The Survivors (Book 2): Autumn by V. L. Dreyer

Author:V. L. Dreyer [Dreyer, V. L.]
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Tags: Zombie Apocalypse
Publisher: V. L. Dreyer
Published: 2014-01-20T05:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

Despite her fragile build, Priyanka didn’t slow us down at all. Since she had no belongings besides her teddy bear, we were back on the road within minutes of her decision to join us. She skipped along beside us as we walked, singing happily to herself in Hindi. Or at least, I presumed it was Hindi. For once, Michael had no insight to offer despite his usual adeptness as a translator.

A couple of times, Priya’s dancing took her so far ahead of us that we almost lost sight of her. Each time, she suddenly panicked when she realised that we weren’t close by, spun around, and came tearing back to us as though afraid we would leave her behind.

We wouldn’t, of course, but I understood that desperate, irrational fear; I had felt it myself on more than one occasion since I joined Michael’s group. Sometimes she latched onto my arm and clung to me like a limpet, but even then I couldn’t bring myself to be annoyed with her. Human beings are innately social creatures, and the fear of rejection is almost as strong as the fear of death. Sometimes, it’s even stronger.

Each time she attached herself to me, I stroked her hair and spoke softly to her until she calmed down again, like you would with a frightened puppy. Her fits of clinginess never lasted for long. Once the latest one had passed and she’d scampered off about her play, I glanced at Michael and found him watching me with amusement.

“What?” I asked, shooting him a smile in return. His expression turned into a grin.

“I think that girl likes you,” he replied, slipping an arm casually around my waist. “I have the sneaking suspicion we won’t be able to have any more romantic interludes on this trip.”

“Oh, I’m sure we’ll think of something,” I replied, reaching up to pat his cheek affectionately. He leaned down to plant a tender kiss on my lips. I closed my eyes for a moment to enjoy the closeness. When I opened them again, I found that Priya had returned, and was watching us closely with her head canted at a curious angle.

Well, this was going to be an uncomfortable conversation. How to you explain the birds and the bees to someone with the social experience of a three-year-old?

“You kissies,” she commented in her childlike manner, looking fascinated by the discovery.

“Sandy is my girlfriend,” Michael explained, heroically leaping to the rescue. “Like your mama and baba.”

“Oh.” The young girl bobbed her head in understanding and smiled broadly. “You have baby?”

“No, not yet. It’s not safe for babies,” Michael answered, shaking his head. “Maybe one day, when it’s safer.”

Priyanka seemed satisfied with that and contentedly skipped off to resume her play. I, on the other hand, found myself all a’fluster. Ever observant, Michael was quick to notice my expression.

“What’s wrong, honey?” he asked, gently drawing me closer against his side as we walked. “You’re blushing.”

“You called me your girlfriend,” I answered, stunned and incredulous.

“Aren’t you my girlfriend?” He frowned at me, an uncertain look in his eye.

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