I never meant for this to happen, becoming family-less in this place we call life is unbearable yet somehow we manage. Anything that could've, should've or would've been is completely and utterly gone. And this is how it happened.

"We all die. The goal isn't to live forever; the goal is to create something that will." Chuck Palahniuk.

A/N- hey everyone, this is my new story! I hope you like it… you already know what it's about as I'm sure you've read the description (I hope), so ya, it may be slow going, but I promise it'll get interesting really fast, because I have tons planned for this story and the updating should be moderate. Some of the situations in this story are my own, or others, obviously without the apocalypse part, but similar, so please don't steal my work. Thanks for reading!

I stood on the outskirts of the accident, just watching, unsure if I was really alive or dead; or in between, if that even exists. I supposed I'd find out soon enough. I watched from the outside, from the tree line, our old SUV shoved under the depths of an old gas track. I realize what is going on; my family is in that car, all of them. Caleb, Adrian, my mother and father. And everyone, that's all I had left… beep… beep… beep…

I shutter awake, my eyes quickly fluttering open; the sweat drips off my flesh like raindrops falling from the clouds above. I shoot up from the bed, taking a look around my room to see the rising sun peering through my windows, and then I collapse to the floor.

I take in a deep breath, as tears stream from my face, almost as fiercely as the sweat. "It was a dream, just a dream." I tell myself, although the fear continues to creep in that it will eventually become reality; it will eventually become real, and I could not live through that, having no one. "Just a dream" I assure myself.

When I finally decide to drag myself up from the floor, I get dressed, remembering that I only have about 30 minutes. I take a very quick shower, first striping the nearly drenched clothes from my body. I look at my body in the mirror; I see a girl, who's not skinny, but she's not fat by no means. I see a girl, who's lost.

I get in the shower, rinsing the sweat and grime from my body, washing the filth from my long hair. After about 10 minutes, I get out, quickly drying off. I throw on light acid wash jeans with rips covering the front, a black off the shoulder long sleeve shirt with the word 'hope' printed on it in white, and black combat boots. I went sparingly on the make-up, putting just a bit of mascara, and putting my hair up into a messy ballet bun.

Luckily, it doesn't take me long to get dressed, and I go down stairs to feed my beautiful rotty pup, Bella. I had begged my dad for a dog for as long as I could remember, and on my birthday a month and a half ago, I finally got one. I was in love.

I skip down the stairs, thoughts of this morning almost pushed from my mind, and feed Bella, giving her small words as a greet of good morning before being yelled at by my brother, Caleb.

"Beatrice, unless you wanna be late, let's git it on goin' girl!" He yells at me from the front door, the evidence of our previous life in Texas peering through. With his words, I quickly grab my bag, and rush out the door.

I jump into my brother's red, rusty old work truck, of which I am in no way ashamed. "All ready ta go Tris?" I just nod, and he handles the stick shift to gear.

Currently not in the mood for anyone's jibber jabber, I put my headphones over my head, pressing play on my iPod. So ya, my headphones aren't Beats, or anything more that a ten-dollar pair that I got at Target; everyone bases things on what you have, and how much it costs.

I skip until the song that practically represents my life comes on. Let's Be Friends by Emily Osment. Why it represents my life, you ask? Well only because I had the biggest crush in the world on a guy in my gym class, just to be told that I'm a 'southern belle' and 'not good enough for him', only for him to turn and date my ex-best friend who's now a total slut, and cheats on him every chance she gets. Oh, but lets not forget that his family loves her.

And if only the story of my life could be told in a sentence.

We pull up to the school, Woodbridge High School, and I sadly climb out of the truck. Seconds before I slam the door shut, I hear Caleb call my name. I tear the headphones from the top of my head, allowing them to rest around my neck. "Ya?" I ask, in a breathy voice.

"…Just be careful, don't get yourself into trouble. Ok?" he assures. Since we moved here, to Pennsylvania, I guess you can say I've been getting myself into some trouble; a lot more than I did back in Texas, but you can't exactly blame me. I just nod again.

He just looks at me warily, before nodding, as if assuring himself of something; he puts a small smile on his face. Also fake may I add; I know better. "I love you lil sis, jus' want ya to stay safe. Don't get inta no trouble now"

I nod again, "love you too Caleb, I'll see ya later" I reply, before slamming the door shut.

Turning around, I lift my headphones back up, over my head as I listen to more songs. I quicken my pace across the road, onto the entryway into the school. I walk simply to my locker, considering I don't have much time. Making it to my locker, I put in my combo, spinning the tiny nod right, left, then right again, before it pops open.

Grabbing my books, I walk all the way to the other side of the school to my homeroom class. "Hey, Tris, wait up!" I hear despite the blaring sound in my ears. Once again tearing the headphones from my head, I decide to just turn off my iPod, as class is about to start.

I turn around to see my best friend, Christina. She has helped me through everything since I've moved here, and I can honestly I don't trust anyone more. "Yeah?" I ask, putting a smile on my face despite the dream this morning.

"Oh… you wanted me to say something?" she asks, dumb-founded. She may not be the uh… smartest tool in the shed, but she's all right. "I just wanted you to wait for me… I hate being the last one to class, everyone stares at me"

I just shake my head and laugh, as we set off to homeroom. We go through the typical routine of the news, pledge, then everyone practically throwing their chairs on the ground to get out. My first the three periods are quite boring, I must say; starting my day out with World History, Geometry, and Biology. Then fitness/health.

Fitness/health is only fun when we're in gym, not health, obviously. I make my way to the gym to get changed to play hockey. It disgusts me, most girls get dressed into really tight shorts, and a shirt that might as well not be there. I honestly don't care what I look like, or what people say about me. I'm me and no one can change that.

At lunch; I actually ate today, and I zone back into my friends arguing about who's going to go up and throw their stuff away, all of them afraid to go up alone. I finally burst from their arguing, "Why the hell are you guys so afraid to take your shit up alone!"

"Because Trisss…" Lauren whines, probably the brattiest girl in school and if it was my choice, she'd stay in first grade, "the guy I like is over thereee" whining again, in that same high-pitched, annoying voice, "and I don't want to walk in front of himmm"

I roll my eyes. I am so tired of these people, of this freaking place! "Ya? And the guy I used to like is over there" I point; they all know what happened, "if you're that scared to be yourself, then damn you!" I burst, taking my stuff and throwing it, before grabbing my bag and leaving.

I sadly don't have lunch with Christina; she'd never act like that. Granted, she may lack some common sense (even though I think she fakes being stupid and clueless), but she's not stupid. All these people who complain so much, who're scared of every molecule are pathetic. They've got no idea what they have.

After roaming for ten minutes or so, I realize that I've only got a few minutes left. I make my way to lay on the bench beside my class; until I hear footsteps behind me.

The squeak of tennis shoes on the scuffed up tile, as if someone were running. I turn to see the person I'd least like to see appears. He flashes a smile as if it'd make it all better, it won't. Nothing could ever get me back there.

"What do you want Four?" I sneer. He looks appalled, but I can't tell if that's fake or not.

"No… you can't use my name like a weapon against me Six… not anymore" sneers in return "and besides, Is it illegal for me to talk to you now Tris? -" I cut him off there.

"No, you're not allowed to call me that, not anymore" not after what you did, "And yes, unless you actually have a legit reason to talk to me. Leave me alone. I have no business with you" I answer, turning around to walk away.

"Just wanted to see what was wrong… you weren't acting like yourself today in gym… then I saw you yell at Lauren… thought you all were friends, that's all" he says, smiling again.

I'm amazed by the sheer willpower this boy has, I thought I made it clear the last time to leave me alone. "Well, I'm surprised you noticed, much less cared. And in case you forgot, no, we're not. You know as well as I do that those girls are brats, but you must be into that now; don't know, and I honestly don't care" I say, and I notice he's closer to me, smiling wider. He's such a creep, how is this normal to him?

He reaches to grab my hand, but before he could I pull my hand back, pressing my hands against his chest and push. He really has changed. "The hell Four?" I screech, "just because your girlfriend cheats on you, doesn't mean I'm going to let you cheat on her, with me. I am not one to wish death upon someone, but you can go to hell!" I burst, and before he could respond, the bell rings.

I internally smile. Perfect timing. I'm surprised he didn't try going after me, but of course with the crowd, it's be almost impossible.

The rest of the day went without anything, which was actually kind of surprising considering I have another class with him. I guess he was still as shocked about my outburst as I was, which I'd take any day… I've been waiting to say something to him like that.

As the final bell rang, I took my time packing my stuff back up, and going to my locker; avoiding the stampede of teenagers that always happened at this time.

I walk out the doors to see the buses leaving and my brother parked in front. He always drops me off and picks me up. I get in, and we have the typical conversations, "how's your day?" "Good, you?" "Good" Quite boring, I must say.

On the ride home, the events of today play over in my head and it's shortly before we reach home. As soon as we get home, I jump out, ready to start my normal chores and homework… same routine, different day.

I go inside, dropping my bags in my room. I grab a quick drink and go to the basement to check the baby bunnies; they were born a few days ago. When I get to the basement, I notice the door is open, which leads outside. "Adrian!" I yell after my little sister, "You need to close this door"

I go into the small five by three cellar room, and close that door that leads outside. Then close the door leading from the cellar to the basement. As I twist the handle, closing the door, I hear almost growling sounds from behind me, "very funny Adrian" I mumble.

I truly thought it was Adrian, just messing with me; but as I turn around I see this… creature. No idea what it is, my first instinct is to run, so I did, and I scream. I scream at the top of my lungs if not louder if that's possible. Screaming for my dad, or for help.

Chapter 1 Part 2 Below

As I reach the top of the stairs, I don't know if the thing is following me or not. I run into the living, by this point just catching my breath and I'm almost appalled. My dad is sitting on the couch, watching the news I assume, from what it looks like and my mom… just laying there.

"Dad… what's going on?" I ask, walking towards the front of the couches to see his fast, it's blank. I listen to the news further; the only words I'm able to pick up throughout the panic are: virus, undead, bitten, kill, immune… amongst others.

At that point, my dad stands. "Beatrice, I need you to listen to me, very carefully" he says, quietly, "get your sister, and brother… pack supplies, food, water, clothes, batteries, weapons… whatever you think is important… if we haven't turned already, then we're immune, but we're not safe…" he leans down to me, and hugs me, causing me to tear; what is going on? "From now on Tris, we are never safe, and if anything happens I need you to take care of your sister." He stands up right again, "now go… we only have a few minutes, and be quiet"

I only nod. I turn towards the stairs, but I hear a click behind me. As I make it to the stairs, I go up about half way, and stop where it curves; I watch my dad. The click I had heard was a pocketknife. He had tears streaming down my face, steadily, he obviously knew much more than he told me. He sat on the couch, next to my mother; I see his mouth moving, mumbling something, but I have no idea what he's saying.

Then tears strike my eyes; my dad sticks the pocketknife into the temple of her head, killing her. He gently wipes the blood from his knife onto his jeans, before snapping it shit, and returning it clipped to his back pocket.

The tears are steadily streaming down my face at this point, one after one. She must have turned; she must not have been immune.

Ignoring the burning sensation inside of my chest now, each step adding fuel to the fire. I run to my brother's room, to Caleb. I barge into his room, without knocking; I see him sitting on his bed, watching TV. Before I can speak, he beats me to it.

"I know" is all he says. I only nod, "go get Adrian… you start gatherin' supplies," he says, standing up off of the bed and going to his closet. "Alright" I say, monotony.

As I turn to leave, he calls me back. He looks up to me, from his crouched position in front of the closet. "Under no circumstance, do you let Adrian out of your sight… whatsoever" I nod, and without further conversation; I go to find Adrian. 'I wouldn't dream of it' I think

I make it to her room, to see her playing with her toys, without a care in the world; how it should me. I cherish the view for a moment, realizing that it will be a while before I see anything like it again.

"Adrian" I whisper, she looks toward me, "come on… we, uh, have to go…" I say, simply. She's too young, and this is complicating enough.

"To the store?" she asks, standing and going to her closet to get dressed. I only shake my head. "Then where?" she asks, her sweet, innocent voice pierces me. If only she knew.

I don't answer, I don't know how. So I only follow her lead in the closet, grabbing a bag and stuffing clothes in there, as quickly as I could; folded or unfolded. I can tell by now she's looking at me, wondering what I'm doing; thinking mommy would never allow this.

If only she knew that 'mommy' was dead, because 'daddy' killed her because she was turning into one of them. No, I tell myself; no matter how angry I am, I can't tell her this; these things that'd tear her apart like they've done to me.

"Get one toy, and your blanket Adrian," I say after clearing her closet. She must've picked up the sense of urgency in my voice, and quickly picked out a doll that I gave to her when she was little and her blanket that she's had for, forever it seems like.

After the toys are picked out, I go to my room, repeating the process. Clearing the closet, and getting important items like my phone, and a picture of the family.

I put the two bags on the bed, and leave the room; waving my hand for Adrian to follow. We both go down the stairs; I keep Adrian to my left, away from my where my mother would've been, but her body is gone.

I quickly put the thought to the back of my mind, and go to the kitchen. "Sit at the table, munchkin" I tell her, adding the nickname as my attempt to keep things normal; it didn't work, but she still takes her seat. I get boxes and begin packing food, cans and boxes of food.

As the boxes are nearly full, I had to climb on top of the counter in order to reach the back. I inspect the cabinets to be sure that I got everything, and I did, but on my last search I see a bag of the mini marshmallows sitting in the very back corner of the cabinet, alone. I know I shouldn't; I know I shouldn't get stuff like that, I should focus on stuff that will help us, but Adrian loves them. So I throw them in the box.

Along with the food, I pack batteries, blankets, medical supplies, and other important stuff.

By the time I'm finished, Caleb is coming downstairs with his things. I go up to Adrian, and get down to her level to look at here. "Listen to me…" she nods, "I need to go load these things up, but I want you to stay here, ok?" she nods again, her eyes beginning to droop with worry. I turn towards the counter to get a knife, "daddy showed you how to use these, right?" again, she nods, "alright, if anyone, or anything comes in here, near you, I want you to use this, do not hesitate; and you scream, as loud as you can."

"Okay" is all she says, I can practically see the gears turning inside her head. I place the knife on the table, and turn to pick up a box from the counter. As I go to carry it to the truck, but I see Caleb holding a paper, a note; and he's evidently shaking. I set the box down, and go to him to see what the note says, but then I see why he's shaking.

Our father, hanging in the doorway that leads to the basement, dead; he hung himself. "Coward!" I scream, sliding down the back of the couch. I break down to a ball, on the floor; and I cry. "A coward!" I scream, over and over again, "you're a fucking coward!"

I don't know how long it's been, five, ten, thirty minutes; maybe even an hour. "Tris" I hear, my brother shaking me out of my trance. Before any words can be spoken, I stand, pick up the box I was previously carrying and go out to the SUV.

I go back and forth in the house, carrying boxes and bags. After packing the last box, I pass Caleb. "You and Adrian get in… I will be out there in no more than five minutes… and here" he hands me a pocket knife "if one of them comes up to you, or near you... kill them, do not hesitate, because they will not hesitate to kill" I nod, and he walks out carrying a bag of guns out.

After passing by him, I then go back in to get Adrian, I pick her up off the chair and walk her out to the car, and she complies without a word.

As I buckle her in, and make sure she is safe, she begins screaming; an ear piercing scream. I turn to see one of… them; one of the undead. I hesitate a little, before walking up to it; keeping my arm plenty of distance away from is it as I pull the red pocketknife out of my back pocket, open it, and stick it into what would've been the temple of its skull. It falls to the ground almost instantly and I stand there a minute to inspect it.

I can't say that the person it once was is unrecognizable, because I could almost see a real person despite the blood and dirt. But its teeth; its teeth are what disgust me to no lengths. You could almost see the torn flesh, and blood between them. Naturally, I throw up, disposing whatever I had for breakfast and bile.

Wiping my forehead of splattered blood, I spit once more, as an attempt to get the taste out of my mouth; it doesn't work. I turn back to the car and get it, sitting there for a moment to recover myself before Caleb appears through the doorway, splattered blood covered as well. Must've encountered the one that was in the basement.

He gets in, and looks at me. As he spotted the blood on me, I only nodded. Yes, I killed one of them. He jams the key into the ignition and turns, pulls out of the lot in front of our house, and drives.

Its maybe, an hour, probably less, before he pulls into a gas station; parking at one of the pumps, he gets out, slamming the door doing so. It's been a silent ride until now. I only sit there, and watch him do the typical routine also filling a few fuel cans; the only difference was that he didn't pay, he didn't have to, the world has already fallen apart.

As he walks back around, one of them comes up, and without even a blink of an eye he sticks the knife into its head, doing as I did earlier, wipes off his face, and gets back in.

As if nothing happened, he leaves the abandoned station, as I just stare at him. "How can you kill them like that?" I ask, "they're people"

"No, They are not people Beatrice, and you cannot kill something that is already dead…" he replies, without looking at me.

And that is about as far as any conversations got.

About ten minutes later, I notice the white piece of paper on the dashboard. I pick it up to realize it is the note, from our father.

I cannot apologize enough to you three for what I've done to you.

Your Mother was not immune and became one of them.

As for me? I just couldn't do this.

I wasn't… am not… strong enough.

Get to John and Zeke, as soon as possible. Take the back roads, highways will be filled. And stop at the first abandoned ammunition store you find, get more than you think you'll need.

Although I didn't believe in myself, I believe in you two; you should believe in yourselves too, that's the only way you'll get through this.

A/n- So, pretty intense huh? Lol, well I'm not sure when the next update will be, these chapters take awhile to write because I want them to be perfect :P (perfectionist me) Enjoy and please, please, please review!