UnEarthed

Chapter 14

Rob and Kenzy make it back to the house and Rob rallies the crew to the barn. Everyone grabs their duffel bags and fills them with the weapons and supplies they will need. Kenzy looks at the others. Their eyes are focused on what they are doing. The expressions on their faces are stern and cold. She can tell they have been doing this a long time. As she fills her bag with ammo and supplies, she develops a defeating feeling in the pit of her stomach. Her life will never be the same. Whether she is with the crew or alone, she will always be fighting for her life.

"Alright. We head out tomorrow morning on another hunt. It will be Kenzy's first so let's make sure we all come back in one piece." Rob speaks and the others look at them with obedient eyes. "Let's get one last training session in." He adds and leads Kenzy out into the middle of the room. "Are you ready?" He asks her.

She fakes a smile. "I got this."

Rob smiles and then comes at her. She leans to the left to avoid his attack. He comes at her again and she spins around to his back and elbows him in the spine. He falls to the floor, laughing. "Damn girl. I think you're getting the hang of this."

Kenzy laughs. "I'm a fast learner."

He hops to his feet again and signals with his fingers for her to move closer, all the while, taunting her with his crippling eyes. Knowing he is trying to distract her, she moves in and as the two battle, the others watch in curiosity. It seems flawless, perfect the way Kenzy and Rob move together, almost like they're dancing in slow motion.

"Okay, we get it. The girl can fight." A jealous Hope interrupts.

The others just laugh.

"Well, I would volunteer you to take my place if I didn't think only one of you would survive it." Rob jokes.

"For her sake, you're probably right." Hope adds.

Kenzy bites her tongue and takes in a deep breath. She knows popping off to Hope's every insult gets her nowhere. All she can do is pray Hope gets bit so she can put a bullet in her head.

"Hope, cut it out." Rob demands. "Okay. It's late. We all need to go to bed. And remember. We are a team. Watch each other's back." The team nods in agreement. Hope and Kenzy glare at each other, both wondering if the other would actually let her get attacked.

As everyone is leaving the barn, Rob pulls Kenzy back. "Hey, can I talk to you for a second?"

"Yeah?" Kenzy asks. She looks to see if the others saw him grab her and then back at Rob.

"I just wanted to make sure you're mentally ready for tomorrow." He asks, his hand still on her arm.

"I don't think anyone can ever be mentally prepared for this job but I can handle it, Rob. Don't worry about me." The two exchange a sincere look for only a moment, but in those brief seconds they both fall for each other a little deeper. Though they would never admit it. Kenzy knows her time with the group is limited. She cannot get her feelings involved. Rob knows deep down that Kenzy or her father has the answers to ending the zombie outbreak and when they get the answers they need, there is a chance she will leave.

"Good. Well, try to get some sleep tonight." He says with a smile. Kenzy returns with a smile before leaving him standing alone in the barn. He watches her walk up to the house and in his mind, prays she survives tomorrow. Selfishly, he thinks of how he does not want anything to happen to her because he hopes that after the world is rid of zombies, she will want him the way he wants her.

"Stay out of my way tomorrow." Hope snaps at Kenzy as they meet at the front door.

"And if I don't?" Kenzy returns in a threatening tone.