Amanda surveyed them with arms akimbo. “My goodness. I’ve never seen such a pair of cry babies in my life. What do you think, Brenda?”
Brenda hovered in the doorway with a cloth-covered tray. “I agree, Amanda. They probably don’t want my pancakes and syrup either. Should we leave them to sleep some more?”
“Pancakes?” Jenny cried, and the entire bed shifted as she scrambled out from beneath the covers. “I want pancakes.”
“Me too,” Amy said, throwing off her duvet.
Jenny’s face appeared in front of her face, upside down. “Do you like pancakes, Amy?”
Amy reached out to tug Jenny’s hair. “I love them.”
Jenny giggled before disappearing again. “They’re just yummy.”
“Well, I’m glad to hear that,” Brenda said, placing the tray on the bedside table. She whipped off the cloth with a grand flourish. “Here you go. One for you, Jenny, and one for you, Amy.”
Amy accepted her plate with eager hands and took a deep whiff. Her stomach growled as the scent of warm pancakes smothered in maple syrup hit her nostrils. “Oh, that smells so good. Thank you, Brenda.”
After a moment’s silence, she knocked on the base above her head. “What do we say, Jenny?”
“Um, thank you for the food, auntie Brenda,” Jenny said.
Brenda smiled. “It’s my pleasure.”
“Rufus also wants pancakes,” Jenny added. “Don’t you have extra?”
Brenda shook her head with an expression of mock regret. “I’m sorry, dear. I forgot all about Rufus.”
“That’s okay. I’ll give him some of mine,” Jenny replied.
Amy took a bite of her food and groaned with delight. “This is delicious.”
“Don’t talk with your mouth full, sweetie,” Brenda admonished.
Amy swallowed hastily. “Sorry.”
Brenda placed two glasses of orange juice on the table and tucked the tray underneath her arm. “It’s not fresh, I’m afraid, but it’s all we’ve got.”
“That’s okay,” Amy said. “This is wonderful.”
Brenda nodded. “Alright, I’m off, but I’ll see you two later. I’ve got patients to attend to.”
“Bye,” Amy and Jenny called as Brenda retreated from the room with a cheery wave.
Amanda stepped forward. “Listen up, you two. I’ve been tasked with your care until Alex is on his feet again.”
Amy nodded slowly. “What does that mean, exactly?”
Amanda sat down on the opposite bed and folded her hands. “You both need a place to stay until something more permanent can be organized. I’m assuming you’d rather not go back to your old home?”
“Definitely not,” Amy agreed, shuddering at the thought. “That place holds bad memories now, and it wouldn’t be the same without the others.”
“I thought so too, which is why I want you to live with us, in the meantime,” Amanda said.
“Us?”
“Brenda and me,” Amanda replied. “We stay in a small apartment attached to the infirmary. It’s got enough room for all of us, and there’s a small garden for Jenny to play in.”
“That sounds lovely,” Amy said, a broad smile gracing her lips. “And, I’ll be close by in case Alex needs me.”
“Exactly. Plus, you and Jenny will be together,” Amanda said. “Would you like that, Jenny?”
“Yes, please. I want that very much,” Jenny replied, her voice muffled by pancake and syrup.
“Excellent. As soon as you’ve finished eating, I’ll take you there. I’m sure you’d like some time to settle in. Maybe take a bath,” Amanda added.
“Oh, I’d love a hot shower,” Amy said with a groan of longing. “But when can I see Alex again?”
“He’s still under sedation. I’ll confirm with Dr. Hayes, but you might have to wait another day before you can visit him.”
Disappointment filled Amy, but there was no point in moping about it. “As long as he’s okay, I can wait.”
“He’s doing just fine. I checked in on him myself this morning,” Amanda confirmed.
“Thank you, Amanda. I don’t know what I’d do without you,” Amy said.
“That’s alright. I’m glad I can help, and you two are a joy to be around,” Amanda said. She stood up, smoothing her skirt. “I’ve arranged with Sergeant Dean to bring the rest of your stuff from your old house, and a couple of things for Jenny. He should be here in about an hour.”
“Thanks, I’ve got the most important stuff in my backpack, but King’s men are sure to have left a few things behind,” Amy said. “We’ll be ready for Nick.”
“I’ll be back in a jiffy. You can give the dirty plates to the lady behind the counter at the cafeteria,” Amanda instructed before leaving them to finish breakfast.
After they’d eaten, Amy took away the empty dishes and got dressed. She helped Jenny get ready too, and they washed up in the bathroom across the hall. As she stuffed their last clothes into a backpack, Amanda showed up in the doorway.
“Are you ready to go?” she asked.
“We’re ready,” Amy said.
“Follow me.”
Amy and Jenny walked behind Amanda to their new home, a small but cozy two-bedroom apartment attached to the far end of the infirmary. There were two more homes like theirs, occupied by more hospital staff.
“You and Jenny can share this space,” Amanda said, showing them to a small bedroom with two single beds on opposite sides. The only other furniture was a chest of drawers, a set of built-in cupboards, and bedside tables with lamps.
“The bathroom is over there,” Amanda said, “and this is where Brenda and I will sleep.”
“You don’t mind sharing a room? We can sleep on the couch,” Amy said.
“Not at all. We hardly sleep anyway. Too much work to do, and too many patients,” Amanda explained. “Over here is the living room and the porch which overlooks the garden. We take our meals in the cafeteria, but there is a tea and coffee station in that corner.”
“It’s cozy,” Amy said, eyeing out the simple decor. It was small, but neat and tidy. The living room boasted a pair of couches, a television, a DVD player, and a stack of movies. She squinted at the titles, happy to spot several kid-friendly shows. Jenny will like that.
“We’ve got a couple of board games too,” Amanda said.
“That’s nice,” Amy said.
“The garden is my favorite, though,” Amanda said, walking out onto the porch.
Amy followed and sucked in a surprised breath. Benches with pillows lined the wooden porch, and strings of fairy lights decorated the pillars. A wind chime tinkled in the corner, and a bird feeder swayed in the boughs of a budding apple tree. “Wow, this is awesome.”
“It is, isn’t it?” Amanda exclaimed. “You can thank Brenda. She’s got green fingers, that one.”
“It’s so pretty,” Jenny cried, running past Amanda and Amy.
“It is,” Amy replied, her gaze drinking in the sight.
Brenda had managed miracles in the small space. A patch of green grass abutted the wooden porch while daisy bushes lined the fence. Tiny flower buds promised a riot of color come spring: pink, yellow, and white. Rosemary and lavender bushes lined the adjacent wall, and a bed of mint grew in the shade beneath the gutter. More fairy lights entwined the branches of the apple tree, promising a magical show at night.
“It’s our sanctuary when the world outside becomes too much,” Amanda explained. “Especially with all the birds, bees, and butterflies that come to visit.”
“Do you believe in fairies? ” Jenny asked with bright eyes.
“Of course, I do,” Amanda said with a straight face.
“Me too,” Amy said with a somber expression.
“I would like a fairy friend,” Jenny said. “Then I could fly like Peter Pan and Wendy.”
“I’m sure you could, but until then, no jumping off anything. Deal?” Amanda said, wagging her finger at Jenny.
“Deal,” Jen
ny agreed.
It wasn’t long before she got lost in the wonders of the garden, and Amy turned to Amanda. “This will great. Thank you for having us.”
Amanda shrugged. “I’m happy to help, that’s all.”
“Where does Ethan stay now?” Amy asked.
“He lives in his office mostly,” Amanda replied with a shake of her head.
“His office?”
“Yeah, he stayed over a lot, but now he practically lives there. He’s even got a sofa bed and a dresser inside.”
“That’s sad. He used to stay by us, but we rarely saw him. He was seldom home.”
“That sounds like Dr. Hayes,” Amanda said. “The man is a workaholic.”
“I think it’s because Dylan picked Nick,” Amy confided.
“Yeah? I thought there was something between the two of them,” Amanda mused. “Plus, he and Dylan had that falling out the other day.”
“They had a fight? I didn’t know that,” Amy said.
“It was a big one. They’ve hardly talked since,” Amanda said with a sad shake of her head.
“I hope they figure it out,” Amy replied. “They used to be such great friends.”
“I know.” Amanda reached out to squeeze Amy’s hand. “Anyway, I’ll let you settle in now. When Nick arrives with your stuff, I’ll send him here, as well.”
“That would be great. If you see Dylan, can you show her the way too, please? I’d like to talk to her,” Amy said.
“Will do,” Amanda said. “Bye, Jenny. Bye, Amy. I’ll see you later.”
“Bye,” the girls said in unison, waving to their new friend as she departed.
“Do you like it here, Jenny?” Amy asked, eyeing the little girl with a hopeful look.
“Very much,” Jenny replied. “Rufus likes it too.”
Amy heaved a sigh of relief. “Good, so it’s settled. We’ll stay here until Alex is back on his feet.”
“What happens then?” Jenny asked.
“Then we’ll find our own home,” Amy said. “Our real home.”
“That sounds wonderful.”
“Yes, it does,” Amy replied, wondering what the future held for them. Whatever it is, good or bad, we’ll make it work. We’ll be a family again.
Chapter 12 - Nick
Nick crossed the grounds toward the parking lot, where Saul was having a meeting with the group of volunteers who’d assist him in Tara’s rescue mission. Dylan had radioed him earlier, saying she’d try to speak sense into Saul’s head, but he doubted she’d have any success. Saul was nothing if not single-minded in his efforts to rescue Tara.
When he arrived, Dylan met him on the outskirts with a broad smile and a kiss. “Hey, handsome. Glad you could join us.”
“How are things going?” he asked, looking over at Saul. The soldier acknowledged him with a curt nod before turning his back.
“Well, you know,” Dylan said with a shrug. “He’s still pissed at you.”
“Yeah, I can see that. What about the rescue mission?” Nick asked. “Did he listen to you?”
“No, he didn’t. We’re still leaving today,” Dylan replied.
“Damn it,” Nick cursed. “I wish he’d stop being so stubborn. All I need is a few days to send out scouting parties and gather information.”
“Nope, not gonna happen,” Dylan said.
“In that case, I’m surprised you’re still here,” Nick remarked, looking at the volunteers gathered around Saul.
“Saul has decided to leave tonight, rather than this morning,” Dylan explained. “He wants the element of surprise, and it will give everyone the chance to rest for a few hours.”
“I see,” Nick said with a nod. “That’s something, at least.”
“Where are you off to, and what’s in there?” Dylan asked, pointing at the box he carried underneath one arm.
“These are Amy’s things. I collected them from her old room. What was left anyway,” Nick said.
“Are you taking them to her?”
“Yes, but I’m heading to the thrift shop first,” Nick said. “Amanda, the nurse from last night, has taken Amy and Jenny under her wing, but they need a few things like clothes and such.”
“That’s sweet of her. Can I tag along? I need to say goodbye to Amy anyway,” Dylan said.
“Sure, you’re more than welcome to join me,” Nick agreed.
“Great,” Dylan said, waving at Rita and Saul. “I’ll see you tonight!”
Saul answered with another curt nod while Rita responded with a big grin. “See ya later, alligator!”
“In a while, crocodile,” Dylan shouted back before falling in next to Nick.
Nick snorted. “Oh, come on. That is such an old saying. Only kids still use it.”
Dylan shrugged. “We’re young at heart. That counts, right?”
Nick rolled his eyes. “If you say so.”
Dylan nudged him in the ribs. “I do, grandpa.”
“I’m not a grandpa,” he protested.
“Fine. A sour puss then.”
“Am not!”
“Now who sounds like a kid?” Dylan countered with a chuckle.
At the thrift shop, a lady called Mandy greeted them. She had soft blonde hair that grew in wild curls and vivid blue eyes that twinkled at them from a kindly face. “Good day, Sergeant Dean and Dylan. How are you this fine morning?”
“We’re good, thanks for asking,” Nick replied. “I’m here to pick up some stuff for Amanda?”
“Oh, that’s right. She and Brenda dropped in earlier to pick out some things for the two girls,” Mandy said, pulling a box out from underneath the counter. “Here you go.”
“Thanks,” Dylan said, reaching for the goods.
“Oh, one more thing,” Mandy exclaimed, clapping her hands. “I almost forgot the best thing of all.”
“What’s that?” Nick asked.
“It’s a surprise for the young one, Jenny. Let me show you,” Mandy said, ducking into a back room. She returned minutes later with a wriggling bundle of brown fur and a plastic bag filled to the brim.
Nick gaped at her. “What’s that?”
“It’s a puppy, silly,” Mandy said, holding out the animal in question.
“I can see that, but what is it doing here?” he asked.
“It’s a surprise for Jenny,” Mandy repeated, lifting her eyebrows. “It was Brenda’s idea. She knew I still had the one at home.”
“A surprise,” Nick said in a faint voice. “I can’t believe it. A puppy. Where on earth did you get it?”
“My dogs had pups a while ago. I managed to find homes for all of them except this little buddy,” Mandy said, raining kisses down on the puppy’s head.
“Oh, wow. I haven’t seen a friendly dog in a long time,” Dylan said, reaching out to ruffle the pup’s ears. “At least, not a live one.”
“You have dogs?” Nick asked. “Breeding dogs?”
“Yes, silly, though I’m having them fixed now,” Mandy said. “I’ve lived on this base nearly my entire life. First, with my parents and then my husband, Ralph Baker. Sure, we moved away a few times, but we always ended up back here.”
“A real army brat, huh?” Dylan said with growing enthusiasm.
“Exactly. Anyway, I’ve always had dogs. I couldn’t conceive of not having them, could you? They’re such a comfort, especially since I can’t have kids,” Mandy said with a little laugh. “I guess you could say they are my kids.”
“Uh-huh,” Nick managed to utter. “I thought most owners euthanized their pets when the outbreak began.”
Mandy gasped. “I could never—what an outrageous thought. My dogs have never been a bother. They’re well-trained, don’t bark for no reason, and have never bitten a soul. They’re excellent with kids too. Perfect watchdogs.”
“I’m sure they are,” Dylan said, reaching out to take the puppy. “Oh, my. He’s such a cute little boy, isn’t he?”
Mandy beamed. “He’s almost three months old now and potty t
rained. He’s got good manners too. I made sure of that. He needs more training on the lead, however.”
“I bet Jenny will love him to bits,” Dylan said before burying her face in the dog’s fur. She giggled when he licked her face. “He’s so adorable; I could eat him up.”
“Er, please don’t. You might get worms,” Nick cautioned.
“Nonsense. I had him at the vet this morning, and I brushed his teeth,” Mandy said before handing over the plastic bag. “In there is his food and water bowls, his blanket, a harness and lead, and his favorite ball. He likes to eat rice and carrots with gravy, but he’ll have just about anything you do.”
Nick reluctantly took the bag. “We have a vet on the base?”
“Of course. He mostly works from home since there aren’t so many pets to look after anymore. Dr. Bloomberg is the best.”
“Huh, good to know,” Nick said as they left the shop.
“Indeed,” Dylan replied. “He’ll come in handy once we have our own livestock.”
“Yes, but why does it feel like I suddenly know nothing about this place at all?” Nick said. “Next thing you know, we’ll have people queuing to have their nails and hair done.”
“Oh, that would be Misty Bethel. She’s a volunteer with Saul’s group, but when she’s not out kicking zombie butt, she’s trimming bangs and painting nails. She’s good too. I was at her house for a cut only last week,” Dylan said.
“You’ve got to be kidding me,” Nick said, eyeing her with utter disbelief.
“Nope, I’m serious,” Dylan said. “Besides, what’s wrong with being a fighter and looking good at the same time?”
Nick shook his head. “It’s the end of the world, Dylan. Not a beauty pageant.”
Dylan snorted. “So? Do you know how many nails I’ve broken since this apocalypse began?”
“No, I do not,” Nick said, pointing ahead to the infirmary. “Thank God, we’re here. Now, I can focus on the important stuff.”
“Like what?”
“Getting rid of this dog, so I can return to my ignorant existence where puppies and rainbows don’t exist,” Nick said.
“You’ve got something against rainbows too?”
“Ugh, I don’t even…leave it okay?” Nick said with a sigh.
Rise of the Undead (Book 5): Apocalypse Z Page 7