The Warrior Within

Something in the Water

Chapter 14

~Charlotte~

It's a long walk from the house to the well which I see Dale and T-Dog at. I decided that they might need some help getting the water, so I make I way over there, walking on the rough pathway. T-Dog is pumping the water and Dale is standing by him. It's obvious that they are talking to each other and I hope it's something they can still discuss whilst I'm there.

I always feel bad about intruding, but the more I get to know people, the more comfortable I get with my actions. I get nearer and nearer to the two men. I mainly want to help them as there is nothing else to do and I want to be polite.

I need to talk to Maggie a lot more. In fact, I need to talk to everyone in the group a lot more. My conversations are normally with Glenn or Carol. I would talk to Glenn as he is nearer my age, but now that we are at the Greene house, the person who's nearer my age is Beth. I've spoken a few sentences with her, which consist of, "Hey" and "How are you?", but not an actual conversation yet.

A couple more feet and I'll be with Dale and T-Dog.

"Hey, guys!" I call out, to let them know about my arrival. They both look at me and say their hellos. I try to be more cheery and optimistic nowadays. Ever since Sophia went missing, I realised that I need to be more happy and bring a funner atmosphere to the group than be a shy and unsociable girl.

I stand next to T-Dog who fills up a bucket, "Need any help?" I ask.

T-Dog hesitates. "I think we are done now. Sorry."

"Oh." My mood decreases. I look at the back of Dale's hat as he walks to the well. I stand by T-Dog as I watch Dale with curiosity.

He bends down by the well and looks in. T stops pumping the water and stares at Dale too as he gets up and turns to look at us. T-Dog then picks up a ladle from the bucket of water and is about to drink, before Dale smacks it out of his hand.

"I wouldn't drink that if I were you."

I look at him, wondering what he means. What's wrong with the water?

"Why?" Dale looks at me and T-Dog stares at the well. He seems to realise as he stares at the well with his eyes wide open. I then run over to the well, to see what is wrong.

My mouth immediately drops open at the sight.

"Charlie, you're the fastest here. Run over and get the group here. Now." Dale tells me.

I nod my head. Still dazed and slightly confused, I start sprinting to the house. How did it get there? This walker looked different from any walker I've ever seen. It was fat, and grey and... I dunno how else to describe it.

I run as fast as I can. I was never good at sports and I was the worst at running, always getting one of the slowest times, but Dale chose me because I am the youngest and I am uninjured. Within ten seconds of running, I already feel exhausted and I feel pain everywhere in my legs. I run to the campsite, spotting Glenn and sprinting to him.

As I get nearer, he turns and look at me.

"Glenn!" I call.

He starts walking towards me, partially jogging.

"What? What is it? Is everything alright?!"

I immediately grasp onto him. "Holy shit... I hate running." I gasp for air, filling my lungs with oxygen. When I feel better, I realise what I was doing. I was really close to him, clinging onto his arms, my head was practically on his chest. I let go and blush.

"The... well. There's a walker. In the... water." I stutter.

His eyes widen. He turns around to the rest of the camp. "Guys!" He calls. People start turning around, wondering what's going on.