The World We Once Knew

by Trahan, Leeaja

  Finding himself staring far too long at her, he turned and crossed over towards the kitchen. He took out one package of district chicken that was imported by a special order he paid and signed for tonight. He went all out for this because he wanted to capture a time before the outbreak at least once. Rolling up his sleeves, he retrieved a cooking slab from the cabinet along with carrots and onions from the fridge. Washing his hands and rinsing the vegetables beneath the water, a pink, circled imprint rested on his forearm which still bore one of the many bites he had received to save the woman behind him.

  Shaking her head, Quinta placed the movies back on the floor before she stood and wandered over to the kitchen with Dane. This man seemed to be full of surprises which showed on her face once she caught sight of what rested on the counter beside him.

  Reaching out, she grabbed the plastic wrapped meat and held it up, “Dis is quite a surprise. First da TV and now meat? It's not chicken week yuh know.” She said to him.

  Dane wiped a knife off, “It's been awhile since we've all gotten together lately. I've missed the company and so I planned something nice for us. Sue me.” He said with a smirk.

  Quinta chuckled as rolled up her long sleeves, washed her hands, and poked around in the cabinets before she found a large metal basin. Licking her lips, she would smile at him here and there once they began to work in silence. She felt only natural to be so close to him. Waiting her turn for the sink, she ran water to fill the basin before she found salt, vinegar, sugar, and other spices. One of her true passions from the past was cooking.

  As she stirred the mixture in the bowl, she parted her lips to speak to him in a soft voice, “Yuh know Jamaica 'ad a lot of tings. Da Cinema, restaurants, music, dancin'. All of it rich and laced with me culture. Me got tired easily back 'ome and me took it all for granted. But dere was one ting me always loved to listen to. Me brother, Antony, 'ad a steel drum and 'e would practice it day in and day out.” She said with a smile.

  Unwrapping the frozen chicken, she placed the breasts into the wine-colored broth and began to rub and massage the meat. She closed her eyes and tilted her head to the side while she envisioned her brother on the shore.

  There was a certain fondness in her voice, “It took 'im about a year before he started to sound 'alfway decent but me miss dancin’ to it.” She whispered as she rinsed the herbs from her skin and washed her hands.

  Listening to her tales and memories of the past, Dane could almost visualize what Jamaica was like. He wondered what her brother was like. From how she sounded, he must have been an incredible person. His mind ran with him on what kind of exotic and unique dance moves she'd do. Though a desire to see her move in action lingered in his thoughts. Glancing over to Quinta, Dane could see the love she had for her family written on her face. The knife slowed down to a stop. He was distracted by the warmth she emitted and he wanted to keep a memory of her smile to himself.

  Quinta stared at him for a prolonged moment before she cleared her throat, “What was Colorado like?” She asked.

  Abruptly reminded of his own home, his knife slipped and sliced his finger. He pulled his hand away from the counter with a sharp hiss between his teeth. He practically pushed Quinta out of the way while he turned on the faucet and ran his hand under the water. He was relieved to see that the cut was only skin-deep. One that was caused by his distracted carelessness.

  Rolling his sleeve down, he pressed the fabric to his finger, “Addie hated it there, I kind of liked where we were though. Our hometown was beautiful to me but boring to a fourteen-year-old girl. I loved to hike and be out doors because the air was so crisp. Obviously, I was on the basketball team in high school and I'm not one to brag but I’m pretty good. Well I was good before I got sick that is.” He answered her.

  Reminiscing a bit, he didn't go on to explain how they he and Addie ended up in Florida. Without hesitation, Quinta grabbed the small jar of vinegar, smacked his hand out of the way from the sleeve, and took his hand with care. She then doused it in vinegar. Letting go of his hand without saying another word she then began looking around in the cupboard again.

  Gasping out loud, Dane eyes widened with shock, “Ah! What the hell!” He exclaimed while he applied pressure to the wound.

  Quinta took note on how vaguely he spoke of their lives and stopped after he mentioned his illness. This was understandable because all around them were survivors. Against all odds they lived but to go this far in their lives each and every person that still walked this Earth had one thing in common. Pain. They all went through significant damage before they could heal in this new life.

  Once he was sure he'd stopped bleeding, he went ignored the dull throbs in his finger and returned to the cutting board.

  With a sigh Quinta spoke, “Colorado with da mountains, dat sounds nice.” She said.

  Turning back to lean against the small counter top, Quinta pulled on her skirt before she crossed her arms. Caught up in staring at him, that clench in her stomach returned and she was quickly reminded of what she needed to talk to him about. Quinta reverted into herself for a moment. Her eyebrows slowly tucked together while she glanced from side to side and tried to come up with the right words. She felt as though a simple thank you was not enough to say to the man who held her heart. Now it wasn't truly enough for the potentially fatal extent he went through.

  She rubbed her lips together and spoke softly towards him, “Dane me uh. We, I wanted to talk to yuh about sometin’...”

  Dane ran through his head on how Quinta mothered and stung the hell out of his finger when her voice caught his attention. He was drawn in to its gentle and meek nature and could tell that she wanted to be careful with her words. This took Dane off guard as he threw a look to her over his shoulder with curious surprise. He wanted to talk to her as well, about where they were and how he wanted to go forward with their relationship. Whatever their relationship was. Turning himself towards her, he stared deeply into her eyes silently and eagerly waited for her to go ahead.

  Before she was even able to get the next line out, keys hit against the front door which was accompanied by the mighty Adelaide's voice. The door then swung open and in Addie stepped into the living room with a shrug of her shoulders while she talked Leon's ear off. Leon looked worn out and because it was Addie, he had to hear her repeat herself for a while now.

  “And the thing about this zombie boy in my dream is that he looked a lot like Justin Bieber but he wasn't Justin, at least I don't think he was. He couldn't have been since we all know there's no way he'd ever survive.” Addie said with a laugh. Without missing a beat, Addie's gaze fell on Quinta and she ran to throw her arms around her, “Ah! I've been missing you! I'm so glad you're here! Come on, come on I have something to show you! Excuse us boys.” Addie exclaimed.

  With a grab and yank of her hand, Quinta was forcibly removed from the room and down the hall to Addie's bedroom. The click of the lock that followed insinuated to the boys that they were to be alone and not interrupted.

  Finally, Leon could experience relief once both women left only to catch the way that Dane stared at him. Sighing out, Leon cut his eyes to the side to avoid Dane's piercing, blue gaze. Dane scanned Leon up and down because he was still on edge about this man. In Dane’s eyes he looked like an everyday, regular, run of the mill, authoritarian asshole who lied, hid secrets, and tried to leave them behind.

  Being the first to speak, Leon turned to face him completely, “Look, I'm sorry for what I said Da--”

  Dane sharply cut him up, “Don't apologize to me.” He interrupted.

  Dane's tone alone hinted that he was not the one that needed to hear the apology. Quinta knew what Leon had said of her because Dane told her. Even though he had made his peace that day, Quinta, on the other hand, did not deserve what Leon gave.

  Getting the point, Leon tried to find a way to explain his side, “Addie wants me here and we know how pushy she can be. If you don't want me here I'll leave for you all to enjoy your nig
ht. You should understand that what I said and how I felt was not meant to be pushed onto you. I should have listened and went with you but I couldn't leave Addie by herself.” Leon admitted.

  Dane looked Leon over once more. Even though the insult he felt was immense he didn't discount what Leon had done for them and who he became in their lives. The courage Leon had to bring himself to the house and properly apologize proved to Dane that he was a true friend. That and he was someone that Addie fawned over so he couldn't be that bad.

  With a sigh, Dane nodded his head, “I don't mind if you're here. If you truly apologize to Quinta, you can stay.” Dane said with a shrug

  Leon nodded his head quickly. This was the chance he had been waiting for to make up to them and he was going to take it.

  Removing his shoes, he walked into the living room to show that he fully intended to stay as do what was asked, “It's a deal. I also need to talk to you, both you and Quinta later, alone.” He said.

  Being brought over to Addie’s bed, Quinta was pushed to sit down as Addie bounced over to the small dresser across the wall beneath her window.

  “So, after seeing your gorgeous body underneath those clothes.” Addie started to say.

  Instantly, Quinta felt on the spot and was suddenly brought back to all the times she'd undressed in front of them. There wasn't so much as a comment and even though they'd all seen each other naked, she still felt violated. If Addie had the balls to say it so blatantly then who the hell thought it? Oh God she hoped it wasn't Leon. Quinta pulled her dress closer to her body out of her own self-consciousness and watched Addie.

  Addie tossed fabric from side to side, “So I noticed something and it's almost as though we're alike. What I go after in makeup you go after in matching underwear sets. Well anyway my friends were going on a raid and they asked me if I wanted anything extra. So, I told them and they happened to have time to stake out a portion of the mall further down by the airport. When they told me the story I couldn't believe it because that's a total suicide mission you know? Anyway, I asked them to bring me back a little something for you.” Addie said.

  The sound of plastic crinkled in her hands as she pulled the package out from the depths of her drawer. Obviously, she hid it from her brother in the off chance that he'd see the Victoria's Secret logo and jump to the wrong conclusions.

  Handing the bag over, Addie still held one hand behind her back, “I asked them to get you somethings I think is your size.” She added with a smile.

  Quinta reached out to take the bag from Addie before she pulled it open to find a few pairs of lace underwear and bras that matched. Even though this was intimate and an invasion of her personal space, Addie's heart was in the right place and she couldn't feel violated by that.

  “Tank yuh, dis is very sweet.” She whispered.

  Addie quickly shook her head and fell to her knees in front of Quinta. Whispering now in her own paranoia, she gripped the gift behind her back and hoped that her brother wouldn't hear the rest.

  “N-no you don't understand. Well maybe you do but see this guy he got me something because he wants to be my boyfriend and I told him maybe. But am I going to go out with him? No, no I'm not...” She trailed off her explanation and quickly returned to the topic, “But you see while he was there he actually stumbled on some earrings. I don't know if they're diamond or cubic zirconium but they were overlooked when valuables were ransacked during the outbreak. He gave them to me.” She whispered.

  Pulling her hand out, Addie opened her fingers to show two, small studs that glittered in the palm of her hand. Quinta smiled as she placed her fingers over them.

  She looked the earrings over before flicking her gaze back to Addie, “Dere beautiful” She whispered.

  Instead of grabbing the earrings, Addie quickly pushed them back into Quinta's hands. She choked up at the mere thought of what she had to say and turned her away from the shocked look on Quinta's face.

  “I want you to have them as a thank you. If it wasn't for you, Dane...” Addie trailed off again.

  The subject of possibly losing her brother was still fresh in her mind and every day she found herself embracing the fact that he was still there. She made a memory of their time together. Even the mundane activities she shared with Dane she strived to remember in honor of him.

  Quinta didn't know what to do or say as she stared down at them in her own palm now.

  Quinta was about to deny them when Addie spoke in a low tone, “I am grateful that we met you Quinta because I know that no other person would have done that for my brother. I don't even know if I could have had the courage or the sense to do that myself. I consider you to be my sister. We may not be blood or even the same race but I don't see any difference in the love you hold for us even if you don't say it. Thank you, Quinta. Thank you so much.”

  Addie's face twisted as she tried her hardest to hold back her tears. She was an emotional one with every fiber of her being. Quinta placed the earrings in her lap and the bag on the floor. Instantly, she scooted forward to wrap her arms around Addie's shoulders and brought her into a tight embrace. All the emotion Addie had withheld inside from the entire nightmare poured out. Addie held onto Quinta tightly and finally released what she bottled up inside. She had masked her true feelings with happiness for her brother's sake and to be held by someone broke the fragile wall she had built.

  A wet, slippery sensation touched Quinta's tanned flesh while Addie's muffled cries emitted from her neck. Holding onto Addie, Quinta rocked from side to side and patted along Addie's back with her eyes closed.

  “Shh. Shh.” Quinta whispered soothingly.

  Biting against her bottom lip, she whispered something that she had never admitted to anyone else in her life. Not even Dane.

  This was a revelation to herself and a comfort for Addie, “You and yuh brother saved me. Yuh just never knew it.” She admitted.

  Leon was nice and relaxed on the couch while he watched Dane turn on the stove, “So I can't keep it to myself, I'll just rely on you to relay the message to Quinta when you have the time.” Leon said.

  Leon couldn't help but feel a bit awkward in the silence even though he knew that Dane was not much for words. His anxiety didn't lessen when Dane didn't respond and stood there with his back to Leon.

  Leon released a long sigh, “So the higher ups, Decker's bosses, they were really impressed by how we survived out there for when we went out. The pilot has been spreading your story of heroism and survival. I've been trying to lay low myself and not bring too much attention around the precinct but they caught up with me. They offered us more jobs, Dane. More long-term jobs, high operative jobs, and more pay. I don't know about you, but I’ve saved enough money to get out of this shit hole and move to a better place. Three times over, but if we take this, make a name for ourselves, the other districts will be more willing to accept our moving permits. I think this could be a really great opportunity for Quinta and Addie you know?” Leon sighed out.

  Pressing his palm against the side of his face, Leon stared at Dane's figure and tried to gauge a reaction out of him. He knew that greed and desires for better life could be the very push that Dane needed to consider this promotion. Dane's eyebrow perked for a moment.

  Leon then perked up and rubbed his hands together, “If we did this, we'd pretty much make Decker our bitch. This man wants to impress the others for the same reason as I wanted it. To get the hell out of here. He doesn't want to give up officers and man power, if we join up and take this opportunity we could probably be out of here within the year.” He said with a shrug of his shoulders. Dane still didn't move nor looked at him but he did stare ahead, “You don't have to but I'm just giving you the heads up that they plan to approach you soon. This is a chance that I've already accepted.” He finished as he cleared his throat.

  Grabbing a pan and setting it on the counter, Dane turned towards Leon, “What about your promise? Do you really think we forgot that you owe us answers?” He asked ste
rnly.

  Leon grew silent as his cheery expression fell into seriousness far easier than ever before, “I haven't forgotten at all. I will tell you guys but not tonight...I don't want to bring up what happened out there for Addie's sake. She's just a kid.” He responded.

  Dane took a few moments to acknowledge that they weren't being duped, cornered or pushed but that this was merely an option. The thought of the better things he could provide for Addie stirred deep in his core. What were the other districts like? Could there really be other places that could feel like home before the world ended? Then there was Quinta, he knew that he didn't want to make this decision, nor leave, without her.

  Dane sighed out with his hands gripped against the counter, “Thank you, Leon” He responded to the blonde in front him.

  This information sank deep in his stomach which spurred him to turn and walk towards Addie's room. Knocking against his sister’s bedroom door, he had no idea of what was going on within, and he did not give any inclination that their situation could soon become serious again. Tonight, he wanted to relax with them.

  Addie and her flurry of emotions, pushed Quinta to put on the earrings, “Ah, ah calm it down! Me goin’!” Quinta replied.

  Quinta tossed her head from one side to the other while she slipped the earrings into her ears and snapped the backs on. With a groan, Addie dragged herself and stamped her feet over to the door.

  “Hey Addie? Are you done in there yet? I need the chef you stole from me.” Dane said.

  Yanking the door open, she glared up at Dane with a faux pout, “Gosh, you can be so impatient Dane!” She chastised him.

  Quinta rubbed her fingers over her ears for a moment before she twirled around and advanced in their direction, “What yuh expect? Dane is a man. He's got da patience da size of a grain of rice.” Quinta quipped with a grin.

  Of course, the need to come down on her brother was in Addie's DNA to complain and carry on about him ruining her girl time. He took on their anti-male sentiments with stride and couldn't help but smirk at them. Quinta dipped down, maneuvered between them, and under his arm. Stopping for a moment, she had almost forgotten that Leon was there, and wondered why the hell he was.