The Apocalypse of Plants

Laina

Tears stain my cheeks, but I make no effort to brush them away. She's right, and I hate it. I'm a pessimist, but it's hard not to be when you've seen the horrors straight up that Mother Nature has to offer.

Dad, Mom, and Spencer. All gone. Why am I the only one who's still okay? Why me? If anyone, it should be Spencer. Spencer, who was so brave and was willing to risk everything for me. And because of that, he paid the ultimate price.

I'm getting pulled under by my grief and I'm about to drown when Preston steps into view. He offers me a smile, but I can't force my mouth into one.

He swallows as the silence grows thicker. He honestly can't expect me to say something right now.

"Look, Laina, I'm really sorry about Johanna. She shouldn't have said that. And telling the truth? I don't think we'll last very long without you."

I laugh bitterly. "I'm sure you'll be just fine without me. I didn't do anything. You guys don't need me."

He takes my chin in his fingers and tilts my head up so I'm looking at him in the eyes. His eyes are full of warmth. "Maybe they don't. But I do."

And he kisses me.

His lips are soft against mine, and he tastes like strawberries. It's nice. But it's too soon. We just met. And he has a girlfriend.

I tear my lips away and shove him back, putting a few feet of distance between us. He's staring at me with a mixture of delight, shock, and....lust? A shiver runs through me. What just happened?

"I-we can't," I stutter. "Johanna-" His face immediately falls, while mine hardens. I know what he feels toward her and it's not love.

"I'm sorry, Laina, it just felt so.....right? I don't know. I had to."

A gasp from behind him tells me that we aren't alone, and a pit of dread starts tightening in my stomach. I turn my head to see Johanna standing there, and I'm willing to bet she's been there the whole time.

"Johanna-" Preston starts, but I step forward.

"It's not what it looks like," I say desperately.

"Really?" Her voice is chilled to the bone. "Cause it sure looked like he kissed you and you didn't pull away for a little while."

I hear Preston swear under his breath.

"Johanna, it was a mistake," he pleads. His words cut deep into me. Yes, I don't like him like that, but still. A mistake? That's a harsh way of putting it.

"Look me in the eye, Preston, and tell me you don't like her. That you don't feel anything for her." He takes a sudden interest in the dirt that covers his shoes. Her face softens. "You can't do it, can you?"

"I'll come back to you, if that's what you want." It's a low blow, and we all know it. Johanna snorts.

"Why would I want you back if I know your heart belongs to another? I gave up so much for you. Now I have nothing." Her voice breaks and tears spill out of her eyes. She turns on her heel and runs away. I feel awful. Guilt is pressing down on me and it's hard to breathe. The pit of dread grows bigger and tightens even more.

Preston grips my arm. "Go talk to her. Please," he begs. I don't trust myself to speak, so I just nod and go after her.

I find her sitting on a rock, writing something on a piece of paper with a pen. I'm not sure where she got either of them. Then she folds up the paper, places the pen in her pocket and pulls out berries.

"Johanna? What are you doing?" I ask nervously. She looks up and anger flashes in her eyes.

"Come to rub it in my face about scoring my boyfriend?" she seethes. "Go ahead. You can't hurt me anymore than you already have."