BETTER SAFE THAN ZOMBIE

6| Azrael

"He really charmed the girls, didn't he?" Xavier observed.

It was noon, and after checking out that Sally wasn't infected (there are only two ways to become a zombie: 1) When you have an open wound and zombie blood is exposed on it; 2) When a zombie has bitten you and left you alive. It takes three days for the infection to start. First, you'll be doing okay, and the next thing you knew, you could lift heavy objects and start craving human flesh). Shortly after that, we ate lunch.

Bree and Dana didn't seem inclined to talk, but with only just a half-hearted prodding from Ethan, their poured their heart out, Ethan saying silly things like "Oh, you poor sweetheart," and "The zombies stank, didn't they?"

"People would follow him anywhere," I said to Xavier, "but only out of morbid curiousity."

He snorted a laugh.

My gaze wandered to our newly acquired car, Simon standing protectively beside it like--no, scratch that--exactly like a possessive owner. I couldn't blame him, really. One out of a million, the car turned out to be able to run okay. It was like winning a lottery, only a million times more.

"Dana and Bree were lucky to have you there," Xavier said to me softly.

I shrugged. "No biggie. I'm sure they could protect themselves if they have to."

I was lying, but I knew it was the right thing to say. After all, I just couldn't say "Yeah, they owe me their lives"?

I mean, if I was going to be a national hero or something someday, I better be modest, right? After all, the world belongs to the meek and the humble in the near future. 

Besides, if I would die, at least I'll have a new reason to give St. Peter. I'm not sure not smoking counts. Now I have an alibi. I'm sure Xavier would be glad to be my witness. Not that I doubt St. Peter would doubt my word, but better safe than sorry.

"I still can't believe you took on those three zombies just on your own. I mean, you look pretty harmless," Xavier said.

I bared my teeth at him. "Still looking pretty harmless?"

"Pretty, yes. Harmless? No. Now I see how you managed to kill all those zombies."

I gave him my sweetest smile. "Thank you, Xavier."

He gave me a smile back. "You're welcome."

"Welcome to what?" I gave him a sultry smile. "To kiss your lips?"

"No."

My heart stopped. He continued, "I'll kiss you, and if you don't like it, you can give it back to me."

I smiled and said, "Deal."

Then Xavier kissed me.

***

I felt contented as I snuggled up to Xavier in the backseat, his arm curled around my waist. It made ignoring Ethan easier, with him flirting with Dana and Bree beside us. If I hear one more of his lousy pick up lines, I'm going to barf.

Simon was driving, and Sally was on the passenger seat, petting Az. It was a relief not to walk anymore under the sun, and the comforting sound of the engine lulled me to sleep.

When I woke up, we had stopped at a gasoline station, the sun setting on the horizon. I sat up and looked at Xavier, confused. "Aren't we going to find any shelter?"

My mind was groggy with sleep, so I couldn't think about a destructive comeback to say to Ethan when he said, "If you were twice as smart as you are now, you'd be absolutely stupid."