Protect, Survive and Love (Carl's love story)

Chapter Two

Rachel's Pov

"I can hear them. . I bet they can't wait to come in and get a taste of me. That's just how they are. . . You get bit, you change, you turn then you become one of them. But there's no way I'm becoming like them! No way am I losing to this fight! I will win, and I will survive. ." I gave another sigh and ended my crazy speech. I'm going nuts over here! One day you were having the best time of your life, and the next you get separated with your family. The worst part is when there are others that try to chase and eat you, alive!

What happened back there? I remember being a good girl, is this how cruel the world is? Was this all a punishment for mankind? Why do they have to drag other people? Damn this life! I cursed in my mind and stood up to see the entrance of the store. There were like only three more of them out there. I can't just go out unarmed; I may have two pistols, but they're all out. There's a radio here, but it won't turn on. Well, can't blame me, I don't know how to operate these damn things.

"Ugh. . . Someone, please!" I yelled, but not too loud. Am not going to attract more of them! I walked over to the food section and opened one can of sausages, and went to the store's fridge to get something to drink. Yep, since that day, the day I got separated from them, this has been my daily routine. Being all alone, eating all alone, I even talk to myself, for God's sake!

I ate quietly and studied my surroundings, dust and dirt covered every edge of the walls, spider webs and flies, gosh! Where do these creatures come from?!

Guess I won't be having my J.S. prom, my first kiss, my first dance. . . Won't get to meet my true best friend, and won't even get a chance at romance now! I mean, you don't expect for a boy to just come in unexpected. "I shouldn't be thinking about things like that. Such nonsense." I said, dusting myself off. "I should be thinking of how to get out of here and how I'll be able to find them." I mumbled to myself and let out a deep sigh.

"Okay, let's get started."

Carl's Pov (At the prison)

"Dad! Look, I can handle myself just fine. Just give me a chance and let me help you find that girl." I said still convincing my dad to let me in the search crew. "I told you Carl, you have to stay here. You can't just go with us, what if you get hurt out there, or worse? I can't take that risk." Dad said trying to convince me, but I know I can handle myself. I know how to use a gun, I know how to fight, and I actually have been practicing my feet on the tracks. "But I won't.-" "You have to stay here, Carl. Go look out for any person who needs help here. Go look out for Judith. I need you to stay and protect them here." He said.

"Judith has Beth to babysit her; Hershel's been looking out for the kids in his office. What am I supposed to do there? I'm not a kid anymore, Dad. And you know that one day; I have to join you guys." I said. Isn't it like, about time? "Carl, why are you being so persistent? You never try to convince me like this before." Dad said with a hint of confusion in his face. He's right; I never actually acted like this before. Is it because they say they're going to search for a girl in my age? No way. My point here is to join and help them.

"Dad-" "No more Carl." He interrupted. I gave out a deep sigh and carried my bag. "Fine. Maybe when I get there, people might start turning." I said as I walk off, but he blocked me before I could step out of my cell. "You know that won't happen. And if that does, you know more than to use that gun." He said look at me. I looked back at him, straight in his eyes "But you know I might have to when it comes to that conclusion." I said, finally getting out and headed to the other building.

"I don't care what they say. I'm big enough to do this on my own. Searching for a little girl will be a piece of cake." I ran off to the other direction and to the back door of the building. I looked at every path and see if there were look outs. Just a few more steps till I'm out. Just wait and see Dad, I just know you'll be proud of me when I find her.

Rick's Pov

That kid just won't give up. Can't he see that I'm just doing this for his own sake? Oh, Lori. If you were just here with us. I walked off to where the others were, and try to help them pack for the trip. "Alright, everything ready?" I asked Daryl who looked pumped up for this ride. "Sure is." He replied. "Hey, heard you and your son talking a while ago. What was that all about?" Michonne came up to us and asked. "It was nothing. He said he wanted to go with us and help." I said and let out a sigh, and felt a hand patted my back. "Does he now? Why didn't you let him?" Daryl asked. Why didn't I? Why should I? "He's too young. He might get injured out there." I said, trying to avoid myself from the stress.

"Hey Rick, don't you think he really is growing up?" He questioned. Carl is changing day by day, but that doesn't mean I should put him on the line trying to risk his life. "He may be. But I'm just concerned of what possibilities might happen if we were all out there." I said with a hint of fear in my voice as it slightly trembles as I think of the chances of what could really happen. "Rick," Daryl said, as he chuckled before continuing his sentence. "That's not what I meant. Have you ever had "The Talk" with him?" He asked, I can see the laughter in his eyes. "The talk? Talk about what exactly?" I asked. What is he talking about? Don't tell me that Carl is now. . .

"Rick, I think Carl's in puberty stage." He said with a chuckle after his sentence. "Puberty? So that's what it's about." Daryl started to laugh childishly and walked his way to the vehicle. So that's why he was so persistent. Was he trying to help because he wants to see the girl himself? Maybe I do have to start talking to him about some minor stuff, but for now, we have a girl to search for.

"Alright everybody," I gathered them up. "We're going in groups. First up are Carol, Bob and Glenn. And the other way will be Jason, Michonne and me. Lastly, Karen, Sasha and Daryl. You guys go the other way around. I want the others that gets left behind to keep a sharp eye on things around here, got it?" I commanded. I have to keep things together and protect these people. We went to our perspective groups and headed our way. Hope we find her quick.

Jason came up to me with fear and sadness in his eyes; I've seen that face before. I've felt it; I know how hard it is for the boy and his little sister. "Sir, thank you for helping me search for her." He said. I walked up closer to him and patted his back. "You don't need to thank us." I said and just smiled at the boy. It was time and we prepared our vehicles and started moving out.

Carl's Pov

I made it through the doors and into the woods. "Should head back before it gets dark." I mumbled. I stumbled into few walkers but ditched them easily. Hershel did say that I should look out first if I really needed to shoot or kill them. Looks to me it can't catch me that easily.

I was walking around, everything was surrounded by trees and dirt, but then I saw a road down below. I was about to take another step when I heard various twigs snapping behind me. At the time I looked back, a bunch walkers were at my pace. They were trying to chase me. Before I could let them get me, I ran fast down below and tried my best not to get caught. 'Shit!' I thought as I continuously ran to the road I saw before.

I looked behind to see more of them chasing me. 'Where did the others come from?!' I thought as I jump to land on the road, but to my clumsiness, I failed and landed on my side first. That made my left arm wounded. It was bleeding fast, and as the walkers saw the blood, they came after me faster than before. "What are they? Vampires?!" I said. I stepped back and looked around. Luckily there was a store nearby. I ran towards the store as fast as I can and tried opening it. Good thing it wasn't locked! I fully opened it, and closed the door immediately and locked it. "I don't think those walkers saw me walked in here." I said and let out a sigh of relief. "They didn't, but I did." Someone said behind me, it was a girl's voice. That voice was one of the angelic voices I've heard, well, besides my mom. I heard a gun cracked and turned around.

'Wtf?'