The End is Near

Chapter Twenty-Five

~Keith's POV~

     How could she do that? She basically gave her life to protect us. It's my job to protect her, and she basically just killed herself. Tears fill my eyes as I watch her run from the horde into the darkness. I sigh, turning to the group of tearful people. The only ones not crying are Jessica and Blake, no surprise there.

     "Cassie just gave her life to save ours, we need to stay strong, that's the only way to survive in this world. I'll do my best to be as good a leader as Cassie." I say, staring out at them. They all wipe away their tears and nod, trying to keep their composure. "Get some rest, Karson and I will keep watch." I say, looking at Karson, who immediately nods and walks over to me. They all lay down and try to go back to sleep, but I have a feeling that no one is going to be getting any sleep tonight.

     "So when did you two get together?" He asks, a weird tone in his voice. I look at him with raised eyebrows and he just shakes his head, looking away.

     "Yesterday, actually. I told her about us following her." He jerks his head over to look at me, shock filling his wide eyes.

     "You did what?!" He exclaims, struggling to keep quiet. I raise an eyebrow.

     "I told her what we were doing. At first, she was angry, but she got over it fairly quick. She understood why we did it. She's not mad at either of us." He still looks angry, I don't know why though.

     "We were supposed to tell her that together!" Oh, that's why.

     "She asked where we went! I couldn't lie to her anymore! I had to tell her!" He just shakes his head, looking away. "What is up with you, Karson? You've been angry for no reason, what's going on?" I ask, concerned. He turns his head to glare at me, harshly.

     "What's going on? She loves you! That's what's going on! I can't take it, knowing that I'll never have a chance with her! It's always been you! I know we made a promise, but I can't take it! I can't not be jealous!" He exclaims, standing up. I stare at him with wide eyes.

     "I never knew you felt that way." I say, quietly. He scoffs.

     "Of course not, you've been to busy with your beloved girlfriend." He spits, venom filling his voice. I raise an eyebrow.

     "Be mad at me all you want, but do not bring Cassie into this. None of this is her fault." He narrows his eyes.

     "Isn't it, though? She could have given me a chance, just one! But no, as soon as we come, she goes straight to you, not even sparing me a second glance. I think this is all her fault." He spits. I narrow my eyes, glaring at him..

     "This is not her fault. Don't you dare blame her for anything. It's her feelings, she can't help who she falls for. You should be happy you're even friends with her!" I almost shout, trying to stay quiet. Everyone needs their sleep, as much as they can get. He just scoffs and walks to the other side of the circle we're stuck in and sits down, glaring at me. I sigh and climb onto my truck to keep watch, looking away from everyone, scanning for any sign that Cassie could be coming back.

~Blake's POV~

     They're just making this way too easy, I think, smirking to myself as I watch Keith and Karson fighting. Obviously over Cassie. It's the perfect time to make my move. I smirk, quietly getting up from my spot on the ground and make my way to Karson, who had stormed away from Keith with a glare on his face. I sigh as I sit down and stay silent for a few minutes before speaking.

     "There is a way for you to have Cassie." I say quietly, not looking as he jerks his head to stare at me.

     "What are you talking about?" He asks, just as quiet. I smirk, turning my head to him slightly, but keeping my eyes on Keith.

     "There is a way for you to be with Cassie." He raises an eyebrow. "All you've got to do is help me." He's silent for a minute.

     "What do I have to do?" He asks, sneaking a glance at Keith, who's back is still turned to us. I smirk, this was too easy.

     "It's too much to explain now, we've got to get away from the group, first, then I'll explain." He nods quickly. I refrain from rolling my eyes. He's so stupid.

     "Ok. Everyone's asleep. We can sneak out the back while Keith's turned away." He says, silently getting up and leading me to a gap in between two of the cars. "Where are we going?" I smirk.

     "We're going to get Cassie."

~Cassie's POV~

     I've been running from those walkers for at least an hour before I found a town to take cover in. By the time I see it, I'm about to give up and accept my fate as a walker. But I keep going, the hope of finding Keith pushes me forward as a conversation we had the day before pops into my head.

     "Do you think we'll ever be separated?" I ask, looking over at Keith as we keep watch.

     "I don't know. It is possible, I hope not, though." He says, taking my hand.

     "But what if we do?" I ask, looking out the window. "We should have a plan." He nods and thinks for a minute.

     "Ok, if we ever do get separated, find the nearest town. There are three places that we'll check. The grocery store, a small shop, and the sports store. Go to one of those and we'll find each other eventually." He says, kissing my temple. I smile, nodding.

     "Ok, just don't forget that." I tease, nudging his shoulder with mine.

     I smile at the memory and push myself to run faster as the groans of the walkers gets louder, signaling that they're getting closer. The town is close and I start scanning everything I see until I find the grocery store. I run faster, ignoring the immense pain in my body and try to take deep breaths. The store is only a block away now, and I look for an entrance. The front doors are barricaded and most likely locked, so I'll need to find the next entrance. I look around and spot a ladder going up the side of the building. Then, I start sprinting as fast as I can to get ahead of the walkers. I keep my eyes trained on the ladder and start climbing as fast as I can when I get to it. I drop onto the top of the building, trying to calm my breathing. I need them to go away, and they won't if they can hear me. I close my eyes as relief flows through me. I made it out alive.