Just Survive (Complete)

Chapter 21

The next day was all going to be about restocking the supplies. They went around the town, trading and taking hand-outs if they could could find them. Ashley saw a few people she recognized as Eli's followers. She wondered if they had since left the cult. When they got back to Willow's house, Ashley asked about the cult members.

"We let them into the community because they had nowhere to go. I'm just glad that their leader is gone. It seems they've woken up without a madman to lead them
." Willow responded, wiping her hands on her dirty apron. "But still, you should pay attention to who is around. It might be dangerous. Some are dangerous and others are harmless...but there may be someone else hiding in plain sight."
Ashley nodded. Zombies were nothing compared to other people. People like Eli and his disciples. If she ever did run into either of them again, she would fight back no matter what.

Colby came back with great news.

"There's a larger group leaving tomorrow; they'll let us travel with them. It'll be safer than traveling by ourselves. The road goes through a big forest; a few days from one of the borders of the park."
"Good." Ashley sighed in relief.

They left to continue the trek the next day. Colby walked in front with the armed men, eyes scanning for zombies and raiders. Ashley kept Jenny close to her, wondering if she'd be able to fight with a baby strapped to her hip. She'd done enough fighting to last her a lifetime. They decided that the group would go through a small town; a perilous shortcut. Other groups had reported clusters of zombies, most likely in search of easy prey. If the large group was attacked by a zombie horde, it could pose a danger to the children. So far none of their group had met with any encounters with rogue bands or lone travelers. That could change anytime.
As the sun set over the treetops, Colby sat down next to Ashley, putting an arm around her.
"Are you nervous?" He asked quietly. His eyes focused forward, watching as the darkness fell around them.
"A little bit, yeah." She replied looking down at the ground. Her heart rate increased, and she found herself clenching and unclenching her fists anxiously.
"I won't leave your side, Ash. You don't have anything to worry about."
She smiled at him and placed a soft kiss on his lips. He responded quickly, kissing her with a hunger and passion she hadn't felt before. They pulled apart after a few moments, breathing heavily. They locked eyes; smiling goofily.
"So, tomorrow; stay alert and don't get cocky." She said, breaking the silence.
"Got it." He replied smirking slightly.
She rolled her eyes. "I'm serious! Don't give yourself an ego complex, you idiot."
They settled down, sitting facing each other with their backs against the tree behind them. Ashley bundled Jenny in an extra blanket, feeling the baby's small hand rest on top of hers. Colby placed an arm around her shoulders, holding her close as she rested her head against his shoulder. She felt content and safe with him beside her, knowing that nothing bad would happen to them. It felt almost dreamlike, sitting there, her body wrapped in warm comfort. She stared into the flames of the fire.
"Hey Colby, when do you want to sleep together?"
She felt him stiffen, but ask anyway.
"You mean.....sex?" He answered quietly. She shook her head no.
"No. Sleep together. We both need it."
"What are you saying?" He replied tentatively.
She shifted so that she could look up at his face. She brushed a strand of hair out of his face as she spoke.
"I wouldn't mind taking the next big step with you."
"Let's wait until we don't have to travel; if you're ready that is. There's no rush. We can take it slowly."
"Oh, thank god." She laughed softly and relaxed into him.
He held her tight and fell asleep.