Locker 101

chapter 18

"Lora.. is that you?"

Muscles trembling, legs weak, palms sweaty and heart thudding, that was my case when I heard his voice. I couldn't help but smile, let the tingles of hope creep all over my body. The pain from earlier was fading away.

I closed my eyes and waited for him to call me again, refusing to believe it was real. After all this time, I've found someone I can trust. I came thus far and I couldn't be happier.

Without thinking twice, I ran to the owner of that voice and hugged him. Hugged him like my life depended on it, because I knew I'll be safe with him.

"Sam I missed you so much." I said through sobbing. I couldn't help the tears that ran hot on my cheeks.

I finally let go and looked at him. I was glad to see that he was as touched as I was. I was glad to know that he cared. That he was worried about me.

"I can't believe you're here right now, Lora." He whispered and took me into another bone crushing hug.

"For a moment I thought you .. died. When I broke the doors to get mom out that day, I felt so guilty for not looking for you. I felt like I betrayed you and left you to die. I'm so sorry Lora, I promise I'll never leave you again." He said, his voice cracking at the end.

"It's okay Sam. I felt the same way. Thankfully, we're both here and that's something we should be glad for. Now where is mom?"

He closed his eyes for a moment and put one of his hands on my shoulder. My heart sunk at that gesture. I wasn't ready for that. I would never be ready for such news. I started shaking my head and biting on my knuckles.

I was feeling unconscious and my legs were giving up at any moment.

He caught me with his other hand and spoke as softly as he could. I saw pain in his eyes.

That can't be. No I'm not ready to consume that much pain.

I prayed to god that those words would never come out of his mouth. For once I wished faith will be on my side. I looked away, I couldn't face him while he broke me with his words. I squeezed my eyes shut and waited...

"She.. She is fine.."

The whole world froze for me. After I heard that, nothing mattered to me. I finally took in some air since I was nearing to faint. I didn't pay attention to what he said next. All I cared for was that she is doing well. That she's safe somewhere. That I didn't lose her, again.

".. so yeah."

"What? I'm sorry I wasn't paying attention."

"It's ok. Mom is fine but she left with the others. I tried to persuade her to stay with me or atleast let me accompany her, but she insisted I wait here incase you came. I thought she was oblivious at first, that she couldn't comprehend you passed away but little did I knew. She believed you were still alive. She believed she'll find you. She always had hope."

"Where did they go?"

"I don't know.. somewhere east. The walkers were following them though and I'm so scared, Lora. I shouldn't have let her go with all her injuries. She barely could walk. I feel so bad Lora. I feel so irrisponsible."

"No Sam you did the right thing. You obeyed her and respected her dicision. I bet she's proud of you."

He let a shadow of a smile show on his features. I felt happy to see him happy. But then, the worry got over me again. I needed to know if someone trust-worthy was with her. I didn't want that DAD to be around her. Little do I know he might be looking for her. Since I didn't die as he wished.

"Do you know anyone who went with her?"

"Yes. Liam and Jade were kind enough to take care of her for me. Jade's husband was leading them to wherever they were going. I don't trust this man Lora. I really don't."

"I know, me neither... Do you remember the boy we hit with the car."

"Yes that creep. What about him?"

"He was the one who kept me alive. He helped me all the way and took care of me. I owe him big time."

"What?! How come??"

"It's a very very long story. I'll tell you first thing in the morning, but for now, I can really use some sleep. Why are you awake at this hour anyway?"

"The sound of an engine woke me up. I'm far more than impressed if you had driven it yourself. "

"Believe me, I'm as impressed as you are... So, nobody is left here huh?"

"Yep, all by myself. A young woman came the other day. She was so sweet that she stayed with me till today in the morning. She left in a hurry saying she had some unfinished business to be done."

"Really, do you know her name by any chance?"

"I think it was Emily or Emilia, something like that."

Well ofcourse. She didn't die. This is making me even more confused.

" Was she injured?"

"I don't think so? Why are you asking all those questions? Do you know her?"

"Nevermind I thought I knew her but let's focus on what's important right now. We need to sleep and get to school as soon as we wake up. I need to check something."

"School!! Why?"

"I told you Sam it's a long story."

"Okay. Let's go then."
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I was walking slowly , holding Sam for dear life. We came across a couple of rooms, one of them had a woman leaning on a bed. She seemed angry or disappointed. When she saw me, she shot me a glare and closed the door with a bang.

We entered a small room, and when I saw mom, I ran to her and sat next to her side. I put my hand gently on her face and I couldn't fight my tears anymore.

"It's ok sweety...just a couple of scars.." she whispered.

"It's not your fault mom.. believe me it's not."

She forced a smile on but it faded away so quikly.

I could see pain and guilt in her eyes and they widened the moment someone opened the door.

I turned to see who it was and I saw that woman, the middle-aged woman who glared at me moments ago.

She had grey eyes and short light blonde hair.Her face looked pale and she was very slim.

"Are you ok?" The woman asked with a worried look.

"I'm very sorry I didn't see him . I swear to god I didn't mean to hit him . I wasn't speeding or anything and I tried to stop the car but.."

"He's fine." She interrupted, stopping mom from rambling.

She held on a very friendly act but something told me she was boiling inside.

What her problem was would stay a mistery for me.

I saw her get closer to mom, closer and closer. I was so tempted to push her back but I wasn't that disrespectful.

Soon enough, she was sitting next to mom. She started pealing one of her bandages off. Mom tried to protest but she failed.

A force was fighting me back. Holding me from going to her. She was asking for my help.. She was crying.. She was in pain.

The woman kept torturing her with her witch-like fingers. Pushing deep on her wounds while my mom's cries were melody to her ears. I couldn't see that. I yelled and closed my eyes shut.

I was soon choking, words were trapped in my mouth. Moments later I couldn't hear anything but the clock ticking.

The woman whispered :

for her.. and for him.

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