The Rain (Book 3 - The Evolving)

Chapter 7 - Nouveaux leaders et nouveaux lieux

They'd been walking for hours. Jane and Alex bringing up the rear while Ross and Drew led the way. Trees lined either side of the broken road, the sun breaking through their branches as they waved from side to side in the wind.

As Bethany looked into the woods, she could only see so far until it got dark. She looked up to see the sun slowly lowering. She looked over her shoulder to see the shadows creeping upon them. Her hand gripped her t-shirt and she held the material tight in her sweaty palm.

Jeanette hobbled ahead with Nate's arm slung around her shoulder. He wasn't any better, the t-shirt was soaked again. She looked down to the ground to see little drops of red. They had been leaving a trail for miles. She pursed her lips and looked at Nate's face.

His skin was white and small beads of sweat rolled down his forehead, running down his cheek all the way to the base of his neck. The collar of his top was a darker colour due to the sweat. She shook her head, knowing that he wouldn't be able to continue. She opened her mouth to speak, to tell them that he'd need a break.

"Hey!" Ross yelled out, turning and looking at everyone. "There's a gas station up ahead." His words filled everyone with energy, and with a new found spirit, they all powered forward.

The roof above the gas pumps was broken in half. One-half was still upright but the other had crashed to the ground, breaking the pumps causing gas to cover the ground. Water dribbled down from the broken roof, splashing into a large puddle on the ground. The shop, from what they could see, seemed safe enough. The glass windows were broken and the shelves were knocked over.

Ross made his way under the cracked roof, looking up cautiously to make sure the concrete was stable enough. He tightened his grip on the gun and continued forward.

"Hey," A voice hissed from behind him. Ross turned to see Drew holding out a long, sharp blade. Ross glanced down to his gun and nodded, holstering it and taking the knife instead. He turned and continued heading towards the shop, hearing glass crunch under his and everyone else's boots.

"You stay out here," Jane said to Jeanette who had Nate leant against her. Jeanette nodded, glancing down at Bethany and Ben.

"I can help." Kev offered, stepping forward and hoping to show that he was valuable, an asset. Jane nodded, willing to give him a chance but before she could even speak, Alex cut in.

"No," He objected, watching the man with careful eyes. "You stay out here, all of you." His eyes travelled over all three of them, sending them a soft glare at each of them.

Jane pursed her lips and looked down, not wanting to object. She didn't know these people, they didn't seem to be a threat but them again, what did Jane know?

"Come on," Alex whispered, swinging the rifle over his shoulder so he could pull the machete from his belt loop. He lowered his gaze to Jane, nodding his head in the direction of the store. She sniffed and walked past him, heading after Ross and Drew. Alex's eyes travelled along the line of people once again, softening when they fell on Nate. He threw the machete up and down in his hand, spinning around and following after the red-head.

Drew made his way towards the counter, trying his best to avoid the broken glass that littered the ground. He squeezed the handle of the knife in his hand, feeling it dig into the skin of his palm. He walked with his knees bent, his body loose. He relaxed his muscles and slowed his breathing.

The lights were hanging off the ceiling. The wires were like snakes, swinging in the light breeze that drifted through the shop every so often. The walls were covered in dirt and blood, the floor painted red and brown. All the shelves were knocked to the ground, the till open and all the money gone.