“You need to go to bed.”
“I want to be with you, Becca.”
“She’s taken!” Tasha snapped at her. “Give it up.”
Amber locked eyes with me for a second, and her look went from angry that I was making her go up to bed, to angry because I didn’t choose her. I think she’s embarrassed, too. She looked over at Tasha, then back at me, and then she crawled over the back of the sofa and hurried up the stairs.
“Amber, wait!” I yelled after her.
“I could have handled that better.” Tasha said. She sighed loudly and sat on the sofa. “I’m sorry, Becca.”
“So you two are together now?” Bridget asked. “When did this happen? I’m never sleeping again, I miss too much.”
“We’re just... trying it.” I said.
“So what, I’m going to wind up alone for the rest of my life, and you have two people who want you. That’s fair.”
“Well David’s your age.” Tasha pointed out.
“Shut up, Tasha! I don’t want her getting ideas.”
“Okay, gross.” Bridget said.
“You’re thirteen. If we don’t have more available boys around for you by the time you’re seventeen we will go on a trip, okay? We’ll scour the country until my little sis finds a guy that meets her standards.”
“I’m going to remember you said that, Becca.”
“Okay, good. So go up to bed. Take that gun with you. Tasha, go up to bed. I’ll keep watch.”
“With no gun?” Tasha said. ”Becca, that’s stupid.”
“I’ll be fine. If anyone shows up, I’ll scream.”
“I don’t like this.”
Friday, April 15th
I still feel like I could get sick. I’m scared, but it’s mostly gone. It looks like I might be
okay. Which is great, actually. So I’m making a cake for everyone to celebrate. Believe it or not, this place has a propane stove, so it still works.
“Smells wonderful.” Tasha said.
“Thank you.”
“And the cake smells good, too.”
“Did you sleep well?”
“I did.”
“Are you, um, still sure you want to... try to be my girlfriend?”
“I’m sure.”
“Good.” I pulled her close and leaned in and gave her a quick kiss. “I don’t think I’m going to infect you at this point.”
“I like that.” She kissed me quickly. “You’re so much softer than the guys I’ve kissed.”
“Guys? As in plural? I know about Mike. And Justin, from the play, I guess.”
“And there was Joey and Robert.”
“Oh. I didn’t know. You never told me?”
“I was humiliated about Robert. I mean that was sixth grade, and he really didn’t even ask, he just did it.”
“And Joey?”
“That was last year, in school actually. And I was going to tell you, but I got distracted.” She kissed me again. “That’s the day Mom and Dad told me we were moving away.”
“Get a room.” Amber whined. She came in and sat at the table. She’s been in a really bad mood since she found out Tasha and I were together now.
“Amber, I’m sorry.” I told her. “I feel bad for you, I do, but I can’t make myself feel something for you. I love Tasha.”
“I didn’t say anything.”
“Are you going to be mad at us forever?” Tasha asked.
“I’m not mad.” she growled. “I’m disappointed.” She started crying. “Maybe I’ll just find someone else, too.”
“Good!” I said. “Yes, go for it. That would be great. I promise you, you don’t really love me, Amber.”
“Maybe I’ll see if I can get Bridget to give it a try.”
“Yeah, well, good luck. She’s not even remotely interested in girls.”
“Neither was she.” she said, shooting a glare at Tasha.
She got up and stomped out of the room. This is going to be a real problem, I think. I wish she’d see how silly she’s being. But I can’t worry about her feelings.
“Morning.” Bridget said when she came in. “Do I smell cake?”
“Yep. It should be done soon, too.”
“Good. Whose birthday is it?”
“Mine.” I said. “I feel like I’ve gotten past being sick. Like it’s a new lease on life.”
“Lame.” she laughed. “So Tasha, if you didn’t think she was dying, would you have ever decided that you love my sister?”
“Bridget! That’s not your business.”
“No, it’s a legitimate question.” Tasha said. “Bridget, I’ve always loved your sister. As a friend. I don’t know if I ever would have decided I cared about her this way if I didn’t have to face the possibility of losing her.”
“And how long have you been in love with Tasha?” she asked me.
“This really isn’t your business, ya know?” I said.
“Come on, I’m just curious.”
“Since third grade.”
“And you’ve kept this a secret all this time? I couldn’t keep a secret two weeks, let alone seven years.”
When the cake was done, and had cooled enough, we got everyone to come in and eat some. It seemed to cheer people up. It was good too, if I do say so myself.
“Are we going to stay here a while?” David asked me. Glad to see I’m still in charge in their eyes. Sort of glad. I mean at least they’ll still listen, hopefully.
“Yeah, for a while.”
“Can I get my own room, then? I’m sick of sharing.”
We’ve been cramming everyone into the same room upstairs. It seemed safer. Plus we were all a little scared. But being on the second floor probably means none of the sick ones are sneaking in a window.
“Does everyone feel okay with splitting up now?” I asked. They all nodded. “Well, we’ve got three bedrooms. I guess David, being the only boy, should probably have his own.”
“I’ll share with you.” Amber said.
“That’s really not going to happen.” Tasha told her.
“Tasha and I have shared a bedroom for a long time. We’re used to it, and we’re comfortable.” I explained.
“Not to mention the fact that you want privacy while you’re doing it.” David said.
“Hey!”
“Then I want the bedroom down here.” Amber said.
“No. We’ve been trying to figure out a way to put up and alarm or something so we don’t have to have a guard every night, but I still don’t think it’s safe for anyone to stay in the downstairs bedroom.”
“This isn’t fair.”
“I’m sorry. You can share with Bridget or with David.”
“Whatever.”
Well I’m glad that went well. What is her problem? She didn’t really think I was going to share a bedroom with her, did she? Or be irresponsible enough to let her stay down here alone.
“Just put some bells on a string.” David said.
“Huh?”
“For your alarm. Stretch a string across the bottom of the stairs and put some bells on it.”
“Why wouldn’t they just unhook the string or climb under it or over it?” Bridget asked.
“Well I don’t think the sick ones are that smart.” he said.
“Yeah, but what if it’s someone who’s not sick?”
“Then either an alarm won’t do us any good or they’ll be smart enough to wait and shoot us through the window or something.”
“He’s got a point.” Tasha said.
“And we could put one of those bells up on the doors in case someone does try to come in.” Amber added.
“That’s really good, you guys.” I told them. “I think we’ll do it.”
We spent the day setting up our rooms and moving things around. We tried to do whatever we could to make the rooms our own, so David took a picture of a giant deer from the downstairs and put it up in his room, Tasha and I went with the frilliest blankets in the house and some lace curtains t
hat were in the downstairs bedroom, Bridget and Amber dragged an extra dresser up the stairs. And we rigged our bell system. I actually think it’ll work.
For the first time in a week we were all going to try to go to sleep at the same time. It has me a little worried, but I know we can’t keep standing watch every night. It just wears us out too much.
“This is different.” Tasha said. She lifted the covers and slid up against me.
“We can drag another bed up here if you’d prefer.”
“No, this is okay. But Becca, I don’t want to do anything, ya know?”
“I know.”
“I don’t mean ever, just not now. Maybe not ever, but maybe some day.”
“Tasha, I’m not ready, either. And I don’t want to push you into anything. If you don’t want to be my girlfriend I’ll survive. I’m in love with you, but I don’t want you to feel like you have to do anything. I want you to be happy. And if being with me doesn’t make you happy then we won’t do anything.”
“You’re really insecure, you know that?” She laughed. “I’m just saying I’m not ready yet. I’m getting used to the idea of being with you, Becca. You’re like perfect for me, okay, I just want to take it slow.”
I’m perfect for her. That’s what she said. She’s perfect for me, too. I’ve known it since third grade, so it’s no surprise to me. The fact that she thinks I’m perfect for her is.
We laid there, holding hands, trying to get to sleep. It was so cool to just lay there with my girlfriend. But as I was drifting off I kept thinking of those women that were clearly being held as captives by the men.
“I wish I could have saved them.” I mumbled.
“Who?”
“Those women a couple of days ago.”
“You can’t save the world, Becca.”
“I feel so bad for them. I wish there were police to call. Dad would have known what to do.”
“You would have put the rest of us at risk. Would you want to risk Bridget?”
“No. Not her and not you. None of you guys.”
“You have done such a good job keeping us safe. Don’t beat yourself up just because there are some people out there that you can’t save.”
“I guess. I love you, Tasha.”
“I love you too.”
Sunday, April 17th
“Becca!” I heard Bridget scream from downstairs.
I jumped out of the bed, grabbed the gun, and ran down the hall. When I reached the top of the stairs, I raised the gun and pointed it down into the living room as I started down. I stopped about halfway down.
“Dad?”
“Hi.” he said.
I dropped the gun and bounced the rest of the way down the stairs, across the room, and slammed into him, almost knocking him over. I wrapped my arms around him and sobbed as he patted my back and told me to calm down.
“Wh-where’s Mom?”
“She’s not doing too good.” He nodded over at the sofa.
“What’s wrong? Is she... infected?”
“She’s dehydrated, been vomiting and had diarrhea the past few days.”
“Hi Mr. Lang, it’s good to see you.” Tasha said. She’s at the top of the stairs, tugging her shirt down.
“I’m going to go get dressed, Dad. I’ll be right back down. Don’t go anywhere.”
“I’m not leaving you.” he promised.
I stopped to pick the gun up on my way up, then hurried up the stairs to our room. I have been sleeping in panties and a little cami, and I feel a little embarrassed that Dad saw me in just this. I slid some clothes on, ran a brush through my hair, and hurried back down.
Bridget was sitting on the edge of the sofa, talking to Mom and Dad. Mom seemed to be awake, but not really up to a lot of talking. Amber and David were sitting across the room, Tasha was standing near Dad.
“Mom.”
“Hi honey. How have you been?”
“Good. We’re all fine.”
“Becca thought she was dying.” Bridget told her.
“I got a little scrape while fighting with one of the infected ones.” I explained. “But that was a few days ago, and I haven’t gotten sick yet, so I think I’m safe.”
“Have there been many show up here?” Dad asked.
“None so far. We were in town, getting food.”
“And she sent us back to the car.” Bridget told them. “She went exploring.”
“I didn’t go exploring.” I said. Dad looks upset at me. “Dad, I didn’t. I heard voices. I couldn’t just leave people there if I didn’t have to, but I sent Bridget back to the car with Tasha so they wouldn’t be in any danger.”
“Were there people?” he asked.
“I... can...”
“It’s probably better if we explain that later on, Mr. Lang.” Tasha told him.
“Where’s everybody else?” I asked.
“We were too late.” Mom said. She closed her eyes and looked away.
“Let’s let your Mom rest.” Dad said. “Come for a walk with me, Rebecca.”
“Let me get some shoes.” Bridget said.
“I just want to talk to your sister for now, Bridget.” he told her. “Just to see how things have gone.”
We went out onto the porch and he spent a minute stretching and looking around. We walked down the road a little before he started talking.
“It’s bad out there. I guess you know.”
“Yeah, Dad, I know.”
“The only people we’ve come across that weren’t infected were just about crazy from fear.”
“I can relate.”
“But you’ve done good here, Becca.” he patted my shoulder. “You’ve kept them safe. Bridget was telling us about some of it.”
“I’ve just... tried my best.”
“I’m proud of you. Is there anything we need to discuss away from the others?”
“Like what?”
“Like what happened with the people you went to check on in the town?”
I told him the whole story. How the guys were treating the women, how I got scraped while fighting the infected on the way back, how I got out of the car and was going to go back and try to save them, and even how the others refused to let me go.
“You did what was right, coming back with them. You took care of what was most important.”
“I feel like a failure. Why would anyone treat someone else like that?”
“I don’t know, sweetheart.” He gave me a hug. “Has Bridget or any of the others given you any trouble?”
“No. Not really. Other than a little whining when I assigned rooms.”
“What did you come up with?”
“David has the first room at the top of the stairs, Bridget and Amber have the one on the east side at the back and Tash and I share the west one. It’s too dangerous to use the bottom floor. One of those things might break in a window, or maybe even someone who isn’t infected.”
“Yes. Well, what we can do there is put up some heavy shutters that we can close from the inside. We should get back and do that. I’m sure there’s some wood in the barn, or we can tear some off the barn if we have to.”
“Dad... I... I’m so sorry.”
“For what, Becca?”
“I gave up on you. I doubted you, and... I didn’t think you were coming.”
“That’s okay. You couldn’t know.”
“And... and... I shot a guy. He wasn’t even infected, but I thought they were going to try taking the car from us, and I couldn’t risk it. So I shot him in the leg.”
“I’m sure you had no choice.”
“And I almost got Bridget killed.”
“But you didn’t get her killed. She’s safe, and it’s because of you.”
“Because of luck.”
“Rebecca, when I sent you kids this way I was so worried. The rest of them were panicked. They couldn’t be trusted at all. You held it together for them. You did a great job.”
“Oh yeah, and I sort of kidnapped Amber
and David.”
“I noticed that.”
“I couldn’t leave them home alone.”
“You did the right thing.”
We headed back to the cabin. He paused along the way and sat on a huge bolder that was at the edge of the road. He nodded toward another and waited until I took a seat.
“I don’t want your sister to hear this. I’m not sure I should be telling you.”
“What?”
“Your grandparents had been infected when we got there. It was hard on your mom.”
“I’m so sorry.”
“Bill was fine when we got to him, but before we even left he was attacked and killed by one of the sick people. It happened right in front of us. It was pretty bad.”
“Wow. Mom was already pretty shaky. It must be hard. For you too.”
“It was. She’s going to be okay, though. I think it does her a lot of good seeing you two doing so well.”
Dad and I, along with David, spent the day putting boards up. We nailed them directly over part of the windows, but some of them we put on hinges so we’d be able to open them for light and to see out.
Tasha, Bridget and Amber took care of Mom. They moved her into the downstairs bedroom, made her some soup, got her some Tylenol, got her something to drink. They did a good job making her feel as good as they could.
“I think the house is sealed up pretty good.” Dad told me. It was bed time already. “I don’t think you’ll be needing the bells across the stairway.”
“Okay. If you’re sure.”
“Becca, I’m here now. You can relax a little. You don’t have to worry now.”
“I hope so.” I shrugged. “I still feel responsible for them.”
“Just go on up to bed now.”
“Goodnight Daddy, I love you.”
“Goodnight.”
I went up and changed for bed, then climbed in next to Tasha. And we were talking for a few minutes, and then we started kissing. I rolled over and was sort of straddling her, bending down and kissing her. It was the most aggressive thing we’d done so far.
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