Zombie Guy

Chapter 20: Second Chance

Jaime's Perspective

I could practically feel the nerves radiating off Kevin as we made our way to the clearing where we'd agreed to meet Linda. He was jittery, his eyes darting around, his steps a little too quick. If he'd had any blood left, I figured he'd probably be sweating buckets.

"You've got this," I said, nudging him as we walked. "Remember, don't bring up the zombie germs."

He gave me a horrified look. "Jaime! Why would you even mention that now?"

I laughed, shrugging. "Just saying, keep it cool. She came here to see *you*, alright?"

When we reached the meeting spot, Linda was already waiting by the edge of the clearing, her arms folded and her expression calm but guarded. Kevin tensed beside me, his mouth opening, then closing, then opening again like he was working up the courage to speak. I took that as my cue.

"Well," I said loudly, giving Kevin a solid pat on the back. "I'll leave you two to it. Chat away, spill your hearts out, whatever needs doing."

I gave Linda a polite nod and a smile, then ducked out of sight. But the second I was out of their line of vision, I looped back behind the nearest tree, crouching down and pulling out my binoculars. This was going to be *way* too good to miss.

Through the lenses, I could see them standing there, both of them looking like nervous teenagers on a first date. Linda shuffled her feet, glancing down, and Kevin had his hands jammed into his pockets, shifting from foot to foot like he couldn't decide if he wanted to run away or spill his life story.

I bit back a laugh. Kevin looked like he was about to combust.

Their conversation started, but I was too far to hear what they were saying. I could, however, see Kevin gesturing wildly, his face twisting between sheer panic and something like pleading. Linda nodded every now and then, her face softening little by little, her posture easing as he talked. I could practically hear his voice in my head, stumbling over words, probably apologizing for the hundredth time.

They went on like that for a while, talking in that awkward, stilted way people do when they're both terrified and relieved to see each other. I squinted, trying to catch any words or expressions, and just as I adjusted my binoculars, I saw Kevin holding out his hand. Linda stared at it, then cautiously reached out, touching his hand for the briefest moment before letting go.

Kevin's face lit up. Even from here, I could see the dopey grin plastered on his face, like that one touch had made his day.

Unable to hold back, I bit down on a giggle, ducking down further behind the tree. This was too good. If this was how their "reunion" was going, I'd have plenty of fuel for jokes later. But I had to admit, even as I laughed, I was glad to see Kevin so... happy. 

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Kevin's Perspective

The moment I saw Linda standing there, all my nerves skyrocketed, my mind blanking out with everything I'd planned to say. My mouth went dry, my palms felt clammy, and I was pretty sure I looked like I was about to faint.

"Hey," I managed, forcing a smile.

"Hey," she replied, her voice soft but guarded.

For a few seconds, we stood in silence, neither of us quite sure where to start. I could feel my mind spinning, every apology I'd prepared tumbling around like a jumbled mess. So, I just blurted out the first thing that came to mind.

"I... I'm really sorry about all this," I said, scratching the back of my neck. "I mean, I know it's not ideal, me being like... this. And I didn't want you to find out that way, I really didn't."