The Last of the Living

The Beginning of the End

"When Hell is full, the Dead will walk the Earth." Or something like that... Thanks Romero. Well, the world has most definitely turned to shit. People are dying, but the problem is that they aren't staying dead. The decaying corpses of family, friends, and strangers are all over. I don't even know if there's anyone else besides this group. We are survivors, but we have no idea how long we will have to continue to do just that. Am I getting ahead of myself? Well then, allow me to take you back. Back to the day, that the whole world decided it was time to proclaim Armageddon.

It was like any other summer night. I was at a house party with my sister, Jewel, and my boyfriend, Bastian. The music was pumping, and the paper lanterns that were strung up, glowed around the pool. The smell of pot, sweat, and chlorine filled the air. Laughter and chit chat filled any void of silence that could have been present. Jewel's long blonde hair was drenched in pool water, and she was burning a hole into a guys face with her chocolate brown eyes. Being only seventeen, she was having the time of her life. Like any teenager, naturally. I on the other hand, had nestled comfortably in Bastian's lap in a lounge chair, a beer in one hand, and a joint in the other. Surrounded by friends, this is what it was like on a night in North Carolina. 

"Hey Melissa, puff puff pass my friend!" 

"My bad Alex, I'm babysitting over here." I said passing the dried herb to Bastian's little brother. Alex Phillips was a miniature version of his brother in every way. Sandy blonde hair, soul piercing blue eyes, and a muscular build. No doubt from all the swimming competitions they both avidly competed in. The only difference was, Bastian was old enough to realize what he wanted. Alex, freshly sixteen, was rowdy and all other the place. 

"I'll be right back you guys. Don't skip me in rotation." Jewel said as she got up.

"Where are you going?" Alex inquired.

"I'm going to get another beer, anyone want anything?"

"I'll take one, sis." I chimed in.

"Me, I want one. But the cooler is empty, you'll have to go in the garage and get a 12-pack out of the fridge in there." said Bastian.

"Okay, I'll be right back. I'm serious you guys, don't skip me!" she said, scowling as she walked towards the right of the house.

We all laughed as she disappeared from view. We went on smoking and chatting. Random people graced us with their presense as they complimented Bass on his awesome house party. His parents were way for some kind of medical conference. Mrs. Phillips was a ABA therapist and avidly went to County Chapters helping developmentally challanged kids recieve the therapy they desperately needed, and Mr. Phillips was a reowned doctor. Needlessly to say, the Phillips residence was extravagent. They were always gone, so Bass and Alex always threw the most talked about parties in the town.

It wasn't until I got the joint back twice, that I noticed Jewel still hadn't returned. She'd been here a million times, she should have known where the beer was. What could have possibly taken her so long to get back with a few drinks?

"I think I'm going to see is Jewel needs any help. Shes taking too damn long," I said as I hoisted myself off Bastian's lap. "Does anyone need anything while I'm gone?"

"I need a beer, geeze. Girls take too long getting stuff. She's stalling, probably talking to a dude. Give her a few minutes." Bass exclaimed, throwing his head back trying to be comical.

I brushed off my thighs, and shook my head.

"No, I don't think so. She wouldn't ditch us like that. I'm going to go check on her."

"Well, do you want me to come wi-"

Just then, I heard an agonizing scream. I knew that scream. It was my sister. Without thinking twice, any one who wasn't already standing, jumped out of their seats and turned their heads toward the scream. I instantly began running full sprint, Alex and Bass right behind me.