Justin nodded. “I know another way we can go, if we can’t get through that way.” Henry began the slow climb down the stairs again, careful not to slip on the sludge of decay that was oozing all around the true deads. They made it to the bottom without incident.
Henry led them into the corridor. His muscles and joints were really starting to ache. He shook it off for the time being. The hallway seemed to be clear so he signaled everyone to advance. The bat was ready for action, resting on Henry’s shoulder.
He stole a glance around the corner. Holding up his hand, he held up three fingers indicating there were three undeads. Nick walked up to Henry. They nodded at each other, and Nick jumped out and shot all three of them. The outside door was at the end of the hall. Knowing it was a straight shot to the door, Henry said just above a whisper, “Let’s haul ass.”
All of them sprinted toward the door. Henry pushed it open and pulled the shirt from his nose and mouth. He bent over, catching his breath, grabbing his ribs. He dropped to his knees because the pain had become unbearable.
“Henry?” Nick knelt down in front of him and saw that his eyes were graying. He whispered, “I’ll drive. Let’s go. We need to get you back now.” Nick dug around in Henry’s pockets and pulled his keys out.
“Is he okay?” Justin looked stunned.
“He will be,” Nick said. “He just needs to rest. He’s been injured for a while and is still in the process of healing.” Supporting Henry, Nick led the crew back toward the truck.
“Broken ribs?” Rosa asked.
“Not one hundred percent sure. But it was a nasty injury, and it’s been a difficult recovery since we always seem to be fighting or running.” Nick unlocked the truck and helped Henry into the passenger seat. Rosa, Julianna, and Shay sat in the back seat. Thomas and Justin jumped into the very back.
“I can’t believe this,” Rosa whispered. “I never thought we would get out of there.” Justin put his hand on her shoulder, and she reached up to his hand and held it. She was in awe that she was really going home.
“Hurry, Nick,” Henry grumbled. He laid his head up against the window, hugging his ribs. Nick started the truck and threw it into drive. He floored it, and they left that school parking lot like a bat out of hell. Nick had to get Henry back before he was in real danger of turning. Then he realized his neck and spine were aching, as well. He pushed the truck harder, hoping that they would make it.
Chapter 36
O
nce again, I put my big girl panties on and forced myself off the couch, only to continually pace the floor. It seemed like hours since they had left. That was the moment I wished I had a working watch. Not that counting the seconds would’ve been helpful, either.
Addie was crocheting like a wild woman. I wasn’t sure what she was making, but she surely was making good use of her time. Unlike me, who was wearing a path in her floor.
Claire had gone up to lay down in bed, her fatigue catching up to her. I had a feeling she was just feeling guilty for the way she had been acting, too. I decided that I should go and check on her.
I knocked on the door. “Come in,” Claire said, barely audible. I opened the door with some hesitation.
“Hey.”
“Hey.”
“Can we talk?”
“Yeah.” Claire sat up in bed. Her eyes were puffy and her cheeks were tear-stained. I could see the remorse just pouring off of her. I sat down on the end of the bed, not saying anything for several minutes. I sat there and tried to form my thoughts together into logical, sarcasm-free sentences.
“I just want to say that I understand you’re worried and full of fear, but don’t push us all away. We all love you, and we want to help you. We don’t think you will be a burden. I’m not saying it won’t be difficult because it’s going to be like going into hell with an iced beverage and expecting it to remain chilled.” I sighed. “My point is, we want to be here for you, and we want to help you. You are my best friend, and I can’t live without you...” My last words faded as I said them. I continued to look at the door of the bedroom, hoping Henry would burst through at any moment. Claire got up and wrapped her arms around me.
“What if the baby is like him?” she whispered.
“I don’t know. Henry said it doesn’t work that way. It has to be a blood/saliva mix from them,” I whispered. We heard a vehicle pull into Addie’s driveway. I jumped up and yelled, “Henry!”
Claire and I ran out into the living room, as Addie swung open the door and we all sprinted out. She screamed with joy when she saw a girl, who must have been Rosa, open the door and jump out. They embraced each other, sobbing and collapsing to the ground. I looked back at the truck, and Nick jumped out of the driver’s side.