The Days Are Tired (Book #1 of the Dark Skies series) - A Zombie story

Chapter 4: Red

I couldn't believe I actually snuck out. My feelings were all over the place. This was so wrong but I needed this taste of freedom or I would possibly go crazy. 

I was standing in front of Jackson's huge house. Flashing lights and music was everywhere. The soft reds and blues of lights streeked the front lawn. The house's exterior was grey and sleek with large tall windows. 

The loud thumping music seemed to pump steadily to the rhythm of my beating heart - vibrating the surrounding air and ground. The tremors made it feel like tiny ants were climbing up my legs. 

I was surprised none of the neighbors stood on their porches complaining about the volume. Maybe this was a sign... a sign that I hadn't done the wrong thing. But little did I know - this was a sign of something else entirely. 

I began to squeal and do a little shimmy. My feet hit the fake grass and sank a little into the dirt. I looked back at Mark who rolled his eyes at me.

"You know that people don't do that at parties, right?" He asked. I allowed his saucy tone to roll right off me. I was too excited to actually care. Besides, I knew Mark liked it when I acted stupid - although he'd never admit it.  

Adrenaline seemed to ring its course through my body. It gave me a new burst of energy and curiosity. Blocking out my momentary guilt I look at Mark. 

He grabbed my hand and we walked through the front doors.

Music is blasting and everyone inside is either dancing or drinking something that I have a strong suspicion isn't water. I turned to see a girl dancing so badly I thought she was hurting herself. She was gyrating offbeat to the music and obviously drunk. The people around her were backing away slowly - looking genuinely disturbed. 

I then turn with a raised eyebrow at Mark. He returns the look with a shake of his head, causing his gold-blonde hair to cover one of his eyes.

We then walk to the back yard where there is a pool surrounded by lights. Highlighting the several neon colors of bikinis as people splashed around in the water. The yard is freshly trimmed and further out I see a fence lined with trees. Mark and I sit on a pair of lounge chairs, and I watch everyone while they dance and have fun. Bodies moving to the beat, hands, and cups raised in the air.

So this is what a party is like? Mark was sorta right, presently it was leaving much to be desired. But anything was better than being trapped at home in my bedroom. Right? 

I turned my head to my side to find a boy sprawled out on the ground - singing off-key to the lyrics of the song playing. His face was red and blotchy with sweat. And he held a half-finished cigarette, the smoke from it made soft swirls in the air. 

"I'm pretty sure that half the stuff going on here is illegal," I said into Mark's ear to be heard over the loud music.

"Ya think" Mark gave me a look that insinuated that I was stupid. His lips curved into a crooked grin and the sides of his eyes seemed to crinkle. My heart picks up in speed. 

I'm starting to think he does this to me on purpose. 

I gaze forward a distance at the burning fire pit and the people surrounding it. The flames gave their bodies an orange hue.  The group's faces held dazed expressions, their eyes were watery and their lips seemed to be permanently stuck in a small stupid-looking smile. 

The fire flared and the flames rose higher, seeming to dance along with the music playing.

"Stay here - I have to use the bathroom," Mark yells over the music as he stands to leave. But I pull on Mark's hand, halting his steps.