Zombie Games (8 page)

              My mom’s mouth dropped open. “What? How can they keep everyone in the nation from leaving their homes or driving anywhere? That’s ridiculous.” 

Just then someone rang the doorbell.

We all stared at each other.

“I suppose one of us should answer that. I’ll be right back,” said my mom.

Sara and I followed her to the door.

“Good afternoon ma’am,” said the friendly young soldier standing outside. He was dressed in full military garb with a 9MM handgun holstered on his side.

“Um, hello,” replied my mother, crossing her arms in front of her chest. “What can I do for you?”

He noticed me and Sara, with her pregnant belly and smiled apologetically. “My name is Lieutenant Austin Smith and I’m really sorry to bother y’all. I’m not sure if you’ve heard but there have been some disturbance in town and we’re securing all of the neighborhoods now to make sure there are no further issues.”

“Oh, well we’re fine here,” my mother replied. Her eyes narrowed. “What sort of violence are we talking about?”

The soldier cleared his throat. “Nothing too major I reckon, a few squabbles, some vandalism.”

“Who was it?” I blurted out.

His shot a fleeting glance up and down my body, then his brown eyes met mine. His smile made me blush; I crossed my arms across my chest.

“I’m really not sure who they are or why, if that’s your next question. My platoon’s duties are to scout surrounding neighborhoods and advise everyone to stay indoors for the next twenty-four hours.”

“What about people that are working or traveling? My husband’s at work and my youngest daughter isn’t home from her girlfriend’s yet,” complained my mother.

He gave her a reassuring smile. “They’ll certainly be allowed to return home, we’re just advising folks from venturing out of the safety of their homes until we have everything under control. We have some roadblocks in place but will definitely allow people to go home if that’s where they belong.”

“Sounds a little extreme, doesn’t it?” asked Sara.

“Believe me, Miss, it’s for the safety of the public. We’ll let y’all know when it’s safe to leave your homes.” His radio went off and he stepped away to respond to it.

“This is too weird,” Sara whispered. “I don’t like it. They’re being vague but basically ordering us not to go anywhere. They can’t expect people to just stop their lives and hideout at home without giving us more information.”

My mom was about to respond when the soldier returned.

“Well,” he said, this time looking rushed. “I’ve got to keep making my rounds. Just remember ladies, stay in and lock your doors. If someone besides a military official visits your property, don’t interact with them. We’ll be monitoring the neighborhood pretty thoroughly, so there shouldn’t be problems. Just heed the advice and everyone should be fine.”

“Okay, thanks. Just let us know when the curfew you’ve forced upon us has been lifted,” I said, unable to hide my sarcasm.

We stared at each other a minute, then he smiled. “Y’all have a nice day.”

I let out an exasperated sigh when he left.

“You are such a smart ass,” my mom said.

“What?” I asked with a cocky grin.

“You know, I don’t like the way he was checking you out,” she stated. “Between him and Bryce, I’m going to have to watch you like a hawk.”

I snickered and shook my head.

Sara sighed. “I wonder if I should leave and check on Kevin.”

“You heard what the officer said, you can’t leave. It might not be safe,” replied my mom.

She shook her head. “That’s crap. They can’t keep me from seeing my husband.”

“Have you talked to him?” asked my mom.

“We spoke earlier. I better call him and see how he’s doing.” She grabbed her cell phone out of her pocket and walked away.

“I’d better check on the kids,” said mom.

I ran upstairs to my room and took out my cell phone. I hadn’t communicated with Bryce since this morning, so I decided to send him a text.

Hi Bryce-how are you?

Hello Wild, I was just thinking about you.

Oh?
I smiled, laying my head against my pillow.

Yes-you guys doing okay?

I sighed and typed
. Yes, military stopped to say we can’t leave.

Yes, I heard about that,
he typed.
My aunt is caring for mom. She’s going to bring her to clinic. I’ll be at your house for Bobby ASAP.

They might not let you through!

They won’t have a choice.

Lol…okay, see you tonight!

Count on it.

Chapter Nine

Sara
was
able to reach Kevin and he was still feeling miserable. He’d also been approached by a military official and they promised to send out someone from their medical staff to check on him before nightfall.

Mom spent the rest of the afternoon calling our family and friends as well as trying to reach dad, who was still M.I.A. She also spoke with Kylie’s mom, Kristie, and they both agreed that it was much safer for everyone to stay put. Allie would be sleeping over another night.

Around six o’clock, I volunteered to grill hamburgers on the deck. As I stepped onto the balcony, I noticed several soldiers stationed throughout the neighborhood, some carrying automatic rifles. One of the soldiers, presumably the cowboy at our door earlier, waved at me while I flipped the patties, but I played ignorant.

“I’m sorry, I just can’t think about food right now,” complained my mother, pushing away her dinner plate. She put her head in her hands and sighed wearily. “Your father still hasn’t responded to any of my calls or texts; I’m seriously getting worried. This is unusual, even for him.”

I stood up and started clearing away the dishes from the table. “I’m sure he’s fine mom. There could be a dozen reasons that he hasn’t called back yet. Maybe his cell phone died, or he left it in the car? Just…quit worrying so much.”

              She raised her head and let out a deep sigh. “I hope you’re right honey.”

I put a hand on her shoulder. “Why don’t you just go and lie down for a while? You’ve been pacing around all day, upsetting yourself. I’ll come and get you if there’s any news”.

“Maybe you’re right,” she said, rising from the table. “Just for a little while. Keep an eye on Bobby, will you?”

I nodded. “In fact, I’ll go check on him right now. He was playing dolls with Megan just a little while ago.”

Mom went to her bedroom and I found Bobby with Sara and Megan. They were finishing a board game. I sat down and watched as Bobby won.

“I won!” yelled Bobby as he pumped his fist. “Yes!”

Sara smiled at him then looked up at the clock. “Megan, it’s time for a bath.”

“Sara, do you know where the towels are?” I asked, standing up.

She nodded. “Your mom showed me earlier.”

Megan was pretty excited to be taking a bath at “Daycare” and I could hear her chatting about it all the way up the stairs.

“I feel like watching a movie. Do you want to watch Peter Pan with me?” I asked, settling myself next to Bobby on the couch.

“That’s my favorite movie!” he announced.

“Hey, I thought you said your favorite movie was Beauty and the Beast?”

“That’s my favorite too,” he replied.

I smiled at him and ruffled his soft brown hair.

“Where’s Bryce?” he asked.

I looked at my watch, it was almost eight o’clock. “I think he’s still working. He’ll be coming soon to take you home, don’t worry.”

Bobby’s face turned grim and he looked at his hands. “I don’t want to leave. I wish Bryce and I could stay here forever.”

“Oh, really? Don’t you want to go home and see your mom? You must miss her. I’m sure she misses you.”

He smiled sadly. “No. She only likes her juice.”

“Her… juice?” I asked, puzzled.

Bobby nodded. “Yes. Her brown juice. It smells yucky,” he said pinching his nose. ”I don’t like it when she drinks it. She says mean things.”

I placed his hand in mine and took a deep breath. “Has she ever hurt you when she’s been drinking her juice?”

He shook his head firmly. “No, not anymore. Bryce made her stop. He loves me the most.”

I reached over and gave him a hug. When I finally let go, he gave me a lopsided grin. “You’re nice. I wish you were my mom.”

“I’m a little young to be your mom, but, you want to know a secret?”

He nodded.

I whispered into his ear. “If you were my son, I’d love you the most.”

His face broke out in a huge grin and my heart ached at the thought of anyone being intentionally cruel to such a sweet kid.

I stood up to put the movie in the DVD player. “Bobby, do you want some popcorn?” I asked.

“Popcorn is my favorite!” he shouted.

~~~

Bobby fell asleep during the movie, sometime after nine o’clock. I covered him up with a warm fleece blanket and went upstairs to find that I was the only one, still awake. I, also was having a hard time trying to keep my eyes open.

I yawned and shuffled into the kitchen for a drink of water. As I raised the glass to my lips, something in the window caught my eye. I leaned forward for a better glimpse and saw sporadic flashes lighting up the night. Puzzled, I flipped off the kitchen light and rushed over to the dining room balcony to step outside. Just as I slid the door open, I heard gunfire. Terrified, I slumped down on the ground.

“You hear that too?” whispered Sara next to my ear.

“Jesus,” I gasped. “Don’t ever sneak up on me again!”

“Sorry,” she said. “I was in the bedroom when I heard the shots.”

“I’m calling nine-one-one,” I stated, pulling out my phone. I quickly dialed and was put on hold for few minutes before the line went dead.

“Let me try,” said Sara, pulling out her phone. After a few seconds, she hung up. “This is crazy. The line is temporarily out of service. It’s nine-one-one! How does that even happen?”

There was more gunfire, this time followed by loud screams.

“Oh My God!” gasped Sara, frantically closing and locking the door.

“Did…did someone just get shot?” I asked her in horror.

She touched my shoulder and nodded. “I think so. Your dad, he has guns right?”

“Yes,” I said, trembling. “Yes, in the gun safe.”

“Show me,” she said.

We hurried downstairs to the cellar and I opened my dad’s gun safe.

“Wow, he doesn’t mess around, does he? There’s got to be over twenty guns in here.” She pulled out a Smith and Wesson Ten millimeter revolver and nodded with approval. “This will do.”

“You know how to fire a gun?” I asked as she loaded it.

“Sure, I own a couple guns myself. I’m in the Reserves; you didn’t know?”

I shook my head. “No, I didn’t. Nobody ever told me”

“Well, now you do. Your mom’s mentioned that you can shoot. Maybe you should be armed too, just in case. Pick one out and follow me.”

I grabbed my dad’s ten millimeter Colt Delta and some ammunition.

“What’s going on?” asked my mom in a strangled voice. She stood on the stairs with terror in her eyes.

“Mom, we heard some gunfire and screaming outside”

“What?” she cried and raced up the stairs.

I scrambled up the steps after her and crouched next to her by the family room window. She slid her hand between the blinds and tugged the window open.

“It looks pretty deserted out there,” I whispered. “I wonder what happened to all of those soldiers who were supposed to be helping us.”

She held up her hand to silence me. “Do you hear that?” she whispered.

My heart stopped as I heard the faint sound of a man moaning for help.

Chapter Ten

The front door slammed shut and we both jumped.

“Sara,” I pointed out the window as our pregnant houseguest bolted away from the safety of the house, her white maternity shirt a beacon in the darkness.

“What is she thinking? It’s not safe!” protested my mother.

I felt a sudden surge of fear and adrenaline. I stood up and raced after Sara; determined to keep Megan’s mom and her unborn child safe.

“Cassie!” my mother shrieked. She bolted down the stairs after me and grabbed my arm before I could make it out the door. “Where in the hell do you think you’re going?!”

I tried pulling away. “Mom, Sara may need help! You have to let me go.”

She shook her head vehemently. “I don’t think so! Give the gun to me, I’ll go after her.”

“You don’t know how to use this thing. You won’t be able to help her!” I hollered.

Her hazel eyes hardened. “Bull crap. You give it to me young lady. Now!”

Frustrated, but unable to defy my mother, I reluctantly handed her the gun.

“Okay, now stay away from the door and windows. I don’t want you to get shot if there are stray bullets.”

I groaned. “Mom…”

“I’m serious,” she said, shaking her index finger at me before she raced out the door.

This is nuts
, I thought. I felt like pulling my hair out. I was not only terrified for my mom, but also for the kids sound asleep in the house; which, reminded me.

I ran back upstairs to the guestroom, where Megan was still sleeping peacefully. I checked the window to make sure it was secure, then hesitantly snuck back out.

Next, I scurried back downstairs to find Bobby still sleeping on the couch. He looked so peaceful. I sighed at his innocence and then thought of brother, who should have arrived by now. I pulled out my phone and tried calling Bryce but he didn’t answer. Neither did he respond to a text.

Bryce, where are you
? I wondered, trying to stay calm.
And where in the heck was my dad?

I went back down to the cellar and grabbed my dad’s new Beretta, which he’d been so proud of. It was a nine millimeter and held seventeen rounds,
perfect
.

“Cassie!” hollered my mom from the upstairs landing. “Grab the first-aid kit, quickly!”

I sighed with relief, then grabbed the kit from the laundry room and rushed back up the stairs. I skidded to a halt at the hellish nightmare before me; Sara sat on the steps trying to use her phone, tears streaming down her cheeks, while my mother knelt on the floor, pressing a bloodied towel over a young soldier’s shoulder. His face was pale and he was choking on some of his own blood.