To Stay Alive (A Walking Dead FanFic)

2. Bloody Valentine

My mother and I got into a terrible argument that night, which kept us from speaking. She exclaimed I was always running off with little boys, never around my own family, which was far from the truth. I shouted out how she failed as a wife, which was also far from the truth.

A week had passed, and my father, Rick Grimes, had yet to awaken from his coma. I visited him every day for at least an hour, and then I'd leave with Stannis to his parents' home.

"How are you feeling?" His voice broke me from my thoughts.
"I'm fine. Honestly, I'm just hungry. When did your parents say they were getting back?"
I asked, stretching from my seat.

"Sunday. That means you have to make up with your mom before these two days are over. My parents would freak if they knew you were here."

I nodded.

"Fine, but only after we eat. Who knows the things that would fly from my mouth if I go hungry. What are we having?"

"Chili. There's a place near the gas station that I want you to try. It's a family favorite."

His passion about the chili made me laugh.

"Mm, gas station chili. Sounds like a great trip to the bathroom."
He rolled his eyes at my comment.
"It is NEAR the gas station, not IN."
I laughed once again and grabbed my coat, walking out of his room and into the simplistic house itself.

As we left out the front door, he reset his home's alarm system, and grabbed the keys to his car.

We hopped in and Stannis tried to start the engine, but after hearing it crank, with no avail, he had to call it quits, for it wouldn't start.

"Great, now I have a car to fix. Looks like we're walking. How does that sound?" I didn't mind the thought of walking, I actually enjoyed it, I was with Stannis, and the sun was just setting. It was the perfect weather and feel to walk, so when we did, and he grabbed my hand, everything felt endless.

"Do you have any plans out of high school? College? A job?"
Stannis asked, swaying our arms gently besides us.
"We're not really having this conversation, are we?" I let go of his hand to place mine in my coat's pocket. "Why? What's wrong with it? I want to get to know you more." I felt slightly annoyed, but tried to keep my face straight since I knew he didn't mean harm.

"It's the same thing I'm asked by everyone. My mom, my dad, teachers, random relatives I haven't even met before. They only ask, "how do you see your future?" And not, "how is the present?'"

"Skylar, how is the present?" He asked, also stuffing his hand in his jean pocket. I let out a breathy, annoyed, laugh.

"My parents don't know how to speak to one another, but exclaim that marriage is a blessing. Sometimes, I truly believe it's because they had me so young. Like me being conceived, forced them into a marriage they never truly wanted. At least not what my mom truly wanted." My eyes never left my feet. "My dad truly loves her, but you know, that day we went into the hospital to see my dad for the first time, that's the only time I've seen my mom hold my dad's hand and actually be the one to hold on."
Stannis stayed quiet for a while, and was going to speak before a scream cut him off midway, bringing both of our attention to a woman and man under a street light.

The man had his face hidden in the woman who was screaming's neck.
"Get off! Help me!" She hollered.

"Hey!" Stannis called, making his way to the couple, trying to be the hero.

"Stannis, wait!" I called, but he wouldn't listen, yanking the man from the woman, who in turn, screamed even louder.
The man fell on the ground from Stannis' force, his mouth, covered in what looked like blood, and skin hanging from his lips. I had to choke back a gag, and ran towards the injured lady, who almost slid down the light pole before I caught and balanced her.

As I had wished wasn't true, her neck was missing a piece from it. I didn't hold back this time, and gagged as the blood got on my clothes, neck, and arms. She was most likely gonna bleed out.

"Stannis, we need to call the police!"

Stannis yelled in response, causing my head to fly in his direction.

The attacker grabbed ahold of Stannis, tackled him to the ground, and bit into his cheek, tearing a piece off. I screamed at the sight, and as if things couldn't get worse, the woman beside me, suddenly went numb, collapsing on top of me with all of her dead weight. My scream attracted the attention of the attacker, and leaving a sobbing, panicked, Stannis behind, with now another bite missing from his shoulder, he made his way to me, slowly getting up, eyes staring directly at me.

Tears formed in my eyes, and without a thought, I pushed the lady off of me with a strength I didn't know I had, and I took off running as soon as I got on my feet.

I ran in the direction me and Stannis were already heading in, until I came to that same gas station we had talked about, which looked empty from the outside, but I had to try and get a phone.

Barging in, I ran to the counter and rang its service bell.
"Hello! We need help! We need the police!"

No answer.

"Is anyone back there!" I called into the back room of the store, and was greeted with the sound of a loud crash, which made me jump.

"Hello?" I called quieter.

A figure emerged from the dark room and stumbled to the counter. The man looked sick, and growled at my presence. He tried to lunge at me, but before his hands could grab me, and arrow went in between his eyes, and his body slumped against the counter.