Infectious

11~The Desolation

- Charlotte

Present Day

I never imagined this when I was younger. I mean, how could you? What type of child would think up this sort of thing?

Would they dream of their family or friends dying in front of them? Because, God, I pity that child. It hurts. I know you may think I'm being dramatic, but seeing everything that happened... hurt me.

No, it didn't just hurt me. It felt like someone was ripping my heart out and left an empty hole in return. 

Yeah, that's the right word. It just felt empty.

Brent being here has helped, but there's not much one soul can do. Besides, he's lost too and putting the both of us together doesn't fix much.

I didn't think I'd care for anyone after losing Matt and my mom. I promised myself that I'd never have to feel that way again. It's hard saying goodbye to someone but it's even harder if you don't get to say anything at all. That's what happened with them. It was as if I blinked... and suddenly I was alone. It all happened too fast.

The police had been visiting us for a few days after the incident. They'd simply ask me questions and ignore me when I tried to get more information from them. 

I think I deserved some answers. Like, why did my best friend try to kill me? What the Hell happened at school? I was there! I should be able to know! They just said that the school's been quarantined and Marcie has been contaminated.

There were two police officers. The one who seemed to be in charge was a woman named Sergeant Nichols. She had fair white skin and raven black hair. Her voice was filled with a strong accent.

"Well Charlie, I guess that's all for today." I didn't like the way she said my name. It sounded like... Shirley or something. I couldn't quite put my finger on it but I just knew that it made me cringe... especially when she used my nickname.

"Wait, I want to ask you something!" I blurted out. Nichols frowned and I saw her eyes narrow slightly, but in a second it was normal again. Cunningham, the other officer, looked at me in a more gentle way. His dark brown orbs caught my own.

Cunningham was a dark man in his mid-thirties. His head was clean shaven but he had the makings of stubble around his mouth. He has proven to be the better of the two in my opinion. I don't think Nichols would give me a second look if he wasn't here.

"What do you want to know?" He asked quietly. I fumbled around for the right words as they stared at me in silence.

How can I put so many questions into a few words?

"Well, I... I just want to know what really happened. You know I was there. I saw things and I know they aren't normal. I don't care if you think I'm too young or innocent or whatever your reasons are. I want to know what happened to Marcie." 

I want to know what happened to Marcie.

Cunningham spoke first. "Charlotte, some things should stay secrets. Are you sure you want to hear this?" His voice softened by the end until it was almost a whisper. I nodded determinedly and Nichols put her arm out, stopping us.

"No, no one is going to explain anything. I am in charge and that's final." Her sharp words contrasted Cunningham's tone. I met her eyes again and kept my gaze even. I don't know why she's holding this from me but I'm going to get information. 

"I'm not a kid! I've killed someone! Do you think I can just forget that? This is my business and I want to know right now!" Nichols stared at me like I was a piece of trash under her feet. Maybe I looked like a spoiled brat to her but I didn't care. I needed to hear.

"Look Charlie, things are changing and we're all in the middle of it. You'll know soon enough but this isn't our place to tell." She replied. A cold silence filled the room and I got to my feet. 

"Like you said, it's time for you to leave right now." I said quietly. Nichols and Cunningham pushed their chairs back and I turned to the stairs. I started up to my room when I heard a car door slam loudly outside.

My mother shouldn't be home yet. Her work doesn't end for over an hour and it still takes her a while to get back. So why would she be here? I curiously walked to the door and looked out. Nichols and Cunningham were on their way to their cars when my mother rushed towards them. Even from this far away, I could still see how red her eyes were.

I pushed open the door and hurried to her side.

"Mom, what's wrong?" I asked quickly. She turned to me and I saw a shiny tear slipping from her puffy eyes. I've rarely seen my mother cry before.

"Oh Charlotte, I... I just got the call. I couldn't believe it, I mean, it... it can't be true." She stuttered, pulling me into a tight hug. I squirmed back and caught my breath.

"Mom, what's wrong?" I repeated slower. 

"There was an attack by the pharmacy. They finally identified the bodies. Matthew... they said he's gone. He... he was shot. It wasn't even one of those psycho creatures that attacked you. He was killed by a human. Matthew was killed by a damn person with a soul and feelings and he didn't deserve any of it." She whispered. I had no idea who she was talking about for a second. Who was Matthew? He couldn't be my brother.

My brother was safe. He was probably upstairs sleeping or out seeing a movie with his friends. But, as we got to the pharmacy and moved past the neon yellow tape, I saw the face of my brother. He was on the ground with his eyes shut to the world. And for that one moment, I wished I was in his place. It was just a second, but I felt the panic overwhelm my chest as a million thoughts filled my head. Nichols was right. This world is changing.

Things have changed a lot in these past months. I can't begin to describe the desolation that comes when I see the small bodies lining the streets. The world crashed into these towns and ripped children away from parents and husbands from wives. Then it left without a single apology.

Brent was still hurt. It was as if I was watching him waste away every day. We didn't even know how close we were to rescue or if it was even real. But for our sake, I hoped it was. 

The world has changed. And no matter what you do to stop it, you're just a speck of dust in the wind. We're pawns in this big screwed up game and the only way to stop playing is to lose. 

Do we stand a fighting chance? 

No.

Is this fair?

No.

Are we going to keep playing...?

Yes.

AN

Hey dudes! Sorry I haven't published a new chapter in like, a month. Junior year is crazy and I have the ACT in a few weeks so I've been trying to get a hold on everything. I know this chapter is short but I'd rather give you all a short chapter than nothing at all. Hope you all liked it! Read, comment, vote, enjoy!