Keep Going (Book 1): The Beginning Read online

  Dedicated to my sister. Well here you go.

  1

  Once upon a time there lived two sisters. The eldest was short and very loud. She was the most social of the two, always wanting to be out and about. A smile always graced her face even when she didn’t feel it. Her name was Christian.

  Then there was the youngest; she wasn’t tall but she was at least taller then her sister and took pride in that. She seemed to be frowning even in the happiest of occasions and wanting to hide away in her home. Her name was Alexandra or Alex for short. The two sisters were quite opposite but it never hindered their bond. Yet today, today was different. Today they stood in each other’s shoes not knowing what misfortunate events were yet to come.

  Chris walked through the blue door one lovely autumn night after work. She stopped stared at the odd event that was occurring her living room. Her sister, who was very much opposed to dressing up, was wearing a black dress and blue sweater. Her dark eyes couldn’t help but widen in surprise.

  “So what’s with the outfit?” She asked.

  Alex shrugged disinterestedly as she tried again and again to put the silver bracelet on her wrist. She tossed it on the table in a huff. She didn’t need the stupid bracelet anyway.

  “I have that stupid party for that stupid professor. I hate things and people.” She grumbled.

  Moving to the full-length mirror that stood out of place in the living room. Alex wanted it there since having it in their bedrooms would cause problems. Chris rolled her eyes and plopped on the lumpy brown couch. Her eyes stayed on Alex as she attempted to flatten her natural frizzy black hair.

  “You haven’t brushed your hair since you were five. I highly doubt it’ll go down today.” She laughed.

  Alex would have argued but she really couldn’t; she had given up on doing something with her hair so many years ago. Just like then, she gave up now, placing it in a low ponytail. She turned towards her sister and held out her arms in silent question.

  “You look nice.” Chris nodded looking her up and down.

  “I hate wearing this stuff. Makes me feel fat.” She pulled at the dress trying to bring it further down. Chris shrugged; rolling on to her back she rested her head on her arms.

  “Maybe if you worked out more you’d feel a little less fat.” She said.

  Alex popped her jaw at the comment. Placing her hands on her hips she hoped to display her annoyance but seeing as her sister already shut her eyes, it most likely went unnoticed.

  “Can’t you just once say something nice without an insult?” She said while putting her shoes on. Flats of course, she would never make the mistake of wearing heels again.

  Chris didn’t bother to open her eyes merely made a soft humming noise and snuggled more into the couch; readying herself to drift off.

  “Are you going out with Josh tonight?” She asked.

  “Probably not. I’m too tired. Just going to have a beer, watch some TV; maybe play some skyrim and go to bed.” Chris yawned loudly. “How long do you think you’ll be?”

  “Probably not long. I’ll most likely be in and out; be there long enough to be seen.” Alex answered.

  Chris nodded knowing how her is; she’d probably be home before she even finished a quest. Alex dropped a kiss on top of Chris’ head; she hummed gently in acknowledgement.

  Before leaving the house she looked back at her half-asleep sister and pointed a stiff finger at her.

  “Be good.”

  “Be safe.” Chris pointed back.

  With their version of goodbye said, Alex headed off to the party. It was going to be a couple bus rides. She sighed loudly at the thought, stepping onto the first bus. She hated these things; she hated going out. She hated people. Well hate is a strong word, she’d much rather just be at home by herself.

  She supposed that every once and a while one does need to interact with others. Everything would be fine; it was just an evening. A couple of hours in fact of just small talk and holding a smile, she could do that. Maybe not the smile but it will be fine.

  Alex got off her second bus and walked down the dark street of the neighborhood. She could hear the music and chatter of people nearby; her heart began to race. She looked at the large house. It was stupid to have such a large home for such two people. She shut off her mind and just kept repeating ‘everything would be okay.’ With one last deep breath Alex thought ‘what’s the worst that could possible happen?’ and walked in.

  2

  Alex walked down the grand wooden staircase into the over done foyer. She was tired, people made her tired. She found herself hiding in a nice quiet little corner of some room; swirling her glass of red wine. Same glass she had been given at the beginning of the night; two hours ago. She never liked drinking, once in a while she had some vodka or tequila but even that was a far off thought. Her mind wandered aimlessly until she felt a warm breath on the side of her face. Only a few people ever got that close to her or were even allowed.

  “I swear to God if I hear one more story about how smart Mr. Pusspuss is I will punch someone.” Alex laughed at her friend’s words, his voice high mocking the tone of the professor’s wife.

  She looked her friend up and down. His black jacket complemented his slim frame; his freckles stood out against the bright red of his shirt however. His normally messy brownish-red hair was actually brushed back this time; Alex hummed and thought of how her hair lacked that ability.

  “But Petey, he’s so smart and talented.” She smirked. “Besides you couldn’t hurt a fly even if it was eating you alive.”

  He tightened his thin lips into a grimace but there no malice behind it. He fidgeted with his lucky lighter in his left hand, a nervous tick.

  “I’m going to be a doctor soon. You can’t keep calling me Petey, it’s not dignified.” He huffed.

  “Sure, I can. You could become president and I will still call you Petey.” She patted the side of his face gently. Despite the childish name, he smiled. It was a rare occasion to see Alex actually smile. The two continued their conversation, laughing and enjoying their time in the corners of the foyer. That is until the air in the house became thick and heavy.

  Guests moved past them in quick haste taking any easiness with them and leaving tension in their trail. Alex lightly gripped his arm and followed the crowd into another overly decorated room. This room however contained a very large T.V. that was currently blaring the local news with many flashing banners and warnings.

  “We believe this to be a terrorist attack. We are asking everyone to stay inside or get to a secure location. We do not know at this time the events that are taking place but the government is telling everyone to stay inside. If not inside find a secure location.”

  The blonde anchorwoman, who was far too calm, continued her report but it faded away as Alex moved out. She tried to call her sister but no signal was found. She cursed at the phone continuously as she passed through the door. Petey ran close behind trying to get her attention but her mind was clouded by the thought of her sister. He finally got a hold of her arm and spun her around making her drop her phone on the grass. His green eyes shined bright with panic.

  “Where the fuck are you going? We were supposed to stay inside.” He spoke too harshly.

  “I have to get to my sister.” She growled.

  “We don’t have a car how are we going to get there. It’s over 15 miles away.” He pointed out.

  “I have a car!” They turned to the voice. It was a man with broad shoulders trapped under an ugly sports coat; with the wave of his arm it looked like it would rip. She ran to the car pulling Petey with her. Even though he didn’t know this man or trust him, he wouldn’t leave Alex to face this
alone. So he willingly slipped into the backseat of the purple sedan with her.

  They felt the car start with a rumble but neither noticed that there was a fourth party sitting in the front seat. A blond woman until the driver cut through the grass. She shouted out directions the man; Alex remembered his name being Charlie. He nodded driving erratically to get as far away from downtown as possible.

  She noticed something odd, well odder about his behavior. He kept glancing in the review mirror and gripping the wheel; she turned her head to look out the back window. The bright lights of possible hundreds of cars made her stomach drop and they were just on the tip of their tail. Leaning forward she couldn’t stop herself from yelling into Charlie’s ear.

  “Gun it!”

  He nodded at the command pressing down the pedal as much it would allow. It only gave the slightest protest clunking and banging as it sped down the road much faster then what was probably safe.

  Petey looked out the window and saw smoke and panic. Charlie swerved to avoid cars that had crashed into each other, avoid the strangers running down the expressway. Yet Alex paid no mind.

  Her mind allowed focus when they pulled in front of her home. She leapt from the car before it had come to a complete stop. Rushing inside, she threw the door open; embedding the door handle into the wall.

  “Chris! Chris!” She screamed. Her throat already hurting as she continued screaming no answer in return. She wasn’t here; her sister wasn’t here. She gripped her chest the panic rising was becoming painful. Suddenly breathing felt like a more difficult task.

  “Alex.” Petey’s voice broke through.

  She moved outside hiding her panicked state before returning to the three; they had never come inside. Instead they stood staring at the night sky filled with large planes. They zoomed past and circled around their destination seeming to be just over downtown.

  “We need to get out of here. Now.” Charlie said as the blond woman grabbed his hand.

  “Follow me.” Alex sped off figuring they would follow her eventually. She raced down the street a few houses from her own. She pushed up the metal gate and went into the backyard of the two-story gray home. Stepping to the far end of the yard Alex fell to the ground. Her hands grasping at the grass, patting it down as if she had lost something. Petey was about to kneel down concerned that his friend had just snapped but was stopped by the sound of clicking.

  With a sound of achievement Alex turned a handle and lifted up a round part of the grass. It was a lid and inside was a long dark tunnel downward with a ladder.

  “Get in.” She motioned.

  The other woman went in first, her blond hair a blur quickly followed by the men. Alex rushed them down before going in herself and locking the door from inside.

  End of the tunnel revealed a small bunker; cement walls and cement floors. It had a bunk, desk and other items. But that one thing that Alex noticed most of all was that it was vacant. Her heart sank if their neighbor wasn’t here, where was he? There was no time however to think about it as the earth shook with a mighty roar.

  “You two under the bunk bed. Petey get under the desk.” No one questioned as they moved to their appointed spots.

  Yet there were not enough hiding spots for all. Alex was left in the opening as everything shook, the ceiling dusting her hair. She moved towards the ladder and sat down against it. Kneeling forward to protect her neck she prayed silently.

  3

  Only a few minutes pass when the earth finally decided to settle. It had gone from roaring to quiet; the only noise was their heaving breathing.

  “What the fuck was that?” Charlie asked still huddled in his spot.

  Alex got up, cautious of any further shake. She scanned the bunker and sighed sadly. Thanks to Mr. Donoghue’s constant talking about the bunker she knew exactly how much food and water was in this place. There were plenty of blankets, pillows and clean clothes as well. He had been well prepared but he also wasn’t here.

  “Alex?” Petey called out.

  She hadn’t realized he moved in front of her. His eyes scanning for any injury, as she was the only one that didn’t have any cover for protection. He worried that something may have hit her but at a glance she looked physically fine but the glaze in her eyes raised concern.

  Petey was about to question it but was interrupted by the struggles of Charlie trying to get out from under the bed. His large frame caused it to shake as he stood up and brushed himself off.

  “What’s going on?” Petey asked.

  They all turned their heads to Alex, even the blond woman whom she still could not recall her name. She had no idea what was going on, why on earth would they think she did? Fighting against all instinct Alex bit back any sarcastic remark when she saw the look of pure fear on their faces. They didn’t think she knew what was going on they just wanted to comforted. They wanted to be told ‘it was nothing to worry about’. They wanted a pat on the head and warm smile.

  “I’m not sure.” She spoke honestly. “But for now we’re safe down here.”

  “For now?” Charlie asked mockingly.

  “Yes, for now.” She muttered.

  She took a step forward ready to tell Charlie his attitude was not helping when a soft whimper came from behind the man. She looked over at the blonde woman who was fiddling with the sleeves of her dress. She looked so small; well she was small but even more so.

  “Where are we?” She asked.

  Alex tried again to rack her brain for any name but still came up blank. She would have asked but it seemed a little weird to be asking for any right now. She sighed heavily and moved to place an arm around the blonde’s shoulder trying to give some sense of comfort. It was very uncomfortable for her but at least she tried.

  “My neighbor, Mr. Donoghue’s bunker.” Alex chuckled. “Back up generator, an air filter system and food to last for about two months. Also has medical supplies and anything that we might need for emergencies.”

  “Wow, this guy was prepared.” Charlie skimmed the room from where we stood.

  Alex nodded. Mr. Donoghue was also prepared, he was a smart man and he was alive just like her sister, Chris.

  “He built after his wife passed. She never liked the idea, thought it was crazy.” Her chuckle darkened. “I think it did it to distract in himself from his loss. Good thing to build though.”

  Sensing her distress Petey moved to her side. He wanted to reach out to her, Alex didn’t often show emotion and Petey knew she didn’t like to be called on it. So he didn’t try to comfort her like she did with the blonde instead he allowed her to slip from their side and turn her back. Let her turn away to grieve in the tiniest of bit of privacy.

  Petey turned away himself and looked across the room. By the ladder sat a wooden desk with what looked like a bunch of junk. Eyeing it closer he realized it was an old ham radio sitting there with transmitters and speakers. He scoffed in amazement at the sight. He pondered the list of people who would have such a device and where one could even find one.

  “I think I can get the radio working.” Petey’s voice cracked with hope.

  The other three turned quickly around looking for said radio that seemed to appear out of nowhere. Alex eyed it suspiciously.

  “You really think you can that crap to work?” She pointed lazily.

  Petey shrugged as he glided towards it. Pulling out the metal chair he plopped down and looked the radio over. It appeared intact; nothing looked damaged or rusted, though he would have to open it up and make sure the wired were still good. He believed Mr. Donoghue had and did take great care of it. Feeling hopeful he turned to his friend and nodded.

  “I can do it.” He said determined.

  Alex gave a nod back and clap of approval on his shoulder. She could hear the slight hitch in his voice of hesitation but she had complete faith in. Besides they need something that gave them hope, a distraction if not just for a little bit. She turned towards the others in the bunker and took them in.

/>   Charlie was a well-built man however his black hair and brown eyes made him more ordinary then anything. She tried to be strong, he wanted to be brave but Alex could see the fear shinning in his eyes. The way his body was tense and rigid like a corned dog.

  Then there was the blonde, who Alex could still not figure out her name. Her small frame was shaking; her hair a mess from what she assumed what was once a tight bun. Her short green dress was dirty and slightly torn and she kept chewing on the long sleeves. Alex felt nauseated at the thought of all the dirt she must be sucking on. Unlike her companion, this had no problem showing her fear.

  Alex took a deep breath in, collecting her thoughts. She knew everything that was in this bunker but they didn’t. They needed a distraction and Alex needed them to be distracted long enough for her to collect her barring’s.

  “Maggie and I are going to search for some different clothes to change into. Charlie I want you to search around the bunker. Find out where the food, water and medical supplies.” She said.

  The pair nodded happily accepting the busy work. As they searched for things they called out they found; food, water, tools, pillows, blankest, etc. When Charlie yelled out clothes, Alex abandoned her mental inventory of canned foods to change into something more comfortable.

  She grabbed a red plaid shirt and pair of jeans, both too large for her but she didn’t care. She didn’t care that they smelled musky and mildly moldy. God knows how long they might be here and she wasn’t going to be stuck in an outfit she hated. It was a shallow though, she knew that, but then again she didn’t care as she rolled up her sleeves.

  Charlie continued to walk around amazed that the bunker had after seemed small but in fact was quite large. It had basically a walk-in pantry for the food. He found a sense of respect for Alex’s neighbor and silently thanked him in his head. He came upon a beige cabinet hiding the darkness of the bunker. It was off to the side and a way from everything else. It was not very tall or wide, however, it was locked. He rattled the small padlock but it held the double doors firmly close.