✔Dating the Undead [Books 1&2]

VIGINTI QUINQUE

LEVITHIAN JAMES---EASTWOOD'S NEWEST GENIUS! (See full article on page 4)

Isinabit ko sa pader ng kwarto ko ang naka-frame na dyaryo. I made sure it was placed near Professor Samuel's poster. Tinitigan ko ulit ang headlines. There, written in bold and bold letters in the Eastwood News, is my name. It's been a week since the Paranometer's public release at marami nang mga malalaking kompanya ang nag-aalok sa akin ng trabaho.

"Well, I have high standards. So they better offer me an even higher contract."

Naalala kong sagot ko sa isang reporter habang ini-interview ako. I smirked and glanced at the piles of letters on my study table. Hindi naman sa pagmamayabang, pero maski ang mga kompanyang nasa kalapit na mga bayan, gustong makipag-negosasyon sa'kin para sa Paranometer. They're all suckers for my invention.

Even until now, it all feels like a dream. Sikat na ako. Kahit sa ECU, kilala na ang pangalan ko and some even begged for my autograph!

"Meow."

I stared down at Newton who was playing by my feet. Napangiwi ako. "Wala akong oras para makipaglaro sa'yo, Newton. I need to head back to ESORC."

My black cat stared at me. Para bang may gusto na naman siyang sabihin sa akin. Napabuntong-hininga ako. What an irritating cat.. Kung ipaampon ko na lang kaya 'to? Wait, that's a great idea! That way, nothing will distract me from my work. Napangiti ako na naiisip.

But Newton was glaring at me now. Psh.

And that's when my cellphone rang.

"Hello, Professor Lopez?"

"Levi, kailangan nating pag-usapan ang pag-ta-transfer kay Algea sa ESO compound. Dr. Benitez demands to try the advance tests on the zombie.."

I grinned. Just a few days ago, sinabi na namin ni Professor Lopez ang existence ni Algea. At first, he thought we were crazy. Pero noong ipinakita namin ang compilation ng reports patungkol sa kanya pati na ang ilang analysis, the head scientist was dumbfounded..and excited. Having a zombie at the ESO research compound will be the scientific breakthrough of the century.

And I'm not stupid to let the credits go.

"Yes, sir. I'll be there in an hour."

Nagmamadali akong lumabas ng silid at nagtungo sa kabilang dulo ng pasilyo. The guest room.

Algea opened her eyes and sat up from her lying position on the bed. She was skinnier now compared to when I first saw her at kitang-kita na ang itim na mga ugat sa kanyang mga braso. When her hazel eyes met mine, I noticed how lifeless they now are. Napasimangot ako. "Don't die yet."

Ngumiti siya. "I'm glad you still care------"

"I need you to stay alive until we transfer you to ESO. Madidismaya sina Dr. Benitez kung patay ka na bago ka pa man nila pag-aralan." I finished and adjusted my eyeglasses.

Nakita ko ang pagsiklab ng galit sa mga mata ni Algea. Well, that's new. She weakly stood up and walked towards me.

SLAP!

A zombie just fucking slapped me.

"YOU'RE CRAZY! NILAMON KA NA BA TALAGA NG KASIKATAN MO?! HINDI AKO SASAMA SA MGA KAURI MO, YOU FUCKING BASTARD!"

Ngumisi lang ako. "You're going to ESO, whether you like it or not."

Nakita ko ang sakit at galit sa mga mata ng dalaga. Her body was trembling and I could even hear her shallow breaths. "Levi, ano bang nangyayari sa'yo? This is too much! This isn't you.."

What did she just say?

"HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!"

Pagkatapos kong tumawa, humakbang ako papalapit sa kanya. Algea took a step back but I caught her shoulders. Pinanlisikan ko siya ng mata. I can't let this fucking zombie ruin my plans!