8. Eliza
8
ELIZA
E liza adjusted the shoulder straps of her backpack, the weight of it digging into her skin as she took a final glance back at Campdale. Would the town that had been her home for so long soon be a fading memory? As she made her way down the dirt cycle path, the city’s edges seemed to blur in the distance. Her heart tightened as images of what she was leaving behind flashed through her mind—the faces of her colleagues, friends, neighbors, and patients would soon be distant memories. That world already seemed so far away as she and River moved east, venturing into the unknown.
River studied the map they’d found in the apartment above the laundromat, frowning as she tried to concentrate. “This is a super old map. I don’t even know if these little roads exist anymore. We can only hope they do. We should head east and then circle back up to the cabin. It’ll take about a week if we follow these cycle paths…maybe more, but it’s safer this way. We’ll avoid the more dangerous territories.”
Eliza nodded, trusting River’s judgment. “If it keeps us alive, it’s totally worth the extra time.”
The first day passed in a blur of dusty roads and quiet, almost cheerful conversation. The route had been surprisingly peaceful so far, with the only sounds coming from the rustle of leaves and the occasional birdsong. It seemed the infected were gathered in the city, and hadn’t yet wandered out into the wilderness.
“Oh my God,” said Eliza, feeling her spirits lift a little. “It’s so wonderful to hear the birds. They haven’t got a clue what’s going on. I guess nothing’s changed for them.”
But as evening approached, fatigue began to set in, and they both knew they needed to find shelter before nightfall.
They came across an abandoned farmhouse just as the sun started to dip below the horizon. The structure was weathered and worn, but it stood sturdy against the elements.
“This place looks about three hundred years old, doesn’t it?” said Eliza, secretly wishing they were booking into a five-star hotel for the night. “Would wishing for hot running water and a soak in the tub be too much to ask, do you think?”
River pushed open the creaky door, revealing a surprisingly intact interior. It wasn’t much, but it was enough.
“A hot bath might not be on the menu, but this’ll do for the night,” River said, her voice echoing in the open space. “Let me do a quick sweep for walkers. You never know.”
Eliza nodded in agreement, setting down her pack with a relieved sigh. “It’s…well, I guess ‘perfect’ isn’t quite the word I’m looking for, but I’m happy we found this place.”
While Eliza ventured outside and gathered wood for a fire, River rummaged through the kitchen and found some old pots and pans. Before long, the farmhouse was filled with the warm glow of a fire, and the smell of a hot meal wafted through the air.
“I can’t believe you’ve managed all this. How did you do it? Talk about Jesus turning water into wine. River has turned thin air into soup!” Eliza laughed, giving River an admiring look at the same time.
“I found wild garlic outside, nettles, dandelion leaves, and some old tins of potatoes and beans in the wood store,” she replied with a grin.
“How old?” asked Eliza, a hint of concern coloring her voice.
“Don’t worry. They’re a couple years out of date, but they’ll be fine,” River replied with a teasing smile. “Canned food lasts a lifetime. I’m not sure how good it’ll taste, but we need something hot and nutritious. This is the best I could come up with.”
They ate in silence, savoring the warmth of the food. After a couple days of grainy protein bars and not much else, the hot stew felt like a luxury, and Eliza couldn’t help but giggle a little as she took another bite.
River caught her gaze, a small smile playing on her lips. “It feels amazing to have a real meal like this, with not a single zombie in sight.”
Eliza nodded, her heart swelling with gratitude. “It really does. Thank you, River. For everything. I can’t believe it.”
River’s eyes lingered on Eliza’s for a moment longer than necessary. “You don’t have to thank me. We’re in this together, right? You got the firewood.”
“Sure, but that’s all I could do. I don’t have a clue how to light a fire or forage for food. I’m not much of a girl scout,” Eliza said, shrugging her shoulders and tilting her head gently to one side.
“You’re learning fast, doc,” River said as she tucked her hair behind her ear.
“Hey, River? I have a small request. I’m not too keen on the whole ‘doc’ thing, okay? It makes you sound kinda like Bugs Bunny.”
“Ha! Bugs Bunny? You’re older than I thought, Eliza.”
After dinner, Eliza watched as River disappeared behind the farmhouse. Her curiosity was piqued.
What is she up to now?
She leaned against the doorway, exhaustion weighing on her, but she couldn’t help but feel a flutter of interest as she waited to see what River was up to.
A few moments later, River reappeared, dragging something behind her. It was an old, battered tub, its metal sides streaked with rust and dirt from years of neglect. Eliza raised an eyebrow, watching as River examined it thoughtfully, running her fingers over the rough surface.
What the heck is she doing with that old thing? Eliza wondered, intrigued by the focused look on River’s face.
River set the tub down with a grunt of effort, then moved with purpose toward the old stone well near the farmhouse. Eliza’s eyes followed her as she hauled up a heavy bucket of water, her muscles straining with the effort. River clearly didn’t mind the hard work.
Eliza’s breath caught as she watched River pour the cold well water over the tub and scrub at it with a rag she’d found in the kitchen. The sight of River working so intently, sweat beading on her brow, sent an unexpected warmth through Eliza’s entire body. She’d come to truly admire River’s resilience over the last few days. Still, there was something about this small act of care, this effort to create comfort in the middle of what had so far been a pretty harrowing journey, that made her heart ache in a way she hadn’t anticipated.
When the tub was as clean as it was going to get, River paused to take a deep breath, her eyes glancing up to meet Eliza’s. A small, triumphant smile tugged at the corners of her lips, and Eliza found herself grinning back, her exhaustion momentarily forgotten.
“So, what’s the plan here?” Eliza asked, her voice soft, not wanting to break River’s focus.
River wiped her brow with the back of her hand. “I figured we could use a bath. It’s been a while. I thought it might help us relax a little. I’m going to heat up some water, add a little soap…it’s not much, but it’s something.”
Eliza’s heart jolted. The idea of a bath, of washing away the grime and tension of their journey, sounded like heaven. “That sounds more than amazing. I don’t know what to say.”
“You don’t have to say anything,” River replied gently. “Just let me take care of it.”
Eliza nodded, falling silent again as she watched River drag the tub inside, positioning it near the lit fireplace. River moved with quiet efficiency, gathering several large pots and filling them with water before placing them over the fire to heat. The scent of burning wood mingled with the rising steam was, in Eliza’s opinion, a true luxury.
“I feel guilty watching you do all this work,” Eliza said, looking down at her feet. “Can’t I help? You seem to be doing everything around here. I can’t just sit around being waited on hand and foot.”
“Are you kidding? I love doing this stuff. This is what I was born to do. This is what my life up in the forest was supposed to be. Also, you’re kinda doing me a big favor. How many people would follow a stranger into the woods to save their father during the outbreak of a zombie apocalypse?”
Eliza smiled, sat down on the dusty sofa, and allowed herself to enjoy the sight of River moving around the room, her every action filled with quiet purpose. There was strength in River’s movements, and a calm assurance that made Eliza feel safe in a way she hadn’t felt in a long time.
River rummaged through one of the old kitchen cabinets and emerged with a small bar of soap that she held up with a grin. “I knew it! I found some soap. I’m not sure how good it is after all these years, but I reckon it should do the trick.”
Eliza chuckled, her heart lifting at the sight of River’s playful expression. “It’ll be perfect,” she agreed.
River set the soap aside for the moment, focusing on pouring the heated water into the tub. Steam rose in lazy tendrils as the hot water mixed with the cold well water, creating a swirling pool of warmth. River took her time, dipping her elbow in the water to make sure the temperature was just right, before finally picking up the soap and rubbing it between her hands, working it into a thick lather. She let the soap fall into the water, swirling it around with her hand until the surface was covered in a layer of frothy bubbles.
Eliza gasped. “Wow. It’s such a simple thing, a bath, but right now, that looks better than anything I’ve ever imagined.”
River straightened up, wiping her hands on her pants before turning to Eliza with a satisfied smile. “All done. Ready when you are.”
Eliza nodded, already starting to unbutton the shirt she’d picked up at the laundromat. “Thank you so much. This is…it’s exactly what I needed.”
River flashed her a gentle smile, a hint of something in her eyes that made Eliza’s pulse quicken. “You deserve it,” River said quietly. “Honestly, you’ve no idea how grateful I am to you.”
Eliza hesitated, her hands pausing on the buttons of her shirt. “Listen, I’ll make it real quick so you can have a turn too,” she offered. “I don’t want to hog it all evening.”
But River stepped closer, her gaze holding Eliza’s with an intensity that made her heart flutter. “Or,” she suggested, her voice dropping to a low, husky tone, “we could share.”
Eliza’s heart thudded in her chest. The idea of sharing the bath with River, of being that close to her, sent a thrill through her that she couldn’t quite suppress.
What’s going on here? What is she suggesting? And why am I about to agree to this?
Eliza could clearly read the intent in the younger woman’s eyes. She felt her nerves melt away, replaced by a growing sense of excitement.
“Share?” Eliza echoed, her voice barely more than a whisper.
River nodded as she reached out to gently brush her fingers along Eliza’s jawline. “The tub is big enough for both of us, and it would save me having to heat a load of water again. I think the two of us could slip into the water and…get cozy for a while. What do you say? I can keep my undies on if you don’t dig the naked thing.”
Eliza didn’t know what to think. The buzz she’d felt like a surge of electricity when River touched her had sent her into a state of confusion. The scent of lavender from the bubbles and the soft glow of the fire all combined to create a heady mix of sensations that made her want to say yes to anything River suggested.
“I think…that sounds perfect. And I don’t mind naked,” Eliza finally replied, her voice trembling.
With that, River stepped back, giving Eliza space to finish undressing. Eliza’s movements were slow and deliberate, her fingers fumbling slightly as she shed her clothes. When she was finally bare, she glanced over at River, who was watching her with an expression that sent a shiver of desire through her.
River quickly removed her own clothes, her eyes not once leaving Eliza’s. The sight of River’s firm, lean body made Eliza’s mouth go dry, and she had to force herself to breathe as River took her hand and guided her to the tub.
The warmth of the water enveloped them as they stepped in together, the bubbles clinging to their skin as they settled into the bath’s comforting embrace. Eliza leaned back against the cool metal of the tub, the tension in her muscles melting away as the heat soaked into her bones.
Oh, wow. This is amazing.
River’s hand found hers under the water, their fingers intertwining as they sat in comfortable silence for a moment. Eliza closed her eyes, but she could still feel River’s gaze on her. It was like a sixth sense. When she opened her eyes again and looked up, she found River watching her with such an intense, unspoken emotion that it took her breath away.
“You’re honestly gorgeous. I think you’re the most beautiful person I’ve ever met, inside and out,” River said, her voice soft and gentle, almost hesitant.
A blush rose to Eliza’s cheeks as she smiled shyly. “I never thought I’d say this, but…so are you, River. You’re so pretty…so cute…you’re lovely,” she whispered, her free hand reaching up to touch River’s face, her fingers brushing lightly over her skin.
River leaned into the touch, her eyes closing briefly as if savoring every precious second of what was happening between them. When she opened them again, there was something more profound, more urgent in the way she looked at Eliza. Without another word, she leaned forward, her lips capturing Eliza’s in a kiss that was soft at first, but quickly deepened into something more passionate and primal.
The entire room faded away as they lost themselves in each other, the bath becoming a cocoon of intimacy. River’s hands roamed over Eliza’s body, her touch leaving trails of fire in its wake. The water rippled around them as they moved closer, their bodies pressing together in a dance that felt inevitable.
I need to stop this…I don’t want to stop this.
Eliza looked straight into River’s eyes as she pulled back and gasped for breath. “River, I?—”
But before she could finish, River’s hand slipped under the water and brushed gently across Eliza’s labia. She knew exactly what she wanted. The touch sent a jolt through Eliza, her nipples hardening immediately. Without thinking, she leaned in, her lips meeting River’s in a kiss that was urgent with her unspoken desire for this vibrant and charming soul. She didn’t know if she should stop, but this was the best thing she’d felt in days, maybe even years.
The kiss was a catalyst, igniting something that Eliza knew had been smoldering between them for days. Eliza’s fingers traced the lines of River’s athletic form as she pressed her clit against River’s fingers, the water sloshing around them as they moved. River’s other hand roamed over Eliza’s back, pulling her closer until there was no space left between them.
They moved together in a frantic dance as River pushed two fingers deep inside of Eliza.
Oh…this feels incredible. I can’t believe we’re doing this.
The water splashed over the sides of the tub as Eliza gave in to her overwhelming need for River’s rough hands. Eliza gasped as River gripped her hips, guiding her movements as she fucked her harder and deeper. Eliza moaned and grabbed the side of the bath. Even if a walker bolted through the door right now, she didn’t think it could stop the pressure building in her core. Her body tensed as River’s lips met hers and the deepest orgasm she’d ever felt erupted through her entire body.
“River…you just made me come. Oh, God. I’ve never come so fast… fuck ,” Eliza cried out, panting to try to catch her breath.
River laughed. “I know. Your face when you come is…it’s like nothing I’ve ever seen before. Fuck. I liked that. I like you .”
“Really? Like what? Like weird or something?” Eliza replied, her breathing still ragged as she clung to River.
“Not at all. Jesus. Just watching you come like that was the biggest turn-on. You’re fucking hot. Are you sure you’ve never been even slightly into women? You seem pretty gay right now.” River laughed.
Eliza rested her head on River’s firm breasts, her heart still pounding as she tried to make sense of the whirlwind of emotions that consumed her. She’d never felt anything like this before, this intense connection that went beyond mere physical attraction. It was as if she’d found something she had no idea she’d been searching for. She laughed softly.
“No, never.”
River’s fingers traced lazy circles on her back, her touch now gentle. “Are you feeling okay? You’re not saying much,” she asked, her voice a soft rumble that vibrated against Eliza’s cheek.
Eliza nodded, a contented sigh escaping her lips. “I really am. I’m…more than okay.”
They eventually climbed out of the tub, the chill of the air making Eliza shiver as she dried off. River found an old, threadbare blanket in one of the cupboards, and they curled up together on the worn-out couch in front of the dying embers in the hearth.
As they lay there, wrapped in the blanket, Eliza couldn’t help but feel a surprising sense of peace. The world outside had turned into a living nightmare, but tonight she felt safe, anchored by the warmth of River’s body next to hers. The doors and windows were barricaded with every piece of furniture they’d found. River had even laid out old cans and bottles that would make noise if they were knocked over by anything entering.
“Thank you,” she murmured under her breath, not really daring to say what she so desperately wanted to. “I feel like…like I owe you an orgasm, but I don’t know how. I don’t know what to do.”
River pressed a kiss to her forehead, her arms tightening around her. “You don’t have to think about that right now. That’s not how this works. I’m not a man. And do you know what? When the time comes, I know you’ll be a natural. The way you kiss me…and touch me…I know you know exactly what you’re doing. But for tonight, making you come was more than enough for me.”
A natural ? The words echoed in her mind as Eliza snuggled closer to River, letting the heat of River’s body lull her into a deep sleep.