The World We Once Knew

by Trahan, Leeaja

  Leon's gaze faltered when Addie mentioned what happened and the toll the situation had on Quinta. Clearing his throat, he figured that whatever haunted her must have changed her life. Especially since Addie did not fully indulge in detail on how they met when he'd ask.

  Addie hardly even noticed that Leon zoned out, “You're going to have to tell me all of the details when you can but here it goes.” Addie whispered. Inhaling a deep breath, Addie's chest puffed out while she straightened her back, “Quinta is having shock and relapse. Long story short when Dane and I found her, she was not in good condition physically or mentally. We're scared and we want to cheer her up and let her know that she is never alone. So... what would you have to do to get security clearance? Say.... for an afternoon at the beach.... tomorrow?” She questioned and held her breath.

  The air around Leon changed and his eyes widened when she mentioned exactly what she wanted, “HA! Aha you're funny, Addie. To get that sort of clearance I'd have to go in person to the department of security. Then I'd have to wait around and speak to the first officer and make a formal request. Which they'd want a legitimate reason for. IF we're allowed we have to be scheduled.” Leon listed.

  Addie's eyes narrowed and the corners of her mouth slowly fell while she listened Leon drone on and on. From what he'd told her, some of the rules in the rule book were gray areas that didn't apply to few that filtered in and out of this building. Swimming at the beach was rule that had broken by a certain General Decker and a mystery woman before she and the others moved in.

  With a sigh, Addie felt the pride and excitement deflated from her lungs, “Dammit.” She muttered.

  Seeing defeat in Addie eyes, Leon had a hard time sticking with his initial response. He huffed out of his nose and closed his eyes. Looking at the positive aspect, he would have to accompany them which meant he could go too. Leon hadn't swum in forever and that would be a great stress reliever. These people needed a morale boost, hell he needed one too especially after earlier. Then there was the bonus of possibly seeing Quinta in her underwear if not naked. Oh yes, yes, he had all the motivation he needed now.

  One alarm blared through the sky which showed that this idea was a bust. Quinta would be to their house tomorrow and Addie needed a plan by then. Just as she was about to tap Dane and head back home, Leon, that beautiful man, made magic happen.

  Dane stared down at Leon who in turn nodded his head, “Alright, you’ve got it. I'm in but JUST because you asked so nicely. You guys owe me, big time.” Leon said as he looked between the two of them.

  Even though this wasn't guaranteed, it was enough to make this girl far too elated to keep quiet.

  Whipping around, Addie pushed her knuckles to her smile and stomped her feet repeatedly, “See Dane! I told you this would be great.” She exclaimed.

  Addie's enthusiasm felt somewhat worthwhile for the mud he'd be dragged through soon enough. Leon hid his smirk of satisfaction from the praise that she rained down on his head. Dane gave in without much of a fight because he too was eager to do this possible trip for Quinta. That woman loved the ocean and would watch the sun rise every day right at the horizon. He had to admit that for once his sister was brilliant and daring to try this.

  Quinta would be thrilled and hopefully this would be enough to pull her from the gloom. Holding back his amused expression, Leon tapped on the cart with two quick thuds and started the cart.

  At the sound of Leon's sputtering engine, Addie tapped him on the shoulder, “Hey so I have one more favor.” She started.

  Leon glanced up at Addie and caught a charmed sparkle in Addie's eyes. This alone told him that she was going to dig for more favors.

  Addie then wet her lips, “Can you take us home before you go?” She asked with a grin.

  Sighing out, Leon rested on the steering wheel, “Really?” He muttered to himself.

  Addie hopped into the front seat beside Leon and pat her hands on her thighs, “Yes really! You'll live. Thank you!” She said.

  “All aboard! No really, hurry up. It's almost dark.” Leon ordered the two of them.

  Climbing into the backseat, Dane rolled his eyes as he leaned forward, “Demanding as always.” He stated.

  Addie brushed the flyaway hairs from her face, “I really hope this can happen, I don't know when Quinta will get to our place but she wakes up early so...be to our house by eight in the morning.” She explained to Leon. Tossing a glance over her shoulder, Addie pushed her eyebrows together, “Is that a good time Dane?” She asked.

  Dane nodded to his sister because they both knew Quinta's internal clock would have her up and possibly to their house before then, “Why don't we make it ten? That way we can have breakfast with her, hype her up for a surprise before at Leon’s instead. Besides, we'll want the sun to be high in the sky and hot if we're swimming.” He answered.

  Leon agreed. Him up at seven in the morning wasn't his idea of a day off and he wanted all the sleep he could get. Huffing out at the fact that Dane pushed the time, Addie reluctantly agreed to the time the boys insisted on.

  Addie lowered her eyes and a twinge of worry caused her to falter, “I really hope this makes her happy. I don't want to lose her too.” She said to herself.

  Nodding while puttering along, Leon glanced to his side and saw Addie's expression, “She won't see it coming. It's nice to have a good surprise happen in times like these.” He chimed in.

  Dane watched this man comfort his sister and he had to admit that through his suspicion he saw Leon had a kind heart. They arrived at the siblings condo a few minutes later. Addie grew silent and constantly brushed fly-away strands of hair from her face and eyes. As Leon began to speak, her blue eyes connected with his side profile before she gave him a thankful smile and nod. She truly did want to make Quinta happy, times were rough and joy was hardly existent.

  Dane stepped off, and turned towards his sister to help her out, “Even if she doesn't want to go through with the plan, Quinta wouldn't leave. She's not like that and you know she'll always be by our sides. So, don't worry Addition.” He spoke to her.

  Addie got out and dipped her head under the hood, “Thanks again Leon! And don't forget food! We need food for tomorrow too. Oh! Maybe we should stay the night! Your place is so nice. Let's go for that. Okay? Okay! Bye!” She exclaimed.

  Leon’s mouth opened in an overexaggerated smile and sarcasm dripped from his words, “SURE! Why not!? That doesn’t sound nearly as impossible as you!” He then released a tired sigh, honked his horn, and pulled away, “See you guys tomorrow then!” He stated.

  Addie kept her arms crossed while beside her brother, “I know she won't leave us. Which is why I’m wanting to ensure that she'll stay.” She finally whispered in response to her brother.

  Armed officials rolled down the street in their designated cars for the start of the night shift.

  Addie pursed her lips together before she nudged her brother and gave him a half smile, “I'm making salad for dinner, are you in?” She asked.

  Dane's blue gaze stared down at his sister from the corner of his eyes, “I'm in.” He answered her calmly.

  With a giggle, Addie hugged him along his side tightly. Turning away from him, she hurried upstairs and into their apartment to settle down for the night and prepare for Quinta in the morning. Dane was both ready and excited for the next day. Even though he knew that they all were to enjoy it, the surprise on Quinta's face was what he looked forward to most.

  In the night leading up to the morning, Dane found that he had trouble sleeping thanks to the long nap the previous afternoon. His legs still ached with tension but his mind was full of restless thoughts. Eventually, sleep caught up to him and he soon passed out.

  Addie spent much of the night cleaning up the house and planning out their breakfast for the morning. Dane had long retired to his room since he was still lethargic, rightfully so. Once she finished the main area of the house, Addie returned to her bedroom and sat on her bed. Her palms pressed into t
he mattress and she silently stared at the stained carpet at her feet. Her mind wandered off to how life took a drastic turn for the worse. The last thing from a normal standpoint was being with Dane in the hospital.

  She was reading a book for an assignment in class, Dane was out of his room for testing, and she was waiting for their parents to arrive from the airport. These were the last shreds of normalcy she had. The sounds, the nurse's laughter, even the garbage hospital food she remembered. That was until Dane ran into the room in a panic. His wires were still attached and hung from his arms when he told her they had to move. The chaotic events all happened so fast, patients were left in their beds. Nurses and doctors were covered in blood and their screams echoed through the halls. Dane refused to answer her questions but by the time they had stolen bags and pills from the staff and he killed one of the first walkers with his bare hands. Addie knew that something was wrong.

  Their parents were supposed to meet them there. They never made it. Addie clenched her jaw even harder before she sighed out, and laid down on her bed. They'd already lost so many that she refused to dwell on. Her brother was on borrowed time, this they knew. She couldn't lose Quinta too. She fell into a light sleep that was broken the moment the first sliver of light hit against her face.

  Sunrise.

  Addie jumped out of the bed quickly and skidded across the small hall to Dane's room, “Time to wake up!” She called. Noticing that her brother had yet to move at her voice, she was instead greeted with a deep, long snore, “Oh no, no, no don't do this to me now. Get up!” Addie exclaimed. She pushed against Dane's s shoulder and side only to huff out and glare at him, “Dane! Come on you should take a shower! You're gross from yesterday! I have to make breakfast!” With a whine, Addie pushed against him again.

  Waking up with his sister pushing into his shoulder and side, Dane jolted a bit in alarm and a sigh of relief sounded from above him. Addie had been trying to wake him for several minutes but this giant was sleeping abnormally deep; even for him. Dane sucked in a sharp breath and grabbed his sister's arms. Being seized, Addie's eyes widened and her breath left her. She hadn't seen that look in her brother's eyes for so long. Wrenching her grip from him, he opened his eyes and relaxed with a heavy breath of relief once his gaze met with her face. Dane fell back onto the mattress and pillow with a flop and proceeded to rub his hand over his face.

  He turned his attention towards the window to see that morning had finally arrived, “Good morning. Quinta isn't here, is she?” He asked groggily.

  The moment he went to speak Addie pushed her concerns away, “No! Not yet...” She started to answer. A knock then sounded from the front door and Addie's eyes widened before she slapped Dane slightly on the shoulder, “YES! Get up and take a damn shower! You're grimy! Oh my gosh Dane!” Addie nagged. Skidding out of his room within a moment, the excitement of the impending day took over her judgment, “Coming!” She called.

  Unlocking the door, Addie opened it to see Quinta standing there, “Good morning! Come in!” She exclaimed as she grabbed Quinta's hand. She yanked the woman inside who in turn stumbled after her with mild surprise, “How are you?” Addie asked. Quinta was about to answer Addie's question only for the young girl to silence her, “I'm sorry, I'll get breakfast started! Make yourself comfortable!”

  Just like that, Addie was gone.

  Quinta leaned forward awkwardly before she placed her hand on her bag and cleared her throat, “O-okay...tank yuh.” She called after Addie.

  Pots and pans began to echo from the kitchen which drowned out her quiet reply. Wetting her lips, Quinta glanced from one side to the other before she pulled her boots off and lowered her bag to the ground. She still wasn't feeling herself from the day before but after a good night's sleep and watching the sunrise she once again felt at peace.

  Not better, just at peace.

  Going into the living room, Quinta sat down on the long sofa and glanced back over her shoulder, “Where yuh brudda?” She questioned.

  Addie cracked eggs into a skillet and cleared her throat, “Taking a shower, I hope.” She muttered.

  Unknown to the girls, Dane had snuck out of his room and into the bathroom. Like clockwork there was a clatter from the door shutting and splashing of water in the bathroom after Addie spoke.

  The moment Dane showed life within their home, Addie grew happy and her excitement returned, “He IS taking a shower. Oh, thank God.” She muttered to herself.

  Quinta gripped the end of the sofa's cushions and stared around the large space. This was her first time in their apartment and for some odd reason she didn't feel comfortable enough to roam around without their permission. So, she simply took in the sights.

  Addie ducked her head to stare out of the gap between the cabinets and counter tops towards Quinta, “How do you like your eggs?” She asked.

  Quinta glanced over her shoulder at Addie's face, “Oh uh...'owever yuh want it.” She answered.

  The bathroom door soon opened and Dane emerged with a towel wrapped around his hips gripped in his fist. He crossed the hall into his bedroom and shut himself inside to finish dressing. From the corner of her eyes, Quinta caught sight of Dane's tall, almost nude frame. Slowly, her head turned in his direction and her eyes wandered over his torso and back. Gradually, Quinta's head returned towards Addie though her eyes were the last thing to follow.

  Quinta cleared her throat, “Did me come too early?” She questioned.

  Addie had her back to Quinta now while she scrambled an obscene amount of yolk, “No, no you came right on time. I was so happy that Dane told me you were coming today!” Addie answered.

  Quinta didn't understand what was going on and why Addie was so frantic.

  Wetting her lips, she pressed her palms against her arms, “W-why?” She asked.

  Catching a glimpse of his face in the mirror, Dane paused and leaned forward to rub the side of his scruffy jaw. Ironically his features looked healthier than when he was in the hospital. Laying around in bed with endless tests and several different medications that didn’t work had made him thin and tired. Now he was quite fit with muscles rippling from his shoulders, broad back, chest, and abdomen. This was paired with an energy he hadn't experienced since high school basketball games. Even then he felt better than that so long as he had his daily dose.

  Dane was quick to dress in clean clothes with his damp hair hanging by his shoulders before heading out towards the living room. Upon seeing Quinta, his entire face lit up just at the fact of knowing what they had in store for her. The smell of breakfast in the air caused his stomach to clench while he sat by Quinta and leaned back against the cushions; relaxing.

  The way he looked at her told on him that he had a hidden surprise, “Are you ready for today?” He asked in a low tone.

  Feeling as though this man had gotten dressed in a rush, Quinta then felt his weight beside her and heard his voice. Her eyebrows narrowed at his tone only for Addie to hand her a plate with a heaped bunch of eggs upon it.

  Quinta glanced between the two of them a couple of times before she took the plate, “Tank yuh.” She whispered softly.

  Quinta stared up at Addie's grin and then turned to the left to watch Dane's stare. They were both up to something and it was blatantly obvious.

  “Um...ready for what?” She asked while her gaze bounced between the two of them.

  The creeping suspicion was written over Quinta's features and her question made her even more charming to Dane.

  Exchanging a look with his sister, Dane found that a mischievous grin tugged at the corners of her lips, “Finish your breakfast and you'll see.” He said without a true answer.

  At least she'd have the reassurance that she'd know soon enough. Though the moment Addie left for the kitchen Dane's expression fell a bit because most of his excitement came from her. Quinta watched Addie skip away to plate Dane and her food before she took the fork and began to eat. Of course, for the most part Quinta nudged the eggs from one side of th
e plate to the other before she'd take a bite. Still, she hadn't found enough in herself to have an appetite. Hunching over, Dane placed his elbows on his knees and rubbed his hands together. Underneath his façade, all he had been worried about her and that would never change.

  He found that he stared at Quinta again and found a moment to ask, “Are you alright? From yesterday I mean.” He questioned.

  Quinta's entire body stiffened once Dane's deep, serious tone grabbed her attention. She faced him and licked a bit of egg from her lip before she rolled them in. Dane's expression was steeped with concern. Even though Quinta had been honest with them from the start she was still a woman who held a vast amount of secrets. He had gotten the sense that she kept most of her pain stored away. Just like he and Addie.

  There was a falter in her gaze that showed her apprehension and doubt, “Yuh.” She finally answered.

  That's all she could say before they fell into silence once again.

  Their eyes stayed connected for a few long and quiet seconds. Being alone through all of this must have weighed heavy on this small woman's shoulders. Even though everyone who survived had been through extraordinary loss, he at least had Addie. A woman he had come to care about and trust as though she were his blood. He had hoped that she would share her struggles with him, confide in him, and ease some of her stress. Dane was far too honed into Quinta that he forgot for a moment that his sister was just an earshot away.

  Quinta really couldn't be a burden to him right now and she didn’t want to bring Addie down. Staring at Dane just for as long as he did her, the saddened expression in Quinta's eyes flickered for a moment before being broken.

  Addie, without any inclination, hopped over to her brother and handed him his plate, “Here you go!” She exclaimed.

  Dane took his plate, “Thank you.” He muttered customarily.

  Instantly breaking the tension without knowing, Addie backed away to sit across from them. Quinta pulled from Dane and proceeded to eat in silence once again. Addie, on the other hand, shoveled spoonful after spoonful of egg in her mouth. She needed to shower and get dressed as well before they would walk over to Leon's. Now she could only hope that this man would be awake by the time they'd arrive.