Don't Talk To Strangers | BOOK 1

fifty four

Elle McBriar
August 10th, 6 months and 31 days after the first zombie attack

The bunker was big, I'll give them that.

Every room had a bathroom and a radio and a window. You couldn't see anything through the window but it was a nice touch.

We went into the kitchen, Elaine introduced us too the Chef Pedro and the other cooks, Robert and Carlos. "We're mostly living off beans, veges and fake meat until we discover hazmat suits that are strong enough to withold the power of the radiation." Robert smiled, chopping up something that smelled amazing.

"Through here is the library." I got excited when Elaine said library, "It's locked at 12am and opened again at 6am." The librarian, Sophia said, "It's mostly science books, space and other facts but there are a few good originals in the corner if you look hard enough." I smiled at her warm features as she went back too stacking papers.

"Carol is our laundry lady, she's lovely. Our clothes smell like a warm winters morning." I smiled,  Maintence is Tim and Oliver. And the janitor is Steven. He's kind of old, you have to speak quite loud."

As Elaine guided us through the halls and instructed us on stairs and elevators, I couldn't help but notice that Gage was staring at her. Like, fully staring. Gazing, ogling her with his creepy lovey eyes. It's kind of cute. 

We were led back through the hospital wing, the smell of disinfectant strong in my senses. It burned slightly. Tinging my nostril hairs.

"Medical. We come here for anything. Even if it's a small cut. Anything is possible, remember."

"We have two nurses. They do simple things like flu injections, radiation checks and stitches. Tracy and Blake are available 24/7. So, don't hesitate to use them if you need too."

Elaine knocked on the door of someone's room, hearing shuffling from the other side, "This is the doctors office. They check up on things like eyesight, bruises stuff like that." 

They all seemed really friendly. But I couldn't help but notice the freaked out looks on their faces. They were terrifyingly calm but scared at the same time. It's probably because there's a threat to nuclear radiation and we're outsiders who have been exposed.

"We have a therapist who would talk to the kids before, you know. Her name is Megan and my best friend." Elaine smiled, I threw my hands in the air, "Finally, another girl!" I smile, Megan smiles, "Hello yes, I am a woman. And also a licensed therapist. And I don't mean to pry but we've been watching you guys and it looks like you could all do with some serious therapy."

We laughed like it was nothing, but deep down we knew it was all true. There are things we want to talk about but can't because it's too traumatic too. I'm still distraught about the elevator. Complete shock, actually.

"And then our surgeon, Ryan. We haven't needed him yet, thankfully. But, you know what does. It's self explanatory." Ryan waved at us through the glass window he was standing behind.

"One last place we used to have as a stress reliever for the kids is now empty." It was a small gym. Fake grass was plastered on the ground. 2 treadmills were pushed in the corner. A yoga ball, weights, stairs and a few other small exercise things were littered around the room.

It still didn't make sense. Well, it did. But I'm confused.

"Why don't I show you to your rooms." Elaine smiled warmly.

We followed her, Paxton's hand holding mine the entire time.

"These 4 rooms are for you. Riley can sleep with either one of you, although there is a separate room for him when you're ready." Elaine said, leaving us be. "I'll buzz you in when it's time for dinner."

I entered the room that had my name on it. That's... freaky. My stuff had been collected from the house. My clothes were sitting neatly folded on a dresser. My notebook and watch were sitting on the bed as well my book and box of tampons.

At least they're not shy.

To me everything seemed in order. I know it's nothing sketchy because Elaine showed us every square inch of this bunker. The trash, the computer room and even the security cameras. I guess it has to be sophisticated if it was housing kids in the witness protection program.

I pressed on the bad. Oh man, that's soft. Like, really plush and comfy. I admired the light wood stain everything had. The white tiled bathroom. Clean toilet, roomy shower, big mirror! This is luxury. The hot towels on the towel rack. Heaven!

A knock on the door broke me out of my thoughts, "Come in." I said.

I picked up my stuff and put it in the drawer beside my bed, "Hey." Paxton smiled. I missed him. I missed his smell and his touch. I missed his kiss, "Hi. Come here." I said eagerly, pulling him to me. "Woah, you okay?" He laughs, stroking my hair, "I just- need you right now." I sigh into his shirt, inhaling his cologne.

"I know right, this whole thing is a bit weird." He agreed, "It's nice and all but I guess I'm just a little freaked out." We move to the bed. I lay on it, Paxton's arm coming around my neck so I can lay on him, "We'll get used to it. This is our home now."

I didn't want to believe that this is where I'll be living for God knows how long, but I know that I have to suck it up and accept it.

"I just want to sleep. My mouth hurts. And my eyes. And my body. God, everything hurts." I whine, crossing my arms over my chest like a baby.

Paxton laughed and pulled my hands apart, "Have a hot shower. I can join you, save water." He smirked, "That line worked once. Once Pax!" He pouted, "But I might have a shower after dinner, I guess." 

I rubbed my eyes, "Promise you'll sleep with me tonight. I'm scared." I whispered. He didn't speak, but he pulled me closer to him, indicating it was a yes.

A little while later, a buzz came through the intercoms attached to our rooms.

"Dinner is ready. I will come to get you." Elaine said before the intercome crackled and it turned off.

I got up, straightening my clothes as I made myself look semi-presentable. A knock let me know she was there. Paxton took my hand as we sleepily followed Elaine.

"I'll come to get you for breakfast, lunch and dinner until you're all comfortable with where to go." Elaine said, leading us to a dining hall.

The dining hall had a single mahogany table. Dark wood with a long white tablecloth. There were 19 plates and a highchair splayed along the table. I took a seat, inhaling the yummy food. I took a sip of water, feeling it soothe my sore throat. I picked up the fork and skeptically looked at the food. "It's not poisned, Elle." Gage said, taking a bite, "I know, I was looking at the sauce, dumbass." I mumbled.

It was good sauce.

* * *

heyyy

let me know what you think!!