Chapter 8 "Let's Go"

Day 19

Over the past three days, the group had scavenged in Palmetto as much as they could and found many useful things. Gas in cars, lighters, matches, canned foods, seeds for growing, and clothes. Everyone got at least one extra set of clothing, and they found three working vehicles: two cars and a van. They decided to siphon all of the gas out of the trucks and put it into the van and the car with the most space in it.

Now, it was morning. The sun was slowly beginning to rise over the sunset. It was peaceful, aside from a few walkers every few hours. Today was the day the group would vote on whether or not they stay where they are or move on. Arnold was on lookout duty once more.

Though an awful thing happened the last time he was on lookout, he quite enjoyed this job. It was quiet, tranquil. He sighed before rubbing the bullet wound on his arm, now almost totally healed. A few days before, Hershel had managed to get the bullet out, which was luckily not very deep in and proved to be an easy job.

What he like most about looking duty was that it gave him time to himself away from everyone else to think. Today was a very big day to be thinking, as well. Certain members of the group have entrusted him to get them out of this house, and he was not entirely certain whether or not to go along with it. No matter how nice this place looked, he would not dare to put his friends and family in danger.

Robert, Maggie, and Seth came up with the idea. Arnold would be on lookout duty on the night before the final day, so when it came time to discuss leaving, Arnold would have news for them. He would lie and say that in the night he saw headlights through the trees run down a neighboring road, and that they were driving quite slowly, as if they were looking for someone, just like they had on the night of the attack. He would then say that he awoke Robert and Maggie to be on standby in case things went South, and then they would lie, as well, and say that they witnessed the vehicles, too.

Thinking about it, however, Arnold was very unsure. If they kept moving, they might never find a good place to stay. Even if they do, that could be a long time from now. Being out on the road seemed much more dangerous than running from a group of people that may have just perished in the fire of Hershel's farm. Sending the group on the road again could be a death sentence. Staying here could be a death sentence as well, but quite likely not any time soon. This could be a haven, he thought.

Soon, after spending his time pondering, conflicted as he stared out at the lake, the sun was quite high up, and he didn't realize it until Otis found him and told him to come downstairs. It was time for the group to vote on staying or going.

He made his way downstairs, still weighing the possibilities. In the livingroom, Hershel was standing in front of a coffee table while everyone around him sat in the chairs and couches surrounding it. Arnold took a seat right next to Maggie, ready to speak when Hershel first asked for any information.

"Alright, so now everyone's here. So, it's been three days since we moved in. It's time to vote on whether we stay here or move on. First, we need to know if anyone's seen anything strange." Maggie, Robert, and Seth subtly looked to Arnold. He looked back at them, and decided, This is the right thing to do.

"I did," Arnold spoke up. "Last night, on lookout, I heard what sounded like cars." Patricia covered her mouth, shocked and afraid. "And on the other side of the trees, at the neighboring house, I saw headlights. I got worried, and I woke up Robert and Maggie to help out in case something happened. The sun was startin' to rise, though, so I guess they got scared of being seen. Took off."

Hershel's face showed what looked like serious fear, and it shocked Arnold greatly. He turned to Robert and Maggie. "Is this true?" he asked. Maggie nodded her head as Robert frowned seriously at Hershel, also a bit shocked to see quite a reaction. "Well, why the hell did nobody tell me sooner?" Hershel asked, sounding suddenly angry.

"Daddy, nothing happened," Maggie told him. "If the car turned this way, we would have went and got you." She realized her argument didn't exactly make the point that they were in danger, though, and quickly added, "But this is bad. If they had turned down this road, we could'a been dead. I think we need to leave." Jessie and Lyrik, who had remained neutral, nodded their heads worriedly to Hershel, seconding Maggie's suggestion to leave.

Hershel nodded solemnly, looking upset as well. "Alright, well...I think this changes things. I think it's time to vote. All who vote we should leave, raise your hand." Maggie, Arnold, Robert, Lily, Lyrik, Seth, Jessie, and Lee raised their hands. Lastly, Hershel hesitantly raised his hand as well. "All opposed," he said, and Patricia, Otis, Beth, Shawn, and Amanda raised their hands.

He lowered his head and felt like he may regret his next words. "Overruled. We leave immediately. Everyone, pack up your stuff and we'll leave before noon."

Everyone got up from their seats, headed to their rooms, and got their belongings. Just on time, they left before noon and started on their long drive.