Ch. 17
'On the run Part two'
[Near Monroe, Morning]Something was moving in the water, either it was very big or big in numbers.
Genevieve bolted up, disturbing Amanda from her sleep.
"Genevieve? What's goin' on?" Amanda asked, sleep still in her voice.
Genevieve sped over to the glass wall to peer out at the murky water below, the little girl's heart stopped when she saw hundreds of silhouettes just under the surface making there way to the shore.
Genevieve turned around and ran towards the stairs.
"Hey?! What's happening?!" Amanda demanded, with no answer.
Genevieve bounded down the stairs and slid to a stop in the kitchen area where the grown-ups were having three-year-old coffee.
"Summer! T-there's walkers coming!" Genevieve blurted out.
Summer's brow furrowed as she set her coffee down and looked at where Genevieve pointed, sure enough, Summer saw many heads creeping out of the water, undead hands reaching above its surface clawing the very bottom of the glass.
While the group had been quiet all night it didn't stop them from seeing the lights that had emanated a few hours earlier, now the undead saw the sources and craved their flesh.
Summer stepped around Ian and walked up the stairs briskly.
"What the hell's happening?!" Amanda demanded, trying to sit up again.
Summer laid her back down on the couch. "We got walkers but don't worry they-" Summer said, interrupted by the sound of walkers pounding at the entrance.
"Yooooowwww!" Ian yelled, from downstairs.
Summer took a step down the stairs and saw the dead now piling against each other trying to break the glass, Summer ushered the others upstairs as the front door started to give way for the undead beings seeking human flesh.
"Where the fuck we gonna go?" Ian asked, watching for when the door gives out.
Summer strode to the window overlooking the river. "We... We're gonna have to jump!" Summer decided, seeing no other way out.
"That looks pretty cold..." A.J. said, looking out at the water.
"Gonna be a bitch about it?" Ian exclaimed, a hint of a smile on his face.
A.J. turned around to face Ian and walked over to him. "I'll show you what a bitch looks like!" A.J. shouted, getting as close to Ian's face as he could.
"STOP!" Summer shouted, breaking the uneven staring contest since Ian was smiling while A.J. fumed.
"Let's just go, guys." Melissa said, calmly.
A.J. grabbed his ax and walked over to the glass and swung with all his anger, smashing the ax head through the glass but not shattering it, A.J. stepped away in shock that the glass held his ax firmly in place.
"This shit's good glass it is a wall after all." Ian explained, seeing A.J.'s surprise.
"Ian, can you break it?" Summer asked.
Ian nodded and grabbed the fire ax and heaved it out of the glass and swung again yielding the same results.
The front door gave halfway the roar of the dead becoming deafening immediately, putting everyone inside on edge at the potential death awaiting them.
"They're getting through!" Genevieve cried, worry creeping into her voice.
Ian repeated the swing over and over until they were becoming less effective. "Switch out with me!" Ian shouted over the horde, handing the ax to A.J. and stepping out of the way.
The door broke inward as walkers flowed through the opening moving straight for the group.
Summer pulled her pistol out and fired hitting one in the eye and another above where the left eyebrow used to be. "Hurry up!" Summer yelled, firing her weapon.
Ian grabbed a stool and hurried over to the stairway to help Summer as the walkers had made halfway up the stairs already.
The large man smashed the stool on a walker's cranium before he kicked it down the stairs slowing the horde for a short moment.
"Genevieve, give me a hand!" Melissa said, running over to the couch followed by Genevieve. "We need to use the couch to slow down the horde!" Melissa clarified, hooking her arms under Amanda's.
"Ok!" Genevieve replied hooking her arms around Amanda's legs.
Together they moved Amanda to the wall where they laid her down and, returned to the couch, together, the girls moved it in front of the steps slowing the dead slowly.
"C'mon!" A.J. yelled, kicking some glass into the water.
Summer pulled Ian away and grabbed Genevieve. "Ian get Amanda!" Summer called out, as she kneeled for Genevieve to climb on her back.
"No, leave me! They won't follow you guys if they have me!" Amanda yelled over the roaring walkers.
"We aren't letting you go!" Summer yelled back, with determination.
"Taxi for one?" Ian announced, picking up Amanda who groaned in protest as pain shot up and down her body.
"Fu- ah... Fuck! Oh..." Amanda groaned in pain as she tried to reposition herself on Ian's back.
It was a fifteen-foot drop from the second floor to the water, the people at Monroe guessed the river was fifteen feet deep.
A.J. jumped in first then Melissa, the walkers had made it over the couch and were closing on the remaining survivors.
Ian grabbed Amanda's legs pulling them around to his stomach receiving a cry of pain before he jumped out of the house into the cold water below.
Summer followed just behind, Genevieve felt the gravity push them down toward the dark and cold water, the little girl grasped tightly to her protector as she saw the water breaking under Summer, with only a second passing before Genevieve was underwater.
The temperature pushed the air from her lungs shocking Genevieve, losing her grip after a hand grabbed her ankle, Genevieve reached for Summer who had started swimming up to the surface.
Genevieve's fear became real as she watched Summer disappear up into the murky water, the little girl was pulled down to eye level with a horde of walkers, Genevieve would have cried if she had any more breath left.
The walker that had pulled her down pulled her in for a bite when a boot smashed its face backward.
Genevieve felt an arm wrap around her chest and heave her up, away from the undead hands reaching for her, within a second Genevieve was above water in Summer's arm as she swam them both to an old then foot boat floating nearby.
Summer grabbed the side of the boat which already carried the rest of the group, Summer pulled herself closer before she was grabbed and pulled under, Summer looked down into the darkness, the young woman lifted Genevieve over her head and locked her elbows, Summer was quickly running out of oxygen and struggling to keep Genevieve above water, when she thought she would die Summer felt Genevieve be ripped out of her hands before a large pair of hands grabbed her wrists and pulled her up into the boat.
Summer's body was lifeless on the deck of the small boat. "Summer?" Amanda called out, hoping for a response.
Summer shot up and coughed out water, clearing her lungs of the liquid.
Genevieve shakily put a hand on Summer's back. "Are you ok?"
Summer clasped a trembling hand over Genevieve's, as an answer.
Ian rowed north, away from Monroe and the glasshouse that was now overrun by the dead, still growling at the victims they failed to catch.
The large man rowed them aground before picking up Amanda bridal style, earning a stiff gasp from Amanda as he hoisted her and himself up out of the boat and on to land once again.
Melissa and A.J. followed suit.
"Thank you." Genevieve said, in a small voice.
Summer turned her head to Genevieve's side questioningly.
"I thought you let me go..." Genevieve admitted, her hand shying away from Summer.
Summer's grip tightened on Genevieve's hand. "No... I'm not gonna let you go... Ever." Summer reassured, facing the little girl to show she was genuine.
Genevieve took her words to heart, wrapping her right arm around Summer, the girls embraced for a moment, trembling from the cold water and cool morning breeze.
After a moment to calm their nerves, the group pressed onward to what they hoped would be safety.
Summer scouted ahead, bow drawn with an arrow notched, it wasn't more than five minutes before they came upon houses.
Summer held up her hand to stop everyone. "Let's see if we can find any clothes... Ian, would you stay with her?" Summer asked, turning to face him.
"Ya. I got her." Ian said, easing Amanda to the ground, Amanda holding her breath during the process.
"A.J. you come with me, Melissa stay with her?" Summer said.
"What about me?" Genevieve asked, looking up to Summer.
"What do you wanna do?" Summer asked, crossing her arms to hide the fact she was shivering slightly.
"Can I go with you?" Genevieve asked, shivering.
"Ya, you can but have to stay close." Summer said, turning back to the houses.
Summer saw three of them so far, A.J. pulled a pistol out and followed behind her and Genevieve.
The trio crept up to the first house, trying to stay out of the window's view.
Summer lead with Genevieve watching the sides and A.J. bringing up the rear guard.
Summer carefully touched the doorknob and pulled her hand off it quickly.
"What? is it trapped?" A.J. asked, keeping an eye on their surroundings.
"I think it's clean." Summer whispered, replacing her hand on the knob and opening the door slowly.
Pushing the door inward, stepping back quickly, shielding Genevieve.
The swung open, softly squeaking on its hinges, no danger was apparent, Summer crept forward and strained to look around the corner, deeming the front room clear Summer stepped inside, followed by Genevieve and A.J. stepped in behind the girls.
Inside the house, the trio looked around the dimly lit living room, a musty smell hung in the air, indicating to the survivors that no one had been in this house for a long time.
"Let's look around, see if you can find clothes for Genevieve." Summer said, putting her bow away.
"Alright." A.J. acknowledged, before disappearing into another room.
Summer followed Genevieve into what looked like a bedroom once belonging to a teenager, posters covered the walls and a growth chart drawn on the door frame with the last measure being dated as, May, twenty-twelve. "A month before all this happened..." Summer whispered, under her breath.
Genevieve opened a sliding closet door and found shirts hanging up with a clothes drawer underneath.
"Hey! Come here!" Genevieve said, holding onto one of the shirts.
"Good find." Summer acknowledged, walking to the closet and crossing her arms.
The clothes were intact and it seemed whoever had lived here kept their old clothes since the clothes were ranging from a little girl's clothes to a young teen's.
"Nothing my size... But you should be able to pick something out." Summer said, stepping back allowing Genevieve more room to pick.
Genevieve pulled a grey t-shirt with black long sleeves, out of the closet.
"I like this." Genevieve said simply, holding the shirt away from her currently damp clothing.
"Alright, I'll get out so you can change." Summer said, opening the drawer to reveal pants before making her way to the door. "When you get out we'll see what A.J. found and get the others." Summer said before closing the door.
Summer stood and waited with her arms crossed, she was thankful to be out of the wind but she had to get the others into new clothes, Summer started walking through the short hallway, passing through the living room into the master bedroom on the other end of the trailer, Summer found A.J. rummaging through the drawers.
"Find any clothes your size?" Summer asked, entering the master bedroom.
A.J. flinched in surprise before standing up straight. "Ya, I did." A.J. answered, gesturing to the clothes laid out on the bed. "Probably some for Melissa too." A.J. said, half-heartedly pointing to the closet before resuming his search for anything useful.
Summer eyed the closet and saw the clothes did look like they could fit her. "Cool, thanks." Summer said, turning around and heading back to the living room.
Genevieve emerged as Summer stepped towards the front door. "Where are you going?" Genevieve asked, fidgeting with her fingers.
"I'm gonna get the rest of the guys outta the wind." Summer replied, stepping out the door.
Genevieve watched Summer jog down the path they had come up, before realizing she had been left with A.J. which was easily the person she knew least about in the group, she saw he was leaning against the counter in the kitchen with a new .44 caliber revolver.
"Where'd she go?" A.J. asked, inspecting the firearm.
Genevieve swallowed hard before she could find the words to answer. "S-she went to get everyone else." The little girl answered, not taking her eyes off him.
A.J. grimaced seemingly at the idea of the rest of the group being present, before pocketing the revolver and coming around the counter. "Found some clothes." A.J. acknowledged, gesturing to Genevieve's attire.
"M-hm." Genevieve nodded her head, still watching his every move.
"What?" A.J. questioned, seeing the way the girl was acting.
A.J. had a brief look of realization, standing to his full size. "Do I scare you?" A.J. asked, with a slightly playful tone.
Genevieve felt cold again from the question she was just asked. "Um..." Genevieve said, opening her mouth to speak, she jumped when the front door opened up and the familiar faces of her groupmates came in.
A.J. snorted while walking past the little girl. "Good." A.J. said menacingly, walking down the hall to the bathroom to change.
Group didn't stay long after Melissa had grabbed new clothes the group searched the other houses, finding clothes in Summer and Amanda's size but nothing for Ian.
Summer had finished changing her clothes and stepped into the living room of the third and final trailer, it had warmed up a little outside but the breeze would still make it chilly for Ian. "Ian, I'll help her get dressed." Summer said, referring to Amanda who laid on the couch.
"Aight. I'll be outside then." Ian said, leaving the house.
"You wish you could help..." Amanda said, calling after the large man who chuckled at her accusation as he closed the door.
"Ok... Pants or shirt first." Summer asked, holding up a black t-shirt and a pair of cargo pants.
"I don't care. You've seen me naked before." Amanda pointed out, trying to prepare for what probably hurt a lot.
"Yes, I have." Summer agreed, looking between the two items of clothing. "I guess it would be easier to start with the shirt, right?" Summer asked, setting the pants on the arm of the couch.
"Probably..." Amanda conceded, lowering her head in shame of her current condition.
"Ya... Shirt off." Summer Instructed, standing straighter.
"Buy me dinner first..." Amanda retorted, trying to take her shirt off carefully.
Summer scoffed at her friend's reply and crossed her arms, waiting for Amanda to be ready, after a few minutes Amanda was topless and ready for her new shirt.
Amanda slipped into it as gentle on herself as possible. "Ok... Now the hard part..." Amanda said, exhaling in anticipation.
"Ok..." Summer replied, picking up the pants and stepping closer before kneeling. "Can you lift your legs or do you want me to help?" Summer asked.
"Gimme a sec." Amanda answered, looking at her legs as if willing them to move.
Amanda's breathing slowed as she concentrated, attempting to use the muscles in her legs, already feeling the protest in her lower back, after a slight movement, Amanda tried harder to lift her legs, sweat starting to bead at her temples as she strained against herself as she fought the excruciating pain that racked her body as her legs lifted.
Summer rushed in to untie Amanda's boots, getting the first off then the second, Summer neglected the socks as Amanda gave out, letting her legs fall sending a large shot of pain through her spine from the impact with the floor, earning a cry of pain.
"Good job." Summer whispered, trying to conceal her worry.
"Need... Help..." Amanda resigned, in between heavy breaths.
"I got you." Summer declared, moving up to loosen Amanda's belt.
Genevieve and the group waited outside for Amanda to be changed so they could leave.
"Where are we even going?" A.J. asked, from his position against a tree in the yard.
"I don't think we know yet." Melissa admitted, rolling her flannel sleeves up.
"We need to know something. To know where we're going." A.J. said, with his arms crossed.
"I know where I'm going." Ian spoke up, sitting on the ground braiding grass.
"Where?" Melissa asked.
"My family is on their way to my buddy over in Maryland." Ian stated. "I'm gonna join them there A.S.A.P." Ian explained, finishing a full braid.
Genevieve had tuned the others out and flinched when she heard cries of pain from inside the house, the others quieted at this moment too, so they must have heard it as well.
After a few long minutes, the front door opened revealing Summer who beckoned Ian in to carry Amanda.
The trio emerged from the house and the group moved towards the highway that would take them north.
After about two and a half hours of walking the group came upon Byrdstown, a well-sized town that the survivors would yield some gear, food, or water or some other life-saving commodity.
"This place is crawling with walkers..." Summer lamented, slowing her pace in defeat.
"Maybe we can find a car with motor-geek, here." Amanda said, referring to Ian.
"Maybe..." Ian said, scanning the nearby cars.
"Won't they're batteries be dead?" Melissa asked, behind Ian.
"Probably." A.J. replied, from the back of the group.
"Shit." Ian said, watching a truck back out of a convenience store with the truck bed full of supplies.
"I guess we know how to get a car..." Amanda said, squirming lightly on Ian's shoulders.
"How?" Genevieve asked while she held Summer's hand.
Genevieve felt Summer squeeze her hand, earning her attention as Summer spoke.
"We steal one."