No Matter What (English version)

Chapter 8

Mae: Hi, we're three days after the attack. And I don't know how, but Abby managed to convince Craig and Newt to come with us to take revenge. So we're leaving tomorrow.

I can't wait to take revenge for Michelle, and maybe to understand why. I must admit that I'm a bit scared but I know that with Abby by my side I'm safe.

End of the recording

Mae: Okay, so we've been walking for hours now. We're heading southwest close to the sea like Michelle said. Georges said we should cross some forest and towns to the sea. Then we'll have to march along the coast. And when we'll be close, we'll find the most hidden path to their town.

Newt: Is she going to talk into that thing during the whole trip? Cause if she does I'm gonna end up breaking her device.

Abby: Newt. Leave her alone.

End of recording.

Mae: Hi, it's been fourteen days that we left. We're in Santa Monica, we have less than one day left before were at San Clemente. But for now, we have to stay in that building we find shelter in.

Flashback (POV Mae)

We're already in California and we can see tall buildings. I've never seen California so I don't know where we are exactly. And I have no idea if the buildings are San Clemente or not.

We walk closer and there's a big city. We stop to look at all the skyscrapers, big streets, cars, houses I had never seen a city this big before.

Mae: Whoa... Is that San Clemente?

Abby: No. That's Santa Monica and Los Angeles.

Craig: Let's go.

We walk on a street close to the beach. There's a park with a big round thing.

Mae: Hum... What's that? The round thing?

Newt: It's a Ferris wheel.

Mae: Oh okay.

We started walking through the city a bit further from the sea. When we felt the ground starting to shake. Craig started counting seconds. And we start running, as best as we can, to find a building to shelter in.

Mae: Why is he counting?

Abby: To know if it's a simple earthquake or a tsunami.

Craig: Twenty... Tsunami!

I saw a big building that seemed big and strong enough to resist to tsunami.

Mae: This one!

We ran inside, and climbed to the highest floor we could. When we're at the highest floor, I went closer to a window and saw a big wave coming towards the city. And she destroyed everything on her way, breaking on some buildings that stayed even after all these years, and others ruined constructions. And taking every car that stayed on the road.

I walk to the others, as far from the windows as possible, and sit down. Now I just wait for it to go away.

Abby came to me and hugged me.

Abby: Don't worry, we're safe here.

I put my head on her chest while she sang a lullaby, like she did when we were younger.

Newt: Hey! Would you mind getting your head off of my girlfriend's chest?

Abby: Newt, leave her alone. She needs me to comfort her. She never approached the sea and had never seen a tsunami before.

I raise my head above Abby's shoulder to see Newt, and laugh at his face. Then I put my head back on her chest and she started playing with my hair, still singing.

Few hours later

The tsunami ended, Craig and Newt went into the other floors to explore. Abby and I stayed by the fire we made.

Abby: Are you okay?

Mae: Yes. It was an eventful day.

Abby and I laughed.

Abby: Yeah. Do you want to talk about something? The boys won't be back for at least an hour or two, there's at least twenty floors, maybe more.

Mae: I don't know. I think I'm going to sleep.

Abby: Oh okay... But can I ask you a question, real quick?

Mae: Go on.

Abby: Do you remember when we when we kissed?

Flashback (POV Mae – continuation of POV Abby chapter 2)

Abby and I are on patrol, we're exploring houses. I'm searching through a drawer for supplies.

Abby: Okay. Why are you mad?

Mae: I'm not.

Abby: You are. You haven't talked to me the whole journey.

I get up. I was already pissed at her because of the way she treats Michelle, but now I'm even more angry.

Mae: Why did you react like that with Michelle?

Abby: Like what? I only asked you to come patrol with me.

Mae: I saw how you looked at her, I'm not blind. And it's not the first time. Why don't you like her? She's a nice girl.

Abby: I don't know, I just think something is weird with her. She never talks about her past, and you two are always together. She's glued to you.

Mae: You don't talk about your past either. I never heard you talk about your parents death. Even Newt doesn't know anything about your past. She doesn't want to talk about it, so what? Neither do you.

Abby: That's not the same!

Mae: Yes it is, and you know it. You're just stubborn. Now will you tell me what's really up with you?

I go closer to me, trying to read the expression on her face. She looks down, then she looks into my eyes.

Abby: Nothing, it's just that I barely see you anymore. I just I miss you

I took a step towards her. Her face is so close to mine. I can feel her breath on my face. She seems even taller from here. I look at her lips then up to her eyes. Hers clued to my lips.

Mae: I'm here. I won't leave you, and definitely not for a girl. Nobody can take your place.

Abby: I know. It'ss just you're always with Michelle and never with me anymore.

Mae: Are you jealous, Abigail?

Abby: I don't know.

Our noses are now touching, her green eyes in mine. And our lips are almost touching too.

Abby: Can I?

I didn't answer, I attached my lips to hers. I never kissed anyone before, so I don't really know what to do. I feel her smile against my lips.

Abby: Relax. You're doing great.

Back to flashback (POV Mae)

Mae: Of course I do. It was my first kiss.

Abby: Really? I thought you had kissed Michelle before. Now I understand why you were so stressed and clumsy.

Mae: Well no. So what about that kiss?

Abby: Have you ever wanted to do it again?

I look to the ground.

Mae: Hum... yeah.

She come closer to me and lift my head up.

Abby: Me too.

Then she kiss me again. I put my hands on her broad shoulders and I let go in her arms.

End of flashback