In every lifetime

Chapter 6 "Et tu, Brute?"

Chapter 6 "Et tu, Brute?"

     Eliza's POV

     We have been driving for about two and a half hours when I decide to take a break. Octavia seems to be doing well. Her fever has been down the last hour or so and there are signs that she will wake up soon. Raven on the other hand, seems to be getting worse. Anya is trying to keep her temperature down and it is holding steady for now; even if it is a bit higher than I would like it to be.

     After making sure that they both have more meds, I move up to the front, where Alicia and Jasper are. Kneeling between their seats, I lean over and kiss Alicia on the cheek, before asking, "Where are we?"

     Without taking his eyes off of the road, Jasper says, "We just took the exit after Santa Maria and turned onto a dirt road."

     Alicia takes my hand, squeezes it and says, "We have been camping all across the state. We usually hit out of the way places, with maybe a small pond or lake. This is one of the places we go to a lot. The lake is about ten more minutes up the road and it is rare that anyone else is there."

     "Good, even though I don't want to, we might have to stay a few days." I tell them, glancing back at my sister.

     True to what Alicia said, we come to an area with a lake and beyond that is forest. Travis drives the truck through the trees, about five hundred yards from the lake. It has just enough space to park the vehicles and throw up some tents. I notice that is a good thing, after hopping out of the van and Tris runs up to me, eyes wide with worry and says, "Monty and Charlotte are sick."

     Alicia gets out of the van at this time and asks, "This is not good. You said something about meds, do we have enough? What if someone else gets sick?"

     Pinching my nose, I start to pace as my mind goes through the numbers. Jok, jok, jok. Finally, I stop my pacing and look into her eyes and sighing deeply, before answering her, "Octavia is already getting better, but Raven is not. If I give Octavia one more dose and switch to regular ibuprofen, then I have just enough medicine to last two days for the three of them. That is not nearly enough, especially if someone else gets sick."

     I walk over to Tavis and Madison as they are arguing and everyone else follows me. When I get there, "We are not leaving anyone behind, Madison. Like it or not we are stronger together." Travis says, his voice almost on the verge of tears.

     "Travis is right. We don't leave anyone behind." I say loud enough for everyone to hear.

     I glance around at everyone, making sure they are fully listening to me, "We are not leaving anyone. Jasper and Travis will take the seats out of the van and make some pallets. Miles, Roma and Gustus will set up camp. I will teach Alicia and Anya how to set up an IV, just in case it is needed after I leave tonight." I tell them.

     Alicia turns around, stepping closer to me, and says, "You can't leave."

     I can see the fear in her eyes as I take her hand, pulling her fingers up to my lips and kissing them. "Gustus and I will go on a supply run, find a pharmacy or a clinic and be back before morning."

     Jasper starts playing with his shirt for a minute before saying, "You aren't leaving without me. Monty is my best friend."

     Roma walks over to stand next to Jasper and says, "I am coming with you as well. An extra set of eyes can't hurt."

     I look at them for a moment, not really wanting to put them in more danger, but I can see that they are not going to budge. "You are right, more people are better.  Anya and Alicia will take care of our patients in each van, with Tris's help. Travis will be on watch for the night. He should take up position on top of one of the vans, so he can see in every direction. Aden and Miles can help him. If more than one or two zombies come then you are not to attack but everyone is to lock themselves up in a van and stay quiet."