Other Side

by Rose, Isabella C.

  More pounding on the roof from Roth for us to ram the line of zombies.

  “Jaime?” I asked, trying to figure out what he would do.

  He was staring out the window when he suddenly looked to me, and threw the truck in reverse. Roth was thrown back onto the bed, landing on his ass. Swinging around, I searched the parking lot for another way to the highway. The pit where Jaime found the open truck was in the middle with a big hole of dirt, construction machines sat around it. The strip mall on one side, and the forest on the other. To the far right, I spotted a tiny road that’d been worn down by cars heading in that direction. The line of zombies didn't like we didn't fall for the trap, and had gone into a rage of moans, screams, and wails. They rushed for us, we had yet to turn around still going in reverse. I saw all the horrors. Bite marks, limbs hanging off, foam, and white eyes. Blood, so much blood. The little road was our only option.

  “Head for the little path,” I demanded of Jaime showing him where.

  The truck screeched as he swung us into a forward position. I was pushed up against Tiffany. Not my ideal choice of snuggle time. She smelled of sweet jasmine perfume. I scanned the dirt path to make sure nothing was amiss there too. The truck righted itself and bounced onto the path. Jaime drove like he was born to race, avoiding tree branches knocked in the way and potholes. Behind us, the zombies faded into the dust of the dirt road. We bounced along the road, and I held on to the “oh shit handle,” to keep from colliding into Tiffany again. I noticed she was enjoying being tossed around, slipping her hand on Jaime's knee to stabilize herself. I wanted to remove her hand, but I held my anger in. I am not his and he is not mine, I kept telling myself. Why was it so hard for me to comprehend? Is this what other girls go through chasing boys? No wonder they are a hot mess, all giggles and drama. Give me a good book, and a quiet place, and I’d be happy forever. We traveled the path I had established as a dirt bike and four-wheeler trail for a few hours as we couldn’t go as fast as we’d like because it was not meant for a large truck. A few bumps like mini hills had been man-made. I was grateful to the person who had made this road.

  Not much talking had gone on in the past few hours. The silence was nice at first because I was used to being alone, but being in the presence of others for so long, the silence had become an awkward thing lingering in the air. I was not usually the one to start a conversation. I did not understand where to start.

  “So, why did you all break up?” I asked before my supposedly intelligent brain could stop the words.

  Both Jaime and Tiffany stared at me. Tiffany gave me a look of horror that I could ask such a question, and Jaime was smiling. Smiling! Why was he smiling?

  I broke under the pressure, and turned to look away out the window. “Stop!” I belted out, grabbing the dash.

  Chapter Thirteen

  Jaime slammed on the brakes and he grabbed Tiffany before her head hit the dash. Damn, I kind of would have liked to see that, just a little. Up ahead was a more civilized road. A highway or county road. Not having a map, I had no idea where we were. I was never allowed a phone by my step-father.

  “Anyone have an idea what road this is coming up?” I asked everyone.

  Even Roth learned to sit with his back against the cab to not be thrown on his ass again as he turned to the open back window to peer at the road.

  “It could be Meridian Highway, I think,” Jaime said.

  “You’re right, youngen. I been driving these roads a good fifty years. I’d recognize that bit of road anywhere. They repaved it with some rocks in the asphalt to help when it gets cold to see if that helped with the cracking of the road,” Hale informed us.

  “Is it safe?” Julia’s frightened voice spoke up.

  “Of course, it is, woman. There has to be others out there,” Hale said as if he hadn't just seen those zombies gunning for our brains.

  “No one’s taking my gun. I survived without you spoiled brats and this old fart here. I’d have made it out on my own if you hadn't stolen my truck. I was waiting for them to chase you all, and I’d have been history. Thanks for ruining my plans,” Roth said rudely.

  “I don't see your name on this truck?” Hale rebuked.

  Oh, no, not another argument. Ugh, I hated confrontation. It made me want to crawl away. I had enough of yelling and degrading for a lifetime and then some.

  “All right, you two. Let’s get one thing straight. Hale you’re not in the military anymore, let it go. And you need to stop antagonizing Roth.”

  “Yeah, old man!” Roth interrupted.

  “Oh, and you, Roth. Don't you dare think I forgive you for abandoning us last night. You left women and children to defend themselves while you selfishly stole the gun, I gave you to use. Now, you have the audacity to tell us this is your truck. You are here because we have compassion for another human life or I would have thrown you to the zombies myself. You can stop acting like you're better than us. We are all in this together, you hear me? All of us—together!”

  I would not continue to argue over who was right, and who was wrong. It was petty, and we had our lives on the line.

  My eyes met Jaimie's and he was smiling again. I had enough and snapped at him too, “Why are you smiling? We are in the freaking zombie apocalypse!”

  His smile never faded. “Because you are beautiful when you take control,” he said, never breaking my gaze.

  I had to gulp. No one had ever told me I was beautiful, and then the moment was ruined by none other than Tiffany.

  “How could you tell her she’s beautiful? Look at her, she’s all boney, and huge eyes. You had all this and you want that?” she said pointing to herself and then to me.

  Jaime broke his gaze to look at Tiffany. “I told you before we are over. I will always love you, Tiff, but we are on two different paths. If you must know, yes, I want that beautiful boney woman with those huge midnight eyes.”

  I turned back to him, my mouth dropping open. Tiffany started sobbing and climbed into the back with everyone else, who were apparently enjoying the show.

  Chapter Fourteen

  “Well, this has been great soap opera to watch, but can we focus on the task at hand?” Brandi, my lifesaver, interrupted the silence. “Move over next to your man, Vio. It’s a bit crowded back here,” Brandi continued looking to Tiffany who was crying in the seat next to her.

  I reluctantly scooted next to Jaime. My heart raced up; my hands sweaty. I felt bad for Tiffany because I knew wouldn't want to hear that, but as I glanced back at her, I had the impression her cries were fake. I had been beat plenty to know real tears, and those were nothing like the real deal.

  Jaime turned back to the road, smile still as wide as ever. “Let’s do this!”

  I leaned back into the seat, so close to him I could feel his warmth. I wanted to get a good look at him up close. I had always watched him from afar, having the biggest crush on him, but never thinking I had a chance or that I wanted a chance because I had planned to be leaving this hell hole behind when I left for college. I loved the shade of his hair, like a sandy beach, a soft shade of brown with streaks of blond that blended so well, you would miss them if you weren't looking at him directly. I could tell he’d spent a lot of time outside with the football team—his complexion was one of a model’s you would see on the cover of one the magazines Brandi liked to indulge in. Smooth and a nice color of taupe. The muscles in his arm contracted as he steered the wheel onto the paved road. I wanted to keep my eyes open to any danger, but I didn't want to look away from Jaime. I was seeing him in a whole new light, one that actually included him and me together. Wow. Did I just think that?! I felt giddy at the thought. Stupid teenage girl alert! Yes, I recognized that I was being dumb, and I let myself feel that emotion a few minutes. Only a few minutes, though—I was so not turning into a Tiffany!

  Slowly everyone relaxed and chatted with each other.

  Hale asked Julia, “Tell me about Connor's dad?”

  “Where to start? He was my c
ollege sweetheart. He joined the military after college and we got married before he was deployed. Connor wasn't born yet. I didn't find out I was pregnant until his dad had gone to Iraq. He got to come back when he was born for a few weeks, and was sent out again because he was in a top-secret division.” Julia had a lightheartedness to her voice.

  I could tell she had really loved her husband. The slight way she would pause on a word. I envied her so much, I never knew real love before. I had my sisters, but it was a different kind of love than the one from the opposite sex. The love my sisters and I had was nowhere near what it should have been thanks to that dick-head of a step-father. He was gone now, and it was time I stopped blaming him for how my life was because Jaime had changed that for me. I hesitantly reached my hand to his thigh, and he took my hand the instant I touched him. The passion in his face as he peered down at our hands and then at me made me shiver. Taking my gaze away from our connected hands, I looked outside. I needed a minute to breathe. It was a sunny, early fall day. The air was warm from the humidity. I didn't see another soul, zombie or human, on the road.

  “Jaime, will this take us to your parents’ cabin?” I spoke softly to not interrupt.

  Jaime squeezed my hand. “A few hours we should get to the turn-off to the cabin road.”

  “We should look out for a place to gather food and a gas station in case we run out,” I informed the occupants of the truck.

  “My parents have a pantry that is pretty well stock and a generator. But any extras won’t hurt in case this thing is everywhere.”

  I hadn't wanted to think about it being the entire world. I wanted it to be just a fluke, but the possibility this zombie thing was everywhere—where would we go when supplies ran out? Could we plant food to survive? I had a vague knowledge of botany—would it be enough to grow food? Could we even grow food now? The one thing that intrigued and baffled me was: what was this zombie thing? I was going to go to college for biology, so having the biology of humans altered made my mind think hard on the subject. I prayed there was a cure because I didn't even want to think about running for the rest of my life, or losing Brandi or Jaime. The thought scared me more than the zombies. I had opened my heart to these two people when I had always closed myself off in fear of being hurt. Could I really let them in fully? I hoped I could, since the bane of my existence was gone. Yes, I would let them in. I squeezed Jaimie's hand to show I felt the same as he did.

  “Not to be a party-pooper, but food sounds great right about now. Anyone have anything?” Brandi asked us.

  “Not me, and I am sure Connor could use some food too,” Julia said.

  “I only carry some peppermints for my diabetes, here take a few.” Hale pulled some candies out of his pocket passing them around.

  Connor took his, eager to have the sugar, stuffing the mint into his mouth chomping down loudly.

  Roth had been quiet since I had told him off. I wondered what he was up to. I didn't trust him one bit. We hadn't found anything at the diner or my house since we left in a hurry. We needed to find a gas station soon. My stomach rumbled to match the others’ concerns for food.

  “I think there is a gas station on the turnoff to the road up to the cabin,” Jaime said. “We can get food there.”

  He must have heard my stomach. I hated feeling weakness in front of anyone. The thought struck me—why haven't we tried the radio to see if others are still out there? I reached for the knob on the stereo, clicking it on and flipping through channels until the static became a broadcast. We all sat up at the sound.

  It was the emergency broadcasting system sound, an ominous wail, and then a man came on. “Stay inside, and do not open your doors or windows. The pandemic affecting people has spread across the world. The CDC is working on a cure. What we know at this time is if you are injured by one of the infected, you will become one of them or die from your injuries.”

  I didn't want to think about how you would die from your injuries. The image of my mother’s arm in Jessica's grasp flashed in my mind.

  The man on the station continued on a loop, repeating the same thing.

  “What does that mean!?” Hale interjected. His voice sounded scared.

  Everyone else started talking at once.

  Chapter Fifteen

  Is this really happening? The entire world was in devastation. My mind was racing, all those people out there dead or worse. Ugh. Shivers ran through me.

  “Guys, hey, listen up. It will be okay. We will be safe at my parents’ cabin. Let’s just focus on getting there,” Jaime informed us. “Vio, we will be fine,” he then added, squeezing my hand.

  I took comfort in the fact Jaime had my back, and I did truly believe him. The road twisted, and bent side to side. I had never been out of town, only on the occasional hunting trip. I was enjoying the new scenery, leafy, lush-green trees, an occasional bird crossing the ever-blue sky, and yellow wildflowers grew in spurts at the side of the highway. There was a beauty in this that I had never noticed. In fact, there were lots of things I’d never noticed being in my own closed-off world. Brandi had truly cared about me, but hid the fact extremely well. Jaime had noticed me, and even liked me. He had seen who I was without even me knowing another soul existed. Life wasn't as complicated as I’d felt it was under my step-father’s rule. People actually lived normal lives. It baffled me because I had no clue what life could be like. I had only dreamed, and pined for what I wanted. The reality is that life was turning out better than I had dreamed, besides the starving, brain-eating, somewhat intelligent zombies.

  Ha! I clamped my hand over my mouth.

  Jaime and Brandi looked at me, and we all started laughing. Why I have no clue, but it felt good to be happy.

  Out the window, in the distance, I could see a seven-eleven with gas pumps.

  “Look! A convenience store we can get supplies at, and food!” I say gleefully.

  Jaime brought the truck into the parking lot slowly as we all looked inside to see if it was safe or inhabited with the walking dead. In the front window, the store looked empty with the lights on. Could it be that the person who was working had run off? Or maybe the infection hadn't reached this far out yet.

  “What do you think?” I asked Jaime.

  “Looks empty, but I don't want to take any chances. Something is hiding inside where we cannot see. Hale, can you take over driving while Brandi, Violet, and I go inside?”

  “You betcha, sonny.” Hale seemed eager to get behind the wheel again.

  “Roth, since you are already in the back, it would be easiest for you to pump from the safety of the bed of the truck. Would you be cool with that?” Jaime asked politely.

  Every pair of eyes turned to Roth. After he abandoned us last night, I don't think anyone trusted him.

  “I may not like you heifers, but what choice do I have now since Miss Queen thinks I need to be sorry for saving my ass? I got the gas,” Roth said, giving me a smirk.

  I should have been offended by his comment. I wasn't. I still didn't believe a word that came out of his mouth. We needed him for this, and I would keep a watchful eye on him.

  “What about me? You don't need me for anything?” Tiffany sat up, telling Jaime in a whiny voice.

  He pulled her close, saying something in her ear. Whatever he told her, it satisfied her. I didn't like it one freaking bit. Could he be playing us both? After I had just decided to pursue whatever this was. Tiffany sat back, smiling.

  “Y’all ready?” Brandi asked with a playful southern twang.

  My gun was loaded, and I put my hair in a high ponytail. No need for the distraction right now. “Yes.”

  “You betcha, Brandi wine.” Jaime played along with the country accent.

  Jaime pulled the truck up to the gas pump, and quickly hopped out, watching everywhere. Hale had a harder time slipping over the bench seat, but he made it into the driver’s seat. I got out after I was sure they were ready in the event shit hit the fan. Outside the truck, silence met us.
I didn't hear any nature activity that you would have thought you would hear like bugs or birds. Not even the wind blew. The store front seemed typical of a seven-eleven; a red-box video rental sat outside. The store seemed untouched by this. If only I could make myself believe that were true. I had a feeling we were about to have some unwanted attention. Nothing was normal anymore.

  Making our way across the parking lot to the door, I tried to see if I could get a better look at anyone inside, but it just seemed like nothing had happened. Jaime grabbed the handle pulling the door open, and a chime went off signaling someone was entering the building. We waited for any motion, still nothing. Jaime looked to us, and entered, Brandi on his heels, and me in the rear. I was getting used to this position, watching everyone’s back. Jaime leaned over the cash register; he shook his head—no. He walked the aisles, and stopped at the last aisle with his gun pointed at something. Brandi, and I were seconds behind him, and saw what he was looking at.

  A man in a red seven-eleven shirt was on his hands and knees, leaning over what I could only guess was a body from the cargo shorts, and legs sticking out to one side. God, I don't think I can get used to seeing that. The eating of another human. Jaime cleared his throat, and the man’s head snapped to the side, noticing us. His face had that same ash-gray complexion, and white eyes. His mouth and cheeks were covered in blood and bits of flesh. His tongue flicked out scooping up a piece of flesh that stuck to the corner of his mouth. He turned to us raising to his full height of about six-three. He was massive—probably a juicehead judging by the rippling muscles on his arms, and his trapezius muscle bulged. His name tag read Adam. The calf muscles could squash my tiny frame in one quick snap.

  “Hey, you ready to mess with someone who can handle that beef of yours?” Jaime taunted him.

  I was ready to run, and pee my pants, yet there he was joking around. Adam launched his full weight at us in one swift motion. Jaime didn't miss a beat. His shotgun rang out in my ears. Adam toppled to the floor; the side of his head smeared against the Lays potato chips rack.