The Aftermath

S3E5: Tension

       An hour passes as the group continues their search for a possible exit out of this death trap. They disperse into separate groups, trying to cover more ground in this pulverized, infested hotel.
       The hallways are covered in dust, dirt, and debris, and the rooms are in shambles. The only somewhat tolerable area to look at is the gym. Old weights are scattered on the floor along with a tipped over elliptical and a broken down treadmill.
       Sarah walks around the second floor aimlessly, moving into different groups, trying to decipher whether or not she should confront Skyy and Matthew. There's only been one thing on her mind, Tamara.
       Tamara's menacing glare and attitude makes her heart sink. She clearly has unknown intentions which is utterly terrifying. She's a complete and utter wildcard, that's why Sarah must figure her out as soon as possible.
       Tamara's unusual words still linger in Sarah's mind. The thought alone is simply unbearable. What's the deal with Tamara's different personalities? Will Skyy and Matthew even answer my questions? Should I listen to Simon? Sarah thinks to herself curiously before walking towards Skyy and Matthew.
       This is the first time that she's seen the two together. Most of the time, Skyy has been hovering over Ricky. Matthew and Skyy seem to be arguing about something while looking for materials, makes sense considering their current situation.
       "Hey guys, I want to talk to you all about something real quick," Sarah says shyly.
       "Sure thing, shoot," Skyy says in an annoyed tone.
       Her normal optimistic attitude has been completely altered to a standoffish one. She has bags under her eyes, and her hair is in a wild frenzy. She looks like she's about to crack. Skyy is like a ticking time bomb. It's only a matter of time before she goes off.
       "It's about Tamara. I know you guys know something at least, especially after seeing Matthew's reaction by me just saying her name. She's just so, unsettling," Sarah says in a more serious tone.
       Saying Tamara's name alone immediately puts Matthew in a defensive-like state. Her name easily sets chills down both Matthew and Sarah's spine. He looks like a lost kid at a supermarket. Absolutely terrified.
"Ok I'll just tell you since you're clearly not going to live this down. Certain things tend to trigger Tamara which ultimately sparks her dark side per say," Skyy says quietly.
Both Matthew and Sarah are stunned as to how blunt Skyy was. Normally it would take at least a couple of tries before getting this amount of information from her.
Matthew looks at her with utter bewilderment and a sense of betrayal. It looks like his life flashed before his eyes. Skyy ignores the daggers that Matthew sends her way from his elongated stare.
Sarah still can't seem to grasp her head around one thought. What did she mean by dark side? Are there several sides to Tamara that I don't know about? How does Skyy know about this? Sarah thinks to herself as Skyy starts to walk away.
       Matthew follows Skyy while constantly looking around in paranoia. All of these questions, all of these far fetched theories completely baffle Sarah as she begins chasing after Skyy.
       However, Sarah is stopped in her tracks when a hand is placed on her shoulder. She turns around and feasts her eyes on an enraged Simon. He heard everything. He saw how much Sarah was playing with fire.
       Simon is thrown off by Sarah's impatient look as she tries to rip away from his grasp. Why won't she listen to me? Can't she see that she's playing with fire? Won't this end horribly? Simon thinks to himself as his body fills with rage.
       "Sarah, what the hell are you doing! Stop trying to get information from Skyy. You're digging your own grave," Simon whispers angrily.
       "If I don't do this, we'll all be in danger from Tamara's psychotic ways. I gotta figure her out. Not that you care about anyone else but yourself," Sarah says before storming off.
       Simon watches as his longtime friend fades away into the dark hallway. She's gone. Just like that. He's completely abandoned and left alone with his cruel thoughts.
       Tears begin to fall as his best friend completely shuts him down. How could she think that I don't care about her? Doesn't she know how I cope with my problems by now? Simon thinks to himself as he strikes the wall with his fist.
       He can't leave things off like this. Sarah has been with him since the beginning. She's been there for him whenever he had confrontations with his family. He can't go on without Sarah in his life. They share a history with one another.
       This apocalypse is a chance for Simon to start over. Not as Paige but as Simon. A whole new being. Watching Sarah push him away only fueled the fire. He can't be alone. Not now. He's come too far to give up just yet.
       Meanwhile, Rosie and Jeannie search for an exit frantically in complete silence. The only thing they can hear is the sound of the mutants from down below and their rapid movements. The tension so thick that it could be cut with a knife.
       Jeannie looks over at Rosie who seems to be more antsy and preoccupied than she is. Rosie seems so concentrated as she turns the room upside down, trying to look for something to help their escape from this never ending nightmare.
       This is the first time Rosie has witnessed Chris disappearing from her sight since their last day in the bunker together. Occasional teardrops drip down her cheeks as they fall on the stained carpet.
       Jeannie walks toward her sister who has completely broken down as occasional tears turn into a full fledged breakdown. She wraps her arms around her sister in attempts to comfort her.
       This is a very unfamiliar sight for these two, especially in their current situation. They love each other, but they would always tend to clash. Their personalities don't mix well. Rosie aggressively slaps Jeannie's hand away and jolts up.
       "How could you not be affected by seeing our little brother ripped away from us? Why are you such an insensitive, selfish prick?" Rosie roars in between sobs.
       Jeannie is taken back by Rosie's harsh words as it leaves her speechless. She watches as her sister breaks down from this horrid reality. How could she say that? Why doesn't she think I care about them? Does she know what I've sacrificed too? Jeannie thinks to herself curiously.
       "You put on this alternate persona of such a giddy and joyful person, but you would always come home with a terrible attitude towards your actual family! I thought that an apocalypse would change your old ways, but I guess I'm wrong," Rosie says while fighting back her tears.
       Jeannie fumes as those words leave her sister's mouth. Hasn't she already suffered enough with losing her old way of life. I'm trying to change! I want be my old happy self again! I already sacrificed my entire personality just to act more serious in keeping this group alive! Jeannie thinks to herself while tears finally fall.
       "I want to be like how I used to be in the past as well Rosie! Can't you see that? I sacrificed who I am as a person just so I can act more serious in this godforsaken world. I'm doing this to protect the ones who I love, Chris included," Jeannie yells emotionally.
       A moment of silence returns as they gaze into each other's broken souls. So much has changed these past few weeks. They just want to be together again. Like how it used to be. They want to be a family again.
       Rosie flops onto the torn, stained mattress while Jeannie sits on the edge of the bed. They both look up at the cracked ceiling as they ponder about the past. This cracked ceiling is like their heart. A huge part of them has been forever altered.
       "I will always care about Chris. I'm worried about him too, but we have to trust him. I know how much you want to go after him," Jeannie says softly.
       "I'm sorry Jeannie. I just can't handle another moment without him. I've gotten so much closer to him over the years," Rosie says while yawning.
       Jeannie nods in response as they continue to relax on this dilapidated mattress. Jeannie and Rosie hold hands as a slight smile formulates on their faces. They may have their differences, but family will always stick together. They will always be together.
       "Let's keep checking for a way out. I know we'll see Chris soon," Jeannie says cheerfully.
       Rosie nods in response as they nearly roll off the mattress. They exit the disorderly room with a newly discovered mutual understanding in this cruel world. They will always have each other's back. They'll stay alive for each other. It's a promise.
       Back with Simon, he storms in the opposite direction of Sarah while wiping away his tears. He feels so alone. No one trusts him. No one likes him. It feels like the world is against him just like in the past.
       He locks his eyes onto Myracle who is rummaging through a janitor's closet. Simon passes the hallway of thoroughly scavenged rooms until he gets a clear look of Myracle's serious, concentrated expression.
       Myracle wipes the sweat from her forehead and turns her attention towards Simon with a fake smile. How come everyone trusts her over me? What does she have that I don't? Am I the only one who's thinking around here? Simon thinks to himself with a threatening look portrayed in his face.
       "Screw it," Simon mutters to himself.
       Simon walks closer to Myracle with a blank expression. Her smile is obviously fake and even a bit awkward. Simon notices the dried up blood on Myracle's katana that's holstered away.
       "What's the deal with you? You randomly come in our group unannounced and immediately wrap Chris around your finger," Simon grunts.
       "I've done nothing but help you guys. I understand why you're skeptical, but I have good intentions," Myracle says reassuringly.
       Every time Myracle opens her mouth, she can see the lack of trust that Simon has for her. He's analyzing every word, trying desperately to formulate enough evidence against her. It's completely disheartening to see.
       Myracle analyzes Simon and notices his puffy eyes. Was he crying? Who made that happen? Is he just unleashing his pent up rage onto me? Myracle thinks to herself curiously while Simon still looks for clues that aren't there.
       "You better not hurt anyone, especially Chris. He's been helping us survive this thing since day one. Plus, he accepted you with open arms. I don't trust you, so you better watch yourself," Simon says definitively before storming off.
       Myracle rolls her eyes and snickers a little from Simon's tantrum. How dare he threaten me? Will we clash like this again? Will he ever look to me with the respect that I deserve? Myracle thinks to herself while continuing her search.
       "I'd never hurt Chris. How could that prick say that?" Myracle mumbles to herself.
       A slight blush formulates on her face as she thinks about Chris's presence. She quickly shakes away the thought of his tough exterior yet soft and caring personality. She shakes the thought of his warm, comforting smile that always puts a smile on her face.
       Myracle touches her flushed face and immediately pulls away in disbelief. How could I let my simple emotions get the best of me? Why would Simon think that I'm controlling Chris for my personal gain? Does everyone think that? Myracle thinks to herself worriedly before reestablishing herself back into her normal, serious manner.
       Meanwhile, Jess walks throughout the hallway, searching for Skyy and Ricky. Skyy finally settled the argument with Matthew and went to Ricky to cool down. All of this doesn't seem right. They're hiding something, they must be .
       She lays eyes on Ricky and Skyy who seem as happy as can be. What's with Skyy's sudden attitude adjustment? Wasn't she mad before? Why does she act so giddy around Ricky all of the time? Will she even tell me? Jess thinks to herself nervously before confronting the two.
       "Hey Jess! How ya doing? Have you found a way out yet?" Ricky says optimistically.
       Jess doesn't answer. She has a stern, stubborn-like demeanor as she analyzes their social cues and ecstatic attitudes. If these two get too close, it'll cause trouble amongst all of the members in the group.
       "Jess? What's wrong?" Skyy says with concern
       "I know you guys are hiding something. You've been practically on top of each other lately. I won't tell Matthew, but you guys should stay true to yourselves," Jess says confidently.
       Skyy and Ricky grow a surprised and serious look about them. Skyy seems a bit thrown off while Ricky looks like he's seen a ghost. He's about to crack. This secret has been haunting him.
       Ricky twiddles his thumbs and looks around nervously. Should I tell Jess? What would the repercussions be? How would Skyy react? Ricky thinks to himself frantically, trying to avoid Jess's uncomfortable gaze.
       "We kissed," Skyy says suddenly.
       Ricky and Jess look at her with bewilderment as she reveals her deed. Ricky shuts his ears from the chaos that's about to unfold. Skyy rubs the nape of her neck nervously with a look of disappointment on her face. She looks stressed. She's definitely hurting.
       Jess's eyes widen. This is much worse than she originally anticipated. How are we going to cover this up? Will Matthew find out about this? How will he react? Jess thinks to herself nervously.
       "I made a mistake. That simple. I regret it, but you can do whatever you want Jess. I'm over it already," Skyy says with a saddened expression while storming off alone once again.
       Jess looks back at Ricky who displays a pouty expression as Skyy leaves him alone in this uncomfortable situation. He looks disappointed in a way. As soon as Skyy leaves his side, he's back to being moody and depressed once again.
       Ricky's smile instantly fades as Skyy exits his point of view, leaving him completely alone with his mistake. Did Skyy really not enjoy our kiss? Will she be avoiding me from now on? Can I at least talk with her? Ricky thinks to himself worriedly.
       "Ricky what did you just get yourself into?" Jess sighs to herself.
       Ricky shrugs in response and avoids eye contact. He feels like a child getting yelled at by his parents. That ashamed look in Jess's eyes reminds him of past experiences before his parents' car accident and this apocalypse.
       "Well, you better get it together. Not for me, but for Skyy," Jess says sternly before walking off.
       Ricky slumps down onto the floor accompanied by an elongated sigh. He can hear Jess's footsteps slowly beginning to fade down the hallway, leaving him alone with his cruel thoughts once again.
       This isolation, this feeling of worthlessness reminds him of the day of Jill's death. He can still see the bullet penetrating her skull, watching her body hit the floor.
       He can remember seeing her lifeless eyes for a moment before leaving her amongst the horde of mutants. Most importantly, he remembers her innocent, hopeful look she had in that terrible scenario.
       She knew what her chances were in that stadium. They all knew, but she stayed strong and positive. Despite all of these hardships and impossible odds, Jill still stayed optimistic. She helped them all get there, and Ricky will remember that.
       Tamara sits outside in between the two rooms of Matthew and Ricky. Matthew has a bundle of items displayed out in front of him for the escape attempt while Ricky remains in his room with a hopeless expression.
       To make matters worse, she heard everything. Tamara heard everything. She eavesdropped on Jess's conversation, she eavesdropped on Skyy's exit, and she's still eavesdropping on Ricky's lack of hope.
       Tamara makes a devilish smirk as she starts to snicker softly to herself. That chuckle crescendos louder and louder until it becomes audible for both Ricky and Matthew to hear. They're terrified. They can't even move a muscle.
       Tamara abruptly stops laughing and flings her backpack around onto her lap. She starts to rummage through her backpack and yanks out the same military knife from before. The simplistic military knife that managed to dehumanize a mutant by cutting it in half.
       "Something tells me that I'll need you very soon. I don't know what for yet however," Tamara says menacingly while storing the knife in her backpack.
       Matthew distracts himself from Tamara's disturbing personality and notices an exit that contains little to no mutants in sight. He looks down the balcony, not high enough for someone to severely hurt themselves. They have finally found the light at the end of the tunnel. They can finally escape!
       "Tamara! Go get the others! I found a way out," Matthew says gleefully.
      "Right away boss," Tamara says with a careless tone while slowly walking towards the hallway.
       Matthew hesitantly stops her after she gives off her signature menacing glare. He dashes throughout the hotel, feeling ecstatic at the sight of freedom. Even Tamara's wicked presence can't ruin this moment.
       After they scale down this hotel, they'll have to make a break for it. They'll have to avoid as much confrontation as possible. The group will have to risk their lives once again in order to survive this never ending nightmare. All they have, is each other.