Just Survive (Complete)

Chapter 7

The settlement was called Angel's Landing. Before the world fell apart, it was a bustling small town. After a while groups of survivors in the area banded together and rebuilt the town, fortifying it and pooling the resources for all to use.
They started a school, organized a hospital, and created jobs. They were proud of what they did and were ready for the next thing. The place changed, but they stayed.
Their new settlement consisted of the old school campus, greenhouses, barns for livestock, and pastures and planting fields.
"It's the perfect place for us to stay the winter," Colby said, shouldering his gun. "We can start traveling again in the spring after the snow melts."
He grabbed another rifle from his bag and checked its stock. He turned back to see Ashley staring off into space, her mind filled with thoughts about the past two years. Jenny was sleeping in her sling, peacefully dreaming.
"Are you okay, Ash?" He asked, putting his hand on her back.
She jumped a little at the contact, looking back. She blinked several times and turned her head to face him, a slight blush appearing on her cheeks.
"Yeah, sorry. Just thinking. I'm fine."
"About what?"
"Nothing really important." She said. "If only places like this existed after the outbreak. We would never think twice about crossing the country without worrying whether it was safe, or going through hell itself! We would take any chance to get a better life than we've got now."
"Yeah, I guess you're right. At least for now. Maybe someday...."
He hesitated, thinking about the families they both had lost. About their loved ones who were no longer here. Ashley glanced at him, her heart breaking a little as she saw the pain reflected in his gray eyes, and realized she had been right.
They were silent for a while, taking in the town. Dave opened the gates, letting them in.
"Who runs this place?" Colby asked.

"Eli and his wife Martha. They arrived with a group of survivors a few years ago." Dave answered.

"We don't have much," Ashley said, stroking Jenny's hair.

"No worries! We'll find a way for you to earn your keep. Everyone shares. No one goes without. We'll find a place for you three to stay."

"Good! I want Jenny to stay with me." Ashley said, letting the baby snuggle against her in her sleep.

"Let's have you meet Eli and Martha," Dave replied, leading the trio to the biggest house in town.
The couple inside was surprised to see strangers arriving in their community, though none seemed particularly concerned.
"Come in. Have a seat. How did you end up here, anyway?" Eli was sitting with Martha by the fireplace, drinking tea and chatting. He stood up when they arrived, greeting them warmly.

"Welcome! The community is open to anyone. Are you staying permanently, or just passing through?"

"We're hoping to stay until spring; it's too dangerous to travel in the winter."

"You look like such a lovely family!" Martha gushed.

Ashley and Colby looked at each other before Ashley answered.

"Oh, no; we're not married. Colby is just a friend and we decided to stay together and travel out of protection." Ashley responded.

"But the baby...." Martha started.

"We rescued her. She needed to be protected. We're hoping to find someone who can take care of her; it's too dangerous traveling with a baby." Colby clarified, seeing Ashley hold Jenny a little tighter when he mentioned leaving her.
Eli looked at Martha, trying to hide an amused smile.
"I see ..... Well, let's have you stay in a boarding house. We'll get some baby supplies for the little one and figure out tomorrow how you and Ashley can earn your keep." Eli answered, leading them out the door.

Ashley noticed a woman about her age in a gray dress peering out of a nearby room. The woman looked startled and quickly moved out of sight.

"Who was that?"

"Just a maid who lives here," Martha said quickly, as though brushing the question off.

They ended up in an inn. There were two beds and a crib.
"I guess I won't be sleeping on the floor for a while," Colby stated, sitting down on the second bed.
Jenny began to cry, waking up. Ashley gently rocked her.
"Don't worry, I'm right here," She reassured her. "Don't worry, we've got a place to stay now." She whispered to the infant, placing a kiss on top of her little head. Ashley changed Jenny's diaper and dressed her in clean clothes. The baby squealed, wiggling in Ashley's arms. Ashley kissed the baby's cheek, setting her in the crib.
"I wonder if this is her first time in a crib," Ashley commented.
"Probably. It will probably take her a while to get used to being held."
Jenny stopped crying and closed her eyes.
"Do you ever feel like something isn't quite right...?" Colby asked, staring out of the window past the borders of the settlement.

"What do you mean?" Ashley asked, putting Jenny's stuffed bunny in the crib for her to snuggle with.
"It just feels...weird to live in an isolated place. I noticed everyone seemed too friendly."

"We've gone weeks without being around other people, Colby! That's a change. Maybe we're just adjusting?" Ashley suggested hopefully.
"Maybe. But that doesn't explain why I feel so uneasy. Something is wrong."

"We'll adjust! Let's just settle in and it'll be okay."

They slept restlessly that night. Their dreams were haunted by memories and fears.