“You bring the logic, I bring the fun.” I laugh and throw the textbook back on my bed.
The job of packing the important began with my stuffed animal that I have had since I was a baby, and orange cat with a plaid pattern on its torso. It went into the bag, and I packed a few things on top. I go to my closet and open it, digging for a bit before grabbing my sword that I bought for a cosplay, and then found out I had bought a real thing and couldn’t use it at the event. The weight of it felt comfortable against my waist as I strapped it to myself. Xavier whistles at me, and I roll my eyes.
“My warrior woman!” He announces, and I giggle.
“I totally forgot about this until this whole zombie thing went down. Hopefully Anthony has some experience sharpening swords. Speaking of them, where are they?” I ask, unstrapping the sword from my waist to hand it to Xavier.
“I think they said they were going to clear out your garage, Anthony knows what would be handy, so they were going to load the back of Dainan’s truck with tools.” Xavier responds as he takes the sword and leans it against the wall by the doorway.
Pleasant conversation happens as I finish packing my backpack and laptop bag with everything I thought I would need. As I finish packing and am taking a few moments in my room when a loud bang shatters the silence. Xavier and I both jumps, then catch each other’s eyes.
“Was that…a gunshot?” I whisper, and Xavier nods.
“It sounded like it was from the garage…” Xavier mentions, and I leave the room in a hurry, Xavier following.
My feet hit each step with a loud thud as I race to the door in the front hallway, the one that leads to the garage. Xavier nudges me back and listens, before opening it and peeking around the garage. I hear a gasp before he reaches back and squeezes my hand.
“Dearest, I don’t know if you want to see this…” Xavier mumbles, and I push past him into the garage.
Chapter 29
Anthony and Avyanna are standing against one wall, and a slumped figure is against the garage door, a streak of red with a hole is above the body. My hand goes over my mouth as I muffle a wail, recognizing the body to be my step father. His arm is on the floor in a pool of blood, exposed veins are showing through the decayed flesh.
“I am so sorry, he acted normal and then suddenly snapped at us. I reacted on instinct, I am so sorry!” Anthony apologizes, lowering his gun as he faces me.
No words can cross my lips as the grief crashes over me again. My legs give out and Xavier catches me, holding me against him, and holds me together. Loud sobs break the quiet and it takes me a moment to realize its me doing it. Xavier mumbles to me as the sadness fills my every thought, not noticing the others have gathered in the garage, near the doorway.
Time passes slowly as I grieve for my life being torn apart, the stress of the past few days catching up with me. Hands rub my back comfortingly in the space that Xavier’s arms are not.
Finally, I lean back, my tears had run out as some of the others had disappeared to prepare things to move on. Xavier examines me, and I shake my head silently. Anthony comes into my blurred view and gestures towards the back door off the garage, leading to the yard.
“We prepared a hole, right next to the one where it looks like Will buried your Mom. We should get moving...” He trails off as I nod my head and walk over to beside Will.
“Thank you for preventing my Mom from coming back, and doing the best you can…” I say, avoiding looking at the hole in his forehead.
The tarp rustles as Xavier grabs it, then lays it on the ground beside Will. Anthony hand’s me a set of leather gloves, his hands already covered. We roll Will’s body onto the tarp and roll it up. Anthony grabs one end and I grab the other, hoisting the tarp up to be a few inches above the ground. I begin to walk towards the back door and Avyanna holds the door open for us, she rubs my shoulder as I walk past. Lee helps with the tarp as we walk towards the hole, a large stone on top of freshly overturned soil under a tree. A few more hands grab the tarp and help lower Will into the hole. We stand around the hole, and I pick up a handful of dirt and toss it in.
“I love you, I hope you and my Mom are happy where you are, and I will take care of Molly. Thank you for protecting me, and helping me become who I am.”
There is a shovel leaning against the tree, and I grab it. I begin to toss soil into the hole, the tarp crinkling as it became weighed down. Three more people grabbed shovels and helped me fill in the hole. Memories rush through my mind as I help bury one of the best people I have ever known. As the last few shovels get piled on top, Violet hands me a bunch of flowers she picked from our garden. Anthony pats down the soil with metallic thuds of the shovel, and I lay the flowers in between the graves, kneeling.
“They aren’t in pain anymore.” Idris says from where he stands and rubs my shoulder as he walks back to the house.
Everyone begins to walk that way except Xavier, words of sympathy said as they walk away. Xavier kneels beside me and tugs me towards him, and I relent. A few moments pass before he stands, helping me up.
“We have a lot of ground to cover before nightfall, I am sure they are in your hearts and now your guardian angels.” Xavier comforts, and we walk back to the house.
“I know.” I say the two words, and a finality ring through them.
The front hall is strewn with bags, and as we close the door leading to the garage Lee and James come in the front door. We load up on bags and move to pack the cars where we can. Molly barks happily as she sees me again, and I kneel in front of her, hugging her.
“Sweet girl, don’t worry, you are coming with us.” She licks me as I whisper this, and I laugh sadly.
“She can come with us, in my car.” Lee mentions, and I nod my thanks.
We load up into the cars again and head to Xavier’s. The houses pass in a blur as I tune out for the drive. We pull into Xavier’s driveway, the cars shutting off one by one. We all pile out and leave the pets in the car. Xavier stands in front of the door and I catch his hand this time, looking up to his face.
“My turn to be the support.” I say, and he smiles at me.
“Thank you.” He replies, then opens the front door. “At least I know we will not have to worry about bodies I know in here.”
Anthony and James disappear through the gate that leads to the back of the house, and we walk into the house. The front foyer feels familiar as I take in the large windows. I have only been inside twice but walked past this house quite a few times. The living room is off to the left with a huge wood burning fireplace, large comfy chairs and wall-sized bookshelves. A large dining set is beyond that, and the kitchen is behind that. Stairs lead up to an open-walled balcony, with a few doors leading to more rooms.
“Holy crap.” Avyanna gasps, and the sentiment is echoed by a few others.
“My family comes from some money, okay? Some of you knew.” Xavier mutters, his cheeks shining red with embarrassment.
Idris is already walking to the kitchen with plastic bags from the hall closet, which is now open and being rifled through by the others. A couple of bags are tossed my way and I follow Xavier up the stairs. He takes me to the door at the end of the hall and walks in, going to the dresser that is at the end of his bed. I look around looking at the posters on the walls of obscure movies and bands, and squeal when my eyes land on a window seat. The cushions let out a puff of air as I sit down and close my eyes, humming in contentment.
“I always wanted a window seat.” I say in a soft voice. “It’s so comfy-“
My words are cut off as I am suddenly picked up, one arm behind my shoulders and one under my knees. My eyes fly open to catch Xavier’s dancing ones, before I am thrown onto something soft. Before I can get a word out lips capture mine as Xavier crawls on top of me. I get lost in his touch and wrap my legs around his waist. He caresses my sides on top of my shirt, and his knee pushes against my inner thigh. My nails scratch down his back and he moans deep in his chest. He wraps his fingers in my hai
r and he pulls my head back, his pupils blown wide.
“I think I could get used to the sight of you underneath me.” His voice growls, and I shiver in anticipation.
My breathing becomes short as I feel his voice travel through my body. My hands slip under his shirt and I explore extensively, each bone a bump under my fingers. He leans down to kiss me again, and I attempt to take control before being growled at and my hand slammed against the bed.
“I am in control.” He growls, and I shudder.
He lets me get up and his touch turns gentle, his eyes glow going from fierce to soft, and I lean into his shoulder, calming down.
“Too much?” His voice breaks my focus of getting my breathing under control.
“Nope. Not in ‘I am scared way’, more of ‘if the others weren’t downstairs I would let you continue’.” I admit, and he chuckles softly.
“Let me know if I ever go too much, I need to make sure that is established before we continue our relationship.” Xavier’s voice grows serious, and I turn my eyes to his. “I never want to scare you. I do like things a certain way, but we shall explore anything you wish.”
“I am going to be honest.” I reply, and his face drops a tad. “I never thought I would be into that, I like the romantic intentions. I like soft, and deep love. I am open to this, and all I ask is that we communicate how we are feeling and are open always.”
Xavier’s finger gently tips my chin, tilting my head towards his as his gentle lips touch mine. He leans back and catches my gaze.
“You are the most beautiful woman I have ever laid eyes on, and it will be my pleasure to start our story with someone as breathtaking as you.” His voice practically serenades me, and I almost melt.
“Okay that’s not fair. You can’t go from a Tarzan to a Romeo.” I whine, and he laughs. “How are you this good at making me melt?”
“All I am doing is living my dream.” He responds, and then kisses me once more.
A loud crash sounds from downstairs and we break apart.
“I am annoyed that every moment I seem to understand my gorgeous soulmate some more our friends fuck something up.”
“Well, I will go see what they broke and send Idris up so you two can reminisce.” I get up with a wink, before walking out the door and to the stairs.
“I did nothing!” Lee announces, and I roll my eyes.
As I reach the bottom of the stairs I see a plant missing its pot, then spot the clay bowl, smashed by the door to the kitchen.
“You know that makes you sound guiltier?” I respond, and his head snaps to face mine.
His cheeks turn red, then a smile grows across his face.
“Well the floor is not the only thing getting dirty. Look at that hair and those rosy cheeks. Someone just got a good old fashioned lovin’.” Lee teases, and my cheeks warm more.
“What are you talking about?” Idris asks from behind him, before walking to his side and looking at me.
“Not. One. Word!” I cut him off before he says anything, my hands anxiously smoothing my hair. “Xavier wants you upstairs to help him pack. Lee, if you continue that tone I will feed you to the next infected I see!”
Idris chuckles and walks past Lee, gently rubbing my shoulder, mumbling something about ‘good luck’. I storm past Lee into the kitchen, grabbing the first bag I see and moving to the pantry.
Violet’s eyes twinkle as I begin to stuff food in the bag, then knocks my arm gently with her shoulder.
“I’ll close the door if you want to get intimate with us.”
“I hope you realize how that sounds, Viol-” Lee starts to say before Avyanna closes the walk-in pantry’s door with a slam.
“Someone looks like the cat that got the bird.”
“Again, wording, as your boyfriend was a bird earlier.” I respond, then smile with my cheeks filling with pink. “He did something I didn’t expect.”
“Oooooooo, he dominated you, didn’t he?!” Avyanna says with a playful tone, and I turn to her, eyes wide.
“How did you know?”
“The truth of dating a redhead is getting used to their fierce tendencies, whether it’s through his passion or his feelings.” She replies knowingly, and Violet giggles.
“Now I want myself a redhead.” She jokes, and I laugh.
“Shall we dye Idris’s hair and see if that helps your case?” I joke, and she laughs at the imagined idea.
“Let me tell you, those redheaded men or women know how to get your fire going.” Avyanna mentions, then nods her agreement to my idea.
The rest of pantry packing goes by with girlish giggles and bedroom humour. Lee attempts to interrupt once before he is shoved back out. The last few bags get piled by the door before we turn to each other and smile.
“Shall we face the boys now?” Violet asks, before opening the door to our agreement.
The trio of us walk out one by one, to the rest of the group in the kitchen, leaning or sitting on something. A smile grows across my face before I look to the other girls, and they are smiling to. We collectively giggle at the boys confused glances.
“It’s never a good sign when girls laugh together right?” Idris says with a cautious look to Violet.
“Oh, don’t worry boys, we only took inventory.” Avyanna says with a wink to Anthony. “Of what I will not say.”
“Oh boy.” James sighs, then shrugs. “At least I am pretty sure I was not part of that ‘inventory.’”
Avyanna grabs a bag then walks towards the door, and as everyone moves to grab bags I see Anthony gently smack her behind. I giggle softly as I grab a few bags, and see Xavier lean down beside me with a knowing look.
“Hopefully you didn’t embarrass me too much with your little girl talk.” He says with a smirk. “I grew up with two sisters, please be nice about me behind my back.”
I straighten up with a nod and a wink, then walk in the direction of the car. Xavier’s backpack clinks as he walks behind me.
“Good. I would hate to think of the punishment.” He jokes to just me, then goes out the front door.
As he leaves my view I see Violet’s awed face. My face heats again before I follow Xavier, who is loading his bags in Lee’s trunk.
“Little fair play, I knew she was behind me.” He mentions, before turning to get my bag.
I roll my eyes and hand him the bag, which he then packs. Violet hands him her bag silently, then shoos me away. Violet makes sure I walk away then turns back to him, they talk quietly, Xavier’s face growing serious before an admiring look takes its place. Violet nods once, before walking back my way and into the house. Xavier comes up beside me then ushers me inside, then turns to me as we are alone taking off our shoes again.
“You have an amazing friend looking out for you. She just wanted to make sure it was consensual and remind me she took some tae kwon doe classes.” He smiles, then I laugh gently
“She wouldn’t hurt you, but I would do the same for her in a heartbeat.” I answer, then move back to the kitchen.
Chapter 30
The rest of Xavier’s house packing goes by fast, him standing on the porch one last time and taking a deep breath is the final thing we do there. He bows his head once before turning and walking to the cars. They start one at a time then we begin to navigate to James’s place, a little farmhouse out in the open fields of our hometown. As the gravel crunches under our cars as we turn into his driveway, some horse come trotting up to the fence then following our cars. We pull up to the barn and Dainan’s truck stops and they hop out. We follow suit and gather by the fence, petting the three horses.
“I didn’t expect you guys to still be alive.” James says happily, giving some attention to Zeus, his horse.
“Hey handsome.” I gently pat Aries nose, and he whinnies gently.
“Well, we might as well start a zoo at the school.” Liam concludes, as he is petting the third horse, Hercules.
“I hope our horse trailer is still in good shape!” James shouts as he r
uns to the giant white trailer, parked beside the barn.
“It’s a good thing our school has a large, tall, fenced-in baseball yard.” Xavier comments, before following James.
“And it’s good we have my truck.” Dainan says as he digs through the back half of his cab, pulling some chains from it.
He starts his truck then begins to move it over to the trailer, aligning with it. Liam helps direct then begins to attach the trailer. As they do that, Anthony and I go to his barn to grab some hay for the horses, tossing it over the fence for them. The rest of the group busy themselves with collecting horse items under Violet’s careful eye, her younger sister having been obsessed with horses. They pack a few large bags and then help move a good amount of hay into the back of Dainan’s truck on top of the tools.
As they finish that some of us begin to move to his house, James leading that group. We finish clearing it out quickly. James’s parents had been at the conference that started this breakout before being killed quickly, his sisters were visiting an Aunt out west. James was not sure if they were alive or not, but we didn’t have the means to go check out.
The sun was nearing mid afternoon as we finished, the last task loading the horses into the trailer. I lifted my shirt to wipe the sweat from my forehead, carefully staying decent at the same time. We gathered by the trailer as we got ready to leave.
“So, since we have a lot of animals now, I say a bunch of us head to the school to begin setting up. We only need three or four to clear my house, most of us should start reinforcing and hashing out final plans.” Liam survey’s us as he sits on a stump, and we nod in agreement.
“Well I am heading to the school, who’s with me?” James says, and Dainan shrugs.
“Not like I have too much of a choice.”
“Let’s say James, Dainan, Xavier, Idris, Anthony, Quiyl and Avyanna head to the school. Myself, Liam, and Lee go to his. That way we have a good spread of fighters and planners among us.” I ask, and most nod.
“I am not comfortable with that, but I will make peace if most people agree.” Xavier argues, his gaze intently on mine. “I know you are strong, but I think you might be better with us.”
Friends Against The World (Book 1): Bite Me Page 12
