My laziness is good for you. You got to pick Gwen's face!
moonfaerie
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professional slacker
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- moonfaerie 10 yrs ago
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I'm pretty easy going and usually up for anything. Just ask.
And that's really about it!
And that's really about it!
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Reaching an arm around, Elizabeth massaged her aching shoulder. Her entire body was sore from pushing herself and running for survival. Erin was slowing down too and she could tell the girl was in just as much agony even if she wasn't saying anything. Still, following the group up through the dark tunnels wasn't nearly as taxing as trying to survive in the city. She couldn't help but think of all the people who decided to stay behind in the courthouse. Had any of them made it out before the bombs dropped?
When they emerged just under the highway, she was surprised by just how prepared the preacher seemed to be. There was even a van waiting for them at the highway. A protective hand resting on Erin's shoulder as she looked like she wanted to bolt towards the man with cookies, the girl waited anxiously until Elizabeth gave her the signal to go ahead. Running forward, she happily grabbed one of the cookies and enthusiastically thanked him.
During the ride up the mountain, Erin fell asleep against Elizabeth, her arms wrapped around the woman's waist. Stroking her dark hair, she turned her gaze to stare out the window at the trees passing by. With the city destroyed, she hoped that meant whatever happened had been an isolated incident. It worried her that she still hadn't been able to find a working phone to try to contact her ex. She found with each day that passed it grew harder for her to stay focuses as her anxiety increased. Elizabeth knew she wouldn't be able to stop until she reached them and heard his voice—or his gurgling gibberish sounds since he hadn't been at the age where he could properly speak.
Waking Erin up just before they arrived at the station, the girl had a new burst of energy that the woman envied. If only a nap could make her as refreshed. Exiting the van with the other survivors, it wasn't long before she heard Erin gasp and felt her hands tug on her skirt to get her attention. “Lizzy,” she exclaimed. “Look!”
Turning to see where she was pointing, her initial instinct was shock. She never expected to see Ethan again. After what happened to Ava, she thought the same thing would have happened to him. “Holy shit,” she mused in awe. As annoyed as the bastard was, she had to say it was nice to see a familiar face. He wasn't the only one either as Dallen appeared to join him shortly after. A scoff of amusement as she never expected to be reunited with them again, she was still wrapping her mind around the coincidence. When he knelt down to her height, the little girl ran forward to give him a hug.
“The church was scary at first 'cause of the tunnels,” she told him. “But I got to eat cookies and peaches, so it was okay.” Erin looked over her shoulder towards Elizabeth as she added, “And Lizzy was with me.”
Elizabeth had to admire Erin's positive outlook. Even after losing everything and seeing so much death around her, she was able to find and hold onto some good. As Dallen acknowledged her with a nod, she returned it with a half smile of her own. She was surprised he was still alive too. He was crazy as hell, proven by the stunt he'd pulled back at the school. But it seems they both made it out alive.
After their initial hellos, Erin went back to Elizabeth, standing close to her leg as she shyly watched all of the new people around them. It looked like this place was still functioning like normal rather than the strict regime she'd experienced at the courthouse. These people appeared to just be biding their time for now rather than fighting for survival which gave her a bit of hope. “Are the phones working?” she asked, her gaze moving to anyone that might have an answer. Erin stared curiously at her wondering why she needed a phone.
“Dunno,” Ethan replied. Since there wasn't anyone he would call he hadn't tried to use it. “But there's one in the lodge at the front desk.”
She looked at Erin. Though she didn't want to leave her, she knew Dallen had a daughter of his own somewhere—he'd worked hard to save her at the school. So if anyone could be trusted with her, he could. “Stay with Mr. Larson until I get back, okay?”
Giving a nod of understanding, it was combined with the expression of disapproval as she didn't want to be separated either. But she didn't talk back and instead went to stand beside the man as she was told to do, taking his hand. When Elizabeth was out of sight, the little girl looked up at expectantly at him with her big brown eyes.
When they emerged just under the highway, she was surprised by just how prepared the preacher seemed to be. There was even a van waiting for them at the highway. A protective hand resting on Erin's shoulder as she looked like she wanted to bolt towards the man with cookies, the girl waited anxiously until Elizabeth gave her the signal to go ahead. Running forward, she happily grabbed one of the cookies and enthusiastically thanked him.
During the ride up the mountain, Erin fell asleep against Elizabeth, her arms wrapped around the woman's waist. Stroking her dark hair, she turned her gaze to stare out the window at the trees passing by. With the city destroyed, she hoped that meant whatever happened had been an isolated incident. It worried her that she still hadn't been able to find a working phone to try to contact her ex. She found with each day that passed it grew harder for her to stay focuses as her anxiety increased. Elizabeth knew she wouldn't be able to stop until she reached them and heard his voice—or his gurgling gibberish sounds since he hadn't been at the age where he could properly speak.
Waking Erin up just before they arrived at the station, the girl had a new burst of energy that the woman envied. If only a nap could make her as refreshed. Exiting the van with the other survivors, it wasn't long before she heard Erin gasp and felt her hands tug on her skirt to get her attention. “Lizzy,” she exclaimed. “Look!”
Turning to see where she was pointing, her initial instinct was shock. She never expected to see Ethan again. After what happened to Ava, she thought the same thing would have happened to him. “Holy shit,” she mused in awe. As annoyed as the bastard was, she had to say it was nice to see a familiar face. He wasn't the only one either as Dallen appeared to join him shortly after. A scoff of amusement as she never expected to be reunited with them again, she was still wrapping her mind around the coincidence. When he knelt down to her height, the little girl ran forward to give him a hug.
“The church was scary at first 'cause of the tunnels,” she told him. “But I got to eat cookies and peaches, so it was okay.” Erin looked over her shoulder towards Elizabeth as she added, “And Lizzy was with me.”
Elizabeth had to admire Erin's positive outlook. Even after losing everything and seeing so much death around her, she was able to find and hold onto some good. As Dallen acknowledged her with a nod, she returned it with a half smile of her own. She was surprised he was still alive too. He was crazy as hell, proven by the stunt he'd pulled back at the school. But it seems they both made it out alive.
After their initial hellos, Erin went back to Elizabeth, standing close to her leg as she shyly watched all of the new people around them. It looked like this place was still functioning like normal rather than the strict regime she'd experienced at the courthouse. These people appeared to just be biding their time for now rather than fighting for survival which gave her a bit of hope. “Are the phones working?” she asked, her gaze moving to anyone that might have an answer. Erin stared curiously at her wondering why she needed a phone.
“Dunno,” Ethan replied. Since there wasn't anyone he would call he hadn't tried to use it. “But there's one in the lodge at the front desk.”
She looked at Erin. Though she didn't want to leave her, she knew Dallen had a daughter of his own somewhere—he'd worked hard to save her at the school. So if anyone could be trusted with her, he could. “Stay with Mr. Larson until I get back, okay?”
Giving a nod of understanding, it was combined with the expression of disapproval as she didn't want to be separated either. But she didn't talk back and instead went to stand beside the man as she was told to do, taking his hand. When Elizabeth was out of sight, the little girl looked up at expectantly at him with her big brown eyes.
Everything happened so suddenly that Gwen wasn't entirely sure what to make out of the situation. The mandatory company retreat she'd been forced to attend been a blessing in disguise. Leaving the day before it all went down, she expected to be suffering through dull talks and team building exercises—not that it would have saved her life.
There were other people there with them for various different reasons. When the news broke that they wouldn't be able to get back inside the city, people with family and friends were distraught. Some of them left trying to get back home while others, like herself, stayed behind. With nothing to go back to, she found she was more use helping Kenjen, who was the only one to rise to the occasion and take charge.
Gwen was sitting with a couple of people from work she'd been attending the retreat with, leaned back leisurely in her chair while sipping on her drink, when Kenjen approached them and told her what was going on. Taking another look over at the new arrivals, she'd noticed them when they'd entered but hadn't paid them any mind. Now she was remembering their faces. “Got it,” she told him. Since they didn't look like they needed any help at the moment, she stayed where she was for the time being.
As the night went on and the crowd began to disperse, Gwen stood to took her leave as her own group started going their separate ways. Her gaze noticing one of the newcomers still at the bar by himself, she thought it might be best if she introduced herself before she went to bed.
Making her way over to the bar, she shook her head when the bartender asked if she wanted anything. She didn't plan to stay that long. “Hey,” she said. Gwen gave him a crooked smile as she leaned against the bar. “Kenjen said you might need help.” The woman held her hand out to him for a friendly shake. “I'm Gwen,” she told him. “You need anything, let me know.”
There were other people there with them for various different reasons. When the news broke that they wouldn't be able to get back inside the city, people with family and friends were distraught. Some of them left trying to get back home while others, like herself, stayed behind. With nothing to go back to, she found she was more use helping Kenjen, who was the only one to rise to the occasion and take charge.
Gwen was sitting with a couple of people from work she'd been attending the retreat with, leaned back leisurely in her chair while sipping on her drink, when Kenjen approached them and told her what was going on. Taking another look over at the new arrivals, she'd noticed them when they'd entered but hadn't paid them any mind. Now she was remembering their faces. “Got it,” she told him. Since they didn't look like they needed any help at the moment, she stayed where she was for the time being.
As the night went on and the crowd began to disperse, Gwen stood to took her leave as her own group started going their separate ways. Her gaze noticing one of the newcomers still at the bar by himself, she thought it might be best if she introduced herself before she went to bed.
Making her way over to the bar, she shook her head when the bartender asked if she wanted anything. She didn't plan to stay that long. “Hey,” she said. Gwen gave him a crooked smile as she leaned against the bar. “Kenjen said you might need help.” The woman held her hand out to him for a friendly shake. “I'm Gwen,” she told him. “You need anything, let me know.”
The sudden voice surprising them both, Erin squeaked as she ran behind Elizabeth, peering out from behind her at the man who introduced himself as Leroy Book. Becoming wary of other individuals after her run ins with others, the woman stared at the him warily at first before deciding she had no reason to distrust him yet. Giving Erin a reassuring nod, the little girl stepped out and cautiously stepped towards the pastor. “I'm Erin,” she said, introducing herself. “That's Lizzy.”
Picking up one of the heavy boxes, Elizabeth just grunted a hello as she adjusted it on her knee. What he said finally sinking in, she suddenly exclaimed, “Bombs? What bombs?!” This being news to her, she tried not to panic for Erin's sake, but if she were to be honest, she didn't see how she could possibly make it out of this alive. Keeping a clinched jaw to stifle any emotion from getting out, it was hard not to think of her son—where ever he and his father were. Despite their differences and the animosity between them, she hoped they were both still alive and he was keeping him safe.
Hearing a sudden voice, the three of them stopped to find another survivor seeking solace in the church. The box of canned goods heavy in her arms, she glared at the new arrival in frustration as it meant she had to stand there a little longer. Erin on the other hand was a bit nicer and stood on her tiptoes to reach into the box in Elizabeth's hands. The girl grabbed something before running towards them, offering whatever it was she grabbed in her hands. Elizabeth couldn't see what it was. “Erin,” Elizabeth barked. Once she'd handed the food off she came running back to her.
Leroy welcomed the two of them in the same manner and gestured for them. “This is like something out of a movie,” Elizabeth commented, looking around at their surroundings as Leroy led them deeper into the church to a staircase leading underground.
Erin hesitated at the top of the steps. “A scary movie,” she whimpered before jogging to catch up to them.
When they finally reached the bottom, Elizabeth was surprised to see there were more people already in there seeking shelter. Dropping the box on the floor, she shook her arms to work them out before stretching them. Glancing over to the other new arrival, she softened when her gaze moved to the toddler in his arms. “What's your names?” she asked. Erin stood watching beside her, interested in the answer as well.
Picking up one of the heavy boxes, Elizabeth just grunted a hello as she adjusted it on her knee. What he said finally sinking in, she suddenly exclaimed, “Bombs? What bombs?!” This being news to her, she tried not to panic for Erin's sake, but if she were to be honest, she didn't see how she could possibly make it out of this alive. Keeping a clinched jaw to stifle any emotion from getting out, it was hard not to think of her son—where ever he and his father were. Despite their differences and the animosity between them, she hoped they were both still alive and he was keeping him safe.
Hearing a sudden voice, the three of them stopped to find another survivor seeking solace in the church. The box of canned goods heavy in her arms, she glared at the new arrival in frustration as it meant she had to stand there a little longer. Erin on the other hand was a bit nicer and stood on her tiptoes to reach into the box in Elizabeth's hands. The girl grabbed something before running towards them, offering whatever it was she grabbed in her hands. Elizabeth couldn't see what it was. “Erin,” Elizabeth barked. Once she'd handed the food off she came running back to her.
Leroy welcomed the two of them in the same manner and gestured for them. “This is like something out of a movie,” Elizabeth commented, looking around at their surroundings as Leroy led them deeper into the church to a staircase leading underground.
Erin hesitated at the top of the steps. “A scary movie,” she whimpered before jogging to catch up to them.
When they finally reached the bottom, Elizabeth was surprised to see there were more people already in there seeking shelter. Dropping the box on the floor, she shook her arms to work them out before stretching them. Glancing over to the other new arrival, she softened when her gaze moved to the toddler in his arms. “What's your names?” she asked. Erin stood watching beside her, interested in the answer as well.
The two of them ran as fast as they possibly could with those things chasing behind them. Both of them gasped for breath and she could hear Erin whimpering in fear behind her. The transition onto the sidewalk was easy for Elizabeth, but Erin's foot caught on the edge and she tripped. “Lizzy!” she cried out frantically. Stopping to turn around, she saw their pursuers not far behind them. Racing back to help, she picked Erin up just as one of them reached out to grab her. Mere millimeters away from grabbing her, the thing fell over and bought them a little time as those around it tripped over the body.
More of them ran out of the allies, Elizabeth shrieking in terror as they managed to jump out and surprise her, barely missing her as she jumped out of the way and out of their grasp. Erin screamed too though being smaller and faster she was able to dodge more easily.
“Come on,” Elizabeth managed to say between breaths, making sure that Erin was ahead of her. Her lungs were burning for air, but she couldn't stop because those things wouldn't. If those things caught up to them, with Elizabeth between Erin and the danger, she would be the one to go first giving the little girl a chance.
They needed to find somewhere to stop for even a few seconds to catch their breaths. Though Erin was doing a good job at keeping up, and was even surpassing her, Elizabeth could see she was getting tired. At the first building she saw, she yelled, “There! Go! Into the church!”
The little girl ran as fast as she could to the building with the tall steeple and stained glass windows. Emerging from its hiding spot, one of those things charged in Elizabeth's direction. Unable to turn around, she had to go through it. Picking up a trash can lid, she used it as a shield bumping into it and shoving it aside. She didn't stop until she reached the church. Together they shut the doors and she locked them. “Find something,” Elizabeth said as she pressed her weight against it. Searching around the pews, Erin found a cane in the umbrella stand and returned with it. Slipping it through the handles. If she could have moved one of those large wooden pews in front of it for an extra barricade then she would have, but unfortunately she wasn't strong enough for that.
“We made it,” Erin said happily, celebrating their temporary success.
Not feeling the same excitement, she tried to muster as much enthusiasm as she could not to worry the girl. “We did,” she said with a strained smile. Luckily Erin didn't notice as she ran to look around the building. “Stay in sight.”
The colored light from the windows dimmed as the numbers blocked the sun. Not a religious person herself by any means, she found it ironic either way that she would end up in a church. Picking up one of the choir books sitting in the pews, she flipped through it reading the lyrics to old hems she'd never heard of. “Lizzy! Look! Food!” she heard Erin exclaim. Closing the book and setting it down, she went to join the girl at the front where she pointed to a collection of boxes full of boxed and canned goods. There was a sign near them that read 'Food Drive Donations'.
Searching the boxes, she picked up a small tin of fruit and tried to open the tab herself. Smiling at her attempt, Elizabeth couldn't stop thinking about this little girl was so strong. Had she been stuck with any other kid they would have probably been crying, fighting, and arguing with her right now. But Erin was so well-behaved and even after the recent loss of her parents, she was pressing on.
“Let me,” she said, holding her hand out for it. Erin bounded over to her and held it out to her. She pealed the lid back with ease before handing it back and watched as the little girl happily ate it, fruit juice dribbling down her scraped chin.
More of them ran out of the allies, Elizabeth shrieking in terror as they managed to jump out and surprise her, barely missing her as she jumped out of the way and out of their grasp. Erin screamed too though being smaller and faster she was able to dodge more easily.
“Come on,” Elizabeth managed to say between breaths, making sure that Erin was ahead of her. Her lungs were burning for air, but she couldn't stop because those things wouldn't. If those things caught up to them, with Elizabeth between Erin and the danger, she would be the one to go first giving the little girl a chance.
They needed to find somewhere to stop for even a few seconds to catch their breaths. Though Erin was doing a good job at keeping up, and was even surpassing her, Elizabeth could see she was getting tired. At the first building she saw, she yelled, “There! Go! Into the church!”
The little girl ran as fast as she could to the building with the tall steeple and stained glass windows. Emerging from its hiding spot, one of those things charged in Elizabeth's direction. Unable to turn around, she had to go through it. Picking up a trash can lid, she used it as a shield bumping into it and shoving it aside. She didn't stop until she reached the church. Together they shut the doors and she locked them. “Find something,” Elizabeth said as she pressed her weight against it. Searching around the pews, Erin found a cane in the umbrella stand and returned with it. Slipping it through the handles. If she could have moved one of those large wooden pews in front of it for an extra barricade then she would have, but unfortunately she wasn't strong enough for that.
“We made it,” Erin said happily, celebrating their temporary success.
Not feeling the same excitement, she tried to muster as much enthusiasm as she could not to worry the girl. “We did,” she said with a strained smile. Luckily Erin didn't notice as she ran to look around the building. “Stay in sight.”
The colored light from the windows dimmed as the numbers blocked the sun. Not a religious person herself by any means, she found it ironic either way that she would end up in a church. Picking up one of the choir books sitting in the pews, she flipped through it reading the lyrics to old hems she'd never heard of. “Lizzy! Look! Food!” she heard Erin exclaim. Closing the book and setting it down, she went to join the girl at the front where she pointed to a collection of boxes full of boxed and canned goods. There was a sign near them that read 'Food Drive Donations'.
Searching the boxes, she picked up a small tin of fruit and tried to open the tab herself. Smiling at her attempt, Elizabeth couldn't stop thinking about this little girl was so strong. Had she been stuck with any other kid they would have probably been crying, fighting, and arguing with her right now. But Erin was so well-behaved and even after the recent loss of her parents, she was pressing on.
“Let me,” she said, holding her hand out for it. Erin bounded over to her and held it out to her. She pealed the lid back with ease before handing it back and watched as the little girl happily ate it, fruit juice dribbling down her scraped chin.
“I don't like it down here,” Erin stated, furrowing her small nose up as she looked around them. Even though there was nothing else they could do, she just wanted to make her feelings known. Talking about her likes and dislikes seemed to calm the girl down. It was something Elizabeth had noticed during her time together with her and tried to use it to her advantage.
Agreeing with her, she said, “I don't either.” Looking down by her side at the little girl as they strolled through the sewers—something she never thought she'd be doing in her life—she said, “You know what else I don't like?”
Putting some serious genuine thought into the question, the girl eventually gave up as she had no idea. “What?” she asked curiously.
“Broccoli,” she replied, bending down with an overly exaggerated face of disgust.
Even after everything, the little girl laughed. “Broccoli's the worst,” she agreed. It didn't take long for the merry banter to stop though and the little girl fell quiet again as she stared down at her shoes. As much as she tried, Elizabeth knew that she wouldn't be able to take away the pain Erin was feeling from losing both of her parents in such a short amount of time.
With no idea where they were going, they took twists and turns through the labyrinthine passages until they saw a light at the end of one of the tunnels. Motioning for Erin to stay where she was while she went to check the area. Keeping her distance, Erin took a few steps forward as Elizabeth beckoned her forward with a wave of her hand. It reminded her of playing red light green light during recess.
When she didn't see the threat of the dead in the tunnel or in the immediate vicinity around it, she called Erin over. Her running footsteps echoed through the tunnel and Elizabeth helped her climb down. Once they were out she took the time to look around at her surroundings. Unfortunately, she still didn't have any clue where they were.
“I'm hungry,” Erin finally said, lowering her head as if the declaration was a shameful one.
Even though she had no idea how she was going to fight her way through those things to find some food, she was going to try. “Then lets get you some food,” Elizabeth said. Taking her hand, the two of them cautiously proceeded forward.
Agreeing with her, she said, “I don't either.” Looking down by her side at the little girl as they strolled through the sewers—something she never thought she'd be doing in her life—she said, “You know what else I don't like?”
Putting some serious genuine thought into the question, the girl eventually gave up as she had no idea. “What?” she asked curiously.
“Broccoli,” she replied, bending down with an overly exaggerated face of disgust.
Even after everything, the little girl laughed. “Broccoli's the worst,” she agreed. It didn't take long for the merry banter to stop though and the little girl fell quiet again as she stared down at her shoes. As much as she tried, Elizabeth knew that she wouldn't be able to take away the pain Erin was feeling from losing both of her parents in such a short amount of time.
With no idea where they were going, they took twists and turns through the labyrinthine passages until they saw a light at the end of one of the tunnels. Motioning for Erin to stay where she was while she went to check the area. Keeping her distance, Erin took a few steps forward as Elizabeth beckoned her forward with a wave of her hand. It reminded her of playing red light green light during recess.
When she didn't see the threat of the dead in the tunnel or in the immediate vicinity around it, she called Erin over. Her running footsteps echoed through the tunnel and Elizabeth helped her climb down. Once they were out she took the time to look around at her surroundings. Unfortunately, she still didn't have any clue where they were.
“I'm hungry,” Erin finally said, lowering her head as if the declaration was a shameful one.
Even though she had no idea how she was going to fight her way through those things to find some food, she was going to try. “Then lets get you some food,” Elizabeth said. Taking her hand, the two of them cautiously proceeded forward.
Hearing the news of what happened to Erin's father, Elizabeth felt the color draining from her face. Checking to see the girl's reaction, the full reality of it hadn't sunk in just yet. “No,” the little girl said, her voice wavering as it started to sink in.
When Dallen addressed her, cruelly giving her a little bit of false hope, Elizabeth shot a glare in his direction. “What are you doing?” she hissed, but Erin had taken to his side, believing that her father might really have been hiding in the cafeteria just as she'd been hiding in the lobby. He'd gotten a little girl's hopes up just so she would join him in his pointless cause—and she was furious. When Erin wasn't looking, Elizabeth balled her hand into a fist and punched Dallen without restraint in the shoulder. He should have known better than that.
The only reason she went along with it was for Erin—because she wanted to know. She deserved that much, but Elizabeth felt the need to awkwardly remind her that they might not find what they expected when they opened the doors. Even though told her that she understood, the way she excitedly waited by the door gave the impression otherwise.
When they met up at the cafeteria she didn't have anything to say to Dallen. When he pulled her aside to talk to her, she scoffed at what he had to say. After what he just pulled with Erin, she didn't trust him one bit and he had some nerve trying to use her again in an attempt to make her go along with it. “Because a bus full of high school students and a court house full of people who wanted to let her die is her best chance?” she hissed keeping her voice low so no one else could hear her. “Fuck you.” She considered the conversation over when Ethan walked past them to open the doors and stepped away from Dallen.
Everything seemed to be running smoothly until Erin noticed something. “Wait!” Elizabeth called out, but failing to catch her in time as she ran ahead. Dropping the contents in her arms as she went after her, the girl suddenly stopped and called out to one of them. Horror flashing in Elizabeth's eyes as Erin called to what was once her father, she slowly edged forward closer to her trying not to make any sudden movement that might make it attack. After unleashing a piercing scream that hurt her ears and getting the attention of the entire horde on them, they had to move quickly.
“Erin!” she yelled. The girl turned to run towards her, tears steaming down her face. Taking off as fast as they could, their feet pounded on the pavement as Elizabeth was practically dragging the girl along with her to escape.
“Lizzy,” Erin yelled so she could be heard over the loud choir of the dead. “The bus-”
“We're not getting on the bus,” she told her. Rounding the building of the school where the manhole cover was they'd crawled out from, she urged the girl to go first. Reluctant to do so after seeing the way that Ava passed and not wanting the same to happen to Elizabeth, Erin still did as she was told only to be followed behind shortly after. The noise of the buses kept the attention of the dead just long enough for them to make their escape.
When Dallen addressed her, cruelly giving her a little bit of false hope, Elizabeth shot a glare in his direction. “What are you doing?” she hissed, but Erin had taken to his side, believing that her father might really have been hiding in the cafeteria just as she'd been hiding in the lobby. He'd gotten a little girl's hopes up just so she would join him in his pointless cause—and she was furious. When Erin wasn't looking, Elizabeth balled her hand into a fist and punched Dallen without restraint in the shoulder. He should have known better than that.
The only reason she went along with it was for Erin—because she wanted to know. She deserved that much, but Elizabeth felt the need to awkwardly remind her that they might not find what they expected when they opened the doors. Even though told her that she understood, the way she excitedly waited by the door gave the impression otherwise.
When they met up at the cafeteria she didn't have anything to say to Dallen. When he pulled her aside to talk to her, she scoffed at what he had to say. After what he just pulled with Erin, she didn't trust him one bit and he had some nerve trying to use her again in an attempt to make her go along with it. “Because a bus full of high school students and a court house full of people who wanted to let her die is her best chance?” she hissed keeping her voice low so no one else could hear her. “Fuck you.” She considered the conversation over when Ethan walked past them to open the doors and stepped away from Dallen.
Everything seemed to be running smoothly until Erin noticed something. “Wait!” Elizabeth called out, but failing to catch her in time as she ran ahead. Dropping the contents in her arms as she went after her, the girl suddenly stopped and called out to one of them. Horror flashing in Elizabeth's eyes as Erin called to what was once her father, she slowly edged forward closer to her trying not to make any sudden movement that might make it attack. After unleashing a piercing scream that hurt her ears and getting the attention of the entire horde on them, they had to move quickly.
“Erin!” she yelled. The girl turned to run towards her, tears steaming down her face. Taking off as fast as they could, their feet pounded on the pavement as Elizabeth was practically dragging the girl along with her to escape.
“Lizzy,” Erin yelled so she could be heard over the loud choir of the dead. “The bus-”
“We're not getting on the bus,” she told her. Rounding the building of the school where the manhole cover was they'd crawled out from, she urged the girl to go first. Reluctant to do so after seeing the way that Ava passed and not wanting the same to happen to Elizabeth, Erin still did as she was told only to be followed behind shortly after. The noise of the buses kept the attention of the dead just long enough for them to make their escape.
Displeased with the response, Elizabeth narrowed her gaze at Dallen first then stared down at Erin. The girl stood beside her staring after the man with a hurt expression and hung her head; she was sad he'd ignored her. Feeling herself bristle, Elizabeth squeezed her hand and gave it a gentle tug to usher her forward. The little girl obliged and walked beside her, remaining quiet until they reached the ladder.
Dallen went first. After determining it was safe when they didn't hear his death screams, they followed after him. Rolling her eyes as he ordered them to wait, Elizabeth found her patience running thin and wasn't going to do anything of the sort. Cupping her hand against a dusty window, she leaned forward trying to catch a glimpse of who or what was on the other side. At first all she saw was an empty room, but she suddenly jerked back in surprise and clutched her chest.
A face, half-eaten with maggots crawling out of its mouth, snarled and snapped its jaws at her. It was followed by others of the same, drawn to her movement. Stepping in front of Erin she held out an arm to keep her safe behind in case the window broke as they pressed against the glass. It wasn't long after Dallen appeared to open the door. Gesturing for her to go to him the little girl ran, waiting at the door for Elizabeth to join them.
Walking through the hallways, Elizabeth found herself apprehensive of place. A shiver crawling up her spine, she quietly told Erin, “Stay by me.” With an affirmative nod, she followed close behind, occasionally stepping on her heels while trying to find the right distance and whispering an apology for it. They made it to the courtyard where a bunch of survivors were gathered, but were forced to stop when one of them aimed a gun at them.
As the barrage of questions flooded from the students, Elizabeth had one of her own as she exclaimed, “How the hell did you kids get a gun?!” While it was useful, maybe even necessary for their survival now, that didn't explain how they had access to one in the first place at school if none of them had been able to leave. It meant one of them most likely already had it. It was a thought that made her uneasy.
Catching wind of the conversation Dallen was having with one of the students, Elizabeth looked over at them. “Not that impossible," she remarked, arching an dubious brow at Ethan. "We were able to get in. And you all managed to get a hold of a couple guns somehow.”
Feeling a tug on her skirt, she turned her attention to Erin. “He's not here,” she told her.
With the boy leading Dallen around to find his daughter, it was the perfect opportunity for them to search for her father as well. They arrived to the library which had Elizabeth whistling in awe. The only time she'd ventured to her high school library was when she was forced during class, but hadn't been nearly anywhere as big. Erin looked pleased when she saw where they were as she said, “Daddy loves books. I'm sure he'll be here.” But the smile was soon replaced with troubled concern when she didn't see him anywhere in there, either.
“Are there any other places with survivors?” she asked the boy. Erin's eyes widened when she heard the question; she was afraid of the answer.
But he and Dallen were in the middle of something. Rolling her eyes, she shook her head. Now that Dallen had found who he was looking for, Elizabeth figured from that point on it would just be her and Erin. The two of them about to leave the room to continue the search for Erin's father on their own terms, she paused when she heard her name before whirling around to face Dallen.
Elizabeth burst out laughing, but quickly ceased when she realized he was serious. Groaning as he turned around to make a speech to the rest of them, she continued shaking her head as he and Ethan began discussing a plan. “Uh, how about no?” she finally said. “This is stupid.”
It was one thing for her to go back to the lobby to save a little girl's life who would have otherwise died without them. But these people were perfectly capable on their own. They weren't stuck or stranded and by the way they were waving their gun around earlier, she couldn't say they were defenseless either. They were hungry—and she couldn't help but think that was due to their own stupidity.
“Why would you even want to go back there?” she wondered incredulously. If they could keep the doors open for twenty-four hours then they could keep them open indefinitely and welcome in people who needed it. If anything, that just showed her what kind of people they really were. Then again, the majority of them had been willing to let a little girl die. “No,” she stated. “I'm just here to find Mr. Lee. I'm not doing shit.”
Erin gasped in shock. “That's a bad word,” she chided. Elizabeth apologized though it didn't change her mind. Going in there with just the two of them was suicide and this wasn't something she was willing to risk her life on.
Dallen went first. After determining it was safe when they didn't hear his death screams, they followed after him. Rolling her eyes as he ordered them to wait, Elizabeth found her patience running thin and wasn't going to do anything of the sort. Cupping her hand against a dusty window, she leaned forward trying to catch a glimpse of who or what was on the other side. At first all she saw was an empty room, but she suddenly jerked back in surprise and clutched her chest.
A face, half-eaten with maggots crawling out of its mouth, snarled and snapped its jaws at her. It was followed by others of the same, drawn to her movement. Stepping in front of Erin she held out an arm to keep her safe behind in case the window broke as they pressed against the glass. It wasn't long after Dallen appeared to open the door. Gesturing for her to go to him the little girl ran, waiting at the door for Elizabeth to join them.
Walking through the hallways, Elizabeth found herself apprehensive of place. A shiver crawling up her spine, she quietly told Erin, “Stay by me.” With an affirmative nod, she followed close behind, occasionally stepping on her heels while trying to find the right distance and whispering an apology for it. They made it to the courtyard where a bunch of survivors were gathered, but were forced to stop when one of them aimed a gun at them.
As the barrage of questions flooded from the students, Elizabeth had one of her own as she exclaimed, “How the hell did you kids get a gun?!” While it was useful, maybe even necessary for their survival now, that didn't explain how they had access to one in the first place at school if none of them had been able to leave. It meant one of them most likely already had it. It was a thought that made her uneasy.
Catching wind of the conversation Dallen was having with one of the students, Elizabeth looked over at them. “Not that impossible," she remarked, arching an dubious brow at Ethan. "We were able to get in. And you all managed to get a hold of a couple guns somehow.”
Feeling a tug on her skirt, she turned her attention to Erin. “He's not here,” she told her.
With the boy leading Dallen around to find his daughter, it was the perfect opportunity for them to search for her father as well. They arrived to the library which had Elizabeth whistling in awe. The only time she'd ventured to her high school library was when she was forced during class, but hadn't been nearly anywhere as big. Erin looked pleased when she saw where they were as she said, “Daddy loves books. I'm sure he'll be here.” But the smile was soon replaced with troubled concern when she didn't see him anywhere in there, either.
“Are there any other places with survivors?” she asked the boy. Erin's eyes widened when she heard the question; she was afraid of the answer.
But he and Dallen were in the middle of something. Rolling her eyes, she shook her head. Now that Dallen had found who he was looking for, Elizabeth figured from that point on it would just be her and Erin. The two of them about to leave the room to continue the search for Erin's father on their own terms, she paused when she heard her name before whirling around to face Dallen.
Elizabeth burst out laughing, but quickly ceased when she realized he was serious. Groaning as he turned around to make a speech to the rest of them, she continued shaking her head as he and Ethan began discussing a plan. “Uh, how about no?” she finally said. “This is stupid.”
It was one thing for her to go back to the lobby to save a little girl's life who would have otherwise died without them. But these people were perfectly capable on their own. They weren't stuck or stranded and by the way they were waving their gun around earlier, she couldn't say they were defenseless either. They were hungry—and she couldn't help but think that was due to their own stupidity.
“Why would you even want to go back there?” she wondered incredulously. If they could keep the doors open for twenty-four hours then they could keep them open indefinitely and welcome in people who needed it. If anything, that just showed her what kind of people they really were. Then again, the majority of them had been willing to let a little girl die. “No,” she stated. “I'm just here to find Mr. Lee. I'm not doing shit.”
Erin gasped in shock. “That's a bad word,” she chided. Elizabeth apologized though it didn't change her mind. Going in there with just the two of them was suicide and this wasn't something she was willing to risk her life on.
Making their escape in the sewers, Elizabeth knelt down in front of Erin and tilted her head back to get a better look at the scrapes. “Does it hurt?” she asked her as she untucked a corner of her white blouse and used it to wipe the small amount of blood drawn away from her chin.
“I'm okay,” she said though each time Elizabeth touched her wounds the little girl winced from the burn. Not once did she complain though. She was one tough little girl and she hoped her son, while much younger, was fairing just as well right now as she was.
Looking up at the scene above them, her eyes widened when she saw Dallen jump down. “What are you doing?” she asked. “Ava's still up there!” Thinking that he would at least try to help her, she craned her neck back to see the poor woman just make it. Her name the last word from her lips as she called out for help when she was grabbed, there wasn't anything they could do now. It was the same agonizing, painful scream that she'd heard fill the lobby. Covering her mouth, she backed up until her back hit the wall. They all stood there in horror as the screams finally died down. Finally she was quiet, but her body still jerked as they continued to feed on her.
Only when Dallen told them to keep moving did she press on, lingering behind the two of them. “They ate Ava,” the little girl said, her voice shaking. She sounded on the verge of tears. “Just like the people in the lobby. Why are they eating each other?” Erin looked up at Dallen for some kind of answer. Hearing the distress in her voice snapped Elizabeth out of her trance and she picked up her pace to catch up with them. Seeing that she was with them now, the little girl turned to hug her for comfort. Elizabeth held her as she cried against her. “I want my daddy.”
Elizabeth could feel her chest tighten as Erin spoke; she felt for the little girl. “We're gonna look for your daddy,” she assured her, exchanging a glance with Dallen. After seeing what it was like up there, she was afraid of what they might find. While she was trying not to show it because she wanted to be strong for Erin, she was afraid, too.
The reassurance seeming to calm her down, Elizabeth pulled out of the hug as she looked down at the little girl. She wiped the tears away with her small hand. “I lost my bag,” she said with a frown. “I dropped it when we were climbing down here.”
“It's okay,” she said. “When it's time to eat, we'll find some food.” Erin nodded to show that she understood.
Breathing a shaky sigh, she looked to Dallen. “You know where we're going, Mr. Larson?”
“I'm okay,” she said though each time Elizabeth touched her wounds the little girl winced from the burn. Not once did she complain though. She was one tough little girl and she hoped her son, while much younger, was fairing just as well right now as she was.
Looking up at the scene above them, her eyes widened when she saw Dallen jump down. “What are you doing?” she asked. “Ava's still up there!” Thinking that he would at least try to help her, she craned her neck back to see the poor woman just make it. Her name the last word from her lips as she called out for help when she was grabbed, there wasn't anything they could do now. It was the same agonizing, painful scream that she'd heard fill the lobby. Covering her mouth, she backed up until her back hit the wall. They all stood there in horror as the screams finally died down. Finally she was quiet, but her body still jerked as they continued to feed on her.
Only when Dallen told them to keep moving did she press on, lingering behind the two of them. “They ate Ava,” the little girl said, her voice shaking. She sounded on the verge of tears. “Just like the people in the lobby. Why are they eating each other?” Erin looked up at Dallen for some kind of answer. Hearing the distress in her voice snapped Elizabeth out of her trance and she picked up her pace to catch up with them. Seeing that she was with them now, the little girl turned to hug her for comfort. Elizabeth held her as she cried against her. “I want my daddy.”
Elizabeth could feel her chest tighten as Erin spoke; she felt for the little girl. “We're gonna look for your daddy,” she assured her, exchanging a glance with Dallen. After seeing what it was like up there, she was afraid of what they might find. While she was trying not to show it because she wanted to be strong for Erin, she was afraid, too.
The reassurance seeming to calm her down, Elizabeth pulled out of the hug as she looked down at the little girl. She wiped the tears away with her small hand. “I lost my bag,” she said with a frown. “I dropped it when we were climbing down here.”
“It's okay,” she said. “When it's time to eat, we'll find some food.” Erin nodded to show that she understood.
Breathing a shaky sigh, she looked to Dallen. “You know where we're going, Mr. Larson?”
It amazed her to see how quickly most of the people in the building had given up. Thinking that as soon as the doors would open the majority of them would flock back to their families, she was shocked that more than a few—even the ones that had been protesting—had elected to stay inside, afraid of stepping foot past the doors in the lobby.
Elizabeth was not one of them. She needed to leave. She needed to find some way to check on her son. Ava was another one choosing to leave, the woman having her own family to get back to. The one person that probably surprised her was Tyler. Thinking that maybe he would be too scared, she was shocked when he stated he wasn't going to be locked in again and was getting out while he could. Even though he didn't have family to get back to—and Elizabeth doubted he had any friends, either—the bachelor would have rather taken his chances locked in his own apartment.
The most controversial decision, however, was the little girl. After being saved, she'd stuck close to Elizabeth and the others like glue and when it came time for everyone to figure out what they were doing, once they made their choice she piped up, “I'm going, too.”
It created more chaos as people claimed it was too dangerous for her to go out there. The adults intimidated her as they hovered over her saying, “Oh, no. It's too dangerous for you. You need to stay here.”
But Elizabeth noticed that she as a strong little girl. Whenever she felt scared or overwhelmed, she reached out to hold her hand, but she stayed steadfast in her decision. “No. I need to find my daddy,” she told them all. The firm tone sounded odd in her sweet high-pitched voice.
Knowing that she'd just lost her mother, she could understand why she'd want to leave and find the only other parent she had left. As everyone argued over what should be done, Elizabeth said, “I'll make sure she finds her father.” Happy to find someone on her side, the little girl hugged her leg.
Those leaving all gathering at the elevator, they were given a brown paper bag with 24 hours worth of rations. They were allowed to come back within 24-hours if they changed their minds, but the Judge made it clear no one would be allowed entry after that point. Not planning to come back, it wasn't wasn't an issue for Elizabeth though Tyler looked as though he had doubts before getting on the elevator.
Out of all of them, Erin, the little girl looked the happiest. She stood beside Elizabeth, her hand in one hand and the brown paper bag in the other one. “It reminds me of the lunches we had on our field trip to the orchard,” she said happily, tilting her head back to look up at her.
“Oh yeah?” Elizabeth asked, giving her all her attention. “Did you have fun?”
Scrunching her nose up, she shook her head as she remembered it. “Not really. It was just a bunch of trees and Billy Mitchell kept pulling my hair on the bus.”
When the elevator doors opened to let them out and they all stepped off, they said their goodbyes. Tyler was first with a heartfelt goodbye for Ava thanking her for all her help. Just when Elizabeth thought she might miss him a little bit he turned to her and said a curt, “Farewell, Lizzy. I hope to never see you again.”
Rolling her eyes as he walked away, her response was a little too late and she had to yell across the room, “Yeah, well, the feeling's mutual!” After she was done huffing, she turned to Ava to give her a hug and say goodbye. The woman bent down to give Erin one as well which she returned.
Once it felt like everyone was gone, she looked back at Erin who stared expectantly up at her with her big brown eyes. “Where do you think we might find your father?”
The girl perked up happily. “He's a teacher,” she responded excitedly. “He teaches older kids.”
“So a school,” she stated. Erin gave an eager nod. “Shouldn't be too hard.”
Elizabeth was not one of them. She needed to leave. She needed to find some way to check on her son. Ava was another one choosing to leave, the woman having her own family to get back to. The one person that probably surprised her was Tyler. Thinking that maybe he would be too scared, she was shocked when he stated he wasn't going to be locked in again and was getting out while he could. Even though he didn't have family to get back to—and Elizabeth doubted he had any friends, either—the bachelor would have rather taken his chances locked in his own apartment.
The most controversial decision, however, was the little girl. After being saved, she'd stuck close to Elizabeth and the others like glue and when it came time for everyone to figure out what they were doing, once they made their choice she piped up, “I'm going, too.”
It created more chaos as people claimed it was too dangerous for her to go out there. The adults intimidated her as they hovered over her saying, “Oh, no. It's too dangerous for you. You need to stay here.”
But Elizabeth noticed that she as a strong little girl. Whenever she felt scared or overwhelmed, she reached out to hold her hand, but she stayed steadfast in her decision. “No. I need to find my daddy,” she told them all. The firm tone sounded odd in her sweet high-pitched voice.
Knowing that she'd just lost her mother, she could understand why she'd want to leave and find the only other parent she had left. As everyone argued over what should be done, Elizabeth said, “I'll make sure she finds her father.” Happy to find someone on her side, the little girl hugged her leg.
Those leaving all gathering at the elevator, they were given a brown paper bag with 24 hours worth of rations. They were allowed to come back within 24-hours if they changed their minds, but the Judge made it clear no one would be allowed entry after that point. Not planning to come back, it wasn't wasn't an issue for Elizabeth though Tyler looked as though he had doubts before getting on the elevator.
Out of all of them, Erin, the little girl looked the happiest. She stood beside Elizabeth, her hand in one hand and the brown paper bag in the other one. “It reminds me of the lunches we had on our field trip to the orchard,” she said happily, tilting her head back to look up at her.
“Oh yeah?” Elizabeth asked, giving her all her attention. “Did you have fun?”
Scrunching her nose up, she shook her head as she remembered it. “Not really. It was just a bunch of trees and Billy Mitchell kept pulling my hair on the bus.”
When the elevator doors opened to let them out and they all stepped off, they said their goodbyes. Tyler was first with a heartfelt goodbye for Ava thanking her for all her help. Just when Elizabeth thought she might miss him a little bit he turned to her and said a curt, “Farewell, Lizzy. I hope to never see you again.”
Rolling her eyes as he walked away, her response was a little too late and she had to yell across the room, “Yeah, well, the feeling's mutual!” After she was done huffing, she turned to Ava to give her a hug and say goodbye. The woman bent down to give Erin one as well which she returned.
Once it felt like everyone was gone, she looked back at Erin who stared expectantly up at her with her big brown eyes. “Where do you think we might find your father?”
The girl perked up happily. “He's a teacher,” she responded excitedly. “He teaches older kids.”
“So a school,” she stated. Erin gave an eager nod. “Shouldn't be too hard.”
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