MORTUUS

CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE

She asked, through clenched teeth.

I wasn't entirely sure what she meant but I remembered Jay and Ray's conversation about the Rabid Zombie who eluded them. I figured that was what she was talking about. "No, I don't think so."

"Well, I hope they do. I have a few things I would like to teach them." She muttered and walked towards the table with the items she needed and taking a handful of cotton wool, she poured a substantial amount of the liquid then she went around and began applying it on the back of my head.

"This would sort of melt the dried up blood that way Melvin would be able to work on this better, I really hope he can save your hair," she said.

She had flipped most of my hair forward so as I tried to speak some of them got into my mouth. "How bad is it?"

"Not as terrible as your arm but bad enough," she sighed. I figured she didn't want to tell me more so I didn't pester. I just concentrated on if I could feel what she was doing but I was getting nothing.

"You know," she started to speak again. "Normally, this would hurt like a motherfucker."

Well, I'm glad it doesn't, I wanted to say but decided not to. I wasn't a big fan of pain but now I couldn't feel anything or anyone, I didn't think it was a fair trade.

"All done!" She announced proudly and from the sound of her voice I could tell she thought she did a great job. "Now hurry along to Melvin, he'll know just what to do. He is just down the hall," but she was pointing upwards. However, I had seen the direction he took so I knew I shouldn't have a problem finding his office.

"Thank you," I said to her as I lifted my arm off the table.

"No, don't thank me." She replied between a little chuckle and a giggle. I wasn't sure.

Then I forced myself up, my body obeyed but I completely forgot I was supposed to constantly give it commands as I could no longer do that unconsciously. So, as soon as I stood to my feet I began to fall forward.

Thankfully, Karen noticed on time and was able to stop my fall by putting her hands out and grabbing me. "I am so sorry," she said in a rush. "I don't know how I completely forgot you haven't mastered that yet."

"Nah, it's no problem. I would probably learn by the time I land on my face enough times." I murmured and giggled, it was my idea of a joke but Karen looked mortified.

"That's a terrible idea. I doubt Melvin would be able to fix it if you broke your nose and granted your bones are probably stronger than they have ever been because of the virus but do not try that."

I laughed awkwardly wanting to scratch my head but then I remembered that she just went to work on it, I doubted she would be pleased.

She took my right hand and held it as she helped me out of the office. Whenever I tumbled, she quickly righted me. "Carrying you would be faster but this would at least give you a hang of it, don't worry you'll go through training on how to use your limps."

"Carrying me?" I asked in horror. I didn't think she has that strength though she had no issue catching when I wanted to fall and from the way she easily righted me each time, I could tell she had some atom of strength.

She laughed, "Yeah, I do have the strength to but you shouldn't worry yourself about all that now. For now, focus on getting all cleaned up." With that, we came to a stop in front of Melvin's office.

Karen knocked, maybe a little too loudly as I had it grit my teeth because of the unexpected loud sound. "What do you want?" Melvin yelled as he pulled the door open right on our faces.

"Pipe down!" Karen replied. "She's all your. You might want to take her, she's not great at walking so well yet."

Melvin glanced at Karen and then looked at me. He opened the door wider and when he was sure it wouldn't close on him, he walked closer to me and took my other hand, completely ignoring Karen.

I knew I said he was short before but now that he was right next to me, I saw how short he was. I had at least half a foot on him and I wasn't the tallest. Last I checked, I barely made it to five feet, six inches.

I tried to keep my surprise in, it would be rude for it to be written all over my face. Karen on the other hand wasn't having it especially since he just blatantly ignored her.

"Are you sure you can handle it? We don't want you tripping on your little legs. I could totally help."

Melvin didn't even flinch, "That's too low even from you. I know you're bored. I'll come to keep you company later." He slammed the door in her face and even through the closed door I could hear her loud gasp, followed by grumpy footsteps. She wasn't the least bit pleased.

"So, Raquel. How may I help you?" He asked after placing me on a chair. I frowned unsure how to answer his question. He laughed, "I am just kidding. Let me see your arm." I could never get used to his voice, it still shocked me every time I heard it.

I was surprised at how unnerved and unfazed he seemed by Karen's words. I wonder if it was a constant thing. I didn't think Karen was a meanie and besides, it wasn't my business to pry but I couldn't help but feel both of them enjoyed the drama.

I lifted my arm to give him a full view of it. He took it and studied it. He chuckled as he stared. "As always she did a great job. Alright then," he suddenly called dropping my arm. "I shouldn't have a problem with that, it's your face however that's troubling me." He sighed.