Keep Going (Book 1): The Beginning Read online

  “Those things are slow moving. We have a better chance of out-running them but we won’t be able to if they surprise us from around a corner. We’ll stick to the expressway.” She declared.

  With nothing more to say they began moving from the underpass back to the road. They listened for the groans and steps of the monsters. Alex’s observation had been correct they were moving slowly even as they turned direction to follow the three.

  Thanks to the lovely November time, night had started to descend rather quickly. They had walked at least 3 hours or what felt like it at least but they knew it wasn’t enough. The small group of monsters had dwindled down to only a few as many had given up. Either chasing a poor animal that happened to run by or betting their luck on a car alarm in the distance. Some had just walked right off the expressway into ditches or ramps.

  “It’s getting dark.” Petey said looking at the purple and pink sky. “Probably a good idea if we stop for the night.” Petey said.

  Before Alex could say anything Maggie was shaking her almost violently, her skin grew pale.

  “No, I don’t want to stop.” She begged.

  Turning wide eyes towards Alex in a silent please. Petey let out a irritable sigh and rolled his eyes. Sure, Maggie was attractive but did she really think batting her eyelashes at Alex would really work. He stopped walking and turned to her.

  “We’re at a disadvantage if we keep walking. If anything decided to attack we won’t be able to see it coming.” Petey tried to reason again.

  “We’ll waist time stopping.” She pouted like a child. “I don’t want to stop.”

  “Petey’s right.” Alex said.

  Maggie frowned hard while Petey stood victorious. The edge of Alex’s lips quirked up at the thought that even with monsters people still acted like children. She found it funny and irritating. Maggie opened her mouth to protest but was stopped when Alex raised her hand.

  “We’re stopping. End of discussion.” She spoke.

  Alex ignored Maggie’s pathetic whimpers and turned her back to them looking at the few monsters that still trailed behind them lazily. She felt Petey move just to the side of her, his arm pressing to her back. Letting her know he was behind her.

  “What about them?” He knew the answer.

  Alex laid down her bag, kneeling down she freed her machete and stood proud with it. Petey gave a small nod and dropped his own bag retrieving the forgotten crowbar. Alex eyed it with confusion, she had thought it was long lost in the crash.

  “Grabbed it after you grabbed Maggie.” He answered. “Figured this would be more useful.” He muttered the end.

  “You don’t have to do this.” She offered.

  Petey looked his friend up and down. He knew she was telling the truth; he didn’t have to do this he could step back. She’d probably be fine with it after all she had already done it a few times. Her stance was tight, her body ready to fight; no, he didn’t have to do this. But he would, instead of backing down he found himself reading as well, copying her stance and holding his weapon up.

  “I’m not letting you do this alone.” He declared.

  “Aim for the head.” Alex reminded.

  Strolling up to the monsters, the pair met them halfway. It stood three against two. Alex took out one with a quick swipe of her weapon and moved to the second one effortlessly. She dropped the machete hard on its head, kicking it to the ground. Alex stood over the fallen monsters staring down, this used to be a person and now it was this. She felt the acid rise in her stomach threatening to expel but she swallowed it down. ‘This wasn’t person.’ She repeated in her head over and over.

  She looked over to Petey to make sure he was doing okay. His own monster had fallen to the ground already and looked to be headless before Alex went for the second one. Mimicking the actions she had done with the ham radio he kept beating the crowbar into the mess that once its head. She dashed behind him, her machete fell to the ground, and her arms curled around him stopping his movements.

  His breathing was heavy as he felt the weight of Alex resting against his back. He looked at what he had done.

  He released the crowbar, it clattered loudly as he broke free from her grip and went to the side of the road. His stomach expelling all contents making his throat burn. He hadn’t noticed he was crying until the bile began to mix with the tears on his face. Petey felt a warm hand rub his back and comforting words entered his ears.

  After his stomach finally settled he stood up taking the rag that was offered to him. He wiped away any evidence from his face. Expecting to see a look of shock and disappointment that he could not hold his own he raised his swollen red eyes to his friends. Received neither but instead a weak smile and concerned eyes.

  Alex felt bad that he had to do that. She had forgotten most people were not like her or her sister, both were raised to swallow their emotions, cry on the inside and keep going. Always keep going.

  No, he wasn’t them; he was Petey.

  10

  They were hoping to find another overpass to sleep under but the road continued flat. The small patch of grass next to the woods area off to the side of the highway would have to be enough. It gave them coverage but still allowed the views of the highway, plus the trees provided them with fallen branches and twigs to start a small fire.

  Alex sniffed at the air, her face twisted in discontented as she got more comfortable the ground. Her hands patted at patch of dirt.

  “What is that smell?” She complained.

  “It’s fresh air.” Petey answered not bothering to look away from his bag.

  “Well it’s disgusting.” She huffed.

  Alex had always made it well know her displeasure of being out in nature. She much preferred the busy cities with fumes and population to the open mountain airs. He had asked her once why did she not stay in Chicago or Los Angeles but decided to move up to Washington. Even though she lived close to the city it was still nothing compared to the other two. Her answered was always the same ‘people’ and then she would grimace. He rolled her eyes knowing that she was probably groaning at the dirt beneath her and the filthiness of it.

  “I got something that will make everything better.” He said finally ending his search. He raised the bottle of wine in glory. “Snagged an extra bottle for fun.”

  He showed off the bottle of wine to the two women before plopping down next to Alex and pulling the cork out. Maggie scoffed and narrowed her eyes scooting closer to Alex. She believed that for once Alex would take her side in the upcoming argument.

  “I don’t think it’s a good idea to be drinking right now. Shouldn’t we keep our heads clear?” She said sneering.

  Petey scoffed mockingly.

  “Like that’s done you well.” He bit back.

  Their childish behavior got old very quick. At first it was funny now after the day’s weight it was just annoying. This is why she never liked children to begin with and having two full grown ones was just plain terrible.

  Alex took the bottle from Petey’s hand and took a drink. It was dry wine but it was all they had, she took another. Maggie huffed and moved away from the two. She crumpled up her jacket for a pillow and tossed of the think blankets they had packed, over herself turning her back to them.

  Petey took the bottle back and took a generous drink. He smacked his lips at the taste, it was sweet. He offered the bottle back to Alex, she knew it was a bad idea but if there was a chance she was going to die, like hell she’d be sober for it.

  “Helps keep the cold away.” He joked.

  Alex let out a snicker as she took another sip, smaller this time. The alcohol was taking its desired effect as the two passed the back and forth emptying quickly. Petey retrieved another and popped it open. She planned to yell at him later for bringing bottles of wine instead of other important stuff but as her mind began to turn fuzzy she didn’t care. In fact she was very happy with him.

  Petey unlike his friend couldn’t really hold his liquor and as he ope
ned the second bottle the smell of it pushed him closer to the edge. Yet he didn’t care that his vision blurred or his stomach was yelling at him. This was probably going to be the last time he ever drank so he might as well drink what he could. Besides he knew Alex would protect him, she could hold her own sober or drunk,. He had seen it before barely able to stand, drunk off her ass she was still taking care of people. Calling cabs, or offering her home for people to sleep off their drunkenness even going as far as to carry them.

  His thoughts shifted from his friend to the blonde laying just feet away from them. His eyes narrowed, she was the opposite of Alex. He didn’t like that at all.

  “She’s asleep, again.” He slurred.

  “Maggie’s depressed. Depressed people tend to sleep a lot. Takes a lot of the body to keep going, you know?” Alex said.

  She took the bottle from Petey. She figured he had enough, always a lightweight. He looked at her through squinted eyes desperately trying to focus on the blurred figure in the dark.

  “You’re depressed and you barely sleep.” He regretted it after the words came out.

  He knew he had made a mistake when Alex looked away to stare into the fire. Her expression turned blank. He had sent her into her own mind and that was a dangerous place. He started to apologize but she shook her head. He settled back watched as she took a drink from the bottle then chuckled darkly, more to herself then him.

  “It’s a different type of depression, buddy.” She confirmed. “You know.”

  He tried to apologize again but when Alex offered the bottle back he took a drink instead. She was never hid from questions or conversations but it also made her feel weak. Not the depression but explaining it knowing they won’t understand.

  “When should we tell her how Charlie died?” He attempted to pull her back.

  Alex rubbed her face harshly; with how many times she had done that today and the mix of alcohol she bet her face rivaled the color of a tomato. Grabbing the bottle back she chugged the remainder hoping to erase the screams in her head.

  “I don’t know.” She groaned.

  “Why is she still with us? She doesn’t know us. You come back saying her boyfriend is dead with no explanation and she doesn’t ask any questions. She just goes with it and us.” He spoke in a loud whisper trying to keep quiet but failing terribly.

  He took the empty bottle and shook it with a pout. He should have grabbed a third one but that felt like it was too much at the time. He tossed the bottle into the darkness in protest.

  “Maybe she trusts us.” Alex reasoned.

  “Well I don’t trust her.” He looked at the sleeping form in the dark. “I don’t trust her with our lives, hell I don’t trust her with her own.”

  “Do you trust me?”

  He swore he misheard. Never in three years he had known her, had she ever spoken so timidly. Her voice sounded unsure, that wasn’t possible. He looked over to her ignoring the nausea he felt when he shifted too quick.

  It must have been true because she had a distant look in her eyes. Alex was short but this was the first time she ever appeared small. The doubt and fear had shrunk her until she appeared only three feet tall. As much as he wanted to reassure her that he indeed did trust her, he needed some reassurance first.

  “Do you really believe we’ll get there?” His voice shook. “After seeing those things, do you really believe it?”

  “Of course, I do.” She answered more powerful this time. “We’re already halfway there. We just need to keep moving and we’ll be fine.”

  He dropped his head and started fiddling with his lighter. His stupid lighter that brought him comfort in this time. He felt a nudge at his side and looked up. Alex’s stance was back. Her shoulders squared, her back straight and her head high.

  “I’ll get us there.” She promised.

  He rattled the thought in his head, not one wanted to settle but her tone…her strength did give him reassurance. It gave him comfort and peace.

  “I trust you, Alex.” He spoke truthfully. “We’ll get there.”

  She smiled with her eyes as he leaned his against her shoulder seeking the warmth from the night air. She dropped a kiss on top of his unruly read hair as his eyes drifted shut. The kiss was a promise that she would protect them, not matter what. As his soft snores filled the air around them that silent promise became a determination in her mind. They were going to get to that base; she’d make sure of it.

  11

  Petey’s walked mimicked those of the monsters around the. Except his groans spoke more to the pound in his head and did not bring fear to his companions but laughter. He attempted to glare at them but the action caused a sharp pain to his already throbbing head.

  “Told you it was a bad idea.” Maggie said smugly.

  Oh how he wished he could glare and snarl some way. Any way to show his annoyance but all movements of his face made him ill. Walking in itself made his stomach turn but he powered through it. He threw his arm over his eyes to block out any light walking blindly down the road. He was sure Maggie would scream or Alex would give warning if there were any danger. Speaking of Alex…

  “How come you’re not hung-over?” He groaned.

  Alex lips were down curved in annoyance but her dimple was peaking out betraying her frown.

  “Well you’ve puked twice, drank most of the wine and oh yeah; I can hold my own.” She laughed.

  Petey tried to growl out his pleasure but all that came out was a whimper. Alex finally took pity on the man and stopped walking. She pulled the duffle bag from Maggie and reached in to retrieve a large bottle of water and some crackers. He looked at it worried that he might be wasting it one something that was rightfully his own fault. Alex stared at him, his features darkened by the sun.

  “We need you feeling better just in case. Plus I’m sure they’ve got water there. Either in bottle form or something we can use to refill our own.” She justified.

  He agreed with her logic and drank down the water. It wasn’t very cold but it made his tummy happy. He marveled at the miracle of water and how a bottle of water made things just a little bit better.

  She smirked as he stared to nibble at the crackers like a mouse. She tossed the bottle back into the bag and they continued on their way.

  “How much farther?” Maggie whined.

  Petey let out a muffled growl, his cheeks puffed up with crackers. His headache was almost gone but the sound of her voice threatened for its return. Alex laughed under her breath Petey’s blunt dislike of Maggie. She pulled off to the side pulling out the map and laying it out on one of the abandoned cars.

  They stared at it for a second trying to figure out where they were compared to the base. It appeared not too far at all at least on the map.

  “Looks like we got another couple of miles then we take the first off ramp we see. Should only be 5 or so miles after that.” Alex said.

  “That’s if we’re driving, we’re walking though.” Petey pointed out. His fingers dragged along a new route for them. “WE just need to get off the expressway in about half a mile. We should be coming up on Cedardale Rd and turn Stackpole Rd, should be a straight shot from there.”

  It looked like it would cut a lot of time off their travels and shorten the distance. Alex nodded at his words and folded the map up. With a quick ‘let’s do it’ they started again.

  With the occasional monster the walk was uneventful. Petey stopped feeling his stomach turn after the 6th monster he slammed his crowbar into. It concerned him however how easily Alex fell into this. She barely stopped, whipping her machete through their heads every hit her brown eyes turned darker, almost as if the light behind them kept dimming.

  He wanted to voice his concerns but he didn’t. Didn’t think he had any right after all she was the only reason they were still going. Maybe it was selfish of him but he understood he needed her like this to survive.

  They got of the highway, carefully sliding down the slanted grass onto the road beside i
t. They stood at the crossroads, to one side there were crops, and they were small but growing. On the other side a few houses, it seemed to be a small neighborhood. Petey raced from their side to the driveway of the first house.

  “Check it out! A non-damaged car!” He stopped his running and crept closer to the car. Not wanting a repeat of yesterday he raised his trusted crowbar and readied. Alex felt sick at how quick Petey’s demeanor changed. She ignored the feeling and followed behind ready to back him up.

  The white sedan was empty, he pulled the door open and brushed away the broken glass from the seat. He dug through the compartments looking for keys and by some miracle there they were. Nestled securely between the registration and insurance. He started the car and smiled proudly.

  “Shall we arrive in comfort?”

  Alex rolled her eyes but slid into the front seat. Maggie grudgingly but happy to be off her feet, jumped into the back seat. Titling her head back and letting herself relax for a little bit.

  “You’re such a dork.” Alex smiled.

  He pulled out of the driveway and headed down the road. It would only take a few minutes now for them to reach their destination. The air rushing through the shattered windows made them shiver or it could have been the sight of a few monsters snarling at them as they passed. They were close to the base but so were those things. Maybe there was a chance they would get there first. It became harder and harder for Alex to feel hopeful. The fear and worry was breaking her will and heart. She wouldn’t allow the others to see it; she needed to be strong.

  They came to a hard stop at the high metal fence that blocked their path. Stepping out of the car, they all entwined their fingers with the mental and leaned against it. Feeling the cool metal against her skin, Alex wondered how long it took for them to put this fence up. This didn’t’ look like something that was done in the spur of the moment especially in a residential area. How did they know they would need this fence?