Perfectionism in Pink | A Zombies FanFiction

14

The last month of school went by in a foggy blur filled with good times, bad times, and weird ones as well. School was a safe haven for human and zombies, with the occasional prejudice, and home was a battle ground.

Her family was in denial about her choice to hand in her pom poms and to focus on what she enjoyed to do. The first week her mom and dad thought it was just a phase, the second week they bargained to buy her a squat rack, and then the third they threatened to get rid of the home gym.

Josephine had seriously considered giving in many times, but life was so much more enjoyable being herself.

She no longer had to pretend to laugh at other people's jokes or had to sit at the cheer table. The girl avoided the pink and green costumes like the plague, and sat comfortably alone when she wanted to. Sometimes she'd be able to stomach her green and sit with Zed, his girlfriend, and their friends. Occasionally Zed would have the girl play ball.

Best of all, she made her own lunches and felt full.

On the last day of school, Josephine went home and paused at the lights on in the house. Dread filled her at thought of once again having to fight with her parents, but her spine stayed straight and she allowed the fear to exist, but not order her around. The doorhandle felt cold in her palm as she opened, preparing for the worst.

But instead of the worst, it was the best.

"Jaxon?"

"Jett!"

Josephine dropped her book bag and sprinted across the room to jump on her brother. Her arms wrapped themselves around the tallest Jackson tightly. He had more muscles than when he'd left, tanner, but still had the most genuine eyes and smile a person could have.

There was a reason he was the perfect child.

But Josephine didn't care because he made her feel important.

The summer months were filled with Josephine hanging out with her brother as much as possible wether that was work outs, morning runs, or watching their favorite horror movies. They were always a thriller family.

It was 5 am when Jaxon all but knocked down Josephine's door to wake her up. He had a week left before he had to head back to campus for football, so he was making sure to spend as much time with his family as possible. 

A near-zombie like Josephine followed a perky Jaxon outside to start a morning jog around town - he wanted to see Zombie Town. He was curious and still hadn't ventured into the green-hair territory because for him this was all still new. 

"So, what's it like integrating with the zombies?"

"Weird." Josephine admitted as the two entered the brick town. "But... good."

"Have any zombie friends?"

"I think so..."

Ever since going public Zed and Addison had spent most of their time together, so Josephine didn't get to hangout with the zombie anymore. Did they every really hang out, though? And the other zombies still were weary of her.

Plus, she still felt the weight of shredded paper in her backpack whenever she saw him.

They hooked left then right then another with again, going down a familiar route while Jaxon asked questions about the school year. Being an athlete meant he was always at school, on the field, at a game, or studying so he didn't get to see Josephine at all.

Josephine led Jaxon over to a familiar street and nodded her head to the brick building. "I egged that house."

Jaxon stumbled and paused, Josephine stopping as well but kept her legs moving. "I'm sorry, what?"