midnight memories

chapter three

I apologize if this story seems like it's moving slow. I decided I'm going to pick it up by skipping to main events in FTWD, and start writing more about Ariana's present time. Also please let me know if you're liking the story! 💖

los angeles, riot day

Chris never responded to any of my texts. I looked out the window for the millionth time that day expecting a change of scenery, but it was still the same empty neighborhood. That was odd for an LA neighborhood, there usually some type of traffic or people walking down the street. I've tried calling mom again but she hasn't answered either.

I sit back down on the couch and take another bite of the Chinese takeout I ordered. Flipping the tv on, I begin to search through the channels trying to find some source of entertainment.

"Stop by and get half off all-"
"You get the best of both-"
"Cat, play with the pretty key-"
"There of have been many attacks sin-"

I stop and return to the last channel.

"ce we've shown you the disturbing video of a man being gunned down after killing a paramedic. It seems that the citizens of Los Angeles are teaming up against law enforcement due to beliefs that civilians are being gunned down for no reason. A protest has been going on downtown for a while now where a homeless man was shot and killed by law enforcement. Diane Roberts is down at the scene now."

"Thank you, Mike. You can feel the tension building down here as the crowd is getting more riled up over this incident. *gunshot* A weapon has been shot,"

I watch in horror as I recognize a green jacket with the word Pomona on the back of run across the camera with two others with him. Travis and Liza. Chris what the hell did you get yourself into? The news immediate returns to the other newsman due to the violence increasing downtown and I can feel my anxiety kicked in. Has he been there all day? Is that why he never answered me? Is mom having the same issues at the hospital?

I grab my phone and start to call my mom. The line's busy? I feel my stomach sink, I can't believe this is happening right now. Why is all this happening? I look back towards to the TV and see an absolute shitstorm. I turn it off immediately, Chris please be okay. I try to call my mom and again and it was the same as before. Mom please I need you the most right now. I feel the tears starting to brim but I jump up when there's pounding on my door. Who's here?

I slowly walk towards the door and take a peek out, i see-

******
georgia, present day

"God I remember those days. The chaos, the panic, the fear. It's something I'll never forget." Lori speaks up.

"God wasn't there most of those days." Daryl muttered

We all stayed quiet, those of us who witnessed the beginning of the end.

"I think it's getting late for all of us. Maybe we should pick this back up tomorrow morning and get some rest for the night." Rick commented

Everyone in the room agreed and began getting up.

"I can take Ariana to her cell." Maggie volunteered

They still didn't trust me . I mean I don't blame them. I was covered in dirt and blood when they found me, mostly blood. No matter how much time went by, nothing could stop the pain and anger of what happened. Every infected that came into my sight didn't stand a chance. They fueled my anger, my grief, and overall took away the person I once was. If this outbreak never occurred, I would be getting ready to graduate high school, applying for college, Chris forcing me to do math homework.

Chris.

Chris would still be here and I wouldn't be lost in this world. He kept me grounded when everything went to shit and now he's gone.

"Ariana, you ok?" Maggie asked as she escorted me to my cell. I didn't realize that I had began to cry, all these feelings that I had been holding back. I looked at her and shook my head.

"No I'm not, but hopefully I will be someday." I say and walk to my bed. It honestly felt good bringing up my past with the group. Maggie walks into the cell and shuts the door behind her. I scrunch my eyes at her.

"Continue." She says

"Huh?"

"Keep talking, you need to get all of it off your chest or it's gonna keep getting worse. Plus it'll be interruption free." She smiled at me.

"Alright, so back to riot day."

******
los angeles, riot day

I answered the door to find Travis's girlfriend Madison.

"Madison? What are you doing here?" She walks pass me and grabs my wrist gently.

"I got a call from Travis asking me to get you. Apparently your mom called him to come and get you to safety."

"Is my mom okay?"

"I'm sure she's fine. Come on let's get some clothes packed up for you."

"What about Chris, Travis and Liza? Are they okay?"

"They're holding out at a barber shop downtown right now. It's not safe to be on the streets, which is why we should hurry!" She says and grabs a suitcase from my closet.

I start going through my drawers and throwing clothes into the case while Madison grabs shirts out of my closet. Once the suitcase is filled with everything I need, we head out to her car. The streets were dark and quiet, not a person in sight. There were a few lights coming from houses but that was it. The drive wasn't long to Madison's, I honestly felt like we were in a ghost town.

******
georgia, present time

"Ghost town. I would prefer a ghost over an infected any day."