by Lanza, Marie
Pete and Scott immediately began delivering tasks to everyone, even the younger teenagers. Securing the property was key to their survival.
The school was surrounded by a 12 foot fence, with an opening in the front that allowed vehicles to enter the large circular driveway where children were once dropped off.
Emma, Andy, and Scott piled the bodies against the entrance fence in hopes it would act as a deterrent to other Carriers. If anything, they hoped it might cover the smell of the living, but no one really knew how the Carriers hunted in the first place.
Beth and John, along with Alex did another sweep through the school, clearing rooms and closing doors behind them. No one could be too careful.
Emma paid close attention as this group worked together. No one complained, no one argued. They just did. This was the most successful group of survivors that Emma had seen since the beginning, and certainly the largest. These people had a real chance at continuing life.
Pete carried the last body to the fence. It was a little girl, her dress was stained with filth and was shredded to the point exposing the old inflictions that brought her to that state. He laid her down gently on top of the rest. Pete still had a softness about him that most people had lost.
Pete and Scott had an interesting dynamic; Pete was definitely the leader of the group but the title for strongest, that went to Scott. Scott wanted nothing to do with being the leader, he only cared about protecting Sarah.
"We have big plans for this place." Pete placed his hands on his hips as he took a good look over the grounds.
Scott turned around to the surrounding neighborhoods, “We'll keep this as our central hub but slowly expand as we can to the neighborhood next door. We'll fence it off as we go and then maybe one day a wall, when we can get the materials needed.”
“Can you just see it? A walled off neighborhood. Some of us could move back to our own homes,” Pete smiled at the thought.
“There’s been a lot of thought put into this place. I hope it all comes together,” Andy said.
“I guess these days all you can think about is just surviving and if you survive how can you make it a better place. Sustainable.” Scott looked Emma directly in the eyes, “What else do we have?”
“The Colonies…I have to believe in them. It was the last thing I spoke to my husband about. He said to head North to the colder regions.” Emma paused and looked to Andy, “So this is where I’m headed, wherever that may be.”
“Like evacuations zones?” Pete asked. “I thought all those had been run over.”
“We’re not sure. Rumors mostly, no one either of us have come across has ever actually seen one.” Andy said.
“Well, then why don’t we go get those supplies we promised you,” Scott gestured towards the school.
Scott escorted Emma and Andy back to the kitchen where all the supplies were stored. They packed two large packs, one for food and one for weapons and ammunition.
Scott sat on the counter as Emma and Andy unselfishly took only what they needed at a minimum.
Emma placed the large pack on the counter to zip the bag before throwing it over her shoulder.
“I’m sure everyone would like to say goodbye before you leave. I’m not sure you realize what you’ve done for us here.”
“Goodbyes aren’t my favorite, but I think we can manage.” Emma gave him a wink to go along with her sarcasm. “What do you say, Andy?”
Andy gave a satisfied nod as he finished packing the pack.
Emma looked around at all the smiling faces, feeling a sensation of home in this place. Emma thought if she were to find the colony, she’d hope it was like this - full of people with the will to keeping doing right towards one another.
Emma wasn’t ready for how difficult it was to leave this place. It was secure, stocked with supplies, and had good people – something she’s never had since the outbreak.
“Are you coming back?” Sarah’s tiny voice came from behind Emma.
Emma turned around and kneeled to her level, “Maybe. I’d like to think we’ll see each other again.”
Sarah smiled and reached deep inside her pocket. When she pulled her hand back out she delivered three rifle bullets to Emma. “I collected more of these. In case you run out again.”
It was difficult not to be overwhelmed by the sweet gesture. “I’m going to keep this safe. They will be my good luck charms.” Emma placed the bullets in her back pocket.
“Sarah, I’m going to walk Emma and Andy out to the street. Why don’t you go help Beth with whatever she needs?” Scott pointed Sarah to Beth who was heading inside one of the temporary buildings. “Shall we?” Scott asked as he began his way over to the gates.
“Scott,” Andy said as he reached his hand out to shake Andy’s hand.
“I’d say keep in touch, but…” he shrugged his shoulders at his own attempt to joke.
Before letting go from their handshake, Scott reached in his pocket with his other hand and pulled out a set of keys, placing them in Andy’s hand.
Andy just looked at Emma questioning if she knew what was happening.
“5225 Lawson Ave. There’s two cars in the garage. These are to the Jeep. You’ll find that both vehicles are empty but there’s a few gallons hidden in the shed behind the house you can have. I guess you could say the other vehicle is my escape plan.”
“I honestly don’t know what to say…” Emma’s voice trailed off.
“Thank you.” Andy finished the thought.
“I hope you find what you’re looking for. You know you have friends here.”
A handshake wouldn’t do for Emma – she leaned in and hugged Scott. “Take care of your beautiful girl.”
Scott really did have an escape plan. When Emma and Andy found the house, only a few blocks away from the school, it was everything Scott had said. Two vehicles sat in the garage; a Jeep and a truck. Emma figured keeping them empty was a strategic move on Scott’s part to make them too much work to steal quickly. There were three 5 gallon gas cans in the back of the shed.
“You should stay here, you know.” Emma said to Andy has they finished packing the Jeep.
“No,” Andy said plainly.
“It’s safe. Prepared. This place really has a chance.” Emma felt the need to reason with him, even though she knew Andy wouldn’t consider the option.
Andy bobbed his head as he entertained Emma’s suggestion. “I’ll take my chances. Besides, I look forward to shaking Ryan’s hand as the man who puts up with you,” he winked, opened the door to the passenger seat and got it.
The sound of his name brought a smile to Emma’s face but the longing question she’d always wonder – Would she see him again?
The only option she had was to follow his words and head north. Emma had a whole new outlook knowing there was life still fighting to survive, bringing a new hope for humanity’s future.
Emma would never stop searching for the Colony.
Check out
Fractured: Outbreak Zom-813
Available in paperback and e-book!
Looking back it all began with one news story. A homeless man attacked another down on Skid Row. What didn't make headlines was that neither of these men were ever seen again.
After a deadly virus ravages major cities, Harmony and Dan find themselves in a frantic race to find their loved ones. They're quickly absorbed in a world that has collapsed and surrounded by infection that doesn't discriminate among its victims.
The only question that remains -- did the outbreak already seal their doom?
Check out
Fractured: The Other Side
Available in paperback and e-book!
Book 2 of the Fractured series.
Harmony and Dan were left with so many questions when her family disappeared from their home.
Swept up by the military, Melody, Jason, and their daughter Aubrey must survive the safe zones, that have turned into war zones. Jason will do anything to keep his family alive
and he won't let anyone stand in his way. They are determined to press North, hoping to reach Jason's family, and find Harmony and Dan.
The only problem is, the world they're traveling through is not their own, but a fractured one.
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