The day that the world went to complete hell I was working in a bar. It had started off as a normal day, I got up at around 5pm, had something to eat and got ready for work. The simplicity of my schedule is what I loved most, I had no boyfriend, no friends, I went to work and went home, simple as that. But that day was different, the people I knew were dead.
"Mornin' Tuck, hows the kids?" I yawned as I entered the small bar that I worked at. I had lived in Atlanta for about a week and fell in love with it within minutes.
"Jesus Rayne, you'd think you were one of 'em vamps people been talkin' 'bout." I smiled at him innocently as I grabbed a bottle of Jack Daniels, taking a quick swig.
"I have no idea what you're on about Tuck." Tuck just shook his head, causing some of his white curls to fall in his eyes. Tuck was somewhat of an old man, in his early 60's Tuck had curly white hair that sometimes fell into his warm, green eyes and an aura around him that just made you feel instantly welcomed no matter what. His wife, Laura, died when she was 40, leaving poor Tuck to take care of his three kids.
I smiled him and lifted the bottle in a cheers motion before taking another swig and placing it under the bar for later. I pulled my curly red hair in a sloppy ponytail, causing a bunch of curls to fall in my face but I was too lazy to brush them away, knowing they would fall back anyway. I switched the sign from 'Closed' to 'Open' and waited for the one person who I could tell would be there in a matter of minutes.
"Merle Dixon is 'ere!" A small smile fell on my face as I grabbed Merle his favourite and placed it on the bar just as he sat down. "Thanks sugartits." He gave me a wink which made me grimace slightly.
"Merle, you should know by now that I'm not one of your whores, nor will I ever be, just accept that and stop tying to make me one of them or else you'll find yourself one less appendage, we clear?" Merle actually looked like he was going to agree for a second there but, of course, that was just my imagination.
"Sorry sugar, it's that damn British accent, it gets me darlin' I can't help it," I glared at him with all my power.
"I'm fucking Australian you bloody bastard."
"I don' know what you just said but it was damn sexy." I growled at him and grabbed the front of his vest with strength I never knew of.
"Listen here and listen good, I am a woman and I damn well deserve some respect, you got that? So if you ever come into my bar again and try to pull this shit, I'll make sure no one ever knew the name Merle Dixon ever again, got it?" I swear I saw a bit of fear in his eyes as I hissed these words, but I also saw a little respect.
Merle's hands shot up in surrender so I slowly let him down and went back to taking swigs of my Jack Daniels.
"I swear, how the hell does Daryl put up with you?" Of course it was a rhetorical question but Merle being Merle answered anyway with a shit-eating grin.
"Because I'm all he's got."
After the little encounter with Merle everything went back to normal and I was able to serve other people.
"Breaking news; a virus has been attacking people on a global scale, it is recommended to stay indoors and not open the door for anyone, more news soon."
"Wonder what that's about," I mumbled as I stared at the small TV hanging just above the bar. At that moment Daryl Dixon, Merle's younger brother stepped into the bar, a relieved look passing his face as he found his brother.
"Merle, we gotta leave," I gave Daryl a small wave before going back to my beautiful drink.
Merle glared at Daryl, "Can't ya see ah'm busy?" He lifted his half full drink as if to emphasise the fact.
It happened in slow motion. It surprised everyone, probably me the most.
The doors to the bar shot open like a bullet and people began pouring in, biting other people. Growls filled the air along with screams and the running of feet, desperate to get out. My drink dropped from my hand, the glass breaking on impact. On instinct I grabbed the shotgun that Tuck kept under the bar and immediately shot the first 'person' that went near me.
"Rayne!" I turned to Merle who was fending off one of those things. Without hesitation I shot it in the head, earning a grateful look from the redneck.
"C'mon we've got to get outta here!" I jumped over the bar, ramming the butt of the shotgun into a zombie's face, "Daryl! Get your ass outta here now!"
I could feel both brothers behind me as I hit everything in my way, zombie or not...
"Where's your truck?" I faced Merle and Daryl who both looked too shocked to say or do anything. "Y'know we're kinda on a time limit here so an answer would be awesome." That seemed to snap Daryl out enough to point across the road to his truck and Merle's motorcycle beside it. I grinned slightly and motioned for the two to follow me to the truck.
Merle put his bike onto the bed of the truck while I jumped into the cab of the blue pick up. Daryl began driving while Merle sat in the bed of the truck acting as a lookout.
"So, what's the plan big guy?" Daryl glanced at me with a bewildered expression.
"I thought you were the one callin' the shots." I snorted with laughter.
"Honey, I think I've done enough for the day, your turn, imma go to sleep." With that I laid my on the window and let my eyes drift closed, the adrenaline finally leaving my body.
A/N: Okay so admit this chapter was a little rushed but fear not, other chapters will be longer, I promise.