Back at the house, Jaime didn't waste a second before cornering me, her arms crossed and her expression sharp. "Alright, spill. Why did they let us go?"
I paused, debating how much to say. I didn't want to lie to Jaime, but telling her the full truth—about the week deadline, the sacrifice, all of it—felt impossible. "Dr. Hayes said he's going to try and find a less dangerous way to get what they need from me," I said, forcing the words out evenly.
Her eyes narrowed, scanning my face for any sign of deceit. "And you believe him?"
I shrugged. "He seemed genuine. For now, it's all I've got."
Jaime's scepticism was written all over her face, but after a long pause, she sighed and nodded. "Fine. But if he tries anything shady, we're burning that lab to the ground."
I chuckled weakly, though her words didn't do much to ease the knot in my chest. "Deal."
Later that evening, as we sat in the living room, I turned to Jaime with an idea that had been forming in the back of my mind since we left the lab. "Hey, Jaime," I said, trying to sound casual. "Want to go on a trip?"
She blinked, looking at me like I'd just suggested skydiving without a parachute. "A trip? Now? What, you want to go sightseeing while the world's on fire?"
"Why not?" I said, grinning. "We've earned a break, don't you think? Besides, I've got a place in mind. It's peaceful, quiet... you might actually like it."
Jaime raised an eyebrow but didn't argue. "Alright," she said finally, crossing her arms. "But if this is some weird zombie retreat, I'm not signing up for arts and crafts."
**The Trip**
The next morning, we packed up the car and headed out. I didn't tell Jaime exactly where we were going, wanting it to be a surprise. After a few hours of winding roads and her relentless questioning, we arrived at a small, picturesque town nestled in a valley surrounded by lush, rolling hills.
"This is... not what I expected," Jaime admitted as she stepped out of the car, taking in the quaint streets lined with colourful cottages and flower boxes.
"Told you it was nice," I said, stretching. "Come on. There's more to see."
We checked into a cozy bed-and-breakfast run by a cheerful older woman who took one look at Jaime and declared, "You're too skinny. I'm making you extra pancakes tomorrow."
Jaime leaned over and whispered, "I think I love her already."
**Day One: A Series of Mishaps**
The first day was a whirlwind of laughter and chaos. We rented bicycles to explore the town, and within ten minutes, Jaime had somehow managed to get her scarf caught in the chain, sending her tumbling into a hedge.
"Are you okay?" I asked, trying and failing to suppress my laughter as she emerged covered in leaves.
"Oh, I'm great," she said dryly, brushing herself off. "Just living my best life as a human crash test dummy."
The afternoon wasn't much better. We tried paddle boating on the lake, but my enhanced strength made steering a nightmare. Every time I tried to paddle, the boat spun in circles, leaving Jaime laughing so hard she nearly fell overboard.
**Day Two: Accidental Adventures**
The second day was no less eventful. We hiked to a scenic overlook, but I accidentally stepped on a loose rock, sending both of us sliding down a muddy slope. By the time we reached the bottom, we were covered in dirt and twigs, looking like we'd lost a fight with a forest.
YOU ARE READING
Zombie Guy
Science FictionKevin's life changes the day he becomes the first test subject in a groundbreaking experiment to rewrite his very DNA. Hoping to cure his terminal illness, he volunteers for a treatment promising the impossible-a second chance at life. But as the ho...