children of the apocalypse, tlou

0.1 'till death do us part.

prologue finale

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Years before Outbreak Day

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"GOOD MORNING BALTIMORE! TODAY GAMES IS GOING TO BE A GOOD ONE! TODAY THE OHIO DURHAM BULLS WILL BE GOING AGAINST THE UNDEFEATED BALTIMORE YELLOWJACKETS!" the annoucer called up from the booth.

It was a bright golden day in Baltimore Maryland, the birds were chirping and the Baltimore Stadium was completely filled, from little kids to the eldery.

The air was mixed with the stench of numerous things. Such as freshly cut grass, buttery popcorn, satly pretzels bigger than you're head, messy but delicious hotdogs and nachos and sweet caramely Cracker Jack's.

Alice took in a sweet breathe. Home.

She had been playing baseball since she was six year olds practicing in the yard with her father, who also was a professional baseball player before retiring of age. 

She knew she wanted baseball to be her thing, not just a hobby but something she could turn into a career.

She joined her Little League Team, though not without much fight from the couch and the boys who believed baseball was a "Men's Sport"  and thought she didn't belong but she crushed it, helping her team in every way she could.

She even saved up a couple of dollars from her side job at The Baltimore Ice Cream Parlor, and babysitting her neighbor Miss Gracia's kids for a while, for her own baseball bat, signed by her all time favorite player Aisha Clement, to this day she still has it displayed on her wall.

Now, she had turned her hobby into her career, she was a batter for her All-Woman's Baseball Team the YellowJackets now of course they didn't get nearly as much attention as the men's team The Balitmore Orioles, but they was just as good hell they were so much better than them but since they were females of course nobody was going to care.

But after their undefeated reccord, people started to come to their games, even some members of the Baltimore Orioles and professional coaches.

"You look ready for today." her fellow teamate and best friend May said to after coming up from her recent batting.

 She stood with a petie yet confindent presence, her short stature bellied by her bold personality. 

She had dark brown eyes that sparkled with warmth along with fringed thick lashes that added to her allure. Her short black bob framed her heart-shaped face, accentuating her delicate features and smooth, fair skin. Alice knew that despite Alice's height (5'3) she radited with a sense of energy and dynasmin, and was alawys ready to spring into action.

Alice smiled to her with a grin. Alice was in fact ready for today.

Her dark brown hair was pulled into a low ponytail being tied up with a black rubberband, as her yellow neon baseball cap sat on her head a cursive "𝓨" smack right in the front.

Her uniform like the rest of the team was a black stripped jersey with yellow strips going down, along with yellow sleevles, on the back of her shirt it said her last name "𝗠𝗢𝗡𝗥𝗢𝗘" in big black letters and her iconic number "11"  she wore matching black and yellow stripped pants and black and yellow cleats. 

"I am. I'm ready to show all I got, everday all day baby." Alice told her, "We, get it Monroe, you're the best player we got." another one of her teammates and other best friends Jasmine told her, more like mocked as she folded her arms to Alice.

Jasmine stood tall, her also athletic build evident even in repose. 

She had long dark brown hair that cascades down her back like a waterfall, with subtle waves that hinted at its softness. Her tan skin glowed with a warm, golden undertone. But truly what Alice thought made Jasmine the most beautiful was her eyes that sparkled. Hazel gems that shine with a bright, inner light, flecked with green and gold.

They especially light up with excitement even more when she took to the field. Just like the other she was also dressed in the uniform.

"Hey, took time for you shitbirds to know." Alice joked to her teamates, her hand placed on the shoulder of Jasmine as she patted it briefly as Jasmine defensive swatted it back making Alice chuckle as they sat on the bench under the warm sun.

The score was 11 to 11, they were tied much to Alice's want, she went up to her coach, Coach Stone, who was currently standing in front of the team's dugout (aka the place where the players wait for their turn to bat) in one hand was her clipboard, and her other hand was glued to her hip.

"Hey Coach, mind putting me in." Alice asked simply her arms crossed as she eyed the woman in in front of her. She didn't know why she expected anything different but her coach said, "You know the deal Allie. You play two, you sit out two."

Alice lips turned downright, "Uh, I thought those rules only applied when we weren't in the shit." as her coach replied, "Were not in the shit Allie." 

"Yes, we are. Were tied." as she answered, "Tied does not equal losing." as Alice said, "Tied equals we may as well be."

"Trust me I get it. I know losing isn't a language you speak, but it won't hurt you to like it." as Alice said bat in hands, "Well, sorry to break it to you but I'm not bilingual." as she stirked a smile.

Jasmine came up from behind them as she added, "She's ain't going to leave you alone Coach, Alice can't stand it if somebody is hogging the spotlight." as May said popping her gum, "God forbid somebody want to shine for 5 seconds-" 

Alice cut them both off spatting, "First of all, both of you can get you're panties twisted out of your asses-" as Jasmine and May both looked shocked and flabbergasted at the young brunette in front of them.

"Wow, she curses in the game." May said as it was overplayed by Jasmine's "Aw, we made her curse." as Alice started to bicker at them. "Monroe." her Coach said to end it.

Alice snapped her neck to her. A stern look in her eyes. She only called her Monroe, when she mean't business, so Jasmine and May took it as there time to leave the duo only, and make their presence needed elsewhere.

"Yes Coach?" Alice asked putting a strand of her own hair behind her ear. She turned to look at Alice fully.

In doing so she removed her black sunglasses. She stood with a warm authoritative presence, her silver hair styled in a neat, chin-length bob that framed her round gentle face. Her bright blue eyes, a piercing shade that missed nothing, sparkling with a deep love of the game and a wealth of experience. 

Her curvy, plus-size figure was often clad in comfortable baseball gear, a testament to her years of dedication to the sport. She was dressed in a button down dark yellow shirt with the team's logo on the side and a matching hat with matching sweats that showed off her curves and white Adidas, her lips highlighted in a deep red.

"I already told you about your mouth on the field." as Alice gave a brief eye roll. "You got the mouth of salior girl." she said to her as Alice took her bat and let it rest on the side of her leg before she walked up to her as the two stood side by side.

"Well, I alawys found the f word fun to yell out loud." as she shared a glance with her Coach who rolled her eyes though couldn't help but smile. "You gotta learn to sit on the sidelines Allie, and let me Coach." 

Alice sighed before she brought up, "And you know since the day you recruited me that I am special and I'm the best." as Coach Stone asked, "You just love to say that out loud do you?"

"Never been scared too, not now, not ever, because it's true." as she added, "And I also know your the best and you've been the best. You weren't scared to take control of our team no matter how many of those old wash up male a-holes in big leagues told you we were going to be complete dog shit. But look at us. We win as many games as the males to, hell probably even more. We have the records, we have the numbers and if we can keep playing good we can dominate. And you know I trust you with that."

"If that's the case, why can't you ever shut up and just play?" Coach Stone questioned as Alice smiled, "Because you and me both know you like me whispering tips and tricks in your ear."

"You know I'm the star. So make me shine." as Alice put the bat on her shoulder as she looked at her Coach. 

Her coach looked to the score before looking back at Alice as she yelled out, "Banes your out, Monroe is in."

Alice smirked, she did have a way with words after all. She made sure her hat was secured on her head, as she looked back at May and Jasmine who rolled their eyes and shaked their heads, because yet again Alice got want she wanted, and hell they even cracked laughs and grins because even they couldn't be jealous of her confidence and persuasive manners.

She popped her gum, as she made her way out to the field, and did what she did best

Win.

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Alice made it back to the locker room. She patted her face with a wash cloth as she joined her team back in the main area, there she was greeted with waves of applause and congrants.

All going along the lines of "Good job Alice!" and "You did that girl." and her personal favorite, "She's done it again."

She smiled, to them and allowed them to give her high fives and pat her on her backs and shoulders. 

"Who would have thought it, Alice Monroe wins the game again." May said to her by her locker as Alice gave a brief eye roll to her though smile as May laughed tossing her a water bottle.

"You should have seen the way you flew along those bases girl. You were soaring." her teamate Belle told her, her ginger hair tied into two low pigtails. She smiled to Belle. "Thanks Bells." as Belle said, "Always." as Alice began to chug the water May gave her.

"Must be tried." Jasmine asked, her hat off a towel going down her shoulders. "Oh please, that was nothing. If I could I would do it all again." as she began to get out of her uniform leaving herself in her black bra with just her pants.

"Monroe." Coach Stone said to her as Alice turned to look at her, "Hey, Coach. Here to congratulate me on yet another win in the bag?" as she said, "Good God no, your ego is as big as it." as Alice smirked to her, "I'm just here to tell you, you caught the attention of one of the pro Coachs."

Alice rolled her eyes, "It's about time, who is it?" as she said, "Whitsmith, one of the biggest." as Alice stood tall. She was indeed correct, Whitsmith was the biggest pro Coach in the whole of Balitmore and now it seemed like Alice was on the top of his roaster.

"But he coaches a all male team." Jasmine said as May said, "Jaz is right, so why is he looking at you?" as Alice said, "Right, I mean I know why he's looking at me but you know why i'm questioning."

"I don't know, he just meet with me after the game, wants to talk to you one on one soon, and to keep in touch." as Coach Stone slide her the card, the card being in a fancy sliver color with big black letter, it reading Whitsmith name and number and address.

Alice grinned to herself, "Wow." May said over her shoulders. "That's huge for you Al." Jasmine said as Alice herself was still shock all she could do was stutter, "Y-Yea."

"Good job Alice." her Coach said to her as she smiled to Alice before walking away as Jasmine and May looked to her and again patted her on her back in congrants, and so did the rest of the girls.

"Your amazing Monroe." the tallest player Joan told her as she ruffled Alice's hair up causing Alice to blush, as the rest of the girls left leaving Alice alone in the locker room.

Alice put her hair back from her shoulders looking down at the card.

Once she saw they were all gone. She screamed to herself in excitement, bouncing up and down and cheering for herself. "Yes!" she said punching on the lockerroom doors, the adrenaline skyrocketing in her chest.

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It was getting late, the sun was beginning to set. The sun melting into the the sky, the darkness getting ready to set it. 

Alice was on her light green bike as she rode down the streets of her neighborhood. Her gear was inside the little brown basket her babyblue bag resting in front as her 2002 Chameleon headphones were currently playing her favorite song "Me Against the Music." by Britney Spears.

Music was also a certain claming spot for her, it's what brought her the most peace after a long day on the field, and it was a great way for her to transition from "All Star Professional Female Baseball Player Alice." to "Regular Alice Reese Monroe."

She passed along some of the houses, and onto her street. 

There were some kids playing in the streets and yards running around with their own toys and playing regular childhood games such as hopscotch and tag. Then there were some adults talking to each other and laughing; in their hands being ice cold beers and in general having a nice time. The eldery were off to the side enjoying a name game of Spades and watching all the youngesters around them have fun.

Alice grinned, she loved her neighborhood it was truly the best to be in. And she had known the people there for her whole life, thats just how close everybody was with eachother.

There she saw Miss Gracia, the kind middle age women who had known both Alice and her family for years, outside.

 She had long dark brown hair that reached down her back as she wore a dark pink dress with slippers in her hand was a tray filled with what only Alice could guess was her famous barbacoa.

She rose up the hood of the grill getting out what looked to be grilled corn as she brushed it in some cheese and ancho-lime mayonnaise, and to the side on the table she also saw grilled shrimps and Torta's.

Once she noticed Alice she smiled and waved to her, "Alice!" she said with glee, which altered the others in the neighborhood to her presence as they all grinned and smiled to her going along the lines of "Sup Alice?" "There's the Superstar." and "Oh sh*t it's our girl!"

Alice in order to basket in the gloary let her hands go off the handlebars as she beginning to ride her bike without hands and held her hands out almost in a bow type of manner as she closed her eyes and smiled at them as everybody smiled and cheered for her on her recent win.

Fame. Alice wouldn't lie and say it did feel good to feel seen, to be appericated. That was one of the main things she liked about baseball, the connection and the glory of it all.

After a couple of mintues, she let her hands return back to the handles of her bike as she smiled to everyone before waving goodbye and biking towards her house.

Her house was similar to the ones next to it. It was a wooden blue house with a white roof, with a small driveway her mother's yellow tan 2002 Lincoln Town Car which was currently parked in the driveway, the mailbox white with four finger painting in different colors such as yellow, pink, green and blue, in the yard was a baseball, a fallen bat and her mother's garden was off to the side with your typical flowers such as daisies, and orchids. 

Alice got off her bike, before she saw the screendoor open before she heard, "Wow you're finally home took you all night." as she chuckled rising her eyes to meet her little sister. 

Isabella Monroe could be described as one word and that would be fierce. She had been that way since birth and honestly it was the personality trait that Alice would say both of them shared. Another thing they shared was the fact that they both were  described by the people around them as "a natural beauty." 

Isabella had tan skin with hazel eyes, a rounded pointed face and chin with dark arched eyebrows with long wavy dark brown hair as well as matching wispy bangs that matched her face. She was currently wearing a black shirt that read "BITE ME." in red and the bottom of the shirt reading "Avril Lavigne." since her sister was a huge fangirl with demin shorts and white sneakers. 

She crossed her arms looking Alice down as she pulled her bike into the front yard locking the gate behind her.

"Sorry, was at the game, you know the baseball one? The sport I play? I mean hell you would know if you acutally ever came to a f*cking game." as Isabella let out a stifled laugh. "Why, what's the reason it's the same in every game. You win. Kinda gets boring after a while."

"Awe Issie, don't tell me you want me to lose?" as Isabella rolled her eyes making her way down the steps. "I don't. That's not why. I love the fact that you play and I also would like it more if you could be home more often."

"Hey games last a while. Can't help that." as Isabella said, "Plus I was at work. I usually would leave after 7, but a client came in with their pet hamaster and wanted me to look at it."

"Still can't believe, you voulnteer with the little furry creatures." Alice said in a joking manner, "Well, I do like them cute and cluddy." as Alice smiled to her.

"But I'm not here to scold. Mom made dinner come on." as Isabella walked up the steps as Alice gym bag in hand followed after her.

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Alice sat down at the dinner table.

She had changed out of her after game clothes and usually she would be in her casual lounge around the house wear but she had gotten a text from Jasmine that her and May were planning to hit up this 24 hour club that just opened a few months ago to hang out and invited Alice to go with, and truth be told she still had so much energy and wasn't even close too being sleeply so she accepted the invite.

Plus they had hung out at this night club before, they were there at the grand opening and the atmosphere was one that they were drawn too immediately and since then made it offical that whenever they all had free-time and after a team win they would hit up this night club and go have a good time.

So she had to go through the very back of her already limted closet to pull out the outfit she was currently wearing a sparkly lace up lilac colored purple mini dress with sliver heels, her hair flat ironed and her lips painted a bold shade of red.

She was currently fixing her lipstick with her mini pocket mirror as her sister sat right next to her, currently slurping up the dinner that her mother had made which was honey garlic chicken and veggies over a bed of homemade red skin mashed potatoes.

She narrowed her eyes as she looked at her, "I never seen you with so much makeup on." as Alice told her, "I'm going out Issie, and for that I need a good amount of lipstick." as she pucked up her lips.

"Yeah going out a 12 at night." she overheard as she turned her attention to her mother who was currently washing dishies.

Alice gave a faint roll of her eyes. 

"Mom for the love of god, I've been doing for this months now. What's the problem?" as her mother undid her cherry floral apron placing it on the counter top before looking at Alice.

Alice's mother was a beautiful woman, she alawys had been. She had the same dark brown hair like her daughters, as she had tied it up into a large bun to keep it out of her way while she cooked and for work as well. She wore a pink long sleevle shirt with grey sweat pants and her white house slippers that were worn in, as Alice had known she had the same pair of slippers since she was a baby. Al begging her to get some new ones and her mother just telling her that this certain pair of slippers was the best for her feet given she had to be on them all day ever day. On her neck was a simply black band with her wedding ring on it.

"The problem Alice, is that it's 12 o'clock. I mean why couldn't you girls do this at a good time such as I don't know 7 or 8."

"Because the fun starts at midnight." as Alice smiled her mother grimaced as Isabella said, "Told you. Military School." as Alice shoved her in the shoulder, causing Isabella to hit her in her shoulder.

They bickered but it ended when her mother said in her stern voice, "Stop, both of you!" as Isabella and Alice both glared at one another, as her mother said, "Isabella, honey go upstairs, while I talk to your sister." as Isabella picked up her now empty bowl, brought it to the sink and went upstairs.

"Come to scold me?" Alice asked her eyes lingering on her nails, she guessed after shoving Isabella, she messed up one of her nails, as she looked down at it.

Her mother one hand on the chair broke her stern look with a smile, "Gosh, you have his eyes." she commented as Alice looked at her confused, before her mother sighed going to the living room in order to grab the nail polish that Alice had on her fingers which was white.

Her mother sat down took the top off the nail polish dipping it in for a few times before she gestured for Alice to hold her hands out. Alice did with a tiny smile, as her mother began to paint her nail.

"This reminds me of when you were little. You use to walk around the house with your little makeup kit, you would wear your little pink crown and princess dress and you would walk up to your dad and ask him to play dress up with you."

Alice thought back to the memory. Despite how she was now, she did in fact have a bit of a princess phase. 

She liked dolls and dress up and would in fact beg her parents (mostly her dad) to play dress up with her or play tea party and sure her mom was there but she had alawys been a daddy's girl, she loved her dad more than anything. 

Hell if it wasn't for her father taking her to her first baseball game when she was six she probably would have never gotten in baseball and wanted to make a career out of it, and her dad taking one on one time with her to explain the basic of baseball and even bring her out by the park to practice with her.

So it was heartbreaking when her father died. He had passed away from a heart attack, and it took every one aback.

Her father was heathly and she would say as heathly as he had ever been, and it was so quick how it happened. It was when Alice had gotten drop off at school, and it confused the hell out of her when the front office called her out of class early that afternoon and she came outside to find her mother in a puddle of her own tears, sobbing, the nice front office lady Megan having her hand on her shoulder in support and giving her napkins to try and dry her eyes even though with each one they gave her, it still wasn't even close to enough.

She recalled her last words to him. Her father was supposed to show up for Career Day and was going to explain baseball to the class and tell his days of being a professional player, even put on his old uniform that was a bit tight on him and even allow the kids to touch his own baseball bat and gloves.

She told him before heading out the door, "Don't be late daddy." with a wide-tooth grin as her father smile, and said, "I wouldn't missed this for the world peanut."

She didn't even get to say goodbye to her father, and that was the last words she had said to her father and the last words he had said to her. 

The last time she heard his voice.

The last time she heard his laugh.

The last time she saw him alive.

 It was like a piece of her was lost. Of course it took a toll of her mother too, given Isabella wasn't anything older than a month, and her mother had to work two jobs just to keep a rooft over there heads, given her father was the main breadwinner for the house.

It was bad enough to the point where Alice had to to help around the house, like getting a job herself, and it definitely left a bit of a strain on her relationship with her mother down the roads.

She sighed to herself only knocking herself out of the memory by giving a tiny sniffle saying, "Yeah. He never turned me down once." as her mother smile at her, "No he didn't, not even in his most busy time of day."

Alice cleared her thoart, thinking about her dad alawys did make her feel a bit sad, but it was even more sad having to think about how had to miss her growing up along with Isabella.

"Y-You said I have his eyes." Alice told as her mother stop mid coat. Alice looked deep into her eyes. "You do sweetie. The perfect shade of hazel green." as she put her hand on Alice's cheek.

Alice nustled into her mother's warmth. 

"We haven't talked like this in a while." as her mother responded, "I know and I'm sorry for that. I've been busy. They have me working all night shifts this week."

Her mother was a OBGYN, her career choice was one that Isabella obviously got inspired from given she wanted to be a veterinarian. "Yeah, you've been busy. Too busy for my games?" Alice let the last words slip out.

Her mother again stopped mid coat only to look at Alice. Her mother hadn't been to one of her games since forever, she use to turn up regularly but after a while she stopped showing up all together.

"I'm sorry." her mother started off, "I know you want me there it's just-" "You can't go to another game, not after losing dad." as mother sighed putting the top of the nail polish only to get out the top coat as she smacked the bottle on her palm before applying the top coat.

"It's just. The field. The people. It reminds me so much on how he use to play. It get's overwhelming baby."

"Yeah, I bet. Do you acutally not go because I look too much like dad?" as her mother said, "N-No of course not." as her mother added, "I can't say baseball wasn't the first choice I wanted for you."

"It's my life. It ruins in the family and I'm not going to give it up so quick." as her mother said, "I never expected you too."

"Sorry to dissapoint you, that I'm not the perfect daughter." as mother said, "Ali-" as Alice tapped her middle finger over the chip nail to make sure it was dry before she carefully wiped her eyelid to not mess up her eye makeup before she grabbed her white fur coat and her house key.

"I'll be back in the morning." as she left out the door to leave her mother sitting at the table alone watching her leave as her mother let out a shaky sigh, unclipping her bun and letting her long hair fall onto her shoulders before she quietly cried to herself her hands collapsing together.

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Alice rode her bike to the side of a brick buliding it was between two other such as a barber shop that her father would go to every Sunday to get his hair cut along with his beard as well as chat it up with his old pals and the owner.

It was owned by Mr. Earl the old African Amercian man who had been living in the town since the sixties, the downstairs place was the acutal shop with the classic gumball machine, filled with different gums such as cherry, blueberry and banana, and even the rows of chairs, the vintage barber poles, the old photographs of Mr. Earls's family and the same cozy waiting area with magazines, a TV and a vintage radio that Mr. Earl still to do this day had and played some classic sixties melodies.

Next door was Miss Pasty's Dinner, another local in the town and another place in town that had been there for generations. 

Alice sighed to herself, there was already a crowd of people waiting to be let inside. The area outside alone smelled of certain alcohols and weeds and cigarettes but that was normal.

Alice chained up her bike, brushed her hair out of her face and made her way inside. As you stepped pased the velvet ropes, the pulsating beat of the music enveloped you and the darkness was suddenly illumainted by the flashing lights that ran across the walls, the colors being dark shades of pink, blue and purple, along with some flickers of green. 

The air was electric, and was only being fueld with by the crowd, the scent of perfume, cologne, along with champange and other alcohols filled the room.

The club interitor for just being brand new was modern, having plush VIP areas, with neon accents along with a bar, that was carrying all other glasses and steel stretches along one wall, tended by bartenders who did cute little tips and tricks mixing cocktails with flair.

The walls were adorned with futuristic artwork, and the floor  a maze of catwalks, platforms, and hidden corners, creating an ever-changing landscape of sound and motion.

It made Alice smile as a bouncer took her jacket for her and put it away not without quickly ID her and letting her inside. It was almost hard to find Alice and May giving the darkness and the sea of bodies bathed in LED lights, lasers and strobes. It wasn't until she heard "Alice!" as she stopped and saw May waving to her from within the crowd.

Alice chuckled before making her way towards them, not without getting a few looks and glances from the local men who gazed her up and down. "Girl you made it." May said loud giving the music. She was wearing a silver metallic two piece, her hair tied into two little space buns and in her hand was a cocktail, and from the whiff of the air around her it was already starting to take effects.

"Wouldn't miss it." Alice said as Jasmine appeared behind her hand on her shoulder. Her hair was wavy with curls as she wore a orange top with matching pants and black glasses as she handed Alice her first drink of the night.

She guzzled it down in one go after the once again argument with her mom she needed something to take the edge off and whatever Jasmine had in shot glass was doing the trick.

"Wow, somebody ready to party!" Jasmine said as May said, "I know right, our girl is ready to roll!" as she bumped hips with Alice. Alice smiled as she took another drink from a nearby tray before once again downing it.

"Let get this thing going ladies!" Alice cheered causing Jasmine and May to do the same.

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It wasn't for Alice to admit it but she was a lightweight and after a couple of vodka shots (around 10) and a half of bottle of tequalia that's when Alice really started to feel her soul leave her body. 

Alice wouldn't say she liked being drunk. She hated the hangovers. The headaches, the vomiting.

What she did enjoy was that feeling. The feeling of being on cloud nine, the feeling of euphoria like you could fly if you wanted. She loved that, and she honestly really never understood why she liked it on a deeper level than just that.

She was lost in the music and so was the rest of the crowd the nightclub was doing a 80's baby's theme for a couple of mintues and currently blasting on the speakers was none nother than Michael Jackson's Dirty Diana, and Alice wouldn't lie and say that song didn't bring out her inner freak.

So much so that she stood in the middle of the dance floor and swayed and dance to the lyrics, as if it was just her in her bedroom alone dancing like nobody was watching, she glistened with sweat and smiled as she twirled around and moved her hands and whipped her hair.

Alice and Jasmine even dance along with her dancing and swaying too, before being ropped into a dance with two guys who obvious found the two very attractive as they gestured for Alice to not worry about them and: just dance.

And that's what she did. She danced. She didn't recall from the night but from what Jasmine told her that she had gotten up on one of the club's strip poles and rocked her hips, attracting a small group of men, who cheered and smiled to her. (Trust she definitely would have kicked her own ass for allowing herself to get up on a strip pole and dance for men)

She giggled to herself, her hair getting stuck on her own lipstick. The rhytm was guiding her movments, her own vision and most likely the crowd being a blur of color and light and it wasn't until a flash of fiery red hair caught her eye. 

There she saw a girl with vibrant crimson locks standing out admist the chaos of things, her smile was radiant and her eyes sparkled like emeralds in the strobbing lights as she wore a silk white tied shirt with a black mini skirt and matching heels, and gold jewlery.

Alice while holding onto the pole grin at her, the girl matching in a grin, her eyes gazing Alice up and down.

Alice bite her lips as she smiled to her, winking and even gesturing for her to come over, which she did and as she pust past the group of men who let out little grunts and groans as she leaned herself onto the counter, her chest exposed which made Alice blush slightly before she let her body go down to the floor, the girl entranched by her skills as she shaked her hips, the girl got out a bit of money from her pocket and waved it back and forth between her fingers.

Did she think? 

Alice couldn't help but shake her head and rise back to her feet, the girl in front of her suddenly out of her view of site and was now gone. Alice looked amongst the crowd trying to catch a peak of those bright locks.

And soon she did, she let go of the pole fixed herself up and her top and made her way down, almost jumping and thankfully being able to land on her feet gracefully.

She found the girl's hand and pulled the girl close to her. "Hi." she said, she knew she reaked of drinks but so did everybody inside and so did the girl herself.

"Hi." she giggled to Alice as Alice took in a breathe, "I'm Alice." as the girl said, "I know who you are. You're a legend around here." her voice was smooth like butter and so romantic it made Alice's heart swell.  

"Glad my reputation does me justice." as Tiffany grumbled, "It surely does."  

"I'm Tiffany." as Alice said, "Cool." as the two gazed at each other.

"It's crowded in here. Wanna go outside?" Tiffany teased as Alice realxed her shoulders and said, "Sure." as Tiffany and her grinned at each other.

────────────

Tiffany pushed the back door opened to the alleyway. It was gloomy and foggy and it was perfect for the two.

The girls giggled one factor most likely being the alcohol currently in there system and two being there shared attracted for the other.

Tiffany made sure it was quiet before she pushed Alice up against the wall and began to make out with her. Alice allowed her. 

Their lips meeting in a gentle exploratory touch, testing the water of eachother's desires and obviously liking what they found. Soft whimpers of their breathes mingled and the world around them melted away.

Alice allowed Tiffany to push her tongue inside her mouth as they kissed, each kiss planted became rougher. 

Alice allowing Tiffany to place her hands on her breasts as she squeezed them gently causing Alice to smile as her hands wrapped around Tiffany waist.

There salvia mixed together and dripped down eachother's mouth. That's how much the other wanted eachother. 

Tiffany mumbled, "God your hot." as Alice said, "Your hot too." as Tiffany started to suck at her neck, leaving Alice to caught her breathes and clench Tiffany's shoulder for support.

Tiffany grinned, and Alice knew she was going to leave a mark of the two's night together. 

She let her hands explore to Alice's dress as her hands went under and to her underwear as she shuffled them down her legs allowing easier acesses for what she was about to do.

Tiffany's head went in between Alice's legs as she was on her knees currently licking at the brunette's folds and clit. 

Alice let out a loud moan and shaking breathes.

 She wasn't a virgin, she had sex before. But with woman specificlly. She was indeed a lesbian.

And this was a typical night for her to hook up with a pretty girl when wasted only to not recall the night when sober the next morning. 

"God." Alice moaned out into a whimper as she thrusted her hips and told Tiffany, "Right there. Yes, right there. Faster. Faster." giving Tiffany instrucitons on the tempo of her pleasure.

She never thought she would be here though all her days of hookups. Getting eaten out by a hot redhead in a alleyway. 

"Mhmm." was the only "words." Alice was able to say for those next couple of mintues, as she was close to hitting her climax.

And she felt it buliding up inside of her. "Oh, Oh. I'm cumming. Oh.. Oh God.." Alice said in pain with a mix of pleasure as Tiffany from underneath held her hand out for Alice to grab and hold too, while she came.

But before she could realase her sweet melodies. She heard the flash of a camera, and the bright light flash across her face.

She quickly shot her head into the direction of the camera flash as she saw a figure, the camera in it's hands as when it noticed Alice's glance in it's direction.

"Hey!" Alice yelled to it, the nosie caused Tiffany to rise from below her and it startled her noticing the man whipped her lips off and took off running back into the club.

Alice yelled out to her, "My knight in shinning stain! Thanks for eating me out!" as she shuffled her underwear back up to her legs.

So much for Tiffany coming to her aid. While she was distracted, the figure took off running across the street as Alice quickly got back to her sense and yelled, "Hey! Come Back! Hey!" as she began to chase him.

Alice didn't think she would be able to find herself chasing a mystery man, but she did (and in heels too)

It wasn't before long that she jumped on him and pushed him down on the street. He groaned when the two's bodies came in contact, but that was also because Alice also had him pinned down with her knee.

She also now had her fist to his face. "You creepy idiot! Why did you take that picture!?" "I'm sorry." he said to her as Alice said, "Yeah you should be sorry! I'll show you sorry!" as Alice pulled out some mace.

And unfortunately for Alice while pressing the button it went back into her face hitting her in the eyes. She screamed in pain and cradled herself to the ground holding her eyes. "Oh my god! Are you ok?" the man asked her.

Alice groaned to herself as she sighed, "F*ck!" as he placed his hand on her shoulder, "Don't worry, I'll find some water-" as Alice pushed him, "Don't touch me!" and with that he fell on his back.

"Look! Your in pain right now Alice!" he said to her, as Alice wiped her running (now red) eyes. "W-Wait? How do you know my name?" as the man looked to her. "Answer now!" as Alice now stood on her feet.

"Um, gladly." as he rose to his feet and picked up his camera, as he held his hand up to Alice to grab and follow only for her to smack his hand away and go into the opposite direction.

────────────

"No, no thank you Miss Jean. Coffee will be fine for me." Alice told to the server as placed down her menu as Miss Jean (a server who had been working for 8 years there) smile to Alice. Her black hair in a ponytail wearing a button down red shirt with black pants and non stick shoes and a red bow in her hair and a little gold hoop piercing.

She popped her gum at Alice. "Alrightly Al, anything for your handsome friend over here?" she asked Alice. Alice redirected her attention back to the new mystery man sitting across from her.

Her eyes still burned from the mace, and they were still a little blurry but she was able to make him out now.

Alice wouldn't lie but he stood out with his striking features, a vision of all Amercian charm. His hair was a sunny bright blonde, cut neatly to his face. His eyes a brilliant blue almost like a clear warm summer sky with a sharp intelligent glint behind a pair of stylish, round glasses with clear lenses. The ircular frames, perhaps with a subtle silver or titanium detail, seem to disappear around his eyes, adding a touch of understated sophistication to his boyish good looks. His skin had warm, golden undertone.

He wore a white button down shirt with brown dress pants and flats. "Friend? No. Handsome. Absolutely not." 

He couldn't help but grimace at her. "I'll have the breakfast combo. With the toast, eggs and sausage." as he placed his menu down, "With a water of course."

"Of course." as he added, "And for my friend Alice here. Um, she'll-" as Alice cut him off, "Alice is a big girl she can order her own food." as he smiled and said, "Well of course especially after Alice has had too many big girl drinks."

Alice narrowed her eyes at him. She couldn't even argue. She slounched, and to be honest she was barely even there. She hiccupied to herself as she groaned. 

"Fine." she hissed as Alice added, "Hash and eggs. Scrambled." as Jean wrote that down.

"Oh also waffles." as the man looked up at her as Alice hunched her shoulders adding, "Well. I just thought you would pay with your big boy money." as he chuckled, "Sure throw in the waffles too."

"Coming right up you too lovebirds." as they both said at the same time, "We are not lovebirds." as Jean said, "Alright." as she whistled and left the two alone.

"Now explain. How do you know me?" as the man sighed. "My name is Ethan. Ethan Clarke." as Alice said, "Well Ethan. You're an ass." as he chuckled. "You have every right to think that."

"Yeah, you took pictures of me!" as he said, "It's not what you think!" as Alice said, "What I think and I see is a grown man in his twenties taking picutures of me! Tell me why I shouldn't call the cops on you sicko!"

"Yeah, of a woman giving you a very nice time from the looks." as Alice kicked him in his knee under the table. "Shut up!" as he sighed, "Friend of yours or just somebody who just wanted a good time?"

"Second option." as he added, "I never thought that thee Alice Monroe was into girls." as Alice asked, "Are you done? You know being a jerk."

Ethan took a sip of his water as Alice sighed. "Look Alice. I'm a member of Whitsmith team." as Alice's eyes went wide. "Oh my god! Thee Brad Whitsmith?" as he said, "Yeah. That's him. The legend." as Alice said, "Are you kidding me. He's one of the best Coachs in town!"

"Well, to most he is." as Alice said, "To everyone he is dude." as Jean dropped off there food, they both thanked her and continued there conversation.

Ethan took a bite of his eggs before he said, "I was at your game today against the Ohio Durham Bulls. You guys did incredible." as Alice said, "Yeah I know." as Ethan said, "And it was all because of you." as Alice gave herself a tiny grin before taking a piece of her toast.

"Mr. Whitsmith has been looking at you for a while. Honest to god he's fascinated by you Al. Your a good player-" as Alice cut him off saying, "I'm an amazing player." as he said, "I know and so does he. That's why he wanted me to keep an eye on you. Follow you and get to know more about you, I'm a photographer it's kinda my job."

"Yeah the camera made me realize that Sherlock." as Ethan said, "I wanted to talk to you after the game but I didn't get the chance and I just couldn't wait for tomorrow." as Alice said bitting into the bacon, "Ever heard of email dude?"

"There's nothing like being in person." as Alice said, "True. How you know I be at the club?" as Ethan hunched his shoulders, "Kinda of a regular there myself. Honestly I didn't know you would be there." as Alice said, "Yep, Club 69 is the best." as Ethan smile, "Of course."

"I was just walking out of the buliding when I heard you, and my camera it just came into my hands so suddenly."

"Kinda sounds crazy. Like I'm obsessed with you or something." as Alice said head titled, "Don't worry everyone is a little bit."

Alice grin and so did Ethan. 

"I didn't want to take that picture, trust me I didn't." as Alice said, "Weird, cuz currently me having a "nice time." is still ingraved in your camera." as Alice said, "Look Eti, tell me the truth, you like your job, use it to your advantage and you were going to take the picture and sell it or whatever."

"O-Or use it for your own pleasure. You one of those sick bastards that has a festish?" as Ethan said, "You got the wrong guy. Your not my type."

"Oh, if I wasn't. Probably a girl like Tiffany with her bright strawberry hair. Or are you into blondes or girls with flowling curls?"

"Neither." Ethan grumbled only loud enough for Alice to hear as he sipped his water as Alice title her head at him. 

She finally got the hint.

"O-Oh my god. Your-" as Ethan cut her off with a nod. "Wow, I-I never thought I would run into somebody like me."

"The girls?" as Alice said taking her hair from her face and playing with her eggs adding, "Trust me. When there with me talking is the last thing we do."

"Of course." as Ethan said, "If there is some. They don't wanna be seen. They stay hidden." as Alice added, "And for good reasons. It's never easy for people like us." as Ethan said, "Nope."

Alice then sat up. "Look Ethan. If that picutre of me gets out I will be ruined." as Ethan glared at her.

 "Think about it. I'm a woman first of. Meaning it has been ten times harder for me than ever and if word gets out that I'm gay it's straight to the bottom."

"Baseball is my life. I can not lose that." as Ethan placed his hands ontop of her's. "Don't worry. I would never do that to you." as he then flipped his camera to where Alice could see as he went into the camera roll as he landed on the picture before he deleted it.

Alice sighed in relief. "Thank you truly. Guess this makes you not so much an ass." as Alice smiled, "Of course. My parents haven't really been easy on me. There have been so many times I would should have been caught, just glad I wasn't. But I'm thankful you know."

"Guess there not the most supportivate?" as Ethan shook his head as Alice said, "My mom alawys been religious, just wants her eldest to marry the perfect man, and make the perfect family, just like her's."

"So baseball wasn't her first choice for you?" as Alice said, "Nope. She's a doctor and so is my sister, plus I'm 20 not exactly the perfect role model. Should be out with my own place by now."

"I mean. I make money but never nearly enough for myself and definitely not enough to save for my own house." as Jean gave them a refil. "My mom never wanted me to a photographer either. Wanted me to go to the family business. Working on cars, said it was good enough and stable. But I love what I do, and she really really wants me to marry. Heavy on wanting grandkids too."

"Wow, she sounds like a treat." as Ethan said, "A satly one." as Alice smiled.

That's when a idea went off in her head. "Hey. I think it's probably the shots talking. But I have this crazy idea. A soultion to both of our problems." as Ethan rose a brow.

"Your mom wants you to marry and my mom wants me to as well. How about we fake date for a while." as Ethan chocked on his drink, before coughing in his fist. "I'm sorry you want me to fake date you? What is this a romcom?"

"No dumbass." as Alice cut her harsh words before adding, "Sorry. I'm a mean kinda sloppy drunk, mainly hungover." as Ethan slid over his last bits of hashbrow and bacon.

"Something fatty should help that cool down."  as Alice said, "Thanks." stuffing the last bits in her mouth as she chewed before swallowing.

"I'm just saying. It's win for both of us. I need the publicity. Your working for one of the best Coach in the game, and if has you following me around. That means he wants me. It can be small stuff at first. Like you can be seen with me, taking pictures of me and making sure Whitsmith sees it."

"And your mom really wants you to marriage, hell won't get off your ass about it and neither will mine. But just wait till she hears her baby boy is offically married to one of the best batters in Baltimore. Boom everybody gets what they want."

Ethan still looked puzzled so Alice took that as her sign to get a bit real.

"Just be real for a second. Neither of us are going to be get a happy ending with the people we love. I'll never be able to marry the girl of my dreams and you the guy. But if we marry eachother, nobody would never have to know."

"Nobody would know what goes on behind our closed doors." 

"To them we would be the perfect straight couple, but we would really know the truth. You can kiss as many man as you like and I can kiss as many woman as I'd like. And hell f*ck them time to time when needed too."

Ethan let his shoulders realx before adding, "You know there's a term called for this it's called a lavender marriage." as Alice nodded, "Yeah, that's gonna be us."

"And I'm not going to force you into this. It's up to you. Yes we offically just meet in person but I have faith we can do this and not get caught."

"What do you say Ethan?" as Ethan rose a brow to Alice before taking in a deep breathe before he asked, "Just me and you wildcat?" 

Alice smirked to herself as Ethan couldn't help but smirk too, as the two clinked there glasses together.

---------

2 years before Outbreak Day

---------

"Come on you two lovebirds give me a smile!" her mother told her holding up a camera, right smack in the middle of her face as she gleamed happily to her eldest daughter.

"Mom!" Alice whined to her as she shielded her face with her bounquet of flowers, mixed in the shade of pink, purple and white. 

Her mother said, "Alice, please! I need a picture for the photo album."

"You can get one later." Alice added, as she heard a flow of chuckles. 

She turned her head. "The hell are you laughing at?" with his hand on her hip was her now husband Ethan, who was currently looking down at her with a smile on his face.

"I'm laughing at you. Has anyone told you you're very funny?" as Alice couldn't help but roll her eyes.

It had 2 years since that fatefuly day. The day she had ran into Ethan outside of Club 69 and the two came up with their plan in order to fake date. And believe her when she said it wasn't easy.

It honestly was so hard in the beginning that she truly thought  that the idea was going to fall apart. To the constent lies, to the fake holding hands, to even meeting Ethan's parents who were now her in-laws- and even worse her own family meeting Ethan's.

She couldn't lie and say how nervous she was. Was her mother going to like Ethan's mother? Where there family's going to get along? Would they see right into there lies?"

Alice felt like she was going to throw up so she was nervous, during that time period they had only been dating for six weeks and even then, there was still much that was happening. 

Thanks to the dating, it had gotten not just all over town but also Baltimore about Alice and her career and since then the Yellowjackets had went on win many more titles and games. 

Ethan was there at every single game, which Alice wouldn't lie and said she appreciated. They had agreed that he was going to show up to at least two games a week, for a photo to print of her in the news and for the team's win (Alice wasn't completly selfish, sure she knew she was a star but so was the rest of her team, so she wanted them to have a chance too)

But two days turn into 3 and sooner than later, Ethan ended up coming to her games every week, he came so much, he had his own spot on and off the bleachers, and his own little corner for the pefect spot to take pictures.

The girls even nicknamed him, "Prince Charming." because of his demanor and how just full of princly and perfect he was, and soon than later that's what everybody started calling him.

He even got along perfectly with her mother, who when she first revealed the news of the two almost broke down and tears and cried thankful "that her daughter wasn't going to spend the rest of her life alone." and with every chance she got would tell Alice to bring Ethan over so the two could "hangout."

She was so embrassed witnessing her mother gush over how tall and handsome he was and not only made sure Ethan went home with a full belly also showed off Alice's baby pictures which made Ethan laugh and Alice to blush red out of embrassment.

And Isabella saw him as an older brother. He would help her in the veterinarian office, would take her fishing, would help her with her own homework and also would play videogames with her, at the crack ass of dawn, which would wake Alice up and she would watch them play (and trust she wasn't happy about it, given she would have early morning practice, and would chug monsters back to back)

They were known as the town's little "resident it couple." they would go on little dates around the town, Ethan teaching Alice how to use her camera, and Alice in return teaching Ethan how to hit a field goal. They went to Club 69 together every Sunday or had dinner at Miss Pasty's Diner, ride their bikes down the hill, or swim in the lake a few blocks down by the field.

Alice wouldn't lie and say this but...Ethan had been amazing to not just her but also her family. Plus May and Jasmine told her than Ethan brought a new sense of life to her and they said she would glow more when he was around and laugh more as well.

He was kind and gentle and loving, he was truly an picture perfect All Amercian boy... and now her forever All Amercian boy...

It was fifth of May when Ethan proposed to her in front of their familes during dinner, in the wake of chaos and cheers and now today was the two's wedding.

The sun casted a warm golden glow over the lush green backyard of her house. The two had decided to get marry in her backyard, there's mother put it together for them and had the whole town help too. The girls were her bridemaids, of course May, Jasmine and Isabella being her maid of honors. Mr Earl was there wedding officiant and Miss Pasty helped cook together the most comforting meals, and Miss's Gracia's kids were there ringbears and flower girls.

It was virbant tapestry of spring colors and whimsical touches. Delicate peach and ivory balloons were tied to the chairs, swaying gently in the breeze. 

Floral garlands of fresh tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths adorn the aisle, their sweet fragrance wafting through the air.

The gazebo was transformed into a lush oasis, with cascading greenery and pastel-hued blooms spilling from its rafters

Vintage garden benches and distressed wooden crates were repurposed as charming decorative elements, filled with an abundance of fresh flowers, ferns, and moss.

Soft, billowy drapes in ivory and blush hues hang from the gazebo's frame, filtering the sunlight and casting a romantic glow. Mason jars filled with wildflowers and candles in mercury glass holders added a touch of rustic elegance to the tables.

They didn't want the wedding to be long, god knows Alice didn't want it to be long, and they both invited people they knew and there closet friends.

Ethan grined to her, before his mother told him, "Ethan baby, hold Alice in your arms, It would make such a lovely picture." as Ethan sighed, "Ma-" as his mother cut him off, "Oh come on sweetie, this is a mermorable moment, my little boy is getting married." with that tears started to appear in Mrs. Clarke eyes as they rolled down her cheeks, as she was comforted by Mr. Clarke.

"Come on Darla, you promise him you hold it in for today." Mr. Clark said as Mrs. Clarke said, "I know I'm sorry, I'm just so emotional." as she sighed to herself getting a napkin to dry her eyes.

Ethan turned to look at Alice, who looked back up at him, "You mind if we get this tiny pic?" as Alice said, "Nah not at all." 

Alice couldn't lie but the years had been kind to Ethan. 

He looked dashing in his taliored wedding suit, truly a vision of  classic elegance. 

His bright blue eyes sparkled behind his same gold pair of round, wire-framed glasses, perched on the end of his nose. His blonde hair was neatly styled with a subtle wave that added to his endearing charm.

 A well-groomed beard framed his face, flecked with hints of golden blonde that match his hair. Ethan hated the beard that he had grown over the years now 23, but Alice told him he looked cute with it so he insited on keeping it. He wore a crisp white shirt and slim tie which were perfectly knotted, complementing the fitted waistcoat and tailored trousers. The suit's subtle sheen catching the light, accentuating his broad shoulders and confident stance. The color being a baby blue as he paired it with white dressed shoes.

Alice titled her head when she noticed Ethan's glare didn't leave her. "What's wrong?" as Ethan said, "Nothing. It's just you look really beautiful Wildcat." 

Alice didn't know why that word from Ethan made her melt. He had alawys called her beautiful in front of others in a way of flirting and whatnot but on today out of all days it hit her really hard in the feels.

Alice was now 20. Her once wavy all over the place dark chesuant brown hair now had red highlights adding to it currently in a half up half down hairstyle, she had gotten taller, almost close to Ethan's height in a way.

 She still had her hazel eyes, that sparkled with joy and still a hint mischief, fringed with thick lashes that add to their allure. She wore a simple wedding dress not wanting anything too big like a ball gown (much to her sister's disappointment who wanted to stick her sister in a big feathery mess though she quickly said hell no) 

The fitted, silk gown skimed her curves, showcasing her slender figure and accentuating her delicate shoulders. The ivory hue complements her smooth, light olive skin giving her an ethereal glow. 

The subtle sheen on the fabric caught the light, emphasizing the delicate embroidery and beading that adorns the bodice.

 Alice did however like it when she first went to put it on, the silk flowed around her like a river of moonlight, accentuating her graceful, fluid movement. 

Her makeup was also simple, her lips highlight in a pink lipgloss with matching eyeshadow and blush. Her shoes sliver flats and her veil hanging down her back.

Alice said, "Thanks Ethi." as they smiled to eachother before they got interrupted with, "Come on today or tomorrow please!" she heard Isabella said hands folded dress in a pink bridemaids dress as Alice and Ethan chuckled once her mother scolded Isabella on her outbrust.

Ethan and Alice grinned at one another before they stood back and back and smiled for the photo as they were snapped by the respect memebers of their familes. 

"Show the rings!" May yelled in a matching dress to Isabella, her hair in a bun, Jasmine had to put her hand over her mouth to again now stop May's outbrust her dress having a one shoulder and her hair in a braid.

Ethan showed off his sliver band and Alice showed off her pear shaped diamond ring to the camera (she couldn't even believe Ethan had enough to scrap up for it, she belived he had been saving his past checks on it)

"My little cutiepies!" as Ethan and Alice smiled to eachother before Alice relaxed her body into Ethan's.

────────────

As the afternoon sun began to set, the backyard wedding venue had transformed into a warm golden oasis. Soft honey-hued light spills across the lush green lawn, casting a romantic glow on the joyful gathering.

The sun's gentle descent painted the sky with hues of coral, salmon, and pink, a breathtaking backdrop for the celebration.

Alice was currently sitting down at a table, one of five that they had placed around the backyard, as she currently was looking among the setting in front of her. 

The afterparty was offically alive with laughter and merriment. Guests mingle and chat, sipping signature cocktails and enjoying hors d'oeuvres ( aka mini sandwiches, tacos and other foods that Miss Pasty's provided) under the twinkling string lights.

Some gather around the fire pit, like Isabella, May and Jasmine sharing stories and jokes as they roast marshmallows and make s'mores. Others dance to the lively tunes of the speaker that her mother had hooked up to the front of the house.

Lawn games and activities beckon, with friends and family competing in friendly games of cornhole and some kids running around blowing bubbles and playing tag, even the neighborhood dogs and cat got into the fun as well.

Alice smiled among everyone, she wouldn't lie and say she was halfway tried, she had been up since early 6 preparing just for the wedding and her eyes were basically on there last limb, and in one second she swore she would drop dead.

She felt a hand touch her shoulder and following it was, "Well, hello Ally." as she turned to see Coach Stone. Alice grinned brightly. She was dressed in a gray jumpsuit, her hair curled as she wore flats.

"Holy sh*t Coach, hi." as she lifted herself to her feet in order to give her a hug in which she returned the favor.

 "I'm sorry, it felt like I haven't seen you in hours." as she said arms folded, "No need to apoglize to me, I get it. You're a newlyweed, have some fun with your husband."

Alice glanced over to Ethan who was now leading what seemed to be a dance party with some of the guests to the side. Alice rose a brow to her Coach. "Never gonna be a dull moment."

"Oh please from the moment I spotten a eye on him, I knew how happy he makes you." as Alice said, "That noticable?" as she passed her a cocktail.

Coach Stone took a sip, "Well of course, look at the way he makes you laugh. I'd never seen you this happy in a long time."

Alice smiled at her. Coach Stone had a gaze on her face as Alice noticed. "What's wrong?" as her Coach said, "Nothing kid- hell I can't even call you a kid like I use to anymore."

Alice thought back to the memory. How young she was when she offically joined the Yellow Jackets, and that was also in the first month that Coach Stone had joined the team, so you could basically say the two had watched the other grow and change.

 Alice and her had gotten into it all the time, they would aruge about plays and in total it would also effect the scores they would gain. It wasn't until they sat down together in Coach Stone office that they began to open up to the other. Alice was hesiated at first but after a couple of outing together, she wouldn't lie and say Coach Stone had became a second mother to her. More of a mother bear in a way, but all in all, a woman she had looked up to as well.

"You can still call me kid if it keeps you all warm and fuzzy." as she chuckled, "You know it does. But I'm proud of you Alice. The woman you become." as Alice sighed to herself running her fingers through her hair.

"Thanks that means a lot coming from you. I know I've been a piece of work-"  "A piece of work?" she asked with a snort. 

Alice gave her a look after swallowing a swing of her drink before she huffed, "Ok, a lot of work but you dealt with me and I thank you for that truly."

"You dealt with me too, and I'm thankful for that too." as Alice wiped under her eyelid as she said, "Were like shitty butterflies I guess, going through metamorphosis." 

"Yeah some shitty metamorphosis." she said to her, as Alice chuckled and in soon turned into laugther amongst the two. Her coach placed her hand on her back, "Sober up for Tuesday ok?"

"I will." Alice said as she looked to notice Ethan was gesturing for her. "Your husband wants you." she told her as Alice said, "For what, I don't know." as she downed her drink.

She went to walk towards him, but thanks to the drinks currently in her system, she lost her step. Her arms wailed as she felt herself slipping, her eyes widening in alarm.

Her mother, Isabella, Coach Stone, May and Jasmine sprung to their feet saying, "Alice-"

It was thanks to Ethan's quick reflexes kicked in. He grasped her elbow, his fingers wrapping tightly around it, and pulled her close.

For a moment, they swayed together, Ethan's chest pressed against Alice's, their faces inches apart. 

Alice's heart raced with gratitude as she gazed up at Ethan's concerned expression. His eyes crinkled at the corners as he smiled, relief washing over his face. "Got you," he whispered, his warm breath tickling her ear.

His breath smelt also of mixed cocktails, which was why it suprised the hell out of her when he was able to catch her in time. His cheeks red with a tint, matching in pinkness to Alice's.

"Too many big girl drinks?" he asked as Alice couldn't help but grin, at the level of nostalgia that his comment gave off.

 "Yeah way too many." as she chuckled as he scopped her up to where she was now standing on her two feet again, steading her to her feet.

"Well, well let's give it up for the bride and groom!" a deep voice boomed in the crowd, bringing the heat off of Alice and Ethan's little moment as everyone turned their attention to the male standing on front of Alice's porch.

That male would be none other than Ethan's best friend David Wilson. He was standing tall with a strong, athletic build, he exuded a sense of rugged charm. His brown hair was cropped short with sharp facial features. His eyes, a deep, rich brown, seemed to bore into those he meet, with an intensity that was both captivating and unnerving.

His nose was straight, proportional to his other facial features, and his jawline was defined, accentuating his resolute expression. His physique was imposing, honed from years of dedication to physical fitness. Broad shoulders slope down to a chiseled chest, tapering to a narrow waist. His arms were thick and muscular, with veins visible beneath his skin, a testament to his strength.

"I won't keep you guys for long, I know how much you guys want to go back to the party, but I just thought I would sit here and say a big congratulations to none other than my own best friend Ethan!" the crowd clapped for him at his words.

They both smiled to each other. 

Alice had know that Ethan and David had gone way back, and they were best friends since they were little kids, much to the point where David was basically a loyal member of the Clarke family by now. From kindergarten all the way to college, both David and Ethan were truly inseparable.

Since they were young, both David and Ethan had wanted to join the army and fight for Amercia. David more than anyone, because of his father being a well known veteran around the town, wanting to follow in his footsteps, while Ethan of course grew distant from the idea as he got older wanting to of course follow his own dream of opening a photographer business.

But he told Alice they if America needed and in turn wanted him, he would go fight.  Alice of course was never one to judge Ethan she had known him for years now, but a small part of her prayed that day would never come.

David countined with his speech. "Dear family and friends I've known Ethan for 25 years, and I've seen him grow into the kind, compassionate, and strong man he is today. And I can't say how proud I am of him."

He took a swing of his beer before saying, "Hell, I alawys thought it would be me to marry first. But I guess you beat me too it, and well god damn, you couldn't have gotten anymore lucker man."

Alice didn't know what she thought of David. If she could describe him, she would say he was almos like a Gaston in a way, he was rather cocky, loud, self-centered and among other things. But she looked past all of that because despite it all, he was acutally very nice to Alice, and often when needed or without, would help Alice whenever he saw her in need.

Alice really thought he was a bit of a flirt.

"To Etan, I say this: your love for Alice is the greatest adventure you'll ever embark on. Cherish it, nurture it, and never let it fade."

"I've seen this boy make some questionable decisions. But marrying Alice ain't one of them." "In fact the smartest thing he's done his whole f*cking life." as he laughed 

"But seriously, Alice deserves all the happiness in the world, and I'm honored to have been a part of their journey. Even if it means I'll never get to be the one to make her laugh, cry, or roll her eyes at me." as he gave Alice a gentle head nod with a wink, Alice faked yawn and roll her eyes which made Ethan laugh out loud.

"So here's to Ethan and Alice: May their love be as infinite as my... admiration for them. Cheers!"  he basically shouted at the end.

────────────

The night's soft veil descended, wrapping the world in a gentle embrace. 

Darkness reign and yet twinkling stars punctuate the sky like diamonds scattered across velvet and currently Alice was laying on her hotel bed.

Her hair was scattered across the white silk pillows and her arms felt warm from the red velvet covers that laid underneath her. 

She had recently come back from taking a hot fresh bubble bath, inside a decadent marble bathroom that smelled of the rose candles that created a whole new sense of a indulgent ambiance.

She felt warm as she was nuzzled in the warm white bath robe, with a little cursive "R." on the side for the hotel's logo of course as she sipped champagne from the bottle that was chilling in the ice bucket.

She heard the door opened as she turned to the side to see Ethan, dressed in a matching robe, jeans with black slippers.

"Oh my favorite." as Ethan chuckled making his way towards her, as he placed down the greasy brown paper bag on the bed, perfectly messing up the scattered rose petals on the bed, that Alice already had brushed on the floor.

She reached inside the bag, as Ethan sat back agaisnt the headboard, as Alice pulled out a burger for herself along with Ethan, as she handed him some fries as well.

"Thanks. Also where you talking about me or the food?" as Alice eyes went to him before she giggled, "I wouldn't lie to you, would I?" as he chuckled at her as she ate a piece of the bacon cheeseburger before giving Ethan the bottle as he took a swing.

"Nothing more romantic than burgers and champange." Alice said mid swallow as she let her head hang back as Ethan said, "I mean what's more us than burgers and champange?"

"As if either one of us need more big kid drinks." as Alice said, "Gonna sober up though, because our game is tomorrow." as Ethan said, "Are you ready for it?" as Alice sat up fully letting her hair fall down her back as she said, "I have no choice, this is our last week before our final game."

"Your already been pushing yourself hard Wildcat, everything is going to be ok." as Alice said, "Trust me I know, but can never be too careful."

"You don't think the others are gonna find it werid, that you missed a whole week of your honeymoon?" as Alice said, "Of course not, they know me. A day is enough." as she lifted herself to her feet.

"We had a good wedding, and I'm glad. I'm glad I got to marriage my best friend." as Ethan rose a brow, "Please, I'm your husband." as Alice titled her head along with Ethan before they both laughed.

"Ok, Mr husband, since it is tradition for both husband and wife to break in the marriage-" as Ethan gave her a look, "But since we are a couple of closet gays, I thought it would be a good idea for us to have a bit of us time." as Alice opened the door to the hotel and standing there was a guy and a girl, (both of whom were regulars of Club 69)

The girl had a soft glow of the night light danced across her face, illuminating her rich, dark skin, which seemed to absorb the light and radiate warmth. 

Her dark hair was styled in loose waves, framing her heart-shaped face, and her blunt-cut bangs fell perfectly above her eyebrows, accentuating her bright, brown eyes, which shone like polished chestnuts. She wore a silk black robe overneath and underneath she wore purple jeweled undergarments. 

Alice smirked to her, and the girl smirk back to her.

She was exclusivly for her.

She then turned to the male next to her. He had fiery red hair, his locks messy and endearing, framing his round face and accentuating his warm, brown eyes, which twinkled with kindness and humor, his eyes deep and rich, like chocolate, and seemed to hold a perpetual glint of amusement, he also wore a black satin robe with black boxers, he glance at Ethan.

"You didn't?" he asked as Alice said, "Yes I did. A little gift from me to you, because lets be real, when the last time you got laid?" 

Ethan said, "A bit." as Alice said, "Right, so enjoy the gift." she said with a smile allowing both the male and the female inside, as the male went to Ethan and undid his robe whilst laying himself on top of Ethan, as Ethan began to wrap his hands around his waist as the male began to undo his jeans.

Alice on the other hand felt a warm touch on her cheek as she made eye contact  with the woman in front of her.

 She traced her finger across Alice's jawline, before Alice grabbed her hand and pulled her deeply into a kiss, as the woman kiss back removing Alice's of her robe, her hands exploring her body.

Alice grinned bitting her bottom lip before she used her free hand to shut the door.

────────────

It was the middle of the morning, the light creeping through the window. 

Alice's face was pressed into her pillow as she felt the woman's arm wrapped her shoulder as she slept.

It wasn't until the girl nustled into her back, that Alice woke up. 

She groaned at not only her booming headache but also her sore body. She blinked her eyes a couple of time to witness Ethan and his male companion.

Ethan upper body was completely exposed, Alice's guessed he passed out after last night, his lower body being covered by the hotel's covers, as the male next to him had his arm wrapped around his wasit.

Alice took a second to look at Ethan's exposed chest, and he also indeed had a glowing sixpack (he was definitely Peter Parker) and Alice indeed looked away.

She rather choose to marvel at the woman's exposed chest right next to her, as she choose to drift back off to sleep.

It wasn't until she sprung up out of her sleep and recalled what today was.

Today was the game, and she glanced at the her phone. She was about 4 mintues late. 

"Sh*t, Sh*t, Sh*t!" Alice cursed jumping out of the bed, only to trip on her own robe, falling on her face. It was her that startled Ethan out of his sleep. "Al, What's wron-" as he currently let his eyes wander elsewhere when he got a face full of Alice's behind.

"Oh, wow-" he said trying to blink away the image.

"Sorry." She said crawling her way to the bathroom in order to go ahead and run a quick shower. "You're fine." he said groaning.

"What's the rush?" he asked hands collpased on his face. "Game! I overslept I'm late." as she quickly came out in her uniform. Ethan even shocked how she got dressed so fast.

She stuffed her feet in her shoes while she brushed her teeth, after she quickly spit out in the sink, ran water over it  and quickly slicked her hair back  into a ponytail before she scrambled in the little gift basket that was given by the hotel before pulling out an apple and a protein bar.

She grabbed her gym bag before throwing the underwear on the bag to the side, she threw Ethan who was basically half alseep 40 bucks and sleep talking, saying, "Mmm." everytime he heard Alice's voice in the room.

"For them, see you at the game, bye!" she said quickly locking the door and rushing downstairs.

────────────

The once cool and collected sun was beaming down onto the field. 

Sweat trickled down the sides of Alice's face, as she wiped them off, though the heat wasn't the current thing that was kicking her ass, what was was the fact that they were losing.

The score  14 too 11, and Alice was best believe heated. The game was going well at first, they were in the lead but after way too many strikes, they started to fall, and the tension showed.

The crowd was slience, though you could tell they began to get a bit rowdy, some giving the girls looks of "what the hell are you doing?!" with grimaces and sigh everytime the other team would score.

Alice huffed. Sure she had did her thing and everytime she was put onto the field, she scored but she wouldn't lie and say the Virginia Ravens were as well.

She narrowed her eyes at their star player. 

A tall, slender girl, her long, raven-black hair cascaded down her back like a waterfall of night, framing her slender face and accentuating her striking features.

Her dark green eyes sparkled like emeralds in the light and she was dressed in a similar baseball uniform to Alice, though her's being a dark mulberry with red stripes and matching pants as she wore black cleats, her matching hat having "𝓥" on it and the back of her shirt having her last name which was "𝗦𝗜𝗟𝗩𝗘𝗥" and her number being "13."

The player name was Marget Silver, and like Alice she was the star of her team as well. Alice hearding things about her from Ethan as when need he would have to travel to Virgina for a couple of months in order to do interviews  with the Virginia Ravens and in so interview Marget.

From Ethan told her, Marget had a exact personality similar to Alice, and Alice was so offended that she made him sleep on the coach (but she got over it when he bought her onion rings later that night) and decide Alice alawys made sure to keep up with the team she was going to be playing so she did a quick search of her own and low and behold Marget was the one she was the most curious about

So curious she basically dragged Jasmine, May and her Coach to Virgina to watch them play and Alice's eyes didn't leave her once, just like right now.

She pushed a fallen lock out of her way, Normally if this wasn't a baseball point of view, she would most certinatly be instead in her, but as of right now she was on the field so all she saw was her rival.

She groaned to herself using the bottom of her baseball bat in order to hold her up straight. "Already giving Maleficent, the stink eye?" May asked her, chugging her bottle.

Alice sighed, "Yeah I am, she's a brat." Alice said taking the bottle out of May's hand in order to chug it herself, letting the cold water fall down her lips as Jasmine sighed saying, "She's good. Reminds me of you." 

"I'm insulted." Alice reliped as May asked, "Why?" as Alice said, "Because, there is only one me and Miss Wednesday Addams, doesn't have shit on me."

Jasmine rolled her eyes, "Whatever you say Al, that bra fitting right?" 

Alice huffed, to herself. 

She used her fingers to adjust the strap, "It's fine." as May said, "I still can't believe you ran out the house and didn't notice your precious daisies flying all over the place."

"I was in a rush and I was late, I wasn't thinking." as Jasmine said, "Clearly, must have mean't Prince Charming and you had some fun at midnight." as Alice narrowed her eyes.

"Too much." May said pointing out the clearly visible hickery on the side of her neck as Alice fanned her hand away.

"Shut up both of you." as they chuckled at her, "Looks like your Prince brought a gentleman with him."

Alice eyes went towards the stands as she noticed Ethan. 

He was currently wearing a brown button down shirt with blue jeans and sneakers, his glasses freshly clean and his hair freshly washed, his camera hanging around his neck as he snapped pictures of the event. 

Alice could however tell that he was still hungover, his eyes droping and a yawn escaping his mouth when he had the chance.

Alice smiled to him, she smiled even more when she caught a glimpse of his ring a symbol of their platonic love, that was able to put her a bit at ease even with the rise of her worry.

Handing him a fresh cold Coca- Cola was none other than David, who was dressed in a navy blue t-shirt with light brown jeans and old worn out black combat boots.

Those damn combat boots. Alice hated them, no matter the occassion David would find the need to wear them with whatever outfit he could find, or put together, plus they were the same black combat boots that would track mud and dirt into her house.

She narrowed her eyes at the brunette male in the stands, when he meet eye contact with Alice, he shoved Ethan who was fixing his camera lens only to wave down at Alice, Alice gave them a tiny wave of her own.

Along with Ethan and David  Alice couldn't believe it herself but her mother was also in the stands, along with her sister.

Her mother was wearing a yellow blouse with black capri pants and white sneakers, in her hands were yellow and black pom poms, and Isabella was wearing some low rise dark blue jeans and matching denim vest, with red converse, as she held a bag of popcorn with her.

Her mother gave her a wave, as Alice gave her a nod. Truly she was thankful that her mother had come to this game, given this game was going to be huge for them even with the recent score, her mother support mean't everything to her.

"God Alice." a mumble escape from May causing Alice to turn to her, "Ethan sure does have hot friends. Is there anyway that David is single?" as May bit her lip.

Alice rolled her eyes wanting to barf. "Don't give me that look he's cute, like crazy cute."

"May be the only reason I agree with May, he's a pleaser." as Alice rolled her eyes once more. "I don't know, I guess." as May said, "Good I'm asking for my own reason."

"Yeah, it's been a bit since somebody been in your botter's box." Alice commented as May said, "It has not!" as a bit of a whine, as Jasmine and Alice chuckled at the short bobbed girl next to them.

Alice huffed, when Joan failed to reach the home plate, she swear she could see Marget grin in a cocky fashion it made her eye twitch and her hands clench a bit, the crowd groaned in disappointment at the fact and Marget along with her teamates blew them a kiss.

The score was now 16 to 13 and there were only a few more mintues left in the game.

Alice's temate scowld at the girls, she saw the crowd's lingering dispiritedness, the stands beginning to get lighter, people rolling their eyes and leaving.

No.

"B*tchs." Alice huffed before stomping her way over towards her Coach. Coach Stone's own face was filled with frustation and worry, she could till because she trembled with her clipboard.

"Are you alright?" Alice asked, as her Coach said, "Y-yes I'm fine, things could be going better." as Alice said, "Right." as Coach said, "There a good team." as Alice said, "There a bunch of newbies."

"If we don't win this game, our shot at the championship is done, basically we can kiss it goodbye." as Coach  sighed. "I do not intent on going back to being this town's laughing stock, put me in."

"Alice-" as Alice caught her off, "No. No but's. Put me in." as her Coach said, "Don't make me regret this." as Alice nodded to her, "I won't let you down." as her Coach said, "Hey, like I said I'm proud of you Alice, I know you won't let me down."

Alice smiled to her, and Coach Stone did the same.

Alice prepared to take the plate, as she adjusted her batting gloves, tightening the wrist straps and flexing her fingers. She took a deep breath, feeling the familiar weight of the bat in her hands.

She dug the cleats into the dirt, positioning herself in the batter's box. She took a moment to survey the field, her gaze sweeping across the pitcher's mound, the catcher's crouch, and the outfielders' positions.

Her eyes then landing back on the stands to her family. Her mother, and sister giving her a look of hope and then there was Ethan giving her the brighest smile, she swear she ever seen him give. He mouth to her, "You got this wildcat." and Alice took in a deep breathe smiling back towards him.

She taps the plate with the toe of her cleat, a habitual gesture, and adjusts her helmet, ensuring it was snug and secure. She took a practice swing, feeling the balance and weight of the bat, before visualizing the pitch, anticipating the trajectory and speed.

Just make solid contact.

Her eyes locked onto the Raven's pitcher, watching  for the wind-up and release. The stadium's energy builds, the crowd's murmur growing louder. Alice's heart rate increases, her senses heightened. 

She wa ready to unleash her swing, to make contact and send the ball soaring, and to win this f*cking game.

 The pitcher began the wind-up, and Alice's eyes narrow, focusing on the seam of the ball.

The ball fell towards her, and she swung with all the might she could have in that moment, feeling the satisfying crack of the ball meeting wood.

But as he followed through on her swing, Alice's back leg twisted awkwardly, her foot catching on the edge of the batter's box. 

She felt a sudden, searing pain shoot through his leg, like a lightning bolt striking bone. A sickening snap in her leg.

Alice's cry of triumph turned to a scream of agony as she crumpled to the ground, her leg buckling beneath her.

The bat slipped from her grasp, rolling away across the dirt.

The stadium's cheers turned to gasps of horror and shock. "Alice!" her friends and family screamed.

Ethan hopped over the stands, landing on his feet, following him in the same motion would be David, as they both quickly rushed towards her, along with Alice's teamates.

 She clutched her leg, her fingers wrapping around her calf as if trying to hold the bone together.

She sobbed in pain, as she cried out to the nearest person. Alice's vision blurred and a wave of nauesa washed over her.

"Al!" as she laid on her stomach. The Raven's looked on at her stunned, not knowing what to do given the unatural angle her leg was now at, and so was everybody else.

The ref's whistle blew loudly in the air stoping the game, but Alice didn't pay attention.

She couldn't even make out those who were hovering above her. She heard only faint sounds of their voices, and sharp ringining their.  "Alice!" "Oh my god!" "Holy sh*t"

Her leg throbbed in agony. The sun-baked dirt beneath her seemed to spin, and everybody  concerned faces hovered above, their voices a distant hum.

"Everybody move." as Ethan picked her up in his arms, making sure to support her leg, as David said, "My god." putting her hair out of her face as her mother said, "The car, Ethan!" as he nodded already gone and rushing towards the car in order to get her away out of the public eye.

"Ethan my leg, I can't feel my leg." as Ethan said, "It's ok, it's ok, I got you." 

Once they made it to the car, he laid Alice in the backseat, David getting into the driverside and her mother and sister getting into the spare seats. 

David speed off quickly as possible to the hospital both May Jasmine and Coach Stone said they were going meet them as quick as they could.

Alice took in heavy breathes, her head laid on her mother's knees as Ethan was across from her, tears spewed from her eyes.

"It's hurts so bad." she sobbed as her mother said, "It's ok, were almost there." as Alice eyes peeked down but it quickly stopped by Ethan shielding her away and placing his thumb on her chin.

"Hey don't look down. Foucs on me Wildcat. I need you to hold on." as Alice bawled to him, "Grab my hand, squeeze as hard as you need too, when it gets too painful. I'm here."

"Ethan, it's so bad. I'm dying." as she cried, "Hey, hey, it's alright. Think about something happy." as his mind drifted off before he got a idea and told "Hey remember when we were trying to make that popcorn like the one you use to cook in the 90's? And we almost burn the kitchen down."

Alice chuckled to herself at the memory, it was a distracting from everything that was happening she still sobbed however and Ethan ran his fingers along her cheeks, his warmth was needed because of the several chills in her body.

"And some werid ass commercial jingle was on and it wouldn't stop playing." as Alice laugh as Ethan asked, "Can you sing it for me Wildcat?" as Alice stuttered but was able to muster up the strength and hummed the tone to him.

"Zip, zap, zoom, with Hardy's in the room." as he said, "Yeah that one." as Alice groaned when shifting, Ethan said, "I got you Ally." 

And that was the last thing she heard before losing consciousness.

---------

Months before Outbreak Day

---------

It was a somber atomopshere for the month of April.

The air was crisp, a bracing cool air, along with a colorless grey sky.

Outside, the rain drumed against the windows, casting a rhythmic melody that was both calming and melancholic.

The droplets slide down the panes, creating tiny rivers that distort the view of the gloomy world outside.

The neighborhood was quiet. The streets were empty, expect for occasional passing car, teir tires swishing through the puddle on the ground.

The sweet sound  of wet earth and greenery into the air. The sound of raindrops hitting the pavement, roofs, and umbrellas creates a constant, reassuring beat.

It was almost still.

Inside the Monroe House, the home was dimly lit with the soft gloden lights from the table lamps and floor lamps. The air was warm and snug with the scent of last night dinner in the air (chicken stew) and the fresh hint of warm cookies.

The TV was just a distant hum, it's nosie a simple thing in the background.

The door rattled as Ethan came inside, his brown rain coat over his body, as the rain dripped down, in his hand was a newspaper along with a single brown bag filled with fresh vegetables.

He closed the door behind him before taking off his shoes placing them by the neat stack right next to the others and called out, "I'm home!" as he was meet with Isabella coming downstairs.

"Hey."  her hair was tied into a top knot and she wore her fuzzy blue sweater and white shorts and gray snocks, as she pulled a piece of her hair back, "Didn't take you too long either."

"No, the roads are a bit flooded though, had to go another way, but I brought everything your mom said she needs for tonight."

"God bless you truly Ethan." they heard as Miss Monroe, walked inside from the living room, wrapped in her comfy white sweater and matching green t-shirt and sweatpants.

"I was just about to start dinner, but I did heat up the leftovers from last night just incase anybody was hungry."

"I could alawys go for a bite of your famous stew, and you know that." as Miss Monroe smiled at him before taking the bags out of his hands.

"Hope you don't mind tortilla soup." as Ethan said, "Hey, a warm meal is a warm meal no matter where it comes from." as Isabella said, "Amen to that, you need help with anything mom?"

"Could you start cutting up the onion for me hun?" as Isabella nodded, which is when Ethan aske, "Is she awake?" as Isabella and her mother went quiet.

Miss Monroe placing the bag on the table. "Yep she sure is. She hasn't moved out of her father's chair though." as Ethan asked wiping his glasses off, "Did the physical therapy go well with Dr. Chavez?"

"She planned out the perfect excerises for her, but she not adapting well to it, she's been in her own world as of late. I've been trying to get her to break but  nothing."

"I've never seen her so down." as Ethan placed his hand on Isabella shoulder, "Hey it's ok. Your sister is just going through a alot, but she'll be back soon."

Ethan made his way into the living room, Isabella and Miss Monroe traveling far behind them though both listening in on the conversation with the couple. 

Ethan slowed made his way towards her, he took note of what he say. The glass of water with four single ice cubs inside (just like how Alice alawys liked it) and a bag of potato chips on the side, and a ashtray with a lit cigarette, the ashes being caught in the round disc.

"Hey Wildcat." he said his voice smooth like butter and gentle as silk, Alice rose her eyes at him. She sat in her father's old dark green chair recliner. 

Her eyes were dropped and drain and she wore one of her father's old vintage Babe Ruth shirt reading, "SULTAN OF SWAT." *The Babe* with a cartoonish picture of the legend himself, it was way too big for her it was more of a t-shirt dress and she matched it with nike gym shorts, her hair was down her back and freshly wet and washed, as she let it air dry.

"Hi." Alice mumbled to him, as Ethan smiled at her, as Alice could only give him a small grimace.

 "You look beautiful." he said to her, Alice only rolled her eyes. "Don't bullshit me." as Ethan titled is head. "I look terrible." as Ethan said, "I'm not bullshitting Al. You know I don't do that with you."

Alice shook her head before picking up her cigarette and taking a puff before blowing the rest out. She never did like cigarettes but after everything that happened they became a good way for her to settle. Her mother hated the fact that she smoked now, but Alice really stopped caring.

"Al, what have I told you about the smoking, at least outside please." as her mother was simmer the ground beef.

"Last I checked, it's f*cking pouring. What you want me to go ahead and mess up my other leg." as she showed her leg to her mother.

Her leg was elevated on a pillow, and it was wrapped though now thanks to the sugrey she know had a long scar going from her kneecap almost to her foot.

"I didn't mean it like that." as Alice said, "Yeah sure you didn't." as she shook her other leg.

"What is Dr. Chavez saying?" as Alice asked, "Does it even matter now?" the door opened once more and in walked David who shook his hair off from the rain, still wearing those boots like he usual did, as he wore a long sleevle red t-shirt and jeans.

"Hey Monroe Fam." as they all greeted him. 

"Goodness David, your probably freezing." handing him a warm cup of coffe. "Thanks Miss M." he said taking a sip before he smacked his lips. "It's awful out there. The streets are flooded. Had to figure out a way to park my damn truck."

"I know I just came out there. Barely made it back." "Now we would hate for that to happen." as David noticed Alice, basically once again tunning out everybody else.

"Hi Alice." as Alice simply gave a wave, really not in the mindset to talk to anybody around her. "Ignore her she's in a mood." Isabella said pouring oil into one of the larger black pots.

"Jeez I wonder why Isabella." as Isabella said, "Yeah, I've been asking myself about your crabby mood for months now." as Alice said, "Once your career gets cancelled for you, then you come and f*cking talk to me." as Isabella rolled her eyes her mother dicing the tomaotes added, "Hey lanauge Alice."

Alice looked away bitting on one of her nails impatiently, as her mother said, "Don't start either of you." as David said, "The thepary it has to be doing something for you." as Alice reliped, "It's a waste of time."

"It couldn't be. I can see it your getting so much stronger." as Alice said, "Now I definitely think your seeing things."

"He's just trying to help and make you feel better." Isabella said as her mother added, "That's all were all trying to do. Me, Ethan, Iz, David, even May and Jasmine, you haven't talk to them in a month." 

Alice shut her eyes hard and bit the inside of her jaw, to stop the harsh words she wanted to let lose.

 Ethan must have been able to notice because he said, "All your mother is trying to say is that everybody here for you Alice, your not here alone."

"Oh really?" Alice said with a fake laugh. "Yes, and we hate seeing you this way." as Alice snatched the cigarette out of her mouth, her leg trembling. 

Her mother then spoke up after dicing the bell peppers. "I spoke to Dr. Chavez and both her and Dr Ramos said even with the thepary to help you in the healing process, they both agree that it's best because of how swerve the injury is that you take a bit of a longer break from baseball."

Alice felt her eyes go wide in, frozen in a state of disbelief, unable to move or react to what information her mother had just told her.

"W-What?" she stuttered to her. "I talked to Coach Stone aswell. She agrees and has chosen to put your contract on hold." her mother seeing the shock on her daugher face adding, "But it's just until your ready to go back into the game, she just wanted to prevent farther damage to happen to you, it's all for your own good sweetheart."

Everybody face gave a expression of understanding in the room, that incluing Ethan, who held Alice's hand and let his head lower, even as Alice rose to her feet.

She stood shocked and slient, as she turned her back away to those in front of her, her breathes heavy.

"Al?" Isabella asked hands on her mouth, as Alice suddenly grabbed the nearby glass cup of water before throwing it across the room, it shattered and hit the wall with a giant impact, it made Isabella and her mother jolt, Isabella letting out a scared shirek, before turning back to the seething rage filled brunette.

"NO! That is not happening!" she exclaimed to them pointing her finger as Ethan said, "Al-" as she cut him off with a yell, "NO! do not Alice me! There is no way in hell I am sitting out! I am not going to be on the sideline I told you that, I told ALL OF YOU THAT!"

"I'm a f*cking star!" she yelled, her breathing heavy and out of control before she let out a tiny cry adding, "I know I broke my leg, but that doesn't mean I have to give up on baseball entirely! I've been playing since I was a kid, and now you're just going to take it away from me?"

"Honey, the doctor said it's not safe for you to play contact sports again. You could make the injury worse and-" Alice cut her off, "I know what the doctor said! But what about all the other baseball players who've had broken legs and still kept playing?"

"You are not other players Al." Ethan exclaimed to her, "You could really hurt yourself even more." David said as Alice said, "F*ck off, you do not get a say in this! None of you do." as her lip trembled.

 "Why can't I be like them? You're always telling me to be tough and push through pain, but now you're just giving up on me?" she asked.

"No, nobody is giving up on you. We all want the best for you and-" as she cut Isabella off.

"What's best for me? You think sitting around doing nothing is what's best for me? Baseball is my life! It's what I love, what I'm good at. Without it, I'm nothing."

"That is not true sis." Isabella said, as Ethan said, "She's right." 

"You're still the same person, with or without baseball." as Alice gave a saracastic laugh, "Easy for you to say! You've never had something you love taken away from you. You don't understand what this feels like!"

"We do understand, sweetie. And we're here to support you, no matter what. But please, for your own safety" her mother added.

Alice huffed, "My safety? You're always talking about safety! What about my happiness? Doesn't that count for anything." as she said with a shaken voice, "I'm f*cking Alice Monroe, and your not taking that away from me, none of you!"

Alice seeing their stares, rolled her eyes before out of angry she told them, "F*ck of you all, you all can kiss my a*s!" as she ran upstairs crying.

"Alice-" as she was cut off with her bedroom door slamming. "Hey, don't worry I got her." Ethan said placing his hand on her mother's shoulder, tears wield inside her eyes, as he also comforted Isabella who was still shaken up from her outbrust, tears rolling down her cheeks.

"Watch them please." he told David. "I should be up there too." as Ethan said, "She's my wife man, please." as David gave a tiny grunt out before nodding and taking Miss Monroe and Isabella to the coach.

Ethan walked up the stairs, as he let out a deep breathe before he carefully knocked on Alice's door. "Just knocking to let you know it's me." his voice still so gentle and so sweet, and it was shocking. 

Because of Alice's accident, the YellowJackets ended up having to forfit the game and the Ravens ended up winning basically making them go to the championship and cutting the YellowJackets season short, and the gulit ran down so hard on Alice feeling as though there lost was all her fault and making her shut out everybody.

She got told she was clinical depression by her doctor, and was put on meds and because of that it only caused a bigger wedge between her and Ethan, and due to the loss nobody wanted anything to do with the YellowJackets or Alice for that mater so he had to go back to printing for the most basic story and those he wanted no part of, so she also blamed herself for that.

Once he realized it was open, he came through to find Alice on her bed her hands covered her face as she bawled quielty. 

"Wildcat?" he asked her as Alice looked up to him, her eyes were broken, her cheeks flushed and her nose red, she wiped her eyes but her tears still fell. "T-This is all my fault. I ruined it all. I ruined everything." she sobbed.

"No you didn't, you didn't ruin anything. Alice it's not your fault." he told to her making his way towards her, he lifted her chin up as Alice storked her arm on his. 

"You desereve so much better than me." she cried as Ethan said, "Stop lying." as Alice laid down on her back on her bed as Ethan laid next to her on his back.

"Premission to cuddle you?" as he added, "In the most platonicway possible?" as Alice nodded, "Please?" as Ethan wrapped his arm around Alice's as Alice laid her head on his chest, his heartbeat was soften and truly music to her ears.

Ethan rubbed his shoulder as him and Alice laid in the slience as he let Alice sob and wet up his arm.

"Wanna know something Alice?" he asked her as Alice asked, "Y-Yeah?" as he said to her, "I want to see you happy. I'll do whatever it takes to get your smile back." as he smiled.

Alice melted to him, and for the rest of what felt like hours, Ethan was there with her holding her and letting her weep and bawl when she needed to, and giving her the sweetest words of affirmation and telling her this needed to happen to help Alice's discover a stronger version of herself, a more powerful one.

 She truly understand and believed that Ethan was the light to her darkness.

But that was until she loss the one thing that made her darkness berarable.

────────────

It was a quiet afternoon in August, Alice was acutally laughing for once. She was getting better. She had gone to physical therapy everday and was able to bulid back up her strength.

She would go to the field and watch her team and even when up to it played and practiced with them, running and pitching.

She even opended back up to her mother, to her sister and to those else closets to her. Sure she still had her moments of sorrow but she would remind herself to not her soul get loss, but to look for her light, which of course was Ethan.

Ethan would be with her every step of the way helping her get better both mentally and physically, David even joining when they asked or when he pop up from time to time, but it all ended when Ethan (who had join the miltiary a couple of years piror) got a call and was going to be station in Afghanistan for a couple of months.

Alice was hesited because since they been married they haven't been apart, and it would weigh on Alice's anxiety a lot. 

She hated every part of it. It took the effort of Ethan, her mother, her sister, David, May, Jasmine and her Coach to calm her and let her know that everything was going to be fine.

Ethan promised her he would be back and it wouldn't take that long and when you knew it the months would pass by in a flash

So she belived him, helped him pack his bags, and hugged him goodbye.

During those months, he would call and send letters to Alice everday when he could updating her and in turn Alice would send him updates about not just herself but everybody around her.

But her would stopped the day she was with her family, watching TV with her sister and mother, David in the kitchen bragging and talking about his homemade and famous Paella dish, when she got a knock at her door.

Her mother had gone to answer it, and Alice simply thought it was May or Jasmine passing by like they alawys did, or Coach Stone to send her updates and future plays they would be doing next year but she was wrong.

All she heard was a shocked gasp and a wave of "oh my god." and it triggered everybody to see what was wrong, Isabella went up to her mother to see her hand over her mouth and tears welled inside her eyes, and David too saying, "My god, no."

"What's wrong?" Alice asked them, but when she heard no answers she rose and went to the door only to find two men in military suits at her door and Alice already understand what was going on.

The last people anybody would want to see, who was married to a member of the military of any crime unit. They held roses in their hand, and there hats were done and there eyes grim.

Alice felt her knees buckle and her chest grow heavy, she blocked out most of their words as they talked but she knew why they were at her door.

Ethan was gone.

Alice felt herself grow numb and her once tan skin grow pale as she began to tremble, her mother and David holding onto her, Isabella herself shocked with emotions.

She felt her eyes grow teary, as she muttered, "No, no, no...."

But what sent her into a state of uncontrollably  tears and cries was them handing her Ethan's dogtags and with that a letter from Ethan.

She couldn't open it given her state so David opended it up for her, and once he did his head lowered and tears began to glid down his face.

Alice had never seen David cry, hell she thought he was incapable of it, so whatever was inside the note, was enough to send her into despair... and it did.

She snatched it from his hand and read the lines.

To Alice Monroe, Baltimore 510 Maryland St.

"I love you, Wildcat, and I'll alawys be with you."

From Ethan Clarke, P.S. I'll save you some big kid drinks when we meet again.

Alice cried so hard she couldn't breathe, she fell to her knees and scream with anguish and her wailing was brutal.

Her mother and Isabella held her tight and let her daugher sink into her arms as her daughter bawled, tears of there own coming their down faces as Alice sobbed.

David on the other hand turned his back to them and angrily punched the wall and threw objects in the house, now in his own state of sorrow.

But Alice tunned him out and let her emotions drain out of her body.

────────────

Alice couldn't even recall the funeral, she honestly blocked it out, she didnt' mean too but her state of being was beyond her.

She stood at the gravesite, her eyes fixed on the polished wooden casket before her, an Amercian flag drapped untop of her.

The sunlight filtering through the trees cast dappled shadows on the ground, a stark contrast to the darkness that had settled in her heart.

She wore a black long sleevle dress with black lace heels, her eyeshadow was that of a smoky black and her face was natural, her hair was tied into a half up half down style a lace veil on her covereing her face.

As the minister spoke, Alice's mind wandered to memories of Ethan.

She remembered the warm smile, the comforting hugs, and the countless laughter-filled moments they shared. 

The pain of losing him felt like a fresh wound, raw and tender, one that digged into her skin the longer and deeper she thought of him.

Alice's gaze drifted to the sea of faces surrounding her. 

Friends, like May and Jasmine, Ethan's family, and acquaintances had gathered to pay their respects. Some nodded sympathetically, while others whispered condolences. 

Her mother was next to her wearing a short sleevle dress with heels, her sister wearing a black pantsuit with flats, both of there hands ontop of Alice's shoulder but it was David that stood out to her,  red-eyed and somber, dressed in a black suit and dress shoes.

He looked to Alice out the side of his eye, before he let his hand clasp hers tightly, Alice looked down to him before looking at him, David doing the same before she faced the minister again and let the taller male hold her hand.

The minister's words became a distant hum as Alice thoughts turned to the what-ifs.

And there were so many what ifs.

What if she had spent more time with her Ethan? What if she had told him how much he loved her, one last time? 

As the service concluded, Alice stepped forward to place a rose on the casket. Her hand trembled as she whispered, "I love you too Ethan ." Tears streamed down her face, mingling with the gentle rain that began to fall.

She clung tightly to her mother and sister as she felt herself grow still yet again. 

As they lowered the casket into the ground, Alice felt a piece of herself being buried alongside Ethan.

The finality of it all hit her like a tidal wave, leaving her breathless and shattered. 

The funeral procession began to disperse, leaving Alice and her family alone by the gravesite. 

They stood there, hands entwined, as the rain washed away the tears and the pain, but not the memories.

 "I'll miss him so, much," Alice whispered. David's voice cracked as he replied, "Me too."

────────────

After the funeral, Alice and everyone else made their way to the reception hall, (aka Ethan's mother house) where friends and family had gathered to share stories and memories of Ethan. 

The atmosphere was somber, yet warm, with gentle laughter and tears mingling in the air. Alice was seated by the fireplace, her eyes lingering to the crackling flames when one of Ethan's aunt Sheryl made her way towards her, giving her a warm embrace.

"I'm so sorry, sweetie. Ethan was an amazing man." Alice nodded, feeling a lump form in her throat. "Thank you Miss Sheryl. That means a lot."

As they hugged, Her gaze wandered around the room. 

She saw her friends from school, Ethan's colleagues, and even some family friends she hadn't seen in years. They all shared a common bond – they had loved Ethan.

The reception hall was filled with tables of food, but Alice appetite was gone. She settled for a cup of tea, which she cradled in her hands, feeling the warmth seep into her chilled bones. 

Ethan's mother took the microphone, her voice trembling as she began to speak. "I want to thank you all for coming today. Your love and support mean the world to us." 

Alice's eyes welled up as Ethan's mother shared stories of his's life, and the memories they had created together. 

She felt a sense of pride knowing how much her Ethan was loved and respected. 

As the afternoon wore on, Alice's found herself lost in conversations, sharing memories and anecdotes about her Ethan. She gave fake laughs and cries, feeling a sense of catharsis wash over her. 

But as the crowd began to disperse, Alice felt the weight of her grief settle back in. She realized that this was just the beginning of her journey without her husband, her best friend.

She wanted to run away from it all, she truly felt herself getting more lost by the second.

It was her mother who wrapped her arm around her shoulders, she had came up from behind Alice after talking to Ethan's mother, she gave her a tiny jump.

Her mother pulled her close.

"We'll get through this together, kiddo." Alice nodded, feeling a sense of gratitude for her mother's presence.

 "I love you, mom" she said to her, with a tiny sniffle in between words.

 "I love you too, Alice. Always." 

────────────

She had no clue how a bottle of Whiskey had made it into her hands but it had, she must have sneaked it away during the last couple of mintues, so currently she was drinking that almost halfway to the bottle.

She was for sure drunk, so drunk she made her way up the stairs of Ethan's old childhood home, bottle in hand as she pushed herself inside.

She studied Ethan's room. It looked just how it did the last time she had came to visit. 

When Ethan had just introduced her to his family and they stay inside his room, where they bulit a LEGO set and ate orange slices just for shits and giggles.

Alice knew she was going to miss those simply times.

It was once vibrant but it was dull. Inside there was posters of superheroes and sports heroes that adorned the walls.

A messy desk, cluttered with textbooks, pencil shavings, and half-finished art projects that Ethan keept from highschool sat beneath a shelf overflowing with dog-eared books and dusty trophies. 

Ethan's prized possession, a vintage camera hung proudly on the wall, alongside a framed photo of his Youth Basketball team.

The bed, a tangled mess of blue blankets and rumpled sheets, seemed to beckon.

 Stuffed animals, loyal companions since toddlerhood, lined the headboard: teddy bears, a faded T-Rex, and a one-eared rabbit named Mr. Fluffers, (the same damn rabbit that Alice claimed would stare into her soul with every chance it got)

In the corner, a worn-out dresser stood guard, its drawers slightly ajar, revealing glimpses of colorful t-shirts and faded jeans. A hand-me-down guitar leaned against the wall, its strings silent, waiting for Ethan's next musical endeavor, the same guitar where he played Alice a song as she laughed at him.

She sighed and took a swing of the bottle, chugging it until she flopped onto Ethan's bed, face first, the now empty bottle sliding to the floor next to her, its driplets seaping onto the wooden floor.

She felt herself nuzzle into the sheets, they smelt like him, his aura was all around her, and it made her sick.

It made her sick with grief.

She felt the corners of her eyes dampen, before she could recall the memories of Ethan, and how happy he truly made her, it made her cry tears of joy and she laughed.

She laughed because it hurt so bad to truly believe he was gone, it was all her emotions coming back to her.

She didn't even notice that Ethan's door cracked open, she guessed to also get away from all the sappy somber shit David had also come up to his room, a place he was all too familar with  himself given he had also spent half his childhood here.

He stood in the doorway looking at Alice, who was curled into a ball, in his hand a lit cigarette, that he had just lit a couple of mintues ago.

He grunted up the strength to ask, "Hey you ok?" as Alice remind slient, a bit of brisk sniffles cut in between the slience of it all.

"I-I needed to get away too, it was all too much, all of it. See you had to as well, I didn't notice you downstairs but seems your doing just as well as I thought you would be."

"Go to hell." she grumbled, with a smile and laugh as David chuckled to himself before he turned to leave, but what stopped him was Alice's saying, "W-Wait."

He turned to face her. "Wait, don't leave Ethan. Please don't Ethan."

David looked shocked at her. He stayed quiet not knowing how to respond. She was truly that wasted she thought David was Ethan.

"Don't leave me. Please. I won't leave you. Don't leave me alone." her eyes glimmering with tears. 

He cleared his thoart before he began to play along, "I'm not leaving you, Alice." as Alice smiled, "Thank you. I-I can alawys count on you." she said to him, her voice was horase thanks to the drinks (and tears)

"Too many big kid drinks huh?" he asked with a grin as Alice nodded with a laugh rolling onto her back. "You know it." as Alice held her hands out to him, "C'mere let me hold you."

David didn't know what to do in that moment. It was just him and her. 

Alice looked truly breathtaking, her black long sleevle dress was srunched up a bit showing her tan legs with black lace heels dangling on her feet, her hair was messy and fluffly.

Her eyeshadow too, as she bit on her nail, she looked so hot, so seductive and David was truly turned on and he wanted her.

He alawys had, and now was his chance.

He put his cigarette out, throwing it in the nearby trash can before he closed Ethan's door locking it before he began to take off his jacket and tie leaving himself in his button down along with her shoes as he moved to his belt before he made his way to Alice

Alice smiled above him, expecting nothing more than a sweet platonic hug, but it was so much more than that, and so much more than she wanted.

She was blackout drunk, so she didn't  know about what happened or recall what happened that day, all she could remember was him untop of her, him inside her, her once smile of joy turning into tears of fear and discomfort, she wanted to scream but she couldn't because she was that scared.

She knew it was only a couple of hours but to her it felt like it lasted a century. She felt the pain in her inside after each time he was alined himself with her and her begging him to stop with sobs and pleads.

"Stop."

"Stop that hurts."

"Please stop..."

She knew she was being raped, and there absolutely nothing she could do about it.

And then after that it was dark.

---------

Outbreak Day

---------

September chill crept in like a reluctant guest, casting a somber veil over the landscape. The once-vibrant leaves, now tarnished gold and crimson, clung to skeletal branches, their fragile beauty fading with each gusty sigh. 

Morning dawned with a damp, gray mist that clung to skin and stone alike, refusing to lift. The sun struggled to pierce the veil, casting long shadows that stretched like grasping fingers.

The air, heavy with moisture, carried the scent of decay and wood smoke. Each breath filled lungs with the damp earthy aroma of fallen leaves and forgotten memories, bits of Fog rolled in, shrouding the world in mystery, obscuring the boundaries between reality and myth.

Puddles mirrored the gray sky, reflecting the somber mood that settled over the land.

Alice looked out the window out, of the bulding she was inside. Her hair was tied back with a ruby handband as she was wearing a mustard yellow long dress with red painted liacs all over with a brown oversized sweater with black loafers and white ankle socks, in her ears were her headphones.

The day was September 26, 2013. 

The bulding was cold, Alice guessed it had something to do with the weather.

Soft, calming hues enveloped the room, an attempt to soothe the anxious hearts within.

 Comfortable armchairs and sofas, upholstered in gentle pastels, lined the walls, providing refuge for weary loved ones. End tables held scattered magazines, dog-eared and worn, alongside forgotten coffee cups.

 Flat-screen TV mounted on the wall broadcast soothing nature documentaries or gentle children's shows, an attempt to distract from the ticking clock. 

 A coffee station, stocked with stale brew and sugary snacks, offered a fleeting comfort. A vending machine hummed in the corner, dispensing snacks and drinks to fuel anxious vigils.  

Notice boards displayed, inspirational quotes,  birth announcements and hospital policies.

A nursery rhyme-printed rug led to the check-in desk, where harried receptionists juggled phones and clipboards.

A constant flux of nurses with clipboards, Doctors in scrubs and orderlies with wheelchairs.

Alice bounced her foot inpatiently as she waited, it was until she heard her name being called by Nurse Flora, a brown skin nurse with brown eyes and brown dreadlocks dressed in purple sunny scrubs with black frame glasses.

"Alice Monroe!" Alice took in a breathe before making her way inside the back.

She placed her hair from her ear. "Well Alice, I'm glad your back!" as Alice said grimly, "Well, gotta make sure everything going ok."

"Thats right, how is the little one doing."

Alice's eyes shifted to her stomach. 

The gentle swell of her belly, a tender curve, as her hands, now slightly swollen, cradled her abdomen with a protective tenderness her fingertips tracing the contours of her belly.

Alice Monroe was freaking pregnant and she was currently 5 months along. 

She didn't even know how it happened, well she knew how it all happened, but she didn't know how it all happened to her.

It was weeks after Ethan's funeral, when she started to feel it. The symptoms. The morning sickness, her frequent need to pee, her werid craving for bananas dipped in ketchup with a hint of honey mustard.... yeah werid shit.

It only got more real when Alice noticed she had missed a couple of days of her period and got the courage late at night at 8 to ride her bike to the nearest gas station and picked up a  pregnancy test and low and behold she saw a postive + on it.

She remebered the feeling of sitting in the gas station bathroom and looking down at the test in completely fear.

How did this happen?

Was all that was flowing through her head, she went throw a million questions, she hadn't been actived with dudes... hell she didn't even like dudes, better yet sleep with them?! 

So how the hell did she get pregnant? Did she mess up one night at Club 96?

But she didn't even recall when it could have possibly happened? The day, the date, everything was a blur.

The even bigger question rolled through her head. 

What the f*ck was she going to do?

How was she going to tell her family? Her friends? Her team? How was she going to take care of a baby? And by herself? What was going to happen to her own career after this? How was she going to afford anything for said baby when she been basically siting out on the sidelines with her injury for the past months?

It came at her so fast she started to sob. Her eyelids filling with tears as she looked down at the test in fear and worry.

That was her reality for the next weeks as she had to tell her mom and sister about her new little discovery over breakfast a couple of months 

Thankfully, her mother and sister were supportive in the whole thing, they didn't really think anything about it, they just hugged her and told her everything was going to be ok and that they were going to help her out.

And help they did, they helped her through all the grueling treatment and doctor visits. Her mother helping her switch to more healthier meals & snack optitons as well as the two of them researching pregnancy and childcare together, her mother telling Alice all about the stories of her own pregnancy and all the things to do and avoid.

Her sister on the other hand helped Alice pick out future baby names, her top two favorites for a girl being Claudette and Nova and for a boy was Atlas and Rome.

Alice hadn't thought about any names yet, hell the whole idea of being pregant in the first place hit her like a hurriance she hadn't even stopped to think about possible name ideas but Isabella already had.

She also helped her sister with excersies and staying in shape during the whole ordel of her pregnancy. 

She would go on morning jogs with Alice early in the morning even during the days that Alice thought she couldn't get out of bed either because of how uncomfortable she was or how nausea she would be, but with some sass and encouragment from Isabella she would put her running shoes on everday and grab her water bottle so the two girls would walk the track.

Plus it all made up for it in the end when Isabella would treat Alice to one of her favorite breakfast cravings which were homemade cinnamon roll pancakes, with extra icing and a nice ice cold apple juice (it was orange juice but Alice quickly found out that gave her horrible heart burn) 

They were taken this so much better then she thought they would; she thought they would be furious with her, upset about it all, but they weren't they were there for her and Alice knew had completely fallen head over heels for the baby currently in her womb.

"Everything looks good so far, your doing really well in your pregnancy Alice." Nurse Flora told her after checking blood pressure.

"Thanks, my mom and sister have been a huge help." as Nurse Flora smiled before she began to check her babies's heart rate as well. "Babies sounds all good too."

"Thank god." Alice said as Nurse Flora began to bring up some small talk with her. "So, are you having a shower?"

Alice titled her head before saying, "W-Well I haven't thought about it yet. I know my family has been planning behind my back though so I wouldn't be suprised if I wake up to find pink and blue decorations downstairs."

"Is it early to know the gender?" as Nurse Flora said currently checking on her back, "No it's your acutally at the perfect time to know, would you like to know?"

Alice thought about it for a second before Nurse Flora interrupted her with another thought, "Would you and the dad like to know?"

Alice froze. She didn't know who the dad was. That was the confusion part, whenever her mother and sister asked her about it, she would try and change the subject so they thought the baby belonged to Ethan and that Alice had spent the early months before his death pregnant with his baby, but Alice knew that was not the case.

"Um, no actually, we won't mind being suprised." Alice lied as Nurse Flora smiled, "Alright then, but everything looks great Alice, your weight is good, so is the babies, along with the heart rate, the blood pressure. Your baby is thriving inside."

Alice smiled, hell at least the baby is doing well. She ended the appointment  shaking Nurse Flora hand and the two talking about Alice's plan for birth, her next upcoming appointment as well as some tips on how to keep her bloodpressure down since Nurse Flora noticed it had been sipking up for the past couple of days.

She began to walk out of the back of the office, pushing her locks behind her face, when she was checking out and was approached by a older woman.

Alice took in a deep breathe when she felt her come upon her. "I'm sorry, am I in your way?" Alice asked her as she looked back at the older woman behind her. "No, honey its just. Y-Your that once famous baseball player Alice Monroe aren't you?" as Alice gave a blank smile. 

She felt kind of bothered being referred to as "the once famous baseball player."  just another reminder as a fall from grace, but she didn't want to be mean to the sweet old lady who was there with her daughter.

"Y-Yes I am." as the old lady's hands collasped together, "Oh that's so wonderful. My grandaughter is the biggest fan of yours." as she added, "Your one of the whole reasons, she loves the sport so much." as Alice said, "Oh thank you so much and I'm glad I helped push her into it."

"Oh yes, she even the captain of her youth baseball team. She wears your number." as Alice grinned, "Is there anyway that you can sign this baseball for her." the lady beind the counter nodded with a grin, as Alice took the marker out of her hand and began to sign her name and number on it, even with her signature star at the end.

While signning though the older lady said, "r." those words caused Alice to get loss.

She alawys kept Ethan in the back of her mind, but latley she had been thinking about him even more. She thought it was because of the baby and the slight chance it could be his and how it killed her to know that her baby wasn't going to know her father.

She felt ink the marker spill out onto her finger as she quickly handed the woman her marker and the baseball before she quickly hurried away not without saying, "Thank you." making her way quickly out of the buliding.

She hurried down the steps berfore she spotted her mother's car. She jumped inside, putting her seatbelt on, just in time to witness her mother ending a phone with the words, "Oh thank you so much Susan, I'll make sure to pick everything up later tonight."

Her mother turned to look at her. Her mother's hair was currently tied into a high ponytail and she also was dressed for the upcoming cold weather, wearing an oversized brown  sweater with dark jeans and a beige shirt under neath and boots.

"So, how are they?" as Alice gave her a confused look before she said, "Oh shit, yeah the baby. Fine." as her mother added, "Amazing. See I told you my tips and tricks are working a charm." as Alice said, "Yep, you sure did mom."

For the last couple of doctor visits she had, her mother had been there with her, driving her like she was her own personal uber. Alice was completely fine with just taking herself but her mother instead on going with her to everyone.

Another example of her overbearing and over protectivness, but hey at least she did care. Alice showed her her new meds, "For my blood preassure. She said it isn't bad right now, but she was getting worried about it so gave me some just in case."

"Well that's good, becase we do not need anything wrong. I have a history of high blood preassure myself. Runs in my side of the family and I would not want that to effect you or my little grandchild." her mother said putting a hand to her belly.

Alice sighed before her mother said, "You ready? I'm cooking chicken soup with brown rice just for you." as Alice said, "Wow I'm so honored." as her mother smiled at her sarcasm, which hasn't even changed with her new found pregnancy and to be honest only got more bold with it.

Her mother was about to start the car, but stopped jerking it a bit. "What, What's wrong?" as her mother turned to her before asking, "Do you have to pee?" as Alice closed her eyes, "Mom oh my god!"

"It's a good question to ask, I know your pee time you usually have to go around this car and I do not want to get all the way to the house and you having to go?" as Alice banged her head agaisnt the dashboard slightly.

"I know how it feels the baby is pressing agaisnt your bladder isn't very uncomfortable." as Alice said, "Mom i'm fine ok. I don't have to pee." as her mother said, "Ok, just checking." before driving off.

────────────

She closed the door to her mother's car, helping her car a bag of grocery filled with the things she needed for tonight's dinner as her mother used her leg to close the door.

Alice looked at the site of things. It was still gloomy and puddles of rain formed at every corner. It had been that way for weeks now, but today it felt even more different. 

Alice guessed it was being in the protection of the buliding but she didn't understand why she felt more safe inside then she did out here. 

The air felt thick in a way like everytime she breathe it got caught in her lung and she had the itch to cough everytime she took just the tintiest breath of air.

The outside looked different, way different than eariler this morning, she hadn't even noticed given she fell alseep during the ride home.

The sky transformed into a kaleidoscope of warm hues – burnt oranges, golden yellows, and deep reds – as the sun slowly rose above the sleepy town, the breeze made Alice warm instead of hot which she just thought was because of her pregnancy.

The only sounds were the crunch of leaves beneath his feet and the distant hum of lawnmowers. 

In the quiet neighborhood, streets were empty, safe for a few early risers sipping coffee on their porches or taking leisurely strolls. The air was crisp, carrying a hint of woodsmoke from fireplaces and chimney.

Alice noticed one of Miss Gracia's kids Luciana standing outside, in her hand was her jump rope, the same pink jump rope covered in tiny little ducks, she looked to Alice. 

Alice had been helping Miss Gracia babysit for years since she was nothing more than thirteen as a way to help bring money into the house after her father passed a way to give her mother bill money. 

She would work this job along with her fast food job on the side when she reached fifteen. She loved watching her three little kids her older Luciana at six years old, the middle child Julia at five and the little child Milo at three.

They were adorable and they looked up to Alice, and when there mother would get enough mother would go up to her games and cheer her on and want to teach them how to play. 

So the Gracia were basically her second family, it made her happy to see Luciana outside given she was the shy type rathering staying inside to color then her more wild siblings.

Alice smiled to her and waved, but noticed that Luciana only stayed still. 

Her eyes looked faded, her purple and yellow stripped shirt stuck to her as she looked sticky with sweat and she was missing one of her favorite pair of black and white sneakers with little flowers painted on the side the smae flowers that Alice helped her paint. Her hair was frizzy and she bits of drool coming from the corners of her mouth.

That was werid; she thought to herself as she fixed her jacket over her shoulders. Honestly the whole house looked more darker than usual.

Alice only snapped out of her thoughts when she felt hands touch her shoulders. 

It made her jolt and quickly turn around. There in front of her hands out was David. "H-Hey you ok?" he asked her.

Alice looked back to the Gracia's house only to witness, Luciana gone probably back inside. Alice huffed to herself wiping her eyes a bit. "Y-Yeah I'm alright." as David glance went to behind her's back to the house.

"I'm sorry, I've just been in a different world." as David smiled, "It's ok." as Alice decided to change the subject. "How are you?" as David said, "Couldn't be better, come on let me help you with those." taking the bags out of her hand. "Wow, thanks." as David grinned.

She wouldn't lie he looked more lumerjack than ever. He had grown out a bread and it fit him too, he was currently dressed in a oversized black denim hoodie jacket with jeans and a pale gray shirt underneath as he wore-

"Holy crap you changed shoes." as David looked down, instead of those black combat boots he was now wearing a brown pair as Alice finally caved and brought him some for his birthday a couple of months ago, because she just couldn't take it anymore

"Well, If I worn them anymore, you would most likely beat me up." as Alice said arms folded, "Trust me I'm capable of it." as he said, "Wouldn't put it pass you Al." as Alice made her way inside the house after lightly punching his shoulder.

────────────

It was later into the night. The air was still warm outisde, so Alice decided to open up the window in her room. She was currently at her desk reading as she found reading to be a bit more therapeutic and a way for her to heal.

When she first got into reading, all she picked up at first was famous biographies of her favorite baseball players and even the history of baseball, that made her too sad and crave the lost of the game so she witched to more classic literature which Alice found herself enjoying getting Isabella to pick her up come copies from the local libray when she could.

Right now she had her nose burried deep into Little Woman; a book she was enoying it with some of her soup, her legs crossed in her chair as her hair was tied into a ponytail.

She had every fan in her room on as blasting in her ears was Queen's bohemian rhapsody, she loved the sweet sounds mixed in with the atompshere.

She chewed her food slightly, when she heard a knock on her door. She took her headphones off in order to turn and look at Isabella, who had just gotten home from another shift at the clinc.

She was dressed in a dalmatian print scrub set with pink crocs her hair in a half up half down top knot, she grinned at Alice. "Hey." as Alice smiled, "Sup?" as Isabella said, "Nothing, feels like I'm interrupting you and a good book."

"You're fine, just starting Little Woman." as Isabella said, "God your done with Lord of the Files in 3 weeks?" as Alice huffed, "Well since I'm taking a break from baseball a bit longer, reading is basically my brand new safe haven, decides Lord of the Files is a classic. I haven't read it since middle school."

"Still can't get over how it ended though. I mean it basically dicussing the long tale of rules and order and good veruses evil, Civilisation versus savagery, I mean what more could you want in a book."

"And Little Woman?" Isabella asked leaning on the door. "Gender roles, work and social class, love." Alice said as cheesy as it sounded. "I mean, what more could the world revole around then love."

"It is the most powerful emotion." as Alice sniffled her eyes going down to her ring. Even after Ethan's death she hadn't taken it off; she felt it she did it would betray him.

 So she got a customzie blue chain and put her ring on there, she choose blue because it reminded her of his eyes, and because it was Ethan's favorite color. 

Isabella caught hint of her slience and found the need to go closer to her sister placing her hand on her shoulder. "There isn't a day that goes by where Ethan isn't up there thinking about you too."

"I-I know, it just still hurts. It's been months but it still hurts. When is it gonna stop hurting?" as Isabella said, "It won't stop hurting, but it will heal overtime." as Alice sighed before Isabella brought herself up and hugged her sister tightly.

Once she let go Isabella went back to her knees, as she looked down at Alice's bump. "Can I feel?" as Alice said, "Go ahead." as she shifted up in her seat for a bit.

She placed her hand in the middle and waited, it took a couple of seconds but she eventually felt the kick of her either nephew or niece.

"Wow, there growing fast." as she added, "It must feel even more werid for you?" as Alice said, "You have no idea, but it feels like a connection almost. It's nice." as Isabella said up on her feet again, "Careful I think your becoming motherly."

"Oh shut up." Alice said lifted her shirt down, "Also David said dinner's done, when your ready."

"I'll be down in a second." as Isabella nodded to her.

────────────

David poured Alice some homemade vegetable& rice soup into a bowl. Alice sat at the dinner table, her mother sitting down with a glass of red wine and Isabella already digging in as well.

Since Ethan's passing, David moved into the Monroe house wanting to refil the role that was already gone, he basically became the man of the Monroe house.

"Grandma's homemade recipe, hope its a hit." as Alice's mother said, "It's lovely David truly." as Isabella said, "Can't complain." as Alice took a tiny sip, "You know you all don't have to eat brown rice just for me."

"It's fine, decides can't even tell the damn difference." he said cracking a smile and laugh. "He's right, it's all fine Al, anything for you and my little grandchild." 

"I can't wait till there here." as Alice asked, "Does that mean your gonna help change dirty diapers." as Isabella titled her head, "Why would I when you have David there for help."

"Izzy, as funny as it sounds to witness David change a diry diaper, I think I'm on my own with bathroom time." as David said, "Hey, that's not true. You know I'm here for you Al."

Alice said, "What a gentleman." sipping her water as her mother and sister laughed. "Hey, quick question has anyone noticed anything up with the Gracia's?"

"What do you mean?" David asked taking a bit of a carrot. "I-It's probably nothing but I haven't seen them in a while and when I saw Luciana, she looked strange." as Isabella asked, "Strange how?"

"Like she looked really sick, sicker than normal." as her mother said, "Now I think about it I haven't really seen Miss Gracia out for book club. She never misses."

"How many has she missed?" Alice asked her mother as her mother said, "The last two weeks."

"It's just I basically watched those kids grow up, I would be a ass not to go and see what's going on."

"I'm going to go check on them." She said as Isabella pulled her chair out before asking, "Want me to go with you?" as Alice said, "No it's fine. I'll just go check on them just to make sure there alright."

"Ok, here take some of the soup, incase they haven't eaten in a bit." as he began to pack up some for her to take over.

"Thanks." she said to him, getting her sweater out of the coatrack, slipping her shoes on before she made her way out of the door.

────────────

Alice huffed to herself. She felt sticky with sweat and she only had been outside for a couple of seconds. She looked both ways before crossing the street to the house.

She didn't even notice how dark the house looked, it was normally bright and smelled of fresh hispanic foods that made Alice warm; hell she could still taste Miss Gracia's amazing empanadas, but now it looked abandoned.

She noticed the once bright yellow paint had began to chip and peel, along with the new rusted white roof covered in drit and grime. 

The garden that was once filled with the most beautiful flowers and vines were now overgrown with bushes and tangled with vines, and there was scattered trash and old newspapers around the place.

Alice took in a breathe, she cluntched onto the bag filled with David's homemade soup before she walked up the stairs and knocked on the door.

"Miss Gracia's! It's Alice, I'm just checking on you, making sure you guys are ok."

Nothing.

She sighed to herself but she tried peaking through the window. "Miss Gracia?" She said again with another knock but it was still quiet.

She looked in the back to see her car was still there. 

She placed the bag down onto the floor before she tried to open the door, "I'm coming in ok." she called out as she wrestled with it for a bit before it opended.

She caught herself, noticing the darkness before she brushed her hands against the wall for the lights but once she found them and flipped them it was still dark.

She reached into her pocket in order to get her phone out before she shined her light on the dark lit house.

She moved deeper inside, her footsteps echoing through out the house and off the walls. "Miss Gracia? Luciana? Julia? Milo?" 

The slience was killing her; suffocating.

As she entered deeper living room, Alice noticed something odd. The furniture was overturned, cushions torn and scattered. A coffee table lay shattered, its legs snapped. A family photo of all of them shattered on the floor.

She was carefully to avoid the broken glass. Suddenly, a faint rustling sound came from the next room.

Alice didn't know why but she shined her light down onto the floor. A baseball bat. A metal one.

The same baseball bat she would use and play with Milo after practice when babysitting them. She picked it up and got a good grip on it, same like she would when she was playing.

She crept toward the noise, her senses on high alert.

The kitchen.

Oh my god.

Alice froze, her eyes wide with horror.

She saw three figures, each different with height. With graysih green skin clung tautly to prominent bones, with open sores and lesions oozing a putrid discharge, that made Alice hold her nose. 

The once human face now resembled a grotesque death mask, with sunken eyes glowing like embers in the dark. Tendrils of infected tissue crawled across its cheeks and forehead like grasping fingers.

Blood and Blood and entrails splattered the countertops, the sink, and the floor.

Alice stepped on her toes a bit only to realize they were in fact feasting on the mangled cropse  of the once ginger cat "Mittens." 

Alice realizing that it was now the Gracia's and also realizing that humanity was no longer inside backed away slowly, but was stopped when she stepped on the the fragments of broken glass.

It noise echoed through the house, their eyes snapped toward Alice, their mouths opening in unison, revealing jagged teeth.

Alice's felt her heart skip a beat, upon their reveal of her as she rose the bat in her hand ready to defend herself, but felt her legs stick to her spoot on the floor.

Juliana took a step closer. Her jaw worked, emitting a guttural moan, her movements stiff and jerky, the limbs twitching spasmodically.

Alice's paralysis broke. She swung the bat with all her might. Her skull cracked beneath the impact. 

The others lunged, their arms outstretche to her. Alice fled, the bat still clutched tightly in her hand as the other smaller kids gave chase.

She was knocked to the ground by Milo who climbed on top of her, a guttural growl rumbled deep within its chest, building into a menacing hiss as it sensed its prey, aka Alice who laid underneath the suprisily strong Milo as she looked to see the reamains of his meal staining his teeth.

She cried tears of fear unneath him as he was about to bit down when Alice used the bat and used it as a tool to sepearte his bit from her as they basically had a game of tug of war as she held him back using all her of her strength.

She placed her hands on the bat and tossed him aside as he landed on the ground before she began to bansh his head in with it, until the last bits of his blood sprayed Alice on the face and her clothes.

Miss Gracia watched and hissed at her lunging but before she could Alice stepped out of her way, before using her momentum to fuel a powerful swing. The bat cracked against her shoulder, sending it stumbling.

Miss Gracia recovered quickly, her jaw now literaly broken and hanging on for dear life before she pinned Alice to the wall using the bat to choke her as Alice felt herself now running low on oxygen as she choked out.

Her eyes going bloodshoot with tears as she cried, before looking Miss Gracia in her eyes, what use to be her warm brown eyes, the same warm brown eyes that Alice had know her whole life but those once warm brown eyes had faded and were now left with a monsterous hunger.

She lowered her head before she was faced to face with Alice's bump. Alice guessed she could sense the life being protected by her womb, so when Alice could almost feel her teeth sink into her bump she yelled to herself loudly "No, no!" as pushed her off watching Miss Gracia stumble yet again before she now pushed her to the wall pinning her watching as she let growls but Alice used the bat in order to choke her watching the life drain out of her eyes as she sobbed to herself.

"I'm sorry." she said again to again to Miss Gracia who after one more breath, toppled over and slid down the wall, now dead.

Alice wiped the blood from her nose and took in a raspy breathe before she brust through the front door gasping for air and when she did she was stunned.

Around her was straight chaos.

Her once clam and comfroting suburban street laid in ruins. Some of the houses were burning and spewed thick black smoke into the sky, casting a pall of ash over the desolate landscape. The stench of smoke and rot hung heavy in the air.

Infected shuffled through the streets, their moans echoing off the empty houses. A few stragglers clustered around a corpse, feasting on the flesh. 

Others wandered aimlessly, driven solely by their insatiable hunger, as people ran desprate to get inside or to their cars they were stopped by a infected knocking them to the ground and feasting on them.

In the distance, gunfire echoed, followed by screams, Alice stood stunned with fear. How could the world go to shit this fast, and what the hell was happening and where the hell was her family.

She was about to peak over to see, but that's when she looked back to the house. She thought for a mintue. She only counted Miss Gracia, Milo and Juliana... so where was?

She heard the growls upon above only to notice that Luciana had manged to climb the top of the roof and looked just about the rest of her sick family members did as she screench she jumped from the bulding falling a bit breaking her leg so she dragged herself to Alice racing towards her as Alice scared fell on the ground and backed away.

Suddenly a shot ranged through the air, a bullet had pierced straight through Luciana head and her remains splattered the ground, she fell to the ground in a instant.

Alice turned behind her only to spot David, his face was in nothing but horror bit with pure worry, in his hands were his rifle that he had keept in the house. 

Alice laid on the ground still in shock one because of what th ehell was happening around them and two the fact that David her killed Luciana the once sweet little girl that had attended both her and Ethan's wedding and that she would help make finger paitning with now laid on the pagement bleeding out.

Her thougths were intrueppted when she looked inside David's brown 1978 Chevy Silverdo only to spot her sister and mother in the back seats, also looking in fear before Isabella yelled, "Get in!" 

Alice scrambled to her feet as she raced inside the car; David following as the two shut the doors as David placed his rifle down basically throwing it in the back, but kept his hand close as Alice scanned down to see his pistol that he alawys carried was now in his hand.

David floored the gas pedal, tires screeching as the old truck surged forward. Isabella clutched their mother in the backseat, her eyes wide with fear. 

"Get down!" David yelled, weaving through the chaotic streets. Alice sat in the backseat and was able to witness everything that was happening; clearly.

"What the f*ck is happening!" Alice asked them as her mother said, "W-We don't know. The power went out and I went to go check when one of those grabbed me and got in the house."

"Yes! It scared the hell out of me, it looked like Mr. Nelson, but it wasn't him." as Alice took in a deep breathe scared out of her mind.

The infected stumbled into their path, their moans and screams filling the air. David swerved, avoiding a collision with a stalled car. The truck bumper clipped a zombie, sending it tumbling.

In the rearview mirror, flames engulfed their old neighborhood, casting a smoky haze over the fleeing survivors.

"Where are we going?" Alice asked her hand clutched on her bump, voice trembling as David said, "I-I don't know but we need to get the hell out of here."

An infected woman leapt onto the hood, its face smashing against the windshield. David swerved, and the creature slid off, leaving a bloody smear.

Isabella, Alice and her mother screamed. 

"Hold on!" David shouted, taking a sharp turn onto the highway.The truck sped away from the devastated neighborhood, leaving behind the horrors they'd witnessed. 

But the dangers weren't over yet.

A horde of  infected clogged the highway ahead, shuffling toward them with relentless purpose.

"Holy sh*t!" Isabella said tears down her face as Alice looked behind. The streets were crowdeded with others in their car waiting to go away from the hell around them, blocking every path.

"There's nowhere else to go." she told David; feeling her heart sink inside of her.

 David said"Yeah there is." as he told them, "Get ready. We're going through." 

The truck hurtled toward the zombies, its tires screeching in protest. David gripped the wheel, bracing for impact, as Alice grabbed his shoulder bracing him for impact as her mother and sister held eachother bracing for the collison.

The truck plowed through the zombie horde, bodies thudding against the hood and fenders. Her sister, mother and her screamed covering their eyes.

David kept his eyes fixed on the road ahead, adrenaline fueling his determination. The truck's speed dropped, zombies clinging to the vehicle like macabre ornaments.

One infected clung to the driver's side window, its jaws snapping wildly. David veered left, scraping the creature off against a abandoned truck.  

The highway opened up ahead, a clear path. David accelerated, leaving the zombie horde in their wake.

Isabella peeked over the seatback, her face pale. Her mother held Isabella tight letting her daughter hid her face in her chest

"Are we safe?""Not yet," David replied, eyes scanning the horizon. "But we're close." as his eyes went to Alice who looked shaky and scared holding onto him close, David squeezing her hand showing the support.

Twenty minutes passed, the landscape shifting from urban chaos to rural desolation. A weathered sign read "Raven's Peak - 5 miles."

Alice took in a deep gulp, her mouth dry and her head hurting so badly. Alice checked the rearview mirror seeing some of the infected inching close to them mere seconds behind.

Isabella clutched her mother in the backseat, her eyes wide with fear.

 "Almost there," David whispered, accelerating down the deserted highway.Suddenly, the engine sputtered."No, no, no!" David muttered, desperation creeping in.

The truck coughed, lurched, and died. They coasted to the side of the road, surrounded by nothing but empty fields and abandoned vehicles.

"F*ck!" David shouted as her mother asked in a whisper, "What's wrong?" as Alice said face frustration. "Engine died."

"Your kidding me?" Isabella asked in a cry sort of peal. "I wish sis." Alice said on the verge of tears herself, as she wiped them from her cheek.

Infected appeared on the horizon, shambling toward them. "What now?" her mother asked David.

 "We have to move," David said, grabbing her backpack. 

David grabbed the backpack and givn the luggages they had little time to pack to the woman, while his hands went to his gun.

 "We run." They abandoned the truck, sprinting into the woods. 

Infected shambled through the underbrush, drawn by the truck's noise. They dodged trees, leapt over roots, and pushed through thick foliage. The zombies closed in, their groans echoing through the forest. 

A branch snagged Isabella's hair, yanking her backward. Alice turned towards her hearing her sister's cry before she helped her fear herself.

"Keep moving!" David shouted.The woods seemed endless, the zombies relentless. Alice's lungs burned, legs aching.

 Her mother stumbled, crying out as her ankle twisted before falling to the ground.

"Mom!" the girls shouted before they helped her to her feet carrying her as they fleed. 

"Get in front of me!" David ordered to them as they did what they were told before 

A clearing emerged ahead, Alice never felt so relieved. Her mother needed help and so did the rest of them as they hiked up the hill.

As they prepared to leave, sirens wailed outside. 

Police cruisers and black SUVs screeched to a halt, surrounding the gas station. 

 A megaphone voice boomed: "This is the FBI. You are hereby ordered to surrender." David's heart sank. "What's going on?" Isabella asked before adding "Do we have to go back?"

Sarah peered out the window. SWAT teams, riot gear, and hazmat suits. "They're not here to help us," David whispered to Alice as she looked more closely.

A loudspeaker warning repeated: "You are infected. You pose a threat to national security. Surrender now." Alice knew the truth – they weren't infected. But the authorities didn't care.

"Were not sick! We need help!" he told one of the man in riot gear, who held a bright light in their face along with a long and menacing shotgun. David even placed his gun down to show siginals of alliance.

"Please, I have a pregant lady with me!" as Alice rested her hand on her bump. The man eyes were covered so Alice couldn't tell his emotions but she could in fact see him answer on his radio and the words, "Copy." in a serious sounding voice before he rasied his gun to the four.

No.

"Were not sick please!-" was the last thing that Alice heard from Daivd before he fired shots, his aim going towards Isabella "Issie!" Alice screamed jumping in front getting hit in the shoulder only to stumble back down the hill and land on her face.

"Alice!" she heard. 

Alice shot awake, before groaning in pain at the now open wound in her shoulder sweping blood, but she rose to her feet going to quickly climb up to be back with her family.

"Guys!-" as three shots went off, so loud it made Alice's eyes ring as she heard a body fall. Her eyes glazed over, her pupils dilated as if staring into nothingness. 

Her skin was pale, almost translucent, with a faint sheen of sweat.

 She began to tremble her mouth covered by her hand as she let out a sob, "N-No...no please...no..." she stammered feeling her wet cheeks on her sleevle.

She just lost everyone. Her family shot without mercy; by those mean't to help. Her thoughts were quickly intrueppted by the sound of infected closing in; the same infected that were gaining on them all earlier.

Alice didn't know what direction to go, but she ran. She fleed through the woods, sweating and tried her lungs feeling desperate to be filled with realxtion but she ran.

She ran into the night dodding the infection as she went before fleeing into the dark night.

---------

Two Month Post Outbreak Day

---------

The once-thriving metropolis lied in ruins, a desolate landscape of destruction and decay. Two month after the apocalypse, the city's infrastructure had collapsed, and chaos reigned.

The streets had cratered roads, littered with debris, shattered glass, and twisted metal.  abandoned vehicles, some overturned, others burned-out husks. The buildings stood as empty shells, windows shattered, doors hanging off hinges.

Skyscrapers loomed dark and silent, their windows blown out. 

Office buildings, shopping malls, and restaurants lie vacant, while Homes were ransacked, furniture overturned, personal belongings scattered.

A blue 1970's Ford F100 pickup truck road down the abandonded streets. 

The driver on the inside looking at the area around them weeds sprouting through cracked sidewalks and building foundations. Vines crawl up skyscrapers, as if reclaiming the city for nature. Trees, once manicured, now grew wild and unpruned.

The overcast skies casting a sicky yellow haze and the wind carrying the stench of death and decay.

As the truck rounded the corner, the driver eyes scanned the desolate street. Buildings stood like skeletal sentinels, their windows shattered, doors hanging off hinges. She spotted a faded sign: "Miller's Market."

There heart quickened, hope flickering to life. Could this abandoned store hold the supplies they desperately needed?

She put the truck in park before they approached cautiously, scanning for signs of danger.

The front door creaked in the wind, inviting them in. They hesitated, hand on the grip of a hunting rifle.

They pushed open the door, stepping into the dimly lit interior. A musty smell wafted out, mingling with the stench of rotting food. Shelves stood bare, stripped of goods. Their eyes swept the aisles:Overturned displays, scattered cans, and broken bottles. 

Empty shelves, labeled with faded signs: "Canned Goods," "Bread," "Fresh Produce."- A abandoned checkout counter, cash register smashed.

They moved methodically, searching for useful supplies. There they found canned food, expired but edible. Bottled water, dusty but potable. A first-aid kit, partially stocked. And a flashlight batteries, still viable.

"Bingo." they said to themselves as they began to rummaged.

Whle doing so they discovered: A hidden storeroom, locked but pickable. So they got on their knives and began to pick the lock sucessfuly opening it only to find  Cases of MREs (Meals Ready to Eat), expired but nourishing. A small cache of ammunition, hidden behind shelves.

"Clever, Clever bastard." they said rising to their feet putting the finding in their bag. Suddenly they heard nosies.

Creaks, groans, and faint shuffling footsteps. Their heart skipped a beat before going to their  rifle.

They froze, gun aimed at the back of the store. The shuffling footsteps grew louder, accompanied by guttural moans.

An infected stumbled into view, its eyes cloudy, skin grayish-green. 

The driver's finger tightened on the trigger.

But something caught her attention – a faded name tag on the male's shirt: "Miller." 

This was the store owner.

The driver stood still as the infected inched towards them, as the nosie of them backing onto a fallen can made him turn around and in quick speed it speed towards her before the driver just delivered a blow in its skull as it fell to the ground.

They emerged from Miller's Market, bat slung over her shoulder,  along with the rifile the supplies heavy in there backpack. The desolate street seemed quieter, the only sound the distant hum of wind.

As she approached her truck, parked near the abandoned gas station, she place down the sack on the ground along with her rifle as she went to open the door she felt the front of a pistoal on her back.

"Hand ove your gear and everything in the bag." the stranger growled to her. The driver instinct kicked in. She rasied her hands before she turned around to the person in front of them.

The stranger was a woman. And in the driver head a rather pretty one. 

They had brown hair which the driver guessed use to a deep brown was now faded due to the apocalypose and hung in matted locks in a half up half down style.

They also had hazel eyes which the driver saw gleamed with desperation. Along with bronze tan skin that was covered in grime and dirt, and bruises and scars that showed her own struggles over the apocalypose.

The driver eyes scanned down to her stomach. Her swollen belly and if they had to guessed they looked around seven months pregnant, there belly strained against her tattered clothing.

Her petite frame, similar to there own, seemed fragile, yet her actions belied a steely determination.

A faded black leather jacket, adorned with makeshift armor, covered her scavenged clothing, which consinted of scavenged cargo pants, a threadbare tank top and combat boots. 

 A worn out backpack slung over her shoulders along with utility belt with makeshift tools.

But the most striking thing to them was the pear shaped diamond ring hanging on a blue chain.

Her grip on the pistol trembled slightly, but her gaze remained steady. Her features, striking.

With a heart-shaped face, high cheekbones, and full lips seem to hardened. "You heard me, hand over everything." as the driver rolled their eyes.

Their eyes locked on their robber's belly yet again. "Oh, great. Another charming encounter in post-apocalyptic paradise," they said, sarcasm dripping from her voice.

They were suprisied by their wit, their gaze flickering. 

"Shut up and drop your stuff," they growled. They smiled wryly. "Wow, original. You must've spent hours crafting that line."

There eyes harded. "You think you're funny?" as the driver shrugged their shoulders.

"Better than crying, right?" The woman's eyes narrowed. "You're not even pregnant. What's your excuse?" 

 The driver snorted. "No excuse needed. Just surviving." The woman grip on the pistol wavered. "So like I said drop it before I shot." as the driver stood still as the woman let out a shot as a sign of threat, the bullet flying past the diver face almost hitting the car.

The driver eyes went still before dropping the bag in front of them. "Give me the gun to." as the driver rolled their eyes kicking the gun far out of their reach.

The woman gun still in one hand grabbed the bag before rummaging through its contents. "Food, water, meds... You've been shopping," she sneered.

"Yeah, just for me though." as the woman told her, "Sorry babes, but your sharing today."

Suddenly, a guttural moan echoed through the air. Infencted shambled into view, drawn by the conversation. "Looks like we've got a bigger problem," the driver said, her tone still detached.

The woman's eyes darted between the driver and the incoming horde of infected. 

 "Great. Just what I needed."  They drew her knife from her pants, her movements swift and efficient.

 "Guess we're temporary allies." 

 The woman nodded, pistol at the ready. "Joy." The infected closed in, their numbers swelling. Both woman stood back-to-back, fought for survival.

 "Thanks for the distraction," the woman told her. 

The driver's response was dry. "Anytime." 

 As they fought, the driver's expression remained icy, her focus on the infected. 

The woman glanced at her, a hint of curiosity. "You're not exactly warm and fuzzy, are you?" the driver's reply was short.

 "No." 

  A infected lunged, as the woman  took it down with a precise shot. "Guess I'll have to warm up to you another time." the driver's gaze flicked to the woman, a hint of surprise. "Unlikely." 

As the infected closed in, The two fought in perfect sync. "Nice shot," the woman told her said, the other's precise aim. 

They smiled wryly. "Years of playing video games." the woman told as the driver raised an eyebrow. "Practical skills."

An infencted grabbed the woman's arm, its jaws snapping mere inches from her skin. The woman swiftly dispatched it. 

Her expression unchanging, even at the help of the woman across from her. She shrugged."Still need you alive." The infected thinned out, leaving an eerie silence.

Once it was all over, the drivr turned to the woman who took deep breaths and panted hand on the bottom of her belly. 

"Well partnership over." she told picking up her sack and walked towards the truck. The woman turned to her. "You don't do duos?" as the driver said, "Not a fan." expression remainding cold.

"I've been looking for other surviors everywhere, but I haven't found any. Your the first one I've seen for miles." as the driver said, "Lucky me." 

"We should stick together," she said, her tone firm. The driver raised an eyebrow."I can handle myself."  The woman's expression turned resolute.

"I don't care. We're safer together." The driver's jaw clenched. 

"I don't need babysitting. Is that what your looking for? For the little angel cooking up in your tummy?" The driver said as the woman rolled her eyes steping closer.

"This Isn't about babysitting. It's about survival." 

Her eyes narrowed. "Look, I personally have nowhere to go and I've been out front for a while now, and decides if you let me come with you, I'll think twice about shooting you."

The driver titled her head, "Plus I'm not infected. I'm clean." as she showed her arm. She was in fact clean of any bites. 

"You're not going to take no for an answer, are you?" The driver shook her head. "No, but your right wouldn't hurt to have a babysitter when I'm ready to pop,  if that's what your into."

The diver sighed. "Fine. But don't expect me to get all cozy." The woman smiled "Don't plan on it." as climbed into the driver side of the truck allowing the woman to climb into the other part. 

She put her bag in the backseat. "Give me the guns." she told her as the woman rolled her eyes but gave her the gun like she asked. "Happy?" as the woman said, "Not one bit." as she put on her seatbelt as the other woman did too.

"Don't touch anything and don't speak." as the woman said, "Fine grumpy pants." as she started the truck before the woman sat back and look at her surrondings start to fade away.

Her hand went to her bump rubbing it softly. "Can I at least have a water your highness?" as the woman said, "Whatever." as the woman took one from the back and took a sip.

After a tiny glup, she slounched in the seat adding, "Alice." as the driver glanced at her in the rearview mirror. "My name is Alice." as she rested on a bit.

The driver sighed not comfortable with the name reveal but placed her hair behind her ear before muttering, "Stevie. My name is Stevie." as the woman looked at her nodding.

"S-Stevie, it'a unquie name." as Stevie didn't answer as Alice got comfortable in her seat before looking out the cracked window watching Maryland Baltimore fade out of her view....

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a/n: oh my god!! after freaking months i've finally finished alice's backstory and the last proglue of children of the apoocalypose!!!

I'm so freaking happy because i've been dying to share this all with you guys and now that I finally can I'm so excited!!

alice's backstory is defeiantalyl a long one but that just because she had tone a lot more lore and deep than stevie and so much more than I had to cover but i'm finally done and i could cry tears of joy.

she also has offically meet stevie and the start of their realtionship is most definetly going to be one of my favs i've done!!

next chapter is going is going to dive into the full story of the last of us show, i can't wait to have alice and stevie meet joel and ellie and interaction with them because there little group is going to be so cute to write and i'm so thrilled!!

i have so much in store for theses characters and i can't wait for you guys to meet them fully and love them as much as I do!!

love you my fellow demigods and see you soon in the next a/n for children of the apocalypose❤️


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