Finding Haven

Chapter 2

Kendra

There was a fondness in his voice as he talked. "It's a small town, but everyone's real nice. We're about twenty minutes out."

"Kendra," a small voice from the backseat called. "Can we get something yummy when we get there?" I sighed, realizing the little ones would make using fake names difficult.

"The diner is still open, Kendra," Bernie told me, a knowing look in his eyes before he turned back to the road.

"Yeah, Maddie, we can get something."

Shouts of joy erupted from the twins in the backseat as they rambled about all the things they wanted and hoped the diner had. I smiled, glad they could be their rambunctious selves. I no longer had to worry about keeping them quiet so that the Walkers didn't hear.

About thirty minutes later, I saw a sign coming up on the right. It was a welcome sign to Chandler's Landing. The bright sign stood out amongst the dark trees. The moonlight was like a spotlight on it. We flew past it. I spotted lights in the distance, making me sigh in relief.

"Woah," Violet muttered in the back seat. I turned to look at her. She was staring at nothing in particular, her eyes wide.

"Vi, you okay?" Violet shook her head, looked at me, and finally nodded. I knew I wouldn't get a verbal answer with Bernie around. I made a note to talk to her about it later.

With wide eyes, my gaze darted around as we entered town. It was beyond picturesque. Cute brick buildings, colorful awning, and small town charm perfectly incorporated into the surrounding woods. Benches and trees lined the sidewalks. It was somewhere I dreamed of living at one point.

He turned off the main road and pulled into a parking lot. A huge sign was lit up on the front of the place. Cursive letters glowing with a bright white light spelled out Bernie's. He stopped and let us out before getting the car into the garage.

I moved the car seats back to my car and grabbed everyone's bags from the trunk. If need be, we could leave the car and flee. I really hoped it didn't come that, though. The twins grabbed their backpacks, putting them on while Ryan took his and Violet's bags. I glanced at the crowbar, still in his hands.

"Ryan," I said, drawing out his name.

I stuck my open hand out. Reluctantly, he handed it over. I opened my bag and placed it inside. We couldn't just carry it around in the open, but it was the best weapon we had with us. In case of trouble, I didn't want it far.

"The motel is just across the street," Bernie told me as he walked up. "Your car will be safe here."

The younger kids took a step behind me while Ryan stepped slightly in front of me. Placing a hand on his shoulder, I tried to pull him back, but he wouldn't budge. I glanced back at the motel in question. It looked nice. I hoped it wasn't too expensive. He turned back to head into the office.

"Thank you," I mumbled, but he still heard me. He turned and smiled at me again.

"Anytime," he told me. "Anytime." As he went into the office, I turned and led the kids across the street, toward the motel.

The vertical letters along the corner of the towering brick building spelled out Moonlight Motel. Large trees sat on either side of it in an array of yellow, orange, and red. A set of grand wooden doors led into the lobby.

Pale gray walls accented the dark hardwood floors. The wood continued up from the floor and covered the rectangular desk at the back of the lobby. I approached the white marble countertop, but I didn't see anyone. The kids followed behind me. A mass of curly blond hair popped up from behind the desk, making me jump.