Infected

Chapter 12.~

After two days of driving, switching drivers, filling the gas tank, and alternating sleeping routines, we finally hit the border of Montana. Lila never woke up once, not until we got to the border. We were stopped by two police officers, just before entering Montana. Blockades covered the whole road, only two vehicles were there, other than us and the police

"Oh. What do they want?" Julie complained, hitting the steering wheel.

"Isn't that Jared's truck parked next to their car?" I asked, seeing the oh so familiar black Toyota. The officers walked up to Julie's window and tapped on the glass.

The officers told us we could get out of the vehicle from their car. We all got out one by one, trying to make sense of what was happening. We all walked to the officers, worried we were in trouble.

"What's going on?" Stephen asked.

"Well," started one of the officers. "with everything going on, our orders are to tell everybody entering town about the local hotel. It offers full protection from the undead. The only catch, you can only stay there for 5 days."
I pulled Julie away from the group.

"Hey, get as much information as you can." I directed her. "I need a break. Can you please?" I asked.

"Of course. Just stay close, so the officers don't get suspicious." she suggested.

I nodded to her, and she returned back to the group. I sat on the ground and tried to collect my thoughts. I was so tired after that drive, I felt sad over things I didn't even know were a problem. I looked up at the sky. It doesn't look the same color anymore. When I looked back down, I saw Riley walking to the Station Wagon and open the door. Lila is awake! Riley spoke to Lila for a minute. Riley noticed me sitting alone, and walked back over to me. Stephen noticed Riley walking back and ran to the car to greet Lila. Hoagie followed Riley as she made her way back. When she got to me, he barked at her, wanting to be pet.

"What are you doing on the ground, blondey?" she asked in a concerned voice as she sat down next to me in the dirt. I was so tired, I almost broke into tears. "Whoa. Hold on. Just wait here."

She got up, and made an excuse to the officers and the rest of the group for us to leave for a little bit. I didn't hear what it was, but it made everyone laugh. Lila drew the attention away from Riley by cutting into the conversation, giving us a perfect opportunity to leave unnoticed.

Hoagie then barked and followed us as we tried to leave, ruining our chance of leaving without anyone realizing.

"Give me my dog, Riley." said Lila, kind of rudely. Riley didn't hesitate and handed Hoagie to her.

"Of course, red-head." she said.

Lila ignored the remark and turned back to the group. We turned back around and kept walking. She didn't say anything until no one could see us.

"Why are you about to cry?" she asked, sounding generally worried.

"I don't know." I said. "I wish this didn't happen." I couldn't help but let out a couple tears at that point.

"Hey, don't cry. Everything will be okay." she said, awkwardly holding her hands out to offer a hug. I took her offer and fell into her arms, expecting it to be awkward after her gesture. It wasn't. It was comforting. I felt better. I don't want this hug to end yet.

The moment was interrupted by a scream. Riley gently took her arms from around me and ran to see what happened.

"Ella, go to the station wagon with everyone else. We have to go. Quick!" I listened to her and ran to the vehicle where the others were headed as well.