TWD story – Chapter 2 – 2 years, 1 month and 6 days later...
Over the years it had become less about finding her dad, and more about survival. Olivia had heard stories about people heading north, that the cold made it better there. She didn't know if she believed it, but if her dad was still alive, he might be heading in the same direction. So, she continued to walk... and walk. Before she often came across people who offered her a place amongst their group, before she often came across people who wanted to steal from her, before she often came across people who wanted to kill her... Now, she didn't come across anyone. I struggle to even find food these days. Her belly rumbled as if on cue and she stopped to take a breather on a broken tree a few metres away.
Pulling off her backpack, Olly tried to remember the last time she ate. After pulling the zip to peer at the contents of the bag, she realised it must have been about two days ago since she hadn't gathered any food since then and now she was out. Sighing, she opened her plastic bottle only to find it no longer contained any water. Damn it. Everything is so fucked. My only possessions of any value now are an empty revolver, my katana... and my dad's hat. She placed a hand on the rim of the dirty, green cap. Her eyes portrayed her again as she released a few speckles of water from them. Damn, I broke my record... I managed to go two weeks with out crying this time.
That's when the all too familiar sound of roamers appearing through the bushes were heard. Olly zipped up her backpack and slung it on her shoulder searching the area for an exit. There were far too many for her to deal with by herself with just her katana. Suddenly, one lunged forwards in attempt to grab her, her heart leaped in her chest and her legs sprinted forward through the bushes. Her heart hammered and sweat dripped down her back. When she could run no longer, she collapsed to the ground, physically exhausted. She needed to rest. Her body slid itself down the bark of a tree and her eyes closed shut, just for a second.
The next thing she knew, she was being shaken awake and immediately she was on guard. She reached for her katana but she looked at the guy who seemed to be a couple of years older than her... and she didn't feel threatened. "Hey, it's okay. It's okay. We're not going to hurt you." The young man had brown, shaggy hair. He wore a faded jumper with a machete strapped to his back. Behind him was a guy about the same age, wearing a cap and green shirt. She didn't feel threatened. "My name's Luke and this is Nick." He gestured to himself and then to the other man who clutched his hunting rifle. He was nervous. Olivia tried to speak but her mouth was too dry and the words came out as a choked whisper. "It's okay, you don't have to speak. We're going to help you okay. Our group is held up in a cabin a little way off. We have a food and a doctor, we'll help fix you up."
"Look, Luke... Is this wis-?"
"We can't just leave her, Nick! Look at her. She's a mess." If Olly had been able, she would have made a smartass comment to that. She didn't have the strength though. I just need to sleep. With that, her eyes slid shut.
"Is she waking up?" Olly's eyes fluttered open on cue and immediately she was alert. Now she felt threatened. Her eyes shot around the cool, dark room. It was a log cabin from what she could tell. "I'll take that as a yes." Her eyes then darted to the unfamiliar voice. It was an older man with white hear, wearing a green shirt. Next to him was the guy who introduced himself as Luke, and then Nick and finally a woman who was heavily pregnant.
"It's okay... no need to be scared." Luke had his arms held out as if he was trying to calm a cornered animal. "It's ok-"
"It's not okay, Luke! What were you thinking!? What if she's with Carver?"
"Calm down, Rebecca." The older man spoke more soothingly.
"Hell no, Pete. She can't stay here!"
Olly's mind felt like it was about to explode. The pain in her head drowned out all the background bickering that was taking place and she sat up and placed her head on her hands. "Guys, please shut up. Hey – you ok?" Luke placed a soothing hand on her shoulder and surprisingly, she didn't cower from it.
"I – I..." Her throat burned and it hurt to breathe.
"Hey Nick, get the girl some more water."
Nick look startled by the order. "What? Why do I have to do it?"
Pete scowled at him. "I'll do it. This boy seems to have forgotten his manners." Nick muttered under his breath whilst Pete left the room.
"C-can you talk?" Luke spoke hesitantly as if he was nervous that she would break if she attempted it.
"It j-just hurts." Olivia placed her hand to her throat, as if to ease the pain.
"I know, but we're going to get you something to drink. Carlos, he's the doctor, he's been keeping an eye on you for us. He says you were dehydrated and malnourished... He said you'll be okay, though."
"This is bullshit. She shouldn't be here, Luke. She's with Carver."
"Stop it, Rebecca. I'm handling this. Go and relax with Alvin, will you?" Luke and Rebecca stared at each other as if they were having a conversation only they could understand and then she left in a huff. "Sorry about her, she's just got a lot to deal with." The door opened again and Pete returned with a glass of water. Luke took it and began pouring it down her mouth slowly. "You feelin' better?"
"Yeah, but.. I can do this myself you know." She gestured to the cup and Luke smiled.
"Well, I didn't want you drinkin' it all at once." He passed her the glass and then sat on the bottom of the bed they laid for her. "Nick, Pete... could you give us a minute?"
Pete looked at Nick who didn't seem to want to leave. "Com'on son." The older man placed his hand on the younger boy who just shrugged it off.
"I ain't your son." Nick stormed out and Pete turned to the mysterious girl, smiled apologetically and then followed after.
"Heh, sorry about that. It ain't always like this, I promise."
Olivia looked at Luke and saw a type of person she hadn't seen in a long time – a good person."I understand. I know how families can be. I don't mean to be any trouble though, so I promise as soon as I am able, I'll leave."
"Woah, woah. I don't mean to tell you what to do or nothin', but no way will you be able to survive on your own-"
"Will all due respect, I've survived on my own for a very long time... I 'll be okay as long as I have my revolver and my trusted kat... Hey! Where's my stuff!?" Luke was taken aback by the sudden change in her demeanor. Her red hair seemed to light her face on fire as it fell infront of her eyes and the death glare he received was almost frightening.
"Hey, calm down. It's just over there, by the door." Luke gestured to her backpack that lay awaiting her return. She sighed with relief and then looked back in to Luke's dark, sad eyes. She instantly calmed. "Look, I didn't mean to say you couldn't handle youself, you need to regain your strength though... But I do need to know a bit about yourself."
Olly looked up startled. "What!?"
"Only things that may be important... Like your name, can you tell me your name?"
Olly stayed silent for a second, weighing up her options. Her past was a dark one. Not just because she'd seen people die, everyone had seen that. No, she'd done dark things too. Things she'd rather forget. This world changed her... it came to the point that she'd do anything to find her dad, and she did. That person left her though, she forgot about her. No way will she be reminded... She'll speak a little, enough so they keep feeding her. Then, she would leave. "Olivia.. but people just call me Olly."
He smiled at his achievement and then pressed for more. "So, how have you managed to survive all by yourself?"
She hesitated. "I was with a group for awhile... it didn't work out."
Luke hesitated also. "W- why didn't it work out?"
The house seemed to be silent now. As if everyone was listening. Luke was staring in to her emerald eyes, awaiting her response. She trusted him. For some reason, she trusted him. "We had different goals. Their goal was was nothing but survival... I wanted to search for my dad."