The Infected: An H1-2M1 Chronicle

Chapter 13

NOW

I opened the door to the women's house and stepped inside. I wasn't sure where to go or who to talk to. I wandered into the kitchen, but the only woman in there was the woman I had met on my first visit. I couldn't quite remember her name, Sal or Sally perhaps. I remembered how she touched Ben's chest with just one finger and how he had thrown her hand back to her. I didn't like her, but she was the only woman around.

"I'm not sure how this works," I said softly. "I have a potato."

She turned towards me. "Finally moving in?" She asked smiling.

"No," I said quickly. "I'm not going to eat it...so...I figured I'd sell it."

"Potatoes are pretty worthless. Might get you a kiss."

"I don't want a kiss."

"What do you want? A tongue lashing?" she said flicking her tongue at me.

"Forget it." I said turning away from her. If I didn't like her before I definitely didn't like her now. I spotted the woman who had caught me listening to Lucas and Ben's conversation earlier. She had long dark hair with pink ribbons weaved into her hair. I bit my lip slightly and followed her up the stairs.

"Official business is on hold until Lucas comes back," she said standing in front of an open door.

"Then lets make it unofficial," I said forcing a smile. 

She crossed her arms slowly and raised an eyebrow. 

"Not that!" I said quickly. "I don't throw food out and I'm not going to eat it...thought maybe I could..."

"Exchange it?"

"I don't want...that."

She nodded behind her and stepped backwards into the room. "I like your ribbon," I said following her into the room. I didn't like it, but the silence was awkward. I used to be much better at making friends.

"I could do it to yours if...whoever gave you this haircut should be shot." She said touching my hair. I pulled away from her quicker than I'd like to admit. Her eyes met mine for a moment before she lowered them. I didn't have to explain anything to her, she understood. "I could give you a better cut. I do all the girls' hair."

I nodded slowly.

"We'll have to wash it first. It's disgusting."

I could feel the blood rushing to my cheeks. I followed her to a chair and leaned my head back, as I was instructed to do. I allowed her to wash my hair. I closed my eyes and bit my lip as her fingers worked the dirt and oil out of my hair. The smell of lye, lavender, and roses wavered over me.

"Do you like it in here?" I asked softly.

She poured water over my head. The silence seemed to go on for days, but I knew only seconds had actually passed. "It's better here than anywhere else."

"Even with...what you have to do."

"Lucas runs a tight ship. I've never felt safer...since...you know."

"But you have to do whatever they want."

"Whatever Lucas tells us to...yes. They don't always get what they want."

"...How does Lucas run a tight ship?...I mean...how does he manage?"

"The garage."

"What about it?"

"You don't ever want to go into the garage."

"Why not?"

The awkward silence filled the room again. "Remember how I told you Tonya lost her ear for eavesdropping?" I remembered, but I didn't say anything. "That punishment was carried out in the garage...understand?"