Chapter 51
Jordan
Helena and I spend our time awkwardly sizing each other up, though we both know neither will attack.
It’s been incredibly weird; neither of us really want to be spending this much time with the other, but neither have anywhere to go.
Besides, this building is directly across from Kate’s zone, and I refuse to put any more distance between us.
This is not how I want to spend my time.
We swap symptoms, noting how similar our infections are: the virus speaks to both of us, though hers is quieter, less in control. She’s felt the urge to infect others, but has never been compelled to act on it.
She sits on the floor, legs underneath her, seeming to settle into the quiet while I pace back and forth. I’d prefer to be anywhere but here, but being close to Kate is my priority.
My mind is constantly on Kate—how her work is going, what she’s thinking. If she misses me.
Why couldn’t I just pull myself together and be vulnerable about my feelings for her? All I had to do was push my own insecurities aside and be honest.
I love her. I don’t want anything else but to be with her.
Once she’s back in my arms, I’ll tell her. I have to.
Gunshots ring out in the distance, drawing our attention. I slide over to the window, hoping to find the source.
“I haven’t seen raiders over here,” Helena comments. More shots fill the air, making my body tense. “Maybe it’s from the zone?”
Moments later, survivors start rushing from the building, racing across the grass in different directions. It looks like utter chaos.
We need to get to Kate, the beast demands. Without thinking twice, I’m rushing to the exit.
“Where are you going?” I hear Helena ask. “You can’t go into the zone! They’ll kill you.”
I throw over my shoulder, “I have more important things to worry about,” before bursting through the door, heading down the stairs and into the night.