Middle of Nowhere (SWBR)

“Middle of Nowhere” is the first episode of the first season of Survivors We Become. It is also the series premiere.

Synopsis
A senior class on their end of the year trip face issues along the way.

Plot
The sun beams in the cloudless sky on a few students with backpacks as they run towards the gates leading into Crestview high school’s courtyard, where three different buildings stand adjacent to one another. Inside the center building, classes continue.

In one classroom, teacher Connor Greer sits at his desk while his students tap away at their phones or talk to one another. A light tapping on the door catches Connor’s attention and he turns to see fellow teacher Rebecca Armstrong peering in through the window. She motions him to come outside.

Connor pushes his chair out and stands. “I’ll be right back.” He announces to the careless students before walking to the door.

In the far corner of the room, a girl with short brown hair watches as he leaves, seeing Rebecca outside. She gasps and turns to her two friends, Spencer and Alex. “Oh my gosh, did you see that?”

“Didn’t see, don’t care.” Alex grumbles carelessly without looking up from the scribbles on his paper.

“Greer’s going to see Armstrong.” Willa chuckles, glancing at the door again. “I bet twenty bucks they’re gonna sneak off at some time this weekend.”

“I don’t think you need to bet on that.” Spencer sits with his head leaning against a propped up arm, slouched on the table with a grimace. “Besides, isn’t this trip practically famous for literally everyone hooking up at the camp?”

The brunette shrugs a shoulder, lifting her phone to squint at a photo before scrolling through a page. “I mean, yeah. Every year you hear stories from the seniors. I wouldn’t doubt it.”

She glances around the classroom before smirking, nodding to a group of kids gathered in the front row. They’re talking over everyone else, chuckling and snapping pictures on their phone. “Mitch Harris, for example. He will probably screw Robin in every spot they can think of. Or, you know, he’ll do whoever’s available when she leaves him with blue balls like usual.”

Spencer gapes at her, shushing her. “Will, someone will hear you!”

Willa rolls her eyes, glancing towards Mitch again with a raised brow. “Pfft. Whatever. Everyone’s thinking it.” She leans towards her friends, raising her phone to show Spencer a picture of a fellow student. “Speaking of hook ups, what do you guys think of Rick Miller? He’s pretty cute, right?”

“I think you need some girlfriends to talk about this with.” Spencer replies with a scoff.

Willa lowers her phone with disgust. “Oh cut the toxic masculinity. You can say a guy is attractive and not be gay, Spencer.”

Alex snorts from between them. “Lies.”

The response makes the girl give a not-so-subtle eye roll before glaring at him. However, her expression shifts as she sees what Alex is drawing. “What the hell?”

Spencer takes notice, too. He sees the drawing, grimacing at the sight as he straightens his posture to get a better look. It’s a messy doodle of two boys. One lays down in a pool of blood with a knife in his back, Xs crossing out his eyes with his tongue sticking out. The other stands over him with an evil grin, razor sharp teeth filling his open mouth.

Willa raises an eyebrow at the image before raising her gaze to Alex. “Ah, sunshine and rainbows, I see.”

“It’s based off the dream I had last night. The images have been stuck in my head and I thought I’d draw them out.” Alex motions to his head before tapping a finger against his temple.

“What’d you dream of?” Spencer asks with slight concern.

The light haired boy stops moving his pencil and turns his head, a sneer appearing on his face. The look makes Spencer flinch. “It was about you stabbing me in the back and then leaving me to die.”

Willa instantly widens her eyes and glances at Spencer. His face flushes and he raises a hand to his lips, chewing at one of his nails. He looks down at the image, staring at the boy with razor teeth.

The image of him.

Meanwhile in the hallway, Rebecca leans against the lockers and looks up at the ceiling. She has a smile on her face as she turns to Connor. He stares back with a smirk. “I’m really excited.” She lifts her shoulders with a chuckle.

“I am, too. You’ll love the camp. I can’t wait to show you around.” Connor agrees before sighing. “Unless Nate decides we can’t go.”

The blonde turns to him. “What? Why would Pratt say we couldn’t? It’s not because of the cough going around, is it?”

Connor nods, crossing his arms. “Honestly, I wouldn’t worry about it. My mom’s taking care of it. She’ll make sure we go no matter what he says.”

“Classic Cathy.” Becca chuckles. She shrugs her shoulders. “It’s just a little cough going around. We shouldn’t worry so much.”

“He’s only worried because there’s a lot of underclassmen that were out today.” Connor tells her.

Rebecca scoffs. “They’re probably just jealous they have to go through an entire school day.”

“Yeah, exactly.” Connor chuckles. He lifts his arm to look at his wrist watch, a smile curving on his lips. “Just gotta get through lunch and we’re off for the weekend.”

Becca grins, starting to walk backwards. “Well I’m gonna get going. Make sure my bag is all set.”

“Alright. You’re on bus two, right?”

She nods with a flirtatious smirk, twirling her finger through her hair. “Same as you. I’ll see ya later.” She turns around and Connor watches her walk down the hallway for a moment, still smirking as he turns to go back into the classroom.

Inside the bathroom by the football field, two teenagers press themselves against a stall. The blonde has her back against the blue wall, lifted off the ground by the brown haired boy. Her legs are around his waist, her arms over his shoulders.

The girl grunts into their kiss and pulls back suddenly, the boy then goes to kiss her neck. “C’mon, we’re just getting started.” His voice is slightly muffled.

“Don’t you think we should wait?” Robin breathes. “Until we get to the camp, I mean.”

“But baby, I’m ready now.” Mitch moans before kissing her lips again.

She reaches a hand to his forehead, pushing his face from hers, visibly disappointing him. She drops herself to the ground. “C’mon, I actually want to go to lunch today. We have a long ride ahead of us, I don’t plan on being hungry halfway there.”

Mitch gapes at her. He fumbles on his words and glances down to his jeans before giving her pleading eyes. “But… I’m… baby, just real quick, please?”

Robin stands on her toes and pecks his lips again before slipping out of his grip. She exits the stall, glancing back as she adjusts her butterfly print shirt. “I’ll make it up to you.”

He lets his head fall back and lets out an aggravated growl, following her out as he reaches to adjust himself.

Robin pushes the door open and leads Mitch to the track beside the football field. The two begin walking towards the gym when they hear a loud, booming voice. “Harris!”

Mitch freezes and clenches his eyes shut. “God damn it.”

The couple turn to see an African American man storming towards them. He wears blue track pants and a grey shirt, a whistle around his neck and a cap on his head. Mike Danvers, the coach of the basketball team.

Mike approaches them quickly, looking between them. “I believe you two are supposed to be in the cafeteria, not screwing around in the bathroom.”

His coach towers over him, making Mitch go wide eyed. “Yes, sir. We were heading there right now.”

Mike keeps a scowl on him, silence falling over them for a few moments. Mitch blinks nervously, opening his mouth to speak again.

“Then get going!” Mike suddenly shouts, startling him.

Robin grabs her boyfriend’s hand and tugs him, laughing as she pulls him away. “Come on!”

Mitch is dragged away. The couple pass an older woman in a floral shirt who turns to watch them run off. She then looks to her colleague and chuckles as they approach one another, Mike shaking his head with an irritated growl. “What was that about?”

“I saw them coming out of the bathroom together. You know, if it were up to me, they wouldn’t be allowed on the trip today.” Mike shakes his head. “Speaking of, what did Nate say?”

Cathy smiles. “You know me, Mike. I don’t give up.”

“That you don’t.” Mike nods with a chuckle.

Cathy turns back to see if Mitch and Robin are in sight, noticing they’re gone by this point. She looks to him again. “Just let the kids have their fun this weekend.”

“I don’t need their fun to end in teenage pregnancy.” Mike crosses his arms.

She pauses, nodding. “Okay, obviously stop that if you must. But don’t be such a hard ass. This is their last bit of freedom before they’re in the real world. Let them enjoy themselves.”

“Whatever. I’m just glad I won’t have to deal with high schoolers after this batch is gone.” Mike says with a smug grin.

Cathy suddenly frowns. Her hands meet one another, one squeezing the other. “So you’re taking the job then.”

The disappointment is clear on her face. His smile drops as he sees and he steps forward. “Oh, come now, Cathy. Don’t make me feel bad about it.”

“I’m not trying to, it’s just… we’ve taught together for years. I know this is gonna be a good gig for you but it’s still hard for me.” Cathy shakes her head, looking out to the field.

Mike stares at her, the two falling into silence as she avoids eye contact with him. Hearing large vehicles approaching in the distance, he changes the subject. “Sounds like the buses are here.” He beckons her to follow as he walks past her, her attention turning back to him. “Let’s get ourselves ready for a great weekend.”

Cathy follows. “You can say the word fun, you know, I don’t think your head will explode.”

He shakes his head. “I doubt it!”

Robin continues leading Mitch away until they reach the courtyard, stopping to fall back against the gym building. She’s laughing hysterically while Mitch glances back, softly chuckling as they look to each other.

“Oh, my God, Danvers looked like he was gonna crush you.” Robin wheezes.

“See, I knew we shouldn’t have left!” Mitch teases, earning a light hit on the shoulder.

“I told you, I’ll make it up to you.” She reminds him, earning a disbelieving hum from Mitch. She reaches her arms to his hips and pulls him close. “In fact, I bought a bathing suit for the weekend. I was thinking I could perhaps model it for you by the lake tonight? When we’re alone.”

Mitch grins, leaning his face closer to hers. “Hm, I like the sound of that.” He mumbles before attempting to kiss her. She suddenly turns her head with a gasp. He kisses her cheek and she pulls away from him, rounding the corner of the building.

“Do you hear that?”

The sounds of a guitar playing is heard, Robin growing curious as he groans behind her with disappointment, rolling his eyes. “What?”

She steps away, poking her head out to look into the courtyard. She spots two teenagers seated on a bench in the grass. Immediately recognizing them, Robin turns her head in excitement. “It’s the hippies!”

This earns Mitch’s attention. Robin and Mitch walk out from behind the building, walking towards the singing duo.

The brown haired boy known as Billie plays the guitar, strumming a riff while tapping his foot to the beat while the blonde girl beside him sits cross legged. She sings the lyrics to “Edge of Seventeen” by Stevie Nicks.

Both are dressed in loose fitting clothes. Billie wears a flannel over a tie dyed shirt with an alien head on it while Stevie has a black shawl over her shoulders.

Robin and Mitch approach the two, who both glance with friendly smiles as Stevie finishes up the chorus.

Billie grins at his friend as Robin claps. “Amazing, as usual!”

“Thank you, Robin, that’s sweet of you.” Stevie says with a grin. “Billie and I thought we’d sing some Stevie Nicks to keep our moods up before the trip.”

“Oh, Stevie Nicks, is he any good?” Mitch asks.

The duo instantly frown at him, Stevie’s eyes widening as if Mitch had just stabbed her mother. After an awkward silence, Mitch scratches the back of his head. “That uh, that was a joke. I know who she is.”

Billie snickers. “For your sake, I’d hope so.”

“Are you guys excited for camp?” Robin asks with glee.

“Absolutely! We’re hoping to write a song or two while we’re there.” Billie says.

“You two being there will make the trip so much better! It’ll be like a concert every night!” Robin exclaims.

Mitch nods before smirking at Billie. “Same, I saw the video you posted on Instagram last night. Honestly man, I can’t wait for you the world to know your name one day.”

“Thank you much.” Billie beams, Stevie glancing at him.

“You guys are on bus two, right?” Stevie nods to Robin, who softly claps her hands together. “Yay! We are, too!”

Robin then nudges Mitch, taking his hand and starting to lead him away. “Okay, we won’t bother you anymore. We’re going to get some lunch. See you guys on the bus!”

“See ya!” Mitch waves as he is pulled off by his girlfriend, leaving the two hippies to watch them go. Billie waves and Stevie holds up a peace sign.

The blonde begins to laugh, turning to Billie. “''Oh, thanks, Mitch. But to be honest, the only person I want to hear say my name is you.''” She mocks in a deeper register.

With a roll of his eyes, he pulls his guitar case closer and places the instrument in. “Watch it, Stephanie. I’d hate to have to hit you with Bessie.”

“Baby, you wouldn’t dare. You love me and your guitar too much.” Stevie stands up and glances down at her friend as he locks the case. “Really though, you were well behaved in front of him.”

“Because I don’t have feelings for him.” Billie rolls his eyes, standing with his guitar case in hand. He sits up and holds up a finger. “Not anymore, that is.”

“Suuure.” Stevie nods slowly with a roll of her eyes. The duo begin to walk through the grass. “Anyway, how’re we gonna get through this bus ride? I don’t know if I can handle some of these people’s energy.”

Billie smirks, reaching into his pocket to pull out a lighter. “I always come prepared. Come on, the shed by the teacher’s parking lot should be clear.”

“Yeah, unless Lin and Griggs are fucking in there like they usually are.” Stevie forces a gag. The two chuckle as they hurry along.

In the middle of the hallway, Spencer, Alex and Willa sit side by side against the wall. Alex tosses an empty bag of chips to the ground before reaching into his bag to grab another, tearing it open. Spencer and Willa both glance quickly at it, Willa giving Alex side eye as he wolfs down the chips.

Alex suddenly stands up. “I’m going to the bathroom.” He crumbles up the remaining chips, keeping the bag in his hand as he leaves.

Willa watches him go, sliding herself to sit beside Spencer before she holds out a baggie of apple slices. “You can have the rest.”

Spencer smiles, taking it slowly from her. “Thanks.” He mumbles as he eats one.

She smiles back with a nod before sitting back.

“Why do you even hang out with us?” Spencer suddenly asks. She glances at him with confusion. “You’re friends with people like Amber Nickols or like the Crane sisters, yet you hang out with Alex and I.”

Willa frowns at him. “Well quite frankly, I don’t want to know what would happen if the only person you spoke to was Alex.”

“What do you mean? Alex is our friend—“

“No he isn’t.” Willa snaps, whispering harshly. “He’s not my friend and he isn’t yours either. Listen, Spencer. The first chance you get, you need to go. Get away from him. Cut him from your life, because you deserve better than him.”

“I can’t get better, though. You see the way people treat me. That isn’t ever going to change.” Spencer tells her.

Willa shrugs. “You don’t know that. Look, maybe you just haven’t met the right people yet.” She leans back again. “When I was a loner back in middle school, my mom used to tell me I just haven’t found my tribe yet. But when you find them, you know.”

“And how’s that hunt going?” Spencer asks with a roll of his eyes.

Willa smiles, turning to him. “Well, I know I’ve found at least one member of mine.” Spencer can’t hide a grin as she loops her arm around his and lays her head against his shoulder. “I love ya.”

“Love you, too.”

The moment is quickly interrupted. “Willa, you’re barking up the wrong tree. Spence doesn’t like girls.” The two glance to see Alex returning. “If he did, he’d get a girlfriend.”

“Oh yeah? What’s your excuse for not having one?” Willa raises an eyebrow at him.

“Ugh, whatever. Move.” He says, sitting between them. Willa slides away, snorting with a roll of her eyes. “I wish lunch would end so we can fucking go.”

Two buses sit in the bus loop while the senior class gathers on the sidewalk. Everyone is talking to their friends while Mike helps students pack their things in the compartment under the bus.

Spencer, Alex and Willa walked side by side towards the crowd. Willa glances over to a couple arguing with each other.

The girl with dark curled hair Andrea looks at her boyfriend Tyrell with disbelief. He sighs, shaking his head. “How can I know you’re being truthful about that?”

“I was working late, Ty. I texted you before I went in!” Andrea argues. She rolls her eyes and starts walking away. “What fucking ever, I’ll see you at the camp.”

Willa widens her eyes as she turns her attention away. She glances at her friends. “That’s awkward. I can’t stand couples that argue in front of everyone.”

Alex shrugs. “I mean, isn’t Andrea Krew one of the biggest bitches in Crestview?” He notices a surprised glance from Willa. “Don’t give me that look. It’s everyone else’s words, too.”

The three approach the lines and Willa sighs. She turns to the boys. “Well, I guess this is it then.”

Alex smiles. “We’ll see you at the camp. No big deal.” He glances over her shoulder and nods to someone. “Besides, it looks like Rick Miller is on your bus.”

Willa glances behind her and spots the red haired jock approaching the line for the first bus. She turns to her friends one last time, a wide grin on her face. “I wonder if he has anyone to sit with yet. I’ll update you guys.” She then glances at Spencer before leaving the duo. “Text me if you need me.”

Alex and Spencer wave to her, both saying bye as she leaves. They walk towards the line themselves, Alex glancing at Spencer. “Hey, are you okay? You’ve been quiet since you saw the drawing.”

The black haired boy shrugs. “I don’t know. I just… you don’t think I’d stab you in the back, would you?”

“No, of course not.” Alex says softly. He reaches a hand to Spencer’s shoulder, giving it a rough squeeze. “You’re smart enough to know not to do that.”

Elsewhere, Mitch and Robin are with a couple other students, Zac Coriander and Libby Marshall, when a brown haired girl approaches with her backpack. She digs through with one hand and drags a suitcase with the other before looking to Libby.

“I think I forgot my mirror. Do you think they’ll have some at the camp?” Ashleigh says to Libby.

Libby shrugs. “You can use mine if they don’t.”

“I wouldn’t do that, Libby. It might shatter.” Mitch teases, earning a glare from his step-sister.

Ignoring him, she looks to Libby again. “Thanks, Lib.”

As the girl starts walking towards the bus, Mitch follows before he steps in her way. She raises an eyebrow, seemingly annoyed. “If you’re gonna be nice to my friends, you could be nice to me, too.”

The girl raises her eyebrows. “Oh forgive me, someone kept me up all night.”

Mitch licks his lips, sighing. “I tried to get him to stop, Ash. He never listens to me.”

Ashleigh looks pissed off. “Yeah? Well he doesn’t even look at me, Mitch. Get your father to quit acting like a douchebag all the time.”

“My father? He’s yours, too.” Mitch crosses his arms.

“Only by law. That man is nothing to me. And neither are you.” Ashleigh dismisses before pushing past him roughly.

The older boy stands stunned by the words, quickly taking a breath as not to look hurt before walking back to his friends.

Connor walks to the front of the second bus. “Alright, let’s get going everyone!”

Another teacher Mr. Collins walks to the first bus. “Bus one, let’s go!”

The students and teachers pile into the vehicles.

In the second bus, Cathy, Mike, Connor, Becca and a couple other teachers sit up front.

Ashleigh walks on and walks towards the back, sitting just a few rows ahead. Mitch and his friends walk past and sit in the back seats.

Billie and Stevie follow after them, both giggling as they take a seat a row across Ashleigh. Billie pulls out earbuds and hands one to her.

Sitting in front of them is Spencer and Alex, both in an awkward silence.

Cathy looks behind her and watches as the last couple students take their seats. “Find a seat, everyone.”

There’s only a few empty seats as Andrea walks down the aisle. She stops before Ashleigh, who is reading her book. “Is it cool if I sit here?” Andrea asks, getting her to look up at her.

Ashleigh shrugs carelessly. “Go ahead.”

Cathy looks over the bus with her clipboard in hand before she glances outside, seeing a man dressed in a suit and tie exiting the school building with his arms crossed. She sighs, turning to her son. “Do roll for me.”

Connor nods, taking the clipboard from her before she walks off the bus. He looks at the first name. “Spencer Allen?”

“Here.” Spencer’s voice is barely audible as he raises a hand.

He hears a scoff from a few rows back coming from Austin Bone. “You mean the fucking psycho’s on our bus, too?”

Spencer lowers his hand, huffing as he lowers himself a bit in his seat.

Meanwhile, Cathy and the principal, Nate Pratt, walk towards one another. “Come to give me a final warning not to go?”

“Will that do anything?” Nate asks with a chuckle. He crosses his arms, sighing. “Please just make sure the kids are safe.”

“Why wouldn’t they be?”

Nate steps closer, turning his head to make sure no one’s listening. “These are just rumors, but I’ve seen the videos that started them. Honestly, I’m terrified. Apparently the people that get sick have been attacking people. Not even just that… biting them. Eating them.”

Cathy’s eyes widen and she grimaces. She shakes her head, forcing a chuckle. “Nate… come on, you can’t actually think that this is really happening.”

“I don’t want to, Cathy. But after what I saw in those clips, maybe we need to consider that something like this is happening.” Nate shrugs.

The woman has a worried expression on her face, but remembers that the kids are on the bus. She takes a quick breather and licks her lips, trying to look calm. “You… you said that a lot of underclassmen were out today. You don’t think…”

“I got several calls from parents. Most said their kids were sick and couldn’t make it in.”

Cathy shakes her head, forcing a scoff. “No… Nate, you can’t just believe to everything you see on the internet.”

“If you watched those videos, you’d believe it, too.” Nate says before his walkie talkie suddenly sounds off.

“Principal Pratt, we have an emergency in the library!” A teacher shouts, the woman clearly in a state of panic. Screaming and crying is heard in the background. One girl is heard screaming about her leg. Pratt grabs the walkie from his belt and raises it to his ear. “''Gary Hudson is attacking the other students! He’s biting them!''”

Cathy gasps, looking at Nate as he turns to run inside. “I’ll be right there!”

“Nate—!” Cathy calls but he turns to her.

“Watch your back out there!” Nate yells before throwing the door open and disappearing into the building.

Cathy hears footsteps coming from behind her and turns to see Mike and Rebecca at the bus staring with worry. To her right, Mr. Collins and the other bus driver step off their bus as well.

“Everything okay?” The bus driver asks.

Cathy nods. She clears her throat before beginning to speak. “Yes. Just a fight in the library. Nate’s got it handled.”

“Ah, okay. We ready to head out?” The driver calls.

Cathy nods. She walks towards the bus but Mike steps in front of her before she can get on. He raises an eyebrow. “I was watching. You looked really worried for a minute there.”

“I don’t know what you mean.” Cathy shrugs with a reassuring smile. She moves past Mike and starts clapping her hands. “Come on, it’s time for a fun weekend!”

The bus driver, Eddie, starts the truck. The radio turns on, the song “Blitzkrieg Bop” by Ramones starts through the speakers.

"Alright! Wooh!" Towards the middle of the bus, one student named Trace begins clapping his hands to the beat, earning the attention of the students around him.

Beside him, flamboyant Sanjay chuckles and shakes his head. “Oh, my God, Trace, no.”

“Come on, get hyped!” He laughs before starting to sing along. “''Ey! Oh! Let’s go! Ey! Oh! Let’s go! They’re forming in a straight line!''”

Towards the back, Stevie and Billie take out the earbuds and listen in. Stevie shakes her head with a laugh. “You’re flat, Trace.” She and Billie then begin to join in. “''They’re going through a tight wind! The kids are losing their minds, blitzkrieg bop!''”

Andrea chuckles beginning to sing as well, nudging Ashleigh beside her. Rolling her eyes, Ashleigh cracks a smile before she starts singing softly. More students quickly begin to join in, clapping along. Up front, Connor and Becca glance at one another and laugh.

"Hey, ho, let's go, shoot 'em in the back now." Connor sings.

"You're a doofus." Becca responds with a laugh.

Cathy smiles with a shake of her head as she looks over her students. Beside her, a less than pleased Mike has his head in his hands, using two fingers to rub his temples.

Alex and Spencer glance around the bus before Alex meets Spencer’s eyes. “Fuckin’ idiots, the lot of them.”

The buses begin to drive out, Eddie nodding his head as he listens to the excited teenagers singing along with the radio.

“Hey! Oh! Let’s go! Hey! Oh! Let’s go!”

The highway is crowded. The bus is barely moving as other car horns sound off around it.

Mike looks over the seat to try to see what’s keeping them back, unfortunately getting no view on it. “What’s going on up there?”

Eddie shrugs. “Tobias said there was an accident up ahead. He said a 16 wheeler was involved.”

Towards the back of the bus, Alex glances over the seats with curiosity. Spencer cringes, keeping his head down. “Are you seriously trying to look at the wreck?”

“Hey, you’ve heard the saying. Car wreck, can’t look away. Damn me to hell for being interested.” Alex says without turning his focus away.

Spencer murmurs. “People could be dead, Alex. Show some respect.”

Alex shrugs. “Why’re you bugging? You should be used to corpses by now.”

Spencer sighs, turning himself away from Alex. He lowers his head for a second before he hears the girl behind him speak up.

“Jesus Christ, really? Is that how you talk to people?” Spencer looks up as Alex turns himself around to sneer at Stevie. “Yeah, I’m talking to you, Langford.” The blonde continues.

“Why don’t you mind your own business for once, Stephanie.” Alex spits.

“Why don’t you take a course on being a decent person? You have some issues if you think that’s how people talk to their friends.” Stevie rises in her seat.

Ashleigh and Andrea stare from across the aisle, joined by a few other students around them. Andrea snickers, glancing to Ashleigh. “Got any popcorn?”

Alex doesn’t notice all eyes are on him. “Fuck you and your hippy dippy bullshit. You and your fairy boyfriend don’t give a shit about Spencer, or anyone else for that matter, so keep your noses out of everyone else’s business.”

Billie suddenly snorts, getting a glare from Alex. “I’m sorry, you’re one to talk about being a fairy. And as for minding our own business, you don’t seem to care about that when you’re the one spreading rumors about Spencer.”

Spencer hears this and his eyes go wide. He sits up and turns around to look at Billie. “Wait, what did you say?”

The other boy looks nervous now. Alex opens his mouth to say more when Austin stands up in the back, pointing to the other side of the bus. “Holy shit!”

Everyone’s attention turns to the right side of the bus as they pass the accident. Ashleigh stares out the window with wide eyes as they pass the burning 16 wheeler. Several ambulances and police cars surrounded the scene, one paramedic attempting to revive a woman on the gravel as the bus comes to a stop in traffic again.

Stevie stands up to look past Billie, both staring with a look of sympathy. “Those poor people.” Stevie whispers.

Robin grimaces in the back seat as Zac tries to look past her and Mitch. “Robin, I can’t see—!”

“Then you take this seat!” She groans, standing and allowing Zac to slide in while she sits with Libby, who throws an arm over her shoulder to comfort her.

Mitch glances at Zac, raising an eyebrow. Zac blinks. “What did I do?” Mitch scoffs as he looks out the window again.

The teachers watch up front, Cathy keeping her stare on the woman. She watches as her arm twitches, her fingers curling up before she reaches an arm around the paramedic.

The woman pulls him in and sinks her teeth into his neck. The passengers watch in horror and disgust as the paramedic pries himself away, the skin tearing off as the woman begins to turn herself over and get to her feet.

“What the hell?!” One student named Amber yells.

Her friend Polly gapes beside her. “What’s the matter with her?”

Spencer gapes as the man starts scooting himself away with a tight grip on his neck. He then looks at the woman as she looks at her surroundings, her gray eyes looking over the bus before she turns back as a couple cops begin closing in on her.

Ashleigh leans closer to the window, eyes narrowing as she sees her face. “Jesus…”

The woman suddenly lunges at one of the cops. He puts his arm up to hold her away, but he stumbles back and falls with her on top of him, the lady taking a bit of his face. The other grabs her and pulls her away, throwing her to the ground.

He draws his gun now, shouting at her. “Stay on the ground!”

Rebecca’s eyes widen as she looks to Eddie, whose eyes are glued on the scene as well. The vehicles ahead of them begin moving. “Drive! Now!”

The bus begins moving as the woman gets to her feet again. Being in the back, Mitch continues to watch the scene as the woman steps towards the cop. He watches as the cop fires a round into her chest.

And she doesn’t react. She barely flinches.

They drive past an ambulance, Mitch turning forward now with a look of shock on his face. He is nudged by Zac. “Dude, you okay?”

“Did you just see that? She didn’t even react!” Mitch says to his best friend.

Out of traffic, the passengers are all silent after the event they had just witnessed. Cathy blinks, standing up and turning to the others. “Is everyone okay?”

There’s a moment of silence before one student yells out, “What the actual fuck?!”

“What was the matter with her? Who does that?” Ali Zara asks Austin.

Connor stands as well. “Everyone, please remain calm. She was probably just sick.”

“Or cracked out. Jesus, that was like the Miami cannibal bullshit all over again!” Amber voiced, clearly disgusted.

Cathy closes her eyes. “Language. Language please.” She breathes before looking the group over again, a smile appearing on her face. “Everyone, please. We have a nice weekend ahead of us. We can’t just let this ruin it. Why don’t we all just remain calm and think about how much fun this weekend will be.”

The students grumble in agreement as everyone sits in their seats again.

Ashleigh and Andrea look to one another with worry. “You don’t think that has anything to do with the virus, do you?” Andrea questions.

“I’m not sure… but did you see her face? Something looked… off about her.” Ashleigh mumbles with a shake of her head.

“Her eyes.” Ashleigh hears someone say. She looks to see Spencer rise from his seat and look at her. “They were gray. Almost… vacant. And her skin… she didn’t even look alive.”

Ashleigh nods slowly.

“Sit down!” The black haired boy is suddenly pulled down by his friend. Disappointed, Ashleigh sighs before looking to Andrea. The curly haired girl bites her lip. “Something’s wrong.” Andrea mumbles.

Soon the bus is off the highway and driving through the woods.

Eddie keeps his eyes on the road when suddenly a loud pop is heard. The vehicle veers left, everyone on board taken by surprise at the sudden jolt and grab at the seats. Cursing under his breath, Eddie pulls to the edge of the road.

Everyone looks around at one another as the vehicle comes to a stop. Coach Danvers stands up as Eddie opens the door. He turns to the students as some begin getting up from their seats. “Stay in your seats.”

Mike and the other teachers follow Eddie off the bus, turning at the door to see the front wheel is flat. “What did we hit?”

Eddie kneels down, shaking his head as he looks over the tire. He shrugs. “I don’t think we hit anything. It must have just burst.”

The science teacher Marcus Hastings speaks up. “Was there not enough air in the tire?”

"I'm not sure. It's possible." Eddie replies.

“Jesus Christ…” Mike groans, turning away with his hands on his head.

“Mike, stay calm. Everything is fine.” Cathy assures.

Inside, the students watch over them. Griggs scoffs, looking to Austin. “What, so the driver can’t just change the flat himself?”

“Nah, I don’t think so. They need a mechanic, I think.” The other boy replies.

A few rows ahead, Trace stands up and walks towards the front of the bus. As he passes Amber, she stands. “Trace, what are you doing?”

“Hey, if we’re stuck here, we should at least have some tunes playing.” Trace looks back at her as he sits in Eddie’s seat.

“I don’t want to hear you singing again.” Amber groans, earning a cheeky smile from him as he plays with the radio.

He reaches for the volume dial, turning it up only for static to be heard through the speakers. Trace hums, switching the station only for more static.

Each station he tries is the same, eventually causing Alex to stand. “Will you turn that shit off already?”

The brown haired boy is yanked into his seat by Spencer. “Quit being a dick.”

Alex sneers at him, pulling his arm from Spencer’s grip. “Don’t touch me. And don’t call me a dick either, asshole.”

Spencer looks pissed off as he turns himself away again.

Outside, Cathy steps towards Eddie. “We just have to radio for help, right?”

Eddie nods, standing up. “I can radio the other driver for some assistance.”

“Where is the other bus anyway? Did they get ahead of us in all the traffic?” Rebecca inquires, noticing now that the other bus is nowhere in sight.

“Yeah, they did. Don’t worry, though. We’re about an hour away from the camp now. As soon as we’re fixed up, we’re set.” Eddie informs. He walks past the group.

Connor looks to his mother. “If we’re gonna be here a while, might as well let the kids stretch their legs.” He turns to follow Eddie onto the bus.

Eddie walks in and Trace exits his seat, going back to his own. As the other man sits in the front and grabs the radio, Connor stands before the students. “Alright, you guys can stretch your legs if you need to. But nobody wander off. We’re gonna be waiting for some help.”

As the students begin to stand, Eddie begins his transmission. “This is bus one nine three, we’re down and disabled. Do you copy?”

He waits for a few moments with no response before trying again. “I repeat, this is one nine three, down and disabled. Tobias, do you read me?”

“This is bullshit! I have literally no service out here!” Libby scoffs, holding her phone up in the air. She waves it around, bumping into Ali as she does the same.

“Come on… I just want to send a snapchat, is that so hard?” Ali moans.

Ashleigh stands by with Robin and Lin, glancing at her friends unimpressed. She turns her attention back to Robin and Lin.

“So what’s going on with you and Mitch?” Robin asks.

Ashleigh shrugs. “Nothing.”

Robin huffs, crossing her arms. “Oh come on, Ash. I can see something’s up. You can tell me.”

“Robin, even if something was wrong, how do I know you won’t just go tell him?” Ashleigh sighs.

“Because you’re my best friend. I wouldn’t betray you like that.” Robin replies.

Lin gives her side eye, scoffing. “Wow, fuck me I guess.”

Robin chuckles, throwing her arms over Lin and giving her a tight squeeze. “Oh, you know what I mean.”

Lin laughs before looking at Ashleigh. “Robin’s right. You were looking like you would go Kill Bill on him this morning.”

“It was him and James. James had a couple drinks and pulled some bullshit out of his ass and yelled at Mitch about it. They were arguing all night last night and kept me up again.” Ashleigh grunts, pursing her lips.

“Again?” Robin blinks. “Look, I’m not taking sides but James is always on his ass.”

“So? Mitch is an adult, he can walk away.” Ashleigh suddenly feigns surprise. “Oh wait, no he can’t. He’d rather act all tough than show any weakness. Him and his father both, I swear.”

Robin doesn’t respond. She glances around. “I’m sorry I brought it up. Let’s talk about something else.”

Lin smirks, nodding to Spencer and Alex, who sit together against the bus. “How about the fact that the hippies and one of the psychos went at it on the bus.”

Ashleigh looks to Spencer, seeing him look around at the other students. She frowns, seeing the look of loneliness and longing as he examines the different groups everyone is in.

“I feel bad for Spencer. Alex is always tearing him down. And you guys hear what he says about… you know.” Ashleigh admits.

“His dead sister?” Lin finishes, earning a nudge from Robin. “What, it happened like, two years ago! People die, he needs to move on.”

Rolling her eyes, Ashleigh glances back to Spencer again only to lock eyes with him for a moment. She turns away quickly, continuing her talk with her friends.

Spencer glances down, letting out a sigh. He looks to Alex, his face shifting to anger. “I want you to be real with me.”

“Aren’t I always?” Alex mumbles as he taps at a game on his phone.

Spencer scoffs. “Apparently not. What did Billie mean back there?”

Alex continues his game, not even looking to Spencer. “Just forget it, Spence. He’s an asshole that just wants to stir the pot.”

“Have you been the one spreading the rumors about me?” Spencer questions.

“Why would I do that?” Alex scoffs, finally lowering his phone to look at Spencer.

“I don’t know. Maybe it’s the same reason you lash out at me when you get mad.” Spencer crosses his arms. Alex blinks, surprised at the response. “The same reason you tear me down when I’m already feeling bad about myself. Because you can.”

Spencer begins to stand up. “Hey. Where are you going?” Alex stammers.

“Away from you.” Spencer grumbles as he starts to walk away. He suddenly turns around again. “You know what, it’s funny that you think I’d stab you in the back when apparently you’re the one whose been doing it the whole time.”

Alex doesn’t know how to react. He stares in surprise, trying to form the words before Spencer quickly leaves the area, walking past the group of teachers at the door to the bus.

“Again. This is bus one nine three. Does anyone read me?” Eddie sounds just about over the situation, shrugging to the teachers ahead of him.

Rebecca gives a worried glance to her colleagues. “What do we do?”

“How far back was the nearest town? I can walk back and find some help.” Mike offers.

“No, I’ll go.” Marcus speaks up. “You should stay here and keep everyone in line. They’ll listen to you.”

Before Mike can reject, Cathy nods. “Hastings is right. You’d be more useful here.”

“I’d rather not. But fine.” Mike sighs.

Hastings steps onto the bus and grabs his bag, slinging it over his shoulder. He pulls out his water bottle as well, unscrewing the cap to take a sip.

“Don’t worry, everyone. Help is on the way.” Hastings assures with a grin.

“Be careful, Marcus!” Cathy calls as he starts to walk past the bus. The students begin turning their attention to the man.

The students begin walking towards the other teachers, a few of them glancing back to Marcus.

“Where’s Hastings going?” Amber asks.

Connor raises his hands a bit. “Okay, there’s no need to panic. But we’ve been unable to reach anyone for help. Hastings is walking back to the closest town to see if we can get a mechanic.”

The students all groan at the news.

“Don’t worry, everyone. We’ll be at the camp in no time.” Cathy tells them.

The group of jocks begin to turn away together.

“Yeah, after the wolves get us.” Griggs scoffs with a roll of his eyes.

Cathy sighs, stepping back. She crosses her arms, her son stepping towards her. “Hey, what’s going on?”

“I don’t know. I’m trying not to worry but after we saw that woman… I feel like something’s wrong.” Cathy murmurs, trying to keep quiet.

“Don’t worry yourself, mom. Marcus will get help and we’ll be at the camp in no time and we can finally relax.” Connor smiles.

Meanwhile, Mitch, Zac, Griggs and Austin stand together as the rest of the students begin forming their own groups again. “At this point, the trip will be over by the time we get there. This is bullshit.” Austin grunts.

“You’re just upset ‘cuz you want some alone time with Ali.” Mitch snorts, earning a middle finger from the other boy.

“Oh yeah, asshole, what about you and Robin? Ali tells me that she’s been leaving you hanging for some time now. At least I’m getting some action.” Austin jabs.

Mitch bites his tongue as he forces a smirk. He glances behind his friends to see the girls heading their way. Robin tries dragging Ashleigh their way but the brunette refuses, pulling her arm away and heading the opposite way.

“Speaking of.” Zac murmurs to them before turning to the four girls, putting an arm over Libby’s shoulder and kissing her head.

Robin approaches Mitch with a smile and presses her lips to his cheek as he puts an arm around her. He nods his head to Ashleigh. “What’s up with her?”

Robin turns her head to look. “Uh, she just wanted to talk to Andrea.”

Ali snickers as she turns her head to look. She watches Ashleigh approach Andrea and a couple other students, including a dark haired girl wearing a bomber jacket. Ali’s jaw gapes as she gasps, chuckling as she turns her attention back to her friends. “Oh, my God, she’s talking to Cleo Mara!”

The others look with interest, except Mitch. Robin glances with confusion. “So what? She’s really nice, I hear.” Robin shrugs, looking at them with confusion.

Griggs shakes his head. “Nah, Robin, there’s something you don’t know. Before you moved here, Mitch and Cleo dated.”

Robin turns to her boyfriend, clearly surprised by the revelation. She notices a guilty look on his face. “I didn’t know that.”

“I bet you didn't know she cheated on him with another girl either.” Lin smirks.

Ali nods her head, clearly amused as she continues the story. “Mitchie here found out about it. Caught them in the act in fact. He told the boys, then Austin told me and I told, well… everyone else.”

“Even though that was supposed to be private information.” Mitch points out as Robin reaches to Mitch’s arm and roughly pushes it away, stepping away from him with a disgusted look. “Rob, wait—“

“I’m going to see Ashleigh.” Robin mutters as she walks away.

An irritated groan escapes his throat as Mitch lowers his head, pinching the bridge of his nose. Zac and Libby glance at him sympathetically before he glares at Ali.

“What? It’s not my fault you don’t tell her this shit.” Ali shrugs.

Meanwhile, Robin approaches Ashleigh and her friends. The girl turns to her friend, seeing the disgust on her face.

“Robin, what happened?” Ashleigh questions, glancing to her step-brother. He glances to them as well, making eye contact with her. She squints her eyes at him, shrugging a shoulder and gesturing to her friend.

Robin just huffs in response, glancing back at the group she had just left. “Just…” She sighs, turning to the dark skinned girl with a polite smile. “I just wanted to officially meet you. My name’s Robin.”

The other girl smiles back. “Cleo. It’s nice to officially meet you.”

Andrea goes on to speak. “Anyway, like I was saying, today’s been crazy. I just want to sit by the lake and relax.”

“Me too. I’m looking forward to some hiking, though.” Cleo turns to Robin. “What about you? Anything you’re looking forward to doing?”

Robin shrugs. “I don’t know. I’ve never been camping so I’m excited to experience it all.”

“Never? Oh, let me tell you…” As Cleo continues to talk to Robin, Ashleigh crosses her arms and glances to Mitch curiously.

Billie leads Stevie to the edge of the road behind the bus. Stevie glances around as they enter. “You realize Danvers will have our heads if he catches us.”

Billie shrugs. “We’re just taking a quick smoke break, nothing wrong with it.” He chuckles.

A sound of sniffling nearby suddenly stops him. “Wait, do you hear that?”

Stevie stops to listen, hearing this as well. Realizing it’s coming from behind a nearby tree, the duo walk towards it and walk around the trunk to see Spencer sitting on the ground.

He sees them and instantly wipes his eyes, taking a deep breath.

“You look like you could use some friends.” Billie says as he lowers his guitar case to the ground. He sits beside the crying boy, Stevie leaning above them.

Spencer forces a laugh, motioning to the phone in his hand. “I was gonna text Willa, but the signals dead out here. Just my luck.”

“I’m sorry, Spencer. Not to be rude but, how didn’t you notice he was… you know, a douchebag.”

Spencer shakes his head, letting out a sigh. “What else can you do when everyone thinks you’re a psychopath?”

“If it makes you feel better, we didn’t believe any of that.” Stevie offers before nodding. “Billie here’s a great judge of character.”

“Yeah, that and Alex is literally crazy. The fact that Ali believed him is beyond me. I’m sorry we didn’t do anything to help you sooner, man.” Billie admits. He then smiles at him. “You can chill with us if you’d like. If you ask me, Stevie and I are perfect company.”

Stevie sees Spencer look between them with a look of hesitation. She kneels beside Billie. “We’re serious. Nothing sucks more than being alone, especially in the middle of nowhere.”

“That’s kind of you two, really.” Spencer shakes his head. “But you two don’t even know me.”

Billie shrugs. “Alright. Then what’s your favorite color?”

“Green, I guess.” Spencer responds with a shrug.

“Mine’s yellow. And Stevie likes red.” He offers a smile to Spencer. “And look at that, we’re already learning about one another!”

“Alright, next question. Favorite animal?” Stevie chuckles.

“Uh, I don’t know. I think that eagles are pretty cool.” Spencer replies with a smile growing.

“Eagles are dope!” Stevie exclaims before gesturing to herself. “Call me basic but I like dogs.”

“And I like lions.” Billie pipes.

“Billie loves lions. He cries when we watch The Lion King.” Stevie adds with a laugh.

Spencer chuckles as Billie playfully shoves her. “Don’t tell him that!”

Spencer lets out a soft chuckle. He inches closer to them as Billie speaks. “Alright, favorite season.”

Somewhere down the road, Mr. Hastings continues his trek as the sun begins to hide behind the trees. He glances up at it, a look of worry crossing his face.

“It’ll be dark soon. Better hurry.” He murmurs to himself before picking up the pace.

While he hurries along, he glances around at the trees and staying to the side of the road. As he comes across a bend in the road, he sees beams of light illuminating the trees. He moves himself to look around to better see the vehicle.

It’s a truck. It’s in the middle of the road, turned around with trail of skid marks behind it. Marcus runs forward, seeing that a man is sitting inside.

“Hey, you okay in there?” He shouts as he approaches. He reaches the driver door, looking to see the unconscious man behind the wheel.

He reaches for the door handle, pulling it open and reaching to the man’s neck. He feels for a pulse, failing to find one.

“Fuck! Hang on…” He hisses as he reaches to grab hold of the man. The man’s seatbelt is unbuckled, allowing Marcus to pull him out carefully.

As he lays the man out, he places his hands together on his chest. He begins his attempt to resuscitate the man. “Come on, come on, please…” He breathes with each push.

He stops, pressing his head to the man’s chest. Nothing. “Damn it.”

He sits up, trying again. Unaware to Hastings, the man’s fingers begins to curl up at his side as he presses his head against his chest again. No heartbeat.

He rises again and presses his hands down again but he freezes. His eyes narrowed as he meets the man’s now open eyes. They’re gray and vacant. His jaw opens and a low, hoarse growl escapes his throat.

“What the—“

The man lurches forward, his arms trapping Hastings as he snaps his jaws into the man’s neck. Hasting lets out an agonized scream into the night as his flesh is torn apart, blood beginning to pour from the wound to the gravel. The man maneuvers him to the ground, getting on top of him to take another bite.

Marcus’s screams for help are drowned out as blood begins filling his throat, replaced by gurgles as the grey eyed man chews on his flesh before going down for more.

Main Cast
🇨🇴 🇨🇴
 * Asa Butterfield as Spencer Allen
 * Bailee Madison as Ashleigh Harris
 * Debby Ryan as Rebecca Armstrong
 * Matt Bomer as Connor Greer
 * Sabrina Carpenter as Stevie Leigh
 * Mason Cook as Alex Langford
 * Idris Elba as Mike Danvers
 * Rae Gray as Robin Taylor
 * Braeden Lemasters as Billie Kyle
 * Callan McAuliffe as Mitch Harris
 * Madison Pettis as Andrea Krew
 * and Tovah Feldshuh as Cathy Greer

Also Starring
🇨🇴 🇨🇴
 * Maia Mitchell as Willa Robinson
 * Alisha Boe as Cleo Mara
 * Justin Prentice as Zac Coriander
 * Justin Chatwin as Eddie Driver
 * Brianne Tju as Lin
 * Daniel Curtis Lee as Griggs

Co-Starring
🇨🇴 🇨🇴
 * Lexi Ainsworth as Libby Marshall
 * Alyson Bath as Polly Richardson
 * Jason Biggs as Marcus Hastings
 * Devon Bostick as Trace Oxford
 * Justin Deeley as Mr. Collins
 * Frankie Faison as Nate Pratt
 * Mason Gooding as Tyrell Graff
 * Sydney Park as Amber Nickols
 * Dante Scott as Sanjay Rahmani
 * Melinda Shankar as Ali Zara
 * Sam Strike as Austin Bone

Uncredited

 * Trevor Stines as Rick Miller

Deaths

 * Gary Hudson (Alive, Off Screen)
 * Unnamed Crash Victim (Alive and Zombified)
 * Unnamed truck driver
 * Marcus Hastings
 * Possibly several car wreck victims.
 * Possibly several Crestview students and teachers.

Ratings
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Trivia

 * First appearance of Connor Greer.
 * First appearance of Rebecca Armstrong.
 * First appearance of Willa Robinson.
 * First appearance of Spencer Allen.
 * First appearance of Alex Langford.
 * First appearance of Mitchell Harris
 * First appearance of Robin Taylor.
 * First appearance of Mike Danvers.
 * First appearance of Cathy Greer.
 * First appearance of Billie Kyle.
 * First appearance of Stevie Leigh.
 * First appearance of Andrea Krew.
 * First appearance of Tyrell Graff.
 * First appearance of Rick Miller.
 * First appearance of Zac Coriander.
 * First appearance of Libby Marshall.
 * First appearance of Ashleigh Harris.
 * First appearance of Mr. Collins.
 * First appearance of Austin Bone.
 * First appearance of Nate Pratt.
 * First appearance of Eddie Driver.
 * First appearance of Trace Oxford.
 * First appearance of Sanjay Rahmani.
 * First appearance of Amber Nickols.
 * First appearance of Polly Richardson.
 * First appearance of Ali Zara.
 * First appearance of Griggs.
 * First appearance of Lin.
 * First appearance of Cleo Mara.
 * First (and last) appearance of Marcus Hastings.
 * First mention of Gary Hudson.
 * First mention of Tobias.
 * First mention of James Harris.
 * Unlike the original, this version does not feature the survivors getting stranded due to a crash but rather due to a flat tire.