…Ivy's POV…
No one got any sleep that night, not even the kids. Lori hadn't let Carl, who was frightened out of his little mind, out of her sight. Sophia didn't have a tent to sleep in, though I did let her rest in the back of the Humvee. Morales' kids stand tucked into their mother's side, holding onto her for dear life. Ansley sat on top of the RV with a blanket and a book. I never saw her turn a single page of said book. When daylight came along, everyone ate or at least tried to eat some breakfast before cleaning up the camp.
I was one of the three people that dug holes for our dead survivors. We didn't have to dig very many, because of the number of holes that Jim dug yesterday before Shane tied him to a tree for acting insane. I tossed the shovel Dale gave me down and wiped the sweat from my forehead. I took a deep breath then coughed, because dirt got in my lunges. I held onto my chest and gasped. The few people that were working around me stopped, shooting worried glances my way.
"Are you alright, Ivy?" Morales asks, laying a body down next to my hole.
"I got some dirt in my lunges. All I need is some water then I'll be back alright." I replied weakly. I leaned back against the side of my hole. Digging all of these holes remembers be of that book called Holes that was turned into a movie with Shia LaBeouf.
"You have been working twice as hard as you should be Ivy, why don't you take a break?" He suggests. I nod, pulling myself (with a little hop) out of the deep hole I created. I saw Glenn yelling something at T and Daryl. He seemed truly upset. They scowled at him before taking the body that they had been carrying to the holes. I saw him watching me as I walked passed, he trailed off as I gave him a little wave. I giggled, making my way towards the Humvee.
I heaved the trunk of the Humvee open, lugging my pack towards me. I grabbed my water bottle from the side pocket. It was a little warm, but I don't mind. It is water after all. I took a sip, swishing it around my mouth before swallowing it. I twisted the cap back on, placing it back in the pocket. I was looking at the stuff Sophia used to lay down last night, it was folded and set to the side. I was about to move it when I heard yelling coming from the RV. I frowned, slamming the door shut. I rushed over.
"What's going on over here?" I ask, jogging up to Isis.
"Jim's been bit, Daryl wants to kill 'em and Amy, says she is a tickin' time bomb. Rick wants to go to the CDC and Shane wants to go to Fort Benning. No one can make up their minds on what we are going to do, but I think that Rick is gonna win. You know, because everyone looks to him as a leader." She whispers.
"Both of those are awful choices." I mumble, crossing my arms.
"You only say that, because you don't understand how dangerous this all is." Shane hisses, shooting daggers at me. I glare at him. He had no right butting into Isis and I's conversation.
"I don't think I was talking to you Shane. And how can you say that I don't understand how dangerous this is? What am I too young? Man, I have a great understanding of how dangerous this whole thing is. I have been killin' walkers since the world went to hell, I was out in this world while you were playing fucking house here in the middle of the woods. I have seen so much more death than you, even after what happened last night. I have seen people being ripped apart, people that I grew up with. My level of understanding of how dangerous this is, is far greater than yours will ever be. So, don't tell me I don't understand." I yell, getting up into his face.
"Get out of my face or else, you little bitch. I don't need someone like you getting near me." His nose flared.
"Or else, what? You gonna hit me, you gonna beat me like you did Ed? I'd like to see you try." I hiss, moving away from him. "I am gonna check on Jim, if y'all forgot, I am a doctor. And what do you mean a girl like me? A girl with intelligence and elegance? A girl who isn't satisfying you're every voluptuous desire? A girl with the kahunas to stand up to you?" He just stood there, gaping at me like an ape, "Forget it, I don't think your brain is big enough to understand anything I've said." I walked away from him and the others. I looked on the other side of the RV and saw Jim sitting on a plastic crate.
"Hey, Jim." I whisper, sitting down on the dirt in front of him. I rested my hand on his knee, trying to be comforting. I don't think I did much, but at least I was trying unlike the others. Well, mostly Daryl and Shane.
"Hi, Ivy." He replies, looking up at me.
"How are you feelin', I heard that one those blasted beasts got you last night and you didn't tell anyone?" I gave his knee a little squeeze. He let out an airy chuckle.
"I feel alright. Just a little feverish and sore, but I think that comes with the whole infection thing going on within me."
"I'll go get you some water and a cool rag, then we'll move into the RV." He nodded, I got up, dusting myself off, and kissed the top of his head.
I walked into the RV, looking around for a glass. I noticed one sitting on the drying rack next to the sink. I took it, filling it with the water in the bucket in the sink. Then I grabbed a rag from the cabinet and dipped in the water. I know that the water is clean, because we got it yesterday. Carol and Lori boiled it before dinner. When I went to exit the RV, Daryl's southern raspy voice filled my ears.
"Y'all left my brother for dead! This is what y'all get!" I rolled my eyes, bending down next to Jim.
"Here you go, Jim. A nice glass semi-cool glass of water and a damp rag for your fever." I handed him the glass filled with water, softly placing the rag over his head, "I'll be back over in a little bit to move you inside, alright? If you want to go in before I return, just have someone come and get me. I'll help you get comfortable." He nodded, squeezing my hand.
"Thank you, Ivy. This means a lot to me." He smiled softly.
…A Few Hours Later…
Everyone had gather around the old fire pit, well everyone but Jim. I had moved him into the RV with a little help from Jacqui and Carol. Shane and Rick stood in the middle of the group. I stood in between my sister and Glenn, who hasn't talked to me since the ordeal last night. I have been meaning to talk to him today, but with everything going on and everything we've been dealing with I haven't had a chance. I had been heading towards his tent after I got done talking to Jim earlier, but he was moving bodies with T-dog. A little while after that, I saw him heading towards me but Ansley got in the way. She had wanted me to read to her and I couldn't tell her no, she gave these big puppy dog eyes. Man, I hated those eyes. I had tried to go after him when I finished, but Carol stopped me. She told me that Jim wanted to go lay down, to which I turned around and headed back to the RV. We just couldn't catch a break.
"Our next move is to head to the CDC. You can either go with us or leave, the choice is yours." Rick states, looking around the group. Everyone was quiet for a long time, before Morales stepped forward.
"We're... We're um not going." Morales stuttered.
"We have family in Birmingham, we want to be with our people." Everyone started to whispers, back and forth.
"You go on your own, you won't have anyone to watch your back." Shane butted in.
"We'll take the chance. I got to do what is best for my family." Morales replied, wrapping his arm around Miranda.
"You sure?" Rick asks.
"We talked about it. We are sure."
"Alright, Shane."
"Yeah, alright." Shane replied.
".357?" Rick asks Morales.
"Yeah." Rick reached into the gun bag and pulled out a gun bag. When Rick handed him the gun, Shane pulled out the bullets. I kind of zoned out after that, but it was Glenn who pulled me out of my thoughts.
"I think that there is someone that wants to say goodbye to you, Ivy." He whispers, leaning away from me. I look up, seeing Morales and his family.
"Hey, Ivy. I just wanted to say goodbye and thank you for saving my daughter. I don't what I'd do if something ever happened to her." He spoke, pulling me into a tight hug. I hugged him back just as tight.
"It was no problem, I would do it again and again. And you're welcome." I smiled softly. "I won't say goodbye. I'll say see ya later, because I don't like goodbyes. So, see ya later." I hugged him again, then I hugged the rest of his family. His little girl that I saved hugged me really tight. I kissed the top of her head, "You be good, you hear me? And stay safe." She nods, walking back to her family while I walk to my sister.
"I am gonna ride with Daryl. Is that alright?" She asks, shyly. She glances over at him, blushing when he catches her.
"Yeah, it is cool. I'll be fine. Go get yourself a man." I reply, swatting her ass. She gasps, turning to look at me. She smacked me hard, walking away from me. I laugh loudly, turning towards the cars. I was making my way to the Humvee when Dale stopped me.
"Hey, can Ansley ride with you?" Dale asks, "I don't want her to be around Jim right now, you know in case something happens."
"Sure, Dale. That's alright. I was going to ask Glenn to ride with me too. Isis ditched me to ride with Daryl." He chuckled, hugging me.
"I'll go get her and her bag, so that she'll have something to do in the car." I nod. He walked back to the RV. I looked around and saw Glenn talking to Rick and Shane.
"Hey, Glenn. Can I talk to you?" I yell, from my spot next to the fire pit. He nods, walking away from them.
"What do you need, Iv?" He asks, rubbing the back of his neck.
"Isis has ditched me to ride with Daryl and Dale asked me to have Ansley ride with me. So, I was wondering if you'd like to ride with us."
"I'd love to." He answered, leaning in to kiss my cheek, "I'll go get my bag."
I smiled, as he walked away. He glanced back at me, sending a wink my way. I blushed, turning away from him.
"I can't believe that I am going to CDC. That fucking asshole might still be alive and working there. If I see him, I'll feed him to the damn walkers and tell his wife, if she is still breathing, what he did to me." I rant, whispering to myself as I walk over to the Humvee.
After we said goodbye to Morales and his family, we separate ways. Us heading to the CDC and Morales to Birmingham. I didn't really like this idea at all, but I have no control over what this group does, because I am not in charge, and I am not going to leave my only living family member behind, without really knowing if he is still there. Ansley had sat in the backseat reading a book, while Glenn sat in the seat next to me. I smiled at Glenn as he changed the CB radio channel, so that we were connected to the others. I pulled out the collection of CDs that I had been carrying around with me. I had gotten some of them before the World ended and others as we went made our way here. I slipped my Ed Sheeran CD out of its place and put into the CD port.
"I didn't know you like Ed Sheeran." He points out, noticing the familiar tune "The A Team". Ansley was muttering the words.
"Oh yeah, I love him. He is music is so real and raw. Now that I think about it, I'll never hear any new music from him or any of the other artists that I like." I look over at Glenn, as I pull up behind the RV. A look of realization crossed his face.
"That is so true! And it sucks. You know they are probably walkers or have been killed by other survivors. I'd hate to be the one that had to kill them, especially since I loved their work." I nodded.
We drove for a while in silence, well not in complete silence. The only noise was the music playing and Ansley mumbling a long with the songs that she knew. It was adorable really. About a half hour into the drive, Glenn reached over and grabbed my hand. I smile softly, my eyes not leaving the road. Soon, the CB radio went off.
"Guys, we need to stop." Dale's voice came out with a bit of static.
"Is something wrong with the RV?" Shane's cocky voice answers.
"No, it is Jim. He wants us to stop, he isn't feeling well enough to continue ride." Dale replies. I grab the radio.
"Alright, let's pull over. I'll take a look at him." I answer.
"Thanks Ivy." Ricks voice came through.
"You're welcome, Rick." I reply, slowly pressing the break. The cars in front of us stopped as well. I put the car in park, turning it off and throwing open my door.
"Come on, Ansley. We are going to say goodbye to Jim." I say, looking back at her.
"Alright." She says, trying not to burst into tears. She got out and heading towards the RV. Glenn and I followed shortly after her.
"I don't think that this is a good idea." Lori says, sticking her hands into her pockets.
"Well, it doesn't matter what you think Lori, it matters what Jim thinks and wants." I snap, I don't really like Lori.
"Watch yourself, Harris! You don't talk to her like that." Shane snapped, coming at me.
"You can't stop me from saying what I want Shane. And what I said is true. This isn't about what we want, it is about what Jim wants. If he wants to be left on the side of the road next to a beautiful tree, then we let him. We can't take away someone's right to die their own way, it isn't right. I am with Jim." I hissed at him, turning away from them. I pulled open the RV door and walk over to Jim.
"How are ya feeling, Jim?" I ask softly, brushing some sweat off of his forehead.
"I can't take it anymore, Ivy. The ride is killing me. I feel like my bones have turned in glass." He replies, gripping on my hand.
"Well, Jim. I am with you no matter what. If you want to be left on the side of the road, then I'll make it happen. I'll make it an order." I smile softly, as the door of the RV opens and Rick walks in.
"We've come to the conclusion, that we'll do whatever you want us to do. The decision is up to you, no matter what that decision may be." Rick said.
"Thank you." Jim smiled, "I want to be left behind. I don't want to endanger the group any more than I already have. I care about you guys too much to continue on." Rick and Shane nodded, helping get Jim outside and up to a tree not too far away from the road.
"Are you sure you want to do this?" Isis asks, holding onto Daryl's arm.
"Yeah, the breeze feels nice." Jim replies with a sigh. I smiled softly, brushing some sweat off of his forehead. I leaned forward as Shane ties him to the tree, lightly kissing his forehead.
"I am glad I got to meet you Jim. Tell your family hello for me."
"I will, Ivy. I got some advice for you though. Don't let the fear of losing someone stop you from loving them and enjoy your time with them," He coughed, "because you never know if today will be the day you say goodbye for real." I nod, kissing his forehead again.
"Thank you. And Jim?"
"Yeah."
"I love you."
"I love you too." We both smile. I wave goodbye and walk to the Humvee. I had to wipe away a few stray tears as I opened the door.
"Hey, are you okay?" Glenn asks gently, wrapping his arms around my waist.
"Yeah, I think that I will be with you by my side." We smile at each other, leaning in for a kiss.
"If you are going to kiss, do it now before we leave and I am not in the car." Ansley teases us.
"Just get in the car." Glenn laughs, pushing her towards the backseat. Everyone else got into their cars and we continued on our way.
We drove for another hour before we reached the CDC. We pulled in and saw that it was like a graveyard, bodies lying around neatly. When I opened my door, I was hit with a wave dead body odor. I gagged and grabbed my bandanna from my bag. I threw one to Ansley, who had gotten out on my side of the car. She copied me, and tied it around her nose and mouth. I reached into the back and grabbed my bat. The whole group came together and headed towards the doors. I noticed that the doors were closed and that the shutters are down.
"Rick this was a waste, there isn't anybody here." Shane hissed.
"No! Someone has to be here." Rick pounded on the door.
"Rick, we gotta go!" Daryl yells, looking behind him. I turn around, seeing that there are walkers coming. I grab Ansley and pull her closer to me. I grab my gun from my boot and hand it to her, before gripping my bat tighter.
"Don't shoot unless I tell you and always aim for the head, alright?" I ask. She nodded.
"Rick, we have to go. We can't be this close to the city after dark!" Lori yells.
"Everyone back to cars!" Shane yelled. I grip onto Ansley and pulled her with towards the cars. I saw Daryl shoot a walker with an arrow. I also saw some getting closer to me and Ansley, so I started to swing my bat. I hit several walkers in the head.
"It is dead man! We gotta go!" Shane yells, trying to pull Rick away from the building.
"It moved! I saw it move." Rick yelled back.
"Rick! It is just the gears winding down. We gotta go!" Shane pulled at him, but Rick pushed him off.
"YOU ARE KILLING US!" Rick yelled at the camera, "We have women and children. We have no food or gas to get out of here. Please help us!" We were about to move farther towards the cars when the doors opened and a bright light blinded us.
"What do you want?" The man asks.
"A chance." Rick answered.
"That is a lot to ask these days."
"I know."
"Have any of you been bitten?"
"There was one but he is no longer with us." I answer, walking forward.
"You will all submit to a blood test, that is the price of admittance."
"Alright, we'll do it." Rick answers.
"If you have any bags, I'd get them now because once these doors close-they close for good. There is no opening them." We all nodded, completely understanding. I looked back at Glenn and he nodded, completely understanding that I wanted him to get one bag out of the car. Some of us stayed behind and took care of the walkers that got to close.
Once we all had out bags, the man let us in. I still hadn't gotten a good look at the man, when he first opened the door. We had all gotten in and he had shut the doors and I had got a good look at him. I was shocked.
"Dr. Jenner?"
…
A/N Hey There, Hi There, Ho There!
I am sorry for not updating in the last couple of weeks. (Well, I think it is weeks.) I have been dealing with some health problems. I am still dealing with those health problems and we aren't any closer to figuring out what in the bloody world is wrong with me .I also have had no inspiration to write. For this story or my other one. And tonight as I was watching Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, I got an idea for this , I love Harry Potter. I have all 8 movies. I am in love with Remus Lupin, Sirius Black, Neville Longbottom, and Seamus. If you gotta problem with Harry Potter, you gotta problem with me *bad Mafia accent*. I am just kidding. May be. You never know. I would really love it if you guys would review this story. I know a couple of people have followed this story, too which I am forever grateful, but I would love it if you'd share some of your thoughts with me.
I do love hearing from you all! Why don't you tell me where you're from and a little bit about it? I'd love to know where you are from and how many different countries are reading this.
READ AND REVIEW PLEASE!
G-V Princess