Zombie Outbreak - Sanders Sides

Chapter 14: Clearing Houses

Virgil's P.O.V

"How old are you?" I ask. 

"15," she says. 

"Your name?" I ask again. 

"JJ," she says hesitantly. 

"Alright JJ. Do you know what's happening out there?" I ask her. 

"Kind of. My older brother Jake told me that there were sick people killing each other," she responds. 

"Yes. Why don't you two come out?" I ask as I gesture to the stairs. I look around and see empty food cans and water bottles. She quickly shakes her head. 

"You must be hungry and thirsty," I say looking down at Logan. He nods and heads off to find something for them. 

"I promise that we won't hurt you," I say kindly. She hesitates for a long minute. "How about this? I'll go downstairs into the living room. You come down when you feel ready," I tell her. I climb back down and do exactly as I said. I find Logan downstairs in the kitchen. I explain everything to him.

We go into the living room. 

"Oh no," I say as I look at a picture frame. 

"What?" Logan asks. He looks where I'm looking and sees the picture. It's of the infected I killed outside. 

"I'll find something to cover them with," Logan says and heads towards the back of the house. 

He comes back a minute later with three sheets. He heads outside. A few minutes pass of my dad and I standing around when I hear footsteps on the stairs. 

"I'll wait outside. We don't want to overwhelm them," my dad says. I nod and he leaves. A moment later JJ appears with the same little boy behind her. 

"Come eat something," I say and gesture to the food Logan found. It's just some crackers and three bottles of water. Not a great meal but it should be okay for now. 

"JJ. Can I?" the boy asks as he points to the food. She nods. As she sits down on the couch I explain everything that's happening in greater detail. I keep out as much of the gruesomeness as I can though.

Then I decide to tell her about the infected outside. 

"Listen. There were three of those infected outside," I say softly. I look at the family photo on the table next to her. She follows my eye sight and her eyes widen. 

"No," she says on the verge of tears. 

"I'm sorry," I tell her. She covers her face with her hands and starts crying. 

"JJ?" the boy says. 

"Can we see them?" she asks as she looks up. 

"I don't think that's a good idea. You don't want to see them like that," I tell her. She nods sadly. 

"We'll give them a proper burial," I say to try and help her feel a little better. Though I doubt it's of any comfort to her. 

"Thank you," she says.

"Listen. I don't like the idea of you staying here alone. Why don't you come with us?" I say and ask. 

"Where?" she asks. 

"Not far. Do you know the Jefferson's house?" I ask and she nods. 

"That's where I'm staying with my friends and family," I tell her. 

"I don't want to leave my home. I'm sure Luca doesn't want to either," she responds. 

"Alright. Would you allow some friends of mine to stay here with you? They're good people and will be able to protect this place," I tell her.