When I Die

Ch.9

Perry

Last night, I went against all of my freaking beliefs. I broke my rules and it was all because of a boy. My mom was right. 

I shared a bed with Keith. It wasn't the first time, obviously. The first night we were at the compound we shared a bed. But that was different. We had a pillow border and hadn't known each other.

We still don't, to be fair. Although, I'd like to get to know him. He didn't seem like a bad person. But could i trust him? Who carries guns? Who is prepared for this sort of thing?

"Perry," I felt a nudge on my shoulder and looked up to see Keith with a bowl of something. I gave him a small smile before taking it from him. It smelled like chicken noodle soup.

"Its chicken and rice soup. My aunt used to make it when I was feeling down." Keith said quietly and I nodded. 

It only took a small bite before I was addicted. 

"This is the best soup I've ever had," I took a few more bites and the bowl was empty. Keith was just starting his and had to pause to laugh.

"Why are you laughing?" I asked, crossing my arms. If he was laughing at me, he would end up wearing that soup. 

Which would be a shame. That is amazing soup. 

"Nothing," I glared at him. Typical male. 

-----

There wasn't a single thing to do. I suppose you lose the privilege of tv and going to the library when the world ends.  

I could be out on more runs but Keith is a sneaky bastard. He somehow convinced the sergeant to switch to midnight runs instead of midday runs. I woke up around what had to be 3 in the morning to an empty room and a note.

Be back soon. Sup run. -Keith

After asking around and getting irritated looks, I was told about the time change. Everyone that had gone yesterday went again today, Along with a few extra people. I suppose when you invite every living being and their family into your safe haven, you need to constantly restock.

For the next hour, All I did was laps around the compound. I was too sore to workout and my hand still wasn't stitched up. I didn't wanna risk making it worse by carrying shit. So I walked. 

I walked until I had every room, every corridor, every smudge of paint memorized. The compound had around 350 rooms for citizens. Around 25 rooms that were locked to military personnel only. A cafeteria and public restrooms. 

There was an indoor pool but it had been converted to an infirmary. Gurneys lined the wall and the pool had been filled with concrete. The only thing that remained was the outline of the pool. 

Would I ever get to go swimming again? See the beach? 

"Can I help you, Miss?" An older lady slowly approached me and I smiled. She was wearing a white lab coat and had that doctor-y gadget around her neck. What were they called again? 'Seth' something?

"Is there someone who can clean up a few wounds for me?" I asked and look around. Other then the grown men on the gurneys, She was the only one in here. 

"I can do it for you. Just let me grab my kit." She smiled and slowly waddled over to a desk where three bags laid. She grabbed the bright pink one and signaled me over. I smiled and followed her to a chair.

It only took around 15 minutes for her to patch me up and then I was back on my way.

I looked like a mummy - or a teen from the 80's. My arms and chest were covered in bandages and my face was covered in scabs. I loved the apocalypse so far.

I made my way outside, into the courtyard. The runners were just getting back, What perfect timing. I crossed my arms and glared at Keith as he hopped out of one of the black vans.

As he got closer to me, I realized his face was covered in bruises and his knuckles were a purple-ish color. 

I gasped, "What the hell happened to you?" Before he could answer I gently ran my fingers over one of his many bruises.

Keith wrapped his hand around my wrist and moved it away, "I'm fine." He flashed me his signature smile and I nodded.

"Im glad you're 'fine'," I returned the smile before glaring at him, "Why the fuck did you leave me here?" 

"I didn't leave you here. I joined them on a supply run." Keith reached into his bag and pulled out a book. 

I cocked my eyebrow at him before taking the book - 'Alice in Zombieland'. 

"Fitting, right?" Keith grinned at me and I hit his shoulder with the book. 

"Cheesy." I smiled and mumbled a thank you. I looked over his shoulder and noticed Quinn. His face was swollen and only one eye was opened.

"Keith..." I covered my mouth and stepped back, "What did you do?"

Keith sighed and looked towards Quinn, "We had a bit of an argument. That's all."

I shook my head and walked off. He was going to ruin this for us.