The Biter Awakening Part 1 by Bart Gnarly - HTML preview

Chapter 4: Grovesails

Tammy sat in silence for what seemed to be an eternity and I knew it had only been minutes. I guess the realization that she was now the only person in her family hit her at once and she was learning to cope with it. All I honestly could do was just hold her hand as her heart was breaking for lost loved ones. This was a doomed world and we were all she had left now. I knew how she felt. I had no idea what had happened to my mom or any of my siblings and it scared me. Eventually I would have to find out but right now Tammy needed her mourning time and she cried. She shed a tear for all she had lost and the battles she had won. The horrendous tragedy that she suffered would change her. I knew that she was going to deal with depression for a long time.

I finally knew that maybe now would be the right time to introduce her to Azura. That little bundle of hope had some natural way about her that always brought warmth and love and I knew that she would help Tammy cope with everything.

“Tammy, I know right now is going to be extremely hard for you and nothing I can say or do is going to fix it. I just wanted you to meet Azura. Most of us call her AJ. I think she may be the saving grace we all need in this world. Why don’t you feed her for me ? I really need a rest. I have a bottle on a table with all her stuff. If you don’t know how I can show you really quick.”

“Gee, are you sure about that Betty? I know how to feed a baby but do you think she can actually make me feel better. She is kind of small and just looking at those eyes does something for the soul. I think I will go ahead and let you get some rest. Thanks.”

Tammy took to AJ without any questions or hesitation. Azura had that way with people. I glanced over a few times without being noticed and seen that Tammy had sparkles in her eyes and color in her cheeks. That was a great sign that she was going to pull through with no problem. I was worried that she might have been a bit suicidal but I think I knew better than that. I know people talk about déjà vu and destiny but I think that I was meant to find Azura and that as a group we are meant to take care of her and see to her survival. I know in my heart she will be the end to the biters. She was the greatest blessing that a person could ever know.

I hoped to find a few more survivors before we reached Grovesails. I dozed off and on for maybe an hour and woke up to Kellan nudging me.

“Hey there, sunshine, Listen we have to stop for a bit. We all need to stand up and stretch and yes I know it’s dangerous but sitting too much is too. Dad, Brandon and I are going to search some of these cars for some supplies and maybe a good car seat for AJ. Is there anything I really need to look for that you want?”

“Uh....CDs, mp3 player, music maybe. Be careful. I’ll stay put and guard us girls. Thanks for waking me up though.”

“No problem. I love you.”

He kissed my forehead and out the RV door he went. I hopped in the front seat to keep a clear view of what would be going on. I saw him and the others searching each of the cars as quiet as can be. I could see a few straggling biters left but they seemed to be decayed beyond hurting anything but themselves if they moved too much. I stayed glued to the windshield to make sure that they would be safe and that if anything would go wrong I would be there to correct the mistake. Since I was the smallest and leanest, I moved faster than the boys did. It took them about thirty minutes and they had the closest cars gone through and lots of stuff for us. Who knew that Kellan would think to grab things to entertain the ones who weren’t driving?

Michael and Brandon were the first through the door and Kellan followed. Several bags of goods hit the floor. I just hoped that nothing of real use broke. They started emptying the contents of the bags. I was amazed at what was left behind. Kellan handed me not one but three laptops and told me to take my pick along with several cameras and a portable DVD player. I noticed there was nonperishable foods, a new baby seat, and some clothes for the guys. I was just waiting for them to pull out a midget or some sort of mythical creature. I did end up several mp3 players, all which had different genres of music on them, so I was in heaven. I noticed that Tammy’s eyes lit up when she saw romance novels. I was very excited. I would have something to occupy my time and a way to capture memories and videos.

I hugged kissed Kellan and managed to hug Brandon and Michael. I had never expected such wonderful items but they would come handy in the long run. Michael pulled something out of the bag that no one expected and I almost died laughing.

“Is that a suitcase of cash? Seriously. You found a suitcase full of cash. What next a bag of jewels?”

He smiled so big and dropped it on the table in the RV. I about choked to death.

“We found that car that was full of stolen goods that was all over the news. Amazing huh? So I figured Betty, you brought us all together, this is all yours. You earned it. You keep us safe and you find the survivors. Hide it and don’t tell anyone about it.”

“Michael. This should be for everyone. I mean it isn’t like we need the money now but the jewels can come in handy if we come across traders or something like that. I want the survival of the group. I love you all. I won’t lie, I will take a few pieces for myself and the rest will be put up. Deal?”

“Deal.”

That was the most generous gift that I had ever received in my life. I had never had such gratitude from people or been looked upon with such respect. I just knew that in order to survive we all had to look out for one another. I told everyone that I wanted to try to find at least a few more survivors before we reached Grovesails and we discussed what should be done before we settle down in one place, such as how we would go about fortifying the place, supplies, and what not.

I finally had a chance to sit down and look at my new laptop. I guess they got it out of a delivery truck; it was still in the box. I opened it up and noticed out of the corner of my eye that Kellan, Michael and Brandon were huddled up and whispering, almost as if they were a group of boys planning to attack an all girls summer camp and put frogs, snakes, and worms in their beds. They kept glancing up at me and the way they were acting just didn’t sit right with me. I had hoped that I could go just one day without that damned nagging gut feeling that always seemed to hit at the oddest times. I could never figure out if it was a preemptive warning of impending doom or if I just contracted some weird and rare fucking disease now.

I guess they noticed that I was staring and broke up their little macho boy huddle. It was pissing me off anyways. I figured when we all could managed to sleep in peace I would ask Kellan what it was about, but for now I would let it go. I decided to step in what was my bedroom and check on how Azura was doing. I could really use some cheering up. As soon as she saw me, I was welcomed with a fuzzy smile and big blue-grey eyes.

“Hey honey. Missed me, huh? Yeah. I thought so. I seen you been keeping Tammy company. What do you think of her? I like her. She reminds me of my big sister, Malana. You would have liked your Auntie Malana. She had long bright red hair and green eyes. She was more Irish than anyone I know. I miss her a lot. She was my best friend, even more than your daddy. I lost her before the biters. She battled with cancer and lost. It’s okay though. I think she sent me to find Tammy and to find you. You guys are my family.”

Azura smiled and cooed as I talked to her. Sometimes, it was nice just to tell her about her family. I know she wasn’t mine by birth but she was mine by heart. I knew that if the others heard anything that I had said to AJ, I would be in some serious trouble. I noticed that she was starting to get that hazy, sleepy look in her eyes and I started to hum a childhood lullaby that my sister sang to me when I was scared. Azura was fast asleep in minutes. I could only hope that I would be able to raise her to be what she was meant to be. Kellan approached me and told me that we needed to get moving towards Grovesails or we would never make it. I decided to give someone else the duty of calling out for survivors. I figured that I deserved to actually get some sleep. It felt like I hadn’t slept in days, which is true.

“Listen, I really need sleep. I haven’t slept in days. I keep cat napping but not actually sleeping. I need at least five hours to be able to function. Is there any way that you guys can stay out of trouble long enough for me to do that?”

Tammy and Kellan just looked at me. Tammy took the reins and pointed towards the tiny cubby bedroom.

“Go to sleep then. If you need the sleep, then why are you still awake? I can let Michael and Brandon know that you are sleeping if they need anything and I will take care of Azura while you’re out. Don’t worry. I will try to reach out to other survivors. I got this. So take your raggedy looking ass to bed.”

I smiled and made my way back in to the bedroom and fell into what felt like pure heaven to me. I was sure that it wouldn’t take me very long to doze off. I removed my shoes and bra and shrugged off my pants. I climbed into bed and that was it. I remember going to bed as the sun was going down. I woke up just about dawn. I was pissed. I remembered telling them five hours not eight to ten. I got up and automatically knew that something was off. I didn’t hear anything. There was no sound from anything, no laughter, talking, whispering, just dead silence. It was eerie and I hated it. I dressed quickly and rushed out of the bedroom. I knew right away that I was just paranoid.

“SURPRISE!”

They all scared the shit out of me. I totally forgot that today just happened to be my birthday. It was August 27th. They had managed to plan a doomsday, zombie apocalypse surprise birthday party for me. It had balloons and a few ribbons and there was a small cake. It was special because it wasn’t everyday that you turned eighteen. I guess through all the confusion and chaos in my life right now, I had forgotten that it was my birthday. I felt stupid but at the same time special. I now knew what all the secrecy from everyone was about. They had been planning to make this day special. Kellan had remembered that today was my birthday.

We all sat down and I looked at the most wonderful cake I had seen. It was a dark chocolate cake smothered in white frosting topped with beautiful scrolling letters.

“Alright guys. Who did what and you all scared the shit out of me with the silence.”

“Tammy wrote all the stuff on the cake and did the baking. She let us help ice it but other than that she bossed us around. Made us put up ribbons and go find other presents and balloons. She’s a lot like you.”

Tammy just smiled and I just broke down. I cried like I did when I lost my sister. I needed it. I still couldn’t believe that I had forgotten my own birthday. I was so worried about everyone looking like they were plotting to kill and eat me that I just started to become a paranoid person. I felt like an idiot for not remembering. I guess I should thank Kellan for remembering and planning out my wonderful makeshift party. It looked like they had literally robbed a party store and stuck it in the RV. I haven’t felt this loved and wanted since my sister was alive. Now here I am eating cake, in an RV, that just so happens to be parked in the middle of the freeway, in the middle of a zombie apocalypse.

I was keeping company with the most amazing group of people; each who had their own special place and each of them were growing to be very dear to my heart. I don’t think today could get any better. I was excited to be heading towards Grovesails and even more so now. I guess to me Grovesails was my hope for a new future, a brand new beginning, if we could find a place that was safe enough. If biters had never happened I would have been graduating this year and moving away to attend college. I would probably still be living with my parents without a boyfriend and still a virgin. I would still be only friends with Kellan and he would still be dating those nasty whores from school and afterwards coming and hanging out with me. He honestly still confuses the fuck out of me like he did back then.

I still have no clue if he would still just hook up with anything that walked, back then he wouldn’t even give me the time of day. I really don’t think that I should even be thinking about the past on my birthday. This is a new chapter in my life and I need to keep moving forward. That is all that I can do.

“When do you think that we might actually make it to Grovesails? I’m just really nervous about finding a new place to settle down in. I will admit, though, I am pretty excited about going to a new town.”

Michael with his always serious face replied,

“Well Betty, at this rate, might be tomorrow, or the day after. Just depends on the time we take to travel, I guess.”

I guess with that answer it made me feel a little depressed. I just put on my best optimistic smile and trucked on forward. I shouldn’t let anything get in my way of me being happy on my birthday. I decided that I would have what could be considered a blast, today. Here I am stuck in a RV with nothing to really keep me entertained. I decided that I would venture out and find something other than electronics and board games to keep me happy. While everyone was busy having cake and talking, I managed to sneak out. I managed to arm myself with my weapon and knew right away that I was going to need it. I seen biters pretty much everywhere I looked. I noticed that there was a beer truck and I was going for it. It was my birthday and for fuck sakes it was hell out here I was going to have a few drinks. I was hoping and praying that there was some sort of liquor or alcohol in that damn truck.

I looked around and tried to find the easiest way to it. The only option was going straight to it at a run. I needed to slash as many of them as possible to make my journey back a bit easier. I prayed that it would be unlocked when I reached it. I made my break and headed for the truck. I ran just as fast as I could. I killed every biter I encountered. A part of me actually enjoyed killing them. It was fun. I guess to me it was a form of anger management. The other part of me knew that these things used to be human at one point. They could have been a classmate, a parent, a sibling, even a best friend. I tried hard not to think about how I got off on killing those undead bastards. I guess the morbidity of the world now changed everyone, even those stuck up church do-gooders who always said “God Bless” and “Turn the Other Cheek”. Yeah, I bet they are armed with uzies and carrying AK’s screaming “Die you Fucking Dead Whores of Satan!” .....

I think I let my imagination run away there. They were honestly the first ones to be turned. Those poor believing souls. On a second note, I also thought that if I didn’t get my head back into the killing game and lost my concentration again, that I would become just like them, a mindless and soulless entity with a craving for breathing and living flesh. I don’t want that, for anyone. I have seen the destruction. The more I kill them, the more it made me want this alcohol. If killing people you might have known, that just so happen to be in an undead form doesn’t drive you to become an alcoholic, a nut case, suicidal or a serial killer, I have no idea what would.

I just knew at this moment in time I wanted a beer. I had no idea what it even tasted like or if it would be worth all this damn trouble, but I was going to get one. I finally made it to the truck. I noticed that it looked a lot larger than what I expected. I just kept praying that it was unlocked. I tried the driver side door and it flung open and with it came a nasty looking biter. I noticed that it was highly decayed and very hungry. I was able to out maneuver it, only because it was literally starved to its second death. I was flung to the ground and it landed on top of me. Who knew that getting a beer would be this much trouble? I hoped that I would be able to make it out of this without being noticed by his buddies and then being someone’s meal. I shimmied closer to where my weapon had landed and I still could not reach it. I felt something cold and hard near my finger tips. I tried holding the biter by the throat and I reached to grab this object. It scraped the ground and that’s when I realized it was a heavy pipe. I grabbed it and yanked it with one hand, hoping to get it closer so I could grip it better.

I finally managed to wrap my hands around it. I hoped that I had enough strength to lift it to hit this nasty thing off me. I guess my guardian angel was watching today, I swung that pipe upwards towards the biter’s head and made contact. I heard the distinct sound of bone shattering. I dazed it enough to push it off me and once I got up I swung again making a loud crunch and then blood and brain splattered against the pavement I stood on. I walked over, grabbed my katana and got back to the truck. I made my way around it to see if the back was unlocked. I just prayed there was no more hidden surprises. I just wanted to celebrate my birthday with a drink. I really don’t think that is too much to ask. It’s better than killing everyone off and then letting the biters have me. As luck would have it the back was unlocked and full of liquid that would make me forget everything.

I hopped inside and was trying to make up my mind when Kellan hollered inside the truck and scared the shit out of me.

“Betty. What the fuck are you doing? Are you trying to get yourself killed?”

“Nah. Don’t worry Kellan. I just wanted everyone to have a drink. I seen the truck and thought what the fuck, why not. So don’t act like you’re mad. I got here safe and I will be leaving safe too. So help me grab some of this up. You act like what I did was a crime.”

“You had us worried. We were looking for you. All this because you wanted a drink. Seriously? Why didn’t you ask us guys to get this?”

“Well for one, I’m not helpless. I can handle myself. Secondly Kellan, I don’t need anyone running a pussy errand that I am perfectly capable of doing myself. So stop acting like my dad. Grab a case or three. I plan on drinking.”

Kellan didn’t say another word to me. He just grabbed what I told him to. I know we had plenty of beer and liquor to last awhile. I just didn’t know what had gotten into me lately. I was moody and tired. I really didn’t want to eat. I wondered if it was depression or if I caught some sort of bug. Knowing my luck and the way things go out here, I probably carry the biter virus and have immunity to it. Kellan was brooding the whole time while I barked orders on what he should grab. I knew at this moment he was staring daggers and looking like he wanted to dig out my eyeballs with a rusty spoon and then feed me feet first into a wood chipper so I wouldn’t even see it coming. At this time I could honestly care less, he didn’t own me. He may act like he is my parent or even my husband but I was not going to let him tell me what to do. He was my friend and nothing more and I guess letting him know that just pushed him past the edge to where he was fed up with me just as much as I was with him.

I pissed him off and that was that. There was no going back now. I was excited to finally be heading back to the RV with my armfuls of goodies. Kellan didn’t say a word or even look at me, he just unloaded his arm and his backpack and then stormed out of the RV and went inside his dad’s RV. I guess the alcohol and the fact that Kellan actually got pissed amazed the group because they were all speechless. They eyed everything that was there. I still had my backpack on and I hadn’t even shown them the good stuff yet. I took my bag off and laid it on the table and opened it up. I had what looked to be very expensive bottles of liquor. Tammy gasped and Brandon just stared in amazement. Michael on the other hand didn’t seem so enthusiastic about anything I did except kill biters and find survivors.

“So this is where you ran off to? We give you a nice party and you had to have spirits?”

“Oh, don’t spoil this for me. Yes, I took off. I was upset. You guys did a great thing for me. You managed to remember my birthday and it was my party. I wanted to give you a gift in return. I figured; why not give you guys a chance to have a party too?”

“Betty. We didn’t need the alcohol. We did this because you do so much for us. I guess what Michael is trying to say, is that we really didn’t need a gift but thank you for it. Now, who wants a glass of champagne to celebrate this pretty awesome birthday?”

I knew Tammy would take my side. She was a pretty awesome person and when push comes to shove she would stand up for me. She was the closest thing to a sister I had right now and I was thankful for that. Brandon seemed to enjoy my gift and Michael just shook his head and shrugged his shoulders and accepted a paper cup of champagne. I have learned so much from being on the road, even though it’s a zombie ridden world out there, no one is too white trash to drink expensive champagne from a cheap paper cup. I could tell that everyone enjoyed my thank you, except Kellan and I was still pissed at him. I was glad he wasn’t in this RV, otherwise he would ruin everyone’s time. Michael excused himself and took Azura with him.

“Betty, I want you to have a great birthday and so you can relax and have fun, I’ll take AJ with me so you will be baby free and I plan on locking you guys inside so I have the peace of mind that you won’t wonder off in search of biters.”

“Thanks, Michael. I really appreciate it.”

I was finally able to relax and enjoy my birthday without any worries. I had my first beer with two of my new friends and it was great. I had never been drunk before and I started to feel lightheaded and a bit dizzy.

“You know what. Fuck Kellan. All he does, you know what he does, all he does is hold me back from being me.”

It was at that time, that I leaned over and kissed Brandon and he kissed me back. It was almost like magic. It was better than Kellan but then again I had only been kissed by three guys. After it happened, I just had a feeling that if Kellan ever found out that he would beat Brandon senseless. I figured it was my birthday and Tammy was already passed out, I should be able to have some fun. I would most likely regret this in the morning if Brandon didn’t stop anything from happening.

“Betty darlin’, I don’t think you should drink anymore. How about we get you into bed? I promise I won’t tell Kellan that I kissed you.”

I just nodded my head. I knew that tomorrow was going to suck and I prayed that I wouldn’t remember anything. I remember waking up next to Brandon but thank God he was clothed from waist down and he was snuggled up next to me and somehow or another Tammy was on the other side of me. I became a snuggle-sandwich. I never felt so safe. It was kind of embarrassing when Michael came in followed by Kellan holding AJ and I only had my tank top and panties on. Kellan just happened to be the first to chime in.

“Looks like you guys had some party. I hope it was worth it because it won’t be happening again.”

“Well good morning to you too asshole. Did you enjoy sitting over there brooding while we had a good time?”

Tammy, God bless her was a real bitch in the morning.

“Why don’t you three get dressed? We need to get going. If everything works out right, we might actually make it to Grovesails by nightfall. So, do you mind if we can get this done in the next, say ten minutes?”

I had enough of Kellan’s attitude and I spoke up. I was just tired of all the bullshit that went with his controlling ways and I shouldn’t have to play along with it.

“Kellan, how about you and Brandon trade spots today. Your dad told me he drives the other RV just fine and you need to spend time with your dad anyways. If you want, you can even take AJ make it a Daddy- daughter day.”

“Betty, that doesn’t sound like a bad idea. I haven’t spent a lot of time with Kellan and Azura lately. Thanks for throwing that out there.”

“No problem Michael. I won’t lie. I think I have a hangover and honestly I don’t think I want to move out of this bed.”

Michael just chuckled and asked if I could manage to pack a few things for Azura. I managed to get out of bed with my head pounding and my stomach churning. I grabbed formula, diapers, and toys, a couple changes of clothes, a few blankets, and some odds and ends. When I came out of the back, Michael had coffee and aspirin along with a nice breakfast of toast and instant oatmeal. I hugged him and thanked him. I took the aspirin and drank the coffee and I didn’t even bother to get dressed. Tammy reminded me that I still hadn’t put any pants on and brought me a pair of sweats. We ate and chatted and I started to relax, I was ready to finally reach Grovesails.

Brandon asked me to sit up front with him when Tammy went to take a nap.

“How you feeling? Hangovers can be nasty business sometimes. Do you remember anything that happened last night?”

“I’m doing okay. I remember the kiss if that’s what you’re asking? I remember it well and eventually I want another one. I can’t wait to get to Grovesails though. I need some sort of freedom.”

“Well, I know we should be stopping soon. I will need a break from driving and then you might get more than you bargain for. I won’t lie, I like you and I don’t think Kellan deserves anything to do with you. There is something seriously wrong with that boy. I haven’t really had much of a chance to show you what I can do, but when we settle down I will.”

“Look, that’s the city limit sign. We made it. Finally, I can start to look for a place that is safe enough to raise Azura.”

Brandon just smiled. He slowed down and I just leaned over and kissed him. It wasn’t a friendly kiss; it was an “I can’t wait to rock your world” type of kiss. Brandon grabbed my hand and I knew that it was a secret for us. I turned to look to see if Tammy was still sleeping and that is when I knew she had seen it all and she was smiling.

This is the end of The Biter Awakening Part 1! Whether or not this story continues is up to my readers. If you did enjoy this story please leave a positive review on Amazon and Goodreads, and if you don’t I may send Betricia after you with her katana!

Bart Gnarly

BartGnarly@Gmail.com

Twitter: @makemargarita

Instagram: bartgnarly

Facebook Fan Page Zombies VS Bikers

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