“Liam and Dainan are amazing. This means we can get the planting going and actually have a hydroponic system running before nightfall!” I announce, and Xavier gives me a loving look.
“That’s awesome my dear. Idris and I have finished the medic corner and treating our injured people, made Liam rest so we are on track as well.”
“What injured people?” Sonji asks us, and Xavier turns to face her.
“Our friend Quiyl, got scratched by a knife, one of the infected was wielding it. We stitched it up and she is healing well, just resting that arm. Liam, the one who brought the electrical back to life got a vase dropped on his foot, then the wound got infected, so he is on strict bedrest since he finished the solar panels.”
“Like Ouran High School Host Club?” Sonji giggles, and Violet smiles again.
“You know anime?”
“It’s all we ever watched.” Sonji replies, and Violet high-fives her.
“Dude, we will get along so well.”
“Now, you mentioned injured. How much medicine did you guys manage to get?” Sonji asks Xavier, who leans against the metal table, still holding my waist.
“We raided a pharmacy and all of our houses and gathered a bunch of stuff. I know most but brought along my mom’s more important nursing textbooks and hoped those would fill in the gap.”
“I might be able to help with the rest. I was reading up on medicine and debating if that was the field I wanted to go into. My mind is like a steel trap, I barely ever forget anything.”
“Cool, that would help a lot, thanks Sonji.” Xavier grins at her, and she shrugs.
“After we finish setting up a sustaining greenhouse then I can take a look.”
“Want me to get whoever isn’t doing anything to come help plant?”
“That would be awesome, love.” I answer, and he nods.
He gives me a kiss on the cheek then walks back into the main school building. Lee, Anthony and James walk back inside and then begin to barricade the door, moving one of the metal tables to block it. Sonji comes up to my side and nudges it, a playful glint in her eye.
“So how long have you two been together?”
“About three days.” I laugh at the astonished look in her eyes. “But have liked each other forever, this apocalypse was kind of a catalyst for us to finally admit it.”
“I know how liking someone and not knowing if they like you back feels.” She says mysteriously, then moves off to help build the hydroponic system, leaving me with more questions than answers.
The sounds of drills echoed throughout the greenhouse as they begin to build the system, laying long metal troughs on an angle into another one, then a bucket beneath that. James comes back into the greenhouse after searching the classroom, a pond pump in his hand. Assorted people come in and Violet gives them different tasks, whether its filling pots with soil from the basement, planting the seeds, or finishing the system. Anthony and James come back holding a giant bucket of water between them, and at the flick of a switch the system is running.
The hours pass by as two more systems are built, dividing the vegetable seeds to one system, fruit seeds to another, and herbs in the last one. Our materials for the systems run out at that point, and the sky is dark as we finish. Violet and I check them over one more time, before high-fives are given all around.
“Awesome job guys, now who’s ready for some food?” Avyanna announces from the door leading into the school, and a second round of cheers break out. “Let’s all go to the café and get settled in for the night, then figure out watches.”
Chapter 33
We gather in the café, grabbing a plate each and loading our plates with food. Avyanna and Quiyl have made spaghetti and meatballs, and we gather around some tables that were pushed together in the middle of the cafeteria.
“Today has had it’s ups and downs, we have gained and lost, but I have to say;” Idris trails off, and everyone looks to him. “If there was any group that had a chance right now, I would say we are pretty high on that list.”
“Thank you, guys, for being so accepting of two strangers.” Sonji says, and Lynx nods.
“I still don’t trust you all, but we will get there.”
“That’s smart, don’t trust everyone. But we won’t hurt you, and our plans include just holing up here and lasting this out. Sonji, would you want to help me with the medical stuff?” Xavier asks, facing her from where he is sitting beside me.
“I would love too, if you don’t mind me studying those books of your moms.”
Xavier nods his consent, and I raise my glass of water.
“I want to propose a toast.” I announce, and everyone raises their glasses. “To all of us. To Liam, for helping us have power. To Idris, for being an amazing leader and planner. To Violet, Sonji, and Lynx for getting our food source set up. To Anthony, Lee and James for making sure we are safe within these walls. To Dainan, for helping where we need it. To Xavier, for being our doctor and someone we can rely on. And finally, to Avyanna and Quiyl, for making this amazing food. I believe in us and am optimistic about our chances.”
We cheer again, and all take a sip of our drinks. Next, Idris raises his glass and we focus on him.
“So, we have gotten lucky so far in no infected wanting to come visit, but we need to set up a night watch. I say we set up a watch in the front hallway and one near the back of the school. Every two hours the pair in the front swap to the back, and a new pair take over the front. The rest of us sleep, besides Quiyl and Liam, you two are off duty for a few days until Xavier and Sonji say you are good to help again beyond what you have already done. Who wants first watch?”
“Xavier and I are good to go to front one, then rotate to the back.” I offer, and Xavier agrees.
“Idris and I will take the back as Idris have done a lot of driving and needs a good rest.” Violet offers, shaking her head at Idris protests.
“We will wake up the next pair to take the front watch when we get off the back one. James and Dainan, do you guys want next?” Xavier asks, and they both nods. “It’s nine o’clock now, so we will be on watch until three. So, can we sleep until 9 tomorrow? Let’s figure this out so everyone gets at least 6 hours of sleep, and if someone has less than that then we can totally figure out a nap schedule during the day as well. Between the twelve of us we should be able to get a good schedule going.”
With everyone agreeing and figuring out the schedule, we grab our knives and head to the front. Xavier set up our sleeping area before he came to help in the greenhouse, and everyone else was blowing up air mattresses when we left. We grabbed two chairs and sat them near the front of the school. We settle in and have our knives at the ready, strapped to our thighs. Idris and Violet wave as they walk past us with chairs, and head to the back of the school.
“All I am saying, is after a few nights on that air mattress I am going to be proposing a trip to one of the houses nearby to steal a few mattresses.” I announce, and Xavier chuckles.
“I mean, we can pitch the idea to Dainan in the morning, I would be down for that too.”
“I am feeling confident though. I never expected for more to join us but more the merrier.”
“Sonji and Lynx seem nice, and I admire Lynx’s instincts, and I am glad to have a medical partner. Maybe the next infected that we come across we can capture and start to work on some sort of vaccine against this infection.”
James walks past us with a nod and calls back to us as he walks away.
“Checking on the animals before bed, I am going to let the cats wander around the main floor with Molly. Just have to feed the horses.”
I call my thanks to him and laugh as Molly happily bounds up to me. Xavier pets her enthusiastically and she licks him a lot. He chuckles, and she lays down at our feet, and I rub her belly with my foot gently.
“Who’s a good girl?” I praise, and then get swept up in memory lane, all the happy times with my parents and I going on road trips with her.
I don’t even notice the few tears rolling down my cheeks until Xavier wipes them away with a gentle thumb. He rubs my shoulders and I curl into his chest, my cheek against his breastbone. He hums and lets me just cry it out. We continue to talk about the day as the night wears on. Xavier looks at his watch and pulls me to my feet. Molly trots happily behind us as we walk to where Idris and Violet are set up and swap out.
“Did James make it back in?” I ask, and Violet nods.
We exchange goodnights as Idris and Violet walk to the cafeteria, going to wake up the next pair. We settle in and a comfortable silence overtakes us.
The time passes by rather fast and I watch the time pass on Xavier’s watch. Molly plays a bit with a ball I rescued from my house and then Xavier’s watch beeps.
“Time to go to bed dearest.” Xavier gets up and helps me up.
We walk past Avyanna and Anthony who are moving to the back watch. We have a quick conversation before moving on. We push open the cafeteria doors and I walk over to where Dainan is and shakes him awake. He gets up and meets James by the doors, who Xavier woke up. They move out and we move to where our sleeping area is. I see the cats have curled up with their respective people besides Anthony’s cat, Pumpkin. He is sleeping beside Quiyl, looking quite happy. I notice Xavier has set up some room dividers between the medical corner and the rest of the cafeteria. Our mattress is tucked in there as well, and I see Liam asleep on a medical bed.
“We found that in the nurse’s office and dragged it out here.” Xavier whispers, then walks over to Liam and gently taps his shoulder.
He wakes up and Xavier gives him some antibiotics which he downs in one swallow of water, before falling asleep. I duck into the bathroom off the cafeteria and change, brushing my teeth and combing my hair. The door creaks as I open it, then walk silently over to where Xavier is already tucked into bed, and I crawl in beside him. Molly is laying at the end of our bed, and Xavier pulls me to lay my head on his chest.
“Goodnight my dear, I shall see you in my dreams.” He kisses me, then I assume my original position.
Chapter 34
His breathing slows, and he falls asleep, but I remain awake. My mind is going a million miles a minute and my breathing quickens. I slip out from his embrace without waking him and walk out to the hall. I lean against the wall and attempt to calm down, slipping down to the floor. My need to breathe overtakes any other thought and my heart feels like it is going to beat out of my chest. I curl up with my knees pressed into my chest, and feel my chest tighten. I attempt to take deep breathes and focus only on that.
I don’t even realize I am making noise until a gently hand starts to rub my shoulders. These hands gently pull me away from the wall and begin to massage my back. I focus on that and slowly come out of my trance. A soothing voice whispers behind me and I start to make out the words.
“Come on Eva, its just a panic attack, lets try a few deep breathes in and a few out. Nothing is wrong right now; we are all safe.” Lee assures, and my breathing calms down.
My heart continues to pound for a bit, but Lee stays with me, making sure I calm down. My legs pop as I stretch them out and lean back to look at Lee for the first time.
“I am sorry if I woke you.”
“You didn’t, I was getting up to get some water for Quiyl. As I was giving it to her I heard some noises from the hall. How often are these now?” Lee asks me, and I sigh.
“They have gotten more frequent over the past little bit, but you know that. I was having these when we were together a few years ago.” I mumble and rub my upper arms.
“You haven’t told anyone?” He questions, a bit of disappointment in his voice.
“They come and go, and I can deal with them.” I defend myself, and Lee shakes his head.
“No Eva, you need to let us know. We can help you, and we want to know you are okay. At the very least, tell Xavier. He needs to know.” Lee advises, before helping me stand up. “If you don’t then I will.”
I nod sadly and pull him in for a hug.
“Thank you.”
“Always.” He says, then we walk back into the cafeteria, splitting up to walk to our respective significant others.
I slip back in beside Xavier, who slumbers on soundly. A wave of sleep crashes over me and I pass out, his heartbeat being the last thing I hear.
Chapter 34
“Eva darling, time to wake up.” A voice wakes me from my sleep, and I pull the blankets around me tighter.
“No, I don’t wannnnnaa.” I groan, and a deep chuckle rumbles through my ear.
“Breakfast is almost ready.” Xavier’s voice tells me, and I sigh.
“Food…or sleep.” I question myself, my eyes blinking open.
Xavier’s bright eyes catch mine, and he smiles.
“Morning blue eyes. We let you sleep in a bit. Lee told me about last night.”
My eyes immediately drop, and I roll over, facing away from Xavier, taking the blankets with me.
“It was nothing, and stupid that they still affect me.” I mumble, and Xavier rolls me back towards him.
“I just ask that you tell me next time.”
“I will, I’m sorry.” I promise, and he kisses me gently.
“That’s better, now who wants bacon?” He asks, and Molly leaps on the bed with an excited tail wag. “I was not talking to you.”
Molly licks him from chin to forehead and he laughs while wiping away the slobber.
“I hope James found her food, well for now. We are soon going to have to just cooking for our pets.” I say, and Xavier nods. “Now about that plan to raid for mattresses, I think we should add a pet food place on that list. See how much we can grab before others get to it.”
Xavier nods, and then laughter sounds from beyond our curtain. I sigh, and crawl out of bed, stretching. Liam is no longer on the medical bed, and I grab my sweater from my bag. Xavier gets up as well, and we walk out to the rest of the room, me zipping up my sweater as I walked. All our friends are gathering around the tables, sipping coffee and eating breakfast. Morning’s are exchanged as I grab my portion of food, and chow down.
James digs out a portion of dog food and puts it down for Molly, she shows her thanks by licking him. He chuckles and rubs her head, and she digs in.
“So, Eva came up with an idea this morning, I don’t know about the rest of you, but I cannot sleep on air mattresses long term.” Xavier announces, and most agree with nods. “So, what if a group of us stay here and continue working one getting this place into a sustainable long-term living place, and some go out and collect mattresses and raid some of the surrounding houses. We will also need pet food before long for our furry friends.”
“I agree, we have a bit of food here, but we will need more. I say over the next few days we alternate going out in raiding parties and gather supplies for living here. There is quite a bit of things here, but I mean we may as well.” Idris agrees, and then Violet pipes up.
“Well the people who don’t get mattress’s we could always go to the school gym and just start ripping mats off the wall. I know they aren’t the comfiest but its better than the floor.”
“I can help with that.” James offers, and I nod.
“Sounds good. Now these raiding parties, I say we send at least five people. We all agree that Anthony and Liam are our best fighters?” I ask, and many nods. “I think Anthony should head up the party today. The best people to go today are probably Anthony, Dainan, Lee, Sonji and Lynx. That way they can get used to the area with experienced people, and I feel like Lynx could kick somethings ass.”
Her smile says it all and she nods, Sonji watching her reaction affectionately.
“The rest of us can keep working on our farm and barricades, take inventory of what we have so far. At some point, maybe when the raiders get back, we should plan how to reinforce our perimeter as well.”
“Actually, I was thinking about that and I have an idea. I say we reinforce the gym as well as a training are
a, but the sports equipment we probably won’t use most of it. Remember how they were replacing the gyms flooring last year? Well they didn’t get rid of any of the old pieces, they are all stacked behind the gym in 10-foot pieces. That should cover at least one and a half of our perimeter’s walls. The rest we can use some materials from the gravel pit across from our school. How much do you want to bet they have a bunch of cement blocks made over there?” Anthony proposes.
“You are a freaking genius.” I agree. “This is going to be a long task but once all is said and done we will be all good for the long haul.”
Breakfast continues in a happy tone as we all laugh; plans being made and confidence growing as we finalize things. Avyanna and I begin to gather plates and wash them, everyone gearing up for the day. Xavier and Sonji check over Liam and Quiyl, and Liam pumps his fist in joy as they tell him he can ditch the crutch. Quiyl sighs as they tell her she needs to be gentle for the next few days, but she can help with some things.
The raiding party gathers by the front doors and we wave them off, Dainan taking his truck and Lee taking Idris’s car as it has more space. Violet and I walk to the greenhouse and check over things, Violet holding a clipboard and writing down information. Idris comes and helps measure out growing ingredients. We make pleasant conversation as we do our tasks we set out to do yesterday.
“Our water levels are good, now its just waiting.” I conclude, and Violet hands the clipboard on a nail on the wall.
“That’s the worst part of growing plants is the waiting period.” She laughs, and Idris throws and arm across her shoulders.
“Well, my little farmer, once we get the perimeter secured with could start a farm out on the schoolyard, saving the greenhouse to grow seeds and plants for winter time.”
I snap my fingers, and nod. “Awesome idea, as I know we have some farming equipment downstairs for when that unit came around.”
“You are such a good planner.” Violet pecks his cheek and I roll my eyes.
Friends Against The World (Book 1): Bite Me Page 14
