The Outbreak (The Nursery Nurse)

Eight

Mia steeled slightly, she almost laughed as she encountered the last man standing. His stance staggered as blood trickled down his face.

"We were just leaving." She said her tone ice cold and razor sharp, if it wasn't for her injured girlfriend barely conscious in her arms she would of ended him in the most agonising way possible.

He staggered closer before laughing mercilessly, "Set your girlfriend down outside and we can settle this."

She scoffed, "Like hell." She started to walk towards the door again.

"I wouldn't do that if I were you!" He challenged bravely.

She stopped again, annoyed now. "Why ever not." She replied as calmly and as evenly as possible.

Before he could reply Reece was at the door, an axe in his hand, he threw it towards the man and Mia turned to watch the massacre.

The axe landed straight in his face splitting it in two with a sickening sound, it pinned what was remaining of him to the wall behind. The white paint suddenly tainted red.

Mia didn't even react, Reece sprinted forward and his eyes widened at the sight of Charlotte.

"Oh my god! Oh my god!" He whispered frantically as he reached out to hold her hand, stroking it gently.

"It's okay, it's okay, let's just get her home okay?" Mia sighed as she fought back tears.

Reece didn't know what to do, he moved his free hand to Mia's shoulder trying to offer her some condolence.

"Marjorie's bringing the car, everyone's safe." He assured as calmly as he could.

The words blurred past her as she stared down at her lover, she was supposed to be her protector, how could she let his happen? All the adrenaline she had felt simmered down mockingly as a large hole of guilt rippled open in her chest.

"It's all my fault." She started repeating.

Reece furrowed his eyebrows, "Hey, no it's not. Don't say that, let's just get home okay?" He whispered before reaching his arm over her shoulder and guiding her out slowly.

Marjorie had the car pulled up outside, she opened the door and rushed out. Autumn also followed swiftly, both woman shocked and sickened at the sight of Charlotte.

"Oh Char!" Marjorie sobbed approaching, she placed a hand to her cheek.

Autumn and Reece shared a look of sadness before she nodded at him, "I'll drive." She announced quietly.

"Come on love." Reece assured, gently placing a hand on her lower back before steering Marjorie away to the passenger side.

Autumn turned back and climbed into the drivers side.

A few moments later Reece was back in front of Mia.

"Mia?" He asked worriedly.

"Help me get her inside." She whispered lifelessly.

He said nothing as he opened the door of the car cautiously.

"Let me take her." He whispered gently.

"No, no I can't let go of her." She rushed, slightly panicked at the thought.

Although devastated Reece kept his expression cool and collected.

"It's just while you get in, you can have her back I promise." He whispered as if he were talking to a frail damaged child who was afraid to give up her cherished toy.

He reached out his arms and Mia hesitated, she took one more longing look at Charlotte before giving in, "Be careful of her leg, I suspect it's broken." Her voice more alert than before.