Quarantine

The long haul

I sat against the wall watching Charles sleep. He looked peaceful there, resting his head against a stack of bags. It had been two days since the fire, and we moved without a clear goal. We just wanted to leave behind what we once had.

Dan had finally forgiven me while Ann had understood. They had finally told me that Shelly used to take care of Samuel before he got a hip replacement. I felt awful now, taking away two people even though it was only one death. Jackson hadn't spoken to me yet, but Rose was working on him.

I simply twirled the knife around, watching it stop when it snagged a bag. I felt great once we ate some food from our lucky hit at a convenience store. Gas wasn't a problem as well because it seemed like we were the only people around. The trek was pretty long so far, and we had almost gotten halfway down Kansas. Topeka was looming in the distance, but we didn't go there. We passed by it on the desolate highway, and I wondered where all the vehicles were at.

Bringing home the gold.
I'm gonna remember you.
Where's the choice at?
What do you mean?
You know what I mean. Stay here, or leave.
I don't have to choose.
You will soon.
We will see...

I looked back at Charles, and nudged his leg gently. He snorted, and then opened his eyes. He let out a yawn, and I watched as he stretched out.

"How long was I out for?" Asked Charles with a tinge of sleep on his voice.

I thought for a moment before saying, "About a good six, seven hours. Give or take thirty minutes."

He nodded, and stood up in the moving vehicle. His axe had been put away, so as not to hurt anyone by accident. The hatchet I had found hung off of a clip on my new belt. I had put the knife inside of the tough leather boots I now sported from the store as well. It was hidden quite well, and felt snug against my leg in a comfortable fashion.

Here we go again.
What do you mean again?
Look around.
What about it?
All this stuff, company.
Yeah. It's nice.
Until you lose it all.
Hey...
We both know it here. Your only going to hurt yourself if you stay here.
No, Charles...
Charles already hates you! You saw his expression!
Things have changed..
Really? Time will tell.

I shuddered as my mind argued against being here, in this van with them. Charles glanced at me, and I met his gaze. His eyes were spearing me down, and my heart again beat twice as fast. Dan was cuddled up against a duffle bag, and Ann was sitting up front.

Perfect...

"You... wanna.." Charles spoke softly, as if he was afraid to say anything.

I just leaned up, and put  my hand on his lips. He stopped talking, and I felt his breathing shake for a moment before I leaned in, and kissed him on the lips. It wasn't long, or hard. Just a slight peck to show that I cared enough for him. I sent him reeling as his eyes sparkled deviantly. He grabbed my shoulders, and lifted one hand to my chin.

He stroked it from underneath as he took a step towards me. Our bodies were completely against each other, and our hearts beating were almost in a nice rhythm. He stared into my eyes with passion as he hugged my tight, and I embraced back. He lifted his head, and his breath blew across my face, sending goosebumps throughout my body.

We both leaned into the kiss, and our lips met once more. It seemed awkward at first, and I didn't know how to respond to anything at all. His lips soon went from being hardened to a soft, faint tickle on my mine. He pulled away, and I looked at his eyes again. His checks were red, and I just smiled as my stomach fluttered around.