Undead School

Eighteen.

When most people stare death in the face, it seems like they can hardly remember it afterwards. Like, everything is going so fast that they hardly have time to process. The opposite was happening to me.

I watched Erik's car pull up to a stop a few buildings away from me. I noticed every detail. The wind was blowing in towards me and I could see the dust rolling over the van window as I sat in it. The sun was high in the sky and beating down warm May rays.

I could see the looks on my friends faces as they watched from up in windows or down in storefronts. My heart beat slowed down to a resting rate and my breathing was completely steady. I was in control.

Erik opened the door to his car and stepped outside and it felt like slow motion. He started taking steps towards me, and I followed suit. My hand gripped the door handle tightly and I let it fall open, allowing the dust and wind to blow on my dirty and sweaty figure.

I stepped out of the car as if I were in a trance and I slammed the door behind me. I felt naked walking into what would be a battle without my gun, but I couldn't take it for the talking portion. I started taking slow steps towards Erik and my mind flashed to where it was on the driver's seat.

After what felt like an eternity, Erik and I met in the middle, and I realized how handsome and rugged he really was up close. His piercing blue eyes were full of determination and confidence, and his scar didn't take anything away from his glowing face.

Erik put his hand out for me to shake and I took it firmly and stared him right in the eyes as I shook his hand. "It is good to finally meet you, Evelyn." Erik said taking a bow. "My name is Erik 'Cobra' Kelsey, and I am the leader of the Black Cobra gang."

"So I have gathered. It's good to place a face to the voice. You seem to be familiar with me, Evelyn Archer, elected leader of my little band of survivors." I gave Erik a deadly smile and pulled my hand down to my side. Erik was at least half a foot taller than I was, and without a weapon, I felt as good as dead.

"I didn't realize I was in the presence of another fine leader." Erik said, his eyes glittering with amusement. What a noble sacrifice you are making for your people." It took everything I had not to slap him, but I refrained myself. I kept reminding myself that he would be dead soon enough. All it would take is one signal and the battle would begin.

"You forced my hand by taking one of my own while he was unconscious. I cannot say my people left anyone that unfinished last time." My words came out calculated and cold, and I could see even Erik getting a little uncomfortable.

"I suppose it is time for our exchange then?" Erik said clapping his hands together. "I assume you came alone?" I nodded and tried to mask my own amusement at the question. If he was asking me then that meant he hadn't realized that he was in the middle of an ambush. As soon as Jason and Evan were returned...

Erik turned around and moved back to his bus. I stood with my feet firm in place. I fought with adrenaline. I needed to remain calm for the time being. The adrenaline wouldn't do any good before I am ready for it.

Once Erik reached the car, he opened one of the doors and shouted to whoever was inside. "Bring out the boys!" He called inside, and I could hear the immediate shuffling. Erik closed the door and looked back to me with a smile.

"I cannot say that we had the resources to take to good of care of them while they were visiting us." He called down to me, "I hope they don't think too poorly of us."

I just smiled back as hard as it was to do. "I doubt they will hold such a grudge." I was going to say something else, but the sight of them getting dragged out of the Cobra bus was too shocking for me to speak.