“She smart, Rosaline, ruthless too.” KP says.
“She is. We were a bit hesitant about her staying with us. Not at first. At first it was great, actually, she was a huge help, and Mikey is the sweetest kid, but after we saw how she changed when she killed those infected, it was-it was jarring, to say the least.”
“I’ve only just met you all, but I’m a pretty good judge of character. I’ve had a lot of experiences with a lot of different people. Rosaline is a rare breed. She’s cunning, brave, protective, and she cares, while still ruthless and capable when called for. That’s special, you guys are lucky to have her with you.”
Hawaii’s lips curve up, taking pride in hearing the nice words for someone he has come to care about. KP and Hawaii continue to engage, eventually Zee joins the conversation, and the three talk until it’s time to make camp for the night. Rosaline and KP bump heads, though rather briefly, about where to stay for the night. Rosaline, still being unable to shed her fear of low ground out in the open, is adamant they find actual shelter, or a high vantage point.
KP appreciates the determination the young woman displays. While some could find it off-putting, and even an annoyance, she recognizes the importance that quality holds in this new world. She suspects Rosaline will be a great addition to Oasis. Her iron will and stubborn nature are tailor made for being a Guide, but when considering the child and lover added to the mix, she doubts that will be the capable woman’s future.
KP had been leading them to an area she spent the night during her trek to their farm, though she wasn’t aware that’s what her destination would be. Unfortunately with the added personnel her pace has been slowed by about two hours. She wanted to get to the lake, which features a high rise that drops off into the water, a suitable place to set up camp, given that in the event of an ambush the lake below would serve as a fine escape route--by jumping off the side of the ridge.
She informed the group of this, and they decided to continue on in the night to get to this area. Rad was unnerved by this and took it upon himself to give extra attention to KP. He really didn’t want to trek through the woods at night, but nevertheless they did. To his relief it worked out fine, and they arrived to the area she had described without issue.
They wasted no time in setting up camp. KP suggested four hour watch shifts, needing only two rotations on this first night, becoming three every night that would follow. Her reasoning was that it would give four of them a break each night, allowing for a full slumber, and these breaks would rotate so that every other day a good nights rest could be had. Mikey, of course, would not have to participate.
Rosaline and Sweetie would not have to serve a watch duty this first night. The young boy was asleep minutes after laying his head down, leaving the two lovers to enjoy some alone time.
“Do you think everyone has their own house in Oasis?” the Latina ponders aloud, her hand stroking the hair of her partner.
“I don’t know. We should ask KP tomorrow.”
“That would be nice. Just you, me, and Mikey in our own house.”
“What about Outlaw?”
“That chacho can bunk up with Rad again.” she replies, giggling. “What kind of job do you want?”
“I-I don’t know. I’ve never thought about that. Do you know what you want?”
“I don’t even know what options there could be. Like is it cooking, cleaning, hunting? Is it just like the farm, but way more people?”
“I’m not sure baby.”
Rosaline tenderly runs her finger along her companion’s cheek and jawline.
“What would make you happy?”
“Being with you nena.”
The short warrior scooches closer to her partner and softly kisses her. They wrap their arms around each other. Rosaline rests her head on the Latina's chest. After a long moment she looks up at her lover, a gentle calm flowing in her gaze.
"I love you."
Sweetie's lip quivers, her eyes dampen. She leans down into Rosaline kissing her, tenderly at first, then squeezing her closer as passion overcomes them.
"I love you too nena."
CHAPTER FORTY-SIX
“Just run Patrick, run! Don’t look back! Run!”
He does what Norman says. He takes the doctor’s orders to heart in full. The two frantic survivors run, their legs thrust forward with purpose, their muscles tense and burn, their joints ache, but their minds focus on only one thought, live, and so they run. They ignore all their spasms, all of their pain, their soreness, their exhaustion, and their fear. They run.
They gallop for over an hour, at the height of their abilities. It is only upon the sudden turning of his stomach that Norman slows, and reigns in Patrick’s mad dash.
“Oh damnit! Damnit! No, no, I should’ve, I-I didn’t think about...”
The doctor’s thought trails. He places the cooler on the ground, throws his backpack from his shoulders, then hastily removes his jacket. His first layer of upper clothing, a short sleeved shirt, is removed just as fast. His brow furrowed, and his lips dry and cracked, he incoherently mumbles to himself. The frightened teen stares at the raving man.
“We have to leave a trail. They’ll never find us if we don’t leave a trail.”
The doctor stammers, his words eject from his mouth, as though uttering them is fixing his mistake.
“I should’ve started this sooner, it’s been too long. I hope, I hope it’s not, it-it can’t be. It can’t be.”
Norman unzips the main compartment of his backpack and retrieves a large pair of scissors, much longer than anyone should ever need. He cuts a patch of cloth from the bottom of the dark blue, faded shirt he had been wearing. He
