The thought of zombies penned up made him tense. Thousands of mindless animated dead in a small area waiting to attack the living. How many of them had families? How many of them had killed and devoured their families?
Caleb shook the thoughts from his head and focused on his task. Zomtech wasn’t his ideal job. If he had his choice, after being released from the hospital, he would have disappeared, gone somewhere where humans and zombies couldn’t find him. But that wasn’t an option. Technically, he wasn’t legally an adult. Zomtech sought him out, like they sought out a lot of orphans, and offered him a job and a chance for a normal life. As much as he wanted to turn it down, the psychiatrist convinced him he owed it to himself and humanity to give it a try. The psychiatrist knew how things would end if Caleb was alone.
A hand clapped on Caleb’s back. He turned, his eyes took a moment to focus on Samuel’s face.
“You ready for lunch?”
Caleb straightened up and stretched and twisted his back. He had been hunched over the keyboard for hours, and his shoulders were sore; his head ached. At the mention of food, his stomach growled.
“Yeah. Let’s eat.”
The pair walked to the cafeteria in silence. Caleb continued to stretch and work out the kinks in his back along the way. He really needed to remember to take more breaks. His body was going to revolt against him if he didn’t.
“Sweet!” Samuel remarked. “Hamburgers are the special today!”
Caleb grabbed a tray and fell in line behind the others. Lunch was always taken in the company cafeteria. From 8:00 in the morning until 5:00 at night, employees were locked on the grounds. They could go outside and get fresh air, but they weren’t allowed to leave the premises. A huge hedge fence, which camouflaged a chain link fence, made sure of that. Special permission had to be given for someone to leave. It was a safety protocol to make sure nothing harmful got out. The practice only fueled the rumors and suspicions about what the company did.
Thankfully, the company’s cafeteria was always open, and they had a great assortment of food. It was also the only place in the building where the different departments were allowed to mingle. Not that it mattered, even in the cafeteria they stuck to their own groups and rarely talked to others. Caleb’s department was the exception because everyone needed something from Tech.
Caleb and Samuel filled their trays and found a table. Caleb kept his head down, focused on his food. The hard plastic chairs made him aware of every ache in his back. Should he really be this sore at his age? Grimacing, he chastised himself again for not paying attention to how long and how he was sitting at his computer.
“Hey, guys.”
The soft, feminine voice pulled his gaze from his tray. A brunette with hair pulled into a ponytail and soft brown eyes leaned on the table across from them. Her shirt fell open slightly, but not enough for Caleb to see anything of interest. He flicked his gaze back to his tray, heat rose to his cheeks. He stuffed his hamburger into his mouth.
“Hey, Jan,” Samuel replied. “How’s it going today?”
Caleb glanced up again and looked at Jan’s face. He didn’t want to be rude.
“Fine.” She tucked a piece of hair that had fallen out of the tie behind her ear. “You get a chance to look at the form question I sent you? If we could get that updated, it would make data entry so much easier.”
“It’s on our list.” Samuel smiled. “I’ll look at it right after lunch.”
“Thanks. The department would really appreciate that.” She turned her focus to Caleb and cleared her throat. “So, Caleb, a bunch of us are going for pizza after work, maybe you and Samuel would like to join us?”
Caleb swallowed the bite in his mouth and forced a smile. “Yeah. Maybe.”
Jan smiled. “Cool. I’ll email you the info.” She turned and headed back to her table.
Samuel nudged Caleb’s arm with his elbow. “Awesome,” he said quietly. “There are some real honeys in data entry. This is going to be fun.”
Caleb took another bite of his burger. “You’ll have to tell me all about it tomorrow.”
Samuel’s shoulders slouched. “C’mon, Caleb. You have to go. She doesn’t really want me there. She was just being nice.”
Caleb stared at Samuel, his forehead wrinkled with confusion. “Why would she want me there?”
Samuel scoffed. “You’re joking, right? It’s obvious she likes you. And what’s not to like.” He gestured toward him with an open palm. “You’re everything women want. Chiseled good looks, muscular physique, a well-paying job, and you’re single. Sounds like freaking Prince Charming to me.”
Caleb glanced down at himself, as if he’d get some type of insight by glancing at himself, then back at Samuel. “You have all of those things too.”
Samuel chuckled, almost choking on his burger in the process. “I have a well-paying job and am single. I don’t have the good looks you do. Plus, I’m half your size. I’m what people call ropey.”
Samuel was on the thin side, but he was tall too. Caleb guessed six-three because he was six foot and Samuel was only slightly taller. Samuel had dirty blond hair and pale brown eyes. His face was round with full lips. His skin was smooth, not lined with worry or stress. Either he was extremely lucky, or Samuel had been sheltered from the horrors of the undead. Caleb assumed it was the latter. Everyone he’d met who had had run-ins with zombies were marked with lines—even those his age. Caleb wasn’t a good judge on attractiveness when it came to guys, but he wouldn’t say Samuel was ugly.
Caleb shrugged. “So? You still have a lot to offer women.”
Samuel placed his burger on his tray and leaned forward. “That’s very true. I do have a lot to offer, but try telling them that. I rarely have an opportunity to talk to them outside of work. If you go to the pizza place tonight, it will give me that chance. Please go with me. Please.”
Caleb glanced across the room to where Jan was sitting. She looked at him shyly, her gaze flicking away quickly, a smile crossing her face. Caleb turned back to Samuel. He’d never had a girlfriend before. He was always too busy writing code and studying. He’d hooked up briefly one time with a girl from his computer club, but nothing more serious than kissing and groping came of it. He liked girls, but he was afraid of getting close. He’d lost those who were closest to him, and he didn’t want to repeat that experience anytime soon. He could only imagine what the psychiatrist would say about it. No doubt she would say it was just what Caleb needed to help him reconnect with others, teach him what it was like to be in a relationship. The thought made butterflies enter his stomach, his appetite was lost.
“I’ll think about it, Samuel.”
Samuel straightened up in his seat, excitement crossed his face. “Perfect. It’ll be so much fun, you’ll see.” He turned to his tray and finished his lunch.
Caleb tried, but his stomach was in so many knots, he couldn’t.
As soon as he got back to his computer, he saw Jan had sent an email with the information about what pizza place they were going to. Mulligans on Sheridan. It was close to Zomtech, within walking distance. Maybe he could go for a few, say hi, allow Samuel to get comfortable in the group, then head home. It would only require a few hours. Nothing he couldn’t handle. Besides, he’d need dinner. He nodded. Yeah, that sounded like a good plan. He could do that. No problem. He hit the reply button and was about to send Jan an email that said he would see her there, but his hands hesitated on the keyboard and shook slightly.
What would they talk about? Surely he would have to have a conversation with the group. No doubt they would ask about his life, what he did before working for Zomtech. Could he tell them what happened? Did he want to? Everyone had horror stories about zombies. Everyone lost someone close to them or had been forced to do something they didn’t want to do; he wasn’t unique or special in that way. But why would he want to talk about that? Why would anyone want to talk about that? Was there anything else they could talk about besides the living dead? They
had all had lives before the rising, dreams, but talking about it seemed so pointless, almost fanciful. Talking about what life was like before zombies was depressing, and Caleb didn’t need anything else to depress him. After zombies, there wasn’t much to talk about but work. While Caleb found what he did interesting, others often found it too technical and dull.
No, it was probably best for him to go home alone like he always did. The psychiatrist told him to take things one step at a time, to bring himself back to the living slowly, so he felt comfortable, and going out was definitely too big of a step for him to take. One day he would be ready, but not today. He glanced over his shoulder at Samuel. He had his headphones in and was bobbing his head to the music. Caleb wasn’t happy about letting him down, but Samuel would get over it. They’d only known each other for a short while, it wasn’t like they were best friends. Besides, Caleb hadn’t promised to go, only that he’d think about it. If it upset Samuel, that was Samuel’s problem, not Caleb’s. What did he care if people thought he was a jerk? He’d done a lot worse to people a lot closer to him. Hurting Samuel’s and Jan’s feelings was nothing compared to what he could do. It was decided. He wouldn’t go this time. Maybe one day in the future, but he wasn’t ready yet.
As the clock hit 5:00, Caleb turned off his computer and prepared to head out. His back was still sore, but his headache had waned. He grabbed his backpack and hoodie. Tech was the only department that was allowed to take anything in and out of Zomtech, and it was subject to inspection. They were expected and encouraged to work at home. It would help get the technology up to par that much faster. Samuel hurried to his side.
“So? We heading out tonight?”
Caleb shook his head. “I can’t. I’m sorry. I just remembered I had something else to do tonight.”
Disappointment covered Samuel’s face. “Can’t you get out of it?”
“’Fraid not. Sorry.”
Samuel stopped and placed his hand on Caleb’s arm, stopping him. He pressed his lips into a thin line. “Do you really have a thing, or are you just being a wuss?”
Heat flooded into Caleb’s face, and he opened his mouth to argue, but then closed it again. Samuel obviously knew he was lying. He sighed and lowered his gaze to the floor. Samuel’s hand slid from Caleb’s arm.
“That’s what I thought. C’mon. Half an hour. One slice of pizza. It won’t kill you. I’m sure Jan doesn’t bite.” He lightly punched Caleb in the arm.
Caleb grimaced at his words. He tried not to imagine what Jan would look like undead, but the vision flashed through his mind—her yellowed, flaky skin, eyes that couldn’t focus, mouth hanging open—and he shuddered.
“If you don’t go, I won’t give you any emails tomorrow.”
Caleb’s head shot up, and he narrowed his eyes. “You can’t do that.”
Samuel shrugged. “If you’re willing to take that chance …”
Panic zipped through Caleb. He couldn’t not work. But did Samuel really have the power? Was it worth finding out the hard way? It was only half an hour.
That could lead to a lifetime of regrets.
He pointed at Samuel. “One slice. That’s it.”
Samuel smiled. “Good choice.”
The pair walked down the street in silence. Caleb kept his gaze on his feet. He was afraid if he looked down the street, he would be tempted to run.
And you could …
He barely noticed what the front of the pizza place looked like as he stepped inside. At the dimness, however, he glanced up. Candles sat on top of red-checkered tables, and booths lined the walls on the left and right and at the back. A few patrons occupied the tables, filling the room with the soft buzz of conversation. His mouth went dry, his palms began to sweat. What had he done?
You’re making a mistake. This isn’t going to turn out well.
He turned to head out the door, but Samuel placed his arm around Caleb’s shoulders and directed him across the room. Jan sat at a table with three other girls and two guys from work. Caleb recognized one as the guard from the front desk, and the others were from her department, but he didn’t know any of their names. Jan smiled at him.
“You made it.”
“We sure did,” Samuel replied. He pulled out a chair and pushed Caleb into it. Samuel took a seat next to him.
Jan was across from Caleb, and she averted her gaze to the table and pushed stray hair behind her ear, a gesture Caleb was beginning to equate with nervousness. Pink colored her cheeks. Caleb pulled his hands into his lap and hunched his shoulders forward. He also averted his gaze to the table.
“So what does everyone want?” Jan lifted her head and glanced around the table. “Pepperoni? Cheese?”
“How about one of each?” one of her coworkers said.
“And breadsticks,” the guard chimed in.
“And you have to try the orange soda.” Jan leaned back in her chair and held up her hands. “It’s the best ever.”
“That sounds amazing.” Samuel nudged Caleb with his elbow. “Doesn’t it?”
Caleb glanced up and nodded. “Yeah.”
Jan looked at him out of the corner of her eye, her grin widening.
The waiter came and took their order, then the group fell into conversation. Caleb wasn’t sure what they were talking about; his gaze had drifted back to the table and the only voice he heard was the one in his head.
It’s going to be all right. Everything is fine.
So far …
“What about you, Caleb?”
He was barely aware of someone saying his name, then he felt Samuel’s elbow in his arm again. His head jerked up.
“What?”
Jan giggled. “We are talking about our favorite movies. What’s yours?”
Caleb rubbed his hands together. They became slick with sweat. He noticed the glass of orange liquid in front of him and downed half of it like he was dehydrated. He cleared his throat.
“Comedies. I really like comedies.” He glanced around the table.
“What’s your favorite?” Samuel asked.
“I, uh, like the classics. The more ridiculous, the better. Movies like Naked Gun or Ace Ventura.” He forced a smile. “You guys might not have heard of them.”
The vast majority of the people at the table shook their heads.
“I have,” Jan chirped.
“What about you, Samuel?” the other guy at the table asked.
Caleb was grateful to have the focus taken off him. If Samuel answered, Caleb didn’t hear it. He was staring at Jan, surprised that she had heard about his favorite films. Not many kids his age had; most of them considered them too old and stupid. When was the last time he had talked about movies? He wanted to know more about what types of films Jan liked and which ones she had seen. He cursed himself for not paying attention. He could ask her. He just had to find the words.
The pizza showed up a few moments later, and the conversation faded while everyone ate. Caleb actually had three slices, and when the conversation picked up again and focused on work, he decided it was time to leave. He turned to Samuel.
“I’ve got to go,” he whispered.
“Okay. I’ll cover your part. It’s the least I can do for forcing you to come out.” He winked.
Caleb stood and said goodbye to the group.
“You’re leaving already?” Jan asked.
Caleb nodded. “Yeah. I’m pretty tired, and I have a long day ahead of me tomorrow.”
“Oh, okay.” She smiled at him. “I’m glad you were able to come out for a little while.”
Caleb smiled back, a small smile, but it was genuine. “Me too.” He waved, and then headed out.
He placed his hands in his pockets as he walked down the street and let Jan’s smiling face dominate his mind’s eye.
CHAPTER 2
Caleb sat on his couch, staring at the TV but not really seeing what was on it. He second-guessed his decision to go out for pizza. Had he said something stupid? Did everyone think he was
an idiot and would now avoid him like the plague? He ran the evening through his mind. He hadn’t said much. Would that mean everyone thought he was a jerk?
What does it matter? The fewer people you are attached to, the better.
Caleb sighed. He couldn’t control what anyone else thought about him. He made an effort to be social. He’d taken a step. His thoughts drifted back to Jan and her smiling face, and a grin touched his lips. It wasn’t all bad going out. At one time, that was a completely normal thing to do. People hung out all the time, congregated socially and made friends with strangers. But then the zombies changed all of that.
The notion of Stranger Danger reached extreme proportions after the rising. The fear of who could be infected was more paralyzing than the fear of the zombies. People shut themselves off, shunned their fellow humans. It contributed to the downfall of society, nearly led to the annihilation of the human race. That was the real reason the blood tests were started, to give people peace of mind, to get them to interact with one another again. It began with employers and businesses to lure the living back to the workplace and get commerce working again, but anyone could request the results. Many landlords did to give tenants a sense of security. Whenever a new one came into the building, a notice was sent out so no one panicked about the new person. Caleb constantly received notifications about tenants in his building, but he didn’t pay too much attention. People came and went, moved in and out. It was part of life.
A knock sounded at the door, and Caleb turned off the TV. He caught a glimpse of himself in the darkened screen and scrutinized his reflection. How had Samuel described him earlier in the day? Something about being in good shape. Was he missing something? He tried to keep himself in shape, working out for several hours after work, but it wasn’t because of vanity. No. It was more of a way to distract himself from the loneliness and darkness. All he saw was a shell, a husk of what he used to be. There didn’t seem to be any life in his eyes, just a dull sense of existence. His cheekbones were prominent, more lines than should have been present for his age etched his brow. The passion and thrill of life had been replaced with duty and survival.
Saving Humanity Series (Book 1): Humanity's Hope Page 2