“My brother has been known to hang out with a few women in the past,” she said, chuckling. The image of a particularly beautiful but crazy girl flashed through Raven’s mind. Her name had been Candy, which when you think about it should have been a warning sign. The woman had left Henry high and dry one evening, absconding with his wallet and his PS2 game system. Raven loved her brother but he could be such an idiot when it came to pussy.
Henry, Rocky and the mystery woman were getting closer. Raven could make out her brother’s too long dark hair and his wool coat. The woman walked by his side comfortably. She had a long blond braid that reached down to her knees. It looked like she was wearing one of Henry’s sweatshirts. Raven recognized the image of an old-school camera on the front. It reached down to mid-thigh on the woman, which meant she was tiny. Raven had worn that sweatshirt before and it fit her normally. Rocky bounded between them, excitedly.
“Hi!” Liz yelled, waving emphatically. Raven hadn’t seen her so enthusiastic before.
Raven smiled and waved as well, looking around at the surrounding trees. All the noise they were making was dangerous. It attracted the undead. The trees stood silently at the side of the road; covered in various bits of moss. Nothing moved within and that was good.
She saw Henry wave but was still too far away to hear him. Though she didn’t think he’d be foolish enough to yell out. Liz opened her mouth to holler again and Raven cut her off.
“Hush, Liz,” she said in a mild voice. “It’s dangerous to be too loud.”
Liz nodded and put her hand over her mouth. “I’m sorry,” she said, voice muffled behind her palm.
Raven smiled and pulled Liz’s arm down. “It’s okay. I just want you to be safe.” All of us to be safe, she thought.
Liz nodded again and stepped over a large pothole. It was filled with water and shimmered with incandescent light. The girl’s enthusiasm had been palpably dampened and Raven was sorry for that but it was better than being attacked.
The road led upward at a slight incline and Raven felt her thighs burn with the exertion. Better increase my leg routine, she thought, not wanting her body to weaken. Maybe Liz will like yoga. She made a mental note to ask her when things settled down.
“If they settle down,” she murmured.
Liz glanced at her but kept silent. Her face glistened from the walk and the rising sun. It seemed like it was going to be the warmest day they’d seen in a while, a weather enigma. Raven pushed up the sleeves of her sweater. The dark blue cotton rolled easily, exposing her tattoos.
Rocky barked and she looked for him. He must’ve seen them by now for his body wiggled. Rocky broke away from Henry and ran toward Raven and Liz. A large smile spread across Raven’s face and she increased her pace, eager to see her dog. It had only been one night but felt much longer.
Mindful that she’d just told Liz to be quiet, Raven did not whistle like she usually would. Rocky moved rapidly closer, large strides eating the distance.
“Brace yourself,” Raven said, smiling broadly. She hunkered down, placing one knee on the ground and opened her arms wide. Rocky’s paws rushed across the dirt and his tongue lolled out happily. He wore that special Pit Bull smile.
“Come here, baby,” she spoke. Her eyes filled with moisture but she would not cry, not in front of a stranger.
Rocky bounded the last few feet and launched himself into Raven’s arms.
“Oof,” Raven exclaimed as the air was knocked from her. Rocky covered her face in warm, wet kisses.
“Hi, Rocky,” Liz said, petting the dog’s head.
Raven kissed the side of his face affectionately.
“Hey, sis,” Henry said. In his arms he held a small grey and white kitten. He handed the cat to the woman.
Raven gently pushed Rocky away and embraced her brother.
“I missed you, stupid idiot,” Raven said, squeezing her brother and holding him at arm’s-length. He looked worn around the edges but otherwise all right. “You really need a haircut,” she said.
Henry’s lips twitched, like he was unable to decide if he should laugh or frown. “I missed you too, sis,” he said. “Hi, Liz,” Henry spoke, turning to her.
Raven had an inkling that the girl might have a crush on her brother. She hid a smile behind her hand and turned to the mystery woman.
Liz smiled shyly. “Hi, Henry,” she said, clasping her hands behind her back. Liz glanced at the kitten. “Where did the kitty come from?” Liz asked, reaching out a tentative hand.
“Oh,” Henry spoke, like he suddenly remembered the kitten existed. He smiled. “This is Neptune. Rocky and I saved her from some zombie bastards, didn’t we boy?” He patted the dog on the head affectionately.
Raven smiled at the name. She remembered their old cat Neptune quite well. The shy thing had followed their mother around constantly. Raven’s gaze moved to the strange woman. “I’m Raven,” she said, holding out her hand that did not grip the axe and smiled welcomingly.
“Oh, sorry,” Henry said, straightening from the bent posture he’d taken while talking to Liz. “This is Monique. We ran into her on our way here,” he said by way of explanation.
“Hello,” Monique said, grasping Raven’s hand. Her grip was weak like she’d never been taught to shake hands properly. She was stunning, blond hair that shimmered with gold in the sun. Her bone structure was perfect, right out of a Hollywood movie. Her lips were full and pink and her tongue slipped out wetting them. She couldn’t see Monique’s figure very well beneath all of her layers but Raven suspected she was
