The two teens found themselves walking again, no time to lose.
They'd burned Adam's body, per Kamille's request. She'd taken his short sword from his belt, wanting something as a keepsake, then did it. She couldn't leave him there to be eaten by infected and there was no way to bury him. No time and no tools. She prayed for him, hoping Allah would look after him now. He would finally be with his parents.
And she was now alone.
She couldn't help but be reminded of his words the night before, about the truth about survival. It was to truly live. Find something that was worth living for. She'd had so much, her parents, her brother, her future aspirations, even herself. Always herself. But that had never been enough and she knew it. Luckily, it had never been the only thing. But things were different now. And she wasn't so sure she could truly only live for herself anymore.
They'd had to leave almost immediately after burning Adam's body, as the gunshot and fire had attracted some infected. They managed to get out before being overwhelmed again, but now it was just the two of them.
The absence of a third was obvious as they walked in silence. There was no one there to bug them, tease them, annoy them. Kamille felt emptier than ever, still unable to believe he was truly gone. Now she only had to keep herself busy. It was the only way she could stop herself from bursting into tears again.
She appreciated Alicia more than ever at that moment. The younger girl had comforted her to the best of her abilities and Kamille couldn't imagine what it would have been like to deal with Adam's death alone. Alicia was strong, she'd always known that, and now she'd seen it. She couldn't bear the moment when she'd have to say goodbye. Truly be alone. No Adam or Alicia.
Alone.
"Are you sure you don't want to take a break?" Alicia asked, pulling Kamille from her thoughts. "We have the time to spare."
And you need it, Kamille knew she wanted to add. The girl had been watching her with that look of pity glistening in her saddened eyes since they'd left Adam. Maybe she felt sorry for her, maybe she felt guilty for Adam's death. Kamille was too exhausted to figure it out.
She merely shook her head, keeping her eyes straight ahead.
"He was a good guy," Alicia said, her eyes darting to Kamille's sullen expression.
"Don't," Kamille stopped her from finishing, finally lifting her eyes to meet Alicia's. "I don't want to hear it."
Alicia nodded slowly. "...I'm sor–"
"Please, don't say it," Kamille begged, frowning and trying to contain her emotions. Saying sorry would only make it real, and she wasn't ready for that confrontation. "Just don't."
Alicia watched, her eyes soft and her expression mirroring Kamille's. She nodded and both girls looked ahead, but not before Alicia enlaced her fingers with Kamille's. Kamille breathed out shakily and felt her shoulders relax. She wasn't alone. Not yet, anyway.
–
There were many large houses in the hills, Kamille noticed. Obviously rich people had owned them. She could tell because they looked more expensive than anything she'd seen, and they all overlooked the ocean, which could only mean they belonged to some upper-class rich people.
The two girls weren't far, but they weren't sure where exactly to go either. Alicia's family were supposed to be nearby – if they had waited for her – but there was still the threat of infected around every corner. They couldn't go searching.
"It's quiet around here," Kamille said, her voice low, not wanting to attract any unwanted attention. "Are you sure your family are up there?"
The houses were in the hills and with one quick trek, they could appropriately search, but Kamille needed to be sure it was worth it. She couldn't risk walking into another trap and especially couldn't risk losing someone else the same day as her brother.
"That's where Strand said he was going," Alicia said, glancing at Kamille. "We'll have to–"
"Wait." Kamille stopped walking and held out her hand to stop Alicia. She raised her head and tried to concentrate. "Do you hear that?"
Alicia paused and Kamille knew she just had to hear it. The faint but audible sound of an engine. Someone was there, and they had a car.
"Do you think–"
But Alicia was cut off by a deep voice.
"Stay right there."
Kamille heard Alicia catch her breath and glanced at her, only to see the barrel of a gun pressed to her back. Their eyes met and they shared a frightened look. Kamille wanted to curse a million times over. How could she let this happen to them again?
"Turn around," the man with the gun ordered. "Slowly."
The two girls did as they were told, only for Alicia to widen her eyes with surprise.
"Nick! Travis!"
Kamille watched as the younger girl ran into the arms of one of the men. The younger of the two, who was now grinning and holding Alicia tight. She noticed the resemblance almost immediately and put the pieces together. That was her brother, Nick.
"Alicia, you made it," the older man breathed out with relief, a smile on his lips as he pulled the girl in for a quick hug.
That must have been Travis, Kamille thought. The three seemed content, having been reunited and aware of each other's safety. It was almost a tear-jerking sight, but Kamille couldn't help but be reminded of the family she'd lost. Her parents and now her brother. They were so close. They had almost made it. But he was gone.
"Your mother has been worried sick," Travis explained, his hands on Alicia's shoulders as he focused on her. "Wait here with your brother, okay? I'm going to get her..."
He turned around and left the three of them alone. Kamille felt uncomfortable and out of place as the two siblings shared another hug. Over Alicia's shoulder however, Nick took notice of Kamille. She was looking down at her feet, troubled by what this now meant for her, and also afraid to meet the newcomer's eyes for fear of what she would be reminded of.
"Alicia...," he mumbled, before motioning to the stranger that was Kamille.
Alicia's grin was replaced with a frown as she looked to Kamille. She stepped forward and grabbed Kamille's hand, making her stare with confusion. Alicia tugged her arm, causing Kamille to step forward and by Alicia's side, before her brother.
"Nick, this is Kamille Ali," Alicia stated proudly, smiling at the Brit. "She saved me. Her and... erm..." Alicia stammered over her words and Kamille could see her beating herself up over the short silence that had formed.
Nick waited, his eyes trained on Kamille, only for her to meet his eyes and speak.
"My brother, Adam," she got out, forcing a small smile. She nodded reassuringly at Alicia, who squeezed her hand supportively, before returning her gaze to her shoes.
"They found me and have spent all this time helping me find you," Alicia continued.
Judging from the lack of response from Nick, Kamille presumed he got the gist of why Adam was no more. She was glad he didn't ask any follow up questions.
"I wasn't sure if you would wait," Alicia voiced her uncertainty. "I thought you would leave, presume me dead. I'm lucky you didn't."
Nick's smile was evident through his words. "I'm glad you're safe, Alicia." Kamille felt his gaze on her as he added, "Thank you, Kamille. For keeping my sister safe."
Kamille looked up and merely nodded, forcing a smile. I didn't do it alone.
"Alicia!"
Kamille watched as Nick turned around and followed his gaze. There was a middle-aged blonde woman running towards them. Her appearance fitted the description Alicia had offered only days ago – it was her mum, Madison.
The blonde immediately pulled her daughter in for a hug, holding her tight, probably afraid to let go. Alicia visibly relaxed into her embrace and Kamille could see it in her expression: she was glad to be home. Madison pulled Nick in soon enough, mumbling how thankful she was that her family was back together again, and Kamille awkwardly stood there, unsure of what her purpose was.
She sucked up a breath as she averted her gaze from the Clark family. This was a lot harder than she imagined it to be. Her eyes were stinging as she tried to stop herself from breaking down there and then. She lost one for Alicia to gain three more. It was strange how the world worked.
Travis was by the Clarks' side soon, with another boy, presumably his son. Chris, Kamille realised. He seemed confused, but remained by his father's side nonetheless. Travis pulled his son along and embraced the Clarks in a large hug. One happy family. Reunited, finally.
Kamille wanted to leave. She hated this. She was relieved, grateful to Allah that Alicia had found her loved ones, safe and sound. She even thanked Him, glad He had answered her prayers. But she couldn't take witnessing this any longer. It only reminded her of what she'd lost. And that she was going to lose someone else, once again.
"...you knew where to find us and you're so strong, Alicia," Madison was rambling, holding her daughter at arm's length now. "I knew you would stay safe..."
Alicia was smiling at her family. Her mother, who was finally noticing her. Her brother, who had waited for her. Travis, who was watching her with reassurance etched in his expression. Even Chris, who seemed relieved for her return. Kamille was sure there were a few more missing, but either way, it was clear. She had enough there.
Kamille clenched her jaw as she wiped a stray tear that had escaped. She needed to go. But she couldn't just leave, she had to say goodbye to Alicia. For her sake. And she hated to interrupt, but if she didn't go now, it would only make things worse...
"Alicia," she called out, only to have to clear her throat and try again as it was quieter than she thought. She flinched as the family turned around, finally noticing the stranger that had shown up. She was almost embarrassed for interrupting, and hoped that her inner feelings weren't reflected on the outside.
Alicia's smile faded as she looked to the Brit, a frown taking over.
"Sorry," Kamille apologised, hoping it would ease up the defensive looks they were all giving her. "I don't mean to interrupt." She met Alicia's eyes and said, "I need to go. I'm glad you're back with your family."
This single comment caused Alicia to let go of Madison's hands and appear by Kamille's side. Madison was puzzled as she questioned aloud who Kamille was, along with Travis and Chris, and Nick was trying to explain Kamille's presence as the two teens shared a quick conversation. The mismatched family were having a heated discussion as Kamille tried to say goodbye.
"Kam, no," Alicia said, shaking her head and looking between Kamille's brown eyes. "You can't just go. Not by yourself."
"I have to," Kamille tried to reason, regretting the shakiness in her voice that worried Alicia. "Like you said, your family need to stick together. No outsiders. I told you I'd get you here, and I have."
Alicia shook her head, but Kamille ignored her visual protests and continued.
"It was lovely meeting you," she said with the utmost sincerity, smiling for real this time. She was sure the sadness she was trying to hide was reflected in her eyes as as they met Alicia's. "You're a wonderful girl, Alicia. Adam thought so, too. Stay safe, yeah?"
Kamille pulled Alicia in for a short embrace, but it was tight and warm and everything she needed to suck up a deep breath and keep going.
When she pulled away, she wasn't expecting Alicia to say much, especially because her family were now calling for her, seemingly confused and tired. So, she tried to turn around, but Alicia suddenly grabbed her hand.
Kamille opened her mouth, ready to protest, but Alicia glared her into silence. There was no going against those intense green eyes.
"Everyone be quiet!" Alicia shouted, silencing her family, too. She looked to them and said in a much calmer voice now, "This is Kamille Ali. Her and her brother Adam found me the day we lost each other and kept me safe. Kam brought me here and has stopped at nothing to get me to you. It's because of her that I am safe."
Everyone was too surprised to say anything, but apparently that was perfect for Alicia, who obviously hadn't finished speaking. Kamille watched with bewilderment as the younger girl turned to her, confidence radiating from her.
"You're not leaving, Kam," she said, authoritatively, her mind made up. "I want you to come with me. You will come with me."
Kamille was speechless under Alicia's penetrating gaze.
"Alicia," Madison finally spoke, gaining her daughter's attention. She had a warning tone in her voice as she said, "We are glad she–" She paused and looked directly at Kamille. "Look, we're grateful for what you've done, but we can't–"
"Mom," Alicia complained, only for Travis to speak.
"It's not up to us, Alicia," he explained calmly. "Strand has a boat and he's willing to let us come with him. He's the host and it's not our place to invite new people." When Alicia didn't respond, Travis looked to Kamille with sympathy and added, "I'm sorry, Kamille. I hope you can understand."
Kamille knew this was going to happen and only nodded. She tried to shake Alicia's hand off, which was still gripping hers tightly, but Alicia wouldn't pay her any attention.
"If you all say she can stay, Strand will have no choice but to listen," Alicia stated, obviously having thought about this carefully. "It's only one more person..."
Alicia looked between her family, a hopeful expression on her face. Meanwhile, Kamille felt uncomfortable. She didn't want to put them in that position, knowing they were only keeping themselves safe. She couldn't blame them and as much as she would miss Alicia, she wished she would stop trying. This wasn't fair on her family.
"You saved my sister," Nick said, stepping forward and speaking directly to Kamille. "If she wants you here, so do I."
Kamille was surprised by this and saw as Alicia shared a grateful smile with her brother.
"Madison, we can handle Strand," Travis muttered, trying to convince her. "Kamille saved Alicia's life. We can't just leave her to fend for herself."
Madison looked to Travis, and the two seemed to be sharing a conversation through their eyes. Eventually, Madison gave in with a sigh.
"Okay. She can come with us."
Alicia's tense shoulders relaxed as she breathed out with relief. Kamille saw her close her eyes, briefly, but enough to show that she was grateful.
"We should get back to Strand's," Madison settled, glancing between everyone, including Kamille, who was still trying to grasp what was happening. "We need to leave soon."
They all began to make their way, but Alicia turned to Kamille and grinned.
"Alicia, why did you do that?" Kamille asked, finally releasing her hand. "They don't want me to come."
Alicia began to walk and Kamille had no choice but to stay by her side.
"But I do," she said with a matter-of-fact tone, as if that was enough.
Kamille looked up, seeing the profile of Alicia's face. She was smiling to herself, looking forward, proud of her accomplishment. But not before turning to meet Kamille's gaze. Kamille didn't understand why she had fought for her, but it was heartwarming to know that she valued their friendship just as much as she did.
"No more goodbyes," Alicia said, her smile fading and her eyes serious. "You're stuck with me now."
Kamille wasn't sure if she meant goodbye to her, or goodbye to everyone in her life. Either way, she suddenly felt attracted to the idea of sticking with Alicia.
//
i mean, we all knew Kamille would be joining Alicia and the others, but it still hurts to know it happened at the cost of Adam :')