The Land After Tomorrow (Completed)

Chapter 9: The Beast Inside

Days passed since Caleb had left and his absence was greatly known. Blair felt it most of all. She sat outside on the bench for hours holding the stone that laid around her neck in her hand. She didn't shed any tears, but the pain could be seen. It was eating at her, everyone could tell. She refused to show it or to talk about it, she just hid it. She buried it deep down inside to lock it inside a chest. A chest full of pain, sorrow, and regret.

As for the others, they planned to leave tomorrow for North Carolina. Resources were running out in the area and with the constant threat of fog and tornadoes, it was time to relocate. They wanted to find survivors. They wanted a hope for renewal. Drew, Emily, and Bane along with a few others went back throughout the days stalking up clothing, food, and medicines. The moment Emily and Drew had that night was not forgotten. Drew grew more in love with her throughout the days and her smile. When she looked back at him, his heart rose to no ends. The men stayed in the home arguing back and forth over how to get everyone out. Jasmine had finally made friends playing the different games and sports with the other kids. She soon got the nickname Jazz. For many, it was easier to remember and say than her full name.

Later in the night, everyone had come together to discuss the moving in the morning. Everyone in the camp was required to pack that night and be ready to leave in the morning.

"So, we send you guys out first and the rest follow." Jake announced.

Drew stood next to Emily over the kitchen table that laid maps and drinks. "But, won't a big group attract attention? Shouldn't we break up into smaller groups?"

Ian nodded towards his son, "I agree with Drew. It will attract attention if there is anybody looking for an easy fight."

"Safety in numbers though." Emily said.

"But, there's too many civilians, women and children that could be easily exposed." Ian looked at Jake, "How many fighters do we have?"

"Fifty-nine."

"And how many civilians?"

"Three hundred and six."

The group pondered the situation thinking over alternative solutions.

"What if we split up into five groups? It would be about sixty people per group and eleven fighters. Does the count include us?" Blair asked.

"No, it doesn't." Jake responded.

"So....that would be an extra five fighters." Ryder said.

"What happens if a group gets lost and finding survivors will be like finding a needle in a hay stack anyways." Jake replied.

Blair approached the map looking at the interstate route numbers and roads. She pointed to a place on the map marked Uwharrie National Forest, "Here. We will take the groups here but meet in Asheboro route seventy-four right where the four clover is. Once we have set up camp there, we will send scout parties to search for the alleged survivor group."

"Why there?" Emily asked.

"It's a National Forest means somewhat clean air and water compared to cities."

"I don't agree with splitting up," Jake announced. "Safety in numbers, nobody will touch us."

Ian moved over so that Drew could see the map. "It's too open. Way too many people exposed in one area if something happens. Smaller numbers it's easier to move and go faster." Ian replied.