Nick was always [Y/N]'s clutch, always there for each other in the midst of tragedy. But once Nick addiction pursued and [Y/N]'s didn't, she chose to prioritize herself. Upon the end of the world, they found themselves doing what they always used...
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~~ I am sick. I am mortified by everything I hear. The youngest daughter lost her way~~
Chapter 20
"Hey baby. Wake up." Nick shook me awake. I stirred but kept my eyes shut, groaning in protest. "[Y/N]. Common."
I expelled a loud yawn. Stretching my arms, nearly hitting Nick in the head in the process. We had stayed the night at Sofia's, one of Celia's right hand men. The room reeked of death. It took a moment for my eyes to adjust to the light, but upon focusing my eyes, they landed on a pair of bodies. The body's were rotted, holding each other in their arms. Nick followed my gaze, his smile quickly faded.
"They were close. A couple. I saw them a couple days ago." Sofia entered the room, immediately noticing our unease. I looked at Nick, but his eyes stayed glued on the couple. "They had food and water. They were okay. Things change so quickly now."
How did we sleep only a few feet away from them without noticing? The room was dark and I guess I was too exhausted to notice. Dismissing the scent of death due to our blood soaked clothes?
Nick stood up. Walking across the room with his usual awkward wobble. Peering out the door before asking, "Where are you going?"
A light tapping noise was heard from the outside. Most likely the young boy playing with a ball of some sort. He was a sweet kid from what I've picked up. I just hope it makes it longer than those other children we had come across.
"South. La Paz. Juan's father is there." Sofia responds. "I must try to find him. I owe him that. You two can come along."
Nick didn't respond to her offer. Another thought was on his mind. "Where will the others go?"
"Search for family, sanctuary." She packs a box.
While they spoke I found myself getting lost in the depths of my mind. Nick was clinging onto the community. He wanted to find another place like Celia's, a place that shared the same beliefs. Our goals were vastly different at the moment, but I held onto the idea I could change his mind. To go back to his family. Our family. Madison and Alicia were the closest thing to a family I had left, other than Nick. I don't know if I can give that up. I don't know how Nick can so easily.
I mindlessly followed Nick outside. He was tossing a ball around, playing a game of 'keep away' with Juan. He was always so good with children. Sofia had finished her packing and turned her attention toward me.
"I already offered Nick, but if you want to come along, you're more than welcome too. It'll be gruesome traveling on foot in the desert." She speaks kindly. A kindness I wasn't expecting from a total stranger.
"We'll be okay. Thank you though. Really, I appreciate the offer." I smile back at the woman, which she warmly returns.
Nick smiled, jogging up next to me. A genuine smile. Cheek to cheek, not weighed down at the edges.
