Time felt warped. It felt like mere seconds had ticked past, when in reality, the minutes ticked away with each breath. Every sound seemed to reverberate, striking right through the heart.

Andrea sat crouched over Amy, her sobs hitting us like a kick in the gut.

Helena's sobs had subsided, leaving her voice raspy and dry. Her breathing was heavy, and I knew she was falling asleep, terror and stress making her tiny body go into overdrive.

No one had moved, too absorbed in their losses. I noticed that Carol was in hysterics too, holding a ghostly Sofia tightly at her side but there was no Ed to be seen. So he was gone too.

Eventually everyone started walking away group by group, their bodies probably on the verge of shutting down from exhaustion and despair.

I took my head off Alex's shoulder and started walking away towards the tent. Alex's hands slipped off me as I left him, and I hoisted Helena higher.

I got to out tent and put her on the ground. She stood, albeit barely, and walked into the tent when I had unzipped it. She sat on the middle of her sleeping bag, rubbing her closed eyes.

I deftly took off her coat and unlaced her shoes, slipping them off her feet. She lay on her open sleeping bag, and I zipped it up around her. She snuggled down, and I waited with her until her breathing was heavy, her chest rising and falling deeply.

I crawled out of the tent and sat down on a log by the empty fire pit, my head in my hands, elbow propped up on my knees. My eyes began to fill as the events of the past couple hours sank beneath my skin.

"Hey Sambo." Alex said, his voice hoarse and cracking.

I raised my head slightly, looking at him with clouded vision. He sat down next to me, wrapping an arm around my shoulders.

I wiped my eyes and sat back. I tried ignoring all the images and thoughts in my head, not focusing on anything. I tried to become numb, unfeeling.

"You okay Alex?"

"I think I've ripped my stitches, actually." He said, and I shut my eyes.

"Wait here. I think I've got something in that first aid pack we scavenged." I said quietly.

I got up, ignoring his quiet protests, and quickly grabbed the small pack, a bottle of water and a torch from my bag.

I sat back down next to him and began unbuttoning his old denim shirt. We sat straddling the log so I had better access.

I clicked the torch on an placed it between my teeth, setting to work on threading the needle and getting close to Alex. I unbottled the water and poured half of it down his chest. I used one of the alcohol-free wipes left in the pack to clean the wound.

I shifted closer to Alex, trying to get a better view of his wound. He was right - he had ripped all of the stitches. Any of the skin that had started to reverie had been split, although the fact that the skin was trying to grow back over was slightly encouraging.

I swallowed around the torch as I leaned in towards him, and began to stitch. He gasped and winced a lot, but I continued stitching regardless.

After a couple more silent minutes, I had finished. I got rid of the remaining thread and poured whatever was left from the bottle over the wound.

I sat back and took the torch out of my mouth. I then took out some anti-septic wash out of the pack and rubbed it over my hands vigorously.

"We're probably going to be moving on soon." Alex said after the silence stretched, and I merely nodded.

"I heard Rick talking to Shane about trying the CDC." He continued.

"But it's not safe back in Atlanta. It'd be overrun, if they even found it." I murmured, not looking away from my stilling hands.

"If they go, will we go too?" He asked, and I contemplated his words.

Since when was I in charge of our actions? Alex was a fully-grown man. He could think for himself.

"I don't know."

"I don't think we should. We could try and go further out to rural places. Maybe we'll get lucky." He said, hope etched slightly in his voice. I didn't want to think about it. Was there such thing as a safe haven any more? And the thought of leaving these people actually hurt in my heart - but I was thinking about leaving before, so why is now any different?

"Yeah. It's probably better for Helena's sanity if we don't go back to Atlanta, too." I sighed.

"Hey-" Alex gasped, "I know someone further out! He was a farmhand somewhere this way out of the city. Met him in a club on a boys weekend to Atlanta." He gushed. I looked at him, eyebrow raised. Did he like the guy? He obviously noticed my look as he began shaking his head.

"No, not like that. We both went for the same girl, but both got rejected." He smiled, and the corner of my lips pricked slightly.

"Worth a shot, I guess - what else is here for us?" I sighed, lowering my head to look at my hands.

Alex's optimism dropped when he saw my reaction.

"Oi, listen. You, Helena and I are safe. We're all still together. I know you liked Amy, and probably feeling a little guilty about not knowing some of the others that died, but you can't think like that. You need to think about you life - the one your living right now."

And there it was. Alex hitting the nail on the head. All the emotions and gut wrenching images flashing though me explained in just a few simple words. I was overcome.

I threw my arms around him, and cried into his shoulder. I held nothing back. All the emotions I felt ever since I woke up from that stupid jet-lag coming out now. My family and their safety, and how I was missing them so much it was almost a physical pain. Amy, and even though we'd only spoke a couple of times to her, I already considered her a good friend, and how I wasn't here to help protect anyone. The fact we were never going to find safety. All the pent up fears, anger and loss, escaping in floods.

Soon enough, the tears had dried and the sobs that wracked my chest had faded.

"Come on. Let's get some sleep. You're probably shattered." Alex cooed, grabbing the first aid kit and my hand.

I knew I wasn't going to sleep, but I let him lead me to the tent. I crawled in and sat on my sleeping bag. I eventually lay back and looked at Helena who had curled into a foetal position and was on the verge of sucking her thumb.

Alex settled down and was soon snoring slightly. I stared up at the tent, looking at all the seams and stitching without really taking it in.

After laying unmoving and unthinking for some time, I got up and crept out of the tent.

I looked about camp and saw that Andrea was still hunched over Amy's body, and I felt my chin quiver. No one else was about, but a look on the RV told me that another person was - Daryl.

Deciding something on the spot, I walked over to the RV and began to climb.

"Hey." I said as I climbed up, standing in front of him, crossing my arms. He merely looked at me.

"Look, don't answer, whatever. I just want to say thank you for saving Helena. It meant everything to me, to know that you cared enough too. And if you ever need it, I've got your back too." I smiled. He looked me up and down, as if assessing my words.

He didn't answer and looked away, grunting. I turned to walk back down the stairs, but stopped short.

Looking back at Daryl, I walked towards him, and as gently as I could, I pressed my lips to his cheek and put my hand on the other side of his face, holding him there. I lingered there only for a second, before pulling away and walking back to the stairs, a burning blush creeping up on my face.

I could feel his eyes on me the entire way back to the tent, but I ignored it. He's probably going to resent me or be disgusted by me, but whatever. It was the only way I could repay him which showed him I was genuine.

I crawled into the tent and kicked off my shoes, and got into the sleeping bag. I zipped myself up and curled, shutting my eyes and hoping my exhaustion will take over.

I woke with a terrible throbbing in my wrist, legs and feet. I probably had blisters the size of planets, but I ignored it. I sat up a bit too quick as my head swam, feeling like my brain was flopping about against my skull.

I pulled on my converse and stepped out of the tent, pulling a hair band off my wrist and tying my hair in a high ponytail.

I saw that most people were up. I was deliberating where to go when I saw my bag discarded by the RV. I limped over to it, and hoisted one of the straps over my shoulder. The jangling inside reminded me of the tools, and so I sought out Dale. I saw him standing near the RV, his eyes on Andrea and Amy, even though he was talking to Rick.

I walked over to the men, standing in front of them.

"Hey." I said weakly.

"You holding up okay?" Dale asked, taking his eyes off the sisters to assess me.

"I could be worse." I mumbled, not taking my eyes off Amy.

She was white. Her skin looked so dry and white, apart from the dots of red that littered her once flawless complexion. I shut my eyes and sighed deeply.

"Yeah, I suppose." Rick agreed. We stood silently for a few moments.

"Here, Dale," I said, sliding my bag off my shoulder. "I have your tools." I pulled the toolkit out, and held it out for him.

"Thanks Sam." Dale smiled, and to my surprise, he pulled me into a hug.

I let the bag drop from my hands and wrapped my arms tightly around him, trying to feel as reassuring as I could. We pulled apart then, and I smiled at the man. I hugged Rick quickly as well, before grabbing my bag and walking over to our tent, chucking it in. I saw that it was empty, so I spun and searched the camp, looking for Helena or Alex.

I saw Helena sitting by the fire, so I walked over to her.

"Sam, I'm smelly." She says as I approached, and I smiled weakly.

"Well chicken, shall we go and wash?" I said, and she nodded madly.

I grabbed some of the soap that I stole from Lori, some clean clothes for us both and a small towel I had packed and we walked down to the pool, hand in hand.

Helena stripped down to her vest and some pyjama shorts and I to my underwear, and we waded in together.

She gasped at the cold making an 'o' shape with her mouth, making me chuckle hollowly.

I watched her paddle about, and I realised just how much better she's made my life. Her innocence just makes me smile, no matter how bad I feel.

I broke up the soap and told her to scrub everywhere, and she complied, but struggled to keep the soap in her hands. I did the same, sighing at how good it felt to be getting clean again.

I briefly wondered about what the soap would do to the life in the pool, but I didn't dwell on it.

"Done!" Helena smiled.

"Spin round - I'm going to get some of this dirt out of your beautiful hair." I said, and she complied. My gaze flickered up to the camp and I sighed.

I lathered up the soap in my hands and massaged it into her hair, and then got her to lean back so I could wash it off. I did it a couple of times until her hair actually looked blond and clean again.

She then waded about a bit while I did the same to my hair. It felt so good, but I wasn't really taking it in.

After a few rinses, we got out of the water. I grabbed our stuff and climbed across some of the rocks along the waters edge, finding somewhere more hidden to get dressed.

I towel dried Helena's hair and then told her to get dressed as I did the same. I threw on fresh underwear, my jeans and a check shirt, and laced my converse up tightly. I rolled the sleeves and ran a hand through my hair, combing it. I hated the feeling of clothes against wet skin, but I tried ignoring it.

"Ready?" I asked, turning to Helena. She nodded as she finished pulling her pink top over her head.

"Yeah!"

I picked up our wet clothes and wrapped them in the towel and we walked back up to camp.

I left out stuff in the tent while Helena ran along to play with Carl.

"Sam, give me a hand, will you?" Glenn called, waiting near the body of a walker. So much for staying clean.

I jogged over and grabbed it's legs, and on the count of three, we lifted and carried it towards a burning pile a few yards away from camp. My wrist began to throb again but I ignored it.

We threw the body unceremoniously on top of the pile, and I sighs deeply.

"Hey!" Glenn shouted, running back. I spun round to see what he was talking about, but he had already disappeared.

"We don't burn the ones we love! We bury them." He screamed, but said the last sentence quietly. I jogged back to see Daryl and T-Dog holding one of the other former campers. I swallowed hard, the guilt of not even knowing their name creeping into my system.

"You left my brother for dead. You had this coming." He barked.

"Shut up Daryl. Another fucking time." I snapped. He looked at me with venom in his eyes, but he didn't respond.

I walked over to Glenn and put a hand on his shoulder. He kept his eyes plastered on the body at his feet.

"A walker bit him! A walker bit Jim!" I heard Jacqui scream.

My stomach dropped and it felt like my heart seized up as I started running towards them.

"I'm okay, I'm okay..." Jim whispered repeatedly. I bit my lip hard as I stared at him, muttering weakly. We all stood about, just staring at him.

This was all happening way to fast. Jim was swaying in the spot, his face completely devoid of colour and his eyes were heavy and drooping.

Rick eventually stepped forward and walked Jim over to the back of the RV, sitting him down. I went to stand with him while the rest of the group gathered a few yards away, talking about what to do.

I sighed as I ran a hand over my face, but Jim reached out his hand to grab mine and smiled at me.

"Don't worry Sam. Don't fret." He said weakly, which made my stomach knot. I tried not to recoil from his touch - he isn't a walker. Not yet, at least. I gulped.

"But you're a good guy Jim. It's not fair." I whispered, hanging my head. He squeezed my hand slightly, before letting his drop away to his side.

"We couldn't find the CDC when we drove through. Were not exactly locals, but I don't think it's safe..." I heard Alex say.

"We should go to Fort benning. It's be safer and..." I heard Shane state, and I shook my head. So we were all definitely leaving then.

I raised my head to look at Jim, but his eyes were fixed to the side. I followed his gaze to see Daryl running at him, pick axe raised. Without thinking, I jumped in between Jim and Daryl, ready to kick Daryl's arse or take a pick axe to the head. He didn't get close enough for me to do that though, as Rick had pulled a gun up to Daryl's head, stopping him dead in his tracks. Again.

"We don't kill the living." Rick growled, staring Daryl down as the pick axe fell from above his head.

Rick put the gun down an holstered it before walking past me to Jim. I stayed where I was, staring at Daryl. I thought about what I had said and done last night, and was wondering if I should take it back. Maybe he doesn't have a heart. Or maybe he does, and is doing what he thinks is best for the rest of the group, but I don't know.

Daryl glared at me, and I resisted the urge to shift about. His face was hard as stone, but his eyes weren't. I don't know what emotion he was refusing to express, but it made me feel less angry at him.

I heard Rick clear his throat from behind me, and it took a lot of will power to break off my gaze with Daryl and turn back.

Rick was helping Jim up, and I went to the other side. I put Jim's arm over my shoulder and followed Rick's lead, many of the group following behind us.

"Let's leave him in the open air for now." Rick said, and together we lead him up through a small gap in the trees, and leant him against one.

I stood there for a millisecond and smiled at Jim before I began walking back to the camp, followed by the others. I can't take this.

I stopped in my tracks when I heard Andrea talking and sobbing louder. There were a few gasps around me as others noticed too.

Amy came back as a walker.

I watched in horror as she reached up for Andrea, gargling sound floating to my ears. Andrea was still staring at her sister, and I felt my stomach churning.

Andrea said something to her, and then there was that unmistakable gunshot. Amy's body went limp, but Andrea pressed her closer to her.

"I love you." She whispered finally, her cries starting again.

I slumped to the floor hugging myself, tears welling in my eyes. Glenn sat next to me and wrapped an arm around me, and one look at him told me he was fighting back tears too. Within seconds, we were bawling our eyes out.

Andrea tried to put Amy in the ground herself, but she couldn't. I shut my eyes tight, trying to fight that dying feeling of hopelessness I felt inside. Dale helped her while the rest of us stood by at the final resting place of many campers, with the view overlooking the once beautiful city of Atlanta.

Andrea climbed out of the ground and stood next to the mound of dirt, saying words so quietly I couldn't hear. Maybe it was better that way.

I bit my lip hard, embracing the physical pain over the emotional one that threatened to take hold of me again.

I felt Helena's hand tugging mine, and without taking my eyes off the graves, I lifted her in one fluid motion into my arms.

After a few more words from the group, they began walking back to camp. I eventually started walking back too, Helena sitting snugly on my hip.

"What's happening now Sam?" She asked, her eyes wide and innocent - a picture that broke my heart.

"The group want to go back to Atlanta-"

"No! We can't! I don't want to!" She gasped, her eyes fearful as she began wriggling.

"We won't go with them, Helena. I don't think we should go either. Alex and I aren't going to take you back." I soothed. She stopped wriggling, but I could tell she was scared by the way she clung tightly to me.

We got back to camp and I put her down, but she stayed close by my side.

I decided to go back to the tent and start packing up some stuff. Helena wanted to be helpful too, so she folded everything she could get her hands on and passed them to me, a wide grin on her face.

When everything was relatively packed away, we got out of the tent, only to see Rick beckoning everyone over. This was it.

"Okay, we've decided that the best thing for Jim and all of us is to try finding the CDC." Rick said, meeting each of our gazes.

"If you all agree, we'll leave first thing in the morning." He continued.

I sighed, and felt Helena reach up for my hand. I grabbed hers and squeezed.

"If we keep all the cb radios on channel forty, we'll stay in contact.. I've got to ask - is there anyone that won't be coming to the CDC with us?"

"We aren't going." A voice said, and my head snapped round to see Morales talking. I sighed deeply as others gasped. "We have family in Birmingham. I've got to do what's best for my family."

"Of course." Rick said, walking over to him with a gun and ammunition in his hands. Morales family then turned to pack up. I took a deep breath.

"We aren't coming either." I rushed, my eyes low.

"What?" Glenn blurted.

"Why?" Dale asked.

"Helena won't go, and can't risk her running away or going berserk, attracting attention like that. Plus we've already looked there, and we don't want to risk it again. " I sighed.

I looked at all the campers, shock etched on their faces. Carol looked saddened, Sophia and Carl looked utterly flabbergasted. Glenn looked like he was going to cry again, and Dale looked incredibly torn. Rick and Shane both had solemn faces. Finally, I looked at Daryl. He looked angry. I fought the urge to flinch.

"How are you gonna look after yourselves? Helena's only a little girl and Alex is still injured." Lori asked, hand resting over her heart.

"We'll take the risk. I managed to look after them okay before - well, relatively okay." I said, glancing at Daryl knowingly. I could see the pulse in his neck as he gritted his teeth hard, but his eyes seemed softer. Almost worried. I stared harder, not bothered about saving face any more.

"We'll be okay. I know a farmhand further out, so it's worth a shot." Alex piped up.

"Yeah," I said, snapping my gaze away from Daryl. "If there's a chance we know somewhere there could be someone alive, we'll take it." I stated, nodding defiantly.

"Here," Rick said, handing Alex a shotgun. Alex nodded, looking choked . "You should take this - Sam can't fight bare-hand all the time." Rick smiled and I returned it.

"Sam, do you have to?" Glenn whined, his eyes looking so hurt it sent daggers through me. I had this sudden rush of anxiety and guilt - I didn't want to leave.

"... It's what's best for Helena." I sighed, lowering my eyes.

"But you don't have to go-"

"She's already made up her mind, Short Round. Leave it." Daryl snapped, staring me in the eye the whole time.

I grimaced slightly. Doing the right thing hurts.

"We'll see each other again though.." I offered weakly.

No one replied, only looked back with eyes filled with sadness. Or a snort from Daryl.

"You guys are going to need transportation." Rick said.

"I was thinking about picking something up on the highway." I said. In actual fact, I hadn't thought that far ahead. I just wanted to sound capable, and that was the first thing that came to my head.

"We'll give you a lift and help you get some gas if you want." T-Dog offered, and I smiled.

"Appreciate it man." Alex said. Rick nodded.

"Well, tomorrow morning we leave, then. It's settled."

That night I didn't sleep. I didn't even go back to the tent.

I sat by the fire, and stayed after everyone had left to sleep and even when it was extinguished. I looked up to the sky and watched stars appear, coming in what looked like thousands.

I looked up to the RV and saw a tired Rick keeping watch. I stood slowly and made my way over and up, and smiled.

"Go get some sleep Rick. I'll watch - I'm not tired." I said gently, and he smiled sleepily.

"You're the best, Sam." he said, getting up and laying a hand on my shoulder as he passed.

I sagged down into the chair and gripped the binoculars. My eyes scanned over the tents and the surrounding areas, on high alert. I don't want any more walkers stumbling onto us.

I twirled my hair into a bun and tied it, letting the cool evening breeze wash over my neck.

It must have been in the early hours of the morning when a tent started undoing, and I watched as Glenn got out and started walking towards the RV.

He climbed up and sat on the floor next to me in silence.

"You can go sleep if you want. I'm not tired." I said, but he shook his head.

"Nah. I wanted to give you some company - it is our last night." He smiled up at me. I groaned slightly, but slid off the chair to sit cross-legged next to him.

"I understand why you're not coming. I just wish it wasn't that way." He sighed after a silence.

"I don't want to leave you all," I confessed. "But I've got to do what's right for us. But believe me, I don't want to spilt up at all. Not after everything we've been through together."

"Yeah." he laughed. "I haven't known you that long, and we've been through more crap than I did with any of my old friends." He said, and I saw the small smile slide off his face. I wrapped an arm around him, and we sat there, unmoving.

We spoke occasionally throughout the rest of the night, never looking at each others faces. It was more out of respect for each others feelings than anything. If he looked at me with those big doey eyes, I'd have probably burst into tears out of pure dread of leaving alone, let alone everything else.

Eventually the sky got lighter and the stars began to disappear. The early risers soon followed the emergence of the sun. When most of the camp had awoken, I gave Glenn a kiss on the forehead and climbed down off the RV, smiling at the blush that crept up on his face.

I proceeded to help Alex take down the tent. My wrist felt more uncomfortable that anything, but I continued regardless. When we had finished, all that stood in the tents place was a couple of bags.

We walked over to the fire when breakfast was ready and settled down next to Glenn and Dale.

I looked about the group, and felt that familiar hurt in my chest. This would be the last time I saw them. I stared down at my plate and bit my lip. This felt so hard. Soon we'd be gone.

I ate the remainder of my food in silence and stayed seated as everyone finished and set about packing their tents up. I even watched with faint amusement at Daryl trying to roll his beautiful motorcycle into the back of his truck. I hate to admit it, but I was impressed - my mum was a biker when she was younger, and I always held a soft spot for bikes and their riders. Maybe even for blundering rednecks...

Eventually everyone had finished packing, and I stood, feeling a small tingling in my lower back from staying still for so long.

"Sam, throw your stuff in the RV - we'll give you a lift to the highway." Dale said, and I nodded.

In next to no time, we were rolling.

I watched as the lines of trees went past, my gaze fixed and my mind blank. Helena wriggled in my lap slightly, toy bear still in hand.

The rumbling of the RV on the dirt path eventually smoothed, indication that we'd hit the road. I felt my stomach swirl as I thought about the oncoming departure.

The RV slowed until it eventually stopped after a few minutes, with Dale climbed out of the cab. Helena slid off my lap and jumped out of the RV door. I stood slowly too, walking silently past Andrea and out of the door. The group had stopped in a stretch of road, a few cars and trucks off to the side.

"Do you want a hand with getting a truck ready?" Rick asked as he walked up to us.

"Sure." I sighed.

For the next ten minutes, we searched and found an older dark blue Nissan Frontier, and we even managed to find some cans of food. I grabbed out bags from the RV and threw them in the back of the truck. After siphoning enough to get us a good half a tank and some for the rest of the group, we got to the bit I was dreading - saying goodbye and good luck.

The group had all gathered and we all stared at each other. Glenn was the first to come forward, and all but ran to me, gripping me tight and nearly knocking me over. I buried my face in him neck and held back my sobs, my hands clinging hard on the shirt on his back.

He pulled away and I put my hands either side of his face.

"You better be good Glenn." I said, and he nodded furiously. I brought his head down a little and kissed his forehead. He squeezed my shoulder and reluctantly walked away to hug Alex.

Dale then walked up to me and pulled me into a hug. He was warm and his breathing was laboured. I hugged him close, not wanting his comforting grip to ever let go.

"Keep your head on straight Sam. You're a smart girl." He said to me, and I nodded.

He pulled away too, and swooped down to pull Helena up into his arms.

Shane walked up to me and we hugged, but only for a few seconds.

"Are we cool, Shane?" I asked, keeping my hand on his shoulder. He smiled crookedly.

"Water under the bridge Sam."

I said goodbye to the rest of the group, as well as wishing Morales and his family luck. T-Dog squeezed me extremely tightly, but I didn't complain. I even hugged Andrea.

I climbed into the RV and walked through to the bedroom, dreading this goodbye. There lay Jim, his face contorted in pain, his face pale and ghostly, but I could feel the heat radiating off of him. He tried to smile at me as I drew closer, but his eyes fluttered.

"You don't deserve this Jim. You've got to hold on so you can get you some help." I sighed, taking my hair out of it's bun and running my hand through it.

"Sam, don't worry. I'll get to see my family again." He said, his clammy hand reaching out and loosely holding mine.

I smiled, before I leant down and kissed his forehead. He smiled as I stood back and I walked away, his hand slipping out of mine.

I sighed as I made my way out of the RV, and Alex walked in. He cupped my face briefly before calling out to Jim.

Rick walked over and we hugged, his arms wrapped firmly around me. I stood on my tiptoes and wrapped my arms around his shoulders. I sighed deeply.

"I'll miss you Rick."

"I'll miss you too Sam, but I know you'll be just fine." He said into my hair and I smiled over his shoulder, eyes fluttering closed. I was going to miss his voice.

We pulled apart and he shook my hand. I smiled. Despite everything, he's still a gentleman.

Finally, I looked for Daryl. I finally saw him leant against his truck, arms crossed, watching me. I tried not to blush as I walked towards him, hoping not to attract too much attention.

"Bye." I said awkwardly as I stood in front of him, and he merely nodded.

"Thank you for everything you've done for us when you didn't have to. I know you don't like people being nice to you and all, but that's just too bad. Just remember that you are better than what you give yourself credit for." I said, and he grunted, but he also gulped. I thought about the words I'd just spoken, knowing I meant every word.

On impulse, I reached my arms around his shoulders and leant up on my toes, pulling his head down slightly and I kissed his cheek. He initially tried tugging away from my grip, but stopped when I kissed him. He was warm under my touch, and his skin felt surprisingly smooth.

I turned and started walking away, ignoring all the eyes that were on me. I could feel my face burning and my lips tingled slightly - probably from the tickling of his stubble.

"Good luck." I heard him say lowly. I merely looked back at him, and to my total delight, his neck and cheeks were completely flushed.

Two kisses in 24 hours? This heat must be getting to me.

"If you look for us," Alex said, getting all the attention off of me - thank God, "we'll be heading this way on the highway." Alex said, pointing his thumb over his shoulder.

there were a few more goodbyes said before I picked Helena up and buckled her into the truck.

I climbed into the front passenger seat and watched everyone out of the rear view mirror, my eyes welling up.

I saw them all pile into their cars and saw Daryl pacing before jumping into his truck. I blew my cheeks out and then bit my lip.

Alex climbed into the truck and started the engine. After tooting the horn and getting a few back in response, we began to move. I watched the group in the mirror grow smaller and smaller until I could no longer see them. My eyes were glued to the mirror.

I bunched my legs under me and leant against the door and the cool glass, my eyes closing before any tears spilled out.

Well? ;]

Don't hate me and stuff. I just didn't want to rattle off everything that happened at the CDC and so on - you already know all of that. :)

So, let me know if you enjoyed it!

- Loré. X