Rotting World

by Pero, Sara

  Chapter 17:

  George started off trying to joke but with everything that was going on these last few months no one felt like laughing. George just continued, alright guys I know we are all tired of moving around and fearing for your lives but what I have to say is pretty important so pay attention, two days ago Bruce had made contact with the group from Montana, unfortunately their camp had been compromised by rotter animals causing those that were left alive to flee south like we had to. Drew, the leader of the Montana group has agreed to come up here to join our group, we figured that the more survivors that stick together, the better chance we have of survival in this rotter infested world, if anyone has any objections speak up now, no one said a word. Now for the other thing we need to discuss, it has come to my attention as well that there are nuclear facilities east of us that are reaching the critical point, our group has a week at the most to find some kind of shelter or underground bunker to avoid the blast and make it till the nuclear energy leaves the atmosphere. Now we have an idea of where one of these bunkers are but unfortunately it is near a large city, therefor there are a lot of rotter’s we are going to have to mow through to get to the bunker, some people might die to save the rest. It pains me to say there is a possibility with Britney’s injury being so bad she might have to be left behind. Brad started to yell at George, how could you do that to the girl you call your sister? George hung his head, it’s hard to say that because she is like a sister to me but unfortunately with her leg she is a liability, Britney would only slow us down if she were to come with us. Brad began to feel enraged, there was no way he was going to let George just leave her behind like a broken down vehicle. If Britney isn’t allowed to come then I’m staying to George, Jennifer agreed, she’s my friend too and I’m not leaving here without her. George looked around the room, everyone else was agreeing with Brad even Henry, I’m sorry George but I didn’t spend all this time working to get her well just to leave her to the rotter’s, looks like if she doesn’t come along our group isn’t going anywhere with you. George finally nodded in defeat, your right we can’t leave her behind, although if she goes someone is going to have to make sure she keeps up, this isn’t a walk through the kiddie park people, this is get into a safe place so we can all live. Soon everyone agreed, they would make sure Britney made it to the bunker at the same time everyone else did, even if that meant carrying her most of the way. Brad started to walk out of the room when George stopped him, Brad can we talk? Brad was still upset but he turned around and went back to talk to George. Brad, you almost had everyone start a mutiny here with your little stunt, Brad nodded, it isn’t right that you would leave Britney behind George, even though she’s injured she’s still one of us. George nodded in agreement, it was wrong of me to even consider leaving her to the rotter’s, Britney doesn’t deserve that, Brad I have a proposition for you. Brad looked at George confused, what would that be? George hung his head for a minute then looked back up to brad, the way everyone rallied behind you back there made me realize something, I’m not cut out for this at all, leading people just isn’t in my blood, I’m me of a stick to myself person. What I’m tying to say is, Brad you are now the leader, you’re younger and more experienced then I am. Brad shook his head, George you are a fine leader, you just need to take a step back and breathe. I know you were trying to do what you thought was right for the good of the group, but we have put so much effort into helping Britney we just can’t give up on her now. She’s a strong woman and she will heal quickly. If she slows us up then I’ll cry her all the way to the bunker, we just can’t lave her to the rotter’s. You are still the leader here and yes some of us are going to question and even argue your decisions, that’s what being a leader is though, giving and getting arguments and questions, good feedback and bad feedback, don’t give up so easily just because they questioned something you suggested alright. George nodded, I’m just not used to being a leader, I’m always worried I will let everyone down and get us all killed. Brad smiled, that’s what being a great leader is George, your doing fine. Brad left George in the living room to think about what they had discussed, George sat on the torn couch and buried his face into his hands, all these people were counting on him to keep them safe and find a proper home, he needed to stop thinking about himself and more about everyone else. Brad sat back next to Britney and held her hand, don’t worry Britney even if you’re still in this coma by the time we leave I’ll carry you the whole way to the bunker, there’s n way I’m Leaving you behind, and if they decide to I’ll say right here with you, we can die together. Britney still just lay there, she didn’t move the whole time he talked to her, even when he squeezed her hand she just laid limp. Derrick and Trent stayed up keeping watch on the cottage, the cool air felt good, a lot better then the heat during the day. Derrick patted Trent on the back, I’m proud of you son, you’re more of a man then I was at your age. Trent shrugged, I’m just doing what I’ve got to in order to make sure my family is safe. Kevin taught me that family is the most important thing in the world, without them your life is meaningless, everyone here has become my family and in order to keep them safe I had to grow up. Derrick rubbed Trent’s head, you may have grown up but you’ll always be my little man. Trent pulled away and smiled, thanks dad I love you too. They sat on the roof of the cottage checking around the area for any sign of movement for hours, the sun was just starting to rise when Derrick saw headlights to the south, he tapped Trent and pointed toward the headlights, go tell George his friends are on the way. Trent got up and headed toward the ladder, once he was back on the ground he ran for the cottage door. George was still sleeping when Trent ran inside, George wake up, the other group is on their way, dad saw them coming in from the south and they’re heading in pretty fast. George opened his eyes and sprung up from his makeshift bed, how far are they from reaching us? Trent thought for a minute, I’d say they are about three or four miles from our location. George thanked Trent and rushed outside, Derrick had already gotten down from the roof and was waiting with a pair of binoculars for George to take a look. George focused he binoculars to get a better view of the oncoming vehicles, George hollered for everyone to get ready for their guests. Britney woke up, her body in pain, she felt a hand cupping hers and a head laying next to her. She looked over to see Brad sleeping hunched over half way on her bed and a chair, slowly she sat up so not to wake him. Britney looked down toward her legs, when she saw the one was missing she gasped causing Brad to move slightly. Britney remembered part of what had happened, Brad had passed out at the wheel causing them to crash but she couldn’t Remer anything after that. How long have I been out? She hated to wake Brad but he looked so uncomfortable and she had so many questions. Britney nudged Brad’s shoulder, wake up I want to talk to you. Brad started talking in his sleep, not now I have to keep an eye on Britney. Britney nudged him again a bit harder causing him to fall off the chair, I said wake up. Brad jumped up ready to kill anyone who got near Britney, when he saw her sitting up in the bed his eyes lit up. Britney your awake, I’ve bees worried about you, how are you feeling? Can I get you anything? I’ll go get George hell be so happy your finally awake. Britney stopped him, Brad what happened? I don’t remember anything except waking up getting ready to crash. Brad’s eyes went to the floor, I fell asleep at the wheel and almost killed you, George an d the rest got us out of the truck before it blew but they had to amputate your leg in order to free you. When I woke up a few days later I felt so bad I just couldn’t leave your side, I’m so sorry for failing you Britney. Britney held up her hand, don’t worry about it Brad accidents happen, we were all tired. It could have been the other way around had I been driving instead. Where is everyone else? Where are we? Brad pointed outside, George and the rest are outside getting ready for the other group from Montana to get here, we found a cottage cut off from the rest of the world so far, but it’s just matter of time before the rotter’s come. Brad couldn’t Cota in his smiling face, I’m just so glad you are awake, I haven�
�t left u r side for weeks, I’m so glad Henry was able to use my blood for you. Brad finally started to head toward the door, I have to get Henry, he needs to check your vitals and George will be so happy to see you up and talking. Kyle got you a set of crutches so you can walk around once you get the hang of it. Brad left the room leaving Britney alone for a few minutes to comprehend what was going on, she was still trying to get the idea of her new injury to kick in. She was starting the stages of grief, denial was first, I must be dreaming I swear this isn’t happening, then next was anger, why did this happen to me? First I lose my brother now I lose my leg, if Brad had been more careful none of this would have happened. She skipped the bargaining and went strength to acceptance. At least no one died, I’m just going to have to suck it up and try and deal with this the best way I can. Henry walked into the room, Britney I’m so glad you are up, we have been so worried about you. When Brad told me you were awake I just had to rush in. How are you feeling? Britney shrugged, I suppose I am doing alright but I’m a bit perplexed, waking up in this state has been a real shock on my system. Enrique nodded, it is a lot to take in all at once, but as long as we work at it you should be able to walk around soon. Kyle found you some crutches you can learn to use to get around, if you want the girls can work with you on them daily while we go find a new safe zone for us to live. You my dear woke up just in time, once we get together with the other group George wants us to move to a bunker he knows of further east, he feels this bunker will save us not only from the rotter horde but from the upcoming nuclear blast as well. He should be here in a few minutes to come and talk to you about all this stuff, right now I need to check your vitals and make sure there isn’t any brain or spinal damage. Henry ran as many tests as he could think of on Britney, I’m so glad Brad gave you his blood when he did, without it you wouldn’t be he right now. Britney was confused, Brad gave me blood? Henry looked confused, he didn’t tell you? If it hadn’t been for Brad giving you blood like he did you wouldn’t be here right now, true we used some plasma bags Derrick and Trent had found in the town down the road but Brad was hooked up to you before they got back. We would have lost you if he hadn’t been an international donor. Britney felt a bit bad, she had been rude to Brad for getting into the wreck but she had no idea he had given so much of himself to save her life. Brad walked into the room with some water and food, I didn’t know it was alright for her to have something but I figured if it was alright with the doc then when Britney got hungry she could have something to munch on. Brad put the tray on the counter near Britney and started to walk away, Britney stopped him, Brad could I talk to you alone for a minute? Henry grabbed hid bag and headed out the door, on his way out her patted Brad on the shoulder, she’s doing well son, just keep her calm and everything will be alright. Henry closed the door leaving Brad and Britney alone to talk, Britney sat there staring at Brad who was now looking down at the floor. I know you’re going to yell at me Britney so you might as well get to it, Britney cocked her head and started to giggle, I’m not going to yell at you I just want some answers Brad. Why didn’t you t me that you used your blood to save my life shortly after you woke up from the crash? Was it cause you wanted to make up for almost killing me, or because you think that I’m going to owe you something for saving my life? Brad started to speak when Britney interrupted him again, thank you by the way. Brad cracked a small smile, he started to walk out the door and turned around, only reason I gave you blood was because you deserve to live, I know it should be me on that bed instead of you, also I did it because I’m starting to have feelings for you, with that Brad walked out the door before Britney could say another word. Britney couldn’t believe her ears, did he say what I think he just said? George walked in and hugged Britney, welcome back to the world of the living and the infected, I was so worried about you Britney, there for awhile we thought you were a goner. Britney smiled, it’s nice be back, how long was I out? George shrugged, a couple of weeks now, Brad hadn’t left your side since he woke up, morning noon and night he’s been sitting right here watching over you and making sure you were doing well. Things are getting worse and we need to get out of here real soon, Drew from the Montana group said he heard that the nuclear facilities in this area and others are reaching their critical point and are about to blow soon, I need you to work with all your might to get up and start using those crutches, we don’t want to leave you behind. Britney nodded, I’ll get to work on it right away, I promise I won’t slow you all down. George stood up and walked toward the door, I’m going to go help everyone set up for our trip you keep working at it, you’ll do fine I have faith in you Britney. After George left Britney looked over toward the box where the crutches were still packed neatly, she pulled her leg over to the edge of the bed and grabbed the box, inside she found the set of crutches still wrapped in cellophane, Britney slowly unwrapped one and placed it by her, she pulled out the second one and did the same. Both were set for someone tall, she took out the tool at the bottom of the box and lowered the crutches to her height. Britney wasn’t going to let her friends down, Britney pulled herself up and leaned against the wall, it was going to be a lot harder then she anticipated.