a clean-up.”

  Travis stood and organised his bag and weapons when he noticed the cord. He remembered Henry explaining to Scarlett about the cord cutting process and to wait until it stops palpitating before cutting. He checked prior to using his hunting knife to cut through it, a little disgusted.

  Travis stood and offered Scarlett his bloodied hand.

  “Can you take the baby?” Scarlett asked, wrapping her in Travis’ shirt, “I’m a little dizzy and I don’t wanna drop her.”

  “Uh… Sure,” Travis replied, hesitantly.

  He crouched down as Scarlett delicately handed her over. Travis stood, staring at the tiny bundle in his strong arms. He looked to Scarlett and gave a nervous, but proud smile, rocking the baby up and down instinctively.

  Scarlett got to her feet, still obviously sore, with blood soaked legs, and put her boots on. Her shirt was just long enough to cover her bare backside and she retrieved her other items of clothing.

  Travis handed the baby back to her mother, picked up his crossbow and walked defensively ahead of them.

  Back at the cottage, the appearance of Scarlett, Travis and their new arrival was greeted by several anxious faces as they entered the kitchen. Travis stood protectively in front of Scarlett before stepping aside to let her pass, triggering a Mexican-wave of gasps through the room.

  They all stared as Scarlett made her way to the stairs, gawking at both her blood soaked legs and Travis’ arms, some desperately trying to get a glimpse of what Scarlett was holding close. They all knew that whatever had happened had been traumatic, but none were quite sure whether Scarlett’s baby was alive.

  The pair went straight to their room and Scarlett handed the infant to Travis before finding a white baby-gro, a cloth nappy and a towel. She put the clothes on the bed and laid the towel on the floor then disappeared to the bathroom. A moment later she returned with a plastic bowl filled with water and set it next to the towel.

  Travis gently placed his little girl back in Scarlett’s arms and Scarlett unwrapped and began to wash her with cotton wool.

  “I’m sorry I was stupid today, Travis,” Scarlett said, “You were so brave. If it weren’t for you, I… Well, I guess I’d still be out there now.”

  “Let’s try not to think about that. Do you need anythin’?” Travis asked, wandering into the bathroom to wash his arms.

  “Just some painkillers. And Henry will need to check the baby.”

  Travis emerged from the bathroom, nodded and left the room.

  Travis closed the door behind him and leant on the wall, running his hands through his hair and staring at the ceiling. He hadn’t heard Riley approaching.

  “How are they?” he asked, startling Travis.

  “Uh, yeah… they’re good,” he answered, dragging himself back to reality. Riley just looked at him, waiting for an explanation, which Travis didn’t think his place to give, “She’s tired. Walked out a long way to find me. Waters broke after she was attacked by a Roamer. I heard her screams and found her.”

  Riley continued to stare, inwardly asking the question everyone wanted the answer to:

  Who’s the daddy?

  “So, you, uh…” Riley trailed off, wanting Travis to expand his question.

  “Yeah. I helped her deliver the baby,” he stated, “A girl.”

  “A girl? Wow. Well done, Travis. You’ve really looked after Scarlett since… Jimmy.”

  Riley looked at the floor, memories of that day flooding back. Travis nodded his response, secretly and ashamedly thankful for the event. He never wanted anyone to die; losing a member of the group is always painful, no matter whom they were or how well you knew them. But if Jack hadn’t turned momentarily bat-shit crazy, and if Jimmy hadn’t been killed, then they would not be where they were now.

  Travis, like Scarlett, hated the idea of getting attached to anyone; being alone emotionally was easier. Yet, he was glad to have Scarlett, and now the new baby.

  Although a huge risk, his daughter gave him, and indeed the rest of the group, something they’d been lacking in for so long: hope.

  Travis smiled to himself before starting toward the stairs.

  “Hey, Travis,” Riley began, causing Travis to stop and turn to face him. Riley looked as though he already regretted opening his mouth, “Scarlett’s baby…” Travis looked at Riley expectantly, fully knowing what he was going to ask, “She’s… yours, am I right?”

  Travis paused for a moment, pondering whether or not to tell him, wondering if it was really any of Riley’s business.

  “Yeah. She’s mine.”

  Riley’s eyes involuntarily widened a little as though he had just been handed an awful gift and Travis resumed his journey downstairs, knowing exactly what he was thinking.

  He made his way to the kitchen where Henry, Chino, Jack and Mouse were sat around the island counter. They clearly hadn’t heard Travis approach and he caught them mid-conversation.

  “Yeah, but it can’t be Riley. He wouldn’t do that to River.” Came Jack’s voice.

  “Well, who then? I’m pretty sure it wasn’t me – I’d remember!” Mouse announced.

  “But what if it was someone we lost at Bluehaven?”

  “I don’t think the timings fit.” Henry asserted.

  Travis felt an uncontrollable anger rise inside him and stormed into the room. They all turned to look at him.

  “Oh. Hey, Travis.” Mouse said nervously, “Are Scarlett and the baby okay?”

  “You don’t even know if the baby’s alive and you’re sat down here gossipin’ like a bunch of old ladies about who the father could be? Are you fuckin’ kiddin’ me?”

  “Hey, man, we didn’t mean to be disrespectful--”

  Riley appeared in the doorway behind Travis and put a hand on his shoulder.

  “Come on, Travis, let’s get out of here.”

  Travis shrugged him off and stepped closer to the island, ignoring Riley’s presence.

  “Well you are,” he insisted, his voice growing louder, “You want somethin’ to talk about? I’m the father! That little girl is mine! So if you’ve got anythin’ to say about her or Scarlett, you can say it to me.”

  The trio were in stunned silence, staring.

  “You’re all very quiet,” Travis continued, “What, nothin’ to say now? I know what you’re all thinkin’; ‘why the hell would a girl like Scarlett fuck a red-neck asshole like Travis’. I’ll tell you why: because I’m the only one here who seems to really give a damn about her. While you all sat here pickin’ your noses today, she could have died. Did anyone even notice she was gone? She risks her life for you people every day, and what does she get in return? Diddly fuckin’ squat.”

  “Travis,” Henry began bravely, “Of course we care about her. We know how much you both do for us. Are they both okay?”

  Travis sighed deeply to calm himself a little.

  “They’re fine as far as I know. Scarlett wanted some painkillers.”

  “I’ll give her a chance to get herself and the baby cleaned up and then I’ll come and examine them both.”

  Travis gave a single nod before helping himself to some paracetamol and quickly leaving the room.

  “Nice work, guys.” Riley said dryly.

  “We didn’t know he was there. We certainly didn’t think…”

  “I think he overreacted,” Chino stated.

  “No, he didn’t. He loves her.” They gawped at him, “Are you all professional morons or just gifted amateurs? Of course he does. So cut him a break. The man came to us when he had nothing, and he was faced with the possibility of going back to that today.”

  When Travis went back to his room, Scarlett was sitting on an old camping chair, holding her newly clean baby. Scarlett had got herself changed into a loose shirt of his and pair of shorts and cleaned herself up a little. She was breastfeeding.

>   Travis could hear the little pink person breathing between sucks. He swallowed hard as he watched them. Mother and baby. His baby. It was having a strange effect on him.

  Scarlett was oblivious to his presence, so he tried to keep as still as possible. She was rubbing the baby’s head and rocking gently, singing.

  “I'm on the top of the world, looking down on creation and the only explanation I can find... is the love that I've found ever since you've been around, your love keeps me at the top of the world...”

  After a few moments, the baby pulled her head back and sighed. Scarlett looked down at her as she buttoned her shirt.

  “Good girl,” the little girl gave a small cry before falling asleep and Travis felt his heart start to race and his palms become sweaty, “You look so much like your daddy when you sleep.” Scarlett said softly.

  She kissed the baby’s head before standing.

  Travis silently backed out of the room, smiling.

  * * *

  Travis was awoken the next morning by the sun shining through the window. He slowly opened his eyes, allowing them to adjust to the light.

  In Scarlett’s place on the bed was a pillow. Travis could hear movement from the other side and he knew that it was his daughter. He picked up the pillow carefully and looked at her, looking at him.

  Her eyes were his, he could see that. She really did look like him, with bright blue eyes and a thin layer of light brown hair.

  Without thinking, he reached out and touched her face, then her hand, and the baby held his finger. He was so caught up in her that he hadn’t noticed Scarlett enter from the bathroom.

  She watched the interaction with her heart pounding. She had just got up to pee, thinking they would both still be asleep when she returned.

  Travis moved himself closer to the baby as he watched her.