The Infection

Chapter 4

Three Years Earlier

"Now, remember, no one knows you're here," Cassie's dad Alan whispered as he entered the house behind her. The loud chattering of the family could be heard over the Christmas music that was floating throughout the house. 

Cassie laughed and said, "Yes, for the thousandth time, I know. Ben, don't be shy." Ben timidly walked into the house behind Alan with his luggage. "Sorry," he chuckled, "I'm just taking everything in. I've never been in Los Angeles before."

She laughed at his cuteness, then turned to her dad. "Should I go in now?" She anxiously asked. It's been fourteen months since she's last been home and she couldn't wait to see everybody! Alan got out his phone and started recording. "Now you can go," he laughed. 

Ben kept behind Alan as Cassie quietly started walking into the dining room. Her family's talking got louder and louder as she got nearer. Once she entered the archway to the room, it went so quiet, you could hear a pin drop. 

Elaine, Cassie's mom, had her back turned to Cassie, so she wasn't sure what was going on. It wasn't until Matt, Harry, Vivian, Kayla, and Michael all shot up from their seats and ran towards Cassie that she thought to turn around. 

"Oh! Oh my God!" She screamed as she jumped out of her chair and pushed her other kids out of the way to hug her first born. "Oh my baby! Oh my little girl!" The family started laughing and clapping, taking pictures. 

Cassie hugged her mom with tears in her eyes, then moved to her younger siblings. Each of them was crying with joy into her uniform, then they all eventually gave her a giant bear hug, making the family start to cry. 

After a few moments, they gave her a little bit of space. "Merry Christmas everyone," she said with a smile. The rest of the family said their heartfelt hello's to her and expressed how much she was missed. 

Alan stopped recording, then brought Ben around to his side. "Everyone," he announced, "this is Ben, Cassie's friend. He's going to be spending Christmas with us this year." Everyone greeted Ben and led him and Cassie to sit down at the table, where they were immediately greeted by plates of food being put in front of them. 

After everything had calmed down and everyone was seated once again, Elaine said, "So, Ben." Ben looked up from his food and over to her as she continued, "I'm very sorry to hear about your parents." He gave her a small smile and said, "Thank you, Mrs. Hansen. I apologize if my appearance tonight was sudden." 

She waved him off and said, "Don't worry about it, sweetie. We're very glad to have you here." Kayla piped up and said, "Yeah, plus it's good to see Cass finally have a boyfriend!" Everyone started laughing because it's true. She's never had a boyfriend. 

"He's not my boyfriend," she sternly told her sister. "He's a very dear friend that's going through a tough time and that doesn't need to be spending Christmas alone." Ben gave her a warm smile and took her hand in his. He kissed her knuckles, then set it down and continued eating. 

Unfortunately, he's not, she's gloomy thought. 

**

Present Day

Ben sat Cassie down on a rotting bench and sat himself down next to her. They were both panting and sweating from moving so quickly. They were able to loose the infected and get ahead by a few miles. 

"You know they're still following us," she panted. He nodded and told her, "I know. I don't want to lead a horde that big back to base. Those walls are strong, but they're not that strong. Not to mention half of the people there don't know how to use weapons."