Coleen will be in this :3 PLUS, I've decided on the ONLY THREE WINNERS OF THE OC CONTEST...
...Literally.
So here they are:
Tiffany Perch - XxClemClemxX
Gloria Cisneros - Rebloxic
Anne Marshall - AquaDestinyEmbrace
I DON'T OWN TWDG!
Tess's p.o.v
After locking up the armory, I led the group to another part of the community. As I we walked, I felt someone walk beside me. I just kept my eyes forward, analyzing the area for directions. I paused in my movements, looking left to right to see if I was going the right way.
"So..." I recognized the voice to be Luke's, "How'd you and your dad survive in a world like this and...build a place as strong as this one?"
I thought for a moment, then turned a left corner to go inside Howe's building. Luke patiently waited for my answer.
"...My mom's here, too. She's not a people-person." I bluntly replied, trying to change the main subject. Luke hummed in interest. "Your mom and dad together? Man, I can't imagine him with a wife or a kid, no offense."
I shrugged, chuckling. "None taken. It was all an accident anyway. My stepmom and half-sister aren't here; Dad told me they died."
Luke frowned, seeming sympathetic. "Oh, I'm really sorry." He apologized, his tone sincere. "I lost my folks a while back. I know how you feel."
My eyes glanced at his face for a moment. Wow...He lost BOTH of his parents? Huh. Maybe we might understand each other more than we know after all..."I'm sorry, too."
"It's alright, I'm...I'm over it. I've moved on." Luke muttered, looked away momentarily, crossing his arms. I felt sadness settle in my stomach when I watched his face transform into an open door of emotions. It was only for a moment, but I swear I saw it.
Then Luke converted to the neutral person I met and smiled nervously at me, uncrossing his arms. "So, about when you started-?"
"OH," I cut him off with a pointed yell, cutting him off as I fast-walked to the pens. "Look. The pens!"
The pens, where all the tools and such that was there before now served as some kind of...temporary holding cell. The guards stood in front of a sliding gate holding machine guns in their hands. Their names were Gloria and Troy.
Troy was a tall, thin fellow; About 6 foot tall, Early 30's, American, short brown hair, gaunt face structure, camouflage uniform and vest, combat boots. In all honesty, he was a bit of a dick toward me sometimes, but we've had our friendly moments. He's usually with my dad on trips whenever he's not guarding something or bothering the hell outta me.
Gloria, though...She was tough as rocks. She was more of a no-shit-taking person than I'll EVER be.
There were a few people in the pen, glaring at me through the gate from where I could see. Two women, three men. They needed to be punished...at least from what Dad told me. Dad does what's right for me, I guess. Not just for me, but the entire camp. Gotta keep people in their place, though sometimes there were...sacrifices.
God, where's humanity gone?
Troy noticed us walking to the gate and lowered his gun when he saw me. "Who're the noobs?" He asked me, narrowing his eyes at the NEWbies. I pushed at his chest, annoyed. Gloria cautiously glanced at us through her dark shades, silently watching us.
"SHUT up, Troy. I'm not dealing with your shit today!" I hissed, peering into the gate. "Everyone, Troy the asshole. Troy the asshole, Everyone. And that's Gloria."
I heard some of the group snicker lightly as I stood in the middle of Gloria and the asshole named TROY.
Troy frowned at me, scoffing. "I ain't no asshole, but whatever Tess."
Alvin tilted his head slightly, frowning upon the gate. "What's this?" He inquired. "It looks like a holding cell...IS it a holding cell?" Beside him, his wife rose an eyebrow.
"Good question. This is one of the pens," I explained, crossing my arms. "This is where some of our flock get sent to if they get in trouble...If you're lucky, you won't be left without a blanket. Usually you'll get food, but if you don't do what you're told, you'll go without meals at a time whenever you mess up. So I advise you to get along with my Dad and maybe-" "Getting along with the group, honey?"
I averted my gaze to behind the group to spot Dad catching up to me, his usual smirk seeming to be glued to his face.
"just in the middle of showin' 'em the pen. I thought you were gonna make an announcement." I confusingly said, crossing my arms. Dad stopped walking past the group to stand in front of me, turning his back to the group.
"Leslie wants you up in the kitchens. We've got so much venison, we have to spare some. Lunch'll be comin' sooner than expected for the new folks." He informed, patting my shoulder. I began to notice the perks on some of the group's faces at the mention of Lunch. "Go on, I've got this for ya."
I crossed my arms as I trudged away, accidentally brushing by Nick. "Sorry." He muttered as I stumbled from the sudden contact. I nodded in thanks, resting my hand on the talkie latched to my hip as I walked on.
Why didn't Leslie just radio me?
Nick's p.o.v
I watched Tess march away in a hurried manner.
Huh. She seemed interesting. Her dad seemed nice, but who knows; People take the jump on you when you least expect it.
Carver, or as he liked to be called, Bill, rested his hands on his hips authoritatively. "Now, Let's move onto the washing stations, shall we?" He let himself nod as if he were following his own order and began passing by us. "Let's play a game: Follow the Leader."
One by one, we all followed him. I glanced back at Tess, who was now entering the kitchens through a screen door. Hum...Damn, she was right about smelling the food. The cooks must'a been cooking up something good.
I think we could get along, if Luke didn't get to her first, that is.
Mom laid a hand on my arm, smiling at me. "I think this could be a great start-over." She whispered joyfully, her bright blue eyes shining. "Maybe we can help hunt, keep the food goin'!"
I couldn't help but agree. Uncle Pete could skin an animal faster than any hunter I knew, my mom can lay out a mean trap...Me? I can probably shoot a few deer, but I would need to practice my aim.
"Sure, Mom." I mumbled.
BACK TO TESS:
I hummed a tune as I walked into the kitchens, dodging the kitchen utensils hanging from the ceiling on hooks.
"Les?" I called, looking around to see Omar, Leslie's brother, arranging spices and herbs in a small cabinet. "Hey, Omar, you see Leslie around?" I asked, closing the screen door behind me.
Omar didn't look up at me as he messed around under the counters. "Back." He muttered.
I jogged to the other side of the small building to the outdoors of the back exit. I opened the back door and instantly spotted the 40-year-old woman placing small hunks of steaming meat on trays on a long table. The grill was beside her, still hot. Bags of coal were arranged against the back wall of Howe's where I was standing. I felt sunlight on my face. The fences were covered with big parts of square wood, hiding us from the view of upcoming Lurkers. There weren't any at the moment, but we were protected either way. The fences were strong.
I wasn't expecting to see my mother there, placing small containers of corn and baked beans beside the trays of meat.
"Hey!" I acknowledged, walking to them. "Mom, what're you doing here?"
Mother looked up, blowing some strands of her platinum-blonde hair out of her icy blue eyes. Leslie turned around, warmly smiling when she saw me walking up to them.
"Hello, sweetie." Mother said, spooning some corn out with a ladle and pouring the kernels on a separate section of the tray. "Just helping out with the lunch meals."
Leslie nodded as I stood beside her. "Thanks, Coleen. You're a big help. Now that Tess's here, could you help Omar in the kitchen?" She requested, pausing in her actions.
"Not a problem." Mother obliged, placing the ladle on a napkin and walking around to the other side of the table to enter the kitchen, gently patting my cheek as she went by. "See you at dinner, Tessie."
"You too, Mother." I sighed, smiling at Leslie.
Leslie chuckled when Mother entered the kitchen, closing the door behind her. "That woman. She's so nice." She complimented. "You're lucky to have her."
I crossed my arms over my stomach, looking down at the ground. "You know how she is." I muttered. Mother wasn't so great in the past...Sure, she was religious now, but back then...*Sigh*
Leslie was a skinny woman; 5"7, Pale skin, Long legs, thin frame, Thin lips, Bright hazel eyes, Black hair pulled into a messy bun, Bony face structure. She had wrinkles around the edge of her eyes that stood out whenever she smiled. She'd been a local cook with her brother in the past. She also knew how to spare resources, so that made her okay in Dad's book.
"Well, we both know she's getting better." Leslie assured, patting my back.
"Now, I need you to taste-test for me. I think I made the Deer too spicy...If it is, I'll just coat it with something." She instructed as she held out a small paper plate out to me, a small cut of deer sitting on it, still nice and steaming. A fork stuck into the top. "...And I need you to be honest. Not like the last few times."
Rolling my eyes, I took the plate and sat down. "Les, It wasn't that bad." I reminded. Leslie shook her head as she lightly giggled.
"Hell yes, it was. Remember, you lied about the Crab-"
"Don't talk about that one. Everyone had the runs then." I interrupted, shuddering. "Okay, I take it back. It was that bad."
"...Shut up and eat."
I childishly stuck my tongue out at her as I lifted the fork to my mouth, a piece of meat stuck to it. Leslie scrunched her nose at me as she waited. "Eat it."
Feeling the meat on my tongue, I slowly chewed it, trying to savor the flavor. It wasn't too bad...Then after a minute, I felt the spiciness flare up. I quickly swallowed, coughing. "W-Woah!" I exclaimed. "I *cough* think you overdid it *cough* a bit, L-*Cough*-Les."
Leslie sighed, throwing her hands up. "Shit. Now I gotta...hold on!" She turned, picking up a box container from the table and opened it. "Let's try to mask it with blueberries!"
UGH! Not the blueberries!
"Woah, woah, woah! Leave the blueberries out of this!" I begged, placing the plate down. I hated blueberries! The woman scoffed, already mashing some blueberries in a bowl.
"You're so picky. THESE are delicacies. You can't live off of just deer or jerky your whole life. Hell, those greenhouses aren't doing so good, so we might as well use all we can if we need nutrients." She lectured, spooning some of the new sauce onto the deer meat I was eating. "One day, we're going to lose all meat resources and we'll have to rely on plants."
I just broadly sat there, resting my chin on my hand in disappointment. "Damn it. I hate those."
"What, plants?"
"No, just blueberries. I'd rather eat Tomatoes."
"...Tess, you hate tomatoes."
"Exactly." I hissed, crossing my arms. Leslie sputtered and took a bite from the deer meat, moaning in content. "Mmm." She lifted the plate as she chewed, offering it to me. "You've got to try this!" She urged after swallowing.
I put my hand up in defiance, rebelliously shaking my head. "No. I'm good. Thanks. The folks will love it!"
Leslie chuckled, now proceeding to pour Blueberry sauce (Ewww) on the meat on trays. "Fine. All you'll get is corn and beans."
I pouted, standing up. "I should go and check up on Mother. She's probably confused on what goes where." I said, walking toward the back entrance. I heard Leslie thank me as I opened the door.
On the inside, just as I'd predicted, Mother and Omar were talking to each other. From what I heard, they were talking about what kinds of spices would go great with specific foods.
Omar was more of a beefy guy; Pot-belly, tanned skin, big muscled arms, double-chin, beady brown eyes, goatee, bald spot on the top of his head where dark brown hair should've been. That was the difference between him and Leslie; Their physical appearances. They worked like two peas in a pod, but rarely did they have arguments. Hard to believe they were siblings...
I just passed by them, smiling to myself as they continued to communicate with each other. Everyday was a little new aside from new survivors. Most days were calm, collected, little to no lurker infiltration.
I opened the door, humming, and then I stepped into the indoors of Howe's.
Suddenly-
"AGH!" I screamed, one hand flying to my gun latched on my belt as the other was repeatedly smacking everywhere on my attacker; I'd felt a hand grab my shoulder! No one just up and touches me like that but Tobias! "NO!"
Two strong hands pushed me up against the wall of the kitchen, causing me to gasp as I felt my back hit the metal. "Aghhh." I gasped out, trying to reach for my gun. The hand that wasn't holding my shoulder grasped my wrist, therefore preventing me from taking my gun. I felt so scared then. It was so...FAST.
"Woah, Woah! Tess, calm down!" The intruder yelled. That's when I stopped, finally looking up at my attacker, my widened, shocked fear-filled hazel brown eyes gazing into surprised doe-brown ones. Oh SHIT!
It was LUKE! Aw, Fuck!
Now I was completely and utterly embarrassed. My thrashing stopped, and he let me go, backing away. He stared at me as if I had grown three heads.
"I-I-Luke, I'm so-Oh, god! I'm sorry, you scared me, I mean-Oh GOD!" I babbled, my heart pounding as I panted from the adrenaline. Luke blinked, lifting his hands up in surrender.
"I-I didn't mean to, okay. You okay?" He asked in concern. "I hope I didn't hurt ya. I gripped you kinda tight. You alright?" His calm voice mixed with the light southern accent was a bit soothing.
Speaking of, my wrist did throb a bit. But I wasn't concerned. "Y-Yes, it's fine." I half-lied, nervously wringing on my braid. "I'm just...I'm sorry about that. I'm not used to...physical contact..."
Luke frowned, slowly bring his hand down. "Nah, it ain't your fault. I shouldn't have grabbed ya like that. Sorry." He apologized. "You sure you're okay?"
I nodded, my breathing finally calming. "I'm still really sorry...Did you need something?" I inquired, shaking off the nerves the best I could. Whoo...
The young man sighed lightly, leaning his weight on one foot. "The group sent me over here. They wanted to know if...lunch was ready yet. They're a bit impatient, you know, with the smell. We haven't eaten in a while." He explained.
Just as I'd suspected before. "Right...Right." I said. "Leslie's getting it ready. You'll know it's ready when the bell rings."
Luke smiled, seemingly satisfied with the answer. "Good to know. Your dad's nice." He commented. I rubbed the back of my head, half-smiling. I advised, "...Thanks. Just make sure you guys get along, because I'm gonna be honest: Once something goes wrong, he has trouble letting go."
Luke hummed, nodding as he sat down on a nearby picnic table. "Thanks for the advice..."
"Should I go and let your group know...?" I questioned awkwardly after a few moments of silence. "I mean, if you want, I can-"
His eyes perked up as he stood back up, shaking his head. "Oh, no. I got it. Thanks, Tess." He thanked, jogging off. "Really, thanks."
I smirked, watching him go. "See ya."
Then I turned, about to enter the kitchens to ask my mother about something, when Luke called my name. I paused, lightly spinning my head around to see the man standing there almost shyly, rubbing his neck. "Could ya come with? I might get lost..." He requested, looking down at his shoes.
Heheheheheeeeee.
I shrugged and caught up to him, swinging my braid over my back. "Sure! Where were you last? I'll lead you there." I offered.
"Um...I think it was the roof. We'd just got done scouting there." Luke replied, a look of thought on his face as we walked. I took a moment to think, recalling where every tour went place after place.
"We usually go to the fences. Follow me." I instructed, beckoning him over to the outside if Howe's; From the front. There, I was protected from the upcoming lurkers, just like the back. The fences trailed on in a great big circle around the store, even around the pens. The pens had wooden squares nailed to the bars so no one could get in or out.
Luke and I walked along the inside of the fence. Aside from the occasional moans and groans of the lurkers roaming around the store, I enjoyed the silence settling around us as we searched for my father and Luke's group.
I didn't realize I was humming a tune until Luke noted on it; "That's nice..."
My mouth curved into a smile as I continued staring ahead, biting the inside of my cheek. "..." I didn't acknowledge him. I was a bit shy now.
The silence came back, and I was rather thankful when I spotted the figure of my father. "Pop," I called, making him turn around. "Pop!" Dad waited to speak so Luke and I to catch up. Luke's group was behind him, and I noticed Rebecca was smiling brightly.
"Hey there, sweetheart. I see you've brought Luke with you." Dad said, wrapping an arm around my shoulder.
I smiled, looking up at him as I wrapped my arm around his waist. "Yeah. He said he might get lost, so I figured you were here..."
"You were right. I was just tellin' this lady," He gestured to Rebecca, "that she can help me with the announcements." Dad confirmed, rubbing my shoulder. I smelled cologne and cigar smoke, which was rather comforting. Maybe it was his coat that smelled like that...I don't know, it smelled like that many times, even before shit hit the fan in the world.
"The meal's gonna be ready soon, people." Luke announced, resting his hands on his hips. "The bell's gonna be ringin' any minute now."
I watched as the group's faces perked up at the mere mention of ready food. I couldn't help but giggle.
Sarah, who was the nearest of me, tapped my free hand. "Excuse me?" She whispered. I looked down at her, raising an eyebrow. "Yes..?" I acknowledged with a smile.
Sarah shyly dug her foot into the ground, her hands behind her back. "I..I just wanted to say 'Hi'." She answered, keeping her gaze down. She held something in her fist as she held her hand out to me. "O-Open your hand."
I obliged without question, then she dropped a bracelet into my palm. "For you, Ma'am." The teenager offered, then she quickly scattered back to her father, who patted her head in praise.
The bracelet was one of friendship, obviously. It was green-stringed with a few colored beads hanging from it. Sarah had a matching one, I noticed, as she hugged Carlos. THAT WAS SO CUTE! Before I could thank Sarah, a distant bell chimed throughout the community. HA! The dinner-more like lunch- bell has rung!
"Alright, that's the bell. Tess, why don't you lead 'em to the tables. I have to get some paperwork done." Dad said, letting go of me. I stepped out of the side-embrace as well, closing my fist around the beaded bracelet. I'd wear it later...
I nodded to my father's order, already walking into Howe's. "Come on, let's go get you all something to eat." I muttered, shaking my head with a chuckle. I felt a presence beside me and I glanced out of the corner of my eye to see Nick. "Hey there." He greeted.
"...Hey's for Horses." I joked, staring ahead. I heard Nick snicker. "Hehe, yeah. Hey." I acknowledged, now more serious though I held a small relaxed smile.
"...I'm Nick Randall." Nick introduced himself, adjusting his hat. "But you kinda already know that...along with the rest of us."
I shrugged. "It ain't no trouble." I assured. "I'm Tess Carver...though you already know that."
The man smiled down at me, huffing under his breath in amusement as he turned his gaze to the front of us. "Yeah."
When we reached the kitchens, Leslie and the food were already there, the steaming meat all cooked and ready. I watched as I sat down at a picnic table as the group rushed to get their food, making it hard for the woman to get them into a single-file line. I chuckled with my hand over my mouth as everyone in the group sat down at separate tables one by one.
Soon enough, all of them were contently eating. Rebecca, Alvin, Sarah and Carlos were sitting at a separate table from Marie, Pete, Nick, Luke and myself. They were ravenous for the food; Chomping, swallowing, noisily chewing and gulping down their cups of water. I sat there, my hands folded in front of me.
"Damn!" Luke blurted from beside me, unbeknownst of the blueberry stains around his mouth. "This is the best meal I've had in months!"
Marie's head perked up, dabbing her mouth with a napkin. "Boy, are you sayin' my cookin's bad?" She challenged, playfully acting offended. Luke snickered, taking another bite of the fruit-smothered slab of meat. "That's exactly what I'm saying." He sarcastically drawled.
Nick quietly ate in front of me, slowly taking bites and chewing. He seemed to be the calmest hungry person there! Pete, however, was distracted as he focused on his food and ONLY his food. Though he ate politely, I could tell he was wanting to be ravenous by the glint in his eye. It was common in all polite folks.
"So, Tess," Marie's voice caught my attention, "how old are you, honey?"
I didn't hesitate to answer: "I'll be turning 24 in a few weeks."
"Wow...I bet you were getting straight out of College." Pete said, "You know, when the world ended. Did you go to college?"
I shrugged. "Yeah. At 22. It was about a year after I'd graduated when shit hit the fan." I explained. "I went for 2-year college. Figured it'd be boring as hell. Best two years of my life." I sighed, recalling the good old memories of college parties, paying back those stupid loans...actually learning shit.
Luke smirked, "You got that right. College was fun. Jesus, I kinda miss it." He admitted.
"Haha, I agree..." Pete agreed, nodding his head. Nick smiled at me.
Marie picked up her empty tray and stood up. "I should go and help in the kitchen. God knows how long it's gonna be before the sink starts piling up." She verified as she walked off, humming.
Pete nodded and stood up as well. "I'll be with your mom if you need me, Nick." He left us alone.
Now it was just Nick, Luke and I. Luke nudged me. "You know, I just turned 26..." He admitted, his mouth still stained with blueberry juice. Nick snickered upon sight of it, biting his lip to keep a neutral face. "Nick there is 25."
Nick pouted. "I can speak for myself, man."
Luke scoffed, crossing his arms. "Yeah. Uh huh, got it."
"Says the one with blueberry stains around his mouth." Nick retorted smartly, finally laughing when Luke shut up and blushed embarrassingly, wiping the stains off with his sleeve.
God, when was the last time I heard a laugh? A true laugh, not a forced one or one of sarcasm...
I grinned, enjoying this moment. This was so nice; sitting with friends, getting bellies full of food, just having a nice time. Though I don't know if I do trust them...Hell, I've only met half of them. I need to get to know 'em better.
...But today, just for the moment, I'll be happy. Happier than most days.
Today, I'll be their friend.
WELL, THAT WAS INTERESTING.
So Coleen was in here, Like I promised. Did you guys like the chapter? Should I have added more!?
Tobias might be in the next chapter, I dunno, so let's just get on with it.
I don't know. Hm, what should happen next? YOU DECIDE!
...No seriously, like, add that in with your review: What should happen next in Don't be Afraid? Be creative!
BAI!
Oh, and 7+ reviews for next chappie? Pwease? :3 Pwetty Pwease? WE'RE AT 6 REVIEWS, GUYS! GIVE IT TO ME STRAIGHT! Lol so yeah! Hope you enjoyed this!
