Countdown To Reanimation

Chapter 1

Day 1

Alyson didn't know it yet, but she was about to spend her last normal day as a carefree teenaged girl. She snuggled into the crook of Jake's neck, his arm cradling her delicate frame. Like every afternoon, they sat on the brown suede couch in his basement watching science fiction movies. Only originals. They hated remakes. Too much of a been there, done that feel to them. Attack of the Fifty Foot Woman was playing on the flat screen across the room, the sound muted.

"We must have seen this movie a hundred times," Jake said.

Alyson laughed. "At least."

They kicked off their shoes and propped their feet up on the wooden coffee table.

"It never gets old," he said, trying to hide the hole where his big toe peeked out.

"I know what you mean. There's something about a fifty foot kick-ass female who doesn't take crap from a man. She's such an inspiration."

"Hey! Don't get any crazy ideas, Alyson."

"Don't worry. I'm sure you wouldn't be a jerk like her husband. He deserved what he got."

"Some guys can be idiots."

"I'm glad you're not like that."

"How could I be? You're amazing. I'd never hurt you that way."

He pulled her close, twirling her auburn curls around his fingers and breathing in the floral essence of her hair. Sweet jasmine, his favorite. The smell reminded him of his childhood when he still felt invincible.

"Popcorn?" he asked, holding the bowl out.

"Extra butter with a touch of cayenne?"

"Just the way you like it," Jake said, smiling.

Alyson reached in and took a large handful. She shoved a few in her mouth and kissed his cheek.

"Thanks," he said, patting the greasy residue. "I'll treasure it forever."

"Anytime."

She smiled, popped a few more and licked the cayenne from her lips.

"Wow, that's got a kick," she said.

"Spicy just like you."

She nuzzled closer. Jake turned the sound up and their hearts pounded, scene after scene sucking them in deeper. Science fiction was their religion and their only movie choice. That could be because both their fathers were research scientists, or maybe, they were just normal teenagers fascinated with old B movies.

"Hey, what would you do if that was me?" Alyson asked, lowering the sound.

"What do you mean? If you woke up and were fifty feet tall? What would I do?"

"Yeah."

"Get a convertible for starters."

"You're hilarious. I'm serious. What would you do?"

"Extendable ladder?"

Alyson hit him with a cushion and turned away.

"I'm kidding," Jake said, caressing her face. "I would have more of you to love."

She tilted her head, brushing her cheek against his hand.

"You're so sweet."

They watched the rest of the movie with fierce intensity, speaking the lines aloud in unison. When it ended, Jake clicked off the television and turned on the lights.

"I should head home. I have to present in bio class tomorrow and guess who didn't start the research yet?"

"That's cutting it close, don't you think?"

"Nah, it's not due until after lunch. Plenty of time," she said, flicking her hand.

"You never cease to amaze me."

He followed her upstairs, leaned in, and kissed her goodbye. As he reached for the door, he heard a muffled voice calling his name from the kitchen.

"I'm just walking Alyson out," he called back.

Jake's father emerged from the kitchen, wiping his hands on a Mind/Matter apron.

"So, Alyson's here. I finally get to meet her."

"You could have met her sooner if you were ever here."

"You know my work..."

"Yeah, yeah. It's always your work."

Alyson slid her arm around Jake's waist, her fingers resting on his belt loop. She pulled him close and his face softened.

"You must have had something major happen. You're never home during the day," Jake said.

"No, just tired," Howard said, feigning a yawn.

Jake noticed his father do a double take when he saw Alyson, but stayed silent. The extra look didn't escape Alyson's eye either.

"Is there a problem, Mr. Parker?"

Howard stood with his mouth open, ogling the familiar face before him. Jake's gaze darted between Alyson's confused expression and his father's prolonged stare.

"Dad?"

"Yes, well, aren't you going to introduce me to your girlfriend?" he said, rubbing his chin scruff.

"Sure."

Jake rolled his eyes.

"Alyson, meet my dad. You don't know it, but you're witnessing a rare occurrence. We should commemorate this moment. It might not happen again."

"It's nice to..."

"The pleasure is mine," Howard said, taking her slender hand in his grip, feeling her softness against his calloused fingers.

"Alyson can't stay," Jake said, pulling her away.

"We'll speak again soon. I should get back to my chicken. It smells about done."

Alyson watched him strut into the kitchen, quivering as she wiped his sweat on her floral cotton leggings. Jake pulled her close and kissed her forehead.

"See you at school tomorrow?" she said, trembling.

"Try to stop me."

She took an easy breath and smiled. He followed her past the driveway and when the engine started; he blew her a kiss and went back inside.