Broken Dreams(26)

“Does it matter?”

“No, I suppose it doesn’t.” I opened the top and just about drained it. I choked a little once I felt the fire rise in my throat. “Holy shit! Tequila?” I coughed.

“Careful. It will kill ya’. Now move along and follow Henry. I’ve got the back.” I tipped back the flask again, this time emptying it, wiped my mouth with my arm, and handed it back to him. I know…really girly, right?





Chapter 3





M





y feet felt like they were lead weights. Maybe it was just Henry’s boots. It was so hard to walk past all of my true dead family and friends. I tried not to look and stay cool. Again, I managed to get past my father without dropping to my knees by his side. I felt terrible leaving him there, but what was I supposed to do?

Henry unlocked the truck and Nick stood guard while we hopped in. Claire and Nate were pretty petite so the three of them fit perfectly in the back. Henry started the truck and turned the radio on. Nothing, not even tones. Dead air. He looked at me and shut it off.

It was a quiet ride back to Henry’s place. Undead activity was high, but we needed to get to safety and not use any more ammunition.

“I’m going to park out front where I left the limo. That way, we can get away quickly if need be. I don’t want to risk going back in the garage. Too many places for the undeads to sneak up on us.”

“Do you think someone will steal it?” I asked.

Henry shrugged. “Maybe.” I hoped not. “Alright. Are we ready? I will lead. Then Elaina, Nate, and Claire. Nick, you cover behind us. Everyone hurry, but remain calm.”

“What are we, in kindergarten? Single file…boy, girl?” Nick mumbled.

“Nick, can it, would you? I’m sure he has a reason.”

“I don’t really. I just felt like being bossy again.” I smirked at Henry and he winked at me. Even though I didn’t know who he truly was, I still loved him. I knew it didn’t make sense, but my Henry had to be in that body somewhere.



***



We made it up to Henry’s apartment without incident. He unlocked the door and waved us all in, then locked the door behind him.

“Damn…nice place.” I was shocked that Nick actually complimented him since their relationship had been mostly touch-and-go from the beginning. They got along, for the most part. Only for my sake, though.

Henry hit the light switch and nothing happened. Perfect, I thought. There was a collective groan throughout the group.

“Thanks, but I can’t take credit for it. I bought it furnished. The only furniture that’s mine is that trunk.” Claire, Henry, and I looked at one another and smirked. I was trying to block out all my emotions. I was hoping a little of my humor would be a good mask.

“What’s so funny?” Nate didn’t look amused. He stood there with his hands on his skinny hips.

“Nothing. Never mind.” Henry put his gun down on the dining room table. We all followed behind him. “Alright, a couple of rules. Do not open the door for anyone. Try not to be too loud. There’s plenty of food and water here, for now. Eat something to keep up your energy. We are in for a long journey together.” He was rattling off rules like we were children at camp.

“Claire gets the spare room, Nick and Nate can flip a coin for the couch. I’m going to go make a call in our bedroom.” He put his arm around me when he said that. “Hopefully, I can still get through. Feel free to fight over the shower. The towels are in the cupboard in the bathroom.”

“Our bedroom?” I was a bit curious, seeing as that was only the second time that I had actually been inside his apartment. I had never even been in his bedroom, besides changing out of my dress.

“Yeah. I think of it as ours.”

“Okay.” I shrugged and headed down the hall to the shower. I yelled as I walked away, “By the way, I call the shower first.”

Without me realizing it, Henry walked in the bathroom behind me while I turned on the shower. I jumped when I turned around and he was standing there. “Jesus, Henry. What?”

“I have a master bath. You can use it, if you wish.”

“No. I’m good.” He still stood there, staring at me. “Is there something else?”

“I just wanted to look at my beautiful bride again. Alone.”

“In case you missed what happened today, we aren’t married. And we aren’t exactly alone.” He cupped my face with his right hand and rubbed my cheek with his thumb.

“I know, but you are beautiful, and you are still my bride-to-be.” That was my Henry. A soft smile crossed my lips.

I looked over in the mirror and saw nothing but a blood-speckled face, dirt, and an unintentional messy up-do. I pursed my lips. “I think I left my beauty back at the church, before this shit started.”