When I Die

Ch.7

Perry

Today made me grateful I never signed up to be in the military. This was brutal.

Before Keith and I could go on the run, We had to run 5 miles. Immediately after we did, we had to do sit-ups, crunches, pushups, pullups, and about anything else you could think of. 

I was out of breath and sitting on the floor by the end of it. My lungs were screaming for air and my legs could be a cup of jello's twin. 

"Still think its a good idea to go?" Keith was standing in front of me without a drop of sweat to be seen. Show off.

Despite every part of my body telling me not to, I stood and looked up at Keith. 

"I don't know what your problem is all of a sudden but you don't own me. I will go where I want. I will do what I want. And I will talk to who I want." I turned on my heels and headed towards one of the picnic tables covered in go-bags. 

"Here little lady," One of the soldiers standing next to the table handed me an extremely tiny version of the big bags. Looking between him and the larger bags, I gave him the 'Are you serious?' look and he shrugged at me. 

I scoffed, "I'll take this one." I grabbed one of the larger bags on the table. It was heavy but I could carry it and I would.

"Whatever you prefer." The soldiers had a smug look on his face and all I wanted to do was smack it off.  But I ignored that feeling and trudged to the SUV's they had ready. Before I could open the door someone beat me to it.

I knew it was Keith simply by the smell. Even without cologne he managed to smell good. How did men do it? 

"I just don't want you getting hurt." Keith said in a low voice as I slid into the vehicle. 

"Why do you even care?" I raised an eyebrow at him but he wouldn't look at me. Instead he slid his bag in next to mine and took the seat directly next to me so I was in the middle. This was going to be a long drive. 

 "I don't know. You're just different to me." Keith whispered as the SUV filled with grown men. Two were now upfront and the soldier from the picnic tables was on my left. 

"Different?" I responded in the same whisper. 

"You're not like everyone else. You're different." I looked at Keith to see he was already looking at me. I didn't say anything back. What was there to say? 

Keith and I sat in silence while the others chatted and discussed gruesome ways to kill the biters. Except they called them snappers. I preferred 'biters'. 

I wasn't sure how long we had been driving but it didn't feel like very long.

"We're here. Everyone knows the game plan, lets stick to it. We will meet back here in six hours even. If you're not here, you're left behind." The driver was watching us through the rearview window. I nodded and the men shouted 'Yes Sir'. 

Keith opened the door and hopped out, grabbing both his bag and mind. This angered me. Why did everyone think I was fucking weak? 

I followed him and grabbed my bag, "I got it. Thanks." 

For the first time since we met, He didn't say anything smug. I didn't like that. It was like his whole personality. 

"Alright, Perry you're with Quinn. He's the one you sat next to. Keith you're with Samuel. And Jeffery you're with me." The driver, I should really learn his name, separated us into pairs.

I suppose that's better then being by yourself. At least you have help if you need it. 

The driver and Jeffery ran off in one direction. Keith's partner went in another and Keith looked at me before hesitantly following. Maybe there was a chance he meant what he said in the car.

"Lets get going," Quinn said and I nodded. 

The grey sky and abandoned cars were making me rethink coming back out here. I hadn't noticed how bad it  was. There was blood on the streets and missing shoes. Cars had shattered windows and the doors were left open. 

Not a single light was on and all of the buildings were dark. This was terrifying. How many of those things were hiding around here? 

It was a scary question but really, how many? How many humans were here hiding?

"Pick up the pace, Rookie." Quinn called over his shoulder and I couldn't help but roll my eyes. 

"I'm not one of your soldiers, you know." I whispered and followed closely behind him. I doubt they were trained for this situation but he had experience with combat and this was just a twisted version of that. 

After what felt like miles, Quinn finally stopped. I looked up at the sign, "Pharmacy".  I guess now would be better then later to grab whatever is left. 

"The doors and windows look intact. I doubt anyone thought to break into here," Quinn turned and looked down at me, "Still be on alert. In and out, 5 minutes." 

"Sir yes Sir," I gave him a salute hoping to see a tiny smile but he just glared. Maybe when we got back, I'd offer to help get that stick out. 

I waited for Quinn to pick the locks before following him into the shop. We split up and began grabbing anything and everything. 

I focused more on gauze and painkillers then vitamins. I swiped a few prenatal vitamins incase we needed them. I saw a woman who looked to be pregnant at the compound. 

My backpack felt about 10 pounds heavier and rattled with every step I took. I might as well be a maraca. 

I slowly and quietly walked over to the counter and waited for Quinn. Somehow I managed to finish before him and I'm not even in the Army. 

I looked down at the candy section. There was surprisingly a lot. Usually stores like this are tapped. I grabbed a chocolate bar for myself and something that had 'sour' on the packaging for Keith. It fit him.

"Get the fuck off!"  My head snapped to pharmacy counter. I heard bottles falling and glass breaking. Without hesitation I slid off my backpack and raced towards the window. 

My eyes widened. Quinn was trying to take on two of them. What am I supposed to do?