The Survivalistas

Chapter 5 Chloe felt sweat trickle down her back as she kicked the crap out of the feed bag hung from the barn ceiling. It was a decent makeshift punching bag, since Luke didn’t have one. Behind her the door opened, bring a cool gust of wind that raised goosebumps on her arms. A moment later Luke stepped into her line of vision. “Thought I’d find you out here.” She stopped punching the bag and gave him her attention. “What’s up?” He glanced away from her, shoving his hands in his coat pockets. “Rob, Sofia and I were talking...” Chloe’s stomach twisted, she’d figured this was coming. Whatever was happening had been going on for a month now. The only new piece of information they’d gained was this was the zombie apocalypse for real and no help was coming. With two growing kids, a pregnant lady and three adults the food was running out. He continued, “We’re running low on food, Sofia’s due date is looming and we need supplies. We were wondering if you’d be willing to run to town with me?”...

Sofia spoke up, “Honey, go get your brother and clean up for dinner.” Maria scampered out of the room, yelling. “RJ!” Going back to her cooking, Sofia added. “Luke would you get Rob out of the man cave.” Giving a snappy salute, he said, “On it.” Then took off out of the kitchen. After standing for an uncomfortable moment, Chloe asked, “can I help?” “Oh no, Honey, you're our guest sit. Tell me about yourself.” “Uh,” Chloe pulled out a chair and sat at the kitchen table. “What do you want to know?” “The usual,” Sofia smiled over her shoulder. “Kay, well I’m the middle child and only girl in my family. My parents and older brother live in Florida, he’s married with three kids. My little brother lives in Chicago, at least that’s the last place we heard from him.” “You must be worried about them.” Chloe nodded, “yeah I am a little. I mean I know Gordy will take care of Betty, the kids, Mom and Dad. Benny… well he’s resilient.” Sofia chuckled, “no offence but it makes me glad that I’m an...

Chapter 4 Luke towered over her arms crossed, “you’re going if I have to carry you.” Chloe sighed, and rubbed her forehead. “Isn’t bad enough I’m mooching off you.” He lowered his arms and softened a bit. “It’s not mooching when you earn your keep, this place has never been this clean and you’re a damn good cook. Come on Sofia invited you to come over and meet the family.” She’d been sleeping on Luke’s couch for the past week, in which the outside situation had only gotten worst. They we’re living off generator and wind power. Luckily Robin, Luke’s older brother, had installed a windmill a few years ago and it was powering the farm. The satellite had gone out, along with it the internet and cell coverage. They’d managed to get spotty information from the radio, but now that was just repeating the same message. It didn’t look like this was going to blow over anytime soon. Her ankle while still tender was on the mend, so she couldn’t use that excuse anymore. In the week there she’d learn...

Chloe smiled, heading into the kitchen, she found the ice pack and returned to the couch flopping down. Propping her foot on the pile she snatched up the remote and turned on the T.V.. A sick feeling came over her as the screen filled with chaos. People fighting, many shuffling in nothing but hospital gowns. The pale sickly looking folks, were overpowering and biting into anything that moved. Their faces were contorted in anger, as if furious with the world. The news reporter, started talking. “This is coverage of what is currently happening all over the of the city of Watertown. Officials are asking you to remain in your homes, or wherever you are currently located. There is a travel ban in effect for all of New York State. If you are trapped in your vehicle, try to stay put as military, police, and emergency personnel will find and help you.” “Not sure I want the help they're willing to give.” She muttered to herself remembering the soldiers. Pulling out her phone she tried call...

Chapter 3 Luke pulled into a dirt driveway, in front of a yellow double wide trailer. Next door was a large farm house, and behind it a red barn. “Home, sweet, home.” Chloe gave him a tight smile, picking up her backpack and reaching for the door. Bracing herself she slid out of the cab, wince as the pain once again radiated up her leg. Shutting the door, she used the truck to limp toward the house. Luke appeared beside her and unceremoniously swung her up into his arms. “I can walk.” “Limp, sweetie, you can limp.” “First don’t call me sweetie. Second do you have a hero complex?” He chuckled, “Maybe.” Luke carried her up the steps, setting her down on the porch to unlock and open the door. Wrapping an arm around her waist he helped her to the couch, where she plopped down. “Make yourself at home.” Chloe glanced down at her ankle. “I really hate to impose, anymore than I already am, but can I use your tub?” “Sure, but don’t you want to ice it?” “A warm soak, with epsom salt would be ide...