What Is Home

PHOENIX My life wasn't perfect before the outbreak but damn it was decent. I finally graduated college and I was the graphic designer for a game that had launched. The game wasn't super popular but it was enough for us to live and maybe buy something nice once in a while. My family didn't approve of it but they didn't pay for the college I went to. (I got a scholarship) They told me it was a waste of time. Anyway, everything was as well as it could be and it all got ruined by this big event my friend Scarlett was begging me to go to. It was for this hotshot Alvin Eclair's birthday. He was one of the founders for one of the biggest medicine companies. Scarlett wanted to go 'for the experience' whatever that means. Personally I think she wants to show off because her ex-friends were making fun of her because she wasn't rich. So I went because I felt like she deserved it. At the time I didn't know it would be the worst decision I've ever made. Let me tell you what happened that day..... * Four Months Ago * " Scar, do I really have to go?, " I say, pouting. " Yes I can't go by myself, that would be weird, " she says, folding her arms. " What about Mia, " I say. " She can't go, she's sick and you already said yes like last month, " she says. I would call her lucky but being sick sucks. I don't do that well with people though. Even at my job I only have like one friend. " I know I know I'll go, " I say annoyed. " Great, now you have an outfit right? We have to leave soon because it's going to be kinda a long drive," she says with a smile on her face. " Yeah I have a suit right there, " I say as I point towards my suit. " Oooooo that looks nice. Welp time to get ready, " she says. Me and her both get ready then head out to the car. It takes us about 45 mins to get there and sadly about 15 to freaking park. Once we get out of the car I whisper, " This better be worth it, " I say. She winks, " It will be just look, " she says. As we walk in I'm just flabbergasted it looks so good. To describe it would be a red ballroom that's the size of like a football field. Chandelier(s) on the ceiling, dumb big tables with beautiful table cloths, even the floor was pretty. Nevermind I was wrong, this is definitely worth it. I lean and whisper to her, " You're right it is, " I say. She nods as we get to our assigned table. When we sit down Alvin Eclair goes up on the stage and starts talking. "Good evening everyone. I hope you all have fun tonight. Before you go ahead and mingle I would just like to thank everyone for coming tonight. This is celebrating not just for me but for everyone. The celebration of my accomplishments that have saved people's lives, " he laughs, "Anyways have fun, drink, and eat to your heart's content it's all on me, " he said while everyone cheered or clapped. Scarlett and I enjoyed the night and she dared me to try the drinks. We had a couple of glasses and ate some of the delicious food. A couple hours into the party though people started acting crazy. Everyone started biting and scratching each other, and Mr.Eclair and other people started leaving. (Including us) As Scarlett and I were about to leave I pushed her outside so she wouldn't get scratched. In doing so though I got scratched by this crazy looking person. It didn't matter anyways. We got the hell out of there and drove home. I showed Scarlett the mark, and she was surprised I didn't go all crazy like everyone else. The next day on the news though we heard most of the people died. " Wait a minute but you didn't die or need to go to the hospital," Scar says, confused. " I know but you gotta be careful I could infect you too, " I say before I sigh. " You haven't done anything, but they said someone that was on the inside probably spiked the drinks or the food," she replies. " Yea but have you seen the pictures? People were trying to eat each other's brains before they died," I say as I pace around the room. " I'm sure it'll be fine Pho-, " Scar says before she gets cut off by a knock on the door. I go, open the door and they just walk in. I close the door behind them. " Hello I'm Sage Fin and this is my partner Kaiden Evergarden. Are you two Phoenix Thorne and Scarlett Bloom?, " the lady says. " Yes we are, " Scarlett replied. " Were either of you scratched during the event you attended yesterday ?, " Sage asked. " I was scratched," I said and then showed them my arm. " Have you had any symptoms? Dare I say, have you felt hungry to eat brains?, " the Kaiden guy asked. " No, I haven't felt any symptoms. I went to sleep fine and I haven't eaten since yesterday, " I replied. Both of them seemed shocked and confused. They went to make a call to their boss I guess, and I think I was supposed to have some symptoms. I feel like the same old same old though. " Phoenix we need to get you checked out somewhere so for further notice you're going to come with us. We don't exactly know if it's going to be safe for you to be with your friend Scarlett, " Kaiden informed us. " Whoa whoa where are you taking him? Also how do we know that you two aren't bad people," she replied as she looked annoyed. They pulled out their badges and showed those organization tablets. They only had certain info on it. You couldn't watch youtube and s**t on it. Scarlett backed off after that but she still didn't exactly get why I had to go. Sage explained that I was only one out of the survivors from the different parties that didn't have immediate symptoms the next day. " You'll need to pack for at least two weeks, and we have a room set up for you. You will be taking tests 6 times in the next two weeks. So I suggest we leave now, and Ms.Bloom since you haven't been infected you will just continue normal life as everyone else is, " Kaiden said. Scarlett nodded and we said our goodbyes. We left to my place and they waited downstairs for me to finish packing. Wow I'm really leaving. I wonder what is going to happen next for me. I pack all the clothes, shoes, and products I need. I feel as though I might not be there for two weeks. So I grab my charger plus my keys and take a once over of my apartment. I lock the door and head downstairs to the car. It was a big black suv which isn't surprising. I get settled in and we drive off heading wherever.