Elle McBriar

September 9th, 6 months and 59 days after the first zombie report

Let's just say, first couple hours on the road made us crazy!

We didn't have radios or anyway of communicating with each other so if we needed to stop, we just honk really loud and then we stop.

And we need to stop a lot. Turns out Penny gets car sick and is leaving a trail of vomit along the highway every 20 minutes or so.

We were currently waiting for her to finish herself up. I was waiting inside the car, head on my hand as Gage was running around, going back and forth from their car and back to Penny.

"This is going to be a long ride." Paxton sighs. I nod, "Poor thing though, it must suck."

"What if she was driving? Do think it'd still affect her?" Paxton asked me. Shrugging, I thought about it.

"Go ask them."

So Paxton got out and ran to Gage and Penny. They talked for a few minutes before I saw Penny get into the drivers side.

"Gage put up a fight, talking about dangerous roads. But I think she'll be fine."

We cruised on down the road, chatting about mindless things.

I think we'll be okay, for now at least!

* * *

Ever since Penny started driving, we haven't had to stop.

Which is a good thing, because we're making progress with our trip.

Given we have to stop in a couple hours to sleep, eat, do all that stuff!

But, at least another day or 2 of driving until we reach Washington. I think it'll be good. A fresh start for us. A new house, new people, new meanings to life.

"Do you think we'll live in a big house? Or a small, modest one?" Paxton asked me. One hand was on the steering wheel, the other on my thigh, "I'm not sure. I want a modest house but my mind is taking over and picking a big house. You know, one with a pool, and more than one bathroom!"

Paxton pinched my skin, "You love sharing a bathroom with me, don't lie!" I shrugged, "Imagine if we got our own bathroom, or an en-suit! Wouldn't that be great!"

Paxton's smirk grew even wider, "Get your head out of the gutter Pax." He chuckled, "Sorry Elle. I'm excited. I'm thinking about sex. Shower sex, counter sex, the whole shebang!"

I rolled my eyes and ignored him, "You're so obnoxious sometimes."

"But I know what you mean. You only live once and we're only living once, I'd like to live it slow but fast and fun but careful, if you get me." I agreed with him, "I want a big pool. And a spa! A huge fridge and secret passageways!"

"You're imagination is getting the better of you!" He teased, "But it would be nice. Maybe we'll move into the Whitehouse or something."

I laughed as he said that, "Maybe a celebrities house? Or a mall? Ooh, how about we move into a mall? Free shopping!" I clapped my hands excitedly, "Whatever you say, you're the boss."

I grinned and sat happily in my seat, my turn!

We stopped later that night to rest, eat and sleep!

We turned our cars into a circle, so our trunks were facing each other, sort of like a triangle so we could see each other. We had a small fire crackling amidst the dark growing sky. Out of old sticks and newspaper we found on the ground.

We cooked canned soup and ate week old bread, picking off the mould!

Riley was sitting on my knee, giggling away excitedly. I was brushing his mop of a hair with my fingers while listening to the others talk.

It was a nice night, peaceful, quiet. It's gonna be like this forever. But it's still nice to appreciate the quietness! It was never like this before, always some sort of noise.

I shivered a little, and felt a blanket being lifted onto my shoulders. I snuggled into Paxton's side, my head in his shoulder as his arm went around my waist, "Right, I think I'm gonna hit the sack." Gage yawned, stretching his arms, "Me too, I'm so tired." Penny said after. I managed to hide the smirk that was on my face with a cough.

"I guess I'll turn in too, night guys!" Megan and Alex said goodnight, taking Riley off my lap. I was sad to see him go, he was keeping my knee warm!

After the trunks were closed and the fire was mostly out, we were alone. Staring silently at the starry black sky. No stars moved, no milky way, no shooting stars. Absolute serenity!

"I like this." I whispered, "What's that?" "Quiet. Peacefulness." I felt Paxton hum against me. He didn't say anything, just agreed.

But unfortunately it got too late and cold so we had to go to bed.

We pushed the back seats down and made a makeshift mattress from old pillows and sleeping bags we had originally from the old bunker. And some we took from the supermarkets.

We locked the car and I turned over so I was laying on my stomach. That way when I woke up, I wouldn't be staring directly at the sun! Smart moves on my behalf. Well done, Elle.

"You going to sleep?" He asked me, I nodded mid-yawn, "I'm gonna try, why?" He gave me a boyish grin, "No reason. You look so cute when you sleep, it puts me at ease knowing you're sleeping." I felt my heart warm at that comment.

"Are you sleeping too?" I started with, poking holes in his statement.

He nodded, "I am. But I usually wake up, sweating and with an irrational fear that something bad has happened. When I wake up, you're safe in my arms and I relax." I run my hand over his face, resting it on his cheek to comfort him, "I'm not going anywhere. We're safe with each other. I promise. I'll protect you like you promised to protect me."

He nodded, "I want to sleep, but I can't. It's like every time I close my eyes I picture... everything that's happened to us the past couple of months. It's traumatising!"

I cuddle up to Paxton, hoping to relieve some of the pain he's feeling. I can feel the strain in his voice as he talks about it and the tension in his chest is wilder than ever. He's laying on his side, front to me. I place my arm on his bare back, stroking his soft skin ever so slightly.

His eyes are closed and I continue doing this until I hear soft breaths coming from him, no heavy breathing, no erratic heartbeat. Peace.

He's asleep.

* * *

hiii

this chapter was fun to write :))

how are you today?