Other Side

by Rose, Isabella C.

Jaime's mother sauntered up to her husband. “Dear, is it that impossible to believe? Look at all these people. Really, look at them.”

  Hugh’s eyes traveled over us. We looked tired. Dark circles rimmed our eyes. We were dirty, blood and zombie guts speckled our clothes. We all clutched our weapons like a life source.

  As he made his way around the room, his eyes landed on me, lingering a bit too long. A zombie howl outside broke the tension.

  “What the hell was that?” Hugh asked, looking toward the sound.

  My group stood, and made a circle. We protected each other, and that didn't change being here. A zombie or zombies had found us.

  “Dad, that was what we have been trying to tell you. Zombies are real,” Jaime said as Buck ratcheted his rifle and leaned over, locking the door.

  I liked Buck in that instance.

  “The shutters should keep them out. They are titanium, and can only be opened on the inside,” Jaime added.

  We all listened in silence to the zombie moving closer. It sounded like an animal searching for prey. The more I learned, the more the idea of a human-animal hybrid crossed my mind. The zombie made it onto the porch, scratching the door, and then the shutters down a line.

  “Oh my God, Hugh, they are telling the truth. Look.” Jaime's mom gestured to a monitor on the wall by the door.

  We all moved to get a look. The zombie was running his hand along the shutter, sniffing and twitching its head. It turned toward the camera, giving us a full-on look. The white eyes had sunk in some. The skin around its face had tightened, the mouth had blood around the edges. Another screech off in the distance caught its attention. Letting out an answering call, the zombie sprinted off the porch. I let go of the breath I was holding.

  “Annette, take these kids to get cleaned up while I talk to Buck,” Hugh commanded.

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  “Dad, we all need to discuss this. We survived out there while you and mom were here enjoying yourselves,” Jaime briskly said to his father.

  “Young man, I am still your father, and I said to go get cleaned up. You’re a mess,” Hugh scolded Jaime, dismissing him while turning to Buck.

  Jaime tried to say something, but his mother put her arm around him. “Come darling, I will let you know what they talk about. Your friends look like they could use hot showers, and some sleep in a warm bed.

  Jaime turned, looking at us as we were ushered up the stairs. A look of guilt crossed his face. There was a landing at the top of the stairs. We all congregated here.

  “Now, let me look at all of you. I should have clothes to fit everyone, I hope. Jaime, can you take, what are all your names?” Annette asked.

  One by one we introduced ourselves.

  “Take Roth up to the Ivory Room. Your father should have some clothes that will fit him. Show him the bathroom, and get yourself cleaned up. I will meet you in the kitchen. I will get some food prepared for all of you. Now, ladies, if you follow me, I can set you each up in a room. I’ll assume you prefer to have a room with your son, Mrs. Julia?” Annette questioned politely.

  “Yes, ma’am. He has still not grasped what is going on,” Julia said to Annette.

  “I know what is going on, mommy. Zombies are trying to eat our brains like in my video game,” Connor informed her as we walked.

  At least he wasn't completely unaware by now. The kid would have to grow up real fast. Annette dropped Julia and Connor off in the Chiffon Room, Tiffany was next to her in the Lily Room. Opposite Tiffany, Brandi was let into the Tulip Room. I gave her hand a squeeze before I followed Annette to the end of the hallway.

  “This is my favorite room, the Arctic Room. Now, you should find clothes in the dresser like I told the other ladies. I am sorry if they are a tad big on you. You have such a tiny frame, you’re nothing more than skin and bones, sweetie. I will see you downstairs. The kitchen is right behind the sitting area you were in earlier,” Annette said closing the door.

  The Arctic Room was magnificent. White sheer fabric hung along the three windows. Pale blue wallpaper lined the walls, almost white like ice. The bed leaned against another wall with no windows. A plush metallic fur blanket sat atop the bed with multiple pillows. It looked like heaven on leg posts. A large arm chair sat by the window with a nightstand. Two other night stands were next to the bed. The floors were hardwood, and a large white rug covered half the room. The last piece of furniture was a massive oak dresser. I walked to it, and opened the top drawer, finding t-shirts. The next drawer had pants and the other drawers contained socks and a variety of undergarments. I picked out a medium shirt, a pair of sweatpants, and some fluffy socks to go with what I thought would fit the undergarments.

  The room had two doors. I opened one to find a walk-in closet filled with all kinds of things. Coats, shoes, clothes, blankets, and anything a guest could ever want. The other door was the bathroom, if you could call it that. It was bigger than my room back home. I was in awe of how Jaime lived. Walking into the room, I found a shower with so many shower heads I didn't know what to do with. A claw-foot tub sat at the end next to a large window that had no coverings. Luckily, the titanium green shutters were closed. A vanity table was next to the shower and another door that led to a room with a toilet.

  I ran my hands along the tub’s smooth surface. How long had it been since I had a bath? It was before my mother married my step-father. I was a child. My step-father gave us five-minute showers. He would turn the hot water off halfway through. I learned to use dry shampoo most of the time.

  I reached for the gold faucet, turning the knobs on, relishing as the hot water steamed. A table sat next to the tub with bottles. I read the labels, choosing lavender bubbles to add to the bath. Peeling off my dirty clothes, I placed them in a hamper and stepped into my first hot bath in years. Out of habit, I washed quickly, and then tilting my head back to enjoy the heat. Jaime’s mother had told us not to worry about the water or electricity. They had three wells, generators, and solar panels. The house was set to run independently of any outside help for years. I prayed she was right.

  Closing my eyes, I went over everything that had happened in the last two days. My life had changed drastically. Jessica was gone. She was the reason I had lived for. We were on the run from zombies. I did not let myself think about my feelings for Jaime.

  A knock at the bathroom door jarred me awake. Splashing water, I sat straight up. The water had gone cold and the bubbles had long since faded as I must have dozed off.

  “Yes?” I called to the person at the door.

  “It’s me, Vi,” Brandi’s soft voice answered.

  Relief washed over me. I did not want it to be Jaime with me naked in the tub.

  “I’ll be out in a minute,” I said.

  Pulling the plug, I stepped out and wrapped the softest towel around myself. I dried off and put on my makeshift outfit. I had to tie the sweat pants string super tight. I floated in the clothes, but the underwear fit me well. I hung the towel, and grabbed my socks leaving the bathroom. I found Brandi sitting on the edge of the bed.

  “Isn't this place amazing? Your room is much better than mine, but not by much.” She hopped off the bed to check out the bathroom. “Now I am really jealous, girl! Look at this bathroom. No wonder I had to come find you to eat.”

  I sat in the armchair and pulled on my socks. Brandi had come out of the bathroom with a brush in her hand.

  “I know this is all new to you, but can I brush your hair like?” she asked me.

  She used to brush my hair as a child and I nodded, turning for her to have access. We didn't speak while she brushed my hair back and braided it. When she finished, I felt what she had done. I felt so exposed without the security of my hair. I got up and looked in the mirror that sat over the dresser and didn't recognize myself. I still looked like me, but the confidence was new.

  “Vi, I want you to know I am proud of you,” Brandi said giving me a hug from the back.

  I tensed. It would take time g
etting used to being touched with affection instead of pain.

  “You got us here. I clammed up so many times. You though. You have always known what to do in a crisis. If it hadn't been for you, I would have caved, and killed myself in his house,” she admitted to me.

  We both knew who she meant.

  I wrapped my arms around hers. “You would have made it without me. You are stronger than you give yourself credit for.”

  I knew she meant the words she said. I had done everything in my power to take my step-father's attention off her.

  “No, Vi. I—”

  I spun, taking her into my arms for a full hug.

  “We aren’t under his roof anymore. He’s gone,” I spoke into her hair.

  I let her cry, and when she was done, she pulled away, wiping her eyes.

  “Let’s go eat,” she said pulling my hand out the room.

  The kitchen was just as impressive as the rest of the house. The group was sitting around a large island eating hamburgers and salad. It smelled divine. Brandi and I made our way to the food and piled our plates high. We found a place at the end of the island, next to Tiffany and Annette. Buck and Peggy Sue were not among the others.

  “Did Buck and Peggy Sue leave?” I asked.

  “They are in the basement with Hugh talking over the situation. They said they would leave in the morning for their cabin. It is not far, and they will check in daily with the walkie-talkies Jaime set up for us,” Annette answered.

  If Jaime’s dad wanted to take over as the leader, I was fine with that as long as he was capable. I would not lose anyone to stupidity again, I told myself once again. Eating my food as quickly as I could, I wanted to find out if Hugh was up to being the leader.

  “Jaime said you go to his school, or I guess I should say did. I still can’t believe any of this. If I had not seen one of those things with my own eyes, I would have thought you kids were pulling my leg,” Annette said more to herself.

  I wasn't hungry, but knew I needed the food. I forced myself to finish all the food I had on my plate. Brandi took over the conversation with Annette.

  “I didn't believe it either until a zombie attacked us. It’s really happening, and all we can do now is stay alive. If I ever become one of them things, you better end me,” Brandi added, squeezing my leg.

  I got up to rinse my plate, and sneak out when Jaime came over to the sink.

  “My mother said my dad would be going into town and see if they could find survivors and supplies. Buck offered to go with him. My dad’s smart, but he isn’t a fighter. We need to get in on that trip if you are up for it, Vi,” he whispered to me.

  We had just got to the safety of the house, and his dad was already making plans to leave. To go into this town and get himself killed! I would keep the reins of my group.

  I sat my plate in the strainer. “Let’s go find out when this trip is happening.”

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  The basement door was off the kitchen. Jaime and I quietly made our way to the door, and entered the basement. The light at the bottom of the stairs was shining. I could hear muffled voices.

  “Shhh,” Jaime said with a finger to his lips.

  I nodded. We stepped down further to hear what Buck and Jaime's dad were planning. The stairs were the type you saw in movies with a wall until the end of the stairs. We stopped a few steps above the end of the stairs.

  I heard Hugh say, “Buck, are you sure this thing is everywhere?”

  “Yes’em,” Buck replied in that deep southern drawl.

  “Then we need to stock up and wait for the military to get this thing under control. Have you been to town yet?” Hugh questioned.

  “Yes’em,” Buck said again.

  “And?” Hugh demanded.

  “It’s infested,” Buck said.

  “Damn it, man! How do we get enough for all these people my son has brought to my doorstep?” Hugh said more to himself than Buck.

  The enormity of the situation was hitting Hugh, and I knew how he felt. It was overwhelming to be in charge of so many lives. At least Jaime's dad was seeing the whole picture. He wasn't completely worthless in leading, but a far cry from me giving over the lead to him, yet. I had to trust him with my life along with the others, and I didn't trust easily.

  “Mr. Birch,” Buck started.

  “How many times? It’s Hugh, Buck. We are friends, aren't we?” Hugh said to Buck.

  “Yes’em. We take a crew, and get what we need,” Buck informed Hugh.

  “I get that, but who? They are all kids and children besides the one adult male they brought with them, and a mother,” Hugh countered.

  “Well, you see, that young girl is quite capable of handling herself,” Buck stated.

  “Which one? My son’s ex-girlfriend? She’s useless. I'm surprised you would mention her,” Hugh said.

  “No, not the prissy one. The dark-haired one,” Buck told Hugh.

  Was he speaking of me? Buck, you got that right. I liked him more and more.

  “The skinny one? You have got to be kidding. She barely looks like she can hold herself up, let alone take out whatever these things are,” spat Hugh.

  I was getting really tired of Jaime’s dad thinking I was a waste of space. I had that from my step-father, and he was dead now. I would not let another man run all over me.

  “She may be a wee lass, but she can handle herself. When Peggy Sue and I found she was shooting like an expert hunter keeping them their people, including your son alive,” Buck said with admiration.

  I had no idea that Buck had seen that. I was determined to keep everyone alive, even if the zombies got me in the end. I would have done something meaningful with my life. That was my biggest fear. Not being beat, but being useless. Not making my life count for something.

  “Well, if you recommend her, I will consider her,” Hugh said.

  “You got no choice in the matter,” Buck stated.

  “What do you mean?” Hugh asked.

  “You think that lil’ one is going to let her guard down and give up her people? Will you lil’ en’?” Buck said to the air.

  Silence filled the room, and Jaime’s dad came to the stairs, catching us eavesdropping. I straightened and said, “No, I will not. I have kept them safe, mostly, since this thing started. Until I see you are a capable leader, I will hold on tight.”

  There was a gleam in Hugh’s eye as he said, “Very well.”

  Jaime and I followed Hugh into the basement. The stairs leading down had been the typical basement stairs while the basement itself was technological marvel. Stone-tiled floors, one wall had a large television with leather recliners in front of it. The room was massive with three doors. A hallway was by the stairs. We followed Hugh into one that turned out to be a control room with computers all along the wall, a solid black door on one end. I could see every angle of the house inside and out. Buck was sitting in a computer chair with his rifle laid across his lap. He gave us a nod as we entered.

  I must have been drooling because Jaime leaned into my ear. “My dad’s a bit of a nerd.”

  Shutting my mouth, I put my awe away and got down to business.

  “The best people to take to town is myself, Brandi, and Jaime. We are all expert shooters, and can watch your backs. Leaving Julia, Connor, and Tiffany with your wife is probably the best. Roth, I’d rather keep an eye on. As much as I don’t want the burden, he is better off with us.”

  I still didn't trust Roth, but I didn’t want him with us either.

  “You realize that this may be a suicide mission if the town is as bad as Buck said it was. Are you sure? Why question taking a capable man with us?” Hugh asked me.

  “It would be a suicide mission if you don't take us. And Roth. Where do I begin? He’s a loose cannon,” I said to him.

  He had seen one of the zombies. He had yet to encounter a group of the hybrid zombies.

  Turning to Jaime he said, “I am proud of you, son. You kept these people safe, and kn
ew where to come in this crisis. But I can’t have my only son in harm’s way. I need you here to protect your mother and the others.”

  “No, dad. The cabin will keep them safe. You have no idea what is out there!” Jaime said, throwing his arms up to the sky.

  “This is not up for discussion,” Hugh stated.

  I was about to argue when Buck spoke up.

  “The boy can handle himself. The more we have, the better our odds are. I ain't plannin’ on not coming back to my woman. He goes,” Buck informed Hugh.

  Hugh turned to look at Buck, and whatever he saw in those dark eyes made him agree.

  “Okay, but if you see trouble, you get to safety.” Hugh patted Jaime on the shoulder.

  “We leave at first light. As Buck said, more hands will make it easier, but I want a man left with the woman and children. Roth can stay and protect the house. Best everyone gets some sleep,” Hugh said to us.

  We had been dismissed. I followed Jaime out of the room and Hugh closed the door with him and Buck inside still. I didn't like it. They were up to something.

  “You want to see the rest of the house?” Jaime asked me.

  I was still contemplating what they were discussing in the room.

  “Yeah, sure,” I said, not interested.

  My mind was in investigation mode. I needed to know the details of the plan of going to town. Turning around, I walked back into the control room, shocking every one of them. They were leaning over the desk with a map of the area.

  “I will not be dismissed. If we are going to do this, we do it as one. Those things are learning how to communicate and work together to set traps. We have to put aside our age differences and whoever is boss, and work smarter than them. We work out the details to a T now, and then we all get sleep. I lost too many people being stupid. I will not take that chance again.”

  I stood as tall as a Queen would. I wanted them to know I was serious, and just because I was seventeen, age meant nothing if you were ignorant of the changes.

  Buck rolled over a computer chair to me with a huge grin on his face. “Told cha she could handle herself.”