Summer Bliss: Book 1 {Revised}

Join Forces

"Here. Its all I got that doesn't smell too bad."

"Thanks."

"Not one to thank. If I'd done my job, this wouldn't be happening. Your friends would still be here. I'm very sorry for not taking you seriously."

Inhaling sharply at Milo's words, Khalia took the clothing from his outstretched hand.

"It didn't sound like something to take seriously. I wouldn't have. You aren't the first. I appreciate your apology, Ranger."

Slipping the black shirt over her head the scent of cigarette smoke and charred wood encased her. The shorts, faded Khakis, had worn and broken belt loops, giving hint to their frequent use. Putting them on she secured them with a few safety pins she found in her bedroom.

Milo stared at the wall, thrumming his fingers against the barrel of the shotgun. A part of him was dismayed that it wasn't Theo who walked through the door earlier. It would have made the four hours wait worthwhile.

When she locked eyes with him over the barrel his heart stuttered. Like a ghost, he thought her dead. Figuring that demon already gotten her with the state of her home. Relief then shown on their faces at the recognition of each other. For now, they knew they were in safe company.

"You look horrible. It's giving ran through junkie on a binger. Extasy or LSD? Need a drink?"

Stepping out of the kitchen, Khalia sipped something from a chipped coffee mug. 'STFU, Its Early' displayed boldly in white on the side, was splattered with bits of dried blood.

"Tch, I deserve that."

A faint smile spread, and Milo plopped down on the cushion less couch, wincing at the uncomfortable springs. Attempting to locate them earlier, the fibers scattered around gave him clue that his search was useless. Placing the shotgun across his lap he rubbed his swollen eyes.

The vision in his right eye blurred substantially after his puke fest pit stop. The bags under them, seemingly tattooed to his skin, exposed his recent nightmares. Anytime rest would come, his mind was flooded with unbearable screams. Even worse, they sounded identical to Elaina.

"Where are you?"

                                                                                 *~*~*

He mumbled quietly to himself that even Khalia couldn't hear.

She watched him intently from afar. Earlier she recounted to him what happened after she left the airport. He took the news surprisingly well this time round. In the midst, Parasita pointed out his unusual scent.

"He smells like us but it's odd. Almost like cologne."

As much as they wanted to ask him about it, a shower was more tempting. Unfortunately, she had to clean a path to the bathroom, but it was worth it none the less.

"Gotta plan?"

Milo's voice, gravelly in cadence, rattled Khalia out her thoughts. Heading back to the kitchen she filled the mug once more with whiskey. Jack wasn't her favorite, but he was the only survivor in the melee. Handing it to the raggedy man, she sat down next to him, huffing. Home insurance wasn't going to be happy with her claim.

"Yea, you save the others while I sit here and get high." At that she lit half joint, taking a long drag before passing it to Milo.

"Are you serious right now?" He frowned, waving her hand away.

Standing, Milo walked to the back door where he exited. Khalia followed behind, sitting next to him on the 3 x 3 concrete slab. She observed him light a cig and take a drink before looking up at the sky. Minimal light pollution made the view picturesque.