Living Dead (Book 1): When The World Flipped (For The Living & The Dead)

by Volante, KT

  “I’ll drive the car,” I said.

  I looked at the nuns. “Those things—we call them LDs—they move in groups. Sometimes big groups that block the road. I’m used to driving with them on the road. We have to leave now.”

  Sister Frances walked to the living room and removed a large cross.

  “We’re ready.”

  Sister Margaret took back Sister Agatha’s hand. At best, Sister Agatha took baby steps.

  Brittany interrupted. “LDs heading this way! A lot of them! We have to move!”

  Sid looked at me, then Sister Agatha.

  “Sister, forgive me, but we need to move fast.”

  He swooped Sister Agatha up into his arms.

  She let out a “woo” and smiled.

  I doubt the other nuns thought that was respectful. We followed Sid outside. Brittany came around the truck.

  “Let’s move, folks; we have company!” Brittany said.

  The nuns froze in their places. They reminded me of Patricia that first day.

  “Let’s go,” I said gently.

  All the nuns rode with me in the car. The Sisters looked out of the window with open mouths. Besides the LDs, there were bodies on the ground. Tears ran down their faces. Sister Agatha started a prayer and the others joined in.

  “Sisters, we’ll be okay.”

  I tried to calm them down. Then I realized their prayers calmed them, not me.

  The farther down the road we drove, the more LDs came toward us. Sid slammed on his brakes, and I did the same.

  “Hold on!” I yelled.

  Screams came from the nuns. The truck veered to the left and crossed over to the other side of the road. In front of us was one of the largest swarm of LDs we had seen so far. I followed Sid.

  “Where are we going?” asked Sister Bernadette.

  “This road is blocked by the LDs, too many to get through, so we’re backtracking to pick another road that will bring us west. Like I said, driving is more than traffic lights now. Some LD swarms are so large they block the roads. Impossible to get through.”

  We drove a little while longer in silence; then I asked, “Were you in that building since this all started?”

  “No,” Sister Bernadette replied. “The faithful came to the church to pray. We knew some faithful were killed trying to get to us. Father Johnson and Father Gomez led them in prayer and we took care of everyone. Some of those things, God rest their souls, tried to get into the building.”

  Tears came to their eyes and they crossed themselves often.

  Sister Bernadette continued, “After about a month or maybe two—we lost track of time—a few of those things got in the church and attacked us. We don’t know how they got in. Our doors were locked and blocked. But they did. They killed Father Gomez.”

  They crossed themselves again.

  “Father Johnson got us out and we locked ourselves in the convent. Now, we pray God will keep us strong to endure this trial.”

  I realized how sheltered these women were. They had stayed in a locked building, isolated, while we had learned how to live in this mess. Should I feel pity for them or be angry with them?

  “More LDs! Hold on again!” I instructed.

  We drove all over the road, the median, through parking lots. We left more LD bodies on the ground. Sister Bernadette cried.

  “Are you hurt, Sister?”

  “I’m fine; it’s just those things, those poor things—no last rites. Will their souls go to our Lord?”

  The nuns started to pray once again.

  * * *

  “We’re home,” I announced.

  The nuns looked out.

  “Look, more of them!” cried Sister Agatha.

  “No worries; it’s just a few. They’ll wander off.”

  I turned into the driveway and someone opened the gate. Everyone came out to greet us. Sid got out of the truck.

  “Sisters, it’s safe; you can get out,” I said.

  Luke walked to Sid and said, “We were worried. Who are they? Nuns?”

  Sid laughed. “Can’t put anything past you! Yup, nuns—four of them to be exact. They were held up on the top floor of their convent, starving. We had to bring them in.”

  “Of course you did!” said Mother as she walked to the nuns.

  “Hello. I’m Mother. Welcome.”

  The Sisters gave Mother a slight smile. Brittany smiled at them and tried to reassure them.

  “Sisters, it’s okay. You’re safe here. I think we should do introductions inside,” Mother said.

  “Mother, did you have supper already?” I asked. “We haven’t eaten, and we’re very hungry.”

  “We had supper, but I’ll fix something for you. Should be ready in no time.”

  The kids looked at the nuns.

  I asked the kids, “Are the tables and chairs still out?”

  Simon answered, “No, we put them away already.”

  I smiled. “Would you set up two tables for us?”

  “Sure. Guys help me.” Simon led the kids away.

  Sister Margaret commented, “Children, you have children here? I never thought about children surviving. Are any of them yours?”

  “They are, all of them. I didn’t give birth to them, but they’re mine or really ours. We are a family. Maybe not blood-related, but still a family. We came across each other at one time or another and joined together. And now we are a family.”

  The Sisters looked at me, confused.

  “Like all of you. You’re not blood-related, but you’re family to each other. Just look at how you take care of Sister Agatha.”

  They thought for a moment and nodded.

  “Let’s go inside.” I led the way.

  I heard another “woo” and knew Sid was the cause of it.

  The table was set up and everyone took a seat. The rest of the family got chairs and sat around us.

  “So many of you,” said Sister Frances.

  “We don’t expect you to remember everyone’s name, but let’s start intros. Jeff, want to start us off?” I asked.

  “Sure thing. I’m Jeff; I’m a doctor. Lacey and I worked at Mt. Helena’s emergency room when this started.”

  “I’m Betty. I was with Mother and Luke when things went south. Then we met….”

  Everyone told his or her story. I smiled.

  * * *

  Mother served a stew. Introductions stopped when the Sisters said grace.

  Once they finished, Sister Agatha said, “Please, the next person continue.”

  Alice climbed onto Sister Agatha’s lap. She smiled and kissed Alice on the head.

  Once introductions were done, I said, “The bedrooms are upstairs, but I think Sister Agatha should sleep down here. There’s a room we can make into her bedroom. One other Sister needs to be with her. Luke and Tom, would you get the living room ready for the Sisters? Bring my mattress down for Sister Agatha. Is there anything we can use to elevate the mattress? There’s a sofa in there. Whoever stays with her can sleep on that.”

  “Good question. We’ll get right on it. If I can’t find anything, I’ll put my mattress on top of yours,” said Luke.

  “Oh, please don’t. I will manage. Nuns are a hearty group of women,” protested Sister Agatha with a smile.

  “Nonsense, you will not sleep on the floor or a low mattress,” Jeff said in his stern doctor voice.

  A few minutes later, Luke and Tom returned from downstairs with my mattress.

  “There are wooden benches in the basement,” said Tom. “We’ll bring them up and put the mattress on top of them. It may be too tall. When you’re done eating, Sister Agatha, you can try it out.”

  She nodded.

  “Sisters, let’s get you settled upstairs,” I said.

  “First, we have to say our evening prays. Everyone is welcome to join us,” Sister Frances said, smiling and expecting everyone to join them.

  They moved the chairs into two rows. Sister Frances led the prayer. Betty, Jeff, and M
other stayed. I left the room and went upstairs. Brittany followed.

  “Should we put the nuns in our room or in the other classroom?” she asked.

  “Sister Agatha and one other nun will be downstairs, so only two more to bed down. Let’s put them in our bedroom. They were pretty shocked on the drive here, so it would be good to have them with us. I’m guessing Sister Agatha will go to her room after prayers; not sure of the others. We didn’t have extra mattresses, so for those without mattresses, let’s get them sleeping bags.”

  * * *

  As predicted, I heard talk about going to bed. I returned downstairs. I walked into the living room. Tom and Luke were almost done with Sister Agatha’s bed. They tied the benches together and placed the mattress on top.

  “Guys, put the bed against the wall. Then there’s only one side she could fall out of.”

  They chuckled. I went to the hallway and brought in a chair.

  “She’ll need this also. I think this will do just fine,” I said.

  We heard footsteps coming toward us. We turned to see Sister Agatha’s large smile.

  “Little girl, did you and these fine boys make a bed for me? I’m a nun; I’ve slept on cold floors before.”

  Tom smiled. “Well, you’re not sleeping on a cold floor with me around!”

  She smiled again.

  “Well, then, you boys need to skedaddle so I can go to sleep on this here bed you made for me.”

  Luke and Tom said, “Yes, ma’am.”

  And then they skedaddled. Sister Bernadette was chosen to sleep with her.

  “If you need anything, we’ll be upstairs. Here’s a flashlight. Use it only if you need to. Good night.”

  Sister Agatha waved to me. “Come here, little girl.”

  I walked over to her. She patted her hand on the bed for me to sit next to her.

  “You are a blessing on this Earth, and you will be blessed in heaven. You may doubt your strength, but it will carry you through the most trying times. God has blessed you.”

  I smiled. I’m not a Christian, and since The Flip, I had doubted whether there was a God or any higher being. But from the first moment I saw Sister Agatha, I had been drawn to her. I didn’t understand why.

  I smiled at her and said, “Good night.”

  * * *

  Once I was upstairs and in the women’s room, Lucy came over to me.

  “Are they really nuns?”

  “Yes, they are. They were in building and never came out, so they’re not used to the LDs like we are. So we have to give them time to get used to LDs and teach them how we live. I’m counting on you and the others,” I said.

  Lucy smiled. “We’ll help. I hope they’re nice. I heard nuns are mean.”

  “They seem nice so far. I think some nuns may be mean, just like there are some teachers who are mean while most are nice,” I explained.

  Life in The Flip was very different, but some of life’s lessons were the same.

  * * *

  When I woke up, I looked around. The nuns were downstairs already. I heard a dull chant of morning prayers. I stretched and looked around. Others started to stir, but they weren’t quite awake yet. I carefully got up and went downstairs. I heard the prayers and was careful not to disturb them. Mother was with the Sisters. I walked to the kitchen.

  A second later, she came into the kitchen. “You’re up early,” she said to me.

  “Couldn’t sleep. I guess I heard them. Were you praying with them? Not that there is anything wrong with that,” I added.

  She nodded. “I wasn’t a religious person before The Flip, but now I think we need all the help we can get. Get those two large pots and the oatmeal. Pour six cups of water in each one. I will start the barbecue,” Mother instructed.

  Cooking oatmeal on a grill was a skill Mother had learned quickly. Soon, the Sisters came into the kitchen and stood behind us like they wanted to ask a question.

  “Sisters, can I help you?” I asked, turning to face them.

  Sister Bernadette meekly stepped forward.

  “We would like to help. What can we do?”

  I smiled at them.

  “Well, the rest of the family will be up soon. The kids usually take the tables and chairs down and set them up. We could use help with serving and clean up. Most chores are daily and we rotate who does them. Two to three people will go out to various wells to fill water jugs. This week, Rachael and the kids are boiling water and then bottling it. We don’t know if the water is tainted, so we boil it to kill off any germs. Oh, and by the way, do not drink any other water. But our main focus right now is solar panels. We want to use those solar panels for electricity. Another group of two or three go out for supplies. We go out almost daily. We don’t expect any of you to go out on runs. You can help here, within the compound.”

  They nodded.

  “Sister Margaret suggested starting a garden, a vegetable garden in the spring,” said Sister Bernadette.

  “What an excellent suggestion!” said Mother. She turned to me. “Why didn’t we think of that? Lacey, we should start a garden. Spring is just a few months away. Thank goodness our winters here aren’t harsh. I bet we can get some dirt from the yard and start seedlings inside here in April. Then we’ll have a good start when we plant them outside in May. Fresh vegetables. And there are plenty of fruit trees in backyards.”

  I thought for a few moments. “I totally agree. Maybe some people who lived nearby planted gardens in their backyards before The Flip. We could move some of those plants here. Good suggestion, Sisters,” I said with a smile.

  * * *

  Soon everyone was up, waiting for breakfast. Mother and Sister Margaret brought the oatmeal to the counter. We got a bowl and spoon and stood in line as they scooped the oatmeal into our bowls. Everyone then went to sit at the tables, but no one ate until everyone was seated. The chatting was non-stop.

  “Okay, Harrison, Brittany, Tom,” I said after the Sisters said Grace, “while you are out looking for more solar panels, look for homes with backyard gardens. As a matter of fact, all teams going on runs, look for backyard gardens. It’s an untapped food source that Sister Margaret thought of. Hopefully, there is something left to eat, and if not, possibly seeds or roots for this spring.”

  A round of applause broke out. Sister Margaret blushed. I thought, Morale is improving.

  “Jeff, Betty, and Sid, add vegetable seeds to your shopping list as well as anything else to help start or grow a garden. Luke, Rachael, and I are going to an electrical supply store. Questions?”

  The kids looked at me. Lucy spoke up with tears in her eyes. “What about us? Are we staying here alone?”

  “No, no, Lucy. The Sisters will be here. And I’m counting on you to show them how we do things.”

  Simon looked at me, then the rest of the family, and in a soft voice said, “But they don’t know how to…” He looked around and finished, “they don’t know how to stop the LDs.”

  The Sisters looked upset, and now I was worried for the kids. Then Brittany said, “I’ll stay here. I’m not feeling so well. Nothing much, but I’d rather take it easy today.”

  “Okay, Brittany. Feel better. I’ll go in your place.”

  Tom shook his head. “No need; we’ll be fine.”

  * * *

  After breakfast, each group headed out on its task. Before I left, I walked up to Brittany. I looked around and spoke softly. “The kids are right. The nuns can’t protect anyone or anything. But I think you are all safe in the compound. Thanks for staying here.”

  Brittany smiled and replied, “I plan on carrying a gun. I’ll watch things here. No worries.”

  Chapter Nine

  Luke, Rachael, and I drove to a small electronics store that looked more like a nerdy electronic mart. The shelves were full of electrical components to make God knows what. I banged on the door, waited, banged again, and waited again. Nothing.

  “I’ll go in first,” I whispered to Luke and Rachael. “If it�
��s clear, then the two of you come in. You both shop while I stand watch.”

  “And breathe. LDs smell,” said Rachael, as cool as a cucumber.

  I shook my head and went in. The light streaming through the windows was the only light in the store. I went to the employees’ only section. I figured if there were survivors, they would be there. I slowly went down an aisle, then through the door to the back room. No LD smell, and I didn’t see any evidence of anyone living there. I hurried back to the front door and gave the okay for Luke and Rachael to enter. I stood watch at the front door while they walked up and down each aisle. Soon, they returned, carrying boxes of supplies.

  Once inside the car, Luke said, “We got some of the items we need, but not everything.”

  “So we try another store?” asked Rachael.

  “No,” Luke replied. “What we need is in an electric company service truck. We need industrial strength cabling.”

  “An electrical company service truck? Wonderful. Where do we find that?” I asked.

  “If we had walkie-talkies, we could alert the others. Then they could tell us where it is and we could go,” Rachael added.

  “Good thought. I’ll put that on our next shopping list. But for now, where do we go?”

  “Electric company building or their trucks. No other place,” Luke said. “In the meantime, there’s a sportsman store, a pretty big one about an hour north of here. If it hasn’t been raided, it might have walkie-talkies and some other stuff. It’s far enough away that we might run into an electrical company or truck. I think we should check it out.”

  “This side trip will put us way late going home,” I replied, “and without any communication, the family won’t know what happened to us. Luke, are you sure this is worth it?”

  “Yes, I know I can get the solar panels to work. It’s not hard; just need the right equipment. And if we get other supplies like walkie-talkies, we’ll be able to communicate with the teams on future runs. It’s worth it,” he reassured me.