Always and Forever

Chapter 2: Old & New Friendships

*Octavia's Truck^^*

Waking in the early hours of the morning, the first rays of light not even visible over the horizon, I could hear the crackling of the flames and what sounded to be someone crying. I would have gone back to sleep, if it had not been for Chaos wanting out of the tent as he whimpered softly. Unzipping the tent, I stepped out after Chaos to keep an eye on him as I went to sit by the fire, to see the one who was crying was Lori.

"I'm sorry, didn't mean to wake you." She spoke softly as I took a seat across from her as the flames flickered. I sent her a small smile,noticing her puffy eyes, as Chaos pranced close to the treeline to do his business.

"It's fine, I'm used to being up at this hour anyway," I replied softly, looking over my shoulder real quick to make sure Chaos doesn't chase anything,"Every morning this was my schedule."

"For work?" Lori asked as she wiped a few tears away that fell silently down her cheek. I could feel her eyes on me as I stared at the flames while memories of the world before flowed through my mind.

"Yea, I was a Triage nurse for Piedmont Atlanta," I spoke looking up at her as she gave me a soft smile,"Everything ok?"

"Yea... just missing my husband." Her voice barely above a whisper as Chaos sat at my feet with his head on my knee wanting head scratches. I pet him behind his ear as it falls silent between us for a moment.

"I know how you feel." I voiced softly, sympathizing with her as my mind filled with memories of my best friend. I began to wonder if he was ok. If he and his brother were alive, well I know they are alive, I know if anyone could survive this new world, it would be those two. Even if his brother is the biggest asshole I ever met. But, I also wonder if he is out there, somewhere, looking for me, like I'm looking for him.

"Octavia?" The sound of Lori's voice brought me back into reality and out of my mind.

"I'm sorry, zoned out there for a second." I spoke softly as I saw her nod her head in understanding with a soft smile.

"It's fine, I was wondering who it was you lost?," She asked softly, the first rays of sunlight finally peeking over the horizon, as she quickly added,"but you don't have to answer, if you don't want to."

"No it's ok, I don't mind," I looked down, taking a deep breath, before looking back up at the trees before replying, "I haven't really lost this person, just don't know where he is."

"If you don't mind me asking, this person .. Are you looking for him?" She curiously asked as she placed her hands together with her elbows on her knees, leaning towards me with great interest.

"My best friend, yea I am.." I replied as I reached down to pet Chaos, who moved to lay at my feet, before placing another log on the fire. Silence fell over us as the sun rose high and the sounds of blankets shifting could be heard as everyone began to wake.

"Why is it that you are not married?" She asked, after moving closer to sit next to me, as a few people began to walk around camp.

"I'll tell you if you tell me what happened to your husband?" I bargained as I will admit I was a little curious as to what happened to her husband. She sat silently next to me as if the next words she spoke would be her downfall.

"He was shot in the line of duty," Her words spoken softly as I listen to her story silently, regretting ever asking her," He was a sheriff's deputy of King County, he was in a coma when everything fell apart, and Shane was the one who told me he had died."

As if saying his name was a curse, load and behold Shane emerged from his tent, nodded to everyone as he began to walk our way. I patted Chaos on the head to calm him as he began to growl softly when Shane stepped closer.