The Outbreak (The Nursery Nurse)

Twelve

Charlotte was in the kitchen, making tea.
It was midday and the house was quiet.

She looked out of the window. The cold month of December made the outside world deathly still, she couldn't comfort herself with sun rays on her face and she frowned at that fact. Instead she watched the driveway, noting that it was a slight danger hazard as it froze over.

It had been a week since the news of the Knight sibling's mother and Mia's father.

As Charlotte turned her attention to the kettle boiling she heard slight movement behind her, she jumped out of her skin before awkwardly turning around, still adjusting to her cast.

Autumn was looking at her in slight amusement.

"Oh my god." She exhaled sharply before raising a hand to her heart.

Autumn simply smirked.

"I thought I was alone today! Did Marjorie not give you any assignments?" Charlotte asked before leaning back against the counter top.

"Already done." Autumn corrected before pulling out a stool and taking a seat at the large island.

"Oh okay." She replied quietly turning back to the kettle, "Tea, coffee?"

"No Thank you." She said gently.

Charlotte furrowed her eyebrows in confusion, since when did Autumn ever refuse tea or coffee.

Autumn watched Charlottes reflection in the window and smiled slightly.

"I'm trying to cut out caffeine, by doing so proving a point to my brother that I can go without." She drawled slowly, rolling her eyes.

Charlotte chuckled as she made her tea, she turned back so they were facing each other once more.

They were both silent for a while, Charlotte was looking down as she got lost in her pounding thoughts.

"You're worried about Mia." Autumn said suddenly.

Charlotte looked up startled and sighed, "It's hard not to be, It's like after the night we found her she's just buried all of her emotions. She's jumping at every opportunity to take on any missions Marjorie is giving out, particularly the ones where zombies are more prone to be." She reached a hand to her necklace and clutched it idly.

Autumn contemplated before speaking, "I've known Mia practically my whole life, this is just how she copes, she uses violence as her weapon."

Charlotte chewed on her lip anxiously, "I know I just feel so useless, I'm stuck here with a stupid broken leg unable to aid anyone on missions. And Mia just insists that she's fine and pretends that nothing happened." She huffed angrily.

"You're mad at her?" Autumn asked confused.

Charlotte's eyes widened slightly at her conclusion, "No of course not, I'm just angry with myself. I should be doing better for her."

She realised as she vented to Autumn that this would never usually happen between them and she froze slightly, feeling embarrassed.

"Sorry." She sighed as she sipped her tea.

Autumn raised an eyebrow, "You're doing just fine Charlotte."