Chapter 5: Leaving Behind the Past and Facing the Future
Chapter 5: Leaving Behind the Past and Facing the Future
(Previously...)
I didn't know what to do. I was pretty sure that I would find nothing here. Now I have a choice to decide, shall I return to Ed or shall I go with Jack and Olivia. Whatever it's gonna be, I'll decide after a good shower. Haven't had one of those in weeks, and Sophia was happy to take one as well. She looked excited to go take a shower and happy she has a new friend.
After she took a shower and changed into some of Jack's clothes, she wasn't worried about wearing those clothes. She felt clean for the first time in a long time, and after she laid down, she and Sophia were out a few minutes later. She didn't even notice that the night passed quickly on them, but she felt rested and happy not to hear Ed's voice when she awoke well rested...
--Jack's POV—
A few hours earlier, after I left Carol and Sophia in the living room, 'what the hell is going on? Why is she here? I know I'm not in the original Walking Dead, but this is way off track. Isn't it? I don't mind her being here, and I'm sure that Olivia likes Sophia. I haven't seen her this excited since... never. I hope this lasts because I wouldn't like Olivia too get sad again.
I started to remember what she said, about how she felt that she needed to be here. Was it because of us being here or was it something else? Was someone guiding her our way? Or like she said, 'fate'. I don't like it, I mean someone controlling us to meet, not my man. Should I've asked her to join? Why did ask in the first place? If felt... not like me. It just came out. Anyways, let's think about it another time and feel asleep minutes later.
The night didn't last long, but sleep is sleep and I am not one to argue about a goodnights rest. I awoke at around 5:30 in the morning, and as I got up I saw how restfully Olivia was sleeping. I'm glad I took her in, or my life would have been monotonous and unwelcoming. Well, I got dressed and went to brush my teeth. After that, I went to the kitchen to make breakfast for the three others that are still asleep.
I pulled out some blueberry pancake mix, some eggs, and bacon from my inventory and started cooking silently. I was trying too but it didn't work, Carol strolled into the kitchen 20 minutes later while yawning as if still half asleep. "There are toothbrushes and toothpaste in that drawer there and make-up if you want to put on some. I don't think you need it, but women always disagree with what I think."
As I pointed at a drawer behind the TV, it looked like she blushed for a second there after what I said about the make-up. She went to the drawer and grabbed two toothbrushes, one for her and the other for Sophia, she then smiled and left the kitchen. After 30 minutes of cooking, I called Olivia and Sophia over, so they could eat breakfast.
"Olivia, Sophia, time for breakfast. Come on you two, it's pancakes and eggs for breakfast, you two better hurry before it gets cold." After calling the two, I placed three plates down with a cup of orange juice for Sophia and Olivia. And a cup of Joe, black, no sugar, or creamer for Carol and myself. The two girls came in running and sat down quickly.
"Thanks, daddy. I love blueberry pancakes, but daddy, where's the bacon? I love bacon in the morning." I point at the bacon that is in the middle of the table and she immediately started grabbing some and placing them on her plate. "Hmmm... I wove... gulp, blueberry pancakes too." Sophia wanted to talk with her mouth full. "Don't talk with food in your mouth, baby. Eat slower, the food isn't going anywhere."
Carols says as she walks up behind her daughter reprimanding her for talking with her mouth full. "Yes, mama. Hmmm... gulp, they are good mama, you should try them." She shook her head at her antics and also grabbed her plate with eggs and bacon, then added a pancake for herself. "Hmmm... gulp, Sophia is right. They are delicious, so are the eggs and bacon. Thank you, Jack."
She agreed with her daughter as the three ate quietly. "So, what's the plan for today, girls?" Olivia cocked her head to the side as if confused. "I'm talking too Sophia and Carol, sweety." She did an ooohh, motion and continued eating. "Well, I decided if you don't mind, we would like to go with you two and be a part of your large group of two, now four."
I laughed and shook my head, "and what do you think about that Olivia? Would you mind, if they joined us, in our traveling?" She did a cute thinking pose and shook her head. "No, I don't mind, daddy. I like Sophia and it be great to have a mommy figure in our group. Your choice of clothes is terrible, daddy. I need a mommy figure to choose my clothes that match."
I laughed harder at what she said, and so did Carol as she looked at her outfit Olivia was wearing. "You are right Olivia; your daddy doesn't know how to match. After breakfast you can show me your clothes, and I'll help you choose better ones." The three girls laughed at my expense, then I laughed as well as I ate my own plate of food.
"You better behave, little girl, or no more cadies for you." I warned her as her face turned pale. "Nooo. Daddy you are so mean." As she crossed her arms over chest and pouted. That's how our breakfast was spent, laughing, and eating a good meal. After everyone was well feed, I started to get ready to move again. So, after breakfast, Carol took the dishes to the sink to wash, and I got myself busy.
The girls went to watch some TV and made my way outside to make sure that all liquid tanks were full, and the one's that needed to be empty were emptied. I had already planned on going to the Greene's farm, so that Olivia could have some fun and maybe ride a horse or something. Hey, I'm trying to keep her childhood happy, because once she grows up, there's no turning back.
After an hour of checking and refilling, I made my way to the driver seat. As I sat down, I grabbed the intercom microphone and said, "okay girls, we are about to move, please make sure there isn't anything that can fall on either of you. Olivia make sure the TV is strapped down and put away all the movies on the small table please. We don't need them to get damaged, and here we go."
I tried to make a Mario joke, but no one caught it. So, I was the only one chuckling. As I got on the main road, we were greeted by a small horde of walkers, they quickly moved our way, but I didn't slow down enough to get caught in their horde. I ran over a few of them as we passed them making our escape. I did shoot a few zombies through my window to help in our escape, all in all, we made it out fine.
About five minutes later, Carol shows up and sits in the passenger seat, "where are going, Jack? Do you want me to help navigate? I mean if you want help." I hand her the map and she felt happier, I saw it on her face as her eyes lit up. "We're going to a place called, 'Greene farm', it's a small farm off interstate 4, in Mert county, a little ways after leaving Atlanta. That was a place Olivia used to stay at before her parents died."
She looked at me as if I was her hero, taking Olivia places that were happy memories for the girl. "I have it marked already. Just let me know when I need to turn, so I won't get lost. Make sure we don't pass, the town called Sharpsburg, it should be close from there." I looked at her as she was looking down on the map and setting her directions correctly.
It didn't take us long to find the town and the way to the Greene farm, but before that we stopped in Sharpsburg for some supplies and medicines. I asked the three to stay inside, while I looked around and gather supplies. I was handed a list from Carol and a list from Olivia, which was funny. Olivia's list only had only three things on it, and they were all the same thing, 'SOUR CANDY, CHOCOLATE CANDY, and SUGAR CANDIES.'
"And what are you going to do with so much candy, hmm Olivia?" I asked trying to keep in the laughter and be a little serious. "Well daddy, if you must know, I'm going to share it with Sophia and the Greene's. is that okay?" I chuckled and I nodded in agreement, which got her pumping her fist in the air. "YESSS." That was when I busted out laughing, "Okay, sweety. I'll be back and stay inside with Carol and Sophie. Understand!!"
She nodded as well and I then looked at Carol, "Is this all? Are you sure? You could make your list longer; it matters little to me. If it's there, I'll get it for you." She grabbed the list again from me and added a few more things, and I chuckled again. "Be careful, Jack. And thank you, for everything." She said with sincerity, and I nodded in acknowledging her sincerity.
"Well, I'll be back in an hour or so, Olivia!! Show Carol where the guns are just in case bad people show up, ok. Don't worry about the TV noise, out here it's soundproof, just don't move around so much. See you three in a bit." As I turned around to search for the stuff on the list. I went from store to store searching for the list of things. I killed many walkers, that were in the stores and outside on the streets.
I found the candies Olivia asked for and 90% of the list Carol asked for, but I filled in the rest of the things I had in my inventory. I don't plan to use my inventory very much. Maybe only when I really need it, or when I can't find the things I'm looking for, but that doesn't mean I won't keep collecting as I go. I might not need it now, but I will later, that was my excuse and the hell with everyone else.
After an hour and some minutes, I returned to the Winnebago, as I entered the door Carol was there with a shotgun in my face ready to fire. Good thing it had the safety on, or it would have been my head. "WHOA, there. Thank God you found the guns, but Carol, maybe next time take the safety switch off, before you pull the trigger, yeah. But you did good, I should have knocked before entering."
She was relieved I wasn't mad at her, "I'm so sorry, Jack. Please forgive me." She kept repeating sorry for a good 10 minutes, and all I did is shake my head at what she did. "Don't worry Carol, you did good. Next time, I'll know how to knock. Now, here's your things people. Candy for my Olivia, and the rest for Carol. There was one thing I didn't find, but everything else was there."
"Thanks Jack. So, what didn't you find?" She asked as she looked at her list. "It's circled, I don't know what that is, sorry." She looked own again and saw the girl condoms, and her face turned dark red. "It's okay, I... I won't need it for now." She grabbed her things and ran to the bathroom; I'm guessing to cool down her embarrassment.
"Okay, I know it's a little late for lunch, but what do you all want to eat? We have Bologna and cheese sandwiches, Frozen Pizza, Frozen Lasagna, and Deer Hamburgers with lettuce tomato and cheese. You three choose but pick only one." After 5 minutes, I heard Carol yell out from the couch, "we choose, Pizzaaa, and coke. Is that okay?"
I nodded as I started to heat up the oven and defrost the two pizzas I had in the refrigerator. It took 10 minutes to defrost, and the oven was ready for the pizza's. "It should be ready in 15 minutes, please wash up and get ready for lunch, you three. And no eating candy before a good meal Olivia! It won't be good for your health and teeth if you only eat candy."
I received a thumbs up from Carol and Olivia at the same time. As I peeked out the kitchen, I saw Carol with her bags near here, then I said, "Don't worry Carol, I'll be looking for a bigger RV, once I have a place to leave you three for a few days. And the Greene farm is a perfect place to stay, while I find a suitable vehicle for all four of us.' After that I returned to the kitchen, to prepare the food.
--Carol's POV, 7 hours ago--
It had been a great idea going with Jack and Olivia, so far we have had the best time since Sophia, and I met them. Since last night, Jack's been nothing but courteous and nice to us. He had not once talk down to us when we asked questions, he was patient and understanding, I've never met a man like this. Where was he when Sophia and I were getting beat by Ed.
I just wish I had met him before all this, maybe we would have hooked up, "UUUGGH... who am I kidding, he wouldn't want someone as weak as me. Anyways, the next morning he already had breakfast going, and that was very nice of him. Sophia was so happy she ate pancakes; it's been a long time since she had some. I don't know, but I'm starting to fall for this guy.
If he keeps going like this, I'm going to have to sex him up. I was so embarrassed when he told me I looked nice without make-up, yesterday. I still think about it sometimes, that was the best compliment I've heard in years. And he just kept getting better in our eyes as he didn't push me away when I asked if he needed help navigating. All he did was gave me the map and help him not get lost.
He would make a great dad to my little girl. I've seen how he treats Olivia, and the best thing is that she isn't his child, but he manned up and took care of the lost girl. We've been on the road for 6 hours now, and finally made it to Sharpsburg, and we have stopped to reload supplies and fuel. He asked me for a list of what I wanted; I didn't want to impose on him, so my list was short at first.
But when he looked at the list, he told me I could put whatever I wanted on it, and he would get it and it mattered not. I felt bad at first, but then I regrabbed the list from him and added a lot more things for Sophia and I which we needed, like my monthly things, some clothes for Sophia, and some for myself, as well as some nighties, and I even put down without noticing some women protection condoms.
Then he left us and returned about an hour later, after Jack left, Olivia had shown me the gun collection that he had, and WOW, it blew my mind. He had many kinds of guns in large racks in his room behind a hidden wall that slide sideways. WOW!! Was the only thing I could think of, so, I grabbed the shotgun from the rack and waited for his return in the living room.
Not only did I feel intimidated, but I also feel hot under the collar because not only did he have the tools to keep Olivia safe but us as well. He was just getting better and better; I don't think that I will let him go after this. I suddenly heard someone at the door and quickly pointed the shotgun toward the door. When it swung open, I shoved the shotgun in the intruders face.
I was a little scared when the door opened, and my motherly instinct kicked in as I pulled the trigger as I closed my eyes. Good thing nothing happened, it was Jack returning from scavenging. "WHOA, there. Thank god you found the guns, but Carol, maybe next time take the safety switch off, before you pull the trigger, yeah. But you did good, I should have knocked before entering." He said as I felt relieved it was Jack and lowered the shotgun.
I was glad he didn't get angry for pointing the gun at him. I kept apologizing, "I'm so sorry, Jack. Please forgive me." I kept repeating sorry for about 10 minutes, and all he did was shake his head at what I had done. "Don't worry Carol, you did good. Next time, I'll know how to knock. Now, here's your things people. Candy for my Olivia, and the rest for Carol. There was one thing I didn't find, but everything else was there."
"Thanks Jack. So, what didn't you find?" I asked as I looked down at my list. "It's circled, I don't know what that is, sorry." I looked down again and saw the girl condom's circled, and my face immediately turned tomato red. "It's okay, I... I won't need it for now." I grabbed my things he brought and ran away and locked myself in the bathroom; I was so embarrassed.
I looked at the mirror and I could see my ears getting red again, which made cover my face with my hands in embarrassment, it also made me chuckle on the inside. I wonder if he actually knew about those and he was teasing me, I could hope you know. After calming down, I returned to the living room as the girls were watching the Cinderella cartoon movie from Disney.
After the food was done, Jack called us to the table and we had a great meal, it was fun, we laughed, we joked, and we had a great time together. Not like I had at home with that awful man, we are so happy here, without all the violence and screaming. Yup, it was a great choice I made for us, no more yelling, screaming, hitting, and hopefully I could get some sex from all this, as I kept staring at Jack from across the table.
--Jack's POV--
After we finished our pizza's, I asked if anyone wanted to play a board game. "Alright, we have ate, now we need some fun. Who wants to play Monopoly? And the winner will get these two Snickers bars (chocolate bar)." From the other side of the table, I saw fire light up in Sophia and Olivia's eyes. It was kind of scary and I was a little intimidated.
And I saw Carol laugh slightly from the corner, saying something lightly, "you shouldn't have said that, Jack. Now look at them, their competitiveness has been lit. You have to take responsibility and get this game going." And that is what I did, and two hours later, I lost, and I lost really badly. But I was not the only one, Carol was out first, I held on two more turns than... bamm, I was gone as well.
Those two little swindlers are ruthless in this game. But since Sophia was older, she won, but not by much. I only imagined the two little girls as poker hustlers, with their little caps and their candy cigars on their side lips as they swindle you out of all the candy you have. "thank you mister jack for your patronage, please come again anytime."
I looked at the little swindler and busted out laughing, which Carol joined me as well as we were rolling on the floor laughing at these two swindlers. "Okay, okay. You little hustlers, here you go. Two for Sophia for a great game, and one for Olivia for almost beating Sophia. You know she's older than you and you almost beat her. You make me proud, the both of you."
As I reached over to hug the two and they didn't pull away. Sophia grabbed hold harder and started to cry on my shoulder. "What did you do to my friend daddy? Apologize, right now!" She was reprimanding me for making Sophia cry, now that's a friend indeed. She sniffled and said. "it's okay Olly, I'm just happy because I have never gotten a hug from my father like I did right now."
That made me so sad as well as I reached over again and hugged her harder, with Olivia joining in right after. That made Sophia happy about getting two hugs. After letting her go I said, "anytime you need a hug, I'm right here for you okay, Soph. Any time remember, okay." She nodded and grabbed her two Snickers and left the table with Olivia to watch another movie.
"That's very sweet of you Jack. Can I ask why? Why do you do the things you do? And for us of all things. We are strangers to you both." She asked as she just stared at me from across the table. "Why? Because I can, and because she deserves so much more than this life as given her. Why you? A better question to ask is, why not you. I would have helped whoever stepped on my doorway and also because I find you... I don't know, likeable."
I sighed mid-sentence and took a deep breath. "Look Carol, since I've met you and Sophie, I feel like I know you, somehow. It felt right to help you and Sophia, like it was meant to be. I can't explain it, it just feels right to me. Are you complaining I'm helping you two? HMMMM!" Now I was teasing her, plus she was getting all red from her neck up as I started explaining my reasons for helping them.
With the game and teasing done, I cleaned up the table, put away the game board and got ready for a shower and bed. "Olivia, go take a shower and get ready for bed. You clothes are already in the bathroom to change into. Go on!" She didn't even complain and went to take a shower on her own and it looked like Carol was surprised she was doing it on her own.
"Do you need any help, Olivia?" Carol asked her before she stepped into the bathroom. "Yes, please. Daddy won't help me because he says it's a girl thing. And he's probably right, he is always right." Carol nodded that it wasn't my place to shower a young girl. "You know what? He's right. It's a woman's place to help shower the girls. Come Sophie, you need a shower as well. Do you mind if Sophie and you share?"
She asked Olivia as she shook her head, "no, it's okay." I shake my head as the three entered the bathroom and Carol took the little ones a shower. And I went to my room and put away the shotgun in the rack it belonged. I had to plan where to go and what I needed to grab next, when and if I leave the girls on Greene's farm, tomorrow. Maybe I should take Carol with me so I could start to teach her how to defend herself.
After they took their shower, even Carol came out with wet hair and smelling good. It was my turn, and it took me 15 minutes for my shower. After that, I said goodnight to the two Peletier girls and went to my own room for some good old Morpheus time. Throughout the night I heard walkers walking through the town and around the camper, it was a good thing I grabbed a noise proof Winnebago.
--October 5, 2010--
The next day came as fast as the night left, and again I was up by 5:30AM. Did my morning routine and had breakfast ready again, 30 minutes after brushing my teeth. This time we had eggs toast and fried ham; the girls loved it. Always keep them wanting more and change it up a bit. After breakfast I did the same thing as before, checked, refilled, and dumped what needed to get filled and dumped rather quickly.
Then we were on our way to the Greene's house with three anxious girls at the ready. Sophia and Carol because they have never traveled and they were very interested in a farm, and Olivia because she hasn't seem the Greene's in a long time. With Carol's help, we made it to the Greene farm in 2 hours flat, saved us a 30-minute drive that would have took us around into another town.
As we were approaching a big white house with a small porch in the front, the place looked like an old cotton plantation house. It was memorable at first glance, and the girls all looked excited when we arrived. "Look daddy, over there. That's Mr. Greene, Hersel is his name." She pointed at an old man that was feeding the horses near the bid red barn. "And look over there, that's Maggie, Hersel's oldest daughter."
I look over and see a 20 something, young girl with short brown hair, helping her father with feeding the farm animals. Hersel, who was by the barn, saw my Winnebago drive up, and started to approach us with curiosity, and weariness of finding trouble for his family. As I drove my way up the lane and parked in front of his house and stepped out with Olivia beside me.
"Hello. You're Hersel right? Good to meet you." I held my hand out waiting for him to shake it. "And who might you be? How do you know my name, sir?" He asked while looking at me with caution. Then he saw Olivia beside me, well she was hiding behind me more or less. "Olivia! Is that you? Where are your mom and dad? Did something happen to them? Who's did it, Olivia?"
He kept asking her questions and she was starting to feel uncomfortable. "Sorry, Mr. Greene, but a lot has happened when I found Olivia alone in a hospital room. Since then I have taken upon myself to taking care of her well-being. We've been together for about 2 weeks now, and she's in good hands. I'll never hurt her and won't leave her, ever."
Hersel was surprised at what I told him, "please, care to have a cup of coffee with me and explain what's happened to her family." I followed him to his house porch as he entered and I waited outside for him, with Olivia by my side. "Don't worry sweety, I'll never leave you. We are stuck together forever, you hear me." I said as she hugged the daylights out of me.
"Thank you, daddy. I'm just scared, but not anymore." I messed with her hair as she knocked my hand away. "Stop that daddy. It took forever to get it down. I'm telling Carol." As she stomped her feet on Hersel's porch actin all angry and she marched herself back to the camper for Carols help. That was when Hersel and his family stepped out, they all looked at me and Olivia playing around and joking.
(To be Continued...)
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