Episode 3

Jordan, Abraham, and Andy dragged the bodies to the back corner of the compound, and Bella was inside, checking the place out. She ran her finger along the dusty table, humming a tune, and walked up the metal steps. She walked down the hallway, seeing every room was set up the same with bunkbeds and two small wooden dressers. Curiously, she looked around and smiled.

It was the perfect place to start over. There was plenty of room for everyone in their group, and they could find different things on their outings to spruce up the home. Bella sang the chorus to the song she was humming, and Abraham smiled, walking inside with Andy and Jordan. Her father started singing with her, and Jordan and Andy smiled as Bella and Abraham sang in unison.

Andy joined them, and Jordan shook his head. He didn't know the song they were singing, but hearing Bella sing was music to his ears. Her voice tingled his nerves like she was touching him, and he shivered. The song ended, and Bella grinned.

"Looks like Jordan was right, after all, little bird," said Abraham, and she gave her father a questioning look as she walked down the steps.

Abraham looked at Jordan, and he nodded.

"This was a military squat camp, and I guess when everything went down. They left everything behind," he said, and Bella walked toward them.

"What do you mean?" she asked with wide, curious eyes, and Jordan touched her face.

"See those crates over there?" he asked, gently pushing her head toward the large wooden boxes.

"Yeah?"

Bella looked at him, and he chuckled.

"They are stocked with guns, ammunition, and food. Well, MREs, but trust me, baby girl, if you're starving, they'll do the trick."

She grinned and looked at her father.

"It's perfect. Let's go get Charlie and the others," she said.

Abraham agreed, and he, Bella, Jordan, and Andy walked out toward the vehicle. Bella climbed into the truck's bed, and her father looked at her in surprise.

"What are you doing, Bell?" he asked, leaning on the side.

"Riding back to camp with you. I parked the bike inside behind the wall," she said, and Jordan climbed in beside her.

"Mind if I ride with you?" he asked, and she shook her head. "No, not at all," she said, and Abraham nodded.

He got in the truck with Andy and started the engine. The vehicle pulled away, and Jordan gave Bella a thoughtful look.

"So which is it, baby girl? Do you like me or not?" he asked, scooting closer and resting his arm behind her.

Bella searched his eyes, smiled, and started playing with a strand of her hair.

"I like you, Jordan Baker. I really do. It's just.."

"Dale," he breathed, and she sighed.

"On the contrary, sir. I happen to like you a lot. I mean a lot, a lot. It's not the same feelings I had for Dale, but they are just as important. If that makes any sense," she said, and Jordan raised an eyebrow.

"But?"

She blew a deep breath, looking at the strand of hair she was playing with, and bit her bottom lip.

"Honestly, I'm afraid of letting myself get close to anyone again because of what happened that night. That man wanted to marry me in this shit hole of a world. He sacrificed himself to save Charlie. Trust me, Jordan Baker. I feel what's between us, and I know you feel it, too. I just can't lose you, too," she sniffed, not looking at him.

Jordan looked at her with care, sliding his arm around her and rubbing his thumb against her arm. Bella exhaled, feeling the calm wash over her, and she felt grateful for it.

"Thank you. I still think it's amazing we can do that," she breathed as a tear slid down her cheek, and Jordan tightened his embrace.

"You not gonna lose me, baby girl. The way I feel bout you. You couldn't chase me away," he said, and she chuckled softly as he wiped the tear away.

"We're not invisible, Jordan. You can't promise nothing will happen to you, and if something did happen. My heart couldn't take it," she said, and Jordan sighed.

He thought momentarily and gave her a thoughtful look.

"You know what? Imma waits as long as it take for you to see what's right in front of you. When you ready to take that leap, Imma be right here waiting," he said, and Bella snorted.

"What happens when we find another camp and some drop-dead gorgeous woman recognizes you and catches your eye? What happens then?"

Jordan scoffed and gave her a clever look.

"If that happens, I give you full permission to whoop my ass across this shit hole of a world we got going on here and back."

She laughed and sighed, searching his eyes. Abraham pulled up to the campsite and shut the engine off.

"What if I told you some drop-dead gorgeous half-dead girl already caught my eye?" he asked, placing his hand on her cheek and looking into her eyes.

"You don't compare to anyone else out there. You unique, baby girl. I don't care if ten beautiful women walk my way. I only got eyes for one."

Without a word, Jordan leaned his face closer and pressed his lips to hers. Bella wanted to push him away but gave into the energy she'd been fighting for so long and kissed him back. She ran her hands up his chest and gently grabbed his throat, kissing him harder.

"Damn," he breathed, resting his forehead against hers and licking his lips.

"My thoughts exactly," she breathed, and Jordan chuckled.

Someone banged on the side of the truck, making them jump, and they looked at Abraham. He smiled, shaking his head, and Jordan and Bella climbed out of the truck bed.

"Daddy," said Bella, blushing, and Abraham slipped his arms around her shoulders.

"Jordan, why don't you spread the word and help load up? I need to have a word with my darling daughter," he said, and Jordan nodded, giving Bella a clever look.

"Yes, sir," he said, and Bella snorted as he walked away.

"Listen, Dad. I.."

Abraham cut her off by steering her away from everyone.

"All I want to say is, I know Dale meant a lot to you. Hell, he meant a lot to all of us, but I'm glad to see you're starting to move on, and there's nothing wrong with that. Dale would want you to be happy. Jordan's a good kid. He's no Dale and a little arrogant at times, but what matters is seeing you smile again," he said, and Bella searched her father's eyes.

She grinned, resting her head against his chest, and saw Charlie running towards them. Bella and Abraham smiled at him.

"Jordan!" the boy exclaimed, running past his family, and they turned.

"I guess you're not the only one who's started to like the guy," she said, watching her thirteen-year-old brother jump into Jordan's arms.

"Yeah, I guess so," laughed Abraham.

"Hey, Kid. What are we? Chopped liver?" Bella called, and Jordan set Charlie down.

He ran to his sister and father and hugged them.

"Guess what?" asked Bella, messing with her brother's long hair, and Charlie laughed, pulling away.

"What?"

"We found a permanent spot. Go pack your stuff, kid," she said, and his eyes lit up.

"Really?"

Bella laughed, nodding, and he ran off. Sarah chuckled, approaching, and Bella put her hands in her back pockets.

"Are you sure it's safe?" asked Sarah, looking at the blood on Bella, and Bella nodded.

"Yeah, it has high stone walls, a watch tower, and a rolling gate at the only way in or out. It's an old military camp. There are crates of food and stuff, and it's inside. No more sleeping in cars or tents," she explained, and Sarah agreed.

"Sounds too good to be true," she said, and Bella chuckled.

Sarah touched her shoulder and walked away to help Mike and the others load the vehicles.

"Once everything is packed, we'll head out," said Abraham, and Bella nodded.

"I'll drive your old truck, and Jordan can drive Dale's bike," she said.

"Okay, well, my old truck is packed. Why don't you and Jordan take Charlie and Bonnie and go on ahead? Things will go much smoother without the kids running around. We'll finish up here and meet you there," he suggested, and his daughter nodded.