Apocalypse Fighter

Chapter 28 - Strangers

Until that moment, it seemed nobody had realized how much Anthony was motivated to stay alive by the memory of his son. 

Lately, Anthony had been frustrated because every time he thought about his son, it got harder and harder to picture his face. That was until he held Steven Williams in his arms, and suddenly his son’s face appeared in his mind, as clearly as though he were right in front of him.  

The longer he held Steven Williams in his arms, the more he felt like Steven Miles. The baby was peaceful, reaching up to touch Anthony’s face with a big smile. 

Seeing this obviously scary man being so vulnerable with her child, Mary didn’t worry any longer. She could feel that he already loved her son with his whole heart, and he would never hurt her baby.

“Richard, I don’t know why you’re doing this, but I am good at reading people. I can feel that you are sincere about this. Let me get the vaccines by myself, I’ll bring them here tomorrow afternoon. And you don’t have to worry about John Smith, I will make sure your family is safe. 

With that, Anthony looked at Steven one last time, then gave him back to Mary and turned away. 

July 1st was always a day in the year that felt full of energy. Birds were busy picking up tree branches to make nests or calling out for their mates. People too were enjoying the summer, full of love and hope. Creatures of all kinds were enjoying the sweet days and nights, mainly because no one had yet discovered that a mysterious meteor was on its way to earth. Just a few hours later, that meteor would come hit and Earth would become a living hell.

Richard looked up at the blue sky, his eyes as deep and calm as the sky itself. Those precious moments of peace would soon be over. The future was unpredictable and he had tried his best to prepare. Ultimately though, a lot would still come down to luck.

Satisfied, Richard went downstairs to greet the guests that were gathering to celebrate the birth of his son. They were all Richard and Mary’s classmates from university. Henry Pope, Janet Dudley, Lily Sawyer, Lily’s boyfriend Wayne Paige, Thomas Jacob, his girlfriend Rose Hilton, and a few others. Including Richard’s family, there were thirteen people in the living room. 

When the clock hit 11:00 am, Richard lifted his hands up to get everyone’s attention and said, “Today we hold this party for my son, Steven. Thanks to everybody here. But…” 

Richard looked at fat Henry and all the others until he saw each person drink the champagne he had selected. Then he slowly continued, “but I believe some of you came here out of curiosity. I’ve spent a lot of money lately on my family, and I rented this luxury villa here in the Villa Zone. Some of you in the past have maybe wondered whether I am good enough for Mary. You’ve certainly made your feelings clear on that one Henry.” 

“We trust you! You are happy, right Mary? You’re probably pregnant again aren’t you?” Janet Dudley said jokingly. Everyone was laughing, except for Henry, who looked rather dissatisfied, angrily draining his glass of wine in one gulp. 

“Ha-ha, well thanks for your good wishes, I think. We do want another baby, but…”

Richard was smiling and talking when a man and woman entered the room. 

“Hello, Richard. Where was my invite for this important celebration? Am I not good enough?”

“What… Vera?” 

Everyone stared at each other in surprise. It was an awkward situation and no one wanted to say a word.

Vera was Richard’s ex-girlfriend and Mary’s love rival from their university days. She walked confidently towards Richard. 

“Richard, Long time no see. Still, remember me?”

Vera was a tall, elegant woman with short black hair that perfectly framed her gorgeous face. Looking at her, Richard had to admit that she was even more beautiful than he remembered. She had always been that way; very attractive and pretty, but quite high maintenance.  

“Of course. Have a seat please.”

Vera reached out a hand for Richard to help her into the chair, but Richard pretended not to notice, instead wrapping his arm tighter around Mary’s side. 

“You are still the same, so cold to me. Are you afraid of me Richard?”

Then, Vera turned slowly towards Mary.

“And my dear Mary, it has been a long time hasn’t it? I didn’t expect that you would have a child! This jade pendant is my gift for him. Please take it, or I might lose my temper.”

“Vera… we… we cannot accept your gift.”

Vera had always had this imposing voluptuous way about her, while Mary was kind and more reserved. At university, Mary had followed Vera around, always waiting for her outgoing friend to make the first move. 

Now, seeing Vera hand over the glittering pendant, Mary had no idea what to do and turned to Richard for help.