Zero

Chapter 7: Apples and phones.

~ A/N: I was going through a writer's block at the time I wrote this, so be warned (though it's a little bit better now that I re-vised it). Also, chapter 8 is the completely new one. When I edited, I broke a chapter into two, so this one was already, technically, published. ~

It isn't long before I'm told to pull over, and I find myself doing so - but only after rolling my eyes and casually flipping off the individuals behind me. I jump out of my truck, and slam the door behind me before stalking over to the people who pulled me over.

As I walk over I hear a guy over radio. Isn't that wonderful? Probably some awkward nerd in the middle of nowhere - though that description could probably be applied to me. Sort of.

I overhear the radio guy talking about getting a flight to Cali. Which, I guess, means that they don't' need me to play GPS. Unfortunately, I have the feeling that even if they got a flight to Cali, they'd all need me to save their sorry asses.

Can my ego get any larger?

Probably.

Their conversation ends, and I start a new one, "So, I guess that means I would be playing tour guide?"

My words are met with silence, and I just sigh, contemplating my next actions. Do I be nice and give them talkies to contact me when they need me to bail them out of trouble? Or do I just leave them? Well, they are the world's only shot at getting through this hell. Well, at least that's what they claim to be. Then again, I could claim to be the queen of England, and no one would know if I am lying or not. I wonder if they'd believe me.

But Murphy does look kind of freaky. And bitten. And grumpy. Almost like someone peed in his apple juice - I wonder if apple juice is still a thing. I wonder if apples are still a thing. Probably. I did eat one however long ago that was.

What I wouldn't do for some fresh - or even fresh-ish - produce.

I shake my head to clear my thoughts, before spinning on my heel, and going back to my truck, before throwing open a door, and throwing myself into the back seat so that I can rummage through my bags like a 'coon rummages through the garbage.

Do normal raccoons even exist anymore? Coming to think of it, I don't think I've seen any animals lately - infected or otherwise.

Did they all get zomb-munched? Did the zombies save any for me? Damn Z's, stealing all the good food – and possible pets.

I hear footsteps behind me, and waste no time in getting out a handgun and lazily pointing it in the direction of the noise. Stupid whatevers. Interrupting my thoughts. There is silence, and my finger squeezes the trigger ever so slightly. Then I hear a sigh, a human sigh. So, I put the gun down and continue rummaging.

"Zero...you don't have to leave." A voice I recognize as Addy's says.

Great, I'm recognizing voices and remembering names. What happened to do not get attached! I feel like I took in a lost puppy - or rather a cardboard box full of them. I have no room in my life to take care of anything – I can barely take care of myself! They need to find a home! I can't get attached!

Stupid.

I finally find what I'm looking for, and I pull them out of the bag, before turning around to face Addy, "Here"

She just looks at the divides I drop in her hands. Both box-like. Both kind of awkward looking, as they are shiny silver and one is in a baby pink case with a gothic looking, black 'A' in the middle of it, while the other rests in a purple and black striped case. The screens are black, as they turned off to conserve battery.

Thank Ryker's dad for cellphones. Than man was a genius. A crazy, crazy genius. But, I guess that's what happens when you have a multitude of degrees and spend your whole life tinkering - you get insanely smart.

I slam the door, and walk around to the other side of the vehicle, before opening the driver's side door and throwing myself in the corresponding seat.

"This all seems too easy. Don't lose 'em. I won't be far." I grumble.

Addy walks around the truck to talk to me, "You're just leaving?"

I nod, looking in the rear-view mirror at the group behind me, "I don't belong here."

Addy just shakes her head as if amused, "Be safe."

I nod again, "Same to you."

I start up the truck, and the music begins playing again. Addy takes notice to it. Out of the corner of my eye I see her eyes flicker from the radio to me, and back again.

Addy opens her mouth, surprising me, "It's a good song."

"Thank you." I mutter, eyes staring blankly at the steering wheel.

I've traveled the nation during an apocalypse, and not once did it ever occur to me that people would know who I am. And even though I doubt she has drawn the connection - I do know that she still knows of me. Or rather...of the past me.

"See you later, Zero."

I nod my head, before pulling away from the group. I feel kind of bad as I do so. Not because I'm also leaving a whole pile of food, weapons, and other supplies behind. Well, actually.

That's part of it. A large part of it.

The other part of my feeling bad is because...well I don't know. I guess I got kind of attached. Addy kind of reminds me of Ann, who was the older sister I always wanted.

Doc, though we barely spoke to each other kind of reminds me of Ryker's dad - who despite his laid-back, carefree, kind of high attitude was really very smart, and crazy. Ryker's dad knew almost everything about almost everything. He knew almost anything about computers, technology and anything mechanical. He even knew some medical stuff. Out of everyone I've met in my entire life, I must say that Rykers dad was the most resourceful.

Warren, she kind of reminds me of my old manager, as well as my mother. She's kind of a badass who doesn't like taking crap from anyone. But she also cares.

Murphy reminds me a bit of my older brother, as he is able to easily push my buttons, yet when I reflect upon what he said with a clear mind, I find that he is almost amusing. Almost. He also reminds me of my grandfather - the one that died three years before hell on earth. My grandfather was a gluttonous grump. He ate and drank, and annoyed everyone on the face of the planet.

Damnit. I'm getting too attached. Well, I was. I doubt they'll use the phones - I honestly think they won't know what to do with it. They might just start driving and then throw it out the window, thinking that phones aren't useful in the apocalypse. Perhaps they'll try to hold on to it, and then they'll drop it between the seats of a vehicle where it will be lost long after the whole apocalypse thing blows over.

Perhaps not. Maybe they actually have a couple marbles rattling around in their minds. Maybe they'll figure out the phones. Maybe they'll call me. And maybe, just maybe, I'll get to go in, all badass like with guns blazing - like a hero or some shit.

That's a kind of funny thought. Me. A hero. 'Zero the hero' - sounds kinda funny, doesn't it?

Who am I trying to kid. I'm not a hero. Heroes save people, not leave them to die.

I press the pedal to the floor and drive away from the group leaving a cloud of dust in my wake. I can't help but mumble along to the song that's playing, "A different breed of demon. Let's play my hellish game. Get into a little trouble. Nothing's ever the same."

///Oh, look...an Author's Note Sandwich! So, if (by some miracle) you like this story, don't forget to vote! Any comments or questions, or even constructive criticism you have, I would enjoy to hear - so please do comment! Thank you!