AN: The more reviews I get, the more I want to write. It's great. If you mentioned something you would like to see in the story, it may take a while for me to work it in, but I'll most likely use it somehow. Again, I'm writing for you to enjoy.

Chapter 14

I couldn't believe this. The whole group relaxed and laughter filled the air. We started to jump up and wave our arms up high. Jackson came and lifted me up in the air so I would stand taller then spun me around in a tight hug. Jo picked up April and followed our actions.

"Jo….what are you doing?!" April whined.

"Helping you, because no one is going to see you're tiny ass."

"Hey! Over here!" I yelled it, Callie yelled, we all yelled it at the huge Army tank in the distance. After all this time, we finally found our ticket to safety.

I looked over to Callie. "Can you believe this? I can't believe this!"

"I know! This is…" Before she could finish, I picked my girlfriend up by the backs of her legs, wrapping them around me and kissed her. When she pulled back, she smiled and opened her mouth as if she was going to say something. After a deep breath, her smile got wider and she leaned down to kiss me again. I sat her gently down on the ground.

Owen, Teddy, and my brother walked up to the tank as it halted in front of our cars. A darkened figure jumped from the top of the tank. Owen made a few hand gestures and nods before pointing to us. The group of soldiers walked over towards us.

"Guys, this is Major Mathew Taylor of the U.S. Marines." Owen introduced the man. He seemed timid and probably wasn't the one originally in charge.

"Hello." He waved then returned his hand behind his back.

Aria stepped out of the group. "Well helllooo." Callie put her hand on her sister and moved her back into the group.

"He and the rest of his men have this tank and one an hour behind on this same highway. These are the guys taking the healthy to Texas."

"We're still transporting people, there's just so many. Our trucks broke down and some were attacked. All we have left are these two tanks. It's making trips take longer than usual."

Jackson stepped out. "So we're going to follow you guys right?"

"We'd be more than happy to have you guys tag along." Mathew replied.

"Thank you Major Taylor. It means a lot to us." I went up and shook his hand then gave him a salute. He saluted to the group and turned to walk back to the tank, nodding to our soldiers.

"I just…this is amazing." April said.

"It is." I said.

Bailey was crying, rocking the baby in her arms. It made me smile to know we weren't far from our goal.

The cars were packed and started in record time. This is it. We're going to make it. I squeezed Callie's hand in my lap as I pulled out behind my brother in the Tahoe.

Wednesday, January 15th

Night went into day and I was in the back curled up to Callie. It was early in the morning and the sun was peeking over the rocking mountains in the distance. The way it shined on her face made me think. I wouldn't mind waking up to this every morning.

We were constantly driving and haven't made a stop since. The baby usually needed to be changed so I was wondering when the next stop was going to take place.

"Jackson, motion for them to stop." I said.

"Why?"

"Maria might need to be changed and I wouldn't mind a little fresh air. We've been riding in this car for almost six hours."

"Look at that!" He pointed to a sign in the distance. The sign read "New Mexico: 50 miles".

A smile came to my face. We were making good progress and we had the Army in front of us so we didn't need any more misguiding maps. Jackson waved his hand out the window and everyone slowed down. It took the guys in the tank longer to figure out we needed to stop.

We all took turns watching the highway as the others stretched and used the restroom. After I had finished, I walked up to Aria holding Maria.

"I haven't really got to hold her much. Do you think…?" I pointed to the baby in her hands.

"Oh yeah, sure." Aria handed me the baby girl.

"Hey baby. How are you doing? We're going to find you a nice crib and get you some good tasting food… It's all going to be just fine." I bounced her around in my arms as she laughed and giggled. I gave her a soft kiss on the beanie hat that covered her head. I gave her back to Aria, but before I could turn around, two hands slid around me. It made me jump a little.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to scare you." Callie leaned back some.

"No, no, no. It's okay." I pulled her arms back around me. We had been a little more handsy after we found the tank. With so much excitement, I couldn't imagine not relaxing more with my girlfriend.

"You looked super hot holding that baby." She whispered in my ear then started a trail of kisses down my neck.

"I look hot all the time." I boasted. The truth was, her comment made me nervous and I responded by being cocky. I feel like if Callie starts talking about babies, she won't stop. I would love to have that conversation with her…just not right now.

"That's true." She turned me around and kissed me softly on the lips.

"You guys just keep getting grosser." Aria had her back to us with the baby, but voiced her thoughts.

From the side of the highway a voice came. "You have GOT to be kidding me!" We all looked sharply to our right where Jo was coming out from behind a bush.

"What is it?" Callie asked. There didn't appear to be anything wrong with her or any infected walking around.

"Why didn't we stop at the actual rest stop or store?!" Jo pointed out an exit sign, advertising a gas station and rest area.

"It's usually more dangerous and we don't like to get off track." Everyone looked to Mathew as he explained the reasoning behind the use of bushes for bathrooms. "We should probably get going." He turned around and walked to the tank. He was followed by his other soldier and the people they were transporting.

"Fifty miles to go." I whispered. Callie smiled and gave me a peck on the cheek before getting my brother's attention.

"So Tim… I was thinking…maybe I could have my car back?"

"Uh...sure, no problem." He handed the keys over to her.

"I just thought since we were close and all…I'd really like to spend some time with my sister."

"It's fine, I get it. Plus, a little time with my sister wouldn't be so bad either." Tim motioned towards me then approached. He ruffled his hand through my hair then continued to my car.

"Alright now Tim." I warned him. As much as I do love spending time and talking with Callie on the road, having some quality time with Tim wouldn't be so bad. Jackson and Jo decided to nap in the back as we begun to drive.

"So you and Callie…" Tim started.

"How did I know you were going to start there?"

"You guys seem good together. She's just like everything you've told me." He stared out the window as he usually did on all of our family trips.

"She's great, may be the one."

"Whoa now. Don't you think it's a little early to be saying that?" He threw his hands up in the air in defense.

"I don't know. We were supposed to be getting ready for college by now. We were going to Washington together. She wanted us to go into medicine."

"Doctor Robbins….has a nice ring to it." Tim smiled and I couldn't help but laugh.

"I could see us dating through college and getting married. She's not like the other chicks I've dated. I love her." I focused in on myself and thought about what that meant. I love her. "It's just…"

"What?"

"I hate biology. Derrick helped me through the entire class. I just don't think being a doctor is for me. I could do it if I set my mind to it, but….it wouldn't make me happy."

"You tell her that?" He looked at me as if it was that easy.

"Uh…no. I didn't want to hurt her feelings. I could go into medicine and…you know…"

"No. I told you I'm not going to talk about it." He turned himself back towards the window.

"I do love her though."

"I believe you." He ended.

Things remained quite as we listen to some CD Tim found in my floorboard and passed the New Mexico border. After a long amount of silence, Tim spoke up.

"So…What really happened to mom and dad?" His voice was soft and distant.

I gulped. "We uh… They left the morning it started. I woke up late and Callie had called and was freaking out. I went down to look for them and they were already gone. Dad was going to work at the base so I figured he was there and mom was at the bakery. I left them messages and called the base. They said dad never made it. I went over to Callie's and… Aria was missing; the guys were trapped in the school…" I started to tear up and my brother took my hand. "We got the crew from school and found Aria at Joe's Café. We stopped by the bakery and it looked unopened; she wasn't there. We passed a road and I saw dad's truck flipped over. I went to investigate, but there were so many of them coming… There was blood, Timothy. There was blood and a piece of his shirt ripped up in there."

I could tell my brother was crying too. He produced small sniffles as he continued to look out the window. "Are you sure?" he asked.

I nodded. A sigh came from the passenger side as he wiped his face with the sleeve of his Army jacket.

Callie's POV

Aria and I now had some time to catch up as he drove to New Mexico.

"So that Major Taylor is pretty cute…" She started.

"Oh my gosh. Really?"

"Yeah."

"You are really something." I said sarcastically.

"I know." She said proudly. "So how about you and Arizona? How's that going?" She started to play with her hair between her fingers.

"Awesome." That's Arizona's word.

"I heard she was a slut. It's why I didn't like her coming over all the time."

"Well…it's not true. She's very committed to us. She's also respectful, responsible, funny, polite, hot…"

"Of course." Aria replied as she rolled her eyes.

"We were going to college and med school together. We had all these plans and now…I have no clue where we're going? The relationship, on this road…" I sped up to get closer to Hunt.

Aria laughed. "You can still have a life. I think if anything, you two have proved a relationship is possible in the middle of this. And so have Owen and Teddy, Meredith and Derrick." Aria turned to smile at the couple in the back.

"Thanks. That's probably the nicest thing you've said to me." Derrick said back.

"It's the only thing she's said about me." Meredith added.

Bailey spoke up. "She only wants the baby when she speaks to me." I looked to Bailey in my mirror holding Maria.

Aria's face scrunched up. "So… I'm not the best at communication."

"We were able to bring that beautiful baby into the world as well." I said with a huge smile on my face.

"You've been eying her a lot lately…" said Aria.

"I really want a kid someday. I just wasn't sure with all of this, it was possible anymore. All I want to do is go to school and become a doctor with her then settle down with a family."

"Yeah, I saw the way you were looking at her holding that baby. You had some drool…just a little…" She motioned to the corner of her mouth. "Just a little right there."

"Shut up." I swatted my sister's arm as we entered New Mexico. The smile left my face as I thought about how my father wasn't going to be around to witness any of this. Aria and I were getting along and I had plans for my future… "Dad's gonna miss it all." I whispered. My sister gave me a somber smile and reached for my hand.

"No he's not. He's watching us right now." My sister and I shared sad grins.

Thursday, January 16th

Arizona's PO V

We were half way through New Mexico. Limited stops and speeding up our pace really was worth it. In my head, I could smell Texas. I didn't know what it actually smelt like, but I think it's better than rotting flesh and bloody saliva. I needed to sleep. I also wanted to see Callie again. Is it sad that I can't be away from my girlfriend for more than one day?

"Tim, I want to ride with Callie."

"Okay. I can take over there or here…" He motioned to the wheel.

"How about you and Aria take my car and I'll ride with Callie in hers? I haven't talked to Derrick and Meredith lately."

"Okay, sounds good."

We stopped and switched around quickly before taking off again.

"It's very nice to see you again." Callie said.

"Nice to see you as well." I smiled and leaned over the middle console to give her a kiss. "How's everything back here?" I turned around in my seat to see my nerdy friend hugged to his girlfriend and Miranda with baby Maria.

"All is good, Robbins." Derrick responded.

"That's good." I turned back to Callie. "Did you have a nice talk with your sister?" She nodded. "Good. Did she ask about me?" She shook her head.

"That's such a lie." Derrick spoke from the back. Mer laughed along with him.

"She asked about us, yes. It was normal questions and such…" She was getting nervous so I let it go.

"Alright, alright. I didn't mean to make you nervous."

"You didn't. What about your brother? I'm assuming he did the same?"

"Yep." A moment of silence went by. "I told him about our parents." Callie looked at me. "I told him what happened. It was good to get off our chests I guess." She nodded.

"Yeah, I miss daddy too." Her voice faded out as she looked back to the road.

"Callie, I…"

"Don't. I don't want to hear that crap anymore, Arizona." I could feel the tension from our friends in the back.

"Okay." I reached to connect our hands. Once they met, Callie brought her gaze to me.

*CRASH*

I opened my eyes after a few minutes. I looked in front of us and noticed Owen's end scrunched on top of Callie's hood. Callie beat the air bag away from her face.

"Son of a BITCH!" She reached up for her noise and looked to me. "Are you okay?" She mumbled from behind her cupped hands.

"Yeah, I'm fine. It just…." I leaned off the leather seat covered in glass slowly and lifted my shirt.

"You scraped some of the blisters on your back." Miranda said, looking over my seat.

"Oh god! Is Maria okay?" Callie panicked.

"Yes. She's fine." Miranda motioned her head to the baby in her arms.

"Derrick, Mer?" Callie asked.

"We're fine." Derrick said as he sat up from the floor of the car.

My brother walked up to my door and helped me out while Owen helped Callie. When everyone was out of the cars, we looked to Owen's truck scrunched between the tank and Callie's car.

"I'm SO sorry, Owen. I wasn't paying attention and I didn't see you stop..."

"Don't worry. The tank stopped then it backed up into us. It was only a matter of time before we ran into you."

"AHHHH!" I voice came from the tank. Owen and Tim rushed to the top. They pulled out a very bloody Mathew, swinging his machine gun around. They got him to his feet on the highway, but his arms continued to swing around.

"Taylor! Calm down soldier!" Owen yelled. The soldier fell to his knees and sobbed. I wrapped my arm around Callie, watching. When she tried to do the same, I pushed my back forward and she yanked her hand back.

"What happened?" Tim asked.

"One of those people…they just…and I had to kill them." His head tipped back and he fell to the ground.

"Someone get him some water." Owen ordered. He shed his coat and balled it under the Mathew's head.

"Are you okay?" I whispered to Callie, reaching for her face. Her eyes were starting to fill with tears, making them red and irritated. I moved my eyes down to her nose and saw it turned sideways and blood running out, dripping onto her lips. Her pain and mine made my eyes fill with water until everything became blurry.

"Yeah, go help them." Callie patted my cheek and sent me on my way. Miranda took my place and began to examine her nose.

I walked over to my brother who was climbing the tank. He looked inside and pulled his head back. "Damn."

"What is it?" I got to where he was and looked inside. One of the people they were transporting was roaming the inside, gnawing on the bodies of others on the floor. Two more soldiers lay torn apart. "Holy…" My brother moved me out of the way and swung a hammer into the infected's head.

"Make sure they're all dead and help me get them out of here." His voice was weak and I thought he might puke. "If you could, please? You're not hurt are you?"

"No. I scratched some scabs and blisters on my back…some glass in my back, that's all." As if the glass was no big deal, I hopped inside the tank with my brother. We bent down to where we both could pile the bodies to one side. There were five counting the one we just killed. I made sure to gather the soldier's equipment to make more room. Once we had them all plied off the side of the highway, I gave a now awake Mathew the tags and set up their boots and guns. Owen, Teddy, Mathew, my brother, and I all saluted then went back to the others.

There was something about being a part of a military family that gave a huge amount of honor. I even considered joining the military beside my brother. I've told him and dad about it, but not my mother. It would scare the hell out of her. Shoot, it scared the hell out of my father and my brother. When I told them, they were supportive, but I could tell they were shy about sending one of the most important girls in their life into battle. My brother doesn't even like to talk about it, hence the conversation earlier. I would never have the guts to tell Callie, it would break her heart. It would break my heart; being sent to who knows where to a base possibly overseas. I couldn't do that to them.

Owen's truck was completely totaled and probably wouldn't start. On the somewhat bright side…there was more room in the tank. The front of Callie's car was scrunched, but it started and we decided to test its strength.

I took in a deep breath as I put a pillow behind me, and slowly let it out as I leaned back. A really long and weird-sounding whimper came out. It was similar to the sound a cat makes when you try to give it a bath. Callie giggled a little and looked to me.

"I'm sorry, but what kind of sound was that?" She asked.

"The kind you make after you tare the blisters on your back that's healing from fourth degree burns then try to lay back."

Her face went straight and she laid her hand on my thigh. "I'm so sorry."

"It wasn't your fault."

Callie squeezed my thigh. We drove off into the night, hopefully one of our last nights on the road. If we really tried, we'd make it tomorrow night or the next morning. When the pain became too much for me to take, I rolled over and awkwardly laid on my stomach in the flattened passengers seat. Miranda moved to the back to make room, but I was now face-to-face with Derrick's crotch. I turned my face to the other side, trying to get comfortable.

After a few minutes of struggling to relax, I finally let my head hang off the head rest on the seat and my feet curl up to the console with my back to the window. I was relieved from any major pain and now all I wanted to do was fall asleep. I closed my eyes and listened to my surroundings. The car was making funny noises, Derrick was snoring, and someone humming along with the music, gently playing in the front of the car.

I knew who was humming; I've heard it every time I've stayed over to study with Callie. She likes to have her radio playing when she studies and she always hums along. Her singing is ten times better... it's magical. I only heard it once when I came to pick her up for a date early. She was still in the shower and I waited outside the door, listening. The louder she sang, the prouder I was to be her girlfriend. I couldn't believe I was so lucky to have such an amazing girl with an amazing voice. I tried telling her how incredible her voice was, but she always denied it and refused to sing for me.

"Sing." I said with my eyes still shut.

"What?"

"Sing. I'm having trouble sleeping and I know you can do it. Sing for me."

"I can't…I mean…you don't want me to sing. With my nose all…it wouldn't sound good."

I made no effort to open my eyes. "Stop denying your amazing voice and sing. You know you can, I know you can."

The pause in the conversation worried me, but soon, her humming grew louder until she started to whisper-sing to herself. I opened one of my eyes and took one of her hands off the wheel and laced our fingers together. Her voice picked up and she began to sing. It wasn't extremely loud to disturb the others, but just loud enough for me to hear. An immediate smile filled my face. It was so beautiful and elegant. The same feeling I had when I heard her in the shower came back. I was so lucky not only to be alive in this armageddon, but I was lucky to have Callie by my side.

It turned out to be kind of a filler chapter and it was all over the place, but I think it went well...maybe a little fluffy. SO close to Texas!