Through Rough Times - A Zombie Apocalypse Adventure (alternate-timelines.com Edition)

Chapter 36: Good Morning
Date: October 19, 2018, 9:00 AM (Z-Day +2)
Location: Huntington Beach, California

(Gillan's POV)

I woke up from a good night's sleep. Heading to the bathroom, I then washed my face. Truth be told, this was the best sleep I had since Z-Day began. Kinda strange how everything seemed so peaceful in the middle of a viral pandemic that should not even exist. I could never forget how we acted like how nothing happened with last night's drinking-bonding section. Only if these were during normal times.

"'Morning buddy." Mike said. "Let's get some breakfast downstairs."

"Sure thing." I replied. Spencer and Jules then came to join us.

Walking past the hallway, we passed by the room where the girls slept. I could hear them talking and laughing among each other, something like what teenagers or college roommates would do.

"Hey Angela, we're going down to get some breakfast if you want to join us." Spencer said.

"Coming in a while." Angela said.

"Glad to see you two going along." I told Gabrielle. It's these little moments that we appreciate, even though in the middle of the crisis. This was the same thing the Filipinos showed in the aftermath of Typhoon Haiyan in November 2013. The Filipinos showed the world there is a reason to smile amidst the calamity around them. The same thing occurred in this house we are temporarily staying here in Huntington Beach.

"Angela and I were just talking about some of our good memories before this whole thing started." Gabrielle said. With the girl's energy, I could see they bonded rather quickly. Since Angela was only 19, the same age with Jules, she also Gabrielle as an older sister figure. Heading downstairs, I could see the three SWAT men laying out their weapons and gear on the floor. They were counting how much ammunition there was left. Jim was cleaning his assault rifle before assembling it back and loading a magazine. The click of the charging handle was heard across the room.

"Good morning fellas. Breakfast is ready, courtesy of your friendly neighborhood Texan." The USN veteran said.

"Gracias amigo." Miguel said.

While we gathered around the breakfast table having some bacon, eggs, smoked salmon, and friend rice, the TV was on. Surprisingly, news stations were still broadcasting. The channel was on Fox News where the newscaster said that President Trump just left Washington, D.C. last night. Footage showed Marine One leaving a war-torn D.C.

"Fucking politicians!" Jules said. "Always the first one to leave for the hills! I distrust the POTUS."

"He did stay in Washington, D.C. till it fell." I replied.

"What good would the country without a government?" Francis asked. "I know as bad as it may seem, someone has to run this country or else it would fall into anarchy."

Fox News then replayed the President's address. Apparently, we missed it last night. "Shh guys, I want to hear what he says." Spencer said. The President, or what the liberal media has labeled as Orange Man for the past two years, appeared on screen sitting behind the Resolute Desk in the Oval. The flag of the United States and the Presidential Standard stood right behind him.

"Good evening my fellow Americans. Our nation for the past 38 hours has faced a crisis no like other. In fact, this crisis of a previously unknown yet deadly virus known as 'The Killer Pandemic' has been the worst seen by our great nation since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. We are not alone in facing this crisis, as our neighboring countries, our allies abroad, and most countries of the world all have this disease in their shores and borders.

Due to the nature of this virus, most of us have been forced to defend ourselves from the Infected who just probably hours before were our loved ones, friends, co-workers, and the someone that we used to know. Cruel as it may seem, it is the only way to keep this country from going. The Infected are no longer what we call as family and friends. They are threat to everyone as well as our National Security.

Because of this, I have federalized the National Guard into the regular armed forces and deployed every branch of the military to protect and defend what has not yet fallen. In fact, it is what they have enlisted for: to protect the United States from its enemies, foreign or domestic. I want to thank every military personnel currently serving right now in the front lines as they fight the Infected. I would also like thank the brave law enforcement, firefighting, EMS and SAR personnel as well as countless civilians volunteers and militia for their selfless act in trying to rescue as much people as they can from the clutches of the Infected. I would like to thank our Border Patrol agents alongside the brave men and women of the Customs and Border Protection of the Department of Homeland Security for preventing further infection moving from Mexico is our southern states. I know as I speak right now on live television, countless military, police, emergency personnel, and civilian personnel have already died in the line of duty. I want to let you all know that everyone of you are currently in our thoughts and prayers. This country owes its debt of gratitude to you.

Martial Law has been in effect since yesterday. Anyone caught committing acts of heinous crime or any acts or rebellion or succession will be met with deadly force. In coordination with the military, FEMA, and Homeland Security, various safe-zones have been set-up in the rural portions of the United States as well as isolated islands as far Alaska and Hawaii to our Caribbean territories. I would urge all Americans to tune in on their TVs and coordinate with local authorities on the evacuation procedures.

I say this with a heavy heart that we will lose our major cities as population centers attract these Infected. It is a fact we can no longer deny. We will temporarily retreat until we get our military forces reorganized as we retake our country from the Afflicted. Do not take this as a defeat, but rather a prelude for our inevitable victory. We have already been through the worse. Remember right after the Pearl Harbor attacks, the late President Franklin Delano Roosevelt mentioned about achieving absolute victory over our foes. The same was said by former President George W. Bush on the night of the 9/11 attacks. These shambling corpses may lay waste to our great cities and turn many Americans into their unholy crusade over the living, but they can never destroy the foundation of the values that define America.

To all those out there still fighting this scourge, I commend you. We Americans are known to never give up in the face of adversity. May you continue to inspire those to fight as well as millions abroad in the struggle to save the human race from annihilation of from the living dead. May the Lord look upon you in these dark times ahead and may you continue to believe the shinning rays of the sun while rise to a beginning of a new day where all these Infected are gone.

As part of my Presidential Campaign two years ago, I made a promise to Make America Great Again. I will continue to make this promise until the day I won't be the President again. Rest assured, this country will push the Infected out and we will regain our status over these shamblers. While the undead have the strength in numbers, we as human beings and Americans possess the ability to think, to love, to procreate and more importantly the ability rationalize. We also inadvertently posses superior firepower and technology over them. They only follow what the virus programmed their once human brain: to feed and to spread the blight. We can do better that them. Therefore, let us use our gifts that Lord has given us to fight over this blight.

Good luck and God bless us all. God bless our allies and friends abroad and may God continue to bless the United States of America."

"That's what they always say." Jules said. "I bet President Macron back home has already evacuated to the French version of Mount Weather."

"How was France the last time you heard?" Angela asked.

"Horrible." Jules replied. "First it was the riots, then gun battles in major cities and the capital against the Infected. I could imagine seeing a burning Paris with the Eiffel Tower in the background. Some say the Corsicans and the New Caledonians are taking advantage of the chaos in the Republic to secede. New Caledonia was scheduled to hold an independence referendum next month. Plus, I don't if my parents are fine or not."

"Hey buddy, just be positive." I told Jules. "Look, we are all affected by this but our buddy Jim told us we got to be strong. We have chance fighting this. We just have to be hopeful."

I too was worried. I haven't received news of the status of the Philippines. Worse, Mike and I haven't talked to our families since Z-Day started. The same could be for Spencer and Angela. While I cannot really say how the families of the SWAT men are doing, Gabrielle's family is lucky made it out of San Francisco just in time. They were probably about to arrive in Hawaii in a few days or so.

"Alright folks, let's start slowly packing up. We leave for San Diego in an hour." Jim said.

We then went upstairs to pack up our things and take a quick shower.
*************************************
Later...

After taking a shower and some dental care, I then changed to a light blue long-sleeved shirt and tan cargo pants. Then I donned my tactical vest, before placing the Glock in cross-draw holster on my chest rig and then slinging the Remington R4 Francis lent me. Looking at the mirror, I could not help but think how I look like a commando. However, I would not pass on as such. Stolen valor is not a good thing. God help those who claim they are a soldier, SWAT, or operator but have been caught to be lying.

"Mate, the only time we can act like soldiers." Miguel laughed as he also donned his gear and rucksack. He then slung his Mk. 18 carbine on his chest.

"Yeah, wannabe commandos LOL." I replied as I took my backpack and headed down where Jules and Spencer were preparing to pack up. His Bushmaster M4A3 stood standing next to the sofa.

"I've never held any of these before." Spencer pointed out at the assault rifle.

"Well my friend, you're probably gonna start holding one of these now. Those things are out there." The Frenchman replied.
************************************
In the other room, Angela and Gabrielle were also preparing. Angela changed into a black t-shirt with the words "Los Angeles" printed in it. "Hey, your shirt fits your name Angela."

"Thanks." The other girl replied.

Angela showed Gabrielle the snub-nosed .357 revolver that she and Spencer found in the glovebox of the SUV.

"He used this to defend both of us from those MS-13 maniacs that tried to rape me." The blonde girl said. "I only knew him for a few hours but the fact he defended me makes me admire him."

"He definitely is a good person, Angela." Gabrielle added as she put on a white jacket over herself and grabbed the heavily customized MP5A3 sitting on the wall. "I mean you only knew each other for an hour or so and he went out of his way to make sure both of you made it out.

"You know how to use that?" The blonde asked.

"I have fired a gun before but not these law enforcement or military-grade ones." replied Gabrielle.

"I'm sure those SWAT buddies can teach you."

Gabrielle nodded before the two girls went down to meet with the rest of the group.
*************************************
Date: October 19, 2018, 10:00 AM (Z-Day+2)

I was helping others pack up the stuff in the SWAT Van and the SUV that was parked in beach. The famous boardwalk could easily be seen. We were ready to leave. It was a beautiful windy day, but yet we didn't let our guard down. There were a few Infected wondering nearby. Also conveniently laying abandoned on the beach was a Dodge Dakota pick-up truck with the keys intact. "Cool! I always wanted to drive into one of these." Mike added. "Jules, want to hitch?" "Oui." The Frenchman replied.

"Hey Gabrielle, maybe you could try practicing with a few shots of your MP5." Francis said.

"Auh sure." The girl replied. I saw her unsling her submachine gun then aimed at the nearest Infected that was coming to us. I saw Francis assist her in turn on the Aimpoint M68 optic. "Turn this button right there to turn on the laser. You press this to change it to red or green." Pointing the knob, the SWAT officer explained the mechanics of the safe, semi, and full automatic. "I suggest you use semi as you don't waste ammo. Also I would like to point out while this SMG is suppressed, it does not really drown out the sound. The Infected could still hear it."

She then aligned the sight at the nearest approaching creature. As she aimed, however, the recoil sent the shot off-shoot. She tried three more times, the bullets piercing the center mass but not really stopping the Infected. "Damn it, I missed!" Gabrielle muttered. Francis then advised her to aim for the face to give the recoil a compensation. Adjusting her aim, she pulled the trigger as I saw the Infected fall on its tracks as the 9 mm round penetrated its skull. "Wow, she looks so hot packing heat." I thought. This caused Jules and Mike to laugh. "Putain! She looks tougher now." Jules added.

"Nice shot, Gabrielle!" I said as I gave her a pat on the back. "Haha, thanks Gill!"

"Hey let me try with this R4A3." I said. I then aimed the EOTech 551 at the nearest three approaching infected. The first shot only hit the throat. "Damn it!" I said. I then adjusted my aim whereas the 5.56 round penetrated its skull. It fell down dead. I then shot the two other Infected in the head, causing them to fall down dead. Mike also decided to test his Mk. 18 carbine on an approaching Infected. Instead, he double tapped the approaching Infected at the skull.

"I don't feel naked anymore now that we got automatic weapons." Mike added.

"That's good shooting you got there for a first timer but I suggest you conserve your ammo. Also Gillan, didn't you mention yesterday the SIG Sauer P226 is your favorite handgun?" Francis said.

"Well, yes I did." I replied.

"Today is your lucky day." Francis smiled as he handed be a two-tone SIG Sauer P226 with a tactical flashlight and laser sight. My eyes widened in surprise. "Saw that in the glovebox of the SWAT van last night. I didn't even know it was there."

"Oh thank you so much dude!" I said excitingly as if a kid received his favorite toy for Christmas. "Oh God, look at this sexy beast!" I said. Leaning in the Dodge pick up truck, Mile, Jules, and Gabrielle could not help but laugh as me for the way I'm acting right now. "Oh boy, Gillan got his favorite toy." Gabrielle said as she laughed.

It was now time to say goodbye to my two-tone Glock 17 that I looted from the tactical store. I then handed it to Spencer, as he did not have a weapon. "Thank you Glock but you belong to someone else know. You did your purpose." Spencer then accepted it from me. "Well, thanks Gillan. I got to have something to defend myself. I had my baptism of fire yesterday."

"I heard...It must have been horrible." I said. "Welcome to this brave new world, buddy. We got to kill the Infected and the hostile uninfected in order to survive." Spencer could not help but agree. In just three days, the world had changed so much.

A few minutes we then left Huntington Beach in convoy system. Francis and the SWAT van went ahead followed by the SUV driven by Spencer. Angela stayed by his side, as she could never stop thanking him from saving her from those psychos that attempted to rape her. Miguel and Jules were at the inside of the pick-up truck with Miguel on the wheel. As for Gabrielle and I, well we stayed at the back on the outside as we wanted some fresh-air and some catching up to do.

"It is indeed a beautiful day." I said as we cruised the Pacific Highway down to San Diego. "Kinda strange I finally had my moments after so long yet a zombie apocalypse had to happen."

"Well yeah, life is strange is Gill." Gabrielle said. "We just got to enjoy these tiny moments while we are still alive."

Surprisingly, the Pacific Highway was not clogged with cars...yet. There were a few crashed ones, a few that overturned. There were some Infected roaming the highway, but they could not reach us as we drove faster than them. Gabrielle and I continued to talk about life until I then opened the window to request for some music.

"What track do you want bro?" Miguel asked.

"Can you play Bastille's Pompeii? I think it fits for this roadtrip." I replied.

"Yeah, I have it. You are in luck buddy." Mike replied.

"Thanks man!" I said. We kept the window open as Pompeii by Bastille played. Gabrielle then asked how I got an idea to play Pompeii. "I saw your music video you made in the carnival back then in Cebu." I said.



I was left to my own devices
Many days fell away with nothing to show

And the walls kept tumbling down
In the city that we love
Grey clouds roll over the hills
Bringing darkness from above

But if you close your eyes
Does it almost feel like
Nothing changed at all?
And if you close your eyes
Does it almost feel like
You've been here before?
How am I going to be an optimist about this?
How am I going to be an optimist about this?​

​
"Oh that, oh God Gill, I was such as fetus back then haha." Gabrielle said, kinda blushing how I saw that old video she uploaded on YouTube before. "I was still 17."
​
We were caught up and lost in all of our vices
In your pose as the dust settled around us​

"Don't be shy Gabrielle. It's a phase. It's understandable. And you look really cute and squishy that time." I joked, causing her to blush a bit. "You really do have a weird sense of humor Gill. I like it." She smiled as she leaned on my shoulder.
​
And the walls kept tumbling down
In the city that we love
Gray clouds roll over the hills
Bringing darkness from above
​
Yep, another surreal moment. I was on a back of up pick-up truck with the girl I had feelings for and now she's is leaning on my shoulder while Pompeii played on the radio. Definitely a small moment that has a big impact, but moments are all we have in this fight for survival as we drive to the San Diego safe-zone then finally to get out of the hell in the mainland.
​
But if you close your eyes
Does it almost feel like
Nothing changed at all?
And if you close your eyes
Does it almost feel like
You've been here before?
How am I gonna be an optimist about this?
How am I gonna be an optimist about this?

Oh where do we begin?
The rubble or our sins?
Oh oh where do we begin?
The rubble or our sins?

And the walls kept tumbling down (oh where do we begin?)
In the city that we love (the rubble or our sins?)
Gray clouds roll over the hills (oh where do we begin?)
Bringing darkness from above (the rubble or our sins?)

But if you close your eyes
Does it almost feel like
Nothing changed at all?
And if you close your eyes
Does it almost feel like
You've been here before?
How am I gonna be an optimist about this?
How am I gonna be an optimist about this?

If you close your eyes, does it almost feel like nothing changed at all?​

*************
Author's Notes:
Pompeii by Bastille is one of my (Gillan) favorite songs and its setting in Los Angeles or So-Cal fits the mood for a roadtrip.​

Pompeii brings back so road trip vibes.

Nope. Animals are miraculously insusceptible to infection. Animals that eat zombie flesh won't die but animals bitten by zombies simply die.

Some things are just meant to evade logic just like in World War Z on why the zombie virus only kills animals instead of reviving this.

The Solanum Virus is only lethal to animals. No reanimation occurs, thankfully.

Chapter 38: How We Got Here (Part 2: Formality's Sake)



Date: July 22, 2018
Location: Somewhere in Cebu

"You ready for this trip this October?" asked Mike.

"Yeah, was able to convince my parents to make me go. This is my first time traveling abroad without parents. Good thing this is free of charge or else this is a no-go." I replied.

"So it's final you won't return to medicine?"

"More or less. I'm passed that shit. Was supposed to enrol in masters program but this one-month exchange program came. I heard I might have a chance to be pirated. Who knows?" I replied.

"Well you got a new future ahead of you, as well as a new hobby: airsoft." My friend then takes out his JG G-36 airsoft he just bought today.

"Copy that."
**********************************
I did however visit my compatriots on their fun run. I am a very sentimental person, Gabrielle. The place may have made some bad memories for 10 months, but at the same time, I made a lot of friends in those brief 10 months. I could not just "disappear", I wanted to spend time with them too.

Date: August 26, 2018
Location: Area around Cebu Doctor's University
Mandaue City, Cebu, Philippines
13th University Run - CDU Run For Sight 2018 (Part of the Intramurals for this year)

Boy I was back here, as a guest this time. Even though the last year was Hell, I did miss my friends in medicine. Most of them are in second year now, though unfortunately others had to repeat.

Stopping by at the College of Medicine's Super Mario Bros-themed water station, my companions and former student-group discussion members named Kyle and Carmela and I could not help but to appreciate how much effort they placed into decorating this booth. There were medical students portraying as Mario, Luigi, Wario, Princess Peach, and the mushroom assistants.

"Ah the prodigal son has returned." said my friend James Ivan [whom I call Lord Ivan], who was playing as Wario.

"What's up bro. How are you guys Lord Ivan?" I said.

"We are fine." He said. "I miss you bro. I wish you did not leave."

"I was not made for this." I said. A group of runners came past by, accepting the cups of water that was given to them by the attendants of the water station. One of my friends, her name is Karen, was one of the mushroom assistants. Last year, those people use to ship me with her; I just played along for the fun of it.

"Karen, I told you I'd be here." I shouted.

"He kept his promise." One of the attendants said. The others began teasing us.

"Yee, Gillan and Karen." One student said.

"Hey, can you take our picture together." I requested someone to take our pic together. She was holding the letter "M" which stands for medicine. However, her friends were now teasing me that it stands for "married." A funny thing indeed.

"Gillan, Fara is here." Kyle said. Oh crap. I thought. Fara was my first and only crush I had during medical school. She is a very smart girl and she looks younger than me even though she is older by three years.

"Go on man, approach her." Kyle told me. Hey, I was expendable here so I had no reason to fear her. Cautiously, I did approach slowly until we made eye contact.

"Oh hi Fara." I said awkwardly, knowing I messed up somehow.

She smiled back and said: "Oh hey Gill, how are you now?"

"Ehh, resting I guess." I replied trying not to look awkward. However, at this point, everyone in the water station had their eyes on us. Some were even beginning to tease us, noting that we look cute together. Too bad she is taken LOL. One guy even told me jokingly to stop blushing. Then took picture of both of us, stating what they said earlier.

"Hey Gill, don't blush." Said this guy named Jose Miguel. Everyone was just teasing us at this point, albeit in a friendly manner.

We spent around 10 minutes in the water station, filming their Mario-themed act while also filming the reactions of the runners before we bid them farewell to finish the fun run. However, it rained heavily causing us not to finish the run. Later, at breakfast, we would learn to our joy that the College of Medicine won the best water station. Even though I was no longer part of this school, I felt like celebrating among my compatriots.



Photo taken from cebudoctorsuniversity.edu/index.php/medicine/


"Three days later, an unexpected plot twist occurred." I said.

"What was it?" Gabrielle asked.

"Kimberly got laid off from her current work so she had to find a new one. She was sad that got laid off so I wanted to comfort her, even though she had Clyde to comfort her. They weren't together at this time yet so I was not technically disturbing them both. Like I said, it was no longer a question of 'if' but rather 'when.' However, I had to see her just once and I promised to accompany her in obtaining her yearbook. She was not able to claim it yet." I added.

"Oh what took her so long?"

"She had work Monday to Saturday from 10PM - 12MN. That's why we had a hard time meeting each other. The month she met Clyde, that's when her boss eased her schedule. However, we still didn't meet until August 29th. It was semi-unexpected. I met her back in USC that morning where I accompanied her get the yearbook. It was a long walk to the Department of Psychology area but Kimberly and I just talked about life and how both of us were doing right now. Then I invited her to lunch at Topokki Man of which she accepted. I then gave her some green tea chocolate I bought from Japan. As I said though, this was all for formality's sake. I didn't want to disturb both of them. So we had lunch together but that was it..."

Date: August 29, 2018 (11:00 AM)
Location: Philipp Van Engelen Building (Department of Psychology)
University of San Carlos - Talamban Campus
Nasipit, Talamban, Cebu City, Philippines

Kimberly turned the pages of the yearbook for those who graduated in 2017. She was looking at individual photos of the graduates. As he turned by the page of the Department of Biology, I could not help but point out my portrait.

"That's me Kimmy." I said as I laughed. "I was the second to march on stage that day overall."

"You look so good in your portrait." She said with a smile. I know it was genuine.

She then turned the page to the Psychology graduates. A few moments later, she spotted her graduation portrait. She then took a picture of it and posted a story on Instagram. "Wow Kimmy, you're so pretty here and now too with your ash-blonde hair. I like your smile too." I said we slight tease, but I was careful not to say something that would come out as flirtatious. Kimberly was already set to have a relationship with her workmate. We all can see it.

"Why thank you Gillan." She said, smiling. "You're so nice."

We talked for a few minutes, pointing at the portraits of people we both know. We even pointed at the weird person who ran at the stage with a selfie-stick during that graduation ceremony over a year ago. The president of the university walked out in disgust after what the guy did. Both of us agreed he was a crazy SOB that had the guts to ruin a solemn ceremony.

"Hey Kimmy, let's get some lunch in Topokki Man. We've been planning for this for a long time you know." I said.

"Sure." Kimberly replied.

"By the way, here it is." I said as I opened my bag and took out a box of green tea chocolate I bought from Japan last month. I then handed the box to her as she gratefully accepted it. "It's for you. A promise is a promise."

"Oh my! Thank you so much Gillan!" She said as we both walked down.
**********************************
"So you really gave her the matcha?" Gabrielle asked.

"Yeah, one of my last acts before sending her off to her guy. Remember they weren't together at this time, yet. So as we walked down, I decided to pass by the Department of Biology where I spent most, if not all of my college life. She had two courses in zoology here since Psychology required them to take it as a minor. I hate to say it but most of them hated dissecting frogs and [already-dead] cats haha." I said.

"Well, I would not want to as well even thought I came from a science high school." added Gabrielle.

"Going back, I stopped by the Department. I had two friends from 4th Year standing who were there. They saw me with a girl as I walked down the hallway. They wanted to see my yearbook too in addition to who the girl I with. I told Kimberly for a while as I talked to them both. I showed them Kimberly's picture in the yearbook. Funny thing was they immediately searched her name on Facebook and where more than surprised to see her profile picture was clad in a bikini."

"You are one lucky man Gillan." Daniel said as she flashed Kimberly's profile picture to me and his friend Jan.

"No, she can't be mine anymore. She has someone else now dude." I said firmly but lowering my voice as looked over my shoulder. Kimberly was on her phone texting someone.

"By the way, I have a date today with her but this is just a send-off." I said as I let them borrow my yearbook. "Take care of that, her and I have a lunch date today."

Approaching Kimberly, I then apologized if I made her wait. She said it was fine as we then proceeded to have Korean for lunch at Topokki Man.
**********************************
"You finally had your date at long last."

"Yeah we were in Topokki Man. It was where nine months of waiting finally paid off; all for one 'send-off' ceremony." I said.

Date: August 29, 2018 (11:53 AM - 1:20 PM)
Location: Topokki Man Korean Restaurant
Rosedale Suites
Nasipit, Talamban, Cebu City, Philippines

As Kimberly and I sat after placing our orders, I felt like I needed to be firm with was going on today. I had to tell her to reassure I'm not trying to grab her.

"Kimmy, I know you and Clyde have thing together so please listen." I said.

"Him and I are just best friends Gill." She said.

I know the best friend excuse won't work anymore but I didn't want to be angry at her because I was not in the position to force her to like me nor even rob both of their happiness.

"Alright, going back. It's beyond obvious that you too have a fling." I said, laughing at bit. "So I'm no longer gonna disturb you two alright. And please if he asks, tell him we planned this months before you two met at work. As a sign of goodwill, I promise not to upload our pictures of our lunch date today."

"You two were alright eating lunch? Like was it hostile?"

"Nope. Both of us were civil. After telling her the truth about that I would not disturb the both of them anymore, we moved on to talk about other topics such as the memories of college events that occurred from 2013 to 2017 as well as the time both of our groups met that night in Sentral where I knew her and her friends. It was a lucky shot since one of her friends was also a model and a beauty queen. Of course, I took a picture with her friend as well haha." I said. "But as with all good things, it must come to an end. That was the thing I was doing with her as we dined Korean that lunch. It was the closure I wanted."

Kimberly had work that night so after we ate lunch together, I accompanied her get a jeepney. It was a gentleman's duty to do so.

"Hey Kimmy, thanks for today." I said as I embraced her for the first time in our nine months of trying to date each other. At least today was mutual, I thought.

"You too Gillan. Thanks for the matcha!" She said. I then waved her goodbye as she boarded the jeepney. It would be one of the last time I'd see her but at least I was free now.

"And there it ended, we met formally just to end it all. I let her go now. Nothing would disturb her and Clyde now." I said.

"Was the waiting really worth it?" Gabrielle asked.

"I'd say 50-50. My friends already told me to move on but I wanted closure." I replied. "What happened next was when I turned 22 on September 4th. Then my parents celebrated their wedding anniversary in Shangrila Mactan around the third week of September. I think this was the time you went to Siargo Island with your friends. Anyways, it would be a good time for both of us since it was the time I stood up you, Gabrielle." I said.

Gabrielle smiled back. Even in the apocalypse, simple acts of kindness are still appreciated. Even though it happened before Z-Day.

"I'll never forget that Gillan. You are a good person. I'm glad to have met you and the others and now, this motley crew of survivors. They have been like a group of strangers turned family. Speaking of which, I really can't wait to see my family but I'm glad to know they are safe. I miss my younger sister though, I hope she's fine back home."

"If only these were normal times. It seems I've known you more in two days compared to those five months back then. I can say the same thing for you as well." I said, noting the fact how she cared so much for her younger sister as I remembered that night two weeks ago when she made a post on Instagram explaining she was bullied, body shamed, and mocked merely by her appearance. Something that her close friends and I see as the opposite.

TO BE CONTINUED...
**********
Author's Notes:
We will be returning to zombies soon in two more chapters.

Chapter 40: The Fall of Élysée

Date: October,17,2018-Z Day-12:52 AM
Location : Élysée Palace
Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré
Paris, France

President Macron gazed attentively at the black fumes that took their sources from the nearby Avenue des Champs-Elysees. The youngest president in France had to overcome many crises like the increase in taxes on oil, the cost of living more expensive, the Benalla scandal, Brexit, increased migrant riots and rise of far-right groups but compared to the Virus, all that was nothingness.

"Mr. President, we must evacuate. Hostile people are on the move," said an officer of The Security Group for the Presidency of the Republic without emotion.

"And the Defense Council?" Asked the President.

'We have not heard from the Minister of Defense. Her convoy would have been submerged 20 minutes ago, near the Hotêl de Brienne. "

"My God ... is it so bad?"

"Yes, we do not have any contact with the units of the 5th Dragons Regiment deployed Porte de Montreuil. We think that the city is lost to the Infected" answered in a serious tone the Chief of Staff François Lecointre, the hero of the Battle of Vrbanja.

"I know what it means to us, but we can not afford to lose so many men to take back the city."

"For the first time since 1940, we have to leave Paris but to go where?"

"According to the DGSE and our ambassadors, the English are on the brink of losing London and the Germans cling with their teeth in Hamburg and Frankfurt."
Announces Edouard Philippe, the Prime Minister.

"We have structures that will allow us to ensure the continuity of power, I think the most prudent choice was to evacuate you to the Versailles Emergency Command Post."

How ironic. The President thought. Most of his opponents accused him of being an almost royal figure, disconcerted from the people and his expectations and now he had to take refuge in the former palace of the Kings of France.

"Mr. Chief of Staff, will our army bear the shock?"

"The army will do its duty but we can not ask for such a sacrifice. The Air Force has been running sorties and supply drops but this is expected to cease once the bases are overrun or fuel runs out. Our navy is in better shape. The Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier has left port is securing Corsica, which has not reported infection yet. All of a our troops deployed overseas have been recalled home however we cannot determine when they will arrive due to fighting the Infected in the areas they are deployed or the lack of transport to return home."

Macron turned his head as the sound of the gunshots approached dangerously, the smoke from the Champs Elysees grew louder.

"Well gentlemen, my decision is made. We must abandon Paris, the time to restructure our forces, combined lives will lose us."

"Estimates provided by the Ministry of Health an hour ago, report a loss rate of 45 to 55 percent among civilians and 25 to 30 among military personnel and police."

The protection service officer interrupted the discussion without the slightest respect for the protocol.

"We have to go, a GIGN team is waiting for us on the roof, a Helicopter Caracal is waiting for us..."

President Macron knew what his counterpart Paul Reynaud had felt when he declared Paris Ville Overte and left the capital for Bordeaux in June 1940, a feeling of betrayal and guilt. They had elected by the French and here is now he was abandoning them. This sensation was felt as the caracal flew over the Champs Élysées covered with smoke and vehicles. Since the helicopter flew above the famous avenue where the Nazis marched as Paris fell to Hitler's war machine, the President could see hundreds of human silhouettes advanced slowly but inexorably towards the Arc de Triomphe where a rough barricade was defended by dozens of policemen, firemen, soldiers and civilians backed by tanks, armored personnel carriers, and any vehicle they could muster to fight the decaying hordes...Paris was definitely lost.

What will soon be called the Battle of the Champs Elysees or, more rarely, the Battle of the 8th arrondissement will result in the death of 10,000 people and the definitive fall of Paris. Images of the Eiffel tower wrapped in smoke or the arc of Triumph partially destroyed by an anti-tank rocket will tour the world for ages to come.
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"French anti-riots police is enduring heavy causalites after scenes of mass-violence and murders in the Paris Street"
- FOX News.



"Black smoke near the Eiffel Tower as battle between Security Forces and Infected is raging on" BBC.

"Paris in Chaos, Heavy causlaties among Police and Army units. Developing"
- CNN International