by Morse, K. A.
“Not sure, probably 7 a.m. But you have made great time. Getting past St. Louis is going to be fucking great,” he says with an awkward laugh.
“What’s the fucking laugh about?” Metzger yawns from the back seat.
“Have you ever been to that town? It’s fucking massive,” he tells us. “Who the fuck knows how many are still alive or, shit, infected there? Even going on the outskirts of the town, it’s huge.”
“Well, we will fucking kill anything that gets in the way,” I let him know before I drift to sleep.
It doesn’t feel like I’m asleep long before I feel us come to an abrupt stop. This doesn’t please me, all I want is to get a little bit of rest. The night we just had needs to be forgotten. What the fuck was Kyle up to? It’s probably good we left when we did, or we would be dead now. Looking out the window, I see the sun is just high enough to blind me. I try to pull the visor down, but it doesn’t do any good, the sun is in the sweet spot. The one where it still gets right in my eyes no matter where I sit or move the visor.
“What the hell did you stop so fast for?” I’m pissed to be awake right now.
“A little girl just ran out in front of us,” Rockstar looks a bit shaken. “Fucking scared me shitless. I swear she flipped me off as she kept running.”
Harris laughs from the back, “Yeah, fucker, you probably earned it.” He’s giggling to himself.
“So, keep your eyes peeled for a gas station, cuz we are running pretty low on fuel,” Rockstar reports as he starts moving again.
“Will do, Captain,” I give him a look like ‘the fuck you think I’m doing, asshole.’ “Plus, I’ll make sure there are no little girls popping out to flip you the bird.” Wow, I couldn’t even say that with a straight face.
The streets are littered with cars and bodies. Rockstar is able to make it through, but I’m not sure how the fuck he does.
“I’ve been trying to stay on the outskirts, but I think we might have gone farther than I would’ve liked.”
“Well, buttercup, you’d better suck it up; we’re all fucked now, so let’s just do this shit,” Metzger has to put his two cents in from the back seat.
“Well, you are more than welcome to take over, asshole,” Rockstar spits right back at him.
“That's fine, fucker. Say when.”
Rockstar automatically stops the car and hops out, then opens Metzger’s door. “After you, sir.”
Just as Metzger gets out, our Suburban is all but surrounded by people. Not fucking infected but real live people. I think I’m more freaked out that they aren’t infected.
“We need to get the fuck out of here now!” I’m almost screaming at them. “Hurry the fuck up!”
Metzger gets in the driver's seat quickly and takes off. Rockstar doesn’t even have time to close the door all the way. I look back to see Harris grab onto Rockstar’s arm to make sure he doesn’t fall out. A laugh escapes my lips at this sight. But finally, Rockstar slams the door shut.
“Where the holy fuck did all these people come from?” I ask as Metzger all but mows one of them down. “Could you fucking not kill someone?”
“Look, Carter, if they don’t get out of my fucking way, it’s all their problem, not fucking mine if they end up a speed bump,” Metzger looks pissed as he keeps looking forward. “I’m glad more people are fucking alive, but I think they would kill us for any of the fucking supplies we do have left.”
“So, what you’re saying is we need to be fucking aware when we stop at the gas station. These people are already in the mob mentality.” The knuckles of his hands are white from holding the steering wheel so tight.
A Sweet Ass
Carson aka Rockstar
We finally find a fuel station, just in the nick of time, the Suburban was starting to sputter. The vehicle coasts into the stall.
“Fuck, that was a close one. In a fucking town this big, why was it so hard for us to find one?” Metzger grits his teeth.
“Everyone, please be on the lookout, we don’t know what or who might pop out here,” I remind them as they get out. “So, how am I the only fucking one without a weapon?”
“Well, do you even know how to fucking use a gun, you pansy? I thought all you meatheads were the same and just lifted weights.” Harris laughs as he exits the Suburban.
“Dude, what the fuck?” I throw up my hands. “All you do is look at me and see a sweet piece of ass?”
“Pretty much,” Harris and Carter say at the same time as they shake their heads and laugh.
“I don’t know if I should be happy or upset with you guys or what.” My mind is just in awe that they think I’m no more than a pretty face.
“Well, why don’t you get that sweet ass behind me, so I can protect you from the things that go bump in the night?” Carter’s smile is so shy as I just listen to her.
She does have a fucking gun, and I’m no fucking fool. So far, everything goes well Harris And Metzger stay outside to pump the fuel while we get it turned on. Carter goes ahead of me, since she’s the one with the gun. The first two shots ring out before I even see the infected. Carter moves quickly to see if there are anymore in the store. Only one more shot goes off before she yells the all clear. Then she goes behind the counter and turns on the fuel.
“Game plan, Rockstar, you need to grab snacks for you and Metzger. I’ll get mine and Harris’s.” She smiles at me, it’s nice to see a smile on her face.
“Why do I have to get Metzger’s crap?” I mumble as I walk away. That guy is so full of himself.
The only thing I know the guy likes is Red Bull. So, I grab some of them, a smile spreads across my face when I see that glorious Rockstar drink just waiting on me to grab it up. This makes me so happy. Out of all this shit, it’s the small things that really count now. Damn, why didn’t I bring a backpack in? Fuck it, I run up to the front and grab a couple bags, so I can fill them up, then run back to get my drinks.
“Could you go any slower? We need to fucking get moving,” Carter calls from the front.
“I’m coming.” In a hurry, I grab some chips and candy bars as I rush out. “I’m he–”
Carter hushes me as she looks outside. Harris and Metzger are talking to someone, their guns are up, and they look fucking pissed. She’s looking to see how many of them there are. Finally, she moves out but motions like normal for me to stay behind her. Just one time, I’d like to be able to be the one to protect her, so I don’t look like a chump. The damn door dings as she opens it, which I don't remember hearing going in, but is totally possible. All faces are on us now. Carter has her M9 ready to shoot someone if necessary.
“Carter, these three douche canoes think they are going to take our ride and gear!” Harris yells as we head toward them slowly.
“How about you tell your girl to stop moving before we put a cap in her ass?” one of the douchebags says.
“I guess I should have said Sergeant Carter. So, you’d better watch your mouth before she kicks your ass.” Harris laughs at the idiots.
“OOO, now you got us shaking in our boots,” one of the others pops off with a smirk.
Before I can blink an eye, Carter is in full charge to the guy closest to her. She tackles him and has him pinned on the ground before he can even move. The surprised look on his face is fucking priceless. His eyes are wide with fear, he even screams like a little bitch when he goes down. Carter still has her gun pointed at the other two, while still holding the one down.
“Say what, fuckhead?” She’s got a crazy look in her eyes. “I suggest you get the fuck out of here before I start shooting you fuckers. Now, there are plenty of supplies inside if you guys need anything.”
“Yeah, so fuck off, Jim,” Harris tosses in, but I’m not sure when he got one of the dude’s names.
They slowly back away, and once they have crossed the street, Carter gets off of the third guy. He hurries and follows them, without even looking back.
“Love the comeback, Sergeant Die Hard, but you’d
better not have shaken up my Dr. Pepper.” Harris looks pissed at the chance she’s done this.
“Calm your tits.” Carter smirks as she comes back towards me. “I know fucking better than that, you whiny asshole.”
She quickly grabs her bag from right in the door of the gas station. I never even saw her set it down. Wow, she’s sneaky. Giving me a look, she hops in the Suburban.
“We’ve got places to be, let's go, fuckers,” Carter commands and shuts the passenger side door.
All of us do as she says; this chick kinda excites–also scares–me.
Fort Schaefer
Lacey Carter
We’ve taken turns driving since St. Louis, only stopping for fuel. After our run-in with those idiots, we are a lot more aware of what is going on around us. After driving two days non-stop, the signs for Ft. Schaefer are finally appearing. A bit of relief sweeps over me. We’ve made it, and I can get to my girl. The feeling she’s alive is so strong in my soul. I just need to see her face, knowing she’s okay.
“Harris, only three miles to the house.” My stomach drops at the thought.
What if she’s not there? Where should I look for her? My mind is racing at all the possibilities.
“Earth to fucking Carter.” Harris is giving me a shake.
“Sorry, I’m thinking of Ella.” Right as those words come out of my mouth, the Suburban starts to sputter.
The vehicle comes to a complete stop. “What the fuck?” Metzger all but screams at the steering wheel. Turning around, he shrugs his shoulders at Harris and me. “We still have plenty of gas. I’m not sure what’s wrong.”
“We aren't far from my house, the walk will do us all some good.” Opening the door to get out, I add, “You guys are starting to smell funny.”
“You aren’t a rose anymore, my dear,” Rockstar states as he gets out, moving to the back to get his bag and grabs my big ammo bag, too.
The bag has gotten a bit lighter as I’ve reloaded the ammo in my guns. Who knows what we will come across walking the rest of the way to my house?
“Yeah, I know exactly where we are, this is a lot closer than I thought we were.” Harris has a smile on his face as he goes and looks over the railing. “So far, everything looks pretty clear.”
“Alright, let's get me to my daughter.” I smile back at him.
I grab my backpack from Rockstar then start toward my place. Harris is right next to me, relief filling his face. I think he’s happy we are finally home. That feeling will hit me once I see Ellabee’s beautiful face, hold her in my arms, and know she’s okay. The only thing between me and her now is about a mile and a half. A lot can happen between here and there, so my guard will be up until I hit my front door. I’ve got a big lead on the guys already, not wanting to waste anytime.
“Could you slow your roll just a bit?” Metzger inquires as he has now caught up to me.
“Fuck, no.” My response might not be good enough for him. “I have to know if she’s still out there, or if this shit was all for nothing. I mean, did we really do all this stuff and it would be for fucking nothing?”
“I can fucking dig it,” is all he says.
My head wants to spin to see if this is the same Metzger that I know. Then again, all the shit we’ve been through in the last week has changed us all. The infected is something I had hoped not to see in this lifetime other than in movies; let alone living in it, hopefully with my girl.
“Earth to fucking Carter,” Harris pulls me out of my thoughts.
“How about you fuck off, Jim,” I reply, smiling at him.
“Oh no, bitch, you know that’s my line.” His face is priceless.
I love this man, my rock in a world full of quicksand. None of this could have really been possible without him pushing me. Metzger did help some, I guess. When I roll my eyes, Harris gives me a shove, not even knowing what is going on in my head.
“Stop, fucker! I’ll give you a reason to smile.” I shove him back.
We’ve been walking for a while now and are about three and a half blocks from my house. My heart is about to leap for joy until we turn down my street. Between me and my home, is a wall of the infected.
“Fuck me sideways,” stumbles out of my mouth as I take pause.
“Ditto,” Harris replies as he sees it, too.
“Can I have a gun now? For fuck’s sake,” Rockstar is pleading as they are getting closer to us.
Metzger hands over his M9, “but if you shoot yourself, don’t fucking come crying to me, asshole."
I start out with my M4, trying to be accurate with each shot. One shot, one kill is the best way to do this. Damn, out of ammo. My suitcase is right next to Rockstar, I grab it as fast as I can and unzip it. Reloading it is harder than normal, combat seems easier than this is. It looks like they are almost on us. I’ve finally reloaded and am ready to mow more of them down. No matter how many we shoot, another seems to take its place.
“What the fuck, is the whole fucking base here?” Harris seems pissed as he’s reloading his weapons.
“Well, Commander Lockstone isn’t here.” Wow, did I just make a fucking joke?
These infected look a lot more beaten up than what we’ve run across. These ones must have really been going at each other until they were turned. Time to reload again, I’m trying not to use my M9 until I absolutely have to.
“Did you forget about the fucking grenade launcher in my bag?” I ask, poking a bit of fun at Harris. “This would be the fucking time to whip it out, asshole.”
The wickedest grin spreads across his face, he fucking forgot. He left his a couple days into our trip, but I kept one just in case. We keep him covered as he gets it all set up. Once he’s got it ready, we move as far away from him as we possibly can, he fires, hitting dead center of the horde. This leaves a big hole we can maybe slip through. It’s like we are all on the same wavelength and make a run for it. I forget all about my ammo bag, but by the time I remember, I’m halfway through the horde. That one hesitation is when it happens, the teeth dig into my arm fast. Even pulling away quickly, the damage is done. The blood is running down my arm into my hand as I make my way out of the infected.
I’m now one of them. So close to my baby girl, and I don’t make it. All this for fucking nothing. I want to scream and cry all at the same time. Nothing comes out, I just keep going on. Those fuckers aren’t going to get another piece of me.
Once clear, the boys stop to catch their breath, I’m close in the rear. All turn at seemingly the same time to look at me. Metzger sees it first.
“What the fuck, Carter?” comes flying from his mouth. “Why the hell didn’t you tell us you were bitten?”
“Would it have fucking mattered?” Tears fill my eyes, willing them not to come out. “All I would have done is slowed you the fuck down, and then you, you, or fucking you would be in the same shitty boat as me.”
Harris is already next to me, he has a shirt from his backpack out and is tearing it to pieces.
“Do you have any water left in your bag?” His voice is so meek right now.
I nod and like that’s a cue, Rockstar is in my pack digging around for it. Once found, he hands it to Harris, who quickly opens it and washes my arm off. When he gets to the spot with the bite, I can’t look; this just needs to be done. I only turn back when I can feel him tying the makeshift bandage on my forearm. Looking around, I see we are only four houses from mine. This breaks my heart more.
I pull Harris’s face up, so he’s looking at mine now. “I have one last mission for you. And this is a big one. The biggest adventure of your life.” Damn those pesky tears are sneaking back in on me.
“No, Carter, you will beat this. You have to. I can’t lose you! So, don’t you fucking give up on me!” he’s almost screaming at me. His tears are already flowing out.
“I think you need to man the fuck up, there is a little girl in that house right there who fucking needs you now more than ever.” Fuck, now, I’m crying. Dammit, Harris. “I w
ill not live like one of them. I can’t, just fucking can’t. So, if there’s a chance Ella’s alive, I need you to take care of her for me.”
Harris is just shaking his head, he won’t look at me anymore.
“Fucking promise me, fucker!” I’m all but yelling at him now.
“Well, what are you going to do?” he finally asks after a long pause.
“I think I’ll go rest next to my husband. That way, she will have a place to visit us both. So, please do this for me,” I plead with him.
“You know I would die for you both. You are my family. There is no question, Lacey. So, let’s go get you to her, so you can at least say goodbye.” Harris gives me a weak smile as we start moving towards my house.
“I’ll go with Carter, so she’s not alone,” Metzger offers with a grim look on his face.
“I suppose you can, but no fondling me once I’m dead. You know they have a name for that,” I try an attempt at a bad joke to lighten the mood.
There sits my house. Deep breaths.
My Window
Ellabee Carter
The day the rain started was the day the world changed. At first, no one knew what was happening, the chaos started almost at once. People attacking other people, biting them, ripping their flesh from one another's bodies. Only certain ones started attacking and eating people. Why did only those people turned into these ‘zombie’-like creatures when the rain hit them? It’s unknown where the rain first started. But my mother was on a mission, and I haven’t heard from her. It’s been over a week since she left, now Jenn and I have been fighting off these things, trying to stay alive.
Unfortunately, we are the only two left out of her family. Jenn has been so sad but promised me that with her last breath, she will see me returned to my mother. We don’t talk a lot, mostly just go through the motions of the day, never leaving the house. We have gone out once, but that was for food. Jenn knows how to use a gun, thankfully. Mom taught me how as well and was pissed when I could outshoot her. As for now we have power, but Jenn said she didn’t think it would be on much longer, since there aren’t any workers to man the power lines.
