“You’ll love the island,” I said. “We’ll be surrounded by a huge moat, and the zombies will only have one way across it.”
“Yeah? How?”
“Boating lessons from Mrs. Puff.”
She laughed. “The teacher from SpongeBob?”
“Yeah.”
“Wow, Val. I never took you for a cartoon kinda girl.”
“Well, I’m nothing if not mysterious,” I said, laughing.
Sammy put down the blankets she was carrying. “What about rain, hail, or—even worse—bird poop?”
I chuckled. “I’m more worried about being abducted by a UFO.”
“Seriously?” she retorted.
“Hey, you didn’t believe in zombies at first either.”
She laughed. “True, but maybe it wouldn’t be so bad to fly away in a saucer with a bunch of little green men right now. The wrinkled green men around here seem a bit worse somehow.”
“I don’t know about that,” I said. “I’ve never heard of zombies probing anybody.”
“Ew, Val! That’s just—”
Our banter was quickly silenced when a shrill scream pierced the air.
Sammy pointed at a hunchback zombie chasing a girl down the alley below, into a dead end. I knew there was no way I could reach the girl in time.
“Don’t just stand there, Val!” Sammy screamed. “Shoot Queasymodo, would ya? That girl’s in trouble!”
I reached for my gun, peered through the scope, and aimed at the wretched creature. I fired, and the gunshot echoed in the air before the bullet took the zombie down.
The little girl, probably no more than twelve years old, looked up at us, nodded a silent thanks for my lifesaving snipering, then ran down the cobblestone and out into the dark street.
Sammy gave me a high five. “Way to go, Val.”
“I’m just glad she’s okay.”
Kyle ran over. “What’s wrong? What was that?”
“A little girl almost gotten eaten by a zombie down there,” Sammy said.
I sighed. “I know I shouldn’t have used the gun, but I couldn’t just let that thing get her. It had her cornered.”
“It’s okay,” Kyle said. “We should get away from the edge, though, so no one—or nothing—comes looking for us.”
“I know it was stupid,” I said.
“Three things,” he said, shooting me a carefree smile. “One, I don’t judge. Two, I’m pretty sure that girl doesn’t think it was stupid. And three, as long as we’re careful not to use too many fireworks up here, one random shot is not gonna pinpoint our location in all this chaos.”
I smiled and set down my gun. “Thanks, Kyle.”
We unpacked the few supplies and piled the blankets up to form beds.
Sammy sat on her blanket, brushing her long, turquoise hair under the silvery moon.
“How are you doing?” I asked.
“Good, especially since I have you here, watching my back.”
“I’m always here,” I said. “We’re inseparable, forever and always, no matter what. I won’t let anything happen to you, Sammy,” I said. “You’re like a sister to me.”
She hugged me. “Thanks, Val.”
Jenny and Sammy fell asleep first, leaving Kyle and me alone. We chitchatted about everything, and I learned quite a bit about my traveling companion. He came from a close-knit family and had been a firefighter in Cleveland. His favorite color was red, like the fire trucks he used to drive, and he hated most vegetables, especially salads. He enjoyed running along the beach and on the trail at Edgewater Park, near Lake Erie. He loved the Cleveland skyline, and he jogged every morning with his two dogs.
Exhausted, I lay next to him, and he put his arm around me as we stared at the twinkling lights dotting the night sky. It was stunningly beautiful and calm up there, almost breathtaking, like a black velvet tapestry speckled with diamonds. “When I see something that gorgeous, that majestic, it makes all the ugliness down here seem so small,” I said.
“It is beautiful up there,” he said, “but down here, our world is an ugly place.”
“I know that firsthand. I miss everyone so much, and I’ll never forget them.”
“Me too.”
“I even miss my dogs. They used to run to the door, wagging their tails and licking me with their little pink tongues every time I came back home, like I was their favorite person in the world. They loved me unconditionally…and they didn’t even complain about my cooking.”
He chuckled. “Hey, at least you know your way around a can of Campbell’s,” he said.
I smiled back at him. “I’m definitely no gourmet chef. When it comes to cooking, I mighta met you sooner if your fire squad had been on call anywhere near my old kitchen,” I joked.
He laughed again, his beautiful smile gleaming under the starlight. “Val, I doubt that. I’ve seen the way you handle yourself with those zombies. I’m pretty sure you can wield a spatula just as well.”
I smiled, but then my expression grew serious. “I know they were only dogs, but they really were a woman’s best friend. They were there for me when I lost my fiancé.”
“What kind were they?”
“I had an American bulldog named Charlie. He slobbered a lot, and everyone was intimidated by him, except me and my other dogs. I had the sweetest Rottweiler named Lucy. My Boston terrier, Rocky, was small but so ugly he couldn’t help being cute. Molly, my Alaskan malamute, was gorgeous. She looked like a wolf and had blue eyes, and everyone thought she was so cool. I also had a boxer named Buddy and a German shepherd named Rusty, and I took in a few strays when they were abandoned or their owners were killed. My house had an open-doggie door policy.”
“Wow. How’d you manage to feed so many of them with food being so scarce?”
“I stockpiled dog food when the looting started. In fact, there were a few cans of Alpo left when Sammy and I left the house.”
“What happened to your dogs…I mean, besides the obvious.”
“Unfortunately, my friend turned, and she…” I trailed off, recalling the horrible scene of my beloved pets being gutted and devoured. “We left because it was getting bad in Philly. Everyone I knew and loved was gone, except for Sammy. We knew we had to find a safer place.”
“I’m so sorry about your dogs and all your friends and relatives. I know how much it hurts.”
I swallowed hard and held back the tears. “So what’s your story?” I asked, trying to take my mind off my own pain.
“We were on vacation with our family in Philadelphia when it all broke out. I know it isn’t safe to go back to Cleveland, but I have to know if my other loved ones are alive or dead. I just…I have to know. I know they’d come for me if I was left behind.”
“I understand that, but it isn’t safe, Kyle. I know I promised not to harp on it, but I…well, I kinda like you, and I think you need a better zombie contingency plan.”
He laughed.
“Why don’t you just come with us to the island until you can figure something out?” I said. “You and Jenny will be safe there. Going back to Cleveland is a death sentence.”
“Yeah. I’ve been thinking about it. For all I know, everyone’s already dead, and if I take Jenny with me, we’ll just add two to the zombie population.”
“You’re more than welcome to stay with us. The island is a safe haven.”
“Okay. It’s settled then. We’ll both go with you,” he said, “and thank you for the invitation.”
“Really? You’ll go?”
“You and Sammy have made a convincing argument for me to go to the island with you and be safe rather than risk a suicide mission in Cleveland.”
My heart fluttered knowing he was going to stay with me. I couldn’t wipe off the big grin on my face. “I’m so glad to hear that.”
“I’ve never felt so safe and alive than I do when I’m with you,” he said, gazing into my eyes.
I touched his face. “I feel the exact same way.”
He
pulled me closer, into his arms. “I never used to believe in love at first sight,” he said.
“And now you do?”
“It’d be impossible not to,” he whispered.
Our eyes locked, and everything around me disappeared. He claimed my lips in a soft, tender kiss.
I smiled. “That was nice.”
He softly stroked my hair. “Do you know how crazy I am about you?”
“I know romance should be the last thing on my mind,” I said, “but I can’t help it. I feel like we have this connection, this spark—something I haven’t felt in a long time. It’s as if my dead heart is starting to beat again.”
“I know. It’s crazy. We just met not too long ago, yet I feel like I’ve known you my entire life, like I can talk to you about anything and everything.”
“We have to take it slow, Kyle,” I cautioned, wary about getting hurt or letting my guard down. “There’s no rush. Let’s just worry about surviving first.” I snuggled closer to my solid wall of muscle, so close that I could hear his heartbeat thundering in his chest.
* * *
When I woke up in the morning, I felt refreshed, glad that we’d survived the night without any hang-ups. I ate some Vienna sausages while Sammy snacked on potato chips.
“I wonder what they put in these things,” she said, holding it up so the sunlight shot through the greasy spots. “They last for years, like cockroaches.”
“Yeah, that’s some breakfast you’ve got there,” I said.
“And canned meat is any better? If that is even meat.”
“You’re right. I bet my cholesterol is skyrocketing as we speak. Maybe we should go back to the EarthRoamer and try to cook something more nutritious. It isn’t often we get a hot breakfast these days. I’d really rather just go to Bob Evans,” I said.
“Yeah, right. Down on the zombie farm? No thanks. I’ve been surviving on this stuff for a year now. I just tell myself, ‘Hey, Sammy, it’s better than starving.’ If we starve, we die. If we die, we face zombefication. I’d rather risk a heart attack.”
“When we get to the island, we’ll have fresh produce. Can you imagine that? They have a greenhouse and lots of gardens.”
She looked away, and I could tell something was bothering her.
“What’s wrong?” I asked.
“It’s just…this constant fear, the constant anxiety about being killed is actually killing me, eating me alive.”
“I know, Sammy. The zombie apocalypse has swept in like a violent storm, and every day is a fight to survive. Yes, it’s scary, and we have no guarantees that we’ll live to see the next sunrise. But there’s nothing we can do to stop it. We just have to let it run its course and pray that the zombies rot out soon. I’m not Rambo, Supergirl, or Xena, but I can’t let worry consume me either. Just because I’m not made out of titanium, that doesn’t mean I won’t make it to the finish line. I’ve gotta stay brave and keep fighting as hard as I can and never, ever give up hope.”
“Thanks for the pep talk,” she said.
I smiled. “Anytime.”
I gazed through my scope and I studied our escape route from the building. Everything looked good, so I gave the okay for us to head down. We jumped in the EarthRoamer and sped off, ready to face another day.
Chapter 30
We drove all day and ran into roadblock after roadblock. The freeway was impenetrable, with all the abandoned cars left strewn everywhere.
Before we knew it, it was nightfall again. We found a flat meadow that stretched out for miles, and we felt quite safe nestled inside the EarthRoamer.
After Jenny climbed upstairs to bed, Kyle and I sat on one leather couch.
Sammy sat across from us with the guitar she’d pulled out of the closet.
“You packed that?” I asked.
“Yeah. Mind if I play a song I wrote? It’s called ‘Song of Hope.’”
“I’d love to hear it,” Kyle said.
Sammy poured out all her emotion as she sang about surviving one more day, in a place filled with death at every unspeakable turn and how hope would overcome. Her voice was as beautiful as ever, and the heartfelt lyrics brought tears to my eyes. It made me believe we could ultimately get our world back.
When Kyle reached for my hand, Sammy smiled. “And what’s this?” she asked with a huge smile.
I grinned and gave his hand a squeeze.
“We’re just friends, taking it slow,” Kyle said.
I chuckled. “Yeah. You can’t rush love, even if the world is crumbling.”
“But you kissed him!” Sammy said. “How is that moving slow?”
Boy, Sammy had a big mouth. I’d confided in her and she just spilled it. It was my own fault. I knew Sammy couldn’t keep a secret to save her life. “That just…happened.”
Kyle smiled at me. “I didn’t expect it either. It was a spur-of-the-moment thing.”
“You want some great dating tips?” she asked.
“No,” I said.
“Too bad.”
“We’re not actually dating anyway,” I said. “I hardly know Kyle.” I gazed over at him. “Still, I’m crazy about him, and I want to get to know him better.”
He grinned, the most beautiful, white smile I’d ever seen.
Sammy looked at Kyle. “Well, just don’t let her cook for you or bust out with her famous dance moves,” she warned.
“Hey! I’ve got some awesome nineties moves,” I said. Laughing, I reached for my rifle and slung it over my shoulder. “Now go get some sleep. I’ll take first watch.”
“Okay. Just wake me up when it’s my turn.”
“Will do.”
“Be careful, Val. I don’t think I’ll like you much if your skin turns green and you start trying to gobble up my brains. If any of them come near you, do your version of the Electric Chicken or whatever it is, and it might scare them off.”
“Shut up, Sammy,” I said. “You’re just jealous of my skills.”
“It’s not gonna happen,” Kyle assured her. “I won’t let one of those things near her.”
“Any sign of trouble and we’ll just drive away,” I said, walking out the door. “The zombies’ only advantage is numbers.”
Stars spread out across the horizon as I stood on top of the EarthRoamer. Peering through my scope, I scanned the perimeter for any movement or activity. “Looks good on my side,” I said.
Kyle scanned the other side. “Over here too.”
I smiled. “Great.”
“We oughtta make it to the island by tomorrow night.”
“As long as we don’t run into another major roadblock.”
“Yeah, but we’re pretty close,” he said.
“We could just gun it,” I said.
“Not at night. I don’t wanna risk it. It’s my job to get you there in one piece so we can’t afford any screw-ups.”
“Right. Let’s leave at first light.”
“Hey, Val, I’m sorry about that kiss. It’s just…well, we have this amazing connection, and you’re so beautiful. Still, I know it was way too soon. I’d just met you.”
“I thought it was wonderful, and I don’t regret it at all. But let’s just take it slow, get to know each other better.”
He gazed into my eyes. “I’m all for that.”
“I think things are looking up for me. I’m about to meet my family. We’re really close to Sandusky, where we’ll all be safe. Plus, I met you and Jenny along this crazy road.”
He smiled. “It’s good to hear you sounding positive for once, Val, instead of just being in warrior girl mode all the time.”
I continued, “For us, I feel the journey’s just beginning.”
“And I’m looking forward to every minute of it.”
We talked for a long time, about anything and everything, always keeping a constant eye out for trouble on the horizon. Time flew, and I enjoyed being outside, under the stars with him. For just a few moments, I felt free, not like a prisoner of the times.
“What’s your favorite weapon for a zombie fight?” Kyle asked.
“Depends. Am I out of bullets, or do I have my 9mm handy?”
“Your mag’s dry, and a zombie’s right on top of you. What do you go for?”
“Bludgeoning. Blunt force trauma always does the trick.”
“Agreed, but what will you hit them with? You have to consider weight, lethality, and comfort. Besides, those kinds of weapons require a pretty big arc, and that could give a flesh-eater a few extra seconds to get that lethal bite in.”
“Yeah, every melee weapon carries risk. The sledgehammer is pretty effective and causes massive, epic destruction. Nothing can survive that kind of blow. The downside is that their heavy to lug around.”
“How about a machete, katana, or axe? You know firsthand that you can cut off a head in no time flat.”
“Hmm. I don’t think I agree with the katana,” I said. “It’s high maintenance, because it has to be polished and powdered constantly. Plus, they chip easily.”
“Then let’s go with a titanium crowbar or a pipe. Nothing bashes a head in like those.”
“Yep. You’re right. They’re 150 percent effective,” I said. “Another favorite of mine is the baseball bat. I can crack a skull open with one blow using a Louisville Slugger.”
“Ah! One of my personal favorites. But still, it’s messy, with lots of blood splatter.”
“A crowbar may be the best choice. If you aim right, the claw end can puncture the skull and rip through the brain. Not as messy.”
“As long as it doesn’t get lodged in the skull,” he said.
“Yeah, that’s always a risk, but a crowbar can also be used as a tool. Not only can you bash a few heads in, but you can also pry open a window, doors, and boards or even break glass with it. Every zombie survivalist should own at least one. I had a couple hanging on my wall back at my zombie fortress I left in Philadelphia. Speaking of versatility, an axe can be used to chop wood or break down doors, and a machete takes care of any tall grass and branches that get in the way.”
“Excellent choices, all of them. A buddy of mine owned a flanged mace. Now that thing could disintegrate a human skull in a single strike.”
Val: Prequel to The Zombie Chronicles Page 23