Chapter One

Mama Eveline’s Ranch: Chapter One

I tip-toed carefully along the tiled floor while listening closely for any motion around, it was dead silence in the middle of the day and I had grown accustom to the sound, considering it was day fifty-six of the outbreak and attack. I glanced at the flapping cover of a newspaper and read the headline:

Indestructible Zombies

, it read and it made my stomach curl at the thought of the creatures not having an weakness. Fifty-six days ago, life was more than normal and it was peaceful as I remember. It came so suddenly, killing anything that caught their sensitive ears, I learned to hide along the shadows from hunters and move quietly along the creatures that found loud victims left and right. Society was corrupted into survival of the fittest, and I had to stay among that little percentage that was decreasing drastically, eventually everything would level out. I glanced around the corner as I felt the faintest vibration of footsteps along the ground, a couple of stragglers were carrying backpacks while looking around for things that would valuable.

I reached behind me and held a shaky hand up to Felix as he crouched beside me, I rose an eyebrow at him while quietly asking him if we should get them. I looked back at the group while also deciding if it was a good idea to scavenge them for their belongings, I nibbled on my lip as Felix rose to his feet and carefully tip-toed closer to the doorway of the store we were ransacking ridiculously. I waited for his sign, which would be him holding up his index, middle, and thumb in a gun formation, he stared at the group as they moved down the street on the trails of moved dirt and sand mixture. I rose up slowly, knowing they were no longer able to see me. I moved closer to Felix, grabbing onto his arm as I looked at the group of stragglers once more, spotting a shotgun being carried by one of them. The group consisted of four people, they were all around adult age in their late twenties and early thirties, well-built and almost like a family. I grabbed Felix arm tighter and squeezed it to catch his attention, I then stared him straight in the eyes to show him dominance before signing “

No.

“ very strictly. He squinted his eyes at me, as if he wanted to rebuttal my decision but my stern look told him that he wouldn’t be able to.

He casually cracked his neck before looking at me in a challenging manner, I again signed “

No.

“, gave him a peck on the upper arm, and turned around to continue looking for anything that would be useful for him and I. Moving quietly to a shelf, I lowered my traveler backpack to the ground, it was compacted with many compartments and zippers for storage, which made it good for scavenging whenever we were low on resources. I unzipped one of my storage zippers quietly and carefully while looking around to make sure there weren’t anything lurking in the shadows, Felix normally watched my back but sometimes I questioned his ability to stay focused in dire situations. I grabbed five cans of Bush’s Baked Beans, two cans of Chef Boyardee Raviolis and placed them in my bag, I then looked around once more for anything else worth taking. I rose to my feet and looked at the jug of milk that Felix had found in the freezer of the small convenience store, I lifted it into my hand before turning and looking at the vacant spot that Felix was suppose to be waiting. I felt my heart drop as I quickly moved to the opening of the store to see Felix standing on the trail with his gun raised and staring at the group of stragglers, who were staring back at him with their weapon raised as well.

I cautiously stepped onto the wooden porch of the vacant store and walked toward Felix as he silently stared at the group, who silently stared back. I stared at them as I caught the attention of one of the group members, who raised their shotgun higher and now held Felix

and I

both at gunpoint while staring at us attentively. I grabbed Felix arm and he quickly grabbed the gown of my day dress and pulled me toward the back of him, I watched as Felix and the other gunman in the group had a standoff, both watching each other closely as they both waited for a reason to shoot. A member of the group spoke up and I was able to catch only a few words from their lips and I questioned myself, what did they say? Whatever it was, it appeared to trigger an abrupt response from Felix, making me wonder if they had threatened him and I. Felix pointed his gun at each member before moving it back to the gunman and sneering aggressively, I blinked in confusion because I had no idea what was truly said, but things were taking a turn for the worse. I knew I had to intervene or things would get bad, truly bad.

“Stop.” I said in a mouthy but monotone way, knowing it came out completely garbled and probably almost not understood. “Stop!” I repeated, hoping they could hear me, though I knew my voice was probably hushed.

It was dead around my ears, I couldn’t hear the trees rustling or the sound of footsteps, nor the sound of Felix taking the time to click his gun and show that he was threatening someone’s life. Everything was difficult already and for Felix to be acting this way was completely different to me, I understood he wanted what was best but it was ridiculous that he would do this right now. I had no way of protecting myself against them, let alone against anything from the fact that I couldn’t hear even the slightest sound. All I could hear was the swishing of liquid flowing through my body, which included my ears, and it was what woke up with me in the morning and what lullabied me to sleep every night, the swishing and sloshing liquid. I reached forward carefully, grabbing Felix’s revolver and slowly lowering the weapon toward the ground, I could feel his resistance but I pushed harder on it and he reluctantly gave in, allowing the weapon to drop. The gunman of the group followed suit but no one dared to move, I knew they were curious of Felix and I, I knew they were probably wondering what had us hanging around the area still.

I moved in front of Felix and largely sighed “

Sorry, we don’t mean any harm.

“ before looking at the group, I knew they probably had no clue what I was saying to them but I hoped the fact that they realized that I was deaf would ease them a little. I held my hands up in a surrendering motion before looking at Felix, as he balled his unoccupied fist up and watched them closely. I took a heavy breath, watching as the group appeared to be socializing amongst each other very fast, their lips were moving back and forth so fast that I couldn’t keep up with their conversation by lip reading. I looked at Felix questionably as he looked at them with a confused expression as well, I assumed they were whispering out of his hearing and turned my attention back to them. Suddenly, one of them spoke up toward Felix, making him go stiff as he looked at me before looking back at them, then back at me once more. I looked toward them but my attention was drawn to Felix as he grabbed my arm to gain my attention.

“

They want to know if we want their help.

“ was what he signed to me, making me look at him questionably, though I understood what he had signed to me.

“

How so?

“ was what I replied with a swift motion of my hands, I had no idea if they meant loan us a couple of supplies or have us tag along with them.

“How are you going to help us?” I read Felix lips as he spoke, it was hurting to not hear his voice but I was at least lucky enough to know what he was saying to them.

I looked to the group nervously, would they be trying to set us up or raid us for our belongings once getting us closer to where they were. I blinked a few times to rid the thought of being weaponless and hungry in the cold dark forest, those days were now over and I wanted them to stay in the past, and hopefully become one day forgotten. I grabbed onto Felix shirt as he turned to look at me with a hopeful face, it had to be something good because his eyes were pleading with me to understand. I wasn’t sure if I should be worried or not, as his look told me that it could be something very helpful to us, it was as if he was pleading for me to hear him out and actually think before speaking. “

They will let us stay with them… as long as we abide by the rules.

“ I looked at him with a look of shock, I hadn’t expected them to offer help to us, that was the last thing I expected for them to offer. I stared at him in awe, completely shocked that someone was actually willing to help us, that wasn’t normal and I was sure that it could end up breaking us, rather than making Felix and I.

“

That’s ridiculous.

“ I signed while staring at him with disbelief, I glanced over at the group of people as they patiently waited for us to decide.

Upon looking at them, I spotted one of the members open their mouth to speak to us. Well, mostly to Felix considering I couldn’t hear what they were saying. “We don’t have all day, you have to decide.” One of them spoke and I was able to understand from reading their lips.

Felix grabbed my arm to gain my attention again, making me look at him with a look of confusion. He couldn’t truly be considering going with them, they were strangers and could be setting us up. Felix would feel terrible and I would gladly blame him if something was to happen to us,

to me

. He understood that I was easily vulnerable, an easy target to the alive and the dead because of my disability to hear even the slightest things.

“

It’s a set up.

“ I signed to him strictly, watching as he closed his eyes and breathed heavily.

“

That’s easy shelter

-“ I reached up and knocked his hands down before he could continue.

“

A set up.

“ I signed once more, staring him right in the eyes to show dominance of my decision, it would be ridiculous for them to help us.

“

Free food-

“ Felix tried to continue, making me smack his hands once more because I wasn’t going to argue over this decision, we weren’t going.

“

Stop!

“ I signed hard in his direction, making him sneer a little, as it had easily agitated him. “

No!

“ I signed.

I turned to walk back toward the direction of Felix and I hideout, it wasn’t much but a small old shack that was further from the market area of the town, Felix stopped me by grabbing me roughly and turning me around. I yanked myself away from him and glared angrily, it was stupid that he was actually debating going with them. Ugh, there wasn’t even a debate to him, he was ready to walk away with them right this minute and the fact that he was so easily persuaded scared me to death. Felix had bad judgement, and I knew because of our past that his judgement tended to get him in trouble.

“

We can’t keep living like this.

“ Felix signed, I turned away with the attempt to ignore him but he grabbed me and turned me to face him forcefully once more. “

I can’t keep living like this.

“ I took a heavy huff.

“

You can’t leave me.

“ I signed, making his shoulders drop in defeat and my eyes watered immediately as he stared back at me with a look that told it all. “

You promised you would never leave me.

“

Felix rose his hands up and then dropped them again, as if he was showing me he had no fight left to keep fending for ourselves, I looked at him with a pleading look, begging him to see that this wasn’t a good idea. I closed my eyes as it dawned on me that there was no other decision in his head, he was going with them whether I was by his side or not, even if it meant breaking his promise. Taking a deep breath, I turned away from Felix and took a step in the direction of the hideout, my heart broke as I halted and knew I wouldn’t make it back on my own, Felix was always my ears on the trail. I had no choice in this situation, I had no choice but to go with him. Turning around, I looked up at Felix as he looked at me with a hopeful expression, his begging eyes boring into mine. I took a step toward him, putting my hands on his buff chest as I passed him and walked toward the group with my feet dragging along. I glanced back at Felix as he quickly started walking behind me, a small smile spread across his face as he grabbed ahold of my hip and our journey started. I walked slowly and carefully, keeping my eye out for any-and-everything that would make me a victim. I glanced forward at the group as they talked amongst each other, I couldn’t hear a sentence they were saying but I could understand a few words from their lips.

“electric…keep them away…” A dark-haired female of African descent spoke, holding a backpack closely to her side.

Dressed down in a dingy tank top and a pair of skinny jeans, she had a gorgeous build with a small B-cup chest and a flat stomach, her sides curved inward slightly in a hour-glass formation that I was sure men adored only fifty-six days ago. Her vans were beaten down drastically, I could easily see they were once red and black but now they were completely black as if someone tried to burn them to nothing but a crisp. Her hair was cut very close to the roots, her eyes were a golden brown as they glittered in the setting sun, her cherry swollen lips pulled into a tight smile as she caught me staring at her. I cocked my head slightly, feeling the vibration of a engine nearby as we continued along the sand and dirt trail that someone had helpfully made for getting around way easier. I felt Felix perk up behind me, causing me to go into defensive mode immediately as one of the members turned around and said something to him, I cocked my head again as I felt the deep vibrations of Felix chest, meaning he was laughing. Felix tightened his hand on my hip to get my attention, making me whip around immediately to see what was going on. “

Generators keep the house going,

“ Felix signed before glancing at the member talking to him, “

they have an electric fence, I feel safe already.

“. I openly rolled my eyes at what he said at the end, he had no idea who these people were and just because they had an electric fence to hold off the little herds coming through meant nothing.

“How long have you all been there?” Felix questioned the group, me being able to know what he said from reading his lips.

I looked toward the group to read their lips for answers, I nibbled on my lip while waiting to find out who would be able to tell us all about this place we were going. I couldn’t help but wonder how many were there and what it was like to be there, were they very strict or free-willing, long as the rules weren’t broken? Was there a large mansion that everyone ran around, I imagine it was considering they weren’t worried about Felix and I tagging along, and while it didn’t seem like much, it meant more mouths to feed at the end of the day. More supplies to share and more room to take away from them, Felix and I were only two people that would probably share the same bed but at the same time, we’d be eating and Felix would probably eat double of what they provide since he was such a large bear of a man.

“

What is it like?

“ I signed to Felix, who repeated what I had asked him to the group immediately after his own question.

“Well…” A member said, slowing down to come toward Felix and I as we walked forward, I stared at their lips closely to read what they were saying and I was thankful because it seemed the person slowed their talking for me. “It’s ain’t much but a’helping hand works, ya know. We tend to help anyone we can, it’s six of us there.”

I read, slowly nodding as I came to an understanding that it wouldn’t probably be that crowded, I grabbed Felix arm and clung to him as we continued to walk. Felix patted my hand, gaining my attention and waited until my innocent eyes fell onto him before signing “

Earl.

“ to me, he then gestured to the man walking along side of us with a small smile. Earl, I assume, looked older than he actually was, and the pair of dingy overalls with a rip in the knees didn’t help his appearance, he had wispy white hair with a dirty white tank under his overalls. His beer gut easily stood out as he smiled with a lingering glance in my direction, his teeth were more than unattended, they were a chalky yellow with a few being covered in chewing tobacco, which he disgustingly spit to the left while never breaking eye contact with me. He was about six feet even, possibly an inch under but his steel-toe, solid black working boots gave him extra height. His vibe was disturbing and almost perverted, it made my stomach turn uncomfortably as I turned my attention away from him with a curt nod, his smile was very creepy and telling, he was a pervert and I was sure he had a bucket of secrets, a closet of skeletons.

“Jade.” I exchanged back with him, giving him the easiest smile I could muster, even though I was completely uncomfortable.

He looked a little confused until Felix told him my name as well, I knew that my speech was off, my consonants were slurred and I was sure at times my vowels were unheard. I turned my attention back forward, it was the furthest I ventured from the safety of my hideout, I never felt safe enough to pass the busiest area of the town. This town was small, something Felix and I found on our way to find a new place to stay because of the overtake of zombies that were slowly appearing to the double digits everyday. While mostly ransacked, it still had a few leftover supplies as it’s few inhabitants moved elsewhere for a better chance at survival, very few zombies lingered so it was nice to parade around with a sense of freedom, definitely without having to constantly watch your back.

“Nice to meet you, Jade.” Earl replied, reaching his hand out to me.

I nervously grabbed it, feeling his firm grip as he stared me down before glancing at Felix’s stern stare, he released it with the action of clearing his throat, which I noticed with his Adam’s apple bobbed up and down. This wasn’t going to be as good for me as it was for Felix.

“Harry.” Earl pointed to a woman with a large array of blonde hairs while calling a name I couldn’t hear but understood from his chapped, scarred red lips.

The person named Harry perked up, turning to look at Earl questionably before turning his attention to the person Earl was pointing to. Harry was a sort of stoic man, his face expressions seemed to immediately fall flat whenever he showed them, almost as he was the strict type of person and keep mostly to himself. He had pearly blue eyes like Earl, his face was almost contoured like Earl’s but younger, his lips seemed softer and his teeth way more well-kept, not to mention his sense of fashion was a pair of dress slacks, which were ripped around the hem. He also styled in a button-up pale shirt with a pocket that had a pill bottle sitting in it, maybe he was on medication, I stared at Harry a little longer as his blue eyes fell onto me and quickly looked away, perhaps shy as well. While Earl facial hair was untamed, Harry’s face was well chopped and clean, the black hair atop of his head was slicked back and out of his face. Earl had hair that fell to his shoulders in a greasy, unkept mess and it made me wonder if he actually cleaned his ass or not.

The woman Earl pointed to turned around to face him as well, as if she knew she was the new topic of discussion, her soft brown eyes turned hateful immediately as she glanced at Harry then back at Earl. Her lips pulled into a pout as she moved close to Harry, who pulled her closer by wrapping her arm around her shoulder. She was almost Harry’s height, no taller than five-five, her cheeks were rosy as she pecked Harry’s cheek then glanced back at Earl in a cheesy way, almost mocking that what she had just done. Her nappy blonde hair was held by a fuzzy black ponytail holder with a Peppa Pig sticker attached to it, meaning it wasn’t hers but a child’s instead. The woman wore a flower-designed sundress that molded to her upper body, her bosoms were at average, not too big and not too small, her eyes were almond shaped and her nose very short. She seemed to have a snobby attitude toward Felix and I, her attitude made me think she wasn’t too kind to us becoming a part of their group.

“…Harry, my brother.” I caught Earl explaining to Felix. “And that’s his wife, Emily, she’s a complete bitch.” He muttered to Felix with a humorous expression, though I knew exactly what he said.

The heavy vibrations of Felix’s chest caught my attention as I glanced up at him before turning away, I knew he understood that I wasn’t happy with this decision but I was going to tag along because of my love

and need

for Felix. I glanced around, we were now walking on a backroad, which meant they weren’t too close to the town as I thought, I knew that Felix was routing his way back in his head, just incase we had to leave one day. Felix grabbed my hip to catch my attention once more, I looked at him expectantly, knowing he was going to share some more information.

“

House.

“ He signed before pointing at a house not to far from the road ahead of us, I stared as we drew closer step by step.

The house wasn’t much to look at from afar as it didn’t have anything that made it stand out from the distance we were at. From about a mile away, however, I could tell it sat on top of a hefty hill that was completely covered in the freshest grass known to the area with a gravel roadway paved. It was almost in the middle of nowhere, which made it mostly secluded but at the same time, being secluded isn’t always a good thing. We made it to the gravel pathway and the group started up the track happily, I could see smoke rising from the chimney of the house and my stomach almost understood that it was time to eat. I felt Felix’s tug as he walked up the pathway just as eagerly but for me, it was if my legs wouldn’t move, it was like my feet and brain weren’t cooperating. I felt like running the other way, I glanced at Felix to see him looking at me with concern, his eyes read eagerness to go adventure the surrounding while mine were saying I wasn’t ready yet. Taking a heavy breath, I lost resistance to Felix’s tugging and allowed him to pull me in the direction of the farmhouse.

Chapter Two

Mama Eveline’s Ranch: Chapter Two

The farmhouse had a beautiful light brown theme with a very large compartment shed toward the back, a large porch circled the entire house with a giant bay window sitting by the big brown door. On the porch sat a rustic swing that lightly moved in the wind as I felt the breeze caress my locks of hair and shift them around atop of my head, I looked around quickly while taking in the two story farmhouse that was oddly beautiful and easy on even the sorest eyes. I was curious to see the inside as I debated if it had a rustic or modern theme. Circling the house was a fence that let off little vibrations that told me it was alive, I looked closer at the fence as the buzzing briefly stopped and Emily grabbed the wiring of the iron fence gate to push it open. She held it as everyone entered the gate of the land, I stared at the barbed wire fence just as the vibrations came alive once more. I glanced over at Felix as he happily chatted away with Harry, who only seemed to be listening while Felix talked, I guess attempting to feel Felix out and get a understanding of my boyfriend. 

I looked back to the porch as an older woman stepped out of the farmhouse and came to a stop right at the stairs, she placed her hands on her hips and stared at the group with cold green eyes. Her eyes searched every person carefully before she landed her cold eyes on me and then seem to darken as her face frowned, grabbing the railing of the porch, she slowly took each step while looking to Earl and Harry questionably. I looked onward silently as Earl walked closer to the woman and said something I couldn’t understand from the angle I was at, and I was sure he was whispering when he said it. I looked over at Felix as his arm circled my waist and his hand rested on my hip, I rose an eyebrow at him in an I-told-you-so formation as he turned his attention away from me and looked back at the older woman while waiting to see what was going on. I turned my attention back to Earl and the woman as well as she peeked around his body with a forced smile on her face, her cheeks deepened as her wrinkles showed heavily, her eyes were droopy with tiredness as she moved closer to Felix and I. I looked at her closely, watching her every move as she reached her hand out to Felix, who quickly released my hip and grabbed her hand gently while she kindly looked up at him while raising her other hand and stroking his cheek and he looked at her comfortably. 

Felix said something I didn’t catch from his fast pace lips and the older woman seemed to chuckle as her chest temporarily vibrated before she pinched his cheek then turned her green eyes on me. Her smile seemed to not reach her face as she released herself from Felix and moved toward me, she held her hand out and I reached up to gently grab it. The softness and warmth of her hand immediately caught me off guard as I looked up at her with the best smile I could muster as well, it was kind of them to offer us somewhere to stay but I still didn’t trust it, as we obviously had to see if the older woman would actually let Felix and I join them. 

With her closer, I was able to get a better look at her blonde hair that sat in a thick bob on top of her round head, her cheeks were big and slightly saggy as her face was pretty smooth for her age, other than laugh wrinkles that made her look surprisingly younger. Her nose was fat and sat on top of her lips that were slightly chapped but a bright red none of the less, her neck had only a few light bags that were barely noticeable. The older woman wore a simple black shirt with a pair of denim jeans that seemed to pool into her heavy duty black boots, I was positive they were steel toe shoes also. Over her black shirt, she wore a denim jacket and a small cross on a chain around her neck.

She smiled kindly at me. “… you are… here.”

I cocked my head lightly, not understanding what she was saying from the speed of her lips and the articulation of her tongue hitting in various areas, it was hard to understand exactly what she was saying to me. Upon noticing my expression of confusion, she looked at me with a deeper frown and glanced at Earl, who pursed his lips before saying something to her while gesturing to Felix. The older woman turned back to me with a face of awe and nodded her head slowly while staring at me with complete bewilderment, I was sure she was questioning how I had made it this long in the apocalypse, it was a question I made it myself. Of course there were instances where my life was suppose to be over but I wasn’t going through this alone, I looked over at Felix as he stared at me with a tiny smile on his face, as if he was admiring me himself. I smiled up at him, feeling my heart expand in my chest as I realized how much I truly loved Felix deep down in my heart, he was truly a good man. I looked back at the older woman as she looked over at Felix then back at me. 

The older woman tapped her own chest twice before speaking. “Mama Eveline.” She said.

I repeated her action, gently tapping my own chest twice before opening my mouth and saying my name in my distorted voice. Mama Eveline nodded however, telling me she understood what I had said before I watched as her lips sounded out my name, I then sighed “

Jade

“ to her while gently smiling as she repeated my hand movement. I smiled at her as she quickly returned it, but still, her smile appeared to not meet her eyes as she quickly whirled around and headed back toward the steps before stopping and turning back to face us as an entire group. She turned to Harry and told him something before turning to the black woman and saying something to her, I could imagine her berating each one of the group members for bring strangers back. I honestly didn’t know if that was what Mama Eveline was doing or not but before I could try and tune into their conversation by reading lips, a bustling color of yellow came flying past Mama Eveline and colliding into Emily. 

I turned to see what the yellow blur was and spotted a wild color of blonde clutching to Harry’s wife, the girl couldn’t had been anything but ten years old as she smiled up at Emily before looking at Harry, who had stretched his arms out to her. Releasing Emily, the child turned and ran into Harry’s arms, who lifted her up swiftly and tossed her in the air with a giant smile on her face. The child wore a small gown that looked sewn together recently, it had a cute pocket on the side with a star sewn taut to the fabric, she was very pretty with golden blue eyes and soft, young features of a toddler. Her little beaming smile seemed to brighten the atmosphere as Earl walked to the young child and playfully ruffled her hair as if she was a boy. I immediately caught Harry’s sided glare at the action while Earl turned and walked toward the back of the house, perhaps Mama Eveline had told him to do something. I felt movement behind me and looked alertly as Felix passed me and started to follow Earl, I quickly grabbed his arm and looked at him in confusion as he looked back at me with the same expression.

“

Where you going?

“ I asked him.

“Help” He signed back, gently pecking my forehead before continuing to follow Earl.

I wasn’t exactly sure how Felix was helping Earl at the moment and just as I went to see what was truly going on, I was stopped by someone gripping my arm and pulling me toward them, I turned and looked at Emily as she held the blonde haired child on her opposite hip while gesturing for me to follow her with her head. I glanced back at Felix’s direction as he rounded the house before looking at Emily as she pulled my arm again before releasing me and turning to walk away, I followed behind her quietly as she walked up the stairs of the house and I followed slowly, holding the railing. I glanced behind me as the black woman took position after me on the steps and we started to crowd into the house, I looked at the small child as she smiled up at me before shyly waving as her mother led me through the house. I took the chance to ogle the living room as it was large and mostly vacant of belongings, all that remained was a small television with a large chair sitting toward the corner, a dark brown rug lined the light brown carpet. Also in the living room was a small coffee table with little knick-knacks resting on the top of the glass table, I looked to the large bay window to see the curtains drawn with dark oak wood planks hammered over it. 

I turned my attention away, expecting nothing less of the group to do such things incase their situation turned into anything worse than it already was. We then passed the kitchen, which was very dimly lit from the lack of sunlight entering, of course because the sliding patio door and the window over the sink were both boarded up and the busted light on the ceiling fan wasn’t any light as well. The counters were a black and white marble with rustic wood cabinets, I could also feel the vibrations of the fridge so I knew it was still working, probably hooked up to the generator. I looked to Mama Eveline as she cleaned her hands of flour and forced a smile as Emily entered the kitchen with me and the black woman right on her tail.

“Hope…coming…help.” Mama Eveline said, holding her hands out for the child to grasp out to her eagerly.

Mama Eveline then took the child off Emily’s hip and rested it on her own, she smiled at the kid while turning to one of the cabinets hat had a small lock on it. Reaching in her back pocket, Mama Eveline retrieved a ring of keys and unlocked the cabinet before opening it and pulling out a box of Debbie snacks from the large stash she had. Also in the cabinet, she had a couple bags of Assorted Jolly Ranchers, bag of Betty Crocket Snickerdoodle Mix, and even a few Twix and Snicker bars that I knew she saved for herself and only herself. I turned my attention away as I looked at the bench table toward the corner of the kitchen, I smiled lightly at the exchange of a very big dinner table, I found it kind of funny but didn’t express it as I turned my attention to the ingredients on the island counter. Shortening, flour, butter, baking powder, and a can of something that was unlabeled sat alongside each other with a giant bowl, as well as a whisk to mix them together. I assumed she was making homemade biscuits and moved closer to get a better look at everything, I turned to look at her before realizing she was missing an ingredient.

“Milk or water?” I asked while feeling the vibrations in my throat, I looked at Mama Eveline as she turned to look at me.

“Milk, I got cows…barn.” I understood, and I nodded slowly to let her know I knew what she was saying. 

I turned my attention back to look around the kitchen as Emily walked toward the ingredients comprised together and starting on mixing them slowly, I glanced as Mama Eveline sat the little child down and gave her a small cake before sending it on it’s way. I smiled lightly at the little girl as she bounded off in the direction we came, meaning she was headed outside, probably to find her uncle and my boyfriend, who I hope was okay. I was still nervous about the ones around me, it was odd that they were willing to help when they didn’t seem to far from good themselves, perhaps they wanted us to start scavenging for them. It was common sense Felix and I were going to have to start making our keep, and hopefully Mama Eveline wasn’t a ridiculous person when it came to handing out rations and making goals. I understood adding two extra people to their group was going to cause their portions to lower on their plates, that was why I was gonna make sure Felix and I made our keep. 

I pulled my backpack off and pulled up their main flap, I looked at the numerous canned foods I had grabbed from today’s scavenge. I reached in and pulled out the canned ravioli and sat it on the table, I then added another can of ravioli before grabbing a can of corn and setting it beside the stacked ravioli cans. I glanced up to see Mama Eveline and Emily watching me closely, and I was assuming to make sure I didn’t pull out a weapon. I then closed my flap, saving the remaining cans for harder times, which I was sure was going to come whenever things started to turn for the worse at the ranch, just taking safety precautions. Not to mention I had grabbed a couple of Felix’s favorite granola bars that I knew he hadn’t had since the outbreak, I had found them while looking around the market as Felix watched for anything and anyone coming our way. I hadn’t told him of the untouched pack of fifty granola bars out of the storage room because I never had the chance, and I know he loves them a lot so I needed to save them instead of handing them over to Mama Eveline. 

I knew Felix would flip out if he found out I gave Mama Eveline his favorite granola bars without even telling him they were ever in my possession, he’d probably fuss with me all night and still whine about it in the morning. Plus Mama Eveline’s goody cabinet looked like it was already overpacked with delicious treats no one wouldn’t pass up if they had the chance to grab something out of it. I pulled my backpack back onto my back and stepped away so that Mama Eveline knew that she could have the three cans I pulled out, I wasn’t a big friend of tomato based foods anyway but I had saved one last can of ravioli for Felix because he liked them. Mama Eveline nodded her head to me and took the cans a little to gracefully before walking to a different cabinet and setting the in the stacked cabinet, she struggled to make the last can fit before shrugging and setting the can on the counter.

“Corn also for dinner.” She said curtly to Emily, who nodded back, me reading her lips to understand what she was saying.

Mama Eveline turned to me as I lightly perked up to let her know she had my attention, she smiled lightly and moved close to me and put a baggy arm around my shoulder, pulling me tight as she gestured out the kitchen. I followed alongside her as she removed her arm and headed toward the steps in the hallway, I followed her up them as she turned for a split second and glanced back at me before forging onward. I was confused on why she had glanced at me that way but knocked it into the back of my head for later, Mama Eveline walked to a ajar door and pushed it open all the way for me to look inside. It was a small bedroom with a bed barely big enough for Felix and I, but we were going to make it work none of the less, an uncovered window was facing the bed and I was able to look at the setting sky from where I was standing at the door. 

The light gleamed in and sparked up the small decorations of a bedside table with a lamp setting atop, the window had no curtains and there was a wood bifold closet door, I entered it slowly before glancing back at Mama Eveline as she lightly shut the door. I walked to the bed and slipped my backpack off before dropping it by the footboard and climbing onto the bed and staring at the window. It was a beautiful time in life, even with the dangerous things lurking everywhere, it was nice to actually sit and watch the sunset… only if Felix was here to watch it with me like he used to before everything changed. Before he became distant, before he became hard to be with, before he became someone I no longer knew. 

I stared longingly, admiring the beauty displayed before me.

             ***

I opened my eyes slowly as sudden sharp vibrations caused me to jerk up and looked around hectically, I squinted my eyes in confusion as I asked myself when did I fall asleep, I grabbed the footboard and pulled myself into a sitting position while looking around as I felt the vibrations again. I looked toward the door and spotted Mama Eveline cheesing at me lightly, she leaned against the wall and gestured toward the stairs before telling me dinner was ready, which I gave her a quick nod. It was nerve wrecking to be around that woman, definitely with her evil glinting smiles, it made me want to keep my eyes out and make sure not to put any faith in that woman that she was a good person. I rose to my feet slowly and looked back to the door to see Mama Eveline gone, thank goodness, I stored my backpack under the bed before wiping invisible dirt off my dress and nervously walking down the steps. 

I could hear laughing vibrations and talking rippling in the air, meaning everyone was already eating, I entered the kitchen to see the food already sitting out on the park bench. I smiled as Felix looked at me and grinned big, he was truly happy to be here and in a way, that made me happy as well because it had been so long since I saw him smile so big. I came and sat beside him as he pulled me tight to him and kissed my forehead, making me smile up at him before looking at the food spread across the table. From left to right of the large table bench, there was a bowl of corn, biscuits, some type of slabs of meat with brown gravy, a tossed Caesar salad, and glasses of some pink liquid that I assumed was pink lemonade juice. Everything looked so good and the fresh biscuits smelled fantastic, Mama Eveline sat across from me with Earl sitting beside her with a silver flask resting before him on the table. Beside Earl, Emily nestled rather close to him as Harry sat beside Emily with a look of disdain on his face, he looked rather agitated but I didn’t question why as I saw Emily hand resting even closer to Earl than her body already was. 

Perhaps I was hallucinating and thinking something that meant nothing, I turned my attention away from those two as I noticed two people missing from the table, making my eyebrows lower in question. One of my suspicious lifted as the small child with blonde hair came flying into the kitchen in her cute dress before making a long beeline around the table and coming to squirm between Felix and I. I laughed as I lightly scooted to the side and allowed her to have my spot, she got to her knees to look on top of the bench at all of the food eagerly, I looked up as I waited for the last person to join us.

“Burnadette… back soon, went… and ain’t came back…” I lowered my head lightly while assuming Burnadette was the black woman, she was probably going to be upset to be missing dinner but I didn’t push the fact as I lightly nodded with everyone else.

I barely understood what Mama Eveline was saying but I had to make due with what I knew, Burnadette went out somewhere and hadn’t returned yet but it seemed like no one else was worried about it so I wasn’t going to worry about it right now. I looked over at Felix as Mama Eveline had told him something and he started passing everyone a plate, I glanced over at Emily and Harry to see if they realized that their daughter had came to sit between Felix and I instead of them. Those two seemed to be having other situations as they stared at one another with words unspoken from their lips, they were talking in silence as Harry gave her a promising look before looking away as Emily scooted surprisingly close to Harry and gave him a big kiss on the chin. 

I thanked Felix as he sat a plate before me then the small child, and finally himself as everyone pressed their hands together and waited for prayer. Suddenly, deep vibrations made my heart drop as I smiled at the knowing of Felix saying their prayer, I wished I knew what he was saying but I’d rather sit and enjoy the vibrations in his chest as he said grace. Upon the vibrations stopping, I slightly muttered amen and looked up as Emily made grabs for a biscuit and I grabbed two before handing Felix one as Mama Eveline got up and walked around the table to distribute the meat. I smiled kindly as she sat one down on my plate before taking her seat and passing the biscuit basket around, I stared at my meat while debating if it was a good idea to eat it or not. That was as if I could get the meat down, and if I did get it down, I was hoping that it would stay down and not come back up. I glanced at the small child as she beamingly ate at her biscuit with her feet kicking lightly, happily staring at her mother who mouth had started and never stopped it seemed, though I heard not one word she was saying. 

I added a little salad to my plate before taking my cup of juice and getting a small sip to try it, upon realizing that it was actually pretty good, I took a bigger sip and sat it down before ripping the biscuit open and staring at the smoke escaping. They were still fresh out the oven, those were the best type of biscuits no doubt, I grabbed a small tub of margarine and spread it on the top half of my biscuit before taking a small bite and looking up as Earl gave a howling laugh and I caught the feel of his laughing vibration. Corn sputtered from his mouth and landed in his plate as I caught Felix’s deep vibrations from his laughter as well, they appeared to be going back and forth joking as I tried to catch up on their conversation by reading lips. 

“…and-and Felix… shit… screaming.” Earl laughed harder, shaking his head in humorous disbelief as Mama Eveline laughed.

“Oh, Earl… never…before.” Mama Eveline said, making Earl stop laughing as he shockingly dropped his mouth at whatever Mama Eveline said to him.

“… actually eating, she still… meat….” Emily said, catching everyone’s attention as she gestured to the small child between Felix and I.

I looked at her as well to see her grabbing the slab of meat and frowning at it before dropping it and going back to her biscuit, which she munched on hungrily, and I almost felt bad for the poor child as she had already downed all her corn and was desperately looking around for any food that was left. I scooted my plate closer and scrapped half of my corn onto her plate, as well as adding the bottom half of my biscuit to her plate before going back to my own meal and drinking more of the drink that Mama Eveline had provided for us. I refused to look up at anyone else as I grabbed my steak knife and sliced into the meat, it was surprisingly tender and juices drenched the slab, making my mouth water desperately. I had never seen a meat so nicely cooked before, I placed the cut of meat in my mouth and admired how it easily fell apart with me barely having to chew. 

I chewed and swallowed before cutting more pieces while completely abandoning the rest of my biscuit to focus on the best thing on my plate, the slab of meat that I couldn’t get enough of. However, I ate my last piece and finally looked up to see Earl staring at me with a drunken haze over his face, I quickly cut my eyes back down to my plate as I nibbled on the lettuce of my salad. I sat my fork down with the piece of lettuce still attached before downing the rest of my drink and looked at Mama Eveline as she grabbed Earl’s flask and downed a little of it as Earl watched her distinctively. 

“Thank you, Mrs. Eveline.” I said kindly, truly thankful that she was feeding Felix and I.

“Oh, you… Mama Eve.” She said, pointing to herself while clearing her throat and handing Earl back his drink.

I nodded slowly before looking over at Felix as he sat his fork down and rubbed his belly, he had demolished his portions and I smiled lightly while gesturing to my plate to see if there was anything else he wanted, which he refused. I nodded and looked back at the small child beside me just in time to catch her small hand reaching toward my plate, I didn’t stop her as she grabbed the top half of my biscuit, or at least what was left of it. I smiled lightly with the gentlest chuckle as she went to eating it, I then grabbed my plate and added the other half of my untouched corn to her plate. I wanted her to also feel stuffed to the fact that she couldn’t eat anymore, like Felix and I did right now. I looked at Harry as he had his face hidden in Emily’s neck, and the sight of a soft pink color made me turn my head as I didn’t want to watch Harry giving Emily a hickey. 

It was odd they had no shame to do such things in front of us, while I had no shame and was no stranger to sex, I wasn’t the type that got turned on from people watching Felix and I. I couldn’t even remember the last time Felix and I had done something with one another, it had to be at least three and a half months by now and the outbreak was a guarantee that it was going to be a while before I could feel him atop of me again. Even before the outbreak, Felix and I couldn’t seem to connect as physically as we wanted to, it seemed to never cross his mind but it crossed my mind often. I glanced over at Felix as he causally glanced at Harry and Emily before turning his attention away carelessly, he made me feel as if he wasn’t thinking of doing anything with me ever again, as if I wasn’t good enough for his body anymore. 

“..two,… room.” I caught Mama Eveline say from the vibrations of her voice hitting the air.

I looked back at the two as Harry pulled away and gingerly smiled before rising to his feet, he pulled Emily up with him before walking to his mother and giving her a small kiss on the forehead, which Mama Eveline rolled her eyes to. I smiled lightly at her reaction as Emily gave her a small hug then the two dismissed themselves, I looked over at Felix as he rose to his feet and grabbed all the plates off the table. He was always a gentleman and he had no limit to his romance whenever he had the chance, he never seized to amaze me and I think that was what made me fall the most. I rose to my own feet, feeling tired as the small child got to her feet and attempted to escape to her mother and father, only to be stopped by her grandmother. The small whining vibrations of the child made my heart sink at how adorable it was, she was spoiled for sure but that wasn’t going to be my problem, nor Felix’s, tonight.

I grabbed his arm and started to pull him to room we were going to be sleeping in, I smiled lightly at him as he placed his hand on my hip and gave me a questioning look. We entered the room and I quietly shut the door as Felix sat on the bed, he looked at me longingly as I smiled lightly at him once more and walked to stand between his legs. I grabbed his masculine chin and stroked my thumb through his thin beard, I smiled into his soft vibrant green eyes as he stared up at me with a look that was so easy to read. 

His lips were slightly parted and I didn’t hesitate as I leaned down and pressed my lips against his delicious soft ones as his beard made my chin tickle, I moaned openly as his hands came to rest on my hips as he took the chance to deepen the kiss. I leaned into his strong embrace, feeling his muscles bulge as he slowly lifted my dress inch by inch by continuously balling it up in his big fist, I surrendered as his tongue lapped at my own and caused a spark to drive down my spine and right to my hot and ready groin. Felix lowered his hands to the back of my knees and effortlessly lifted me into his lap as I felt his eager polish sausage pressing against the underside of my balls. The feeling caused a shiver to escape my bones as I wrapped my arms around his neck while his lips trailed down my jawbone and descended to my neck, I moved my head desperately as I encouraged him by pinning his head there. The feeling of his tongue dancing along my neck only caused me to harden more as I felt the soft sensation of my precum leaking tremendously, I licked my suddenly dry lips while grabbing onto Felix’s head and putting my lips back against his. 

I rocked my hips against him, feeling the length of his Johnson as he tightened his grip on my hips while I felt the groaning vibration that told me he was letting out some deep throated groans. I pulled away, breathing heavily for air as Felix moved his lips down my body again, resting his lips against my chest while breathing hard to grasp at the air for his lungs. I braced my hands against his large, masculine pecs and pushed with enough strength that told him to lay back, which he complied as I leaned over his body and laid down atop of him. I savored the feeling of his embrace as I kissed along his neck, sucking where it met with his shoulder because I knew that turned him on so easily. 

I pushed against his groin, feeling it pushing against the fabric of his jeans while sitting my clothed bottom on top of his clothed groin, I wanted to just rip all these clothes off and sit on top of Felix all night. Cowboy was always a position I never turned down with Felix, I enjoyed sitting on top of him with the control of our pace, at least until he got close to climax and grabbed me to pound into me. I moved my lips back up to his while running my hands along his upper body, feeling out his muscles and beefy tendons. I pulled away from Felix, taking a needed gasp of air once more while he looked up at me with hooded eyes, I stared down at him as he pulled himself up so that we were face to face once more. 

“

I love you.

“ I signed to Felix without hesitation.

“

I love you too.

“ Was Felix’s reply as he reached behind me and I felt him tugging at the strengths of my dress that held it up.

I grabbed his hands to gain his attention again, Felix looked at me with a face of confusion as he wondered why I was stopping him. I then pulled myself off his lap before getting to my knees between his tree-trunk legs, the eagerness on his face brought quiet laughter to me as I reached under the bed and pulled my backpack out. I looked up at Felix knowingly as his face fell a little and he went back to looking at me with a confused expression. 

“

Wait.

“ I signed to him while giving him a knowing wink, making Felix smile as he watched me open the flap of my backpack. “ I got these, for you. “ I signed before reaching inside the bag and pulling out the case of granola bars. 

Felix stared at me in shock before reaching and grabbing the extended case of fifty count Nature Valley Oats ‘N’ Honey granola bars, the smile on his face was priceless as he sat the case aside before looking down at me with eyes that spoke volumes. Felix signed to me that he loved me once more as I smiled and signed it back to him, I then pushed my backpack back under the bed before moving closer to him while to on my knees. I reached up and cupped Felix through his jeans as I felt his breath hitch while he flinched with excitement, I trailed my fingertips along his groin all the way to his lower stomach before grabbing the hem of his shirt and lifting it slightly. Noticing what I wanted, Felix immediately did so and pulled his shirt over his head eagerly as I got to my feet and kicked my sandals aside before turning and patiently waiting as Felix untied my dress and it fell down my body. 

I kept my back toward Felix as I felt the vibrations of him shifting around, and I assumed he was taking his jeans off as his heat became closer, meaning he had stood up behind me. I felt his hands on my hips and smelt the faint scent of his muskiness from his day outside, I indulged in his scent of faint sweat mixed with a faint musky cologne on his shirt he had wore previous days before. I stepped out of my dress while turning and taking in Felix’s body in the nude as he looked me up and down slowly, taking the time to look at every inch of my body as if he had forgotten what it looked like, and he probably had. I moved closer to him, us being chest to mostly chest as I reached up and placed my hands on his upper arms as his hands came around to my naked hips and pulled me taut to him. 

“

Take me!

“ I signed excitedly to Felix while staring him straight in the eyes, looking at the love that built overtime as he stared back at me before nodding sternly, meaning he was going to follow through with my command. 

  ![](https://img.wattpad.com/7eef3300453507c7ac384306b663c2f41ddd53cb/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f73323936736f6362364e773432413d3d2d3633323030323732352e313535373237376238383838343733343838383634393037313331322e706e67)

Chapter Three

Mama Eveline’s Ranch: Chapter Three

The heavy vibration of feet hitting the stairs caused me to jerk awake as I looked around in confusion before it dawned on me that it was nearly past midnight and someone was up this late walking around. It was dark in Felix and I’s room and the bundle of muscles laying beside me told me that my Felix was still sleeping beside me, which I expected because he always crashed after three rounds back to back. I reached up and fisted my eyes while trying to get my vision to clear up, a yawn slipped as I pulled myself up to a sitting position and cleared my desperately dry throat that caused discomfort. I swallowed spit in the hope that it’ll ease some of the discomfort, I pushed the bunches of cover off my frame as I glanced over at Felix to see him dead to the world. He slept with his mouth open as one arm braced under his head and the other lightly laying over my waist, I could feel the very light vibration of his audible snores escaping and it made me smile lightly. 

I reached up and gently rubbed my fingers through his light stumble as he slept, I had one of the best men left on the planet and that I knew because one thing for sure was that Felix could of left me. When our first hideout was overran by those things, he could of left me there by myself to sleep but instead he lifted me into his arms and rushed us to safety. I felt the feeling of vibrations on the steps once more and turned my attention back to the door of the dark room Felix and I shared, I pushed the comforter off my body and slowly pulled myself up. I moved quietly so that I wouldn’t catch anyone’s attention, it was something I easily could do because vibrations always told me if I was too loud. I rose to my feet quietly and found my dress from yesterday. Slipping it on, I didn’t bother tying the back up while realizing that I wanted a cup of water, I slowly opened the door and waited for a creaking noise, which I could feel from the vibration the door lets off. 

I was thankful that there wasn’t a vibration let off before carefully tiptoeing out the door and lightly shutting it behind me, it was always dead quiet to me but I had learned a few survival tactics like feeling for vibrations through thin walls. I glanced across the way to where Emily and her husband, as well as their child, were staying in before lightly walking past them and toward the steps to get a class of water from the kitchen. I walked slowly along the steps, careful to not make a sound as I grabbed the ends of my dress and held them from my legs to make my steps wider as I walked. I came to a sudden halt at the base of the stairs as I stared in shocked awe at what was before me, but I honestly wasn’t to shocked because Emily and Earl managed to always make it noticeable.

Emily sat on top of the kitchen island with Earl nestled deeply between her legs as she had her hand placed over her mouth to mute the sounds of pleasure escaping. It was as if Earl sensed me and his head quickly whipped around in my direction, I quickly backed away before leaning against the wall and hoping to not have caught his attention. I slowly turned and quietly made my way back up the stairs and quickly shut the door a little harder than I wanted to, I knew I had been caught by Earl and I was positive he was going to tell Emily that he had caught me watching them. I quickly turned to Felix to see him looking at me with tired, but confused eyes, I took a heavy breath and leaned against the door as Felix pulled the cover back and beckoned me toward him. With no hesitation, I quickly rushed to slide in beside him and stared at him with a face of disappointment about his little friend he made today in the barn.

“Earl and Emily are down stairs”

. I clued him on as he frowned and cocked his head in confusion.

“Sex”

“No way”

He signed back, staring at me with shock as I nodded back to him and took a heavy breath before nervously looking at the door at the feeling of vibrations coming up the staircase.

I sunk into his side as he went still and I could feel the creak of our bedroom door as it slowly opened and I could imagine Earl or Emily peeking inside as I stayed close to Felix, knowing he would protect me if it came down to it. I kept my face buried in his side as he slowly moved and I knew the coast was clear, I sat up and looked at Felix as he stared at the door before looking at me. I rose an eyebrow to quietly question who it was, though I already had an idea that Earl was the one that peeked inside to see if I was awake or not, which meant he did see me. I took a heavy breath and knew that there would eventually be a confrontation on this subject, so it was best to just avoid Earl the best I could until I was truly prepared to see him. 

“Told you”

I signed to Felix as he slowly shook his head and closed his eyes as if he was still in disbelief.

“He came to see if I was awake”

“I know, no more trouble”

Felix signed back before pulling me into his lap as I laid my head on his shoulder, I knew I had caused some trouble but I didn’t want to admit it. 

I lifted my head from Felix’s chest and grabbed his face to pull him toward me for a kiss, I sunk into his embrace as he circled his arms around my waist and pulled me taut against his lower half, allowing me to feel what had awaken below. I smiled lightly against his lips as I lowered my hand and cupped him in my palm, feeling the stiffness react to my caressing before I slid down his lap and pulled his pajama pants downward to release him. I eagerly slurped him in my mouth as I worked my tongue along his shaft skillfully, I knew that my mind would soon be clouded with lust of Felix and that I wouldn’t think about the outcome of Earl confronting me. 

                     * * *

A hand sharply waving in my face brought me back as I flinched and looked at Emily in confusion before looking down at the threaded needle and fabric in my hand, I shook my head to clear my thoughts abruptly before giving her a forced smile. She returned a genuine one and went back to sewing the fabrics in her hand together, I focused back on the fabric in my hand while slowly stitching them together without having a true idea of what I was making in my mind just yet. I looked at Emily as she sewed skillfully and I knew she had been doing this for almost all of her life, I watched as her hands moved quickly back and forth with the needle, working with focus. I turned back to my fabric before me with still no idea what to make from the fabrics in my hand. I peeked over at Emily with my head still bowed to see her lips moving rhythmically, for a second I was sure she was singing a song but it then dawned on me as I focused in on her lips.

“… the lord I’m not like this freak .” She had muttered and I knew she was talking from her humming hitting the air around us. 

I felt my heart darken a little at the insult as she sat her fabrics aside and grabbed her glass of iced lemonade to sip before going back to sewing, I lowered my eyes down to my own fabrics and restrained myself from jamming the sharp needle into her eye. I took a heavy breath upon remembering Felix didn’t want me to ruin the routine we had going, we didn’t have to constantly scavenge no more and while I was thankful, I missed Felix and I’s bonding time. I continued to sew, wedging my needle back and forth slowly as I peeked back up to catch Emily’s lips still moving with her eyes trained elsewhere while she continued to sew along the edge of the fabrics. I looked at the cloth in her hand to see the outline of a small shirt, she was making clothing for Wyoming’s baby doll toy. I smiled lightly at the act of kindness Emily had given her daughter considering she was hurting both her and her husband by cheating with the her uncle and his brother. I now knew exactly how Emily felt about me being around her, I was a freak to her because I wasn’t able to hear the things around me, even I questioned my own survival sometimes. However, I always came back with the same answer and it was Felix, Felix was the reason I was sitting at the small porch table with Emily and sewing with complete nothingness but his safety on my mind. The love I had for that man was true and beneficial, he was my everything and I was lost without him. 

‘Felix… you’re my everything.’ I thought as I sat the needle and fabrics down and rose out of my chair to head to our room, ignoring Emily as she looked at me with confusion.

Chapter Four

Mama Eveline’s Ranch: Chapter Four

I stared at Felix as he corrected his backpack before smiling up at the sexy man before me when he looked at me questionably, I couldn’t help but admire his features before reaching up and running the pad of my thumb along his stubbled chin. He smiled down at me as I sheepishly smiled back at him, he was such an amazing man and I was blessed to have someone like him in my life, this I was positive. I leaned into his side as he closed one of the zippers on my backpack before snatching a granola bar off the dresser and opening it, I thanked him with a small nod before grabbing myself a granola bar and tearing it open to snack on as well. I nibbled on mine as Felix ate his quickly before wiping his hands clean on his pants and once more correcting the large hiking backpack on his back. I passed my granola bar to him but Felix declined while gesturing for me to finish eating it, I complied forcefully as I truly didn’t have much of an appetite after the news I received just minutes ago, we were going on a scavenge mission. 

While I didn’t have to tag along, I insisted going because I wanted to stay near Felix as much as possible and I refused to be around without him. Of course Felix tried to deny my right, but I shut him down immediately and dressed myself for the occasion by grabbing a pair of Emily’s pants and wearing my little dress. Felix and I hadn’t brought much as we had left with the group the first time we met, so clothes were at a minimal, as well as shoes so I was hoping to find a few things for him and I to wear while scavenging. I exited the bedroom with Felix right behind me as I held the straps of my backpack and looked around the living room to find the majority of the group already waiting except Harry and Emily. I felt pounding vibrations coming our way and looked to see Wyoming running toward us with a cute small pink backpack braced on her back, it was oddly adorable but we all knew that she wasn’t allowed to come along, it was too dangerous. 

“Kiddo, what are you doing?” Earl asked her, and I watched silently as he kneeled to her height. 

I wasn’t sure what she said back as she wasn’t facing me but whatever it was, it made Earl laugh and send vibrations through the air very fast, meaning the laugh was loud and probably echoed around the room, only if I could hear it. I turned to Felix as he circled his arm around my waist and pulled me taut against his side, making me smile up at him while reaching up and again running the pad of my thumb through his stubble. 

“You sure?”

Felix asked me, again questioning if I was going to be okay on the trip.

I nodded immediately, I was actually a little eager to be leaving the house and be going past the gates but what was crazy was that he was seemed nervous about me going. I was confused because before we came to the ranch, Felix allowed me to go with him on hunts with no hesitation but now, he was nervous? I turned as Harry and Emily finally appeared and we all headed out the door, I grabbed Felix’s hand and walked alongside him as I glanced around the ranch in the crispy morning air, we had woke early for the mission. I noticed another building left of the house and saw it was a shed, I could easily imagine if filled with tools for the farm as the crops would soon be dissipating into the soil beneath our feet. I walked eagerly, my head held high as Felix lightly swung our hands in the small breeze that noisily ruffled the cornstalks that were about to bloom ears for us to eat. 

Felix again circled his arm around my waist as we neared the street and started to head into the direction of the town again, I wasn’t sure what exactly we were going to find from the already touched city but I decided not to question it. Felix made small talk with Harry and they went back and forth in small talk as Earl lead the group, I looked around at the millions of trees on the road while debating if we were truly heading a faster way that Earl constantly claimed, however I didn’t bother him. I simply enjoyed the time Felix and I shared, it was always quiet to me but I enjoyed it none of the less. I smiled as we neared the town and glanced around closely to make sure nothing was coming up around us, Felix paused to draw his gun before following the rest of them as Earl made a lot of ruckus breaking down the door and entering, Harry entered second as I took the time to glance around while standing outside with Felix. 

Felix then pulled me along with him as he entered the store and I started looking around the shelves with the others to find anything useful to grab while Emily stood watch. I nibbled on my lip before moving away from the crowd, I walked quietly as Felix helped Harry stuff untouched cans into their backpacks while quietly whispering between each other. I spotted a box of cream of wheat and grabbed it carefully off the shelf before moving onward to grab a box of Cheerios, I smiled lightly at the little bee character before moving back to the crowd. I looked up as Earl advanced toward me, my smile easily dissipated as he stared me up and down closely while passing, almost as if he was deciding if I was a threat or not. 

I openly watched his every move, knowing he could see me staring openly at him as could everyone else if they were looking, I made sure he knew I was able to spot his situation with me. A sudden change in the air caught my attention as Harry’s facial expressions became annoyed and he frowned at Felix, who must of said something Harry didn’t find amusing, I bit my lip nervously while moving closer and peeking through an open shelf at them. 

“… and don’t say that ever again.” Harry said, turning and aggressively marching off toward the storage room of the small convenience store. 

I waited until Harry was for sure gone before coming around the shelf and moving to take his now vacant spot beside Felix, who glanced over at me before dropping his head and shaking it, as if telling me “don’t start” with him. I reached over and gingerly grabbed his chin to make him look at me, I smiled lightly at him before leaning forward and kissing him lightly. He gave me a forced smile that told me something was really irritating him, which I decided to push aside until we were able to truly have a one on one conversation. With the subject pushed aside until later, I showed him the cream of wheat and the Cheerios that I had found for the farmhouse, I knew that it wasn’t much but it was better than both him and I coming back empty handed. I slid my backpack off as Felix stuffed the Cheerios into his backpack and I stuffed the store bought brand of cream of wheat into mine. I then started packing the cans of green beans, corn, and even chicken broth into the bag before closing it, Felix looked past me at someone that must of said something to him because he nodded before turning to me.

“Time to go back.”

Felix signed, making me nod as I slid my backpack into place and rose to my feet. “Ready?” He asked openly as I watched his Adams apple bob gently in his throat. 

I nodded and grabbed his offered hand before leaning into his side and allowing him to take the lead in walking as usual, I looked up as we united with Harry and Earl before we exited the store to meet up with Emily. I looked at her as she came to stand between an irritated Harry and an on-edge Earl, my eyes wandered up to Felix with a raised eyebrow as I figured right now that he could tell me what exactly was going on. Felix glanced to the group before us before signing

“I asked him.”

, causing me to frown in confusion, what had Felix asked him to make him so upset?

 

“About?”

I questioned back, causing Felix to openly pause as his eyes bounced around for a second before settling back on me, as if he was debating telling me or not. 

I pressured him onward as I again signed

“About?”

a little more aggressively.  

Felix paused.

“About Emily and Earl.”

“Their affair…”

I finished, nodding my head slowly before looking forward to see Emily clinging to Harry’s side. 

I watched closely as her hand clutched Harry’s tightly as if she was constantly trying to catch his attention throughout the walk back to the farmhouse, and with each step, I dreaded it more and more. I couldn’t blame Felix for wanting to know what exactly was going on but I also hated the fact that he was snooping more into their business and letting it be known to Harry that he knew something that Harry possibly didn’t. I licked my suddenly dry lips before looking at Felix, he was staring forward with the sun reflecting his eyes beautiful, almost like it was soaking in the light and making them brighter. I reached up and caressed his cheek while lightly smiling at him, Felix was what made me feel whole everyday and pushed me to continue, even though he was naïve and pretty easily persuaded, he was a good man. 

“We’re gonna just stay out their business… for the best.”

I signed to Felix, which he immediately agreed to with a big nod of the head, I then leaned onto his shoulder as we continued home. 

My backpack felt heavy but I braced it anyway because I could just imagine how Felix’s backpack felt with all the extra weight he was carrying, I wasn’t going to complain because I would be selfish, everyone needed to carry their own weight around here to last. I frowned as something then dawned on me, I glanced over at Felix before glancing at the three before us to make sure they weren’t paying attention, then I looked at him once more. Felix’s confused expression almost made me smile but I fought urge as I quickly signed

“Bernadette?”

.Felix carelessly shrugged as if it wasn’t curious to him that we come along and she just suddenly disappear. I decided to also push it aside but not carelessly because it was odd that she just disappeared completely from the far overnight, I nibbled on my lip as the farm came into view and I spotted the chimney spewing out darkened smoke that told me that the fireplace was ablaze right now. 

We hiked up the long gravel pathway before coming closer to the large wire fence circling the farmhouse, the small vibrations told me that the shock fence was active at the moment. Harry released a heavy vibration toward the house with his hands cupped around his mouth and moments later, the small vibrations from the fence ceased and I knew that the shock function of the fence had been turned off. Harry and Emily passed through the fence first, and I passed next as Felix allowed Earl to enter next before grabbing the fence just as the vibrations started up from the fence once more. 

Felix retracted the hand that was holding the fence open abruptly as my eyes widened in shock while he clutched his hand tightly to his chest and held an expression of pain on his face. I quickly reached and grabbed his arm with the injured hand as Harry quickly rushed to his aid, obviously not caring at the earlier little feud they shared. I looked at Harry as he made eye contact with me and gestured toward the farmhouse, telling me to help me lead Felix there. I immediately complied and helped Harry lead Felix into the house as he clutched his hand and constantly hissed through his teeth painfully, it was as if he refused to let his hand go as I we sat him on the bench in the kitchen.

“… going on?” I was able to catch from Mama Eveline as she looked at us with her head cocked in a confused way.

“Felix’s hand… fence…” I spotted a few words that left Harry’s mouth, I could of been able to actually pay attention and get every word but my mind was more focused on Felix doubled over in pain with his hand clutched to his chest. 

I grabbed his shoulder to get his attention before pleadingly looking into his eyes, pain rocked through his orbs of beauty as he finally loosened his strength and allowed me to inspect his hand. It was almost gruesome but I fought the urge to belch as I remembered that Felix was the one in pain, not someone else. I easily remembered that Felix was my man and I had to put on a brave face to conquer the fear inside me and to let him know that everything would be okay, I had to make sure his severe burn was properly dressed. I looked at Harry as he stood with Mama Eveline, the two of them were busy having a whispering match. I looked back at Felix as he sat slumped with his eyes closed, taking deep breaths to hopefully accommodate the pain while he openly puffed heavily. 

I turned to Mama Eveline and Harry. “Alcohol… bandage, and cotton.” I told them loudly, not caring that my sudden voice had so abruptly scared them.

Mama Eveline nodded at me and left to retrieve the items as Harry moved closer and sat a few distances away from Felix and I on the bench, I’m guessing to watch as he crossed his legs at the ankle and crossed his arms over his chest expectantly. Mama Eveline’s heavy vibrations told me she was returning and I looked to see her holding the items I had asked for, I thanked her with a small nod as she sat the items down and then walked toward the kitchen part of the room, I’m assuming to prepare dinner. I was shocked that no one was at least trying to help me, Harry was relaxing beside us, Mama Eveline was pulling ingredients out of the cabinets, and Emily and Earl were nowhere to be found. I pushed the thought away as a blur of blonde ran past us and toward Harry, I grabbed the alcohol without sparring the child a simple glance while holding Felix’s hand sternly. 

I knew Felix was way stronger than me and I wouldn’t be able to hold his hand long when he spotted the rubbing alcohol, so I quickly pour the alcohol just as he spotted me holding it and went to pull his hand away. I sat the alcohol aside and held tightly onto his hand as he clenched it up and tried to hide the wound from me, I looked into Felix’s eyes to see them squinting very tightly as sweat poured down his face, he was in true pain. Finally, he opened his teary eyes and looked at me as I reached up with my free hand and grabbed his cheek gently, I pushed my forehead against his in a way to tell him to trust me. Slowly, his hand unclenched and he took a heavy breath to calm himself, I smiled lightly at him before grabbing a couple of cotton balls and dabbing them with alcohol. 

I cleaned the seared flesh of his hand dotingly, carefully dabbing along the wound in various areas before accessing the damage closely, it would be a day or two before he could bend it without causing huge irritation. I then wrapped the bandage while reminding myself to put burn ointment on the damaged flesh before we went to bed tonight. Finished, I wrapped my arms around Felix’s neck and held him tightly to me as I gently caressed my fingers through his hair, my eyes tightly shut as my heart raced in my chest. Felix’s good hand came to rest upon my lower back and only pull me tighter as I opened my eyes to Mama Eveline gently reaching to grab my arm, I looked at her in alert before relaxing as she looked at me with caring eyes. Mama Eveline pointed upstairs and I nodded as I easily understood she was telling me to lay him down, I grabbed Felix’s arm to gain his attention as he tiredly opened his eyes. 

“Bed.”

I signed before stepping back so he can stand up on his own, I then turned to Mama Eveline. “I come get food.” I said brokenly, which she nodded to. 

I then pulled Felix’s arm with the bad hand carefully over my shoulder before leading him up the stairs carefully, we took each step slowly and I opened the door to allow him to step in first. I moved us to the bed and Felix collapsed on it with a heavy groan as I removed the pants I wore out before crawling in bed with him, Felix wrapped his good arm around me while his arm with the bad hand sat protectively away from our bodies just incase. I reached up and rubbed the pad of my thumb against his stubble as he lightly smiled at me before his eyes fell shut. I stared on as his lips slightly parted and the brush of his breath became gentle and steady, and he was asleep. 

I love you, Felix.

Chapter Five

Mama Eveline’s Ranch: Chapter Five

It was closer to dinner when I stirred awake, I looked at Felix and analyzed his face to see that he was still asleep, which was good because I think I had slept longer than I was suppose to and hadn’t went downstairs to get his plate just yet. I slowly set up with a tired yawn, I looked at the window across from the bed to see it was slowly getting darker outside, meaning it wasn’t near midnight yet. I glanced back at Felix while carefully sliding out the bed to go to the bathroom, I tip-toed quietly to the door and glanced back at Felix before pulling it open carefully and slipping out the ajar door to close it quietly. I wanted to make sure not to wake him because he was going to need all the rest he could get, I just hoped Earl wouldn’t use Felix’s wound to the advantage of him not being able to hold his keep at the farm. I walked toward the bathroom quietly, it was dead quiet downstairs and I wondered if anyone was down there as I entered the bathroom and shut the door behind me. I switched the light on and turned to the mirror to stare at what stared back at me, I was amazed at how long my hair had grown and the scrawniness coming over my arms. 

I reached up and pushed my hair out of my face before frowning at the bangs that fell right back into place, my hair was toward the middle of my back and while I liked the length, my bangs were becoming outrageous. I grabbed the first drawer and pulled it open, I sifted through the lose tampons, pads, and a brush or two before frowning and shoving the drawer closed, only to move to the second one. I opened the second drawer and stared at the millions of plastic bags before reaching in and grabbing a handful, I went to put the plastic bags back in place until I spotted a drop of red along the liner of the drawer, a frown fell onto my face once more. I sat the plastic bags aside before moving a few more bags and halting as I stared at the bloodied scissors, I blinked a few times before looking in confusion at the scissors, curious of who would put bloody scissors there. I turned to the trashcan in the bathroom between the counter and the toilet to see something light pink catch my attention next, I frowned as I reached down and pulled the item out to stare at the positive pregnancy test. 

My eyebrows rose in awe as I dropped the test back into the trashcan and attempted to hide it with a few pieces of tissue. I replaced the plastic bags carefully as sudden vibrations along the staircase caught my attention, I quickly closed the drawer and flushed the toilet in the hopes that the person coming up the stairs wouldn’t think of anything suspicious. My urge to use the bathroom had easily vanished as I looked at the droplet of blood against the faucet, whoever was in here earlier had tried to get rid of their secret but they weren’t the cleanest of people when they did so. I took a heavy breath before grabbing the handle and pulling the door open just as Emily raised her hand to knock on it, she blinked and stared me up and down as I looked at her with forced confusion, I watched as her eyes danced around the bathroom carefully before falling back on me. 

“Dinner.” She said abruptly, making me quickly nod my head as she squinted her eyes at me closely before turning and heading back down the stairs, which I followed. 

It was rather awkward that I had come across Emily’s pregnancy test, I was sure it wasn’t Mama Eveline’s because she didn’t have a man around to impregnate her, I took each step slowly to put distance between Emily and I as she entered the kitchen only a few seconds before me. I glanced at the bench table to see Emily take her seat beside Harry as Earl nursed his flask openly, it made me wonder if he was trying to drink away the news I had just found out on my own, I was curious if anyone knew yet. Mama Eveline was by the stove, finishing plating as Wyoming dashed into the kitchen and nestled between Harry and Emily, making Emily scoot closer to Earl. I looked back at Mama Eveline as she moved closer to me with two plates in her hand and I thanked her lightly with a nod and a tiny smile that I knew showed my true emotions, I was exhausted truly but I was putting on a braver front to not have anyone worrying about me.

 I turned and headed back up the stairs, making sure to give Emily a small glance as she ate her food obnoxiously, she couldn’t had been no more than two weeks so I wasn’t understanding why she was eating the way she was. I walked up the steps and came to a stop outside of the bedroom door before carefully balancing one of the plates on my arm and opening the door quickly before putting the plate back in my hand. I entered the room and used my foot to shut it behind me as it sent a creaking vibration as it closed heavily, I turned back to Felix and smiled at the sight of him sleeping, his bandaged hand laying across his face. I sat our plates down and climbed into the bed, I ran my fingers along his chiseled chest as he stirred and moved his head around for a second as he slowly opened his eyes and looked into mine. I smiled at him before using my head to gesture to the plates sitting on the nightstand beside the bed, he sat up slowly and a deep vibration told me he released a groan as he stared at his bandaged hand then took the offering plate with his good hand. 

I grabbed my own plate and started to eat with the fork Mama Eveline sat on top of my plate, I looked at Felix as he balanced his plate on his lap and started to eat himself. Dinner consisted of a baby baked potato, the same meat from the previous night but this time it was fried to a crisp with the use of flour, the meat had no true flavor so I knew it wasn’t seasoned, and cream corn that was surprisingly sweet from added sugar. The proportions were small but no one could complain as we were given an actual meal instead of something small to nibble on, nothing small enough that we were forced to go day to day with nothing else. I ate my creamed corn while Felix mostly stuck with his flavorless fried meat, I pursed my lips at the sight of him quickly ate, letting me know that he was more than just hungry. 

I reached forward and slide my piece of flavorless meat onto his plate before he could even refuse, I smiled lightly at him as I sat my plate aside and patted my stomach playfully, which he lightly smiled and shook his head to. I moved closer to Felix as he ate my piece of meat as well before handing me his plate, which I sat with mine, and laid back alongside me. I curled into his side just as I felt the vibrations at the door, making me turn my head in confusion as Emily peeked her head in and nibbled on her lip nervously upon realizing she was intruding. Emily looked at Felix as he said something to grab her attention, the two shared a few words as I tried to keep up but it was useless as Emily’s lips moved abruptly fast with embarrassment. 

Felix tapped my hip, catching my attention immediately.

“She wants to know if you’ll help her sew.”

He signed to me. 

I glanced over at Emily before looking at Felix, I didn’t want to leave him alone by himself and I sure as hell didn’t want to be around Emily’s stuck up ass so I politely smiled at him and signed

“No.”

, so that he could pass the word to her. 

“She said she’ll help.” I easily caught Felix say to Emily, making me glare at him as she smiled and push the door open more.

I glared at him harder as he lightly pecked my forehead before tapping my butt cheek to let me know that I could move, I slowly slid off his lap and forced a smile on my face while grabbing both Felix’s and I’s plate, which Emily took from me. I was amused at her kindness considering I was a freak but I didn’t push the issue as I followed her from the room, I closed the door behind me as I spotted Felix laying back to get some rest. I smiled lightly at the shut door before moving down the steps and into the kitchen, as I knew that was where Emily went with the dishes. I came to a stop as I spotted her aggressively whispering to Earl, though I couldn’t hear a thing she was saying before she noticed me and turned away from him. I looked at Earl as he noticed me as well before glaring at Emily and stepping toward me, I stepped aside in the hopes that he wouldn’t bother me and my hopes were heard as he moved past me and headed up the steps. 

I came to stand beside her and rinsed the few dishes present before storing them in the dish rack to dry, she shut the water off and turned around to the kitchen island. I looked at the island to see two small cups of freshly hot brown liquid, however, I knew it wasn’t hot cocoa from the watery consistency as I thankfully took the offered cup she handed to me. I moved to the small jar of sugar and sat a hefty scoop inside because I knew I was going to need a sugar rush to stay caught up with a bubbly Emily, who I was sure was happy about her pregnancy. I sipped my cup of coffee carefully as she caught my attention and gestured for me to follow her to the back patio, which I did. I wasn’t sure what exactly Emily was wanting me to help her sew but it was ironic that she was taking me outside this late at night, even with the fence on, I didn’t feel completely safe because I had to worry about her. 

The back patio was decently large and I was amazed at the size as railing sat along the edge of the patio with steps leading to the backyard, which was very spacious, even a rusty tractor sat by the barn. I followed Emily to a small table by the railing and took a seat closer to the door as she sat by the railing across from me, I watched as she grabbed a clasped box from the chair to her left and cocked my head in confusion. I watched on in confusion as she unclasped the box and lifted the lid, I wasn’t entirely sure what was in the box, it could be a handgun or all I knew but my worries ceased as she smiled at the sewn penguin baby mobile in her hand. 

“Its a baby mobile.” I easily understood as she held it up for me to see. 

I leaned forward and accepted the little baby penguin mobile piece to look closer at the stuffed creature that was quite adorable actually, I sat the penguin back down in her reach as she grabbed a little starfish mobile piece and showed it to me as well. I smiled lightly at the items as I looked at her face expression to see her staring at the third baby mobile piece in her hand, it was of a cute little baby boy in a blue wrap with a tooth missing, an adorable thing. 

“I used to have two children…” Emily said, I frowned as I wondered what happened to the other one. “Wyoming and Cody, he died.” She said, finally looking up at me as I quickly made my expression seem blank, I wasn’t going to let her know I was good at reading lips. 

I took a sip of my coffee as I stared at her blankly before acting as if I was zoned out and rose my eyebrows questioningly, she stared at me for a second before her eyes fell back to the unclasped box and shook her head with annoyance. 

“Fucking freak.” She muttered, making my hand clench as my eyebrows lowered but I had to play it carefully.

I lowered my head to look in my lap momentarily as she pulled out a few fabrics, I looked back up and took the offered needle and thread, I worked on threading my needle as she sat some fabrics out and sat the unclasped box aside. I grabbed my offered fabrics and slowly worked as she worked, I paused as I watched her skillful hands sew together two of the same color fabrics of black in a pattern before using scissors to cut the outline she made. I stared at the scissors to recognize them from the pair upstairs, she must of cleaned them off before putting them in the box, I assume. I was still curious to know exactly why the scissors were bloodied, I push the question aside and decided I would figure it out later on. I watched as she pulled out a bag of cotton balls carefully, making sure to not make too much noise as she stuffed the fabric figure outline with cotton balls until it was puffy like the other mobiles. I stared at the black sheep as she stitched two already prepared eyes to the figure and passed it to me, I frowned as I looked at it before looking at her. 

“Keep it, they’re good luck in some areas.” She muttered before clasping her box shut after replacing her mobiles while not noticing the penguin mobile piece sitting in my lap that I placed my arm over as she scurried away.

I reached in my lap and lifted the penguin mobile piece to stare closer at it as I felt a surge of hope rush through me, I lifted myself from my chair and stored the two pieces under left underarm before grabbing my coffee cup. I pushed my chair up to the table before entering the house and shutting the back door behind me, I had easily noticed that these days were becoming quieter as it all passed and while that was good, it was only the calm before the storm.

Chapter Six

Mama Eveline’s Ranch: Chapter Six

Felix gently ran his fingers through my hair as I stirred and looked at him tiredly, a large smile cracked over my face as I stared at my beloved man before looking down at his sudden change of attire in confusion. I slowly set up and reached above my head in a yawn while scratching my cheek at the sudden itchy sensation, I looked back at Felix to access his clothing. Felix wore a tightly black shirt that clenched to every piece of skin it could reach, while the shirt looked incredibly hot and gave him the appearance of looking very bulky, it was long sleeves and could cause his movement to not have their greatest potential. He also wore a pair of short cargo shorts that I noticed had many pockets, I wasn’t sure what exactly made him change clothes this morning but I was curious because this normally wasn’t his type of attire. I looked at Felix as he sat up and pulled me into his lap using his good hand, I stared up at him questionably as he leaned down and pecked my lips gently. I returned the gesture before raising an eyebrow at him questionably once more because I wanted to know what was going on right away and why he was dressed the way he was.  

“What’s going on?”

I signed in question, making Felix glance at the window before looking back at me knowingly. 

I squinted my eyes at Felix curiously as I wondered what had him up this early and dressed to leave the house, and better yet, why hadn’t he woke me up soon enough so I could get dressed as well. I placed my hands along his chest and felt the sculpted muscle as I waited for him to answer me, I always admired his hunky body whenever he was near me, and definitely when he used to wear his muscle shirts every night before the apocalypse. I allowed my fingers to gracefully travel along his thick upper arms as he playfully flexed them for me before I smiled up at him and allowed him to watch my face turn serious because I wanted an answer. 

“Armory.”

I looked at him in awe before allowing my face to drop as something suddenly dawned on me, I squinted my eyes once more.

“Why didn’t you wake me?”

I asked.

“I need to get dressed.”

I moved to climb off of Felix’s lap but he stopped me as I looked up at him while cocking my head in confusion, Felix shook his head in a way to tell me that I wasn’t allowed to tag along with him. I stared at him before allowing my eyes to drop to his chest in a questioning way, I was curious to know why Felix didn’t want me to go, his hand still wasn’t in good shape and definitely not good enough to protect himself it came down to it. Felix grabbed my chin and made me look at him before he gently pecked my forehead and brushed his lips gently against my cheek, making me shiver in delight. 

“Eve wants you to stay.

“ He signed, making me frown immediately as I wondered to why she would want me to stay here while the rest of them left. 

When Felix told me that Mama Eveline wanted me to stay, I knew that it was futile argument to continue to push myself into the mission, I was going to have to stay here whether I wanted to or not. I pondered who else would be staying but a heavy vibration against the door told me someone was knocking, I looked to the door as it opened and Earl poked his head in to gesture Felix out. I hesitantly slid off his lap as he rose and headed to the steps, and I stayed close to him as we both walked down the steps together and my concern grew when I spotted Harry wasn’t with the group. I watched as Felix grabbed his backpack while sharing a few words with Earl, Wyoming, and Emily about something I couldn’t quite catch the subject about because I was so busy watching them pack up and get ready to leave. It wasn’t fair that I wasn’t allowed to tag along and Emily

and Wyoming

was, I watched as she grabbed her backpack and slid it on her back as well. I clasped my hands together and slowly walked to Felix as he looked almost eager to run out the door, I reached up and gently cupped his face as he looked down at me. 

“Be safe.”

I signed to Felix as I corrected the hiking bag’s straps on his shoulders while he smiled down at me then leaded forward to give me a kiss on the lips, I reached up and met his lips halfway.

“Please.”

I signed after our shared kiss. 

“Of course.”

Felix replied back before pulling me tightly against his body with his good hand. 

I melted into his embrace as he pecked me atop of my head then pulled away as Emily opened the front door and stepped out first, Felix followed and Earl slammed the door shut as I turned to look at Mama Eveline. I was standing in the foyer by the door as she sat in a large comfortable, brown pull out chair with a pair of crochet needles in her hands. Upon me realizing her appearance, she smiled kindly and gestured to a smaller comfortable chair across from her while going back to crocheting. I sat down slowly and looked at her questionably as I debated what made her want to keep me at the house while the other three went on a mission, and where was Harry? I decided to not ask any questions for the better sake of not catching anyone’s attention, I looked at Mama Eveline just in time to see her offering me a crochet needle. 

I thanked her with a small nod as I took it and caught the black yawn ball she threw in my direction, I started making a small chain link before getting the idea of a baby hat in my mind. I allowed my hands to match the movement of my mind as I stared around in various areas of the living room, occasionally looking at Mama Eveline as she silently crocheted. Possibly five minutes passed of me crocheting before heavy, fast vibrations thumped against the sole of my feet and caused me to look in the direction of the stairs, making me look alert as Harry quickly descended down them looking completely disheveled. Harry wore a pair of biker boots with his pants tucked in them, I looked at the tight grey t-shirt he wore with a low scoop collar as he looked around in confusion, probably because of how quiet it was.

 I looked at him with confusion as he looked at Mama Eveline and a large glare came over his face, I paid close attention as he slowly stalked three steps to her before stopping as she openly glared at him. I quickly turned my head to make it seem like I didn’t notice Harry’s aggressive presence and crocheted my chain link while waiting for the action to take place. I wasn’t sure why Harry was on edge right now but I was curious to find out why he was ready to rip everyone’s head off, perhaps it was the fact that they had left him. 

“… everyone go?” Harry asked.

“Mission.” Mama Eveline stated abruptly. “… overslept.” 

“Fuck… overslept,… Emily?” Harry asked, looking around the house once more before his cold eyes fell onto Mama Eveline once more, who casually cocked her head while still crocheting, not missing a beat.

“She took… place.” Mama Eveline said, not even giving him a glance as she paused to grab a tall glass, her iced lemonade had a straw sitting it.

“To hell… killed. And… huh, can you?!” He asked, taking a threatening step toward Mama Eveline as she didn’t even bat an eyelash while sipping through the straw in her cup.

“Back…, honestly think… selfish prick.” Mama Eveline snapped, her insult caused me to widen my eyes in shock a little before I quickly played it off. 

“How… has… fucking my wife?” Harry asked suddenly, I’m sure it veered the entire argument off course.

Mama Eveline abruptly turned to his direction while gripping tightly on the cup in her hand, she glared at Harry very strongly that it felt like I was the one in trouble, I stared onward in fear of the altercation continuing. “Don’t… language. You hear…? … pregnant , respect…wishes. That’s… wife, not… fault… brother… fucks her good enough.” I caught the ending as she turned around and sat her glass down. 

Everything was very chopped and screwed but I understood enough to know that the altercation was about Emily and Earl’s affair, Harry knew that they were having an affair and it seemed like Mama Eveline was making the affair his fault. I almost felt sad for Harry as it seemed like the entire world as against him, his wife was having sex with his brother and now she was pregnant, his mother was actually telling him that the affair was something that he caused, and it seemed like he would be the one in trouble if their did cause to be an disturbance in the affair. It was obvious how Mama Eveline felt about the affair and it shocked me considering it was something that easily turned the brothers against each other, I cocked my head slightly while deciding to not catch either of their attention as silence fell over us. 

“… fucking… nights, and… bitch… tell that whore… leave.” Harry started up again, causing Mama Eveline to glare at him once more, it was obvious she though the altercation they had was over. 

“No.” Mama Eveline said, and Harry’s expression told me it wasn’t what he wanted to hear. 

It seemed like Harry was going to expose Emily for cheating with his brother and then kick her out, and she was pregnant but it was obvious that he had doubts of the baby being his and I also had doubts that the baby was Harry’s. I looked at Mama Eveline as she paused her crocheting and looked him up and down roughly, I wasn’t sure if she was upset with her son for another reason or because he was naïve enough to not notice the affair sooner. My heart, again, went out to Harry as he was the man that couldn’t catch a break and it was worse that Mama Eveline was going to make him suffer the consequences of being so stupid. 

“… happens to the baby,… I… Earl… kill … myself.” Mama Eveline finally said, obviously ending the conversation as Harry glared at her then turned and stomped up the stairs. 

Upon his departure, I released a small breath I hadn’t realized I was holding until now as the atmosphere appeared to let up and I no longer felt so suffocated from the anger in the air, I sat my crocheted hat aside and cracked my fingers before wiggling them to get better blood flow. I looked up at Mama Eveline as she sat her half done project aside and shook her head while staring at her crossed ankles in thought, this had to be something very tragic for both of them. Part of me wanted to believe that Mama Eveline also felt guilty because she hadn’t spoke up to her oldest son and her youngest son’s wife for Harry, and the worst of it all was that the wife had gotten pregnant. It had to be tragic for Mama Eveline considering that she would have to make the choice between her sons if something worse was to stumble upon everyone, Earl and Harry would eventually bump heads about this and no one would be able to stop the chaos from coming over. I looked at Mama Eveline as she started to mutter to herself, she looked up at me and caught me watching her as I slowly lowered my gaze and pretended not to understand what was going on. I peeked over at Mama Eveline to see her snapping her finger in my direction, I looked up at her with an innocent expression to make it seem like I had no idea what was going on.

“… understand me?” I continued to stare at her in confusion, wanting it to appear like I had no idea how to read lips.

I watched as Mama Eveline released a heavy sigh before rubbing her face in an exhaustion manner, I bit my lip and cocked my head to push the “don’t know how to read lips” accusation further. I had to play like I didn’t have a clue what was going on around me and that I was just some clueless deaf person trying to make it day by day, willing to do anything to make sure my man and I was safe, and I was going to play that role perfectly.

“This fucking retard …, why… deaf… people.” I realized that I had became the subject on her mind as she looked at me with squinted eyes before shaking her head and grabbing her half crochet blanket. 

For some reason, the insult didn’t hurt because I kind of expected it from someone like her, Mama Eveline was a brownnoser and I was sure she was only stating how she felt about me to herself. Of course I wasn’t suppose to know that she felt like I was a retard and whatever else she meant about deaf people, even she was probably shock that I lasted this long in the apocalypse. I only turned back to my hat and stared at the black crochet baby hat before looking up at her then back down at the hat, I was just ready for Felix to come back so I could safely be in his arms again.

Chapter Seven

Mama Eveline’s Ranch: Chapter Seven

I opened my eyes abruptly in the shift in my surroundings and now that I was awake, I could easily feel the light vibrations of someone walking through the room as my heart speed up and I was a little scared to find out who was in the bedroom with me. I blinked a few times to help my blurry vision before lightly peeking my head up to try and catch a glimpse of the person while still trying to appear asleep. I was facing Felix’s side of the bed with my back toward the door so I wouldn’t had been able to see exactly when the person entered, and I relaxed at the sight of the tightly back shirt with long sleeves kneeling by the bed. I sat up slowly and wiped my eyes clear with a silent yawn as Felix glanced at me before a tiny smile came over his handsome face, I cocked my head happily at him as I scooted closer to him and looked to see what had him occupied. Felix held a 44 Magnum revolver and was loading it with the ammo sitting by his knee, I watched onward as he closed the loaded cylinder and cocked the hammer back so that the barrel was loaded. 

I watched as Felix silently pointed at the revolver before storing it under the bed, letting me know that it was their for our protection just incase, I nodded and watched as he pulled out a 44 Magnum Desert Eagle next. I admired the nice specimen of a weapon from a distance as Felix released the magazine to see it completely loaded before reattaching the magazine and storing it in his personal hiking bag we used to always carry before we came here. I looked as Felix then pulled out a Twix bar and my heart swelled as he sat it by my hand, letting me know it was for me and I smiled big at him before leaning forward and he quickly met me halfway. I accepted the candy bar and stored it atop of the dresser for after dinner, I then rose to my feet and stretched as Felix came up behind me and circled both of his arms around my waist while burying his face into my neck. I released a throaty moan at the feeling of his lips pressing against my exposed flesh while his good hand tightly clenched my waist in a promising way, making me smile as I turned around to him and pecked his chin. 

“After dinner.”

I signed to him as a promise before turning and heading to the door.

I exited the bedroom first before waiting patiently for Felix as he fixed his tight shirt and closed the door behind him, I ran my fingers along his chiseled abdomen before descending down the steps slowly while waiting for Felix to catch up. He was only a few seconds delayed until I felt his heavy presence lingering behind me, I stepped into the kitchen with his hand encasing mine as we walked hand and hand to the bench table. Mama Eveline was busy plating all the food as Harry sat on the side Felix and I sat on the first night, I allowed Felix to pick where we sat as he walked to the opposite side of Harry and took a seat. I took my rightful place beside Felix as Harry scooted to the spot across from him and started to lightly whisper toward him about something. I was positive Harry’s questions were about what happened on the mission between Earl and Emily, I knew Harry was going to use Felix’s answers to build courage and speak up, but I don’t think tonight would be the night. 

I looked up as Earl came and surprisingly took a seat by Harry, as if he wasn’t clued in about the animosity Harry had towards him but I didn’t say a word as I spotted yet a blur of blonde that immediately recognized to be Wyoming, who nestled between Felix and I once more as she had when we first arrived. I scooted over to make some room for her as she sat on her knees so she could look over the table, I looked at Felix as he glanced up at me with a smile that reached his eyes. The prudent smell of brandy stuck my nose and it took everything in me not to puke as I looked at the source it radiated off, a goofy smiling Earl looked at his brother and appeared to chuckle at him as I watched onward in complete silence of the words between them. Emily then slithered into the kitchen and took her spot beside Earl instead of between Earl and Harry, who were shooting each other daggers at this point until Mama Eveline appeared with plates. I accessed the situation at hand as she sat a plate down in front of Felix and I first, I thanked her with a small nod as she focused in on Felix immediately. 

She smiled and rubbed his hand gently while thanking him for something I didn’t catch, I glanced over at Felix as my mind tried to think of ways she would be thankful for him or what he might of done. Of course, I decided to ask Felix later instead of now because a scene was slowly starting to unfold between Harry and Earl as Mama Eveline sat Earl and Emily’s plate down next. Lastly, she sat Harry’s plate before him a little roughly before taking her seat with her plate. I grabbed a small glass of iced lemonade as Harry glared at his mother before grabbing his own glass as well, I then passed a glass to Felix, and sat Wyoming’s glass down in front of her as she nibbled on a slice of toast that once sat on her plate. I looked at Felix as he bowed his head and allowed his deep voice to grace us with prayer as I quickly bowed my head as well, when the deep baritone vibrations released, I lifted my head with a small Amen escaping through my lips. Dinner was, of course, the meat that we had this entire time, I assumed it was old chicken that Mama Eveline was stocked up on but I didn’t further question it as I looked at the slab of meat soaked in brown gravy like a Salisbury steak, a small portion of green beans and carrots sat along with the meat. 

I first started on my vegetables, I was pleased to see green beans because I loved green beans the most out of any vegetable I ever ate, I looked to see Wyoming sipping her glass of lemonade before setting it down and going to eating the carrots, at least she like some healthy foods. I shoved a few green beans in my mouth as Earl rose to his feet and stumbled a little before moving closer to the Mama Eveline’s cabinet, which I just now noticed her lock was missing off of. I watched closely as he opened the cabinet before looking back down at my meal to put more delicious green beans in my mouth, I then turned to look up again to see Earl holding a box of Ding Dongs upside down. It was obvious the box was empty as he shook it before frowning and looking up at Mama Eveline, who shrugged carelessly before going back to her meal. Earl eyes sharpened as he took a swaying step forward and pointed an accusing finger at Felix, who was so busy demolishing his meal that he hadn’t even noticed. 

“YOU!” Earl snapped, his vibrations causing me to flinch openly while quickly catching everyone’s attention at the table. “… THEIF!” His drunken yell caused Wyoming to fearfully cower toward Felix.

I looked over her as the need to protect her came over me and I gingerly rubbed her back as she buried her face in his side before peeking at her drunk uncle, I reached up and gently pushed a blonde strand out of her face tenderly. I looked over at Felix to see him staring at Earl closely, as if Felix was planning his next few moves carefully and I knew he was because Earl was drunk and even if Earl wasn’t, Felix could beat Earl into a bloody pulp easily. I didn’t want Felix fighting anyone in the group but I knew that I wouldn’t be able to stop it from happening if Earl happened to advance at anyone, definitely Wyoming, Emily, or I. Felix was always protective of me and any women around him because he came from a family of domestic violence and didn’t want to witness the reminder that others do overpower the weaker people around them. 

“… down, Earl.” Mama Eveline stated, glancing back at him before shaking her head disappointedly.

“No… calm down, he’s a… thief!” Earl continued, moving a few more swaying steps toward the table as Felix continued to watch Earl closely and I was sure Felix was still trying to see if Earl was a active threat. 

“I… steal anything.” Felix defended, making me look at Earl quickly to catch his reply.

“Fucking liar… steal! Mama… truth… Yeah, he’s… whore bag… him.” I frowned as I tried to make the connection of what he was saying, and the drunk slurring of his lips weren’t helping. 

Earl stalked even closer before wedging between Harry and Mama Eveline to slam his hands down on the table, causing Harry to glare up at him then turn his attention to Felix in a questioning manner himself, he wanted to know if Earl’s accusations were true. I looked at Felix as his eyes darkened in anger and he rose to his feet, I quickly grabbed his arm but he easily pulled away from me as he leaned forward and braced his beefy hands on the table, mocking Earl’s stance. Felix whispered something to Earl before cocking his head in a threatening way while Earl appeared to be stun temporarily, I wasn’t sure what Felix said to Earl but I was definitely going to ask later tonight when Felix and I were alone in our bedroom. Felix then sat down as Wyoming fell back into his side fearfully, it made me curious to why she felt more threatened than I did about Earl but it must be with young age. Upon noticing Wyoming cowering away from him, Earl’s eyebrows lowered in frustration before he reaching forward and tightly grabbed Wyoming’s arm, causing her eyes to widen in complete fear. 

“… coward, little whore.” Earl hissed at her as I quickly rose to my feet to stop Earl from pulling her across the table. 

She was only but seven to ten years old and to see her own uncle talking to her like this broke my heart, and from there I immediately knew why Wyoming was scared of him, I grabbed onto her quickly and pulled her back toward me. I was in shock that Emily and Harry was just letting this happen but didn’t say anything as Mama Eveline abruptly rose to her feet just as Earl drew his hand back to strike Wyoming. I was stunned by everything happening right now, it was shocking for me to watch this tragic behavior but I had to keep Earl from hurting Wyoming, she didn’t nothing wrong for him to hit her and I knew Felix would tear the house apart and draw every zombie close. I pulled her back just as Felix reached across the table and shoved Earl away, a shouting match pursued between them as I grabbed Wyoming and lifted her into my arms as she cried into my shoulder. 

Mama Eveline managed to grab the drunken Earl’s attention and made him leave the kitchen as she then turned to Felix and pointed upstairs so he could cool off. I followed behind him while holding the crying child in my arms as she shook with sobs. Everything was going to far, Earl was accusing Felix as stealing from them and that didn’t look good at all because I was sure they were questioning Earl’s drunken accusations, any rightminded person would at least take heave to them, even if they didn’t believe the accusations. I entered the room behind Felix and closed the door behind me as I felt my loud heartbeat thumping from inside, I sat Wyoming on the bed as Felix came and kneeled before her. I came to stand beside him as Wyoming wiped her teary face for tears just for them to keep trailing down her pale cheeks, it was heartbreaking to watch her cry but there wasn’t much I could do for her. Suddenly, Wyoming nodded at something Felix asked her and that alone let me know it wasn’t the response Felix was hoping for as he buried his face in his hands and stayed that way for a minute. Felix finally looked back at Wyoming as she started to sob once more, her body shook heavily as she rubbed at her knee and I curiously wondered why she was doing so. 

I came to kneel beside Felix as he glanced over at me with glassy eyes that told me that he was unhappy, I turned to Wyoming and carefully grabbed her dress to pull it up to her knee, at first she resisted but she finally gave in and allowed me to see the big cloth on her knees. I gently pulled at the taped white cloth that was hiding her knee entirely to see traces of blood sticking to the side that was facing her knee, I then took in the sliced knee before me in shock and disbelief. I looked at the freshly made cuts that immediately confirmed my suspicion of the bloodied scissors that were thrown in the bathroom drawer with plastic bags, Felix only bowed his head more as I carefully replaced the bandage before lowering her dress. I then sat on the bed beside her before pulling her tightly into my side while she continued to cry, wiping at the tears on her face as I gently stroked her blonde hair, hoping it’ll help her calm down. 

“Ask her who?”

I signed to Felix, who immediately did as I asked.

“Mom.”

Felix replied, turning his head away angrily. 

Wyoming leaning more into my embrace only made me hold her tighter as I looked at Felix and waited for him to regain a little of his anger, I didn’t want him going haywire and running everything before we could figure out a way to help Wyoming. I touched Felix’s arm to get his attention, he looked up at me as I cupped his chin to make sure I had his full attention.

“We have to help her.”

I told him which he immediately nodded to before rising to his feet and starting to pace back and forth.

I gently rubbed Wyoming’s back before looking to see that she had fallen asleep on me, I was sure she was tired from all the crying and the scene that had frightened her would probably haunt her dreams tonight. I sat her gently on my side of the bed since it was the closet before rising to my feet as Felix immediately came toward me to embrace, I quickly wrapped my arms around his big frame. I held him tightly as he silently stood with me, his arms circled around my upper body from the angle we stood at, I laid my head against his chest while wishing I could hear his heartbeat… did it beat faster when I was around like mine did? I pushed the thought away before lifting my head and bracing a hand on his chest to gently rub where his heart was, he placed a beefy hand over mine as unfallen tears sat in his eyes. 

“We’re going to help her.”

I said in a promising manner before remembering the promise I gave him. 

I grabbed Felix’s hand and led him toward his side of the bed before setting him on the bed and reaching behind me to untie my dress, of course Felix and I weren’t going to be doing anything very sexual because of the new bed companion we had. I then helped Felix strip and left him in nothing but boxers before crawling in the bed and Felix laid on top of me with his head resting against my stomach and his upper body crushing my lower half. I caressed my fingers through his hair as I slowly dosed off to sleep, my hands still in his hair as everything went dark and still around me.

Chapter Eight

Mama Eveline’s Ranch: Chapter Eight

I gently kissed Felix’s stubby chin as he wrapped his arm tighter around my shoulders and pulled me taut against his side as we sat on the floor by the window and cuddled like the way we used to. It felt amazing to be under Felix with his arms protectively wrapped around me, whenever I was near him, I felt complete and I enjoyed taking the time to check his body out like it was still new to me. I looked to the bed Felix and I share every night to see Wyoming sitting up and rubbing her face, her eyes were puffy from all the crying she did last night but other than that, she still seemed like the little bubbly child I adored, her innocence was so pure. I looked up at Felix and smiled as he reached and pecked me on the lips in an innocent manner, I was sure that Wyoming has seen more than her parents peck but I didn’t push the issue as Felix rose to his feet. He then offered his hand to me and I grabbed it so he could help me to my feet, which he did. Wyoming squirmed out the bed and stumbled over to us while tiredly rubbing her eyes, she had slept most of the morning away. 

I gently caressed my fingers through her blonde, curly locks as she nestled into Felix’s embrace, it was oddly assuring to see Felix holding her close like she was his. A smile came over my face as I watched him, he was obviously good with kids and maybe we would find one that could complete us as a real family, perhaps we came here for a reason. I turned and walked to the door, I grabbed the handle and pulled it open as it creaked, a vibration thumping against my nerves as I eased out and closed it behind me. Moving straight to the bathroom, I pushed my hand and focused to see it if was occupied already and that what made me realize how quiet it felt around the house. I frowned a little before deciding to relieve my crying bladder before going to investigate, I rushed and flushed the toilet before exiting and heading down the steps. Generators were the way of life from now on, and I was going to remember that for the rest of my life, all the right ones still powered your house in a shortage and most generators only needed gas so that’s one of the focuses you had to add to your need list. 

Slowly moving down the steps, I held the rail while searching for vibrations with my hands and feet but found none until I spotted Mama Eveline sitting in her large comfortable recliner while husking corn from the field. I smiled lightly at her as she spotted me and a broad smile came over her face, I moved a few steps closer as she beckoned me toward her, suddenly thumping vibrations near the stairs caught my attention and I looked up to see Felix descending with Wyoming. Wyoming rushed past us and to her grandmother, who happily swooped her up with a little laugh, Felix came to a stop beside me and grabbed my waist to catch my attention.

“Emily wants help in the field.”

Felix signed for Mama Eveline, who told him to tell me, I’m positive.

“I’m going to help Earl and Harry.”

I restrained from frowning and nodded slowly before heading to the back but I was stopped by Felix grabbing me and turning me to face him once more, I looked at him in confusion until he grabbed a woven basket from the console by the kitchen threshold. I understood that Felix wanted me to not mess up his plans for us, which I didn’t even know what plans he had just yet, I hoped he had a plan for us to leave. I nibbled on my lip at the thought of him thinking we should stay, he wouldn’t think we should stay after Wyoming told us that she was being abused by them. I pushed the thought aside as Felix pecked my forehead and squeezed my butt cheek on the sly, making me openly giggle as I playfully smacked him on the chest then got to my tippy-toes while puckering my lips. Felix gave me a tender kiss before shooing me toward the front door, I was curious to know if he was going to be helping at all today, and while Felix’s hand was still in pretty bad shape, he wasn’t afraid to push the pain aside. 

I wanted to know exactly what he was going to be helping Earl and Harry with but he didn’t give me any other information, I exited the house and circled it to see Emily standing and staring off into the distance. She was obviously zoned out as I walked closer to her, her eyes almost glazed over as if she was close to tears but upon hearing my approach, she quickly knocked her thoughts away and looked at me. It was as if it dawned on her as she quickly regained herself and pointed to the cornstalks in front of us, I nodded before stepping toward them and checking one of the husk to see it was ready for harvest. I carefully sat my basket down before reaching and gently tearing the husk from the cornstalk then set it in my basket, I glanced behind me to see Emily walking to the back of the house. I was curious to why shew as heading that way but I figured that I should get my work done first before I start doing any snooping. I worked pretty slowly and whenever my hands got to heavy, I moved back to where my basket was placed and would dump then clean. Eventually, I got tired of walking back and forth and decided to carry my basket with me.

 I gently separated a harvestable corn from it’s stalk just as I felt the vibrations of heavy feet heading my way through the cornstalk, I frowned and looked closely while praying that a zombie hadn’t managed to get past the fence. My worries easily vanished as Emily gestured me to follow her while carrying a woven basket filled with apples from the apple trees in the backyard, I grabbed my basket and leaned it against my hip as I followed behind her toward the front of the house. The corn harvest was on the side of the house with many other crops like tomatoes, carrots, a few herbs, and Mama Eveline even had asparagus growing there. I liked the variety of her farming plot that was pretty massive and I wouldn’t mind having one myself but I didn’t want mine to be large like hers, I wanted mine more of a garden size. I was near the fence and looked up as the vibrations it let off suddenly stopped, making me immediately look toward the front of the gate to see the group back, a smile came over my face as I turned and walked toward them as they entered the gate and when the gateway was surely closed, the fence buzzed to life once more. 

My eyes were only trained on Felix as he smiled at me and happily swooped me in his embrace and it caused a large grin to fall on my face as I looked at him. Upon realizing someone standing awkwardly near him, I turned to Harry as he scratched the back of his head and then it dawned on me, Emily hadn’t come to greet him at the gate as I had to Felix. Earl walked past us carelessly, his backpack on one shoulder with his other hand shoved in his pocket, Felix took the basket of corn out of my hands and carried it as I walked along side him into the house. Emily held the door open as she was waiting on the porch for everyone, she openly turned and followed Earl toward the kitchen as he almost fell trying to walk in the house, leaving poor Harry to walk the lonely road of no affection of any sort. I started to follow Felix to the kitchen as well, but stopped as Felix paused to talk with Mama Eveline, who was again praising him. 

“… think… stay.” She said to him, me missing most of the sentence. 

“… great house. I…” Felix said, starting toward the kitchen with Mama Eveline right on his heel.

I followed as well, coming to an abrupt stop as did Felix upon noticing something that neither him or Mama Eveline liked, I peeked around Felix to see Earl focused on picking Mama Eveline’s new lock on her cabinet. I allowed my mouth to fall open in shock that Earl was trying to steal food from his mother’s personal cabinet but honestly, I had no reason to be shocked, Earl seems to be full of surprises. Felix’s deep, grumbling vibrations told me that he was talking as Earl looked over in disbelief, as if he was shocked that he had been caught red-handed trying to steal. I eased past Felix and watched as Earl turned to Mama Eveline and Felix with a disgusted sneer on his face.

“… and Mama… always think… fuck… you.” He said, pointing a wagging finger at Mama Eveline, who gently batted her eyes and smiled innocently, as if trying to piss him off more. 

Of course Mama Eveline got what she wanted and Earl angrily tried to charge her but was stopped by Felix stepping in front of Mama Eveline protectively, Earl swayed a little while glaring at Felix and slowly approaching. His steps were slow and unbalanced from the liquor I sure he nursed on the way to their mission and on the way back, while drunk, we all knew that Earl was a lose cannon and that worried me. I watched nervously as Felix glared at Earl, who only smirked in return before drawing his fist back and swinging openly at Felix, who dodged the blow and pushed Earl into the island. Earl face contoured in pain as he hit the island before he bounced back and tackled Felix, and the two both hit Mama Eveline, who attempted to move out the way a little too slow. A gasp escaped me as my heart thumped heavily inside my chest, the two fell onto Mama Eveline before Earl got the upper hand and wrapped his hands around Felix’s throat. 

I wasn’t sure what happened, one minute I was standing there in shock and the next I was wrapping my arms around Earl’s chest and trying to pull him off Felix. It was a futile gesture because Earl easily yanked away from me and pushed me away, the force caused me to fall onto my butt. Somewhere in between Earl being distracted by me, Felix rolled them over so that he was on top and started punching Earl with a rhythmic left and right. Earl’s head bounced back and forth from the blows before he was able to twist them onto their sides, both of them took the chance to rise to their feet as Earl pushed Felix into the counter before raising his foot and barely missing Felix, who quickly spun out the way. Earl’s drunk state was appearing to dissipate from the fighting as he started to move slightly faster and swing harder, Felix gave him a good jab in the jaw that caused Earl to get stunned for a minute. 

With that Felix took the chance to shove him into the kitchen wall across from the island, I stepped forward and went to break them up with Earl took the chance to only infuriate Felix more. He purposely turned and smacked me straight across the face, I couldn’t hold back the shout of pain because of the shock from the blow. I hadn’t expected to be hit and I quickly cupped my cheek and looked up in time to see Felix kick Earl in the stomach very hard, the blow caused Earl to double over in pain as Felix drew his hand back to punch him.

Chapter Nine

Mama Eveline’s Farm: Chapter Nine

Just as Felix went to bring his hand down, Harry appeared out of nowhere and openly tackled Felix to the ground, the rage on Felix’s face spoke volumes as he started to fight with Harry next and Earl took the chance to also fight with Felix. The two easily managed to get him tamed as Mama Eveline stepped in and her loud vibration told me she was yelling at him, I wasn’t sure what she was saying as I held my cheek and felt the wetness streaming down slowly. The blow from Earl really hurt and I was sure you could hear his hand connecting to my face, I slowly rose to my feet and walked over to them as Felix chest heaved angrily while he struggled against the two. Harry put Felix in a chokehold without strangling him as Earl took the chance to get a cheap shot, he kicked Felix in the stomach and Felix released a loud, throaty grunt that I felt as the Harry kept him from doubling over.

“STOP!” I screamed angrily, not being able to hear my own monotone voice but I didn’t care. 

I shoved at Harry, who released Felix and pushed him in my direction as I quickly grabbed onto him and held him tightly to me. It hurt me to see them hurt Felix and if I could had done anything other than try and break it up, I would but I knew Felix would be angry that I tried to intervene. I looked at Mama Eveline as she limped closer to Earl and started to inspect his bloody nose as Felix’s heaving chest told me he was nowhere near sedated enough to let the situation go. I understood that Felix wasn’t ever going to be happy with Earl putting his hands on me, and I was okay with the fact that he was very protective over me. 

“…LEAVE!” Earl yelled in our direction, making me bury my burning cheek into Felix’s chest.

Felix’s deep vibrations and his rumbling chest told me he was replying to Earl, it was obvious that Earl was trying to kick us out and I was okay with leaving now because this was our chance to get out before anything else got worse. I hid my face in Felix’s chest as he wrapped his arms protectively around me and I could picture him glaring at Earl with the reminder that Earl had struck me purposely, just to make Felix only angrier. I slowly pulled my head out as Earl continued to scream in our direction, I couldn’t hear a word he was saying but I knew he was yelling from how aggressively the vibrations were striking the air. I turned to look at him while reaching up to gently touch the sore tissue on my face, I then glanced over at Harry as he heaved while pacing back and forth on the far side of the bench table. The fight must of stun everyone in the room except Earl, who had actually initiated the fight to happen because all Felix was doing was protecting Mama Eveline. 

“… AND… BITCH. GET…” Earl continued, trying to kick us out once more with Mama Eveline trying to nurse his bloody nose with a dry paper towel.

“NO!” Mama Eveline said, turning to Felix and I to shaking her head, she was saying she didn’t want us to leave. 

Most of the animosity was dying down as I stayed in Felix’s embrace to calm him, Harry appeared to be muttering to himself as he paced back and forth, and Earl was starting to argue with Mama Eveline as she took the chance to smack him hard across the cheek as he had did me. He grabbed his check in shock as Mama Eveline pointed in my direction before then smacking Earl over her head and pointing to her ankle, I wasn’t sure what exactly happened to her ankle. It could of got twisted from her trying to quickly move out the way of Felix and Earl, or worse, it could of snapped when they landed on her. There was no other way to say that the fight was Earl’s fault, it was totally his fault because he was the one stealing and trying to cover it up by playing the blame game. 

Silence soon fell over the kitchen as Wyoming and Emily entered and took in the scenery, Emily was slowly analyzing everyone as Wyoming stood stiffly beside her with her head bowed. I wanted to worry about Wyoming but at the moment, I was afraid that if I left Felix’s embrace he would charge one of the brothers and another fight would break out. Emily turned to Harry and the two started sharing a conversation with him by the bench table and her still standing at the threshold of the kitchen, her hands were on her hips as she openly berated him with a look of anger on her face. Suddenly, her face contoured into shock as Harry had said something that she had obviously thought he would never say to her, it could of possibly be him telling her to shut up or something about the affair she had. Felix suddenly grabbed my waist and moved away from me, I looked up at him with worry as he slid his hand into mine and started pulling me away.

I watched closely as he passed Earl, who was openly sneering at him and still talking ruthlessly but it seemed to only make Felix’s body tense up as he paused. It was as if he was debating fighting with Earl again but I squeezed his hand and he glanced back at me before deciding that he would keep walking, which I was very thankful for because that meant that Harry would also get into the fight again. As much as I loved Felix, I wouldn’t be able to keep both of them from beating on him because I was too small and I could possibly get hurt in the mix of it all. Felix started up the stairs with me right behind him as I felt my bladder scream out, I tapped his arm gently and pointed to the bathroom to let him know. He nodded and entered the bedroom as I moved to the bathroom and shut the door behind me, I clicked the light on and looked at the counter to see it pretty cluttered. I looked up at the mirror and frowned at the light purple bruise setting in on my brown skin, I leaned closer and inspected it before pursing my lips and shaking my head in disbelief and anger that this had happened. 

Earl was getting out of hand and the fact that he not only attacked Felix but put his hands on me was the last straw, Felix and I needed to leave as soon as we could, the sooner the better. I leaned against the counter and sighed loudly before turning and heading to the toilet, pausing to glance in the trashcan to see yet another pink pregnancy test. I frowned as I reached in and grabbed it to read the results and again, there were two lines that made me drop it inside because it was official, two pregnancy test seen with my two eyes… Emily was truly pregnant. I pursed my lips as I noticed the bathroom sink cabinet slightly ajar, I frowned and curiously grabbed the drawer before pulling it open and looking at the array of pregnancy test in complete shock, there had to be at least ten 2-test packages stashed there. I glanced at the door and locked it before smiling at the stupid thought of taking one myself, I grabbed one of the pregnancy boxes from the back so that Emily wouldn’t notice that someone had went through her stash. I ripped it open and took out the foil wrapped stick, I ripped it open and noticed there was a sensor-tip, meaning I had to actually pee on it. 

I nibbled on my lip while debating if I should actually take it, of course it would just be a wasted stick because men don’t have the ability to get pregnant but I think it’ll be fun trying to ease some of the mood. I lifted my dress and pissed on the first stick before setting it aside and grabbing the other one, once finished with the second one, I flushed the toilet and capped both of the sticks as the heat of my urine made the caps fog. I then paused and closed the toilet seat before taking a seat on it and waiting patiently for the results, I wasn’t worried because of course they were going to come out negative, I was a man for human sake. I grabbed the first stick and looked at it as I looked at the one line, I looked closer to notice a second faded line but simply decided that it was because of a malfunction in the test, perhaps its because of my urine.

 I looked at the second test to see the same results and simply trashed both of the test before rising to my feet and using tissue to get rid of the evidence of my negative pregnancy tests. I turned the light off and shut the door behind me before moving toward the room and knocking lightly, I entered with a cheesing grin on my face as Felix lifted his head to take in my expression and looked at me with confusion. I simply shrug and moved closer to him, I moved his hands from his lap and took position there with me lightly kissing his forehead, I then trailed my kisses down his nose and too his lips. I sucked on his bottom lip as he released a small vibration from his neck, telling me he was grunting in need, his hands came around and circled my tiny waist as I grinded down on his lap and felt the thickness of his weapon being treasured away. 

I pulled away.

“I love you.”

I signed to him. 

Felix smiled and repeated my sign, telling me he loved me to and I smiled before leaning down and pecking him on the lips heavily. I allowed my hands to trail down his chest and rub his masculine shoulders as I analyzed the small bruise on his chin, even beaten and bruised, Felix was so handsome. I noticed his eyes had focused in on the bruise on my cheek, making me reach up and try to cover but Felix immediately grabbed my hand and moved it while gently kissing it, making me sheepishly smile. 

“I’m sorry.”

Felix signed. 

I quickly shook my head to tell him that none of this was his fault, it was Earl that got carried away and caused the large fight to happen and I was sure Felix was feeling guilty because he thought he messed up something good we had going for ourselves. Honestly, I was more worried about the fact that Felix would have to watch his back and we also would have to watch everything we do around them, definitely when Earl was around.  

“We need to leave.”

I signed to him as he closed his eyes and slowly shook his head, making me look at him in disbelief as I rose to my feet.

“What?”

“We can’t.”

Felix signed to me before pulling me down into his lap once more so that I was no longer standing up.

“We have nothing. Just up and leave, not a good idea.”

“We can go back to our old hideout, we got stuff there anyway.”

I signed back, cocking my head in disbelief still.

Felix shook his head.

“Went by today, overran.”

He said. 

I lowered my head in thought, our old base being overran meant that going back that way wasn’t the smartest decision, meaning we would have to move onward in the opposite direction, which meant going further into the unknown for Felix and I. I reached up and rubbed my face in frustration, careful to not push against my bruise as I did so. I looked back up at Felix as he bit the corner of his lip in thought before it something appeared to dawn on him from his face expression. I smiled at him as he noticed the new gown I was wearing today, it was a tight gown that showed off my small figure with it stopping right at the mid-thigh, showing off my legs that I knew he loved the most. I had changed into it this morning and while it kind of hurt me that he just now noticed I wasn’t wearing the dress from before, I pushed the feeling away because it was better he noticed. I would rather he notice later into the day rather than tomorrow or days after tomorrow. 

“Beautiful, love.”

Felix signed to me, making me kiss him tenderly on the lips.

Chapter Ten

Mama Eveline’s Farm: Chapter Ten

            Felix:

I bent over and curled my lip up at the sharp pain that rocketed through my stomach than disappeared abruptly, I picked up the small piece of chopped log that had fallen off the beaten down Dodge Ram truck bed. I threw it into the waiting barrel that was already halfway filled, I then grabbed another piece of chopped log and tossed it in the barrel as well before grabbing the handles and heaving it up to wheel over to Earl. I kept a close eye on him as he wielded an chopping axe with a brown wooden handle, I wasn’t sure exactly how crazy Earl could get and I honestly didn’t want him to hack me with the axe so I had to keep my eye on him. I dumped the logs onto the ground and wheeled the barrel back to the truck bed that was loaded with firewood that it weighted the back of the truck down heavily, even with Earl and I working together, this was going to take some time. I glanced over at Harry as he wiped a little black engine grease on his pants before twisting the capsule opening closed, he then wheeled himself from under the car and rose to his feet, wiping grease off his forehead. 

I grabbed a chopped log and threw it in the barrel before grabbing two more and throwing them in as well, I glanced over at the wooden crate that Earl was depositing the half chopped wood inside to see it nearly full. That meant that soon we would be able to stop and I would be able to go check on my beautiful Jade, who was tasked to work in the kitchen with Mama Eveline and Emily, and I knew she didn’t truly like either one of them. Shit, Jade didn’t even like being here and she was the one against him and I coming but I had forced him to tag along anyway by threatening to leave him on his own instinct survival. What I did to Jade was wrong because in the end, I put him in a bad situation that wouldn’t had took place if I never pushed him to tag along with me, part of me wished I listened to him back then. 

“Switch.” Earl huffed, wiping sweat from his face as the crisp air kept my sweat at bay.

I reached up and used my forearm to wipe at the sweat attempting to trickle down, I then turned and headed to the chopping station that only consisted of a tree stump that had been chopped own for all the wood that was sitting in the truck bed. I glanced behind me casually to see Earl eyeing me with a disgusted expression, I turned my head and prayed he wouldn’t be a problem today like he was yesterday because I honestly felt like he broke a rib in my stomach from the kick he gave me. I bent over with a heavy groan as pain rushed from the bruise on my stomach but I grabbed pushed the pain aside and grabbed the log from the ground and sat it on the tree stump as Harry pushed a barrel of logs over and dumped them beside the stump.

It was a routine we followed all morning and with various snack breaks, one time Mama Eve made meat sandwiches and I had only nibbled on the surface of mine before we returned to working. It was getting closer to October, meaning it was soon going to be only getting colder as the days moved onward, I looked around for a chopping axe since Earl openly made it clear that he didn’t want to share his as we rotated stations. I had started by picking up the cut logs and putting them in the barrels to roll over to Earl, who was chopping them in half for firewood. We had just rotated and that was putting me in Earl’s recent position, meaning that I was now going to be chopping the wood. I pursed my lips as I glanced around for a spare axe that could be laying around but my search returned with nothing as I turned to Harry and caught his eye contact.

“Shed.” He said, gesturing to it with his head as he held a wrench and a dirtied rag. 

I nodded slowly and allowed the piece of chopped wood to fall from my fingers before turning and shoving my hands in my small coat that Mama Eveline let me use for the morning, she said belonged to her husband before he died. I walked toward the shed, which was a pretty good distance from the other two, it was just like the ones you would see on television, big and red. It was a two story one that appeared to be able to house horses, ones that were no longer around that was probably because they fell victim to the zombies parading around, or to the family. I grabbed the door and pulled it open before entering, I allowed it to slam heavily behind me before looking around the shed. It was pretty spacious with hay covering the floor, it didn’t surprise me that it was dead quiet in the shed as I stepped further into it and looked at the metal wall with various items hanging to it. I moved closer and eyed each one closely to see a few of them missing, I grabbed an axe that was almost the same as Earl’s before turning around a little to quick and nicking myself on a sharp sawblade. 

I rubbed the small cut as I noticed blood on my finger, almost instantly, I heard a heavy thump and turned my head to see what the hell it was. The thump echoed through the shed and I frowned as I slowly moved toward the source to see it was from a boarded area of the shed, I eased a step closer and heard the thump again, making me jump back in alert. I glanced around the shed as made sure that no one was coming near before grabbing the board and lifting it easily out the way, my heart rushed through my chest as it growled and raced toward me with its bloody arms out and it’s teeth baring at me. It had once been an elderly man with rich white hair on it’s head and around its mouth as a hefty beard, a picture on Mama Eve’s fireplace told me that it was the husband that was suppose to had died years ago. I stared at him to notice the chain circled around his neck, he had been housed for a while now and I was curious to why he had turned, and why she hadn’t put him out of his misery instead of keeping him here, a question I wasn’t going to ask. 

Asking Mama Eve why she still kept her zombified husband would let her known that I had found him in that state, meaning I had went looking for something I knew I wasn’t suppose to. I looked at something beside him and that was what truly made me wish all of me decided to decline the offer to come stay at the ranch. I looked at Mama Eve’s zombified husband before easing inside the doorway and grabbing the item that I had spotted, I then eased out just as he went to lunge at me again but couldn’t from the chain holding him hostage. I lifted them item up to get a better view and immediately dropped it in complete shock that it was truly what I had saw the first time. I lowered to my knee and looked at Bernadette’s head as it had been completely severed from her body, which was no where around and part of me immediately started thinking that the reason her body was no longer around was because we were eating it day to day. Her face was pale, her eyes nearly bulging out of the sockets as her mouth hung loosely, she was already dead from the bullet wound that said they wanted to keep her from turning on them as they harvested her from the neck down. I lifted my head as my stomach churned suddenly and I nearly regurgitated my small meal made by Mama Eve.

“Aye, Felix! What’s taking ya so long?” Harry’s voice yelled from outside. 

I hurriedly rose to my feet and quickly replaced the board that was hiding Mama Eve’s husband away before quickly kicking Bernadette’s head into a dark portion of the shed, I hurriedly exited and showed him the axe with a mustered smile. Harry nodded approval and turned without missing a beat or becoming suspicious of me, I still felt like I had to vomit but I again pushed it away as I headed to the chopping and station and started halving the logs quickly. I then paused to fill the other barrel for the half chopped wood and dumped it in until the wooden crate was completely filled, I then sealed the top down on it. I looked at the five sealed crates and looked at Harry as he nodded before turning and heading to the house, which I did as well, I entered behind him and made a beeline straight for the kitchen to see Jade silently kneading dough for biscuits. 

I stood in the threshold and watched her every move as he appeared to be elsewhere in his head while simultaneously making the biscuits out of memory of movement, my heart ached because that meant that Jade wasn’t nowhere near safe as I was. He could easily be overpowered by one of the brothers and become the next victim, my heart felt heavy as I thought about the fact that Bernadette’s supply would eventually run out and there would have to be another source of fresh meat. Of course it was a far stretch that Bernadette was our meal every night but what other reason would you have to kill someone that was working with you, other than if they stole something and I was positive Bernadette wasn’t that type of person. 

“Tryna help with something?” Mama Eve asked playfully, smiling at me as she cleaned her hands on a towel, Jade snapped his head up in shock before he smiled at me. 

“Just coming to check on Jade.” I told her in response, smiling at him as he started cutting out circles of dough like instructed. “Dinner will be ready soon?”

Mama Eve nodded as I moved into the kitchen and pecked Jade on the forehead as he sat the cut-out dough on a small sheet of foil that Mama Eve was going to close and put in the conventional oven that she used to back items. I then sneaked my hand down and cupped his butt, which he giggled to once more as he had yesterday and I couldn’t stop the smile coming on my face from the sound of it. His giggle as oddly throaty but it gave me butterflies none of the less. 

“I love you.”

He signed to me, making me smile.

“I love you too.”

I signed back before kissing his forehead again and heading out the kitchen.

I barely missed Wyoming as she came bustling from the back door and quickly stopped running at the sight of me, I smiled as she quickly whirled around with a big grin on her face and I held my arms out to her. She happily jumped into them as I lifted her little body up and squeezed it close to mine, she was such a loveable child that it hurt me that anyone would wanna hurt the little sunshine of my day, other than Jade. 

“Mama Eve, Wyoming and I are gonna go outside and play before dinner, that okay?” I already knew it was, and Mama Eve immediately nodded and smiled as Wyoming eagerly “yanked” me toward the door. 

I turned to Jade.

“I’ll be outside with Wyoming, Love.” 

Jade nodded and returned to kneading the left over dough to make more biscuits, I allowed Wyoming to lead me out the front door and down the porch before she started jumping around yelling something about lava. I laughed at her and shoved my hands in the pocket of my new coat and watched as she bounded around like a burst of uncontrollably energy, I took the time to rest on the porch steps as she came and rested beside me. Jade and I didn’t belong here and as time went by, I was starting to see that Wyoming also didn’t belong here because she was also a victim of this family. Whenever Wyoming was around, I couldn’t help but feel for her because it was obvious that all she ever wanted was a father and a mother to protect her and love her, and she had neither. Harry pretty much ignored Wyoming whenever she was and Emily constantly would threaten Wyoming if she bothered her, I sort of took the youngling under my wing when I came around, and Jade quickly did as well. 

“How you doing, baby girl?” I asked her, pulling her into my body with the fatherly instinct taking over immediately. 

“Okay, Mommy wouldn’t play with me today.” Wyoming said, her face dampening a little. 

 I reached over and wiped a tear before smiling lightly at her, she was so innocent and young that it broke my heart, no child should ever feel unwanted and I got a feeling that Wyoming felt that feeling everyday. I rustled her hair and she openly whined before giggling and laying into my side as we looked at the sun setting before us, I watched while wondering where to start, I had to find a way for Jade and I to get out of this mess that I put us in. Of course this departure could go two ways, either good or it could go bad… well, three ways, it could go very bad. 

I glanced over at Wyoming. “What happened to grandpa?” I asked her in a whisper.

“Grandpa?” She asked eagerly, almost as if it was her favorite subject. 

“Yeah, where’s he at?” I asked, though I already knew.

“Grandpa came home one night, he wasn’t same.” She said, sprawling her fingers before allowing them to crash in her lap while shaking her head disappointedly. 

“Ah, and Uncle? Where’s he?” I asked, wondering exactly what Earl does whenever he’s not needed any longer, it’s like he disappears off the entire farm. 

“Barn, he goes to barn and bring Grandma meats.” She continued, doing the same hand motion.

“What type of meats, Butterfly.” I asked, using the nickname she asked me to call her. 

She nervously shifted a little, looking down at the beatdown sneakers on her feet before looking up at me pleadingly. 

“Don’t worry, I won’t tell nobody.” I whispered.

“People meat.” She whispered back, looking up at me before averting her eyes.

My heart sunk in my chest as I realized that my suspicions were true, Mama Eve was truly cooking bits of Bernadette and we were eating it and because Earl had parts in it, he was okay with what she was doing. I rubbed my face while looking back up at the sunset, it was strangely odd that I wasn’t ready to kill everyone in the house but the thought of Bernadette’s head caused my heart to race quickly. We were eating her. We are eating her. We’ve been eating her. I wiped my mouth as the sensation of vomit hit my throat, it burned but I held it down as I looked over at Wyoming and forced her a smile. 

“You have any siblings?” I asked her, hoping to learn something more about this family that eagerly took us in.

“A brother…” She whispered, now uncomfortably twisting her fingers.

“Where’s he?” I asked, nudging her gently with my shoulder for an answer. 

“He went to the barn, and never ever came back.” She said, lowering her head slowly.

“Was he your twin brother?” I asked and Wyoming nodded. “You miss him, don’t you?” She nodded once more. “I’m sure he misses you too.”

I pulled her tightly against me and kissed her forehead gently before rising up as she did the same, I turned to head back inside but Wyoming’s small hand grabbing my pointer finger caught my attention, making me look at her curiously.

“What’s wrong?” I asked, allowing her to gesture me further away from the door.

I watched as she took a seat in the yard and I followed suit, sitting Indian style across from her and looking at her in confusion while trying to read her face as she constantly averted her eyes, as if she was scared to tell me something she was holding in.

“I… I wanna go home.” She whispered, moving closer and crawling in my lap.

“Where’s home?” I asked, pulling her into me protectively. “This is home, isn’t it.”

Wyoming shook her head. “Home is… where Mommy is. Real Mommy. I miss her.”

I frowned as I looked at Wyoming while trying to understand what exactly was going on, was she trying to tell me that Emily isn’t her real mother, Mama Eve isn’t her real grandma, and Harry wasn’t her real father? I blinked to clear my mind before gently rocking Wyoming as she buried her tiny face into my chest and peeked up at me nervously, and my decision was made, I had to get Jade and Wyoming out of here before it was too late. I had to start making a step by step outline, I had to find reliable transportation and a lot of food for the road, as well as gas to keep the transportation moving. I had to get us out of this one way or another. 

“Dinner’s ready.” Emily said, walking to the porch and leaning over the railing with small smile on her face at the sight of Wyoming and I. 

I forced a smile as I rose to my feet and sat Wyoming on her own so she could get inside as well, we entered and I shut the door behind me before locking it and heading to the bathroom upstairs to wash my hand. I heard the sound of flowing water and lightly knocked, the water stopped and Jade pocked his head out before smiling lightly at me and allowing me to enter. I shut the door behind me and locked it before turning to Jade and lifting him into my arms with complete ease, he smiled at me as I leaned forward and lightly kissed his plump lips that I adored. I sat Jade on the counter and couldn’t stop myself from admiring his beauty as he stared back me with the most readable expression known to mankind, love . 

               Jade:

I smiled as Felix again leaned forward and we shared another passionate kiss that made my toes curl, I was nervous deep down but I knew Felix had to know one way or another, and he probably wouldn’t be happy to have me kissing on him after regurgitating a biscuit I gnawed down effortlessly. I nibbled on my lip before grabbing the pregnancy test box that I had previously read, I then turned it and looked at Felix nervously as he rose an eyebrow before taking the box from me and reading the back label instructions. I took the chance to point at the faded symbol on the back that instructed pregnancy, I tapped it a few times before looking up at him and expecting him to laugh in my face. Felix stared at it for a minute with a confused expression until I grabbed his chin to make him look at me. 

“Mine.”

I signed, pointing to the box afterward. 

“You took it?”

He signed back in question, his eyebrows only scrunching up in more confusion. 

I nodded and nervously shifted while seeing how he would respond, I was expecting him to start laughing by now, think I was joking but the fact that a bold line and a faded line showed up had me worried. The instructions on the back of the box said that a faded line is also a positive test result, of course I still worried about the test still having a malfunction but the fact that I used another box of pregnancy tests with the same results made my heart throb fearfully.

“Possibly.”

I signed before grabbing his free hand and placing it on my stomach, which his eyes widened and he looked at me in disbelief. 

I nodded slowly, telling him that it was truly possible and that I could be having a child, what are the odds against mankind.

Chapter Eleven

Mama Eveline’s Farm: Chapter Eleven

I kicked aside the small piece of glass that was on the ground before entering the deserted store, Sam’s Club was known for it’s bunk items and Mama Eveline figured it was good for us to go there now that we had guns and enough people to watch each other’s back, mostly. Earl of course wanted to go by himself, Felix and I partnered, and Harry and Emily partnered up so someone had someone else watching their back. I held Felix’s hand as he carried a revolver in his unoccupied one with two backpacks on his back, which included mine because he felt like the hiking bag Mama Eve would be too big, and I carried my personal one. I used the excuse of feeling bare and she easily fell for it and said it was okay cause that just means more supplies, I agreed with her just so she’d leave me alone and stop being in my business. 

Only a day later of breaking the news to Felix did I have a bulge that was trying to give me away, it was odd that Emily was barely even showing and I already looked three months into my new journey. I settled my hand over my stomach briefly while wondering exactly why my baby was growing so fast, would my pregnancy not last nine months like a female’s? I pushed the thought aside as I let my hand fall to my side and looked up as Felix suddenly halted and I did as well, I peeked around him to see an employee laying sprawled on the ground with blood pouring from a bullet wound. The employee had been shot right in the back of the head and Felix must of heard the gunshot, I was so trained on my thoughts that I didn’t even notice the vibration that the sound let off. I looked at Felix as he stared at Earl, who simply passed the human employee to grab a crate of cereal with a cheeky smile on his face. It was apparent that Earl didn’t know Felix had witness what he did and I quickly tapped Felix and pulled him away before Earl would notice him, I pointed silently to the various food items before looking at a ransacked aisle with cans crushed on the floor and a few still in pretty decent condition. 

I walked down the aisle with Felix as he picked up a few cans that had been yanked from the bulk package, I turned to him and held my hand out for the box cutter he brought along. Felix passed it to me and I cut the paper open before starting to put a few cans in the hiking backpack for Mama Eveline, she had insisted getting things that wouldn’t perish too fast like fruit and meats. I then paused and passed Felix back the box cutter and pointed to a different bulkage of cans so he could get a few of those, which he proceeded to do as I closed the flap on the hiking backpack and hefted a strap onto my shoulder to carry. Felix finished getting his cans before allowing me to lead him to the section I was a little eager to explore, I wasn’t surprised to see Emily looking through the array of baby items as I paused before quietly sneaking pass her as Harry showed her a cute baby outfit that consisted of a onesie and a little coat. 

I moved to the more important things, I looked eased quietly onto the aisle that had baby nursing formula and bottles and such. I took off my personal backpack and started putting a bulk sized 48oz Enfamil case of powdered formula into it, I then grabbed four more and stuffed them inside carefully before moving a little ways down the aisle and looking at the varieties of cereal that go inside the bottles. I grabbed a bulk box of four large cases of Gerber cereals that came in a variety buy package and passed it to Felix, who was going to open it and store it in the backpack. I then turned and looked at him before nodding and saying that would have to be enough for today, I was going to have to find a way to get the rest of the things I need for the baby on my own. 

“Ready?”

Felix signed to me in question and I nodded, biting my lip as I grabbed a few pacifiers and shoved them under my arm to hide them as we passed Emily and Harry once more. 

                  Felix:

I shut the fence behind us as it buzzed to life before walking up the walkway and entering as Emily held the door, in her hands were a few baby clothes that her and Harry took the time to pick out. I sat Mama Eve’s hiking bags down and rolled my shoulders from the weight they carried, I was impressed with myself because I truly thought I would breakdown after carrying both Jade and I’s bag. I then rolled my neck and looked at Jade as he took his personal bag upstairs and deposited it in a safe place so it would remain untouched as I had told him before we entered the house. I reached into my pocket and looked up to see Mama Eve staring at Jade curiously. I already knew she was curious what Jade was hiding and the best way to get her to not go snooping was to get rid of her curiosity.

“We got Emily a few baby things.” I told her in a hushed voice, hoping to ease her curiosity. “Don’t say anything.”

She looked at me with alert before a small smile came over her face. “That’s so sweet, and of course I won’t.” She said, moving closer to me and patting my cheek before entering the kitchen to start on dinner.

I followed behind her while debating the best way to get free time away from the house, I glanced around to make sure her and I were alone before easing closer and cleaning my hands while she dried hers. I then turned to the first hiking backpack to see that it was Harry’s, I lifted it and started unpacking it as Mama Eve grabbed the hiking backpack I was using and started unpacking it. 

“That’s so nice you got Emily something, even though she’s trying to still hide it.” I chuckled at what Mama Eve said, nodding in agreement that the entire house knew she was pregnant, I found out through Wyoming.

“Yeah, I feel like it’s only right, she’s going to need the stuff too.” I told her. “I’m thinking about going to get a few more things for her, maybe find a way to get a baby crib back or something.”

“Oh, when do you plan on doing that?” Mama Eve asked. “I’m sure Harry could-”

“No, I don’t want help from him or Earl.” I told her, wanting her to know how I truly felt. 

“Well, Jade can’t help you.” She said. “She’s way too-”

“He.” I corrected, looking at her with a raised eyebrow, it was beyond me that all this time Jade and I have stayed her, she still didn’t know Jade was a male. 

“He?” She asked, looking at me in awe. “No way.” 

“Yes way.” I mocked with a small chuckle. “Jade is a he, and I can do it myself. I’m a grown man, Mama Eve, I won’t even be gone long. I swear it.” I told her. 

“Jade is a he…” She muttered in complete awe, and I could only nod my head as I took that as an answer that I could leave when I wanted to.

I was grown so of course I could just leave if I really wanted to but I wanted to play this smart because I wanted to make sure it was a safe departure from them, I was positive that their meat source was running low and soon they’ll be looking for another body to harvest. I was not going to rest until I knew that Jade, Wyoming, and I could all get to safety when the time come that Mama Eve and Earl tried to find a new body. I turned and exited the kitchen, walking up the steps and entering the bedroom to see Jade sitting on the ground and organizing the items he collected from the bulkage store that I never knew existed until now. I looked at the cases of formula and cereal, but what was new to me was the little penguin and black goat sitting by Jade’s foot. 

“Goat.”

I signed before pointing at it. 

“Sheep.”

Jade corrected immediately, a tiny smile on his face before he passed me the little… black sheep.

“Nice.”

I signed back before passing it back to him after inspecting it a little. 

“For baby mobile.”

Jade signed, making me smile as I sat beside him and pulled him close to me.

I placed my hand on his stomach and looked at the bulge that had grew overnight, it was as if the baby was acknowledged and it activated a huge growth spurt, I smiled lightly at the heavy pudge on Jade’s stomach. We were having a kid, as oddly as it seemed for a man to be having a baby, it set right with Jade because of how feminine he always appeared to the naked eye and it felt right with me because I wanted to see him like this anyway. I always wished for kids with Jade and here it was, a man growing a baby. 

“I’m so happy.”

I signed, kissing his forehead before gently caressing the baby bump.

“Me too.”

Jade signed back, snuggling into my embrace. 

A sharp knock on the door caused me to look up abruptly and my gaze focused on Harry as he slipped inside the room quietly before shutting the door while suspiciously peeking in the hallway first. I frowned while rising to my feet as Jade quickly rushed to hide the baby belongings under the bed, I watched Harry closely as he shakily whipped his hands on his pants and cleared his throat, meaning he was nervous already. 

“Wassup?” I asked, raising an eyebrow while eyeing him unsurely. 

“Hey man, I just… wanna… say sorry.” Harry said, making me look at him in shock as he scratched the back of his head and glanced everyone but me. 

“It’s cool, man.” I told him, flagging my hands downward to tell him that there was no real harm, but I was still getting my family out of this shit before everything only got worse.

“Yeah… Earl gets a little out of hand.” Harry tried to reason. “But, that’s not what I came up here for.” He walked to the bed and took a seat while lightly smiling at Jade, who nervously smiled back. 

I moved over to Jade and offered my hand, which he quickly accepted and allowed me to pull him to his feet, I circled my arm around his waist and pecked his forehead before looking at Harry patiently. I was confused to why exactly he was here to bother me, I was sure that we had already let the altercation go and was just going to be neutral with one another, no hard feelings toward each other. 

“What’s the problem?” I asked, thinking maybe there was something he needed help with. “Need to chop some more firewood?” I asked.

Harry immediately shook his head, waving his hand to dismiss that conversation as he scratched his chin while deep in thought, it was as if he was trying to decide what to say and how to say it. Jade tightened his hand over mine and that made me look at him, his beautiful gaze lingered into mine before he leaned into my chest and rested his head there. He then lifted his head seconds later and went to rubbing up and down my chest slowly, lightly caressing my chest and stomach in a small rhythm that sometimes got me all worked up. 

“Well… I know a few things you two have been trying to hide.” I glanced over at Harry as he said this, my heart thumping heavily in my chest as I gulped.

“What you mean?” I attempted to play everything cool.

“Well… I know Jade’s pregnant.” Harry said, making me slowly nod because that wasn’t what I was worried about. “And I know you’re leaving.” Now, that was what I was worried about. “I wanna help you.”

“You’re trying to leave to-”

“Naw, I want Wyoming safe, Emily’s been losing her mind lately and I’m positive one of these times…” He trailed, which I immediately nodded my head to because I knew what he meant.

“I know that you’re not her real parents.” I said, which he nodded to, affirming what Wyoming said. “How you plan on helping me?”

“Well… I can try to get the truck going by tonight and we can go out looking for something for you to leave in tomorrow morning, Mama ain’t gonna be worried about it. The truck is good but it ain’t gonna get you far, you need something that can take a drive, like a semi-”

“Semi is too big.” I said, moving over to the bed and sitting on the edge. “I need something that I can have easy control over and I’m sure the streets are going to be boarded up with cars and other stuff in the way.”

“Yeah, car road blocks is in the direction of Maples Road, so be careful if you decide to go that way. Maybe listen to the radio and see about some homesteads that have been built for survivors, like Green Mile in Pennsylvania.” Harry suggested, making me nod slowly, I might think about Green Mile. “So, be ready tomorrow, we’re going to head out first thing in the morning.” I nodded, rising to my feet as well as Harry departed.

Chapter Twelve

Mama Eveline’s Ranch: Chapter Twelve

I nervously rubbed my hand over my arms as the goosebumps gave the once smooth skin a little more of a rough texture, it was barely past the afternoon and Felix had been gone all day, and he didn’t even tell me anything. I lowered my head as I lightly rocked in the rocking chair on the front porch with Emily sewing a baby mobile piece that I assumed was going to be a cupcake, I looked away from her creation as I Felix and Harry walked up to the gate. A broad smile came over my face as I rose to my feet and started toward the two as Harry released a heavy vibration that told me he had yelled and the fence buzzing stopped so they could enter. I looked up at Felix with a smile as he shoved something into his pocket before I could see it, and that made me smile at the wonder of a surprise. I entered his embrace as he circled his arm around me before leading me back up the way to the front porch, Harry marched past and right to Emily, the two started talking as Felix and I moved into the house. 

He headed up the stairs and I was right on his tail as he entered and shut the door behind me, I wanted to know what he had put in his pocket because whatever it was, it glistened in the sunlight. Was it a necklace? Did Felix get me a necklace? The thought made my heart jump as I eagerly smiled and waited patiently, he pushed his ear against the door for a second before turning to me and smiling a very big grin that made me giggle openly. His grin was very goofy but I knew it was just because he was happy to have whatever he had right now, and I wanted to know exactly what he had on him that had him just as happy as I was. Felix reached into the back of his pocket and held his hand out to me for me to look at the keyring laying in his palm, I frowned a little as I moved closer to see a key with Thor engraved on it, and I knew Thor was an RV brand.

I looked up at him in confusion.

“Motor home?”

I asked. 

Felix nodded before bumping his hands apart to tell me that it was a big motor home, I was pretty impressed that he decided to get a large motor home instead of a car that would just get us to our destination, but I wasn’t complaining.

“Wanna see it?”

Felix asked, which made me eagerly nod. 

Felix slid his coat off and settled it on my shoulders before he grabbed my hand and led me out of our bedroom before pausing and rushing back inside, I frowned and started to follow him until he reappeared with my personal backpack on his back. He was quietly moving and I followed suit while glancing around to see if anyone was around, Felix glanced toward the backdoor and I assumed everyone was out there together as he quickly moved to the front door and held it open for me. I hurriedly stepped out as he shut the door before peeking back inside and hitting something that was beside the wall, I paused as the vibrations of the fence stopped and Felix hurriedly rushed me to the gate and opened it before he started jogging off to the left. I followed behind him, barely being able to jog but trying to none of the less as Felix paused and we slowly inched around the road while he kept his eyes out. 

I wasn’t sure exactly where Felix was taking me but it became apparent as I spotted a large RV sitting on the side of the road near the ranch, and it was a beautiful one. The Thor RV was a Type A RV which meant that there was definitely a lot of room for all of us to stay in it, I admired the bus and it’s reflecting colors of dark brown, copper, and tan. I moved close to it and touched along the shining side before looking at Felix as he unlocked the door with the key and allowed me to enter first. I admired the staircase before looking toward the back of the RV, where the bedroom was, I couldn’t help the tears that came to my eyes as I bypassed everything else and came to a stop at the small crib sitting on the side of the bed. I couldn’t help myself as I looked up at Felix as he smiled lightly before moving closer and kissing my forehead then looking at the crib too, I couldn’t wait to lay our baby inside it. Felix deposited my backpack on the floor by the bed while looking around the RV more and admiring it himself, he had picked a very good choice for transportation.

“You like it?”

He signed to me in question, and I immediately nodded, wiping a tear that managed to escape.

I puckered my lips to him and he immediately followed through with what I wanted, he put a tender kiss on my lips before sucking on my neck as I moaned and allowed him to mark me where my neck and shoulder meet. I rubbed his masculine arms and chest as he made me flare with desire, since being pregnant, I’ve had nothing but the feeling of lust rushing through my veins all the time. I moaned louder as he cupped my butt cheeks and squeezed them lovingly but I knew that we wouldn’t be able to do more because we wouldn’t have time, Felix stepped back and looked back at the crib before smiling lightly and sitting back on the bed. I smiled and climbed on his lap while staring him over, Felix was a handsome man that I loved with all my heart and every bit of my soul. I’d kill for him. I’d fight for him. I’d die for him. 

“How’d you get all this?”

I was curious to know. 

“Harry helped me with the RV, then went to that store again.”

I was shocked to hear Harry had helped him plan to leave, I would of figured Harry would be against it.

“Formula, bottles, bibs, clothes, food, water, everything we need.” 

I nodded slowly, knowing that Felix had gotten everything we needed and that we were safe, Felix knew what to do whenever I didn’t. However, now would come the time when we leave and we both knew that wouldn’t be easy, I nibbled on my lip before looking at Felix as it dawned on him what I was thinking about. I had to think about the safest way to go about our departure, because who’s to say that Mama Eveline wouldn’t try and shot us or something. We could leave right now but we weren’t ready and plus Wyoming wasn’t with us right now, I pulled myself from Felix’s lap.

“Let’s hurry back.”

I told him, which he immediately nodded to before we exited the RV and he locked it up again.

Felix and I walked back hand in hand as we moved closer to the ranch, he held the gate open for me and we entered up the steps just as Emily opened the door and said something to Felix, which I assume she was telling him dinner was ready. He and I entered and walked straight to the bench table, him flicking the switch that turned on the fence as he went. I took a seat beside him on the bench table as my plate was sat in front of me and I thanked Mama Eveline with a nod as she sat Felix’s plate before him and I waited for Felix to say grace. After everyone received their plate and Earl ended up saying a drunken grace, we started to eat and I started on my biscuit, I nibbled on it hungrily while watching everyone at the table. I then grabbed another biscuit before eating what was truly made for dinner, which was the same slab of meat we’ve ate since we been here while covered in brown gravy again, a mixture of green beans and carrots, a biscuit, and mashed potatoes. 

It was a delicious dinner, which was usual for Mama Eveline, but I wasn’t having much of an appetite for the same meat that we’ve ate everyday since Felix and I arrived, the flavor of the meat got old of course. Dinner was oddly quiet, no one made a peep as they ate and soon we all started to part as we finished our meals, Felix finished his and cleaned my plate off as well before he sat them in the sink and we headed toward the stairs. I turned to make sure Felix was behind me and surely he was as we headed toward the bedroom first, I laid down on the bed and nestled up beside Felix as he played with my fingers, entwining our hands and kissing my knuckles lightly as I smiled at him.

Chapter Thirteen

Mama Eveline’s Ranch: Chapter Thirteen                     Felix:

I jerked awake to a loud crashing thunder that rocketed through the sky, I frowned as I reached up and wiped at the cold sweat that poured from my forehead, I glanced beside me to see Jade laying sound asleep. I smiled lightly at his expression as he slept quietly, not making a sound in his sleep as I slowly pulled myself to my feet and walked to the open window as the wind caused the room to have a chill. I covered my face as the curtains by the window swirled heavily from the midnight thunderstorm, I slammed the window shut and halted in movement as my ears zoned in on the yelling going on downstairs. It sounded to be the three family members that were yelling at one another, I inched closer to the door to listen a little better as I heard Jade shift on the bed and looked over to see him sitting up and tiredly rubbing his face. A bad feeling was in the air and I knew it would only be a matter of time before shit started to go very left for us, I moved back to the bed as the yelling continued and stooped to a knee to grab the 44 Magnum revolver I had hidden under the bed. I then grabbed the hidden Desert Eagle out of my hiking bag and loaded the chamber by cocking the hammer bag, I then sat the revolver on the bed by Jade as he looked at me in confusion. I put my finger to my lips and listened closely so I knew exactly what to tell him, I was going to have us split up and face Earl on my own, I wanted to make sure Jade was safe no matter what. 

“… and Emily said they were outside and the gate was off, Mama!” Earl snitched, letting me know the conversation was about Jade and I.

“That could mean nothing, Earl! Stop snitching all the damn time, maybe they wanted some alone time!” Harry countered, making me feel a little better that he was truly on our side. 

“They’re arguing about us.”

I signed to Jade, who closed his eyes and shook his head.

“Get Wyoming and get to the RV.”

I instructed. 

Jade nodded and hurriedly moved off the bed just as I grabbed his hand to catch his attention again, I pulled him taut against me as I took a heavy breath and prayed to the man above to protect my lover and our unborn child from this family. I then grabbed Jade’s chin and made him look up at me before giving him the most passionate kiss I could muster, I then gave him a simple peck.

“Stay down, I’m going to try and buy time for you to get Wyoming and go through the back, I’ll get the switch off in about five minutes, so be ready. Climb the fence, if you have to.”

I continued, then releasing Jade as I walked to my personal hiking bag and passed it to him.

“Just incase.” 

Jade’s face sunk as he noticed what I meant and I shook my head that told him we didn’t have the time to argue, Earl and Harry was only getting louder and I didn’t want Jade near any crossfire so I needed him to do as I said. I then lightly opened the door and focused on the family that was arguing downstairs with Earl and Harry chest to chest in a loud argument, Harry backing up Jade and I. I gestured Jade forward as I tucked my revolver away in the back of my jeans and hid it with my oversized shirt, I watched as Jade slipped into Emily and Harry’s room first. I stood waiting to make sure he found Wyoming first.

              Jade: 

I tiptoed quietly into the dark room and flicked the light on before glancing across the hall at Felix nervously, I could hear the thumping vibrations of the argument down stairs that told me this was going to be a serious argument with repercussions. I spotted a small bundle curled up on the bed and moved closer to it, I carefully pulled the cover back and grabbed Wyoming’s arm lightly to wake her. She whined and pulled her bright blue eyes open slowly and I analyzed how bloodshot they were, I put my finger to my lip immediately to tell her to be quiet and she looked at me and nodded quickly. I glanced around the room as she rose up and quickly went to action by walking to a little cubby by the dresser and pulling out a Minnie Mouse backpack, she slide the backpack on her back and I knew we didn’t have no time to wait as I put instructed her again to be quiet. I then tiptoed back to the door and glanced at Felix as he looked at me and I nodded quietly, letting him know that I had found Wyoming and she was ready to go. 

             Felix:

“…just feeling bad for his little whore of a bitch, ain’t ya!” Earl yelled as I stayed in position by the threshold of Jade and I’s room. 

“No, but you should! Be

HUMAN

for once!“ Harry replied immediately, crossing his arms over his brawny chest. 

I cocked the hammer of my revolver and doubled check to make sure there was a bullet in the chamber before carefully storing it away in the back of my pants pocket, my belt holding it very secure. I wanted to be careful that the gun wouldn’t go off if I happened to get tossed around a little, which I knew was surely going to happen. I peeked around the corner of the doorway and spotted Earl and Harry only feet distance away from each other, meaning nothing was going to get too hectic just yet. 

“I say we just skin both them motherfuckers and call it a night, Mama, watch you think!?” Earl retorted angrily, shoving Harry back a little. 

“Oh shut up, Earl, ya talking nonsense!” Mama Eve said, my heart beating heavily as I started to consider she had our side as well. “That’ll just spoil the supply!” Or, she doesn’t.

Upon noticing Jade leaning against the threshold of Emily and Harry’s bedroom, I eased toward the top of the stairs and glanced down below to see Earl and Harry chest to chest while still yelling at the top of their lungs. Upon Earl and I’s first run into it, Harry immediately defended his brother against me and I was easily overpowered by both of them, but upon hearing this argument, there was a chance that Harry was going to stand ground with me. If it happened to get physical, I believe Harry wouldn’t do anything but break the fight up, instead of tackling me to the ground and allowing his bastard brother to get the upper hand of me. Staying wasn’t an option, the fact that Earl wanted us dead was already ringing in my mind and if something happened to Jade, I was surely going to search for death at every corner just to reunite with him again. 

“THEY’RE TRYNA ESCAPE!” Earl yelled angrily into the air, no longer caring if we were supposedly sleeping or not.

I eased down the steps slowly while debating what approach to take, should I take the knowing approach or the clueless approach. Deciding only seconds later as I spotted Earl glance at me before double take and give me a very heated glare, I made my decision and it was now time to act my role. I rose my hands in the air attentively and came to the base of the steps slowly, I kept my eye on Earl as Mama Eve… Eve, came around and spotted me. She gave me a big smile that I finally saw the fakeness in, I looked at her and took a step away cautiously as she was also a suspect to me. Upon noticing my behavior, her eyebrows lowered and a frown came over her face as Earl took a dangerous step toward me, making me glare at him closely, I didn’t trust him even the slightest. 

“What are you doing up, dear?” Eveline asked me, making me cut my eyes to her then back at Earl, who was still glaring angrily. 

“He was eavesdroppin’ Mama, that’s what he was doing!” Earl hollered angrily, taking another dangerous step toward me, which made me lower my hands closer to my body protectively.

“Come on dear, let’s get something to drink and eat the leftover biscuits…” Eveline tried to make me consider, I looked at her and then back at Earl, letting them know their secret was up.

I heard heavy footsteps suddenly and turned my attention to Emily for a split second as she paused in the middle of the living room while holding a the basket of biscuits, which also had another addition of snacks to it, store-brand blueberry muffins. She halted mid step at the sight of me before looking around in complete shock, I glanced over at her once more before quickly averting my eyes back in Earl in time to dodge an open blow he swung at me. I easily maneuvered around so that his back was against the staircase, Earl growled defensively at me and balled his fist up while his chest heaved heavily, he was a predator on the prowl. Upon Earl making the first threatening gesture, both Eveline and Emily took that as a chance to take shelter elsewhere. Eveline rushed toward the backrooms as Emily attempted to huddle back into the kitchen, I dodged yet another blow from Earl easily as he drunkenly threw his weight around. I caught movement at the top of the stairs and looked to see Jade clutching Wyoming closely, Jade was obviously worried as his face showed nothing but fright while he held Wyoming on his hip. Earl glanced behind himself before looking at me with a sinister smile that immediately spoke volumes to me, he whirled around and attempted to slug himself up the stairs eagerly. I moved to grab him by the collar of his shirt but was stopped by Harry easily grabbing him and shoving him away from the steps protectively, causing him to collide into the side of the staircase railing. Earl nearly toppled over but caught himself. 

“Fucking traitor!” Earl yelped before punching and hitting Harry easily in the jaw, making me believe he might of been faking his drunken state. 

I stepped back to avoid being caught in the fight between Earl and Harry as they battled upon each other, I stepped a few steps back and hurried to get to the switch that turned the gate on and off, the sooner it was off the better. I glanced beside me and barely dodged a swing from Emily as she wielded a butcher knife that she used to attempt to take my nose off, I glared at her, which easily caused her to squeal in fear and disappear in the direction Eveline went. I easily advanced to the switch and turned it off before turning around and feeling a sharp jab rocket through my jaw, I doubled sideways as Earl grabbed my shoulder and upright me to punch me once more. I easily shook the sudden drowsiness away and punched Earl back in the stomach, he grunted as he curled up and I took that chance to try and deliver my knee into his face but Harry suddenly tackled him the way he tackled me previously. I watched as the two slid into the console table and it easily collapsed under their weight, Earl released a whining grunt as Harry groaned while clutching his stomach. 

I moved to help Harry up but paused at the sight of blood pouring from his stomach, I was confused on what exactly happened as a soft flick filled the air and I looked at the source. I paused in awe as Ma… Eveline lowered the hunting rifle with a silencer and glared at me angrily, her deep wrinkles appeared deeper as she cocked the hammer once more while never losing eye contact with me. I looked back at Harry as he heaved heavily while shaking his head, letting me know he wasn’t going to make it any further. I barely dodged a bullet flying over my head as I ducked down and looked at the staircase again, I immediately rushed up them while only taking a second to glance back at Harry’s lifeless body. I would hopefully be able to pay respect to him one day but today wasn’t the day and I quickly took the step by twos before hurrying into our bedroom while hoping Jade had decided to hide there, my hope was unanswered. I felt my heart fall in my chest as I loudly slammed my door because I wanted to attack the bitter old bitch’s attention. I then locked it in the hopes that she would try her hardest to focus on the door and getting it open, even if it meant busting her own door down.

“Come on, you old bitch!” I taunted loudly, walking to the slightly ajar window and carefully easing out of it.

I held on tightly, waiting as I heard a heavy boot hit the door before another one followed, the handle jingled, letting me know that one last kick was going to set the door loose and allow the invader to enter. I then looked down without a second thought and released my hold, I hoped to catch onto a roof drain pipe but I easily was too overweight and it broke under my weight. I grunted as I hit the ground heavily, the wind being knocked out of me momentarily as I landed on my back but I pushed onward as I rose to my feet and moved to hide behind the tractor on the side of the house. I leaned against the wall while listening to the wrap-around porch at the sound of the sliding doors of the kitchen being hit, I peeked and caught glimpse of Emily weeping to Earl as he slammed his fist heavily against the glass door, glaring down at her with disgust. I watched as she grabbed something and quickly darted off, it wasn’t apparent to me exactly what he said but I knew it had scared her off, no doubt about it. I rose to my feet and listened to the fence to see if there was a buzz, and there was, letting me know the fence had been cut back on… I just hope Jade and Wyoming are already out of the fence.

Chapter Fourteen

Mama Eveline’s Ranch: Chapter Fourteen

                       Felix:

I rose to my feet and cracked my back before moving onward at a more sluggish pace, the fall from the second stair had definitely hindered my strength but I was lucky to not set my gun off from the strength of the fall. I hobbled closer to toward the truck that Harry had been working on, I paused as I heard the sound of booted footsteps against the back porch as I rounded the house and lowered by the walkway railing but still out of sight. I cupped my aching shoulder before cracking my neck painfully, feeling a knot settling right at the base of my neck and it was very uncomfortable. I glanced around into the sight-disadvantage night and tried to make out the distance of everything but it was hard because of the darkness, meaning I would have to be careful to not have any run-ins with the two hunting me and the dead that was wandering. Ugh, only if the dead sleep… for good.

“I don’t see him.” Earl huffed to his mother, making me lower my head slightly as I knew I was the target.

“Keep looking, his bitch is upstairs, he won’t leave with that the whore.” Eveline said curtly, making my lip curled at the names they were calling my Jade.

However, I at least knew Jade was still inside the house and he hadn’t made his exit yet, meaning I would have to distract them long enough so that Jade and Wyoming could make their escape. I took a heavy breath while thinking of what to do to catch their attention, I was going to run toward the barn to drawl one of them out and pray that it would be Earl, Mama Eveline was easier to deal with… Eveline, Eveline was easier for Jade to deal with. Jade could easily overpower the portly woman with speed and intelligence, and I knew he could do it because he was even smarter than me. I was damn sure that Jade was going to make it out of this alive, he deserves it because he has better judgement than I do, he told me we shouldn’t had come. It still pains me as I was being hunted that I had threatened to abandon him, if I had just listened, we wouldn’t be in this shit but we also wouldn’t had been this better off… nor would we be having more family additions. Just as I moved to put my plan into action, Earl suddenly tired and hurried himself back into the house through the backdoor, leaving it swinging open and I was allowed to hear Eveline screaming angrily at the top of her lungs. I eased in slowly, knowing I had to dispatch Earl for good if I wanted to get out of this with Jade and Wyoming, and that was the goal… get Earl out of the way for my love. I eased past Earl and Eveline as they yelled into the room Jade was cooped up in, I entered the kitchen and easily found something that would give me a better advantage, I stored it away and exited the kitchen as quietly as I could. Just as I went to round the corner of the stairs, I was immediately attacked and dodged Earl before turning and pushing him away with a heavy whack over the head. I took that as a chance to sneak past his confused state and flip the switch to the gate once more before punching him in the face, he grunted as we circled each other before he took the chance to tackle me. It was like it was something they loved to do, tackle their opponent and them underneath them, a good strategy of course. However for Earl, it wasn’t as he and I both clashed through the front door and out into the yard as we tumbled down the steps.

                    Jade:

I held the knob tightly while angrily trying to decide what decision to make, I felt terrified at the sight of Wyoming no longer behind me as we switched between rooms when Eveline had went down stairs to talk to her son. Wyoming had stayed behind without me realizing it, and to make it worse, Eveline had appeared to find her. I clutched the Desert Eagle in my hand as I slowly peeked out from the closet door in Emily and Harry’s old room to see Wyoming being dragged down the steps by Eveline aggressively. I took a deep breath and eased out quietly, taking slow steps while staying near them as vibrations wavered off Eveline heavily, letting me know she was yelling in the air. I assumed she was trying to persuade Felix to come out and I prayed he wouldn’t, because I didn’t want him to think we needed his help. I was hoping we’d soon make a good escape to the RV and be out of this mess in no time, but that “no time” seemed like a trip. I took another heavy breath but it came out shakier as I rose my gun and looked around desperately for Wyoming and Eveline. 

I heard the casual sloshing in my ears but what was definitely different was my racing heart, all this stress wasn’t good for the baby but I had to get Wyoming to safety, she was my responsibility and my first priority. I spotted her as I rounded the base of the stairs while she was screaming at Wyoming mockingly about something I didn’t understand, I decided to take her more by surprise as I cocked the hammer and got ready to shot. I halted at the sight of her holding a gun to Wyoming head, a smile coming over her face as she had used her peripheral vision to notice me. I took a heavy breath while glaring at her and she glared back at me, she said something a little to fast for me to catch before openly laughing and digging the barrel more into Wyoming’s head. I had to distract Eveline long enough, I looked behind her in the hopes she’d fall for the trick and thankfully to me for her bad paranoia, she turned and glanced behind her at the open door. I then took that as my chance to gesture Wyoming away, who thankfully listened, and I fired two rounds first, watching as Eveline froze and looked down at her body in awe. Blood seeped from the wounds as Wyoming rushed to me and I turned to hurriedly get her out of the sight of Harry and Eveline, who collapsed and laid unmoved. I checked the switch to see it was already off before taking Wyoming’s hand and dashing off the porch and into the pitch black, allowing my sight and memory to lead the way toward the RV as we pushed through the gate. 

                     Felix:

Earl howled in agony as I shoved the serrated blade deep into his side before pulling it back and shoving it again into his stomach as blood covered my hands, he grunted as his knees buckled momentarily and I heard the sound of growling not too far from us in the darkness. I shoved him away from me as he clutched his stomach wound and backed away, making me cock my head in annoyance, he wasn’t wanting to fight anymore, just ready to surrender. I took a step back as well before turning and going to walk away.

“No!” Earl yelled, making me pause as I looked at him in confusion. “Please… I don’t wanna be like one of them…”

I stared forward as I continued to hear the loud growling only growing as Earl yelling had caught their attention, probably the gunshots as well. I took the time to cleanse my hands on my top shirt before disposing of it without worried about being attacked, Earl was badly wounded and it would be a miracle he survive at the rate he was going. He was heavily bleeding, his blood probably was drawing the undead as well, it was heavy enough that I could smell it lingering in the air. 

“And you think I do?” I asked, turning to face him.

“Do we really have a choice?” He retorted, glaring at me in the darkness, his bloody teeth glinting at me in the moon’s glow.

“You don’t.” I said, turning and starting to walk away once more.

“Wait! Please…” Earl cried, making me stop again. “Finish me…”

I didn’t have much time and I knew soon the dead would be crawling all around the ranch, definitely with Earl blood soaking and staining the earth, I didn’t want to be here to also be eaten apart. I balled my fist up and took a heavy breath, part of me felt sorry for Earl but part of me didn’t. I remembered exactly what I thought of him in the beginning, he seemed so chill and laidback but now, I saw him differently… and part of me wanted to finish him off in anger of what he was doing to people. The gunshots from the inside of the house told me that Eveline had not been successful, as they weren’t from a rifle but the desert eagle I had given Jade to protect himself with. It was as if Earl had noticed the shots as well, and while he was distracted, I took the chance to bury the knife I had gotten out of the kitchen into his side. I started to walk again, remembering that family was waiting on me. 

“Please!” Earl hollered behind me, but I pushed forward.

Family is waiting on me.

“FELIX!” 

My family… they’re waiting on me. 

I was pretty much numb all the way to the RV, my mind ranging in thoughts as I took chances to glance back and look at what I could as I watched a zombie crawl toward Earl, which he tried to fight off but it was useless as he was too weak. I then focused on my trip ahead as I went into a full blown run and spotted the resting RV, I quickly moved to unlock the door just as it went to swing open. I smiled as I hurried inside and slammed the door shut behind me, and locked it quickly, I turned around and immediately swooped Jade into my arms. I didn’t hesitate to push my lips against his as he chuckled against my lips before I protectively placed my hand on his extended stomach, it was amazing that he was less than a month and appeared to almost be three months already.

                       Jade:

I allowed a big smile to come over my face as I stepped away from Felix and moved over to Wyoming, who was curled up on the pullout couch with her head buried in her legs, I gently brushed my fingers through her hair to calm her as she breathed heavily. I was sure all this had shook her up but she was only going to become a strong girl after this, I pecked the top of her head carefully before moving back toward Felix as he nestled into the driver seat. The RV roared to life and I couldn’t help but smile bigger as I moved to the passenger seat, I sat down carefully as my large stomach caused small complications in doing so, it was something Felix only found cute however. I glanced over at him as he pulled into the road with a determined face of focus, I wasn’t exactly sure what went down after Wyoming and I managed to get to the RV, and why it took Felix longer considering he already was able to leave Earl. I didn’t ask any questions however, I simply looked forward as Felix turned the bright lights on and cruised down the street, taking the curve as we moved further form our previous base. I reached over and cupped his hand as he relaxed in his seat and smiled over at me gently, I quickly signed my affection to him as he winked at me in reply. I glanced behind me to take in Wyoming as she was now curled up on the pullout couch and appeared to be sleeping peacefully at the moment, making me simply turn back around in my seat and focus on the road as Felix drove us to a safer haven.  

            Everyone has a life to tell, a story… I was glad enough to live to tell my tale.

                  The End….

             

        

                 

Lotus:

I hope you enjoyed reading Lotus: Mama Eveline’s Ranch just as much as I enjoyed writing it. I’m previously having trouble with my account and I’m hoping Wattpad Support will be able to help me soon enough, so just please be patient with me because I’m trying to work around my restrictions. Of course I have much love to viewers and readers, of course, and please never be afraid to message me with questions or advice, I read anything that is sent to me. As of right now, I am thinking of a book two to be centered around the same characters but a different plot and setting…

as of right now

.

       Enjoy reading other stories of mine, or other stories similar to mine. 

                  Love all of you.

                                                                                                           ~BeautyHeartBouquet