Before the Dawn of July

Chapter 1: The Nightmares of July

I was lying on a bed surrounded by blinding lights. 

"Ms. Evans, are you ready?"  I heard Emily asks just beside me.

"I am not... but I'm still going." I said firmly.

"Goodbye, Scarlette! We are hoping you the best!" As she said that, some kind of engine started and the capsule I was in started shaking non-stop until I banged my head and lose consciousness. Everything flashbacked. How the beautiful dawn in the first of July turned into our greatest nightmare. 

*70 Days Ago*

"Happy Birthday, Scarlette!" I was very happy and overwhelmed by the surprise party my mom, my dad and my friends prepared for me. 

It was 5 am in the morning and everyone is already in our house, ready to have a whole day party today. There were cakes, my favorite foods, party poppers, and gifts around while everyone's giving me hugs and greeting me happy birthday. It is my 19th birthday but like every year, they never fail to make this day special. 

"Where's Dad? I haven't seen him yet." I asked mom while looking around hoping to see him.

"Uhm... Honey, his boss called at 4 am and well, he has to go. But he left you a---" a cut her off, not wanting to hear any more of it. 

"Its alright. I'm used to it." I smiled bitterly. 

Dad is always away, no matter what the occasion is. I mean, I understand that he values his job, but he rarely have time for our family anymore. 

"Come on, guys. To the pool?" I asked my friend trying to sound enthusiastic. We all went to the pool and partied there. 

Everything was going fine until when my dad suddenly showed up after a few hours looking bothered. 

"Dad, you're early," I greeted which he only ignored. 

"Everyone go home." He suddenly announced which astonished everyone.

"Wait, what?" I was about to protest when he cut me off.

"I don't have time for this, Scarlette." I was taken aback and was supposed to speak up again.

"ALL OF YOU GET OUT." I almost jumped up when he suddenly shouted.

"Dad! You are scaring my friends! What is wrong with you?" 

"Antonio, calm down! What is happening?" Mom approached him and patted him on the back to calm him down.

"Please, Scarlette! Ask your friends to go home for today." He said to me with a calmer voice.

"But dad, its my---"

"Please." He looked at me like the world depends on it.

I sighed in defeat before looking at my friends with an apologetic look." I'm so sorry everyone but please go home for today." 

They all  nodded at me, took their clothes and stuff and headed out of the house. 

As soon as the last person left, my dad frantically got up his chair. "Packed up your valuable things, clothes, foods, and other necessities." 

"Why do we have to pack up? Are we leaving?" Mom was just as confused as I am.

"Yes! We are leaving! No more questions! Go!" He pushed us upstairs and we had no choice but to do what he asked us.

I took my backpack put a few clothes on it, took a flashlight, first aid kit, a water bottle and few of my favorite snacks. Well he said "important things" so I think these are it? I also changed into jeans and shirt. I tied my hair and out on lip balm. 

I went downstairs and saw my mom as pale as snow, looking like she froze on her position because of whatever my dad told her.

"Mind sharing what you two are talking about?" They both looked at me worriedly.

"We have to hurry!" My mom pulled me hurriedly and we went straight to the car. My dad drove as fast as he could not minding any traffic rules.

"Now tell me what the hell is happening? And dad, slow down, will you?" 

"We don't have time." They both answered in unison.

"Enlighten me. Why exactly is that?" 

They looked at each other, then at me, then at each other...

"Oh come on! I deserve to know why you pulled that stunt in front of my friends and ruin my birthday party! Spill it!" I lost my chill at this point and they both sighed in defeat. "I'm waiting...." I added as I cross my legs and arms at them.

"We received an intel today that something unfortunate happened at a laboratory in North Carolina. A virus we've been studying for years was mishandled." 

My dad is a biologist but for what his work is or where he works at... I don't know. Classified information.

"That sounds bad... please continue." I said nonchalantly, not knowing how serious the situation is.

"We've tested the virus to different lab animals but we've never tested it to human that is why we don't know its effects to human until today."

"What? Someone got the virus?" I couldn't believe it that's so stupid. "And? What are its effects?"

They both looked at each other again hesitating whether to tell me or not.

"You've said as much as that already, do the honor and do tell me everything please." I said sarcastically.

"It is a rabies virus that causes a zombie-like symptoms to anyone infected. I heard it makes the infected person hallucinate and start getting aggressive and losing rationality in a few minutes at the very least."

"Wait! Wait! Wait! Stop there. What did you say? Is this a joke? Zombies??? Are we fleeing because there will be an apocalypse or something? HAHAHAHAH" 

"Yes... An apocalypse WILL happen!" He looked at me in the eyes dead serious.

"No way..." I muttered trying to absorb the information I was told.

My phone rang and it was from David, my best friend from... North Carolina... Oh my gosh! I immediately answered it. 

"David! Are you alright?" I asked immediately in a panic. 

"Scarlette! Something's happening over here. People-- they're like... like... Zombies. They are biting everyone they see and everyone's becoming the same in just minutes. I-- mom and dad they-- they got bitten!" I heard him sobbing from the other end of the line. 

My heart is getting torn into pieces everytime I hear his sobs. 

"Are-- Are you alright? Where are you?" I asked holding back my tears and stopping my voice from cracking. 

"Basement. I got in here just in time. I--"

"David! David!! Damn!" I tossed my phone beside me and covered my face as I cry.

"Honey--"

"We have to save him. Dad! Mom! Please!"

"We can't! North Carolina is in chaos. If we go there, we'll die." Dad said as he firmly holds the steering wheel. "I want to help him. He's like a family to us. But you and your mom are my priorities." 

I started crying like a child. I hugged my knees as I cry thinking of David.