The Dead Among Us

15. The rules

Fabia's POV

Manny gets me home just in the nick of time, with the first rays of dawn painting the sky. I've never felt so alive as I did on that ride. The adrenaline of getting caught by Sabin was weirdly exciting, and the memory of the night was rejuvenating.

    As I slip into my bedroom, a door down the hall creaks open. It's possibly Jon or Pedro starting their day, which makes me wonder what exactly they do here in this odd town.

    The curiosity doesn't overstay its visit in my head, though, unlike the events of last night that replay like a broken magical record, sending shivers through me with every recollection.

    I quickly pass out when my head hits the pillow, still under Eliza and Manny's spell.

***

    "Fabiaaa... Miss Fabiaaa... Wake up."

    I awaken to a pair of vibrant, emerald-green eyes peering back at me and a persistent tap on my arm.

    Benji? What does she want?

    "Can you make me pancakes?" She requests, and the ring in her pitchy voice drills through my tired and sore head. I clutch my temple, pressing my thumbs into my skull to alleviate the throbbing pain.

    "Can I make you what?" I ask, now rubbing my eyes, attempting to chase away the grogginess of my sleep. It's not working, and I quickly realize why. As I peer at the clock, I discover I've only gotten a few hours of rest. It's still early morning.   

    "Pancakes!" she declares, "Don't you know what pancakes are?"

    "Benji, I'm tired, sweetie. Can I do it later?"

    "But I have to go to school soon! I want pancakes for breakfast before school... please! No one ever wants to make them for me!"

    "Where's Sabin?" I grumble, rolling over. I really need a few more minutes; I can't even open my eyes fully. They keep involuntarily shutting.

    "Please!"

    "Benji, go away! I'm not your slave!"

    She pouts as she stomps out of the room, and I instantly fall back asleep in the silence.

    "Fa, get up," Sabin orders in what feels like a second later. I snap my eyes open as soon as I hear the firmness in his voice. I glance over and notice that he is rummaging through a drawer. Benji is standing there, too. Did she tattle on me?

    "—Fa!"

    "Huh, what?!" I open my eyes again, and now he's standing at the door, his hands on hips.

    What the fuck, how'd he get over there? Did I fall asleep again?

    "Get up."

    "Okay, okay," I mumble, my body refusing to budge. It's been a while since I've slept in a proper bed, and I've become one with this mattress. My mind and body are at odds, making the simple act of getting up feels like an impossible task. Sabin's voice, laced with sternness, echoes in my ears, but I can't bring myself to obey, knowing the consequences could be harsh.

    "Fa, I'm driving the kids to the school since they're running late. When I get home in like ten minutes, you better be up and the bed made. Got it? This is your one and only warning."

    "Okay," I sit up, but my eyes are barely open.

    "I mean it, Fa!"

    "Roger that, boss!" I yell, throwing a thumbs up to boot.