“I don’t know Kane, Lucca just went out to check. We fell asleep a little while after you guys left. Is everything ok?” I ask him as I hear a muffled scream on his end. What the hell.
“Shit.” He grounds out. “I need someone to come get me and Kale. Things have gotten worse, Lexi, much worse than anyone could have ever imagined.”
“What’s going on, Kane you’re not.............” My words cut off as I hear Kale yell out in the background. “Kane, I can’t hold them back any longer we have to run.”
“Kane, what is going on?” I yell into the phone.
“Lex, I’m sorry.” He says just before ending the call.
I stare at the screen on my phone willing him to call me back. I panic and try calling him instead. It rings once and goes to voicemail. “God damn it Kane, what the hell is going on?” I yell into the phone. I hit end and quickly call my brother. It too goes to voicemail. Shit.
I’m pacing frantically when Lucca steps back inside. I stop and he shakes his head. “His truck isn’t here, Lex. I’m sorry I shouldn’t have fallen asleep.”
“Something bad is happening, Lucca. Kane just called, saying something about needing a ride. Then there where crashing sounds and screams in the background.......” I look at him. “Kale yelled that they needed to run.......” I trail off trying to figure out what’s going on in my own head.
“Did he say anything else?” Lucca asks while pulling me into a hug. My heart feels as if it’s going to beat straight out of my chest.
“Yeah, he said that things are much worse than anyone could have imagined.” I sigh and pull back from his embrace. “What does that even mean?”
“I don’t have a clue, pumpkin’.” He grabs the remote for the TV and pulls me to the couch and we sit as he turns it on. There is nothing on, he flips through the channels, still nothing just blank screens. I grab the remote from his hand and try myself.
“What could possibly be going on, Lucca?” I ask before handing the remote back.
“I should go and pick up Kale and Kane, so I can find out.” Lucca states while still flipping through the blank channels.
“I’m scared, Lucca. I don’t want to be alone.” My voice is shaky with fear.
Lucca cups my face in his hands. “Babe, I need you to be strong, I need you to stay here in case someone shows up. We need to figure out what’s going on.” I nod as he continues. “If Duncan comes home and you’re not here he’s going to freak out, especially if things are really bad out there. More than likely it’s nothing to be worried about.”
“Ok, I’ll stay here as long as you promise to hurry back. I don’t want to be alone for too long. I hate not knowing if everyone is ok.” I say quietly.
“I promise sweetheart, I’ll be back as fast as I can.” He stands and grabs his keys.
“Do you want your shirt back before you go?” I ask quickly, forgetting that I was still wearing it.
“Nah you can keep it for now I’ll stop by my house on my way to get Kane and Kale.” He gives me a naughty grin. “It looks better on you anyway, pumpkin’.” I stand and grab him in a hug.
“I love you, Lucca.” I whisper into his ear. He holds me at arm’s length, smiling and replies.
“I love you too, Alexis. I love you, too.” He leans in for a kiss and all too soon he steps back and heads out the door.
I watch out the window as he pulls away in his car. The sky is starting to lighten with the sun starting to come up. I walk back through the house absently.
I end up in the kitchen staring out at the barn. I sigh and decide that I’ll head out and start Duncan’s chores for the morning, hoping that it will help the time pass faster.
Before I go out I grab a glass of orange juice and a piece of toast. Then I grab my boots and head out to the barn. I walk through the heavy dew on the ground and take in deep breaths of the fresh air. The smell of hay and the last of the wildflowers left in the pastures linger in the air. I pull open the heavy barn doors and the smell of the hay comes rushing towards me. It’s not a pleasant smell but for someone like me who loves the farm life, it’s welcome.
“Good morning, Tornado.” I pat his nose as he comes to the door of his stall to great me.
“Good morning, Cutter.” I quickly pat his nose too as I head to the back and grab a few slices of hay and a bucket of grain. I take my time feeding and cleaning out the stalls for the day.
Before I head back inside the house I head to the water trough and pump in fresh water for the horses to drink, since it’s quite warm even though it’s still early in the morning. It’s going to be one hell of a hot day. It’s an old fashioned hand pump but it works smoothly, it takes a good fifteen pumps to get the water flowing. As soon as the water trough is full I head back inside to wait for someone, anyone, to come home.
****
Hours pass by and no one has come back to the house, let alone tried to call me. It doesn’t help that the phones are all going straight to voicemail. I try not to dwell on the bad thoughts that keep invading my mind. There is probably a good reason they haven’t made it back yet. I just wish I knew what was going on out there.
By late afternoon, I’m almost in a panic. I still haven’t heard from anyone and when I try to call, the cell phone service is no longer working. I decide that I just need to keep myself busy. I tell myself over and over that they will show up before dark and that everything will be ok.
I turn on my iPod to my favorite’s song list and get to work cleaning the entire house. I wash laundry, scrub floors and even clean out both bathroom toilets. I put fresh sheets and blankets on all the beds and when I finish with that, I head down to the living room to vacuum. I’m halfway done vacuuming, when the vacuum suddenly stops. It turns back on quickly so I finish the room. Huh, I wonder why the power flickered. I shrug it off and look around the room and smile, I did a great job and the house looks fantastic. I put away all the cleaning supplies and take out the last of the laundry to fold and put away.
I take notice of the sky outside getting darker so I glance at the grandfather clock in the hall and sigh, it’s getting late. I decide to start dinner in hopes that everyone will be here when it’s finished. I’m positive they will all be hungry. I gather the ingredients I need to make spaghetti and get to work.
When dinner is ready I set the table and walk to the front door, to see if I can spot anyone. It’s completely dark out now and I can’t see anything. My heart sinks that no one is home but then my stomach growls loudly.
“Well Lex, you might as well go eat, they will be back soon.” I tell myself out loud. I hope they are coming back. As I reach the table and start dishing myself out food the lights flicker and go completely out. Damn it. I stumble around the house and find a few candles. I bring them into the kitchen and sit down to eat my meal. I scoop a big bite of spaghetti onto my fork and open my mouth but as I look around at the empty plates, I feel so completely alone. Tears fall down my face but I continue to eat. “They are coming back.” I tell myself, gritting my teeth. I have to believe they are because thinking that they won’t come home, will break me. When I’m done eating, I dry my tears and clean up the plates.
I head out to the barn to check on the horses. They are both back in their stalls and come to their doors to great me. “Hey, how are my boys?” I pat their noses taking some comfort of not being completely alone. I close both of the stall doors to the outside and make my way back out of the barn. I lock it up. It’s something we never do but I felt the need to lock it up tonight. I decide to lock the gate at the end of our driveway also. I knew Duncan and Lucca both had a key, so I wasn’t worried that they wouldn’t be able to get in.
Dad had built a heavy duty six foot high fence that enclosed our entire property. He had always said that it would make us safer and that it would keep any wild animals from coming after the horses. As I shut the gate, I realize just how much safer it makes me feel. Dad was right. I really miss my daddy. I sigh sadly as I look out to the road,
hopeful to spot headlights, but yet again I’m disappointed.
I turn and slowly make my way back walking along the winding gravel driveway back to the house. I’m halfway there when I hear some sort of low flying aircraft cut through the sky. I turn in the direction they fly towards. A few moments later the ground shakes and loud booming noises come from where the town is located. I gasp and cover my mouth in horror.
“Oh, God no.... No..... no...... No......” I shake my head in disbelief and I back up. They wouldn’t? The sky lights up and smoke pours up into the sky. I fall to my knees still looking to the sky. “They couldn’t have.........” I mumble to myself. I hear more loud booms in the distance but I don’t move as the ground continues to quake. Oh, my God. What do I do?
The aircraft fly back overhead and I take note that they are in fact military fighter jets. My heart sinks. They just blew up the town, just killed everyone, Lucca, Kane, Kale all of my friends gone......... and, Duncan. Oh God, not my brother. Why would they do that?
“Why?” I scream into the night. I stand not knowing what to do, but honestly what can I really do. I don’t cry as finish walking to the house. I don’t really know how to feel. I most likely just lost everyone I love. My world just fell out from under me, just when I was getting it back. I climb the stairs quickly and climb into bed. I lay staring at the ceiling and I’m not sure how much time passes before I fall asleep, but somehow I do. Thankfully I don’t dream, at least from what I can remember.
Chapter 5
Day 1
Morning comes too soon. I lie awake in bed wishing that what happened last night had just been a bad dream, but deep down I knew it all really did happen. I gradually get up, still in the same clothes from the day before, and make my way down to our basement. Dad had put a generator there in case we ever lost power. I was thankful for it now. Because I had a feeling I was going to need it a lot.
I eat breakfast and tend to the horses while I wait for the water heater to heat the water so I can take a hot shower. My mind feels numb as I work in the barn cleaning the stalls.
I return to the house, undress and jump into the shower. I scrub my skin raw and stand in the hot water, willing my body to relax. When the water finally runs cold I step out, wrap the towel around myself and head to my room. I dress in boot cut jeans and a black graphic tee that says “Zombies, They Love you for what’s On The Inside.” I take a quick look at myself in my mirror and laugh. Lucca had bought me the shirt after we saw some crazy zombie movie. I had joked around afterward saying that exact line and a few days later Lucca brought me the shirt. He was always doing things like that. I tie my hair up into a ponytail and take one last look. I give myself a sad smile. I hope everyone is alright.
I make my way down to the kitchen and fix myself a quick sandwich before I head back downstairs to turn off the generator and to raid my dad’s gun stash. I feel that I should at least go into town to see the damage for myself. I had to see if maybe there was someone out there that needed my help or if I could find my loved ones. But I wasn’t about to go off without some sort of protection.
Dad’s gun stash is actually a large room. The walls are full of hanging guns and boxes filled to the brim with ammunition. I silently thank daddy as I take in the rooms contents. I walk over a wall of guns that I’m familiar with. They are the guns my dad had taught me to shoot over the years. I run my fingers along each one. I notice an envelope pinned to the wall with my name on it in daddy’s handwriting. I take it down and open it.
I read it out loud to myself.
My sweet Alexis,
If you are reading this I must not be around. I’m sorry I’m not here physically but remember I’m always in your heart.
If you’re down here looking at the guns, I’m hoping it’s just to reminisce or to practice, but if it’s for some other reason there are a few things you need to know.
All of the guns on the wall before you are guns that you personally will know how to use. Remember all the times I pulled you and your brother to the shooting range with me? I was preparing you in case you ever needed to defend yourself.
There is plenty of ammunition below the tables for each gun. On the tops of the tables I have set out different knives and such. Always carry one with you, just in case. There are even plenty of arrows for the crossbows you love so much.
I have packed a backpack full of supplies you may need if you ever have to flee the house. Hopefully it never comes to that but always keep it near you.
If you need any more supplies there is a room that is hidden under the barn. The opening to the door is beneath the carpet in the game room. You will need to rip up the carpet to find it. Don’t cut the carpet away though; you may need it intact to keep the supplies hidden.
I hope that I have prepared enough to keep you safe. I love you and your brother so very much. Tell Duncan that he better watch out for you, and if for some reason he’s not there standing next to you............ then I want you stay strong baby girl. You can survive whatever life is throwing at you.
Always be smart, don’t trust anyone, and listen to your gut. It will tell you if something’s not right. Shoot straight and aim to kill. Be the survivor I taught you to be.
Love always Dad
I reread the letter over and over to myself. I always knew my dad was a preparing for something, but I never knew the extent he had went to. Mom would have killed him if she had known. I giggle and smile and read the letter once more. I really wish Duncan was here to read this. I tuck the letter into the pack dad left me.
I grab two hunting knives and strap both to my thighs, then I grab a pistol holster that holds two pistols and strap it around my shoulders and back. I snatch my two favorite pistols off the wall and load them. Last I grab my pistol crossbow and strap the holster that holds the arrows, around my waist.
After getting my weapons I head back upstairs, and then head up to my room to retrieve my hiking boots. I slip them on and lace them up quickly. I run back downstairs then proceed out the door and towards the barn. I guide Tornado out of his stall and swiftly saddle him. I lead him toward the house and go back in to retrieve my crossbow. The bow has a strap at one end so I secure it on the horn of the saddle. Once I have everything in order I set off down the winding driveway.
I dismount as we reach the gate. I unlock it and lead Tornado through it before locking it back up again. I jump back up into the saddle and head off in the direction toward the town.
****
As I make my way into town I pass a few cars parked along the sides of the road. I search each one for any clues as to what happened to the occupants. Unfortunately all of them are empty, no keys or any other personal effects, and no clues of any kind. I continue on. When I reach the road leading to Main Street, I stop and dismount. I gasp out loud, in shock. Nothing could have prepared me for what I see. The whole town is gone. The only thing left is ash and a few charred walls. Bodies and burnt car parts litter the roadway. I walk closer to the nearest body. Its torn open like some kind of animal attacked it. What the hell could have done that? I’m at a loss as to what has really happened. I mount back up and ride through the decimated town.
As I slowly ride down what was once Main Street, I look down at each of the bodies and notice that almost all of them have some sort of bite marks or have gunshot wounds to the head, some even have both. The whole scene is disturbing. I quickly turn my attention back to the road and make my way to where the hospital should be. But when I reach it there is nothing left of it, other than a deep charred hole in the ground. That’s where the bombs must have hit first. There are burnt vehicles still in the parking lot and the air is thick with the horrid smell of smoke and burnt flesh. I quickly turn Tornado around and head off next to where The Diner should be.
Amazingly The Diner is still standing. On the farthest edge of town, it somehow survived practically unscathed. It looks empty as I ride past but there are still a few cars parked in front of it, none that I recognize, thank
fully. I pass The Diner and slowly make my way through the rest of the town. Everything is gone. The school, all of the houses, the stores, everything is in ashes. No one could have made it out alive. I find more bodies but again they either have bites, gunshot wounds or both. I try my hardest not to cry as I recognized most of them. They were people I knew from school, people from town, neighbors and friends.
I decide to take a different route on my way back to The Diner making a complete sweep of the town. I slow as I ride past what remains of the bar my mom would have been at. Only the front wall is still standing. I spot Max’s body lying on the sidewalk. Poor Max. I look away and continue on, but a slightly burnt truck to my left quickly catches my attention. I stop Tornado, dismount and run toward it. It’s Duncan’s truck. I open the driver’s side door not knowing what I’ll find but I have to know if he’s dead or if maybe there is a chance he’s still alive somewhere. I have to hold on to some hope.
Thankfully, he’s not in the truck. I sigh in relief. Then search through the truck trying to find any evidence of what happened or where he might be. I curse when I don’t come across anything helpful. I leave the truck reluctantly and lead Tornado away. I take one look back at what’s left of my brother’s truck. I wish I knew where he was.
I take my time walking back toward The Diner. As we get closer Tornado starts getting antsy. He’s pulls against the reins and comes to a complete stop. He doesn’t want to go any further. Something has him spooked.
“What’s wrong, boy?” I ask as I stroke his neck, trying my best to calm him down. I suddenly hear a crash come from inside The Diner. I move to get a closer look but again Tornado pulls back and stamps his feet. I decide quickly to trust his instincts and I mount back up. I watch as a shadow passes by a window.
“Hello, is someone in there?” I yell out. I listen for a response, nothing.
No Where to Run (The Story of Alexis Rose) Page 6