"Jada," the good looking, long faced woman said. Then she looked me up and down slowly. I couldn't tell if she was judging my ability to fight or thinking maybe I was sexy, too. Hell, she might think I'd make good eating. It was hard to the tell in this world. "My name is Jada," she said then more friendly. "It's nice to meet you, Mason. Thanks for your help."
I gestured to the corpses on the floor. "It looks like you were doing a pretty good on your own. You obviously have significant skill with those weapons."
"Thanks," she replied, finally taking a deep breath and beginning to relax. "I'm not sure I could have won the entire battle myself, though. At least not without injury. And, sorry for throwing the ax at your friend."
I turned to see if Alexa was going to respond. She didn't. In fact, she looked more than a little offended. I shrugged it off and was about to ask where the woman was staying. Maybe she needed a safe place and some friends, too. At the last second, I realized that was something that should be discussed with my roommate first.
"So," Jada asked. "Are you two a couple?"
Before I could respond Alexa slid her dainty hand in mine and said, "Yes." I wasn't sure if our relationship had indeed advanced to that point yet, or if she considered our new friend to be a threat to our bond. Either way, I was delighted. I squeezed her hand gently and nodded my agreement.
"Are you staying around here?" I asked, trying not to make it sound like a line I would use in a bar. "Or, are you just passing through?"
Jada hesitated once again, then answered carefully. "I've actually been staying here for a couple weeks. I mean, in one of the other rooms. Not here in the sanctuary. It's going to stink pretty damn bad in here for a while, but I should still be okay. I'll seal the doors between here and the other rooms, then let the beasts come in to eat these disgusting bodies. How about you two?"
"We have been staying in the beer store right behind the church." Alexa tensed up noticeably when I said it. Earlier she was all about saving this damsel in distress. Now, she acted like she wanted to keep her distance. It was confusing me. I decided to refrain from offering Jada to join us. It would be awesome to have two beautiful women as roommates, but not if it ruined my chances with Alexa. We talked for a couple more awkward minutes, then parted ways without meddling too much into each other's business. That had become the way of the world, lately. It was survival mode thinking.
"See you around neighbor," Jada said as we left through the way we had entered. It was obvious that she was consistently addressing me and barely acknowledging Alexa. I had seen women do that in movies before to understand what it meant.
"It was nice to meet you," Alexa responded in the most fake voice I had ever heard her use. Arm and arm we made our way stealthily back to the store, totally forgetting about wanting the pews. Once we were completely out of earshot, Alexa told me that she didn't like that woman. It must be the competition bringing out this side of my friend. The jealousy was not the best side of her personality, for sure. However, if it got us closer, I could definitely learn to live with it.
CHAPTER FIVE:
Alexa unlocked her elbow from mine before we rounded the privacy fence. That gave me a little concern that perhaps it was just a show of affection to block the other woman's attention, or my interest in Jada. The jealousy was undeniable and was making things a little uncomfortable.
Together we worked silently on removing the scrappy barricade and placed it back immediately after entry. It was certainly good to be back inside. Our new home was shaping up slowly, but we could see the fruits of our efforts already. After coming through the front door of the old Hollywood beer store you now faced a wall of shelving that we placed there to potentially slow down intruders. To the right was the raised sales counter, behind which we had been sleeping. The path required us to circle around to the left, almost to the back office, to get around our new wall system. Then, we passed through the dining room to reach the kitchen area, which was the old deli section behind the sales counter. Between the dining room and the front door, but still behind the new wall, was our expansive and vacant living room area. The lack of seating there was unmistakable.
"We forgot to get the pews," I muttered quietly to myself.
There were two end tables near the corners of the living area, each with a tall fake potted plant adjacent. A heap of throw pillows and assorted seat cushions sat in the middle of the space. The room was begging for a sofa.
The dining area had a six-foot pine table and six cushioned chairs. There were more mock plants in that room as well, including a plastic flower arrangement as the centerpiece. Alexa immediately headed to the table and sat in one of the ladder-back chairs looking depressed. I pulled out another one across the table from her, turned it around, and sat down with my arms resting on the seat back.
Alexa sat there silently as I watched the blue streaks flash on her forehead and chest. The unusual display was amazing, as it perfectly matched her brilliant blue eyes and never distracted from her natural beauty. Then, I realized, she was reading me. Did she want to know how I felt about her? Or, our new neighbor? I tried to think of something other than the hottie in front of me or the sexy dark-skinned woman in the church.
"We can go back for the pews later, I guess. Hopefully there won't be a bunch of animals in there feasting," I said, trying to make conversation.
"Forget the pews, Mason."
"Okay," I replied. I didn't like her tone so much, but I could understand the temporary seating plan being scrapped, given the circumstances. "So, what would you like to talk about? Is there a question that you would like to ask me? Or, can you already read everything you need to know?"
Alexa's frustration subsided some then, converting over to something more resembling sadness. "Mason, I can't read your mind. I told you that before, it's not like that. However, I can clearly see that you are still very attracted to me and growing fonder of having me around every day." She reached across the table for my hand and I freely gave it to her. It was only the second time that I held her small hand in mine, and I liked it very much. She smiled as she said, "And I like that a lot. However, I could also tell that you found Jada very appealing, too. And, if you don't already know, she likes you at least as much."
I thought back to our brief experience with Jada. I guessed her to be about five foot seven, maybe a hundred and fifty pounds due to her muscle density. She could be in her thirties, but her smooth milk chocolate skin would convince you otherwise. The muscular definition in her chest, arms and legs were captivating, not in the least manly looking. Her breasts, though probably confined significantly by a sports bra, were noticeably larger than Alexa's. I never considered myself to be a breast man, but some things could not go without drawing attention.
"I guess what I'm trying to say is," Alexa confessed. "And this is not easy for me to say, by the way. I'm a little afraid that you might replace me with another woman."
"No," I replied, squeezing her hand. "Alexa, I have no interest in replacing you. I mean, I'm not sure exactly what our relationship is, but I won't let anyone take your place."
"I knew that you would say that. And, I know that you mean it. But I also know that you sometimes can't control how you are feeling, especially about women. Jada would be much more aggressive than me at seeking your affection. I'm not sure that you'd be able to resist her."
"Really?"
"Let me just ask you this," Alexa said, gazing deep into my eyes instead of summoning her gift. "Will you be patient with me? I like you a lot, but I'm slow when it comes to building relationships. Can you promise me that you won't get frustrated and toss me aside? That you won't choose horny over happy?"
"Of course," I answered, reasonably sure that I believed it myself. Though she was right. It was hard to control my emotions around beautiful women. I wanted Alexa to be my girlfriend pretty much more than anything else in this new fucked up world. But how long would I wait if another, just as sexy, woman desired that spot in my life? I wanted
to be that man that would fend off other seductive women, but I wasn't sure if I really could be. And should I even? If there was no commitment between us? So far, our situation was kind of one sided.
"Okay," she said slowly, obviously reading my mixed emotions. "Thank you. And thank you for saving my life again in the church. I’m sorry that I didn’t mention that earlier. I am truly grateful for how successfully protective that you are."
"What did I do in the church?"
"Mason, you deflected that hatchet that was headed straight for me. How did you not see that? I could sense from you in that exact moment that you would have blocked that blade with your own body to protect me, if necessary, to save my life. I appreciate that so much in you. No, I love that in you. Your power is certainly beyond dodging bullets and blades. You can deflect things that are not even aimed at you."
I had originally thought that the small ax was heading straight for her. I remember that clearly now. Apparently, I had not misjudged its projected course. Alexa was likely correct. Its path had been drastically altered in flight. We had to assume that was my doing. I sat there for a moment coming to terms with it and pondering its possibilities.
"I think we should test it." Alexa said. "I'm serious this time. I mean, the better you understand your skill the more effective job you can do protecting us."
"Agreed."
"Okay, let's get some dinner. I don't know about you, but I'm starving. It will be dark soon, so maybe tomorrow morning we can work on honing your deflection abilities."
It was our first meal sitting at the new dining room table. I was surprised at how much of a difference it made in the atmosphere of the cavernous space. The experience felt so much more civilized with the short dividing walls and sparse decor. We could almost forget about our post-apocalyptic situation for a short time. A light fixture centered above the table would be a huge improvement, though. Perhaps I could rig up a way to hang one of the battery-operated lanterns upside down from the ceiling. Alexa would like that, I think. The more the place resembled a normal home the quicker our relationship would develop. I believed that to be true.
Alexa agreed about the rudimentary chandelier idea and had some other suggestions as well. I still thought the pews would be sufficient for the living room, but she was now dead set against it. I'm sure her reasoning in part was avoiding more contact with the attractive and assertive Jada next door. I believed that it was best that I concede on that one.
We talked extensively more about how to improve our bathroom arrangement. Going outside to make a poopy was more dangerous than I liked. Without plumbing, though, indoor options were even less desirable. An outhouse close to the back exit that we could maintain and keep secure would be the best choice. There were a few things we could do in the kitchen to provide better food preparation and cooking possibilities. Now that we had a nice table, I suggested finding a deck of cards and some board games. A little recreation time to reap the rewards of our efforts would be wonderful.
Alexa started yet another shopping list as I settled in, placing my legs across the seat of another ladder-back chair. I was getting much more comfortable with her enchanting presence, rarely gawking at her lithe anatomy lately. When we spoke, I looked into her eyes instead of studying her lovely face. She appeared to be getting more relaxed with me, too. When we settled in for the night, she pulled her bed of blankets right up to next mine. We weren't side by side like lovers, unfortunately, but our heads were close allowing us to talk softly until we fell asleep.
I woke just before Alexa the following day, but she insisted that she be allowed to prepare the coffee and breakfast. Doing her fair share of the work was important to her. For me, her exquisite company was all I needed. Rummaging around the building for items that could be used for future projects, I separated them from the pure junk. In time, I would discard most of that rubbish outside. Maybe stack it close to the doors to discourage anyone from checking this place out more closely.
Alexa alerted me that coffee was ready, so I joined her at the table. We were still waiting on some canned sausage to heat up. Just as my ass hit the brown leather cushion, her face flashed blue causing her to look toward the entrance. Then, there was a rattling knock at some sheet metal in front of the door.
"Hello! Mason? Are you guys in there?"
"Jada?" I said in a low voice, surprised and intrigued at the same time.
"Dammit!" Alexa muttered quietly. Turning to me she said, "Can you get rid if her, Mason?"
"That's not nice, Alexa. Let me see what she wants. Maybe she needs help." I walked around the five-foot tall beer walls we had arranged to reach the front entrance. I didn't want to have to yell any louder than necessary. "Jada? Is that you?"
"Mason! Yes, it's me, Jada, from the church. Can I come in?"
I looked back at Alexa’s reaction to the request. She was now standing rigid by the dining table with her arms crossed, shaking her head no. Turning Jada away didn't seem right to me. However, I didn't want to upset my roommate. I had to play this as delicately as I could. It was not my skill set.
"What's wrong?" I asked our unexpected visitor.
"They came back for me," she replied. "I got away from them by going the long way around the fence, through the neighborhood. I didn't lead them to you. I’m sure of it. Can I please come in?" Then, after a long pause with no response from us. "Alexa, can I please come in? I won't cause any trouble, I promise."
Alexa then took a heavy sigh, dropped her arms, then nodded. Jada addressing her directly was a good move. No doubt, she knew much more about how Alexa was thinking than I was.
"Okay," I told Jada. "Start moving the debris from your side, and I'll work on my end." Less than a minute later she was inside the building helping me stack everything back securely. It was obvious that her strength in lifting the barricade objects was near my own. I was impressed. I couldn't help but check out her muscular form as we worked together. Then, I remembered that Alexa would know much of what I was thinking based on the emotions she sensed. I shifted my thoughts to how I could improve our entrance set up.
"Thank you," Jada said to me, once our task was complete and I began guiding her around the short walls. Then she addressed my companion. "Thank you, Alexa. I appreciate your hospitality."
Alexa gave our guest a blank stare with her arms crossed again. This time, even her hips had an attitude. Jada would not know about Alexa's gift. I almost felt it would only be fair to warn her, but that certainly wouldn't go over well with my roommate. I'm sure Alexa wanted to keep her special talent a secret. I couldn't blame her. It was assuredly a strong defensive asset.
Jada was wearing the same workout clothes as I vividly remembered the day before, and still smoking hot in them. Additionally, she carried a large backpack behind her and a long weapons bag from one arm. It looked like she had enough time to grab all her stuff before she scooted out of the church where she'd been hiding. Maybe it was her intention to try to move in with us ever since we left her yesterday. There was no sure way to confirm her story, unless the skunk horde shows up at our door soon to support it.
At this point, Jada and Alexa were still separated by the shelving obstructions, and I was on Jada's side. I figured that was a bad idea. Best to get closer to my partner soon. I looked Jada over for recent wounds, but didn't see any?
"Are you okay?" I asked. "Did you get injured?"
"No, thanks for asking. I actually got out of there before they could get to me."
"Well," I said. "Why don't you set your gear down here for now. You can join us at the table. Do you like coffee?"
"Oh my God!" Jada exclaimed. "You guys have coffee?"
"Yes. Alexa just made a fresh pot. We should have plenty to share."
"I'll fix you a cup," Alexa said flatly. "Here, have a seat."
The darker skinned woman sat down elegantly and crossed her legs. I had the impression that she would be comfortable at an expensive restaurant. To avoid gawking at her remarkable phys
ical attributes I took a seat across the table from her and returned intently to my cup of Joe. It was still hot. Alexa returned with a full green cup for our guest. I knew we had four of the white mugs that we were using. She must have decided Jada's shouldn't match us.
"Thank you, dear," Jada said with what appeared to me to be genuine appreciation. I was glad to see that she was working to soften up Alexa's attitude toward her. I believed it was going to be harder than she could ever imagine, given Alexa's secret ability.
My blond friend then surprised me a little by standing beside me, leaning her slim frame up against me and placing her arm casually around my shoulders. I took the liberty of reciprocating by looping my left arm around her sexy thin thighs. I tried to act natural sipping my coffee while gently stroking the smooth skin of her bare her leg. She did not flinch, so I continued. The scene appeared to have the desired effect on our guest as she glanced between us.
"Thank you both for letting me in," Jada said. "I know it's hard these days to trust anyone. The two of you have a nice thing going on here. A nice place for a nice couple. Have you been together since before the plague?"
Dystopian Girls Page 5
