Infection: Dying Days - Volume 1 Chapter 38 Take Me Out To The Ball Game

Thirty minutes after Big Sis left the gym.

“Hey! They made it! My friend called me and said that they made it!”

Yes! Now it’s our turn!”

The call of them finally reaching the bus garage has been made. Causing everyone in the gym to be filled with excitement.

Except for me.

“Ah, sh*t! I’m starting to sweat again!”

Right now, I’m alone in the boy’s locker room walking in circles nonstop.

The moment I heard that Big Sis and the rest safely made it, I rushed here. I feel as if a huge weight is suddenly pressing down on my shoulders.

I mean, I’m responsible for 27 people! 27 people’s lives are in my hands! If I slip up out there, they could all die!

The weight of such responsibility to f*cking heavy!

“…I think Imma be sick!”

Feeling the urge to vomit, I rush to a sink.

“Ugh!”

Trying my best to as silent as I can, I vomited into it. I can’t let nobody see me like this, not David, not Sara, not nobody!

Why? Because if someone were to see me like this they’ll think I’m not confident in leading them, which will lead to everyone losing faith in me and in the plan.

I can’t let that happen.

Remembering the line my dad when he was in times of extreme stress.

‘To be a soldier you must maintain composure at ease. Though life is complicated, it’s only what you make it to be’ *

…Yeah, I know. It came from Tupac. Before dad died, I wanted to call him out on it numerous times but seeing how proud he was when he said it, I couldn’t.

It would’ve crushed my old man’s pride if I blatantly said ‘you got that from one of Tupac’s songs so stop acting so smug’ wouldn’t it? Even more so when it came from a nine year old.

“…Let’s get this show on the road.”

A few minutes after throwing up. I compose myself, clean the sink and leave the boy’s locker room.

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Gathered around the bottom of the stairs leading to the second gym floor was everyone within the gym.

We were ready to leave and get to the buses as soon as possible.

“He’s sweating a lot.”

“He’s nervous.”

David and I said in unison after seeing Desmond walking our way. Although, he had on his blazer, if you looked hard enough at his collar, you could see the sweat around it.

I would go tell him about it but I’ll abide by what he said in Mr. Cole’s office.

Desmond walked to the bottom step of the stairs, placing him in front of everyone.

“Is everyone ready?”

He asked in a raised voice with his eyes scanning the groups.

“I’m ready!”

“Me too!”

“Let’s get the f*ck out of here!”

A few of the students said in excitement.

Seeing how pumped we are, Desmond gives a nod of approval before changing his expression to a somber one.

“Good. That’s good. Because once you leave here don’t expect everything to go back to the way it was. Those days are over now!”

“…”

The whole gym became quiet. Diamond’s words caused a heavy atmosphere to appear.

Not caring whatsoever about it, he continued.

“Some of you may not like me but I’m just warning you on what’s to come. Outside the school and most likely much of the city, there’s infected walking around. They’re in the streets, the stores, in houses, they’re everywhere. Basically just think ‘wherever there are humans, there are infected’ Alright?”

Desmond then pauses, letting his words sink in. Thinking about it clearly, his words make perfect sense. Look at our school, if it became like this in a day then think about how it’ll be out there in the city.

Thinking about fills me with fear. Is mom and dad safe? What if they got bit!

“?!”

Suddenly, I felt my right hand getting softly but strongly squeezed. Knowing who it was, I turn and slightly lift my head towards David.

With a reassuring smile he says to me.

“It’s alright Sara. Whatever your thinking won’t come true. I promise.”

“Mn.”

Hearing his sincere and determined declaration, a small and sweet smile appears on my face as I squeezed his hand in return.

I love this man.

“With that said, I have one more piece of advice for you guys. Especially for you dumbasses out there, when we leave don’t wander off on your own. If you see something out of place ignore it and keep moving. We can’t risk triggering a flag. Any questions?”

“…”

“Great. Now go grab your baseball bats, javelin or whatever you got and let’s go. We only got a few hours before sundown.”

After glancing at the slowly falling sun, Desmond finishes what he was saying and removed himself from the front of the crowd. I couldn’t see where he went due to the number of people blocking my sight.

“Let’s go get our weapons.”

“Kay.”

With the urging of David, I, while still holding his hand went back to our cots.

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“Did I perhaps come off a little too strong? Nah, they’re big boys and girls, I’m sure they can take it. Anyways, phew, I’m glad that’s over. If I stood there any longer I might’ve sweated a puddle.”

I mumbled to myself as I walked back to the table Andy and I was playing poker at to grab the bat I left. It was a hassle to carry it everywhere I went so I propped it beside me on the table while I played.

After grabbing the bat, for some reason or another

“Take me out to the ball game~”

I started singing the baseball classic ‘Take Me Out To The Ball Game’. I don’t know why but it seems fitting.

Is it because I’m excited or is it me subconsciously trying to ease my nervousness and fear?

Well, one thing’s for sure though, in a couple of minutes, I’m gon’ be cracking some heads!

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Notes

*For those of you who don’t listen to hip hop/rap, it’s from Tupac’s ‘Ambitionz Az A Ridah’.A very good song in my opinion.

Author’s Note

Which reminds me of how great 90’s music was. Who did you know have rainbow colored hair or outrageous face tattoos back then, huh?

Exactly, no one.