The Last After Us

Chapter 1

Four Years Later

Ellie and Joel have been staying at Tommy's camp since they "left" the base of the Fireflies. News about Marlene's death spread like a wildflower, but Joel made sure Ellie did not hear any of it. He's afraid that Ellie would never talk to him again, run away, or worse. Turn herself in to the Fireflies. Joel cannot bare the thought of Ellie on a surgery table, only a white cloth, her head open and wide. Bleeding...

Joel shook his head and went back to work with the horses. He swore to himself that he will not think about it, as this made him feel hopeless and ill. He only felt that way tree times; wen his daughter, Sarah, got killed, when Tess told him she got bit, and when he saw Ellie on that table...

"Hey Joel!" a familiar voice called out, shaking him from this thoughts.

"Ellie! What are ya doing 'ere?" Ellie looked at him with her hands on her hips. Then that looked turned into a glare. She taps her foot and says,"Don't you remember? You promised to take me hunting today."

Joel's eyes widen and slams his hand on his forehead. He forgot about that. What he do? He promised Tommy that he'll take care of the horse all day today.

Think Joel! Think! While he was thinking, Ellie got frustrated and poked Joel hard on his chest. "You forgot, didn't you Joel?" As she said that, her eyes shone of anger and sadness. She hoped that both of them will hang out together, but no. He forgot. He forgot.

Joel's mouth was shut and he looked down while mumbling a 'yes.' He felt ashamed to forget about their trip. He knew he had to make it up to her- one way or another.

"Damn it, Joel!" Ellie exclaimed and she started pacing back and forth. Other people from the camp looked at her, but quickly looked away, fearing tat she'll snap at them.

Ever since Joel and Ellie came back to Tommy's, Ellie has been... unstable. She knew Joel was hiding something from her about the Fireflies and Marlene. She didn't believe him when he told her about what happened. She hopes that one day he'll tell the truth, but she kinda doubts it. So, every time he lies to her, she become furious. Almost all her anger comes out at others. That's why no one likes being near her. Everyone respects Joel, but wishes he straighten that girl out, for their sake.

"Look Ellie. I'm sorry that I forgot. I'll make it up to you,' Joel please. He rarely does that, but he knew that he won't be forgive anytime soon.

And he was right.

"Fuck you Joel! This was the fifth time you forgot! Why do you forgot about our hunting trip, but remember doing this!?!" While Ellie was shouting at Joel with all she got, Maria was marching towards them fast, with a scowl on her face.

"What the hell is going on here!?!" Maria shouts. When she was near the two, she was a very red-faced Ellie and a tiresome Joel. Maria thought that these two will get along just fine, but from these last four years, she is doubting it.

When Ellie sees Maria, she growls and pushes Maria away from them. "It is none of your fucking business! Now leave us alone!!" Maria then glares and growls out," You better clam down, girl. You don't command me around. Now, tell me what's the problem here."

Joel finally spoke up and told her the situation. The Maria turned towards Ellie and said," Joel has a job here, Ellie. He does not have time to go hunting with you. Why don't go hang out with other teenage girls by the break ground. Maybe you'll entertain yourself with them."

Ellie scoffs and walks past Maria, bumping her shoulder as she does. "They don't understand me. They don't know what I been through." And with that, she left the scene.

As Maria watches her go, Joel sighed and said softly," I'm screwed..."