The city of Rivertown woke up screaming. The virus had spread to the forests. It was deserted, no one dared to take to the streets and so far it seemed that the help was far away. People tried to send help from the neighboring cities, but their own commanders had barricaded themselves and were killing anything that moved towards them. Unfortunately, several innocent people suffered in the process. However, in the forested part of the city, the sun was strong and there was a light breeze swaying the trees outside a large and inviting house. The birds sang at the top of their lungs, taking advantage of their wings to flee from any animal or monster nearby.
Despite the apparent peace surrounding her, Veronica woke up abruptly to the sound of screams and explosions coming from downstairs. She jumped so high and fell to the floor with her legs wrapped in the blanket. As best as she could, she grabbed the gun from the headboard and staggered down the stairs stumbling over some furniture and steps. It was early and her body didn't have much coordination at the moment. Whatever the sound was, seemed close.
Veronica was alert looking for the source, but jumped when a hand grabbed her shoulder. In quick movements, the person removed the weapon from her. – Hey, daughter, relax... It's okay. – Richard said in a worried voice while facing the girl's worried face. Her pajamas were rumpled, the hair had fallen out of the ponytail and at this point there was only one sock. Richard believed his daughter could be an incredible cop, she just had a lot to learn. – Daughter, it's just the television. – He pointed back and she turned towards the living room. Camila was sitting and staring at her while trying to hold her laugh, because the news was serious and the atmosphere was tense. But still couldn't help, but smile.
Aidan was at Camila's side graving that scene in mind, he was already fully dressed in the clothes of the day before. It wasn't funny to him, it was impressive. Because it never looked so natural. And for him beauty is just like that, pure.
Veronica blushed when the gaze between them was fixed, so Aidan turned his attention to the television. She walked over to sit while fixing the hair. – What's up? Do they have any news? – She leaned on Aidan and he handed her a cup of hot coffee, receiving a smile as a thank you.
Before anyone could answer, the tired reporter appeared on the screen. – What you are seeing is the destruction we have had since the outbreak. Thousands of people have either been infected or died. The PCASD was invaded by the virus as well, and it is plausible to consider that it is the trigger of this situation. So far we have only been able to communicate with scientist Harold Smithens, one of the main scientists at the company, he said that the situation inside the building is already under control. – "I don't know why, but I don't believe him." – They are trying their best to make a cure. But in the meantime, it was asked for everyone to not leave their homes and stay safe.
Veronica couldn't take it. – Something is wrong. Does not make sense. Aidan just glanced at her.
The reporter spoke again. – So far it is all the information we have. But I promise we will get out of this, bring Rivertown into the light again. And when this is all over, find out what really happened and who is the real culprit. – She was visibly exhausted and could barely stay awake. "Well, the television station is close to everything. And perhaps it is she who has gone out to collect the images. I don't even want to imagine. At least she didn't give up." Her mother turned off the television and Veronica stood up decidedly.
- We have to go now. There is no time to lose. – Her parents' eyes turned to her, sending chills down her spine.
- Honey, we know you want to help, but what do you get going out there? You don't even know what you're doing. - She didn't want to hear anymore. They needed to leave soon.
- I'll be doing more than I would staying here. There are people needing help and I know how dangerous it is, trust me. But we have to do something. If someone were to help, that person would have already solved it. – Deciding to end this, she pulled Aidan up the stairs like the night before, jumping every two steps. – Get your bag, we'll be out in ten.
He didn't need anything else. Took everything he would need and kissed his brother's forehead. – We'll be back soon, I love you. – The two children stayed asleep and he met Veronica in the hallway. She was wearing a yellow tank top that exposed her injured arm and jeans with a black belt. Her hair was in a ponytail and she looked ready for anything to come. He remembered to check her wound, but there was no time now.
Veronica approached him, took the car key and said: - This time, I'll drive. – She was confident, but he was not. He made a face of uncertainty as every time she crashed the car passed through his mind and took the key back.
- Sorry, but I know you and I don't intend to die before I get there. - Outraged and worried, Veronica guided his face saying calmly and assertively:
- Nobody's going to die today, okay? We are stronger together; I believe that and so should you. Now let's go… We are wasting time. - He smiled at her knowing she was right, at least he thought so. That was enough. They found Veronica's parents standing beside the front door.
"Not right now…" – Look, let's not say anything else. Just be careful, please. We love you both so much. – Everyone hugged each other for a few seconds. – Call as soon as you can, send a message, anything. Even a smoke sign will do, just don't blow anything up, okay? – They laughed and Camila turned to Aidan. – We'll take care of Jack. And as soon as you can, take a look at her arm so it doesn't get infected, okay? – He agreed and the two were out the door, but Richard stopped her.
- There is food and some sleeping bags. Also, more ammo in the back seat, but please… be careful. – She nodded and they left. The silence took over until they started the car.
- Ready? – Aidan just looked at her and the two started their way back to what could easily be certain death. Veronica turned around, focusing on keeping steady to pick up the ammo bag that her father had left, while Aidan looked for anything that could jump in front of them. – Wow. – That made him turn. The suitcase was loaded and the smile on Ronnie's face was a bit worrying, but he knew the responsibility would fall on her. And he strongly desired that almost none of it was necessary. But let's be realistic, maybe it wasn't enough.
- Be careful. – She nodded while filling their backpacks with ammunition, food and water. You know... to be sure. Just the basics, because carrying that suitcase would be too heavy. Then sat up again and was ready for anything. – How's your arm? – He guided his eye to the bandage that needed changing.
Veronica replied: - Okay, I think. – He shouldn't worry about that now. It throbbed a little, of course, but she had learned to live with the pain.
Aidan denied it as he made a slight turn, leaving behind the view of the familiar hut in his rearview mirror. – Take the bag from the bottom of my backpack, I will help you clean the wound now. – She followed what he had said and was surprised to find everything there.
Feeling quite moved, she carefully took off the bandage and placed it in a disposable plastic bag found in her purse. – Did you remember to bring all this? Thanks. – He gave her his famous comforting smile.
- Of course. I couldn't let you bleed to death in the middle of the forest, could I? Okay, now carefully, I want you to take the saline and wash your arm. Do it outside the window so as not to get anything wet. – She followed his instructions. – Very well, I think it's good. Take soap and wash it with one of the bottles that your father left for us. Finally, dry the entire area and attach a new bandage with tape. – When Veronica finished, she felt happy, a little more independent. – And that's it.
- Thanks Aidan, one less thing. Now we just have to be ready for the worst. How long until we reach the city?
- I would say that if we keep this speed, it's about six more hours…
She just adjusted herself on the bench and started watching the trees outside. Without realizing it, she fell asleep. As her face was turned towards the window, Aidan did not notice. – I think this is a good time for us to talk. – He swallowed. – There is something between us, something stronger than just an incredible friendship. What do you think? - He asked. – Ronnie? – He put a hand on her shoulder and she rolled to his side, still sleeping. – Maybe another time then.
Five hours passed and it was almost one in the afternoon. The sun was at its peak and luckily the cloudy weather allowed for protection from the horrific heat that would easily set in if the sky was clear. Aidan was hungry and she was still sleeping, but they both needed to eat.
- Ronnie... – He shook her slightly. Nothing. – Ronnie woke up. Come on, wake up... – After a few tries she slowly opened her eyes.
- Are we there yet? – She asked while sitting better on the bench.
- No. – You can see his disappointed face clearly stamped. - But I thought, as we will not have time to eat in the city… What do you think about having lunch here?
- Maybe, but don't you think we're wasting time? Your mother is in danger. We need to save her. – He made a sad face and she regretted scolding him.
- Let's be realistic, she can be a monster now and we may be able to help her. But we won't be of any use if we are weak and hungry.
- How about this? We eat while you drive, I'll pass you the food. That way we won't have to stop and waste any time. - He just agreed while she stretched to get food that wasn't in their backpacks.
As Veronica opened two sandwiches and a bottle of water, Aidan was considering saying what he had started before. But the car's dashboard started glowing. - We better eat fast because we are running out of gas. - She just handed him one of the snacks while biting the other.
- We are running out of time… So, let's enjoy the calm and talk, okay? - She couldn't face him and he didn't know why.
- About what? – Took another bite and turned his body towards her slightly, still paying attention to the road.
Veronica was looking for words to express what she wanted to say, but nothing seemed good enough. – Well, you and I are in a difficult situation... Literally going to the middle of what can be hell. – Aidan noticed that she was blushing and his heart raced. There was a vague hope to where the conversation was going. But he was driving, so, eventually he would have to look ahead. – I just want to know if what I'm feeling is really happening... There is something very important between us and I'm sure it would be incredible, but at the same time I don't want to ruin our friendship or that of our families. What do you think? – She was red. As red as the stop sign. But she didn't hide it. Tried to look at him steadily, despite the clear vulnerability on her face.
- I fully understand how you feel and I believe we could be something... unbelievable. In a wonderful sense, of course. – She grinned and he mirrored. – But I think we should... – Couldn't finish the sentence. He froze and his face went from happiness to astonishment. – Watch out, Ronnie! – He pulled her seconds before a monster hit the side of the vehicle breaking the glass. She almost got another ugly bruise.
Like instinct, she pulled the gun out of the lock and shot the creature. But it brought friends, and several other monsters ran towards the car from all directions. – Run Aidan! – Veronica was shooting nonstop, without even remembering that those were people until recently. As her father said: in a situation of danger, it is you or the other. So, all her training was put to test.
A creature managed to get caught in the trunk of the car, was being carried along with them and hitting the glass hard. As best she could, she took advantage of the window of opportunity to have no one around her, put her body out and shot the monster. Aidan noticed and tried to grab her, but she kept shooting until he finally fell.
Aidan was distracted between driving and making sure Veronica didn't fall. Her body was almost outside and he tried to handle at a high and constant speed so that she was not thrown away while still dodging the monsters. However, they seemed to come from an inexhaustible stock. When the girl managed to get back inside she noticed one of Aidan's hands was holding her blouse. He had held her in case he needed to pull her in an emergency. – Thanks. – She said while exchanging the empty gun cartridge for a new one.
- Always here. Hold on. – He started making a series of dangerous but efficient curves. The car would not last long if it continued at the speed it was at. They didn't have much time.
When finally managed to get past the crisis point and run away, the two were able to breathe. Aidan turned to Ronnie for a split second and couldn't deviate. A person appeared in the front of the car and when he tried to dodge, ended up hitting the person and a tree. The impact made the car shake and everything went black.
Aidan was the first to regain consciousness. "There is something wrong... What happened here?" His memory was returning little by little and flashes of what had just happened were glowing in his mind. He could feel the main places that had been hurt. He hadn't broken anything, but his head hit the steering wheel hard and part of the tree had entered the vehicle separating him from Veronica. "Veronica!" He thought, remembering everything. Turned to the girl and there was a trail of blood running down her nose. She was still asleep.
Passing his arm over the tree, he began to sway her body slightly. – Ronnie, wake up... – Nothing. – Ronnie, please wake up. This is the time that I most need you to do this. – He rocked a little more until she woke up in despair. – Hey... Calm down, we're alive. – Veronica blinked trying to adjust to the view. – How are you? Can you feel everything? Move everything?
It took her a few seconds to respond and check if something jumped above the situation. However, for him this wait was eternal. – I think everything is normal, the damage was more on your side. How are you? – She said while picking up the backpacks and putting the gun around her waist.
- I'm fine. – She didn't believe him, so just stared at him questioning. – I have a slight headache, but nothing that won't go away. Can you get out? – She started opening the door. - Caution! You may feel dizzy.
She went around the car to help him. - I'm fine, now hold my hand and let's try this slowly. – Hopefully, his body was functioning well. And, with nothing but a few good scratches and a strong headache, he managed to get out of the car. But lost his balance and held on to it. – Calm down, one step at a time.
Veronica took a bottle of water from the now broken window in the back seat and handed it to Aidan. – I think I'm fine now. – He spoke standing up by himself and taking his backpack.
- As a guarantee, I will help you. – There was nothing the two of them could do for the car at that time, what was left now was to walk. "Good thing we're close to town" thought Veronica, while on the road, one hand on the gun and the other over Aidan's body. She was ready in case someone came their way.
Twenty minutes passed in silence until they finally saw the city from a distance. It made them both happy to know they were close. Veronica was worried about Aidan, he was tense. She could feel it from the arm that crossed his back. And at the same time, she was happy to be alive. Aidan kept blaming himself for putting her at risk again, for crashing the car, for having to walk, for being there, for everything, really. In a different situation he would be thanking the proximity. But now he believed that the closer she was, the more in danger he put her in.
When they finally reached the end of the forest, the sounds of shouting and despair from before could not be heard. In fact, they had been replaced by a silence so devastating that even birds could not sing. The two stopped to watch. The damage had worsened to an extreme level. Buildings were on fire, corpses were everywhere, and a thick layer of dust perpetuated the air. If the city were to become Rivertown again, safe and healthy, it would take months to recover. Maybe even years.
Veronica wanted to improve the situation, but did not know how. The distance between them and the PCASD building was great. Bigger than she wanted to imagine. – Well, we can't take the car because it's out of gas and of course... destroyed. – She starts laughing at herself. – I think we just have to walk. – Aidan was quiet. – It will be good... A little exercise never killed anyone. – Veronica starts walking down the road on the way to the buildings, but noticed Aidan has been left behind, so she turned around. – Hey, what's up?
Aidan was sad and some dry tears streaked down his face. This broke her smile. – I'm sorry, Ronnie. – He said crestfallen.
She approached him confused. – For what?
He looked at the buildings analyzing the distance. Almost as if it were transparent. – For putting you in this situation... You came here for me and now we are having these problems... I don't want to put your life at risk.
- Hey... stop. – She grabbed his arm and held his face towards her, preventing him from looking anywhere else. – This is not your fault. None of this is your fault, so you have nothing to apologize for.
He didn't seem to believe her.
- I'm doing this for you of course, but for Jack and Elena too. You are my family! Do you think I care about that car? Relax... When it's over, we see what we can do. Maybe it can be fixed. It is not even a problem. – Aidan managed to smile a little, mesmerized by the woman in front of him. – And as for putting my life at risk, it was not your choice. It was mine and I would have done it whether you wanted it or not, because the biggest risk would be losing you. At least this way we are together. – He took advantage of the explosion of emotions inside and hugged her. Didn't know when the next monster would attack them, so he needed to use every second.
He released her. – You are awesome. You know that?
She shrugged. - I have my moments. – Aidan smiled and taking his hand, she said: - Now come on, because otherwise we will never get there.