When I Die

Ch.12

Perry

I kept my focus on the blurs of green outside the window. I couldn't look at Keith without blushing. I wasn't embarrassed.

But how do you act normal around someone after doing what we did? Was I supposed to smile? Not smile?

I didn't want him to think I was attached now. 

Fuck why am I thinking about this? It's not a big deal. 

I've got bigger things to worry about, Like today's run. This run was for clothing. Half of the compound had to leave their belongings and there weren't enough clothes to go around.  

I finally looked over at Keith. He was reading the map and writing something.

"Whatcha doin?" I whispered, trying to be considerate of the other goons in the car.

"Marking some stores. There's a toy store next door to the Good will." Keith pointed to a little black box on the map. How on earth could he tell what type of store it is?

"I, uh, used to go there with my aunt." He cleared his throat and I nodded, giving him a small smile.

"We don't have time to go into some dumb kids' store," A new solider I wasn't familiar with spoke.

"So I'll make time. Those kids are bored and need to get their energy out." Keith dismissed the new guy and folded the map up. We were almost back into the city. 

I closed my eyes, trying my best to block out what happened last time. These things were scarier up close. Especially when they're trying to tear off your face. 

I was grateful Quinn wasn't on this run. He got put on guard duty until his wounds are healed. Hope he stays on guard duty. 

Cars were still on fire and a few buildings now were. What a shitshow. The driver pulled over when we reached the square. This is where most clothing stores in the city were. 

Per usual, we were broken into groups and given specific stores to search. Keith and I were paired together for the first time and I couldn't help but feel happy or at least relieved. 

 I wouldn't be thrown into biters or abandoned to fight on my own with Keith. 

We were assigned to a thrift store named 'Jessie's Vintage Wear' and it happened to be next to the toy shop. 

"Can you start grabbing clothes? I'll be back." I said with a wink. 

"Where are you going?" Keith asked and grabbed my hand. 

"Just trust me, okay?" I smiled at him and he nodded. Before he let my hand go, he pulled me in and gave me a quick peck on the lips. I felt that familiar heat and quickly ran off.

Idiot. 

- 

The toy store was mostly intact. The register had been broken into and the front door shattered but the toys still lined the shelves. 

I smiled and grabbed a few of the bags from behind the counter. 

I filled the first one with small stuffed animals and some squishy crap. The sign on the shelf said "Number One Rated Toy for children" so I'm assuming kids love this stuff? 

It would personally creep me out. 

I sat the bag next to the door and moved onto the next. I kept this up til I had a few bags filled. I quickly grabbed them and headed back to the clothing store. The store had industrial ceilings and no windows. 

It was nearly impossible to see anything.

"Keith," I whispered and sat the bags down next to the exit. They were far too heavy to carry around. I wasn't even sure how we would get them into the SUV's. 

I grabbed my flashlight and began looking around. It was oddly quiet. 

I saw a few totes laid out, some had clothes and some had shoes. At least Keith was being productive. I wasn't. 

"Keith," I whispered again. This wasn't exactly a small store but he should still be able to hear me. Panic began to set in.

What if I killed him by leaving? The toy store was a stupid idea. 

"Ke-" A hand covered my mouth and I began to squeal. I tried elbowing the person behind me but they held tight.

"Miss Richmond," Keith whispered in my ear. The hot air on my neck sent chills down my spine. 

He moved his hand from my mouth to my waist and spun me around, "Are you going to tell me where you disappeared to?"

I began breathing faster. What the hell was happening?

"You're an asshole," I pushed his shoulder. My heart was still racing. I placed my hand over my chest, "Go look by the door." 

Keith smiled and squeezed my hips before letting me go and walking over to the door. 

"Toy store, eh?" He asked and I giggled. Keith walked back over and flashed me another smile before returning to filling totes. 

I followed suit and began packing in clothes until all of the totes were filled. This wasn't as bad as I thought it would be.