Forgetting the Apocalypse

28. The Stars

Within a couple of hours, we managed to reach their camp safely. I found it odd that we didn't encounter a single zombie on the way but kept it to myself for the time being. I had to take a step back when I saw their place, just for some reason I didn't expect to find it in the middle of a large housing area. Much of the apartment buildings were rubble but built on that rubble was their homes. To the right was an old greenhouse with various types of plants, vegetables and lots, I mean lots of flowers. On the outside, on the fences, doorways on the walls and some hanging from the ceiling. When looking up at the ones hanging down against the balck ceiling it looked like we were looking up at the night sky.

There was one major thing that stood out the most beside these starry flowers. Every face that I saw as we walked in belonged to a woman. Not one single male around except my three boys. All of them smiled at me and like the flip of a switch it turned into a glare when they got a look at the men behind me.

Nova and Astra had us wait in the courtyard while they were talking to the others. Five other women who's ages seemed to vary.

A woman maybe my age or so approaches me after talking to them and tells me that the girl is waiting for me upstairs to left. I guess the one we were supposed to come and help. My stomach dropped when the boys quickly stopped from following me. A little too quickly if you ask me.

"I'm sorry gentlemen but only she is allowed to come. No men are allowed passed the main dining room. Our women here like their privacy. You understand that, right?" she taunted.

Of course this didn't sit well with any of us. It felt like we were reliving Mama and her family all over again but in a different manner. So before they can say anything to cause trouble I headed up the stairs right away to where they were telling me. I haven't spoken a word at all since coming here or with the first two. It seemed better not say anything for now either. Better to observe.

*Riva's Pov

Once we sat down again at the center table in the dining the rest of them joined and took a seat. "May I ask your dogs' names? They're so beautiful."

Be nice, play along, and don't let my brother do anything impulsive. Smile and wave.

"The darkest haired one which is the oldest is Blackie, he belongs to Fredi. We've had him the longest. The brown one is Dukino and he's mine, I'm Riva. The black and white one is Saphira and she belongs to my brother Roone. This little guy with white and bluish tint is Jack, he belongs to Mara." I try to respond as friendly as possible.

"And the woman, Mara, does she belong to you all or just one of you?" she asked.

I could see not just my brother's knuckles whitened but all their eyes narrowing down on us.

*Mara's pov

Every step I took further away from the boys and even Jack the more I felt the bile coming up. I had to use every bit of strength to walk into the room. Briefly it clears when I see a young teenage girl. Her leg was wrapped up and bandaged. You could easily tell she was in a bit of pain.

"Hi Lyra, this here is Mara. She's gonna help you with your leg." she stated soothingly to the younger woman as she sat beside her.

I didn't hear when Nova entered the room. She gestures me to the bed and I while she was trying to be kind, I didn't shake her hand. It wasn't out of rudeness from my part. Undoubtedly, she would have felt how frozen my hands were. Her leg was already in pain, I was not about to add to it if my nails dug into her small hand. Besides, knowing that I already would have to touch the skin on her leg I had to keep my hands as steady as possible. Why waste it on a handshake?