Z-O-M-B-I-E-S

Chapter 3

At around seven in the morning, Zed fell asleep on my shoulder, and I carefully maneuvered him so his head was on the only pillow that hadn't fallen on the floor. I quietly tip toed to my door and shut it behind me. Downstairs, my mom was watching the news. She heard me come down and asked where Zed was. I told her he was still sleeping and asked if the news anchor said anything about the malfunctioned Z-bands. "They're in the process of updating the software right now to fix the bug that allowed it to be hacked so easily. She didn't specify why the bands haven't acted up until now, though. I'm sure others have tried to worsen zombies' reputations even more. Did it affect Zed much?"

"He started to turn more zombie, but I calmed him enough so it didn't get worse. I still had to tase him though."

"Oh, that poor boy. The zombies are constantly struggling. I don't understand why more humans won't sympathize with them." 

I shrugged and sat with her. "Humans aren't exactly the most understanding creatures, I guess. When do you think the lockdown will be over?" 

"Sometime tonight. Are you ready for tryouts tomorrow?"

"Of course I am. I'm going to make the squad for sure. Addison will too, but I don't know who's in the running for the final spot."

"I'm sure you'll do a great job, dear. Just make sure you keep your grades up too and study for those AP exams in the spring. Can't let cheer and Zed distract you." She winked while saying that last part. This was my third day knowing him, and my mom was already poking fun at me for it, even if it was only on the down-low. My mom and I weren't very close, and we really only saw each other during meals if both of us happened to be home at the same time. Usually, it was just my brother and I, but having my mom around for a day would be nice.

"Do you have a lot of work to do today?"

"Just about one more hour. I tried to get most of it done last night, so I could spend today with you. I'm okay with third wheeling for two freshman for a bit."

"Mom!" I buried my face into one of the throw pillows.

"I know you think he's cute. He's your type. You can't deny it. See, your face is turning red."

"Okay, mom. Please s-" I shut my mouth when a large handed rested on my shoulder. "Well, isn't this embarrassing?" I tilted my head straight back and gave Zed a sheepish smile.

"I'm going to go finish my work, kids." My mom practically ran out of the room. I knew she was hoping Zed and I would have a cute moment. I'm a true romantic, and I clearly got that trait from her. 

"Did you hear all of that?"

"I'll let you wonder." He hopped over the back of the sofa and landed next to me. 

"You got like one hour of sleep. Was that enough?" I worried.

"And you got none, but you're still functioning."

"I do this all the time, so I'm used to it. You don't, I assume."

"No, I don't. You need to sleep more. This isn't healthy. If you can't sleep, because something is wrong, then you need to talk to someone about it."

"I don't want to speak to a therapist!" I knew my mom could hear everything, but it was easier to act like she couldn't.

"That's not what I was trying to imply. Talk to your mom or Addison. I know you guys are friends." I sighed. That was the issue. My mom was going through a lot of these... issues with me. She was better off than me, but still not stable enough to help. If I brought up certain topics, we'd both start crying. Addison just didn't understand. She'd tried so hard, but she couldn't. I gave up on her help and acted like I was fine when she was around.