by Cluke, D. L.
The camera continued rolling from its position on the floor, the frame now sideways. It was jostled by panicked feet, the image swimming in circles until it landed on a petite blonde woman who was being dragged to the floor by two of the infected. Their fingers ripped through her plum dress as if it was made of butter. One of the infected clawed his way through her delicate flesh, reaching into her stomach to pull out her lower intestine, bringing the slimy appendage to his mouth. Turning towards the camera, Aaron Michaels seemed to smile, bile and blood dripping down his chin as he enjoyed his meal. The petite woman’s screams continued until an emergency broadcast message finally interrupted the feed.
Safe in their dorm room miles away, Anna and Becca held onto each other tightly, sobbing as they watched the world around them burn.
Chapter Three
“What are we going to do? What in the heck are we going to do?” Becca whispered, her voice trembling.
Anna swallowed, her throat dry. She couldn’t believe the horror she had just witnessed. Her mind raced as the nightmarish images filled her head, consuming her rational thoughts. The world that they knew, the world that they loved, was ending an in the most horrible way either of them could have ever imagined.
“Anna. Earth to Anna? Anyone home?”
Anna startled, snapping back to the present as Becca roughly shook her.
“We need to call home while the phone lines are still working.”
She grabbed her tablet, tears springing to her eyes when she saw the 3 missed calls from home. Home. Would she ever see it again?
A shrill ringing filled the room, the girls waiting for someone to answer. 5 rings, 10 rings, the tablet hung up. A sob escaped Anna as she called her parents once again, willing them to answer. How far into the country had the virus spread?
“Please be okay, please.” She pleaded to the tablet. Another 5 rings, now 7, now 8-
“Oh my, Anna! Thank goodness! We’ve been so worried,” her mother’s face came onto the small screen, her eyes wet with unshed tears.
“Richard! Richard, come quickly!” Anna could hear her father grumbling, his thudding steps coming nearer.
“Emily, keep your darn voice down. We don’t know if any of those things are around...”
“Hi, daddy.”
Her father’s face pushed onto the screen beside her mother. A smile lit up his sun-hardened face.
“Anna, thank God. Are you okay?”
“We’re scared, daddy. Becca and I, we don’t know what to do.”
“Take a deep breath. Are you still in the dorm?”
“Y-yes.”
“You need to get out of the city, now. These, these things have taken over downtown. It’s only a matter of time before they make it to the university. Does Becca have her car?”
Anna nodded, her father’s take-charge attitude soothing her frayed nerves.
“Good. Now go look out the window.”
The girls walked over to the big dorm window. They could see for miles in that direction, although their view was interrupted by several large office buildings. Downtown was located several miles south of them, just beyond the office district.
“What do you see?”
“Traffic, a lot of traffic. The roads are packed with people trying to escape the city. No one is moving.”
“Blasted government officials, what were they thinking ordering everybody to shelter in place,” her father heaved a great sigh. The frustration and worry seemed to age him 10 years in the blink of an eye.
“You should have already been home with us, but never mind that now. What do you hear?”
His face scrunched, that telltale thinking wrinkle popping up between his eyes. It was a familiar sight, one that Anna tried to memorize before turning back to the window.
Becca cracked the window and distant sounds of chaos and terror seeped into their room. Car horns echoed as irritated and frightened drivers tried to maneuver through the wreckage. Traffic was total gridlock.
“Idiots,” Richard grumbled, “they are ringing the dinner bell.”
“Rick,” Anna’s mother scolded her father.
“They need to know what’s going on out there, they need to know everything if they are to survive. It’s 115 miles home and the situation is only getting worse. A single bite is all it takes. I won’t let them end up like one of those things.”
“Are the infected near you guys?”
Anna watched her parents give each other looks before her father hesitantly answered.
“There have been reports that Fairstone has been overrun. We haven’t seen any of those things out here, but we aren’t taking any chances. We are working on the fences and gathering as much food as possible. You need to get here now! Nathan is out scouting...”
“Nathan is all right?”
“Yes, but never mind that. You need to listen to me and make a list.”
Anna couldn’t help the small smile that crept on her face. Her father was the retired chief of the Fairstone Fire Department and his old crisis training was kicking in.
Anna’s father spent the next 5 minutes outlining what they needed to do. They needed to get backpacks and fill them with as much food and water and clothes and flashlights that they could carry. They needed to find some sort of makeshift weapon. Broken broomstick handles, crowbars, anything that could be used quietly.
“Anna... this is the most important thing. Whatever you do, do not get on Interstate 87.”
“But that’s the most direct route home? Not taking the interstate adds 40 miles.”
“I know... but... The infected aren’t the only thing you will need to worry about. You need to stay away from major cities and roads. Things are going to go south quickly. Reports of those infected are popping up all over with more cities and towns falling by the minute. People are getting desperate and desperate people will do horrible things to each other. Trust no one.”
“I love you guys,” Anna nodded to her parents, not wanting to hang up but knowing she needed to gather supplies and try and get out of the city while she could.
“We love you, Anna bug, you as well Becca. If anyone can survive this, you two can! Get home quickly, but be safe.”
Anna hung up the phone. She turned to find Becca staring down at her phone, her face a mask of horror and disbelief.
Chapter Four
"What's wrong?"
Becca said nothing, simply gave her phone to Anna. There was a video message from her parents and Anna was afraid to press play. She didn't want to know what was on that message, but at the same time, she already knew bad news was waiting for her. Pressing the small triangle, she started to cry as the video played and Becca's mom's sweet voice filled the room.
"Becca baby, I don't want to scare you, but things are bad here. Those monsters, they're everywhere. Virginia Beach has been overrun. The virus is spreading through the state, officials have been unable to even slow the spread. We have barricaded the house, but it's only a matter of time before those things hear us and find us. The smallest noise draws their attention. We're hiding in the basement. Your father had to fight off the neighbor, Joe. Thank God he wasn't bitten. He managed to get away with nothing but a couple of scratches on his arm."
Anna watched as Becca's mom startled, a loud thump sounded at the front door. The color drained from her face as another thump joined the first, now a chorus of pounding could be heard and the camera shook as her mom ran through the house.
"Shit, shit, shit. They are trying to break down the door. I am going into the basement, my love. Your brother and sister are both here, safe with us. We have enough food and water to last a few weeks. Hopefully, this will die down and we can meet you at that lovely roommate's house... in Fairstone. We will find you. Now I must go, quiet is the only way to survive. We love you, baby."
The video message ended with Becca's mother touching her fingers to her lips and touching the camera. Becca let out a large sob, dropping to her knees as the news sunk in. Her homet
own was overrun. Her family was as good as dead.
"Maybe, maybe they will be okay...,” Anna placed her arm around her friend, trying to offer some consolation. Her words felt empty, hollow and full of lies, even to her.
"Infected kicking at the door, my family trapped. My little brother and sister."
Anna let her friend have a moment to grieve, but she had an overwhelming sense of urgency. They needed to get moving and out of this city before it was too late. She was thinking of how to gently get her friend back to the current problem when a loud thud rattled the door. Twin screams echoed in the small room.
"Is it one of those things?"
"Not unless they know how to knock," Anna moved towards the door, her fingers trembling as she reached for the lock.
The knocking turned more urgent and a muffled male voice shouted from the other side.
"Becca, let me in! Those things are in the building!"
Becca sprang to her feet, pushing past Anna to toss aside the lock. She threw herself into her boyfriend's arms, sobbing once more.
"Oh Brandon, my parents," she sobbed, losing control of her emotions once more.
"What? I don't get a greeting like that?"
Anna's blood ran cold, scorching through her veins at the sound of that voice. A voice she would recognize anywhere. Her eyes flicked to the door, hoping she was mistaken, that somehow she had imagined the voice. Instead, her heart seemed to seize as the last person she ever expected to see again walked through the door. The only person she had hoped to never see again.
This day couldn't possibly get any worse.
Chapter Five
Josh.
He turned, closing the door quietly, and sliding the deadbolt. Her heart skipped a beat as the click of the lock resonated, seeming to strike her soul. Josh's smile held a hint of something sinister as he looked down at Anna. The last time she had seen him, she had been forced to break it off with him. It did not end well. For her.
That was 2 months ago and she had been avoiding him ever since. Her hand drifted up to her cheek, remembering the sting of pain and humiliation of that day. The day the man she loved, the man she trusted went too far. A stinging final reminder of what he had become and what she needed to escape from.
***
It was a crisp, clear autumn day. Leaf peeping foliage was at its peak in the Adirondacks, the golden and red leaves lighting up the mountains before them. The sun's rays, vibrant and warm through the truck's windshield, made her feel sleepy and content. Anna smiled over at Josh and he squeezed her hand. Today was a perfect day. It was their first anniversary and they were on their way to their spot. The spot Josh had first kissed her. The spot where he had asked her to be his girlfriend.
Josh pulled the Ford into the trailhead for Copperhead Mountain, having his pick of parking spots in the empty pull-off. She grabbed her backpack, turning to leave the truck, as he reached for her hand. Looking back into his steel-blue eyes, she felt a tingle as he leaned over, pulling her against his broad chest.
He kissed her soft lips long and hard, his warm lips dominating hers. His hand slid up her shirt, cupping her breast through the soft sports bra. She moaned against his lips, heat building between them already. Josh always knew exactly where to kiss her, where to touch her to turn her body into putty. She arched against him, feeling the large bulge in his pants against her stomach. He kissed his way down her neck, yanking her tank top and bra aside, nibbling at the delicate and sensitive flesh there.
A loud truck drove by, snapping her back to reality.
She tried to pull away, suddenly aware of their surroundings. Their very public surroundings. She placed her hands on Josh's chest, pushing against him.
"What's wrong baby? Don't you like it?" He swirled his tongue, just the way he knew she liked it, and pressed her harder against the door.
"Josh, people could see us."
"Let them see."
"Josh, I'm serious."
"I love you, Anna. Let me show you how much."
"Josh, not here. Not now."
He continued pressing against her, ignoring her protests. A car slowed, turn signals on as they turned into the pull-off. She made eye contact with the driver, noticing his wife and kids in the back. The man shook his head in disapproval before quickly turning the car around and leaving. Anna could see him relaying what he saw to his wife. She could see her turn around and look at the truck. Anna felt a rush of embarrassment hit her cheeks. This was not who she was.
"Stop!"
She shoved him hard with one hand while grasping for the door with the other. She tumbled out of the truck, barely remaining on her feet as she adjusted her top.
He stomped around the truck, face red with anger and arousal.
"What is your problem, Anna? Are you ashamed of me? Of us?"
Where was this coming from?
"What? No, don't be ridiculous. People pulled in, saw us. Saw me with my clothes half off."
"That's never stopped you before!" Spittle flew from his lips as he yelled at her.
She shook her head, trying to figure out how to defuse the situation. Josh didn't give her a chance.
"Who is he, Anna?"
"Wait, what? Josh, there's no one else!"
"Then let the world see us, let them see our love. If there's no one else, prove it right now."
He reached for her, slamming her roughly against the truck. His erection pressed firmly against her thigh, his hands fumbling with the button of her jean shorts.
Anna shoved with all her might, her body taking over as she realized what Josh intended for them to do, out here in the wide-open parking lot.
"Josh, what has come over you?"
She screamed at him, trying to escape the confinement of his strong arms. She struggled against him, beating her small fists against his chest. A powerful blow landed on her face, tears springing to her eyes as her hand lifted to her cheek.
Josh's face cleared, the raging storm that was there seconds earlier gone in an instance.
"Anna, oh my Anna," he cupped her stinging cheek, "look what you've gone and made me do."
His face was reproachful, but not at himself. It was directed at her. Somehow, in his mind, him hitting her was all her fault.
That was the moment she realized she needed out of the relationship, that she realized just how toxic Josh was. The signs had been there all along. Becca had tried to warn her, but she had been in love. She had been foolish. Memories she once considered cute turned sour in her mind.
The jealousy that reared its head whenever a male cashier was just a bit too friendly, talked to her a bit too much in the checkout lane. Insisting on driving her to and from her job. Going with her on girl's night outs to keep her safe. Slowly pushing all her friends away, trying to get her to move out of the city, out of her dorm, and stay with him. Guilting her whenever she tried to do her own thing. How had she been so naive?
Her friends had tried to warm her, but she was convinced he was just overprotective, that he just loved her so much and wanted to spend all their time together.
How absolutely blind she had been.
"Josh, please take me back. I don't feel like hiking anymore today. I'm... I'm tired. I probably didn't eat enough for breakfast." She fumbled over the lie, needing him to bring her home. A car hadn't passed in the last 5 minutes and cell service was nonexistent in the shadow of the mountain.
"You've already ruined our date, might as well call it a day."
He leaned in, his once smooth and intoxicating lips suddenly feeling slimy and invading against her mouth. Still, she kissed him back, not wanting him to think anything was amiss. All her internal warning bells were going off. This once secluded and romantic place now felt desolate and dangerous. The shadows beneath the trees, ominous.
"Maybe we can finish what we started back at my place," he breathed into her ear.
"Y-yes, but can we swing by the dorms first? I forgot my charger."
The ride back felt lik
e it took ages. Josh talked and laughed as if nothing had occurred. He held her hand, kissed her fingers. He seemed to have simply forgotten the whole ordeal. It was her fault anyway.
By the time they pulled into the parking garage, she had made up her mind.
She and Josh were through.
Chapter Six
"Well, isn't this a nice surprise," Josh gestured to himself, a big smile plastered on his face.
"Josh, what are you doing here?" Anna demanded, her hands resting on her hips as she stared up into those icy blue eyes. Although it had been 2 months since she had last seen him, Anna couldn't help but notice that Josh was still handsome and as fit as ever. She scoffed at herself, no matter how good looking he was and how charming he acted, underneath it all he was just a manipulative and abusive guy.
"Well, I'm here to rescue you, obviously."
"We don't need your help," her teeth snapped shut and she glared at him causing him to chuckle. He took a large step forward, sweeping her into his large arms before she could protest.
"Oh my sweet little Anna, how brave of you. You do need me. Have you been out there? Have you seen these things up close and personal? That little glare on your face will do nothing against those monsters."
"We will manage. We have a plan."
"They just destroyed an entire platoon of armed men. How exactly do you think you're going to survive getting out of this building? Let alone, traversing the city on foot."
"Becca has a car," she snapped, pushing away from him and stomping to the window. She could feel him come up behind her and it took all of her mental strength not to swing at him as he humorlessly chuckled in her ear.
"So, that's your grand plan? To simply walk down to the parking garage, get in Becca's little Honda Civic, and join the throngs of people waiting in the buffet line?"
Now that Anna thought about it, she realized how foolish she had been. Traffic backed up for miles, south of the building, towards downtown. She could already hear screams drifting towards them. Her shoulders sagged, all the fight going out of her. She realized the roads to the North wouldn't be any better.