Rewind:Beyond the apocalypse

Chapter 13: Reunion

As they entered the military camp, the Elise team was greeted by a soldier who registered them and instructed them to wait inside the National Center. They quickly found a spot to park their car and settled in, awaiting the convoy's departure.

Meanwhile, the soldier who had registered them approached Captain James, handing him a list of the survivors. James's eyes scanned the names, his expression transforming from boredom to excitement as he spotted two familiar names.

"Do you know where these people are?" James asked, his finger tracing the names on the list.

The soldier nodded. "They're camping near the gate, sir."

Without waiting for further explanation, James sprinted toward the gate, his heart racing with anticipation. As he approached the entrance, he spotted Elise and Madison standing outside their car, their faces lighting up with smiles as they caught sight of him.

James rushed toward them, sweeping them into a bear hug. "My little cousins!" he exclaimed, his voice choked with emotion. Elise and Madison were more than just relatives; they were the sisters he never had, and he had always treasured them.

"How are you, little Elsie?" James asked, as he rubbed Elise's hair with one hand while doing the same to Madison with the other.

"I'm fine, big brother," Elise replied, her eyes sparkling with happiness.

James turned to Madison. "What about you, Maddie?"

Madison grinned mischievously. "I'm fine, snail."

James chuckled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. The nickname "snail" had haunted him for years, and he was thrilled to see that Madison still remembered it.

As James looked through the car window, he met the piercing gaze of Marcus and Mark. A wide grin spread across his face. "Hey, Marcus! I thought you died!" he joked, opening the door to hug Mark and bump fists with Marcus.

Elise's curious voice interrupted the reunion. "Big brother, do you know Marcus?"

James's face lit up with nostalgia. "Yes, we're best buddies! We grew up together, playing with our other cousins in City G. Those were the days!" he exclaimed, a faraway look in his eyes.

Elise's eyes widened with interest. "Oh, okay," she replied, her voice filled with curiosity. She loved hearing stories about her big brother's adventures when he was younger.

James's eyes locked onto Marcus, his expression serious. "So, Marcus, how have you been?"

Marcus's gaze met James's, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. "Fine, what about you, Sky?" he replied, using James's code name.

James nodded, his eyes scanning the surrounding area. "As you can see, we've been trying to evacuate the survivors to the safe base."

Marcus's expression turned thoughtful, his eyes narrowing slightly. "Okay, Sky. I have some things to discuss with you, but we need to get to the safe base first."

Marcus subtly signaled James to end the conversation, his eyes darting around the area, ensuring they weren't being overheard.

Derick, oblivious to the underlying tension, ruffled James's hair, a playful grin spreading across his face. "Hey, kiddo, seems you've grown some beard!"

James chuckled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Hey, Uncle! And hello, Auntie!"

Anita's face lit up with a warm smile. "How are you, Jamie?" she asked, her voice filled with affection.

James smiled, his eyes meeting Anita's. "Fine, Auntie."

Anita's eyes clouded with worry as she asked, "How are Dad, Mom, and my brothers?"

James's expression softened, and he tried to reassure her. "They're fine, Auntie."

Anita's face relaxed slightly, but the concern lingered in her eyes.

James glanced at his watch and then at the soldier signaling in the distance. "Okay, Auntie, it's time for the convoy to start moving."

As James jogged towards the soldier, Anita's gaze followed him, her eyes filled with love and pride.

"He's all grown up," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Derick nodded, a hint of pride in his voice. "Yes, he is."

Derick and Anita walked towards the car, ready to continue their journey.

"Okay, everybody, get in the car. Let's continue with our journey," Derick said, as they prepared to face whatever lay ahead.

As they drove away, the convoy snaking its way through the desolate landscape, James's words echoed in Anita's mind: "Uncle, after driving to our next destination, let's hold a little meeting."

A sense of foreboding settled in the pit of Anita's stomach. What did James want to discuss? And what lay in store for them at their next destination?

The unknown loomed ahead, shrouded in an eerie silence, as the convoy vanished into the horizon.

*. sorry 😞 this chapter is a bit short.*

I promise to make it up to you guys 🥹😀😀*