Eighteen |

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Eighteen |

It was raining. Like the start of every good horror movie. Teeth chomping viciously, and bright, crimson blood splattering around like a Jackson Pollock painting. The only sound was the distant rumbling of thunder, and the only smells were of fresh falling rain. It would have been peaceful if it wasn't destined to be horrible.

"Ring around a rosie."

A woman was singing and twirling. The white gown she wore fluttering up then down as she did.

"A pocket full of posies."

The creatures were almost at her now, jaws snarling and snapping at her feet. Her song didn't falter however, and neither did her smile. She stopped spinning at that moment.

"Hush."

She bent, clutching the creatures face with her hands, it struggled in her grip but found itself unable to move. Her smile widened until it stretched from ear to ear.

"Hush," she sang her hands jerking to opposite sides as a sickening crack sounded over the rain and the creature stilled.

"We all fall down."

I screamed jolting awake, breathing hard. The dingy smell of my own sweat burned at my nose and I felt the urge to vomit. My hand clutched my chest and I found myself looking around the dark room. My room. I was safe, and I was completely ok. I just, I couldn't understand why I kept having those vicious dreams.

"Mira!" I looked up, as my door was kicked open and Cam barged in swinging a metal baseball bat.

The sight was so absurd and as he looked around wildly for any signs of danger I couldn't help but laugh. He visibly relaxed spotting no trauma, and his warm, hazel eyes landed on me. An embarrassed blush danced across his cheeks and he made his way over to my bed – sitting on the edge.

"Sorry," he said awkwardly scratching the back of his neck.

I snickered poking his cheek, "don't be. I shouldn't have screamed."

"That's not true! You had a nightmare, you had every right to scream. I was just being silly."

I shook my head not speaking. He was wrong, I didn't have any right to scream. I was being an idiot. A privileged idiot. Feeling fear and having dreams that was only proof that I was breathing and I was alive. I clenched my fist, feeling annoyed at myself.

"Do you want to talk about it?" he asked after a while.

I looked over at him, smiling softly at his concern, "Not really."

"Sorry, didn't mean to step over any boundaries. Jax warned me about scaring you away," he grumbled much like a five year old and I laughed lightly.

"That's not it – Jax's an idiot. It's just all nightmares are the same now a days – aren't they? Blood and the dead," I sighed.

"I'm sorry."

I snickered poking him again, "Don't be so serious – what time is it?"

He looked at his watch, "almost two in the morning."

"Shall we hit up the bar then?" I hummed.

His eyes brightened and he jumped up, "Really? Together – like hanging out?"

"Simmer down, aren't you twenty?" I giggled.

He pouted, blushing once again. I slipped out of the bed, ignoring the cold breeze against my sweaty skin. I needed a quick shower if I was going to do any socialising. I smiled slightly at that – happiness pricking in my heart.

Socializing and making friends – that possibility was never an option to me until now. Now, I was part of the town and I could make friends and have a life as close to normal that I could. A normal life in a fenced in town surrounded by a dead world plagued by zoms.

"Give me twenty minutes to get ready," I told him.

He nodded and smiled – it reminded me of a little puppy, "Ok – the bars open until four so we have plenty of time."

"Perfect." I hummed and began to get ready.

Jumping into the shower quickly and scrubbing my body down before giving my hair a quick lather then I jumped back out. I did realize that all my clothing was dark, practical clothing except one pair – a skimpy black crop top, and a pair of high waist gold booty shorts. Would you look at that, Caren is actually useful for something.

Slipping on the outfit and leaving my hair down for once I pulled on my boots and walked out into the living room where Cam was waiting. His eyes grew wide as he skimmed my body – his jaw dropping open. I snickered doing a little spin on my heels.

"So I look ok?" I asked feeling giddy inside.

He cleared his throat, "Uh yeah. Better than the first time you wore that outfit."

My eyes narrowed, and he blushed – looking away. Choosing to ignore his comment I pulled the front door open. He called after me as I stepped out into the chilly night, and Cam followed me. I could tell he was worried that I may be mad at him and I snorted, nudging him with my shoulder.

"Don't worry, I know I looked fucking rough when I arrived," I told him.

He smirked – it reminded me a lot of Jax, "Everyone did when they first arrived. You're not special."

"I'm not special then?"

"T-that's not what I meant!"

I only laughed, rolling my eyes. Tonight was a wonderful night – my dream already long forgotten. Overhead, a storm rumbled in the far, far distance and it lit unsettlement in my stomach. I shook it off – storms no longer had the same effect on me as it did long ago.

I sighed, "Wonderful night."

Cam looked over at me, then nodded, a smile on his face.

"Yeah."

Once we reached the bar I took in how quiet it was tonight. The dim lights glowed faintly around the establishment along with the low pitch of old, country music. Cam and I made our way to one of the many empty tables and I looked around until my eyes fell onto the pool table that was shoved to the back of the bar. There, I could see Caren, Landon a few others dressed in soldier attire and Jax.

"He hangs out with them – for fun?" I gasped lowly to Cam.

The man slowly, followed my gaze then sighed softly.

"It's complicated – what drink do you want?" he hummed.

"Double shot tequila," my responds was automatic and my objective was clear.

I wanted to get completely, and utterly drunk tonight. Reckless actions I didn't have the luxury to atone before. Now, within the safety of my new home there was no greater pleasure. Cam's eyes widened in shock at my request but wordlessly he got up and moved towards the bar itself.

My eyes once again drifted back to the pool table – hard hazel eyes caught mine only to soften. I tore myself away and looked down at the table's surface – drawing shapes gently with my finger as I waited for Cam to get back.

"You know we do have waitresses here?" A voice teased.

I looked up, smiling at Cici, "Cam is capable of getting drinks."

"Never said he wasn't but when you do that I don't get tips," she pouted.

I laughed, eyeing her outfit suspiciously. She wore tight white shorts small enough to qualify as panties, and a white tank that seemed to have been sprayed onto her body. I think she looked much like a scandalous angel – but it didn't surprise me. No doubt men would be tipping her for the outfit alone and not her waitressing skills.

"I gotta get back to the bar – next time wave me down," she giggled.

I saluted her as Cam came back with our drinks, "Yes Ma'am."

He placed the drink in front of me and I knocked it back – enjoying the ebbing, burning sensation that forced itself down my throat. Clearing my throat harshly I then reached for his cup – spiced rum and apple juice. That, I also chugged back.

"Something bothering you?" he asked softly.

I turned my head towards him, concern swirling in his eyes. I could feel my mouth tug down into a frown. It occurred to me that many people drank to forget their problems but I personally didn't understand that.

The control and power you relinquished in order to forget some bad memories or torturing feelings just wasn't worth it. That and, the very act of relinquishing those things such as control and power were luxuries in this time.

"I've never been drunk before, I want to try it."

Already the alcohol was making my tongue move more than it should, not to mention the way it seemed to completely relax my muscles could be described only as magical. He laughed, his concern melting away into a gorgeous, warm smile.

"Should I get more drinks then? Shots this time?" he teased.

I nodded growing serious, "That sounds like a good idea. Skip to it Cammy."

He blinked at me slowly. I flung my fingers out dramatically in a shooing motion. Amusement danced across his features and he pulled himself up and back towards the bar. Honestly we should have just sat at that counter. Or maybe not, I didn't want to be any closer to Landon then I already was.

As he walked away, I noticed Landon's eyes roam the room until they stopped at me. Uh oh. I bit back a smile as he prowled over. Looking over I noticed Jax was now nowhere to be seen, not to mention back at the bar it looked like Cici was yelled at Cam.

"What are you doing here savage?" a sneer.

I turned, Landon's eyes watched me heavily and I blinked confused at the man who stood all too close to my chair. Clearly, he wasn't in charge for his intelligence. A snicker sprang from my lips and it took everything inside me not to double over and laugh at the fool.

"Drinking as one does at a bar," I sang instead.

He took a step towards me as if to threaten, "So it seems. But, that would indicate this was your home and out of all the things this place is to you – you don't belong here. I don't trust you."

I giggled, "But you don't need to. Alana says I could stay and her word is the word."

"Not for long," he hissed, "I want you gone. You're corrupting Jax's mind and fucking with Caren so bad that stupid bitch is actually afraid of you."

I frowned, all amusement inside me gone, "You're not very nice. Away from me I want to join my drinks in peace. Go string a puppy or kick a baby or something."

His eyes narrowed and he leaned towards me. My breath caught as he placed his hand across my body and onto the table. I could feel my eyes growing as wide as saucers as he did so and his hot breathe fanned my nose.

"You know last bitch that spoke to me with such disrespect got thrown into the ground a few feet," he threatened.

"Sounds like you killed him," I whispered, my throat growing dry.

He smiled – not in any pleasing way, "Take it how you will. All I'm saying is you have the same attitude as that old piece of shit Mcgrier and he ended up dead."

And with that he was gone and walking away. I let a small sigh escape my lips and I couldn't shake the feeling that I knew the name Mcgrier from somewhere. But where? And why did Landon's words unsettle me so much?

"Here! Let's get wasted!" Cam's overly chirpy voice dragged me from my thoughts and as soon as he placed three shot glasses in front of me I knew Landon wouldn't float around my mind for much longer. Not that anything would float around my mind for much longer.

I smiled brightly, for tonight I'd indulge into the life of luxury. 

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