Six |

"Don't touch me," I snipped pushing him away – to fall right onto my butt.

Hazel eyes glared down at me, and he tossed something at me. I flinched as a bundle landed on my lap then looked down to see what he had thrown.

"Sorry, I wasn't Cameron," he snarled before I could hear him walking away.

I bit my lip when I had realized on my lap sat a pair of men's sweatpants and a black tank top. Instantly a blush rolled across my cheeks at my own quick judgement; I knew I couldn't blame years of loneliness on my reaction.

"Damn," Cameron's voice now said from above me, I tilted my head up and tried to ignore the harsh sun in my view, "I'm sorry I didn't realize Caren would do this."

I also noted he didn't comment on the actions between his brother and I, and for that I was grateful. I wouldn't even begin to try and explain it. Instead, I hugged the clothing tightly to my chest and smiled slightly at him.

"Is there somewhere I can change?" I asked not wanting to go back into the tent.

He looked away, his face blushing, "Yes uh, you can change at my place if you'd like?"

I hesitated, looking towards the clear sky in thought. I honestly didn't want to run into Jax again. However, I also did not want to tramp around in this outfit, not to mention it did not suit my dirty, greasy hair and grimy body.

"Could I bathe too?" I was getting greedy and hopeful at this point.

However, he merely laughed, the rich sound causing eyes to turn towards him. I ducked my head down, and also realized I was still sitting. I pushed myself up and trailed after him as he started to lead me down a wide dirt road. The town itself seemed to be in great standing, with people thriving all around us. It was still a small village however, it seemed heavily protected. With more soldier people waltzing around with big guns.

"Over there is what we call the center shops, it really has the only two shops in town, the doctor's office and the bar, across from it to the south is the mayor's house and the town hall," he informed me pointing out the different places.

"How do you pay for things?" I asked confused.

He shrugged, "coins mainly. But Clark lets you barter if you don't have any coins. Everyone in this town looks out for each other."

Except apparently certain people who pretend to be men. We kept walking, a few people greeted Cameron with a hello, or a wave and I was beginning to realize he was quite popular here. He stopped us at a group of houses that resembled more of cottages than actual houses.

"This is the main housing here, however if you work for the tent then you get your own apartment at the very northern wall, on the east side. Me and Jax live in that house," he pointed to a house that was adorned with tulips and a rose bush, "Cerci did the flowers."

I nodded along, like I knew what he was talking about. In truth, my attention was focused in the farm house set off a little ways, near a few gazing cows, horses and what looked like chickens – or ducks.

It amazed me how evolved this settlement was – I even saw electricity in the tent. Despite Landon and his jerk of a cousin, I wanted to stay here. So desperately so. How long had it been since I didn't have to run, no how long had it been since I had felt safe? I couldn't remember. It had been years, for sure.

"You can change and shower in our house. After, we should visit Alana, she always makes awesome duck stew," he sighed in delight.

A shiver ran down my spine.

He led me up the porch of his house, and swung the door open. I hopped Jax wouldn't be home. As he stepped inside I peered cautiously into the home – and was shocked at how clean and barren it was.

A simple faded couch sat in the living room, with a long hall exposing the bathroom at the end of it, and two doors flanking either side of the hall, with the kitchen looking at the dining room. Besides two photos nailed to the wall above the couch, and a vase of roses sitting on the counter in the kitchen it seemed this place was stripped of all personality.

"The bathroom's right there, feel free to use any towels on the rack – they're clean, the hair brush in there is mine so help yourself, you can also use my deodorant if you don't mind smelling like manly men," he joked nudging me with his shoulder.

I snickered darkly, "better than smelling like rotting flesh."

Leaving his jaw on the floor, and eyes wide as a deer's, I left him standing there as I rushed towards the bathroom. Closing the door behind me, I realized when we had first gotten here, Cameron had taken my bag to prevent it from being searched and most likely still had it somewhere. As for the knife I had on me, no doubt that twat Landon was most likely skinning children with it at the moment, and I probably wouldn't see it again.

I stripped the flashy clothing off my body with gratitude and placed the new, good clothing beside the sink as I looked around the room. Again, it was void of personality. Two tooth brushes sat beside a tube of paste on one side of the sink while on the other side sat a bar of soap, with a hair brush full of blonde strands, and a men's deodorant.

My eyes gazed over at the shower tube, and I turned the handle, ignoring the curtain as water spat out from the shower head. On the edge of the tube in the corner sat two different bottles of shampoo – one mans, one woman's, along with a bottle of lavender conditioner and a bar of soap. I wondered if the woman's hair soap was this Cerci's, then I wondered if she was dating Jax or Cameron.

Shaking my head of those thoughts, I reminded myself it wasn't my business, and I slipped into the shower sighing deeply as warm water attacked my body. At this moment, it was like nothing else mattered in the world besides this luxury I was allowed.

Long after the water ran cold, and using half the bar of soap to scrub my body four times, as well as washing my hair twice, I stepped out of the shower and dried off before slipping the clothing that Jax had gotten me.

My heart fluttered as the fresh smell assaulted my nose, and I ran the hair brush through my hair until it ran like silk, and I lathered the deodorant unto my pits. Finally after I had stopped feeling like a savage, I stepped out of the bathroom.

I could hear Cameron talking to someone, and a woman's voice laugh warmly. Creeping down the hall, I peered into the living room where Cameron was talking to a young woman who wore a white sundress and running shoes. Her bright red hair had been braided to the sides of her face, and freckles danced across her shoulders and face.

Awkwardly, I cleared my throat and both heads turned towards me. The woman smiled widely at me.

"Feel better now?" Cameron teased, causing me to merely nod.

"Honestly I always feel better after I shower," the woman giggled handing her hand out towards me, "Hi, I'm Cerci."

I shook her hand and smiled slightly, "Mira."

"Cerci normally invades our house when Jax and I go out on tasks," Cameron whispered in my ear loud enough for Cerci to hear.

My eyes widened at the accusation, but Cerci merely lifted her head to laugh lightly.

"Don't complain, I keep everything clean, and the fridge stocked. You know I love dad, but it's nice to live independently sometimes," she replied with a smile but I noticed the flash of sorrow in her eyes.

"Invade independently," Cameron correct her chuckling.

Cerci merely rolled her eyes, then turned her attention onto me. I fidgeted nervously as she scanned me from head to toes, a sly smile on her face.

"Nice clothing don't suppose Jax gave you those?" she asked hiding a smile.

I frowned slightly, did he give me defective clothing or something? I looked down at the shirt and the pants trying to figure out the problem. Finding none I glanced back at Cerci. She giggled but shook her head.

"Cici, don't scare her," Cameron scolded then turned to me, "there's nothing wrong with them she's just crazy. Let's go to Alana's before she taints you."

He grabbed my arm gently, silently chuckling and I knew these two were very close. I let him lead me towards the front door,

"Hey, don't bother Cam, I already know she's my new best friend!" Cerci called after us.

My heart fluttered at the thought of making a friend, I just now hopped this Alana woman let me stay. I sighed softly under my breath in hope Cameron wouldn't hear. I could feel him glance over at me so I opted to look towards the larger house where the mayor lived. As Cameron had said, it also served as the town's meeting area.

As soon as we had reached its porch, I also noticed bushes of roses lining the house, it was a good tactic to keep away anyone trying to break in or to stop any zoms that might stumble into town?

It was clear this Alana woman was smart and resourceful. I wondered if she was well built like that ugly-hearted woman. I wouldn't doubt it for a second. Cameron went ahead of me on the porch to knock the door loudly, causing me to flinch.

I still wasn't used to loud noises that attracted zoms. My eyes skimmed towards the vibrant world around us. I guess, noise wasn't an issue for them. My heart pounded wildly as Cameron knocked again.

I put my head down as anxiety ran over me. What would I do if she decided I couldn't stay? I forced myself to breathe easy, and kept my head down as the door opened.

"Oh my, hello Cameron," a soft old voice hummed.

My head shot up as I looked at the little old woman with grey hair pulled back into a bun and a warm smile on her face. Her blue eyes shone through the glasses she wore and she looked at me with curiosity. Alana must be strong enough to have a maid work for her. Such an old one at that. I smiled at the woman, relieved I didn't have to face the leader of this town just yet.

"Hello there sweetie, it's nice to see a new face around here," she said warmly, "what's your name?"

"Mira, miss."

Father raised me to respect people, even though this hell I wouldn't disappoint him. And who knows, maybe this woman would put in a good word to Alana for me.

"Well, come on in. You're just in time for cookies and stew," the woman moved so we could enter the large house and I followed nervously behind Cameron.

"Duck?" he asked her hopefully.

I looked around the place, noticing it was much different than Jax and Cam's home. Red roses adorned the room in brightly coloured vases, along with beautiful paintings. The living room seemed to have been attached to another room to make a large dining room with a long, oak table that seated about a hundred simple oak chairs. On the table in the middle in three places were more rose vases.

I followed Cam over to the two seats closest to the large kitchen and followed suit as he sat down. Nervously, I tapped my fingers against the table's surface as Cam rambled on about how good the duck stew is.

The older woman seemed to disappear into the kitchen then return with two bowls, three white mugs, a tea pot, a small plate stacked with square sugar cubes, plate of chocolate chip cookies, and spoons.

She set the bowls in front of Cam and I, then a cup for us and she poured us tea. I got a whiff of lavender and grass and wondered what type of tea this was. Some sort of homemade blend no doubt. She sat across from Cam as I sipped on the duck stew, taking note of the chunks of potato and carrots as well as the meat.

Cam had been right when he said the stew was delicious, and I wondered just how this town had such luxuries. The woman sipped her tea, watching us silently with a warm smile, seemingly waiting for us to finish eating. Once we were done and thanked her, she stacked the empty bowls on the trolley she had first used to carry the items out, then placed the cookies closer to us.

"Help yourself to some cookies, we can discuss business now that your stomachs are full," she told us, despite her warm smile I could hear the seriousness in her tone.

I watched her with caution, ignoring Cam who dug into the plate and dipped his cookies into his tea. He seemed unbothered about her sudden seriousness.

"I'd like to know a bit about yourself, nothing too serious I just need to know whose moving into our town," the elderly woman said.

I didn't understand why she was questioning me, shouldn't it be Alana's job to do so? Unless -my eyes widened in the realization. How stupid I could have been judging on appearance! It was so obvious now that this old woman was Alana, my head bowed in defeat.

Now, I had to be on guard. She had already tricked me once, I couldn't make the same mistake again. Keeping my face blank of emotions, I regarded the woman with a clear mind. I could now see the strength she held herself, and the pride in her eyes – a true leader no doubt.

"Cameron, dear why don't you go get yourself some more stew."

It wasn't a request, but an order. Cameron merely nodded, sending me a warm glance before he was off towards the kitchen. I leaned back in my chair, my eyes flickered towards the door only once. If things went poorly here, I'd probably have enough time to escape and climb over the fence, which would mean I'd have to leave my bag and all my weapons.

"Jax told me you're a cautious one. How long have you been on your own?" She asked.

It didn't surprise me that Jax spoke of me. No doubt relaying how he mistrusts me, and that I shouldn't be here. I clicked my tongue once, warning myself not to get riled up right now. Instead I tilted to my head, pretending to think about the question hard. I knew exactly how long it had been.

"A few years I think, my father died and I was left on my own," I sighed, pulling out a few sniffles.

It wouldn't hurt to layer on some pity points. I had to come off innocent and fragile – it would up my chances of her letting me stay in this town. At least, for a while. Not to mention, I wanted to learn more about that doctor Ray. He would know more about the virus, and I need to know just how much. Everything depended on it.

"You didn't meet anyone along the way? No attempt to make allies until now, how come?" was her next question.

I wasn't surprised by this one, however I should have thought about it more until now. Would she believe me if I told her I had been avoiding people because there are no good people left? No doubt that would offend her. But then, that trio had been different.

I sighed not really having anything to lose, "I was taught to avoid people. I was taught by my father that there was no good people left."

"Was he wrong?"

The question threw me off and I looked at her face. Despite the questioning, and the line her mouth was pulled into there was warmth in her eyes. And a softness to the wrinkles in her face. Cam, and Flynn had that same softness. Ray too. Why was that? I think it went beyond the safety they were surrounded by. I think that was the reflection of their hearts. The good in them. Although the question threw me off, I could answer confidently.

"He was."