The Walking Dead: Love And Survive

Chapter Three: Not Every End Is Happy

Nonetheless I could finally be with Nick again, I did not sleep well after what happened that day...
I don't mean because of the moment when both Brian and I got caught and were close to die, but because of the kid found in the attic and the thing Nick told me about just compounded my nervosity to the point I had a nightmare.
The nightmare was similar to Nick's experience, but instead, he was the one bitten. I remember things blurry, but as much I know is that he was laying on the ground. I accosted him, but he did not answer. Then I called him again, he groaned angrily, but no more. I slowly walked up to him and poked his back. As I just touched him with a finger he turned to me all of a sudden and grabbed my wrist strongly. He became a Walker... His eyes were glassy and reflected no feelings at all. He was rotting and had a horrible smell. I've tried to get my gun and shoot him, but he jumped on me and was about to bite my neck. The nightmare ended here. I jumped, woke up screaming from my nightmare. My heart was beating fast, like it truly happened. I was shaking and hardly catching my breath.
I looked around but Nick was gone. I was alone in the room. I rubbed my eyes and shook my head to get myself awake. I kicked back and took a deep breath to calm my heartbeat. I was looking in front of me and blinking.
I heard, heavy, rushing footsteps. It was Nick. He opened into the room with his rifle. His face was full of worry and fear.
- Nick! - I greeted.
- Baby, I uh.. God.. I got so fucking worried. I heard your scream and thought of the worst. Thank, God, you are okay... - he put down his gun and hugged me tight. I put my head on his shoulder.
- Nick.. I had a nightmare. A horrible one.
- That would explain why you were rolling and moving lot while you were sleeping and also, why you were breathing so fast and hardly.
- Really?
- Yeah.. I woke up in the middle of the night for your heavy breathing. Then, I stood a few more hours awake to make sure you were okay, then only after that I slept back.
- Oh.. WAIT. - I caught my head up. - Nick, what is the hour? We have to - he kissed.
- I already searched through the city, the buildings around the Bell Tower. I got some bandages, painkillers and some cans. Not much, but better than nothing.
- Why you didn't wake me up? I could have helped you.
- You obviously had a bad sleep. And after all that happened to you.. I just thought it is better for you to rest. - he kissed my cheek and lifted my head up, and looked in my eyes. - Hey. All is good. Okay?
- Okay...
- Come on. I tell you. - he kissed.
- Oh, Nick, my hero, kiss me. Yes, more.
- Shut up, Brian. - I rolled my eyes.
- Haha. Come guys, I prepared breakfast.
We got down stairs. The others were already sitting around the table, while Brian got a portion for Nick and me.
I sat down in front Rebecca and Alvin, Nick next to me. Sarah and Carlos had their seats on the left, Pete, Brian and Luke on the right. It felt like a big family dinner. I enjoyed it.. I don't remember what was the last time I ever had dinner with family or friends...
- Bon appètit. - Brian handed us our meal.
- What is that?
- Beans and few chops of fish. I couldn't do more.
- It's good.
- Really? Thank you, Nick.
- Dear, dear.. - Becca put her hand on mine. - What happened? We heard your scream.
- It was just a nightmare. No more.
- You sure?
- I am.. I guess...
- Great.. But if anything happens, you will let us know, right?
- Yes.
- Good. - she petted my hand gently and smiled.
I liked Rebecca. She was like a mother to me, although she would never be able to replace my real mother.
It was hard finding nice people nowadays.. We were lucky with Brian to bump into them. They were nice since the beginning, but could be just because of Nick.. I don't know. I'm just glad we're surrounded with nice folks, and having roof to sleep under. There was just one thing that got my attention: Sarah's weird behaviour. I've never seen or met her before, but I felt something strange in her acts when I was around... I got the feeling of being unwanted whenever I was close to her. And that increased if Nick was near, too. I believed this feeling would fade away, but it just got stronger through the days. I was hoping it was not about what I was assuming it was. I've tried being nice to her and spend time with her, but she did not want any of my care, nor of my friendship. I decided to leave her alone for a couple of days, in case she was just uncomfy about me and my uncle appearing from all of sudden, then try making friends with her again, but she was not really willing to get along with me. Then I waited again. Then tried. Another couple of days, another failed attempt. This was going on all the time 'til I got bored.
One time, after breakfast I asked Sarah to discuss with me alone, outside, away from others.
- So.. What do you want? - she was clearing her glasses meanwhile.
- What's your problem with me? I did no harm to you and I don't even want to. I'm even trying to become friends with you, but you seem to be ignoring me all the time. Like, I don't know. What did I do!?
She put her glasses on, crossed her arms and looked at me. She seemed impatient.
- What you did? What You did? I tell you WHAT! You ruined my chances. - she flashed an angry grin.
- Chances? What are you talking about?
- Don't act like you do not know.
- I really don't!
- Nick.
- Nick? Huh? Wait.. No. You didn't just..
- I was trying to get to close to him, but he forever would say he cannot forget you or find someone in your place. And then, you show up, not even realizing what you have done.
- The fuck you are talking about?!
- I was THIS close to make him forget about you. - she pointed at me and was walking closer to me, with another angry grin on her face. - Then, you showed up again, and ruined everytime for me!
- Girl, hope you realized we are together for a long time.
- You were. WERE. Where have you been in that 3 years? I was there with him and the group. But you?
- You fucking..
- You make him and his life miserable!
- How you fucking dare?!
- You know what we could have been? No, you don't. You ruined EVERYTHING. - she pushed me.
- Don't you fucking dare to touch me or HIM. EVER AGAIN! - I grabbed her left wrist and punched into her face. The hit strong enough to get her to the ground.
- Don't you leave now! Let's play this down now! - she tried to aggro with me.
- I have nothing to play down with you.
- HEY, DON'T YOU WALK AWAY. HEY! DON'T CLOSE THE DOOR ON ME! - she got up ran after me.
- Use the dog-door. Suitable for piece of shits like you. - I ran upstairs.
- Mea? Hon? - Nick yelled after me.
- Sarah, what was that? - Carlos questioned her.
- Nothing important, Dad.
I couldn't hear more from what happened. Maybe it was better this way. I've got enough from her and her bullshit. I slammed in the door and threw myself on the bed. I've felt so mixed. I was full of anger and hatred, but disappointment, too. I couldn't believe what she just said. I knew it was stupid, but I just felt I could choke her. I rolled on my side, put my face into my palms. I tried to calm myself down.
I heard footsteps. It was Nick rushing upstairs.
- Bae, what happened? What was that? - he sat down next to me.
- It is nothing, really... - I crossed my arms.
- Hey, look at me. - he petted my chin and face. - Darling, come on.
- I've felt something weird in Sarah's presence, something about me, so I tried to discuss with her about it. And she said that before I came, she tried to get close to you.. And that I just make you and your life miserable.. Then she pushed me and I punched her stupid face.
In that moment his expressions changed from worried to mad. He took a breath and hurried back downstairs. I got up and ran after him.
- What are you doing? Nick!?
- Sarah..
- Hey, Nick.
- What the fuck do you think telling my girl shit for?
- I just.. - she tried to defend herself.
- You just don't fucking tell my girl bullshit. What the fuck were you even thinking?!
- Nick, would you involve us into what happened? - Alvin asked worried.
- Sarah, why don't you tell Carlos and the others what you did?
She hanged her head down, then looked nervously at Carlos.
- I just.. Been liking Nick for a while. And.. I occused her with ruining his life and my chances with him.. And that she is only making him miserable.
Everyone shocked down, none could believe their ears. Luke even seemed sad, Carlos was shaking his head. It killed the mood. Everyone became silent. We were just looking at each other. I've felt a little sorry for her, she got an earful both from Nick and I, but.. She caused it for her ownself. I looked at her and saw her feeling shame and regret. That made me to think to forgive, but I could not. I was too full of hate. And the silence just compounded my nerves. I've felt like the others were just pitying me.
The silence did not last too long. Brian came in.
- What is this "court" here?
- We just had a "little" problem.. Let's say.
- You sure, Luke?
- Yeah.. We're good. Where have you been?
- I was scouting. And, I don't wanna, be the bearer of bad news or spread panick, but eventually we'll have to leave. The sooner the better.
- What, why? - Becca worried.
- I saw big ass hordes of Walkers and I am not really sure how long this house could last against them. They are far enough, but if we stay here for too long... Let's say it would not end pretty.
- But where could we go? - Sarah asked.
- Anywhere but back to the cabin where Carver could find us easily.. Maybe they are already waiting there for us.- said Rebecca.
- What? - wondered Brian. - Who is this guy?
- William Carver, a man with a crew of 20, with whom we used to stay and "work" with.. - Carlos took a deeper breath. - They found out to be bad people, so we escaped. Since then, they were after us, trying to bring us back, but it seems they lost track. At least, that's what we hope. - he scratched his moustache.
- What are we gonna do? - Sarah looked worried at her father.
- Get anywhere safe, sweetie. As fast as we could.
- Pete, any ideas? - I looked at him. He was wise and careful. I trusted him to get a good plan.
- Hm... - he was thinking. - Brian, how far the horde or hordes are?
- Far enough to spend another night and day here, if we wanted, but not any longer.
- Then I'd say we are moving NOW. Pack what's needed, and let's hit the road.
We did not have a lot to carry, only three cans of bean, some bandages and pills. And of course, our guns.
We stepped out and waited for Pete's signal where to go.
- So?
- Wait, Carlos. - he looked around carefully. - The calmer, the better. The way 'til the Bell Tower looks clear. We are going there.
- Everybody, you heard it. Come on. - we followed Luke and Pete.
The streets seemed calm, too calm.. Something wasn't right...