Damaged

2

I can feel the burn of 10k's eyes on me but every time I try to catch his eyes, he looks away. It doesn't help with how close we are. This firetruck doesn't have that much room and I'm currently being squished between 10k and Addy. Not that I'm complaining. They are both amazing people.

"So Mari, how old are you?" Addy asked to make conversation, for which I am beyond grateful for because I am terrible at starting conversations.

"I am seventeen." I replied, looking at her red hair. It's just too majestic to not look at.

"Ooh. So we have another kid?" She teased, wiggling her eye brows. I giggled at her playful remark but tensed up when I felt 10k put his arms around my shoulders to smack Addy. My cheeks instantly flushed. I think Addy noticed because she made a teasing face at me.

"What's the coolest thing that you've done on your own?" Mack asked, from the other side of Addy.

It was such a random question that I couldn't help but to laugh.

"When I was going through Atlanta I came across a zombified Johnny Depp. Such an iconic person had to be mercied." I laughed, recalling the memory. It was honestly one of the coolest moments, it wasn't like I did anything special but I never met a celebrity before so that was special to me. It was such a shame that he was dead though, he was always my favorite.

Addy gasped. "No way! Really?" She seemed genuinely shocked.

"Yea, look, I have his sunglasses!" I dug through my bag and pulled them out, shoving them on my face. These were obviously essential to surviving, I had to keep them.

"They are so gorgeous!" Addy squeaked poking the glasses.  

I laughed again before a thought crossed my mind. As much as I loved them, I think she'd put them to more use. I handed them to her. "Here. You can keep them."

She smiled. "I think we just became bestfriends." I hope we did because she seems like an interesting person.

"Hey kid?" Doc spoke.

"Yea?" 10k and I asked in unison. We turned to look at each other with wide eyes, the others chuckled. 

"The girl kid." Doc joked. "What was it like traveling alone?"

I frowned slightly but didn't want to ruin the good mood that was radiating off everyone so I chose the sugar coated answer. "It was hard but uh- I managed and found you guys. So I think it turned out great!"

They burst into small cheers. Doc had a huge grin on his face. "Hell yea it did!" He reached his arm back and raised his hand for a high five which I returned happily.

We continued to drive with conversation being thrown in until they got to their truck to put gas in it. Everyone climbed in except for 10k and I. We decided to lay on back of the truck. Since we are moving, there is no need for one of us to keep watch. As the sky grew darker, everyone fell asleep. Except for Warren, of course, as she was driving. Of course, 10k and I are still wide awake. The day has been so eventful, it might be a little difficult to fall asleep. Plus, someone has to keep an eye out for anything suspicious. 

We've been silent for a few hours but I finally spoke up. "So, 10k, tell me something." I turned on my side to face him. He turned on his side as well and furrowed his brows.

"Tell you what?" His raspy voice whispered back. I understand why he is so quiet. It is very silent out during the apocalypse and it feels weird to speak too loud. Plus, you grow accustomed to speaking lower when there are deadly creatures that are attracted to sounds and will rip you to shreds using only their teeth.