The End~Book Two

Chapter 18-/-Ready to face it all

Since so many others have died, turned, or left our group; many relationships have changed. After Halley died Ryan was never the same. He got into trouble day by day. He murdered Liam because of this fight they were having. We decided then as a group, it was best to banish him. Shawn and Caroline are still as happy as can be, which is so terrific to see. Emad is still same old same old. I honestly hope this antidote works. We had to lock him in the cellar; we couldn't risk others being infected. Kennedi and Olivia are now back to normal as well, now that they have seen what power the others have. They never have tried to challenge us again, since the outbursts of killing and poisoning occurred. Sydney's murderer mystery man is still nowhere to be seen. I still don't believe she just died for no reason. All the dead have been buried near the meadow in the forest. We have planted some seeds for crops, hunted leftover animals, and scavenged food from other places. Overall though, I don't know how much longer we can live like this. Me and Caroline have went over the plan on my trial for the past few days now. I am so frickin nervous, if this doesn't work, the world as we know it is really over. Human population will eventually be overruled by the spreaders. It is all common sense. It seems crazy to think that a group of thirteen teenagers can find a cure to save the world. Almost impossible. Like the wise man, Nelson Mandela, once spoke, "It always seems impossible until it's done." All we can do now is hope for the best. 

The floorboards behind me creek as I turn to see my best friend, Caroline standing behind me. "You ready?" She asks mellowly. I gulp and slowly nod my head. I stand up and look around for the others to say goodbye, incase this truly is the last time I see them. I first walk over to Tai and Denis; I pull them both into a small hug and say bye. I walk over to the girls and do the same as well. "Bryanna!" Shawn calls me over to where him and Ewan are standing. Shawn pulls me into a big hug. "You've got this." He whispers. I pull away from the hug. "If I don't make it-" Ewan cuts me off before I can finish my sentence. "You aren't going to die silly billy. You will be fine. Dude, if you were going to die, you'd already be dead by now." All three of us laugh. "What I was trying to say is, that if I don't make it, Shawn, I want you to look out for Caroline for me. You love her so much, and I want you to be there for the good times and the bad. She is such a great friend and I want the best for her." He grins at me and pulls me into a hug one more time. "Don't worry." 

I walk back over to Caroline and throw on my converse. I slip on my black backpack and close the door behind me. We walk down towards the graveyard. "Are you sure this is necessary? You're not going to die." Caroline questions. I nod. "Yes it is, for all we know, once I am infected the antidote doesn't work, then it is only a matter of time until I turn." I reply. "Can I ask you something?" She looks over at me. "If I turn, can you do it? Can you shoot me? Please, I don't want to be like-like -that." She gently places her hand on my shoulder, as a my eyes start to water. "Haha, sorry. I am honestly so scared." I say. I can't imagine dying right now. Not when I have so much I am leaving behind; Caroline, Emad, ..Max. 

We then reach the graveyard and I look around for my brother's sign. I squat down beside it and read the poem I had put on a piece of paper tied to the wooden elephant; "Where there is hope there is faith, where there is faith, miracles happen."  My mom loved that quote so much. I say a quick goodbye to my passed brother and stand back up. 

"Bryanna wait!" 

Oh my gosh! How could I forget to say goodbye to Max? Dang it! 

I run over to him and we wrap each other into a hug. "How could you leave without seeing me?" He fake cries. I punch him on the shoulder. "You're a jerk, you know that?" I laugh. "Come on, you know you love me." He leans in to give me a kiss and I turn my head. His lips land on my cheek. "Do I really love you though?" I mess with him. 

"Hey losers! Hurry up will ya? We don't have all day!" Caroline yells from a distance. 

He pulls me back into a hug. 

"I love you Bryanna. You got this." He whispers in my ear. I look up at him and butterflies fill into my stomach. "I'm nervous Max, what if all this doesn't work in the end?" He places his head on top of mine. "Shh don't say that. It will all work out." 

"I love you." I say as we hug for the last time. 

I walk away holding back my tears. This could be the last time I ever see him. 

I approach Caroline.

"Let's go."