Elle McBriar

July 21st, 4 months and 9 days after the first zombie attack

I was casually making breakfast, heating the bread over an open fire, by laying it on a wire wrack. No electricity or power. Meaning no toasters, ovens or fridges. So fire is the only way to cook things. Which is okay I guess because it puts a new meaning too 'wood fired'.

The boys already had a cooler when I met them, so we could keep water, milk and other things cold. Like ointments and creams.

I look outside, seeing the sun begin to rise.

I realise, this is my life now. As I look over at the horizon, it finally dawned on me that this is what the rest of my life looks like. Watching my back every time I walk alone, keeping a loaded gun and knives in my pockets.

Cooking food over an open fire, moving from house to house every few months. It's ridiculous. I'm 17, I should be out having fun, getting drunk and not caring about the time.

But time is everything and nothing. Everyday drags on a little bit longer than the last. It feels like eternity. Even though I have people to talk too, I've only been on Earth for 17 years... I have to be here for at least 60 more.

Eventually, the food will run out. We won't have animals to provide meat, cows or goats to make milk or cheese or yogurt. We won't have factories to produce beans, bread or any other food.

It's only a matter of when. When will our supply run out?

I shake my head, trying to rid the negative thoughts from my head. I pick up the colored toast, placing it on a plate. I made enough for everyone to at least have 3 pieces. I made instant coffee, turning the water hot and taking a teaspoon of coffee grounds.

I've come to terms with the fact that I'll never eat a McDonald's cheeseburger again, or have a coffee from Starbucks, but I don't want to believe that my future consists of the same 3 things.

Eating the same foods, drinking the same drinks. Sleeping in different houses with different beds, that housed different people with different stories. I hate lying in a random bed with rapid thoughts about who used to sleep here.

It haunts me. It could've been my future husband, or a new friend. A serial killer, a father, a brother. Who knows.

But what I do know is that I need to be strong, and get over it. Everybody has suffered a great loss, losing their parents and friends, relying on each other to get through it. We are all we have now, and I'm grateful I'm still alive.

Hearing noises coming from the hall, the kitchen door opens and I smile tiredly, seeing Alex and baby Riley come inside, "It smells like toast and coffee, I couldn't wait." He smiled excitedly, "I made enough toast for 3 pieces, but I'm making more for like sandwiches later."

Alex nodded, taking a seat at the small round, white table. I clipped Riley into his highchair, before grabbing my cup of coffee and taking a sip. "What does he usually eat for breakfast? Baby food, bananas?" Alex shook his head, "Mostly mushy food. Whatever really." I smiled, chopping up the last yellow banana. I put small circular slices on his tray, watching his little fingers grab for them. Alex was making silly faces at Riley, making him giggle.

Then eventually, Gage and Paxton came in, arguing about some bullet thing, "No dude it's easy to make. We just need gun powder, a silicon mold and something to melt the metal with."

I listened in on their conversation while I served up the plates with toast. Usually everyone would just make their own breakfast, but I've been up since early morning and had nothing else to do.

"How the hell are we supposed to melt metal dude? And where the hell do we get a silicon mold? Dumbass." Gage rolled his eyes, taking a seat next to Alex.

I brought the plates down, sitting next to Riley. The only spreads we had was butter, jelly and some off brand nutella. That'll have to do until I can go shopping without a zombie up my ass.

"You made breakfast?" Gage asked, smiling at me. I shrugged, "I've been up since before the sunrise so I just figured, why not." Alex looked at me, not saying a word, "Anyway I've been meaning to ask you Elle, can you take Riley with you and the van and go find some baby clothes? Or diapers, or something for him, he's been wearing the same 4 onesies ever since this whole thing."

I nodded my head eagerly, "I'd love too." I smiled, "I'll go with her." Alex offered, giving me a sideways glance, "You boys don't need me here right? And besides, if there's zombies, she won't be alone this time, right?"

Paxton and Gage looked at each other, am I missing something? "Alright dude, whatever."

After finishing up breakfast and talking about random stuff in our lives, Paxton cleaned up.

"I'll just get changed and meet you in outside." I smiled, heading to my room.

I changed into my jean shorts, placing my gun on my hip. I paired it with a plain black long-sleeve shirt, loose-fitting and flowy, with my camouflage coat around me. It wasn't cold, but I take it with me everywhere. It's great protection from sandstorms and for hiding behind.

I slipped on my combat boots, secured the knives inside and tied the laces, grabbing my pack.

"See ya'll soon. Don't burn the house down, or die!" I called, hearing a deep chuckle from Gage.

As expected, Alex was outside, strapping Riley into the middle seat between us.

"Ready to go?" He asked, doing a once-over of my outfit.

I nodded, hoisting myself inside. The van rumbled to life and Alex drove away. The sight in front of us was the same, broken buildings, overgrown grass, smashed cars.

It looked the same. I stared out the window, hand on my face as I listened to Riley gurgle beside me.

"You know, I think Gage and Paxton secretly like having you here." Alex said. I turned to look at him, "Why do you say that?"

Alex chuckled, "Ever since you've arrived, I've seen Paxton actually smile. And he was certainly surprised that you managed to carry that entire cart of groceries all the way back home."

"That doesn't mean anything. I'm almost positive Paxton doesn't like me."

Alex shook his head, "He definitely likes you. But Paxton, give him time, okay? He had a rough childhood growing up and the only people he trusts is me and Gage. He'll warm up to you, I promise."

I nodded, "The only reason you boys like me around is because I can cook and clean." I smirk, seeing the corners or Alex's lips turn upwards, "I mean that's definitely a bonus, but you're also fun to be around, and you're good at defending yourself. You can drive, you know how to look after Riley and you're genuinely just resourceful."

I scoffed, "So, you're just using me because I'm all the things a woman is supposed to be?" I asked, my voice raising an octave, Alex's eyes widened, "What? No. Well, at first Paxton said we'd use you because, of all the things I just named. But now it's more than that. I can't put my finger on it but-"

"Alex watch out!" I screamed, pointing to the road. Alex stepped on the brakes, us flying forward before thumping back into the seats. Riley began to cry and Alex comforted him, calming him down.

"What the hell is that?" Alex whispered.

"I don't know."

I opened the door, "Well don't go out there, do you know what happens in horror movies." I smirked and ignored him, exiting the car anyway. Although, his statement about horror movies is officially burnt into my mind.

As I got closer, I realised that it wasn't an animal carcass. I gasped, jumping back. I could smell it from here. But the scary thing is, it wasn't a zombie.

It was human.

* * *

dun dun dun!!

heyy, how's that for a plot twist??

i hope you're enjoying this so far.

i also hope you're all well and safe, and staying inside your bubbles!

right now is a hard time for all of us. and i'm writing this book to hopefully provide some sort of entertainment and distraction from the outside world.

anyway, happy reading :)