Spending a good remainder of the morning packing for her trip did take CJ's mind off of her worries for a little bit, but it still lingered in the very back of her mind. Then there was Teresa's worries about that weird bug going around; was it really that bad?
If it becomes a bigger issue, then you can worry, she thought. For now, it doesn't seem like it's a big enough problem, OK? Just try and keep yourself focused on getting to North Carolina safely.
Rubbing her face with her hands, CJ tried calming herself down. Teresa's worry over the sickness and her own worries about Isla's father and her other siblings were an unnecessary setback to her day. Looking over at Sage and Rosemarie, who were dressed and playing with some of their toys, CJ couldn't help but smile a little; they seemed completely unaware of their mother's worries or the world around them.
"Mama, when's Auntie Tessie coming back?" Sage asked, his words carefully placed. The day the twins were born, one of CJ's doctors said that Sage had some kind of problem with his hearing. That had caused CJ to nearly pass out after hearing the news. The doctor said it could be some kind of birth defect, that maybe something went on in the womb that caused Sage's hearing to not be the way it should. After three and a half years, Sage's hearing problems only declined a little, not enough for there to be concern. He wasn't completely deaf, it just took him a minute to realize what other people were saying.
"I don't know, sweetie," CJ said, her voice raised a little so he'd hear. "Probably not for a while." Sage and Rosie pouted at that, but CJ gave them kisses on the top of their heads. "Don't go pouting," she chuckled. "We're going on that super fun trip, remember? You're going to meet your Aunt Isla."
"How come we never met her?" Rosie asked.
"She lives far away from us." CJ plastered the most genuine smile she could muster on her face. "But she's really nice, OK?" When they nodded, CJ's smile widened a little. "How about we get some shopping out of the way," CJ exclaimed, standing up and stretching.
Rosie shot up excitedly. Sage didn't look too happy.
-0-0-0-0-
CJ made a list for herself for all the things she'd need to get―some food, clothes for Sage (and Rosie while she's at it), some clothes for herself, and some new shoes for herself and the kids.
"Sage, will you stop being so stubborn?" CJ muttered, irritation lacing her words. Sage was squirming, making it difficult for CJ to determine if any of the clothing she was picking out would be a good fit for her son. "Sage Olivier Garcia, if you don't stop moving right now you are going to be in big trouble." After hearing his full name being said, Sage looked at his mother with a slight glare before he stopped squirming. Holding the shirt against her son, just to get a bit of an understanding on if it'd fit him or not.
It'll have to do. Putting the shirt with the other clothes she got, CJ purchased her things before leaving.
"How about we have some lunch," CJ suggested. "Does that sound good?" The ecstatic cries of her kids gave CJ her answer. "Stay close to me, OK?" Holding her free hand out, CJ held onto Rosie's hand while she held Sage's hand. They had spent a good portion of the afternoon, after CJ got some packing out of the way, shopping for whatever they needed for the trip or for the apartment. There was a mall, and a supermarket just a little farther from the mall, just a couple miles from the apartment building CJ and the twins lived in, CJ went there often to do her shopping. So while CJ and the twins made their way to the food court, with Sage and Rosie nearly sprinting ahead of their mother, despite her protests, CJ felt herself pause for a moment when a man walked by, coughing almost violently. CJ turned to watch the man walk, who gave one last cough before continuing on his way.
I guess there's this weird bug going around. No one knows what it is.
Swallowing thickly, CJ took a calming breath. When she felt tugging on her hand and on the bottom of her shirt, CJ snapped out of her trance and looked down at her kids.
"Is something wrong?" Rosie asked.
CJ tried for a smile, but it couldn't quite reach her eyes. "I'm fine, sweetie," she said, forcing a light tone into her voice. "I'm sorry, let's go."
As they continued walking to the food court, CJ realized she was becoming hyperaware of the people around her. Swallowing thickly, CJ tried to keep herself upbeat, hoping Sage and Rosie wouldn't notice her worry. Teresa mentioning that unknown virus going around stuck with CJ, but she tried pushing it to the back of her mind. She didn't want to be focusing on something like that, but if it reached Atlanta, then she'd have to figure out a way to keep Sage and Rosie safe.
Do you realize how paranoid you sound right now? Yes, it sounds like a pretty bad virus, but it's not the end of the world. Calm down, you can figure out a way to―
CJ's thoughts were cut short when she saw another person coughing, and it seemed even more violent than the man's. Swallowing thickly, CJ looked down at her kids.
"Would you guys rather go home and eat?" she asked, trying to keep her voice steady and calm. "I'm sure we've got enough food."
-0-0-0-0-
Needless to say, Sage and Rosie were thoroughly disappointed and it cut CJ's shopping short. It was probably for the best anyway, she did buy a lot of things. After fixing her kids some lunch, CJ said she'd be in the other room.
Turning on the television, CJ turned the volume down low and turned it on the news. For the most part, it was talking about all these things that were happening either in the area or in other parts of the country. CJ sat in front of her television for what felt like a lifetime before it started talking about the virus.
«The mysterious virus that's plaguing certain regions is spreading even further than we expected.» the news anchor said. «As far as we know, the virus has spread to Maryland, Oklahoma, Arizona, Vermont, and West Virginia. Officials are saying to stay on top of your vaccinations, wash your hands as frequently as possible, and be careful of any sickly looking people.»
(A/N):
Heya, everyone! Let me know what you think of this chapter.
I own nothing in TWD. All I own are my characters and the socks on my feet.
Let me know if there's anything I can improve on.
Many blessings,
Indigo Callahan
