Beyond My Choices/Issue 17

Issue 17 - The Bear has Awakened
Marnix

My rough hands touch the soft steering wheel. I don’t like the feeling of it. It honestly just makes me want to keep picking at my skin until finally it’s off. “It’s amazing with all the stuff going on, Michelle still gets angry at you.” Adrian said.

“I know, ridiculous isn’t it?” As much as I hated admitting to it, I still replied.

“Ah, it’ll be alright anyways.”

“Yeah, every healthy relationship has its flaws doesn’t it?” I say, looking towards Adrian for a brief second.

“Yeah, of course mate,”

For the next ten minutes, we drive until we come forth to a large modern day silver building. My apartment complex wasn’t much far from the station, although I wouldn’t mind if it were five minutes. Little selfish of myself isn’t it? Yes, add stupid in the mix as well.

I’m the first out of the car, as the wind brushes my face. I still feel woozy, and wary about what went down earlier, but I’ve been through worse. I shove the double doors; they slam against the side of the doors, and I’m startled at how much pressure I’ve put on it.

Ahead of me, a familiar lady appears. Mrs. Shepard is her name. Mid forties, always wears a blue suit, with a white blouse under. It’s impossible to miss her.

“About time you boys showed up.” She bursts.

“Sorry, we had gotten held up.” I reply.

“Is it more drama between you and Michelle?”

I’m startled but answer quickly and embarrassed. “Yes,” My lips are pursed, as I try to hide the mounds of saliva trickling down my throat.

“You, do know if this is going to be an interference with your job, then we’ll be force to kick both you and Michelle off the squad.” She says as she raises an eyebrow. She turns, and Adrian and I both follow her presence.

“Yes, I understand.” I say, coming towards her office. She takes a seat, and begins to scroll through multiple fliers until picking out one.

“Good, because I’ll need one of you to interview a prime suspect we found hanging around the scene.” She says, “He says he was just attending a funeral.“

<p class="MsoNormal">“Anything else we should know?”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Here take this,” She holds out a few seats of paper, which I grab instantly. “Everything you need to know will be in here.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Alright, we’ll be on our way darling.” Adrian says in a peachy tone, waving towards her.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Oh, Adrian didn’t I tell you to quit calling me that.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Whatever, you know you enjoy it.”

<p class="MsoNormal">I can tell she’s annoyed as she rolls her eyes. She begins typing on the computer, and that’s the last I see until finally exiting the room.

<p class="MsoNormal">--

<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center">Bradley

<p class="MsoNormal">First day on the job and everyone is already gone. I sit in the back seat of the mini-van (Yes a min-van.) Everyone chatters, except me. They’re usually the ones that often go on the supply runs, so it’s no surprise they get along so well. Even Kiara, who constantly seems like she enjoys running other people days, but I’m sure she has her own reasons. Just like why I don’t enjoy or like going on supply runs.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Where are we going?” I ask indirectly.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Get stuff,” Kiara says. I don’t let it bother me.

<p class="MsoNormal">“I’m serious?”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Don’t mind her, she can be umm,” I hear Kyle says. The kid speaks.

<p class="MsoNormal">“A bitch,”

<p class="MsoNormal">“I mean if you want to put it that way than yes.” Kyle says, “Besides, you should start answering more of my questions.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Hi, I’m Kyle” Kiara says mocking a similar voice to Kyles. “Am I gay? The answer is yes.”

<p class="MsoNormal">There’s a few chuckles that peaks out of our mouths, despite immature it sounded.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Whatever,” Kyle says.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Still want me to keep answering your questions?” He didn’t respond.

<p class="MsoNormal">Thirty minutes later, we come in front of an outlet mall. There’s a Dick’s Sporting Goods, next to Publix. Odd combination but whatever, we’re on the east coast during the middle of the Biter’s apocalypse.

<p class="MsoNormal">“What exactly are we looking for?” I ask as we all enter the store.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Can goods,” Lewis says. “Since you and Teague are newer to thi-“

<p class="MsoNormal">“It’s cool; I can easily handle this by myself.” Teague interrupts.

<p class="MsoNormal">“I wasn’t even finish, but whatever. I guess we’ll be in group of two since Teague is a professional.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Military perks.” Teague says chuckling.

<p class="MsoNormal">I hear a few mutters under Lewis’s breath as he stares at Teague walking ahead of the group.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Alright, I’ll go with Kyle, and Ki Ki and you will split together.” He says pointing at me. “Sound good?”

<p class="MsoNormal">We all nod our heads.

<p class="MsoNormal">We split and I find myself the only one outside. “Well you coming or what?” Kiara says I stare over at her.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Oh yeah,” I say. “I just dozed off.” I shake my head, attempting to make it look like I was trying to get back to Earth.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Well come on, I hope you aren’t always like this, or you’ll be the next one dead.” I raise an eyebrow at her.

<p class="MsoNormal">It feels like the there’s an Earthquake, but everything still remains calm. I shouldn’t have tried to play it off so well.

<p class="MsoNormal">I walk behind her and I can’t help but imagine how easily this could be for her. She walks like a man. Bold shoulders, strait back, yet her legs still continuously cross each other. I stare around me, and the place is a total disaster. Some isles are irreproachable by the way the shelves stack upon each other on the ground. A few cans lie in the middle of the floor which we grab with ease. How could I have possibly been away this long from the real world?

<p class="MsoNormal">I feel a bunch of visions enter my mind. I see people running and crowding the streets as if it was resurrection of Elvis of Tupac. I see woman screaming as her child is torn from her arms; not by the sick ones, but the innocents. It’s insane I can tell, even though they’re fictional. At least in my head they’re.

<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center">***

<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center">Jay

<p class="MsoNormal">I stare into Chanel’s baby brown eyes, and for once she’s smiling. Seems like a first. “Hey, you want to go does something fun?” I ask her.

<p class="MsoNormal">She rests her small palms against her chins, as it’s clear she’s thinking. “Yea, totally; anything to get out of this place,” I smile at her, and she returns it.

<p class="MsoNormal">We begin walking with each other, our hands nearly touching each other. “Where are you two going?” I hear a familiar voice say. It’s Toms. I turn around, and I can’t help but notice how different he looks when he finally shaven. “Like the new look Tom,” I shoot him a thumb up.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Come on where y’all going?”’

<p class="MsoNormal">I stare at Chanel as I haven’t even realized we’ve never even discussed or decided about a place. “You know what; we’re going to go to a museum.” Chanel raises an eyebrow. “We are?” She smiles.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Which one?” Tom asks.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Well I’ve only heard about it a few times, but it’s called the Northern museum. History, and stuff about New York, New England, you know.” I can tell a smile gleams upon Chanel’s face even though I’m not capable of seeing.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Ahh, well have fun you kids.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Will do,”

<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center">***

<p class="MsoNormal">“So, the Northern Museum?” I hear Chanel say.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Yea,” I begin. “I figured you’ll want to at least see New York, well something similar to it. You know since we never gotten to reach there.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“I like it. Thanks.” I look at her, and back towards the road. The Sun shines very bright. We should have a good two hours to do whatever we want.

<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center">***

<p class="MsoNormal">I steer the car in a smooth position. I always park it in reverse, so if anything bad were to happen I would be able to make a quick mistake. Isn’t that genius right?

<p class="MsoNormal">I step out of the car, not bothering how hard I slammed the car door shut. Chanel was already feet ahead of me. “Slow down girl,” I say loud enough for her to hear me.

<p class="MsoNormal">She turns, and I can’t help but catch the glimpse in her eyes. “Well, you better hurry up then!” She says as she begins to run. I run after her, knowing we probably shouldn’t be. The double doors open, and I follow behind her.

<p class="MsoNormal">She stops in her footsteps and takes a moment to stare around. “How does it look?” I ask. I take a moment to spectate the room myself. The walls are painted a dark violet blue, poured with drupelets of yellow stars.

<p class="MsoNormal">“It’s nice,” She says. “It’s not New York, but it will do.” She turns and smiles. The next moment, I find myself wrapping my arms around her back. “Come on, we got a museum to explore girl.” I say smiling.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Well let’s get going!” She says. Her soft hands wrap around my rough hand. We walk side by side, as we head to a section with a bill-board in dawn red colors which reads history.

<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center">***

<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center">Kiara

<p class="MsoNormal">I walk patiently. I catch myself walking pacing too fast, having to stop every once in a while for Bradley to keep up. “You must not be used to this,” I begin. “Are you?”

<p class="MsoNormal">He stares at me with a disgruntled look. “Not really,” he begins. “I’m more used to touring along the fences.” The fences were basically the borderline of what Baltimore had been cleared of any infected that roamed.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Ah, well you better start to adapt, and quickly.”

<p class="MsoNormal">For the next twenty minutes we search around for anything that could be helpful. I re-open my bag to check on what goods we were able to fine. There were only about nine good cans. “This should be enough right?” I stare around at the former bakery cabinets.

<p class="MsoNormal">Bradley nods his head. “What’s wrong with you twerp?”

<p class="MsoNormal">“I’m just ready to go home.” He begins. “I hope Carrie and Teague find some sort of gas.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Tell me about it,” I say as I sit next to him.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Tell me something about you.” He asks. I’m startled by the question.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Why?”

<p class="MsoNormal">“I don’t know,” he begins. “Don’t you kind of think it’s weird that no one doesn’t really anything about you?”

<p class="MsoNormal">“If that’s the case, you must’ve not seen my letter that we had to write.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“I didn’t read anyone’s letter. Sue me,”

<p class="MsoNormal">“I would if I could.” I reply, “Anyways, I can relate to you.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“And how exactly are we alike? You constantly act like you’re a boss as bitch, and I’m the complete opposite.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“You’re losing topic,” I begin. “I never really liked supply runs at one point.”

<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center">***

<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center">I run without bothering to look back. Gun shots rang, as my ears begin to ring. I stumble pass a few biters, that lie on the ground. They’re decaying, and I can’t help but look back for a second glance. I quickly step to the side.

<p class="MsoNormal">I sat silently, and stared at the wall ahead me. Pure white, with brick lines running opposite ends. “Where the hell that little cunt run off too?” I hear a deep voice call out. I stare towards the exit and light is the only thing I can see.

<p class="MsoNormal">This is my chance, I thought to myself. I gripped the knife, located on my belt loose. I’m responsible for people’s death, and I’m not afraid to take another one. My feet glide across the floor as I heard multiple shots fire in my direction.

<p class="MsoNormal">“There she is!” I hear faint yell. I quickly dodged a pile of old goods, until I feel a rock hit against my chest. I quickly fall, as I stare at the man ahead of me. Eye to eye, I quickly grab my knife, and penetrate it upon his leg. He lets out a cry, and within moments I’m chasing towards the sunlight.

<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center">***

<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center">Bradley

<p class="MsoNormal">“And then you were shot in the abdomen right?” I ask her.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Yeah, how do you know?”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Well, it’s unusual that Baltimore often finds someone half dead on a supply run.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Yeah, I would probably have been dead if I wasn’t found…”

<p class="MsoNormal">“You know Lewis was the one who carried you. You owe him twice!”

<p class="MsoNormal">“He was? And what do you mean by twice?”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Well when you suffered that horrible concussion, you couldn’t walk, so Lewis offered to carry the princess, and who else do you think could have carried? Half of the Kurios barely are fit.”

<p class="MsoNormal">She doesn’t respond but instead nods here head.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Come on, we should be meeting back up with the others soon.”

<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center">***

<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center">Chanel

<p class="MsoNormal">I quickly rush forward stilling holding my grip upon the palm of Jay’s hands. “Come on!” I scream as if I’m a little girl that just witness a candy shop.

<p class="MsoNormal">I stop in my tracks as I stare in a mix of emotions. Similar tall buildings stand side by side, and the orderly fashion of New York tradition. I stare around, a few tables thumped upon the ground.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Are you still enjoying it?” I hear Jay ask.

<p class="MsoNormal">I nod my head yes. “Well come on what are we waiting for!” I grab his hands again, and we travel throughout the museum. I hear him laugh behind me, as I enter a clothing store. “How long you think these cloths have been here?”

<p class="MsoNormal">“If I had to guess, probably this whole damn time, I’m surprised there isn’t blood stains on majority of these.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Why do you always have to think everything negative?” I ask with a mixture of chuckles.

<p class="MsoNormal">“It’s only right; I mean we do live in a world full of flesh eating people.”  I smile, which he returns.

<p class="MsoNormal">I hold a shirt that reads ''I love NY. ''The NY surrounded by a large pink heart. “Why don’t you try to try it on?”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Sure,” I follow Jay as he escorts me towards the back clothing section. He opens the door, and I’m quickly greeted by the sound of roar. It’s a female biter, as she lunges towards me. Jay quickly steps ahead, as my heart pumps faster and faster within each beat. He quickly grabs the biter by the neck as he lets out a scream. He slams it against the wall, until finally the snarling stops.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Are you okay?” He turns around clutching his side, and stares at me. “Yeah, it’s just a bruise.” He faces his head towards the ground.

<p class="MsoNormal">“I knew it was a bad idea taking you here.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“What do you mean? Jay, you just saved my life, and you took me the closet place towards home. If anything I feel amazing.”

<p class="MsoNormal">He releases a small smile, and I give him a small peck upon his cheek. “Come on, let’s get out of here.”

<p class="MsoNormal">We both continue to walk towards the entrance until I feel Jay trip. He stumbles and clutches at his side. “Jay is you okay?” I quickly move his hand, and within seconds I feel a stake inside my heart.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Jay… What is that?!” I feel tears flood into my eyes, as I see a large patch of blood bleaching through his red shirt.

<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center">***

<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center">Jay

<p class="MsoNormal">I stare into her eyes. They’re filled with tears. I feel sympathy, but it’s not for me, it’s for her. Is this what coming to death feels like?

<p class="MsoNormal">“Chanel, I- I’m sorry but I’m bit.” I say. She doesn’t bother to respond; instead she quickly wraps her arms around me, and I’m quickly startled. “Come on,” We need to make it back; I don’t think this place is safe.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Jay you’re bit! What am I supposed to do?” Her voice is clear but it’s still unstable. “I quickly grab her hand, and we walk toward the car.”

<p class="MsoNormal">I make my way towards the driver seat but Chanel quickly stops me. “No, shotgun.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Chanel I ca-“

<p class="MsoNormal">“No! J- Jay you’re fucking bit! Can’t you understand the-”

<p class="MsoNormal">I head bullets fly, as we both quickly enter the car. The bullets fly through the windows.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Chanel, I need you to go in the back.” I scream.

<p class="MsoNormal">“No.” Her voice is low.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Chanel, get the back!” I’m yelling at this point and she follows the orders. “I quickly stare the engine and within seconds the car is pushing.

<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center">***

<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center">Dante

<p class="MsoNormal">“Damn it, would you hurry up cupcake?” I say. I look towards Carrie who’s already having trouble.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Ugh, why are we even out here!”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Calm down, we’re just going sightseeing.” I laugh to myself.

<p class="MsoNormal">I quickly pull my bow, as I notice a biter standing at an estimated fifteen feet away from me.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Wait you aren’t going to shoot that thing is you?”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Of course women, now hush so I can do what I’m good at.” I release my arrow, and a biter drops dead with an arrow stabbed in its temple.

<p class="MsoNormal">I quickly run towards it and too my surprise Carrie keeps up. I turn around, until finally she reaches me, hands upon her knees as she catches her to breath. I turn around laughing. “I thought you’ll be more used to this type of gory shit and stuff.”

<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center">***

<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center">Teague

<p class="MsoNormal">I find myself at an old damp home. A few rusty cars gathered upon each other.

<p class="MsoNormal">I smile as I quickly find a can of gas. I rush over towards it, as I lift it. My heart pumps as gas fills the tan. “Thank god for rednecks!”

<p class="MsoNormal">I begin to look around, the brain-dead cars. I flip open a trunk and to my surprise, three more gas cans fill the back seat.

<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center">***

<p class="MsoNormal">The roads were silent, beside me. I hum the constant same sounds of emotion that fills me right now. I smile, until quickly it dawns down. I pass a nearby museum which quickly catches me off-guard as I heard gunshots ring throughout the Earth’s atmosphere. I stop the car and stare out the same jeep that looks familiar.

Last Issue: Issue 16 - Next Issue: Issue 18
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