21 Days

VIII: The Manor

   The five of them arrived at Nina’s base by 9 o’clock in the evening.

                The road that leads to where the base was remote and directs to the area where there is less population. The students the truck have been carrying all fell asleep and was woken up by the sound of a large gate being opened. Voices followed and then the truck came into a halt.

                “They’re back.” A man’s voice sounded from the outside.

                Ethan and Jay exchanged look the moment the truck stopped. Maybe it has become their nature to be always on alert seeing that situations could happen unexpectedly. Ethan’s shoulder remained tensed seeing that they were unsure of the situation they’re in. His eyes wandered in the darkened area where they’re at and saw boxes and other supplies they helped with loading earlier.

                Jay woke the others up and soon, Seven appeared to roll up the tarp covering the back truck. They were blinded by the lights coming from the nearby post but soon adjusted and saw that they were in a safe place away from the city.

                “Let’s go.” Seven said and they all hopped out of the truck.  

                Everyone’s mouth was agape when they realized where they’re at. It was a wide manor made with modernized design. There was a pink car parked on the gigantic area where they’re at and two more of those military trucks parked in the same area. There were two people carrying heavy guns looking at them. One was a woman and the other was a man. They were looking at the students with suspicious eyes but were not saying anything.  

                “Who are these people?” one person asked. It was a woman with blonde hair in pig tails. She wore a tight leader long sleeved cropped top and vinyl shorts. She also wore black boots that extends to her knees and has a gun holstered on her waist.

                Her eyes lit up by the sight of Jake and the scowl on her face quickly disappeared.

                “Hey cutie. So what’s your name?” she said flashing her eyes after linking his arms with him.

                “Stop bothering them Ava.” Seven approached; shoving the catty girl’s face away from the students she was harassing.

                “You are so mean, Seven. That’s why I can’t like you.” She said with a pout, thumping her foot the moment and making a sulking face.

                “No one asks to be liked by you.” Seven said “Follow Nicky. He’s going to lead you to the washroom.”

                “Let’s go.” Nicky said as everyone follows.

                Seven was also at their tail. He finally removed his gas mask and took a heavy sigh as he walked behind the six of them.

                On the other hand, Brenna approached Nina and threw her a dirty glare.

                “Hey. You.” She pointed out.

                “What?” Nina asked raising her brows.

                “You took them because they’re cute right?” Ava said to where Nina rolled her eyes.

                “I took them because they need help. You should not worry. No one’s infected. They’re safe.” She said as she took a box out of the truck. “You should be helping us here, ya know.”

                Ava made a hump noise and crossed her arms on her chest instead.

                “Who do you think owns this place?” he said clicking her tongue.

                It was Ava Mills’ family’s rest house. She was at the mall when the uproar in the city started and it was Nina who attempted to steal her car back then so she could drive to safety. Nicky of course was with her but Ava managed to spot what those two were doing and since it left her with no other choice, she let them come with her. Seven was a different story. Just as Ava was about to step on the gas, she saw this cute guy in his uniform and opened the door for him. Their condo was not a good location so Ava decided to drive at their isolated mansion and has been staying there since. She even thought that wearing the same clothing style as Harley Quinn would give her the strength when in fact; she would just scream and shriek when she sees those disgusting things approaching her.

                She hasn’t been in contact with her parents in Hong Kong whose last call made it through that time the uproar started.

---

                Nicky brought Ethan, Jean and Jay in the room he’ sharing with Seven and borrowed some robes for the three of them so they could take a shower. On the other hand, Seven brought Sunny and Jake on the spare room next to where Nicky and the others was and allowed them to use the room.

                Seven gave them robes as well and Jake was the first one to take the shower. The moment the warm drops touched his skin, he can’t help his tears from spilling. He started sobbing quietly underneath the warm shower and wondering how his family has been doing. Both of his parents were working in a local medical facility in New York as scientists. They were barely home and because of that, Jake had to depend on himself as he’s growing up. That day, his parents drove him by the car on his first day. Least did he know that it would be the last they he’s going to spend time with them. Despite being treated as a nobody at school, he was happy to have spent some time with his parents.

                Jake wiped his face after his shower and slapped his cheeks as to pretend that the heat was the one responsible making his face turn redder than usual. He put on the robe and discarded the uniform he’s been wearing to the trash bag Seven gave them.

                When he made it outside, Sunny was eating some pizza that nestled on the table and was drinking a can of coke. Seven was watching the view from the outside, coke and pizza on hand as well. The moment he saw Jake walk out of the bathroom, he offered him some.

                Sunny took the opportunity to have a bath next as Jake sat on the couch located inside the room. There was another couch opposite to it and Seven sat there. In front of them was the fireplace but it was off.

                “Have some.” Seven handed him a can of soda and Jake opened it with a hiss.

                “Thanks.” Jake said.

                “I’ve got some spare clothes but it was on the other room.” Seven informed. “I don’t know if they were your style though.”

                “Who cares about style right now?” Jake said and Seven just smirked.

                “Of course.” He said and bit on his pizza. “Sorry for pointing guns at you guys. We just have to be wary who we associate with. We’d lost some people because of saving them not knowing if they were infected or not.”

                “I’m sorry.” Jake said and Seven only shrugged.

                “Everyone else is sorry.” Seven said. “If it’s not because of the others, I might’ve died as well.”

                Jake looked at Seven, his eyes still looking at the empty windows.

                “It’s depressing isn’t it? But what can we do?” Jake said.

                “We can do something. Survive maybe.” Seven chuckled. “I just find it funny. All I remember was slacking the day off because I hate being at school and now I’m killing people. Maybe they were already dead but they were still human before. Even if the world was sad for me then, it was happy for the others and it is fine. It’s nothing like this. We’ve got people in our homes when we return, warm food on the table. Now, none of those exists anymore.”

                “You’re right. I still wonder why I’m surviving this one.” Jake said, chuckling to himself.

                “Sunny told me stuffs.” Seven said. “It’s not like my business but I hope you’re fine with being with that person. He made your life a nightmare. I was in the same case but for me, everyone hates me. I don’t know why though but they made my life hellish. So I totally understand you.”

                Seven took a gulp and rolled the sleeves of his top. Jake was surprised, there were lots of scars from wrist cuts on his arm. He looked at Seven and he only smiled, snatching another piece of pizza and biting on it as if nothing of those exists.

                “Should we get rid of him?” Seven joked but Jake took the seriousness coating his voice. He understands Seven’s hate towards people like that.

                “Nah…” Jake said shaking his head. “I’ve been with him for a while and I know he’s not a bad person.”

                “After making your life hellish? Do you think your normal self would forgive him in a normal scenario? Of course you wouldn’t. I’ve never stopped imagining doing things to those people who have ruined me and how I wished I could see their defeat in front of my eyes. There were times that I would feel relieved that I am here and they’re not. I won’t save them though in case they were still alive.” Seven said seriously.

                “Why are you telling me this?” Jake asked as Seven looked at him.

                “Because we’re in the same shoes.” Seven replied.

                Silence fell and now, both were just staring intently into each other’s eyes. Just then, the door of the bathroom opened, revealing Sunny who looked at them with wonder.

                “You guys okay?” Sunny asked and Jake nodded.

                “Of course. Why won’t we? We’re just talking about some stuffs.” Jake explained and proceeds with eating.

                A few minutes passed by and the others from the other room was done with their business as well. They were all clothed now with fresh clothes. Some are new and Nicky told them that they collected them from the stores that have them that’s why they have so many.

                Jay unconsciously started picking some clothes once he was done picking his and wearing it. Jean noticed it and he asked Jay. He wasn’t intimidated anymore by Jay.

                “Who’re those for?” Jean asked.

                “Jake’s” Jay said and Jean frowned. He then remembered Sunny and he started picking some for him as well. Ethan meanwhile started conversing with Nicky.

                “How many people are in here?” Ethan asked after drinking some bottled water he found in the room. Nicky was nibbling on some pocky sticks that time and was just looking at the guys picking their clothes from the cabinet.

                “Hmm? Excluding you I think we have at least 8?” Nicky said. Ethan saw his sticks and comfortably snatched one from the box and nibbled on it.

                “Who’re those?” Ethan asked.

                “Me, Nina, Seven, Ava, Jing, Hiro, Sky and Aiki.” Nicky said. “Sky and Aiki were from the military. They were the oldest one here and the one who brought guns over. Jing and Hero were both international students. I think Jing studies medicine and Hiro, not really sure. And then there’s Ava, she owns the manor and she’s 25. She’s really annoying though and likes cute guys. She saved Seven because she thinks he was cute.”

                Nicky said the last statement while rolling his eyes.  Ethan chuckled.

                “How old are you?” Ethan asked.

                “I’m 16.” Nicky grinned. “But I have to do with guns.”

                “What?” Ethan frowned. “Well, Jean and Sunny is almost the same age as yours. They are my juniors. We’re from the same school. I think they’re both 17.”

                “How about that guy?” Nicky pointed out at Jay.

                “Dunno? Maybe 18 or something but me, I am turning 20 this year.” Ethan said.

                “You’re old.” Nicky said looking at him.

                “That’s mean.” Ethan pouted.

                Jean walked near them all smiley.

                “You think Sunny will like this pink shirt?” Jean flashed a bright pink shirt with a unicorn printed on it. Ethan made a face and Nicky started chuckling. Just as this happen, Jay already left the room and was headed to where the others was.

                “Why do you have to give him pink?” Ethan scowled.

                “I mean he’s that right?” Jean frowned. “I think they like pink the best.”

                “You’re so funny. That’s the last shirt everyone wants to pick.” Nicky teased.

                “You’re being mean.” Ethan said and started dragging Jean back to where the clothes were piled up inside the cabinet. He picked a navy blue shirt and a pair of black ripped jeans and dragged Jean outside of the room. Nicky, with so much interest on those people followed them to the next room where Jake and Sunny was.

                He quickly snatched a pizza when he saw the heated one on the table and watched those guys fill the room with so much noise.

                “They look fun to be with.” Nicky said to Seven. They were in one corner, watching those people do things animatedly. Ethan was pushing the blue shirt on Sunny but Jean was pestering him with the pink one he brought. Sunny was denying both and was making a worried and embarrassed face. Jay meanwhile managed to handle the clothes he picked for Jake and Jake was already back inside the bathroom to change his clothes.

                Seven saw this and shook his head.

                Once they were done changing, they headed to where Jing were. She was in the study of the manor and she has been using that room to treat people who have received wounds during scavenging. She was in her 2nd year residency and was about to graduate the following year. Seven knocked on the door and Hiro was the one who opened it.

                “Oh. It’s Seven.” Hiro said. “I’ll excuse myself then. See you later Jing.”

                “What are you doing in her room?” Nicky frowned.

                “It is not for young boys to poke their nose on.” Hiro said this and pinched Nicky in the nose before greeting the others and leaving the area while humming.

                “Come in.” they heard Jing’s voice and following Seven, everyone entered in.

                The room still looked like a study area and Jing was seen on the computer. There was a built in generator in the manor enough to support computers and other equipment that’s why it became their base for the mean time.

                “Oh. It’s the guys.” Jing said and pushed herself out of the computer table.

                Jing was a woman in her late 20s. She has long black sleek hair tied in a bun, slim figure and stood a good 5’5 tall. She’s got a pale skin and a really small face. She smiled the time she sees everyone and they can’t help the awe on their faces. She was a good looking woman that even Jay and Ethan exchanged looks with their eyes wide.

                “Nice to meet you.” She said with a soft voice.

                “I’ve already checked on them, no deep wounds, no bite marks.” Seven said as he entered in, he pushed himself on the nearby sofa and just watched as one by one, Jing started checking on her patients. Ethan was blushing after he was checked so does Jay. Jean on the other hand was thrilled, Jake too but he was hiding it.

                “I want to wipe that happy looks on your faces.” Nicky said while looking at the guys. “She’s pretty but she’s already old.”

                Hearing this, Jing’s ears perked up and she threw a glare on Nicky who flinched.

                “W.Whatever I’m out!” he said then run away.

---