Don't Be Afraid

Chapter 25

Hey guys and girls! I know I say this a lot but sorry for the late update! I try, but it takes a while because I work and I don't wanna give you a quick, crappy chapter. I want it to be worth reading so here you go!

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"Okay, what's your idea then?" She spits at me.

I stay calm. "This area we're in, you know, by the river and all, is very secluded."
She raises an eyebrow. "So?"
I roll my eyes. "So that means there would hardly be any zombies. We could fortify this area. Even make it a permanent place maybe."

She closes her eyes, probably debating this idea. "Go on..."

"My plan, or a thought, is we go and find some spare wood, or any strong material really, and build some huts. We could also put a giant fence around the perimeter of our camp." She doesn't say anything against it so I continue. "From what I've seen zombies can't climb or do much of anything besides eat everything that moves. If we build a high enough fence, we can make it through this crisis. We can live. This area, it's-it's perfect! There are tons of trees, so we're definitely hidden. We can even start tomorrow if you want." I take a deep breath and let my words sink in. After a few moments, I speak up again. "What do you guys think?"

Issac rubs his chin, his eyebrows knit together in concentration. "It's a great idea." He gives me an encouraging smile.

Sam buts in. "It is a great idea, but there's one flaw."

My heart sinks a little, but my smile doesn't fade. "Which is?"

She takes a few steps towards me and stops about a foot away. "Where will we find the supplies?"

Before I can answer Issac cuts in. "I know where to find supplies. There's a town not far from here. I stumbled across it when I was looking for Linda. If we had more adults we could manage a trip there and back quickly, but with just us three it'll take a while."

"It's a good thing I'm here then." Issac jumps and earns a laugh from the person.

"Who are you?" I demand.

Three people emerge from the shadows. I instantly put a knife to the first persons throat. Hunter puts his hands up in a mocking gesture. "I probably deserve this, but I can help. If you'd be kind enough to let us."

Issac steps between us. "You need to leave. Now."

"But you just said you needed more adults. Are me and my friends not good enough?" He gestures to the two people behind him.

I pull Issac away and take him behind a tree. "We do need more people. We may not be able to trust him, but what can he do? His people are dead. It's just him and those two now."

Issac doesn't look too convinced, but after a few minutes of arguing he agrees. "Fine, but one mess up and he's gone."

Hunter clears his throat. "I can still hear you."

I turn around and glare at him. "I don't care. You and you're friends can stay, but you heard what Issac said. One wrong move and you're gone."

"Understandable. Oh! And may I introduce my friends." He points to his left at a short, petite girl, with hair black as night and a stern look on her face. "This is Aspen. She was a prisoner at Cleo's camp with whom I've grown close to." He takes her hand in his and looks at her with such adoration that I have to look away, almost afraid I'm interrupting something private. He points to his right side at a tall, muscular man with blond, shaggy hair, and a calm look on his face. "This is Wain. He was a worker there, but he helped those who were trapped. He's a good man to have backing you up."

I smile at him and at her as nicely as I can. "So we start tomorrow. Hunter and Wain will come with us and Aspen and-" I look at the older woman with the kids and awkwardly smile. "I'm sorry. I never got your name."

She chuckles. "My name is Maple."

"That's a lovely name." I clear my throat and start again. "Hunter and Wain will come with us and Aspen and Maple will stay with the kids. Got it? Good."

-

The little girls are asleep along with Sam, Hunter, Aspen, and Wain. Issac and I volunteered to take first watch so we could keep an eye on Hunter and his friends.

I go and sit beside Issac. "Are you okay?"

"Honestly no. I'm freaking out. How are we going to take care of all these kids? How will we feed them, teach them, protect them-"

I place my hand on his and give it a gentle squeeze. "We will find a way. Once every thing's put together we can all live a some-what normal life. Just be patient." I rub circles on the back of his hand, calming him down.

He gives me a small smile. "As long as I'm with you I'll always have a normal life." He leans in and plants a kiss on my cheek. I lay my head on his shoulder and close my eyes. Maybe things are starting to look up for us.