Chapter 3: Breaking Away
Kimi Finster
"I think we can stop here." A completely exhausted Kira Finster said as the gang reached a dense section of the forest. Dark green leaves of the enormous trees combined with numerous amounts of bushes and shrubberies should make this an ideal location to finally get some rest. It had been a long journey from the sewers in the middle of town. Luckily they lived in this time so each had a cell phone with a good enough flash light. They were also fortunate that the sewer water was nearly knee high. Tommy and Phil led the way. They had really proven themselves so far, not only with the way they found the way here, but simply in their courage and bravery. After several hours in the tunnels, Tommy found a safe escape that led into the forest. From there they have gone roughly two miles into the loneliness of the forest, and that is good enough for the night.
"Seeing as how the kids haven't had sleep all day, we'll take the first watch." Said Howard. He hasn't said much so far, but this was music to Kimi's ears. And by the looks of it music to all of the kids ears. The five remaining kids slept cuddled with each other under a tall shrub. It wasn't very comfortable, but it really didn't matter at this point. Chaz, Kira, Stu, and Didi also slept while Betty and Howard kept their eyes out. It quickly became apparent just how tired they were. Chuckie and Lil were asleep immediately, and after a few minutes it seemed like everyone else joined in. Except Kimi. She was beyond restless, and just laid in between Lil and Chuckie staring at the stars. Despite everything that has happened, the beauty in the stars still remains. Fifteen or so minutes went by before she heard the sobs. It was pretty obvious where it was coming from. After completely drowning out his feelings and helping the group get through the sewer and this portion of the woods, Tommy finally thought about his brother. A brother that he'd never see again- hopefully. Kimi gently got up, as to not wake up her friends, and went and laid down next to her dark haired friend. Before she could get a word out Tommy was up, quickly drying his tears and pretending that nothing had happened.
"Tommy it's okay, really. I was just coming over to comfort you."
"I don't need comfort Kim, I'm fine. Really."
"You do. You were so strong for everyone today that you forgot to let yourself feel. Now you can, Tommy. Now I could go over there and pretend to sleep if you want. Or I could help you. Talk to you."
"Walk with me?" He said with a sad grin.
"Well I think I've walked enough today," She said with a laugh, "but I guess I could do that."
Sneaking past Howard and Betty was easy enough. Despite Betty being completely on the ball, Howard was completely asleep on his side of the camp. A simple walk was all that was needed anyway. Just to get away from the group so that Tommy could spill his feelings, and then return and get some sleep. When they were finally out of hearing distance Tommy turned and hugged Kimi, and started crying. Not the quiet sobs from the camp, but instead these were deep emotional wails. Kimi did her best to calm him down, but it took several minutes to do so. "You know Kimi, there's no one that I'd rather have here than you. You know that right?"
"Why do you say that?" Kimi said with a laugh.
"You're the only one that cares enough to help me right now." Tommy said with tears still rolling down his face.
"I'm the only one that had an ounce of energy to help you." Kimi objected.
"Let's go away. Leave them."
"Tommy that's crazy talk. We need them."
"No we don't. We're the strong ones. They'll hold us back."
"Well Phil and Lil are both clearly better suited for this than I am."
"Phil is too stupid to make it. Lil...well perhaps you're right about her. But she wouldn't leave."
"Yeah, and neither would I Tommy." Tommy looked like he'd been slapped in the face. He looked to his feet for comfort, but only saw his muddy Nikes. "You've had a pretty crazy day today. You just need some sleep so you can be back to normal."
"I really don't need you of all people calling me crazy right now." Before Kimi could object Tommy went on. "I need to get away from these people. A huge group will be easily picked off. But a strong guy can last forever by himself. Or with his best friend.." Tommy gave Kimi a smile that she'd never seen him have. It was a smile that would land him the Joker role in the next Batman movie.
"Tommy you're really, really scaring me."
"It's so weird, since you're so hard to scare." And for a moment the two were back to normal. Kimi loved scary movies, and Tommy loved making them. This could be a turning point in the conversation, and she could finally get some sleep. But before she could finish her thought Tommy planted his lips firmly onto Kimi's. It was short, hardly more than a peck. But it was heaven to Kimi. Went Tommy pulled away he whispered "Boo", smiled at Kimi, and said "get used to being scared Kimi. It's all there will be. And you could be scared with or without me." Without waiting for a response Tommy turned and took off, full speed in the opposite direction of the camp. There was no way that Kimi wouldn't follow Tommy, even if it were to her grave.
Lil Deville
"Wake up! Wake up! Tommy's gone! And Kimi!" Betty yelled, waking up everyone. Lil jumped straight up and gathered her few things. The group was all set after a short time. It was just nearing noon, at least that's what Lil thought. Of course there were more important matters to discuss. And that was taking place while she thought. Where would Tommy and Kimi go? Why would they leave? How did they get past the parents on patrol? That was the main arguing point between the parents at the moment.
"Hey knock it off." Said Lil. "This isn't the moment for arguing. We have to find them. Now, Phil and I are the perfect team. We'll go search for them. If we get into trouble we'll be fast enough to run away. You guys stay here. Make weapons and other things that we'll need." After another series of fighting everyone agreed that that could be the best idea. They would find their friends, while the others would make sharp knives out of sticks and small branches while planning their next course of action. It was a bulletproof idea.
Except it wasn't. How could they possibly find Tommy and Kimi in this forest? It's huge, and their plenty capable of being long gone by now. Phil and Lil had ran for what seemed like five mintues before Phil stopped.
"Sorry Lil, but this is pointless. They're long gone, and probably in a different direction."
"You would just give up on our friends?"
"Me? Face the facts Lil. Tommy and Kimi left. They weren't taken, or else we would have known. They snuck out to get away from us, so they could face this world as husband and wife. They gave up on their friends, and now it's our turn."
"Oh stop it Phil, maybe they just went to get water and they'll be back at the camp."
"It's over. We need only to worry about ourselves now. Just like they did."
"What are you saying?"
" I'm saying we keep walking. Away from the group. Maybe in the direction Tommy went. Maybe not. But we need to get away." For as good as she knew Phil, she knew that his mind was made up. And he was stubborn, and she couldn't change his mind. But she could alter it, perhaps.
"At least have Chuckie come with us." She told him.
"No. Chuckie is too soft. Just us until we find them." Looks like I have one choice, brother or family. Why did we have to be twins?
So they set off. Two twins against the world. Phil in his normal hoodie and jeans with his dark Nikes, and Lil wearing the same except her hoodie was a dark green rather than black. Their hair was nearly identical. Even at seventeen you could hardly notice the difference between the two Deville's. They needed protection, she knew. They took a break to do what their parents were supposed to be doing at the moment. They found some branches and sticks, and used their knives to make them sharp, hoping they can be used as spears. Thank goodness their mother bought them the knives for their sixteenth birthday, and they never leave home without them, just like she told them. After each made about ten they were back on their feet. They stopped at a nearby stream to get a drink. "We'll be needing some food at some point today, Phillip." She added some edge when she said his name.
"We can always eat bugs." He said with a smile. It actually made her laugh. Who would have thought that something could do that in this world. In fact, she couldn't remember the last time she even broke a smile. They continued walking for several hours, never finding any human activity, either alive or dead. What they did find was rabbit, however. Nice, plump, and grey, with plenty of meat on it. That they could tell just by looking at it. Even if they were picky at a time like this, which they obviously weren't, this would make a perfect dinner. The hunt would be the hard part, though. The rabbit could not have been more than fifteen yards from the twins, eating something too small to be seen. The time was perfect. Without making a sound Phil stealthily moved upon the rabbit and slammed his spear right through the creature's neck from behind. Lil made a small involuntary squeal, and covered her mouth in shame. Phil laughed.
"It's okay Lil. I feel bad too. But we have no choice. We need to eat."
"It was just so cute." She said. They both shared a quiet laugh as Phil moved towards her. "We could make a fire here."
"Well it may be dangerous and bring on people, or even worse, those.." He hesitated for a moment.
"Zombies, Phillip. They are zombies."
"I'm just not really sure if we should call them that."
"Well that's what they're called in the movies, and we'll stick with it. No need to complicate things." He nodded and began collecting sticks. When they gathered up enough twigs, Phil pulled out his trusted lighter from his pocket.
"One of the advantages of doing.. well, illegal things." He said with a smile.
"Well you could still have a lighter without doing that." And again they both laughed.
Maybe this was right. Lil had begun feeling much better when she was alone with her brother. They fought, sure, but the good moments outweighed the bad. They worked well together. Perfectly, you might say. She still felt guilty, of course, especially as she dug into that delicious rabbit. She knew there was no way the family behind them could have caught something so great, and most likely Tommy and Kimi were sleeping hungry tonight as well. I really hope we can find them.
Angelica Pickles
"Angelica, wake up." She heard Susie say. "I think they've passed."
"That's a relief." Angelica said, always with that sarcastic tone. The past night had been a long one. It started when she left the Pickles' home and walked across the street to her old friend Susie's. They actually had quite a bit of fun over the first hour or so. Catching up and even gossiping a little when possible. Susie always hated to, and it was a struggle. Her parents and even the rest of the family were away for the night. Away forever, probably. But she wouldn't dare say that in front of Susie. The zombies had ravaged the neighborhood. She could tell that just by looking outside. Her cousin's house across the street was torn apart, windows shattered, and the front door even ripped off it's hinges. The Carmichael home, however, was as good as new. Perhaps it was because of the preparation that her father had done. He boarded up all of the windows on the ground level, while also putting in steel doors. He was a clever man, while also having quite enough money to pay for the fortress. But for as much he'd done, he wasn't here. They were visiting family in San Francisco, and according to Susie, against the will of her father. Susie had only stayed because she was sick, but she was over it now. Now it was just Susie and Angelica in Susie's old room. "That sun sure is bright." She said as she tried to look at her friend that was standing over her. "And I could go for some food."
"I guess we could eat. But we should probably check to see if everyone's okay."
"Susie get a hold of yourself. No one's okay. Now let's eat." Although the electric was out, the stove still worked, as it ran on gas. The food wouldn't be good for much longer though. And that was music to their ears. They enjoyed eggs with sausage, ham, and bacon. Toast was out of the question, so they ate it with regular bread. "You know with what people are going through right now, I'd say not having toast isn't that bad."
"Right." Susie said. She was sad, and you couldn't blame her. She was alone. Well, Angelica was alone as well, but she never really had the family influence that Susie had. They were as close as it got, and now it was just her.
"So what are we gonna do today?" Angelica asked, hoping that Susie could somehow snap out of her mood.
"I wanna see if anyone else in the neighborhood is okay." That's Susie for you, always thinking about others. Damn her, Angelica thought.
"Oh fine, let's go see if my damn parents are alive. Would that make you happy?"
"I guess happy is a relative term, Angelica."
"What does that even mean?"
"Oh nothing. We'll take these bats for protection. It's only a few houses down. We should be okay."
The trip was a big waste for the two girls. There was no action on the walk, which you could say is a good thing. They didn't even see her parents when they got there, and there was no trace of them leaving. In the hour they were gone it had been like they walked through a ghost town. When they returned home, they found themselves very bored. They talked, played cards, and watched the leaves blowing around outside. But soon dark came upon the two, and there was nothing to do but go to bed.
"Angelica, it wouldn't be weird if we slept together tonight, would it?"
"Susie don't be ridiculous, we slept together last night."
"Well the zombies were around last night and we were scared. But the thing is, I'm still scared. And lonely."
Angelica laughed, "I said it's okay Susie. Just don't try anything." She smiled.
But Susie didn't return the smile, but instead said, "It would just be nice to have your company for as long as possible, as I escape this living nightmare."