Living Amongst The Dead

Chapter 12

A look of surprise dashed across Gina's face which was quickly replaced by curiosity. "Your from that hell hole? How'd you get all the way out here then?" Gina asked as she plopped herself on one of the armchairs.

"Um... It's a long story but I'd be happy to share it." I said as I ruffled Calem's hair. "Good idea." The man replied, "But we should wait for the others, there just grabbing supplies from the truck. The name's Ned by the way."

I honestly thought that Gina and Ned were the only people that lived here, but then again, I did see five sleeping bags.

Ned walked over to the door way and shouted something to the people still outside then turned around and sat on the spare armchair.

Moments later, two men walked in with boxes of supplies and a German Shepard in tow. The dog immediately ran towards Calem and I and began licking our hands so I gave it a scratch behind the ears. "Is it a boy or a girl?" I asked no one in particular.

"A girl." Ned replied as he let out a whistle. The dog jumped up and ran to Ned who added that her name was Coco. The two men from earlier returned from the kitchen where they had taken the boxes.

Calem decided, after a long silence, to ask a question. "What's your name and what's your name?" He said as he pointed to each of the men in turn.

The one leaning against the wall let out a laugh and decided to speak first. "My name's Ben and this fella over here," he pointed to the other guy who was sitting on the floor, "His name's Max. What's yours?"

"I'm Calem and this is Susan." He said as he placed his hand on my shoulder. "Susan saved me a few days ago and has been looking after me since." Ben looked over at me and smiled before saying, "I'm sure you two are like brother and sister now."

I nodded and wrapped my arm around Calem and held him close. Ben was quite young, only around nineteen years old. That would mean he was one year older than me. He had a handsome face with chocolate brown hair and tanned skin. He smiled at me when he saw me staring.

Max looked older then Ben, maybe by five years with fair hair tied back in a tiny pony tail. Gina was tall and skinny with jet black hair and an oval face. She looked thirty something and must be the mother figure of the group. Ned had hair that had once been brown but now had flecks of grey. He had a little stubble on his chin and was definitely the leader.

"So," said Gina, breaking the silence, "Now that everyone's here, let's get started. Susan, what's your story?"