The First Step

I woke up to the sounds of birds chirping outside the window, and a radio playing in the background. The room I was in had posters of Michael Jackson, as well as Muhammad Ali hung on the wall.

Sighing, I turn around, realizing I was in my room back home.

Pulling myself off the bed, I sat straight up. All my notebooks and textbooks were scattered across my study table. It was not unusual for them to be scattered all across the room like this, due to me being a lazy bum and all.

Still, I should better put them inside my bag. I don't want to anger 'someone' I shouldn't.

I stretched my arms a little, yawning as I did so. Standing up, the first thing I did was put all my books in my school bag. As I did that, two small photo frames on the table caught my attention.

One was of a younger me with my parents as we smiled at the camera, and the other was the one I took with my aunt during the new year. I was pouting in the picture because of something she said.

What was it? I can't remember...

"Jace! Breakfast is ready!!"

Hearing that sound coming from the ground floor, I turned my gaze away from the picture. There is only one person I know who sounds so cheerful first thing in the morning.

—And that is my aunt, Suzen.

"Coming!"

After I'm done getting ready, that is.

~

After about 15 minutes, I finally went down. My hair was wet because of the bath I took. I have always liked it that way. Having a cool head makes me think refreshing thoughts.

"Finally up, are you?"

I looked down to see my aunt standing in the kitchen. She smiled sweetly at me while heating my breakfast.

Suzen has short blonde hair with green eyes. Dimples can be seen near her lips when she smiles, and despite reaching 33 years of age, she still looks young and beautiful.

To me, she looks just like an older version of Kara.

"What's with the long face? Come and have your breakfast kiddo."

"Don't call me that."

Shaking away those thoughts, I smile at my aunt. Walking down the stairs, I move toward the dining table and sit down on my favorite seat. She quickly put my breakfast on the plate and served it to me. I was about to gulp it all down, but then she put down a glass of milk beside me as well.

Yuck, milk. My biggest enemy.

"I ain't drinking that."

I gagged in disgust.

"You are. How else are you going to get big and strong?"

She put her hands near her hips, giving me 'the' look.

"I don't need to get strong. Smart is the way people prosper in reality. We live in a world of peace. What am I going to do with all this strength?"

Suzen rolled her eyes at me, before giving me a stern look.

"You're not getting your way out of this kiddo. Drink it, or else I will force you to drink it up myself."

Looking away with a pout, I take a sip.

.

..

...

It... doesn't taste bad. It's tasteless.

Strange.

"So, how was your school yesterday? Did you get into another fight with Patrick?"

My aunt broke my thoughts with her question, and the question she asked made me wrinkle my nose in disgust.

Why does she have to bring up that guy's name? My disappointment is immeasurable and my day is ruined.

"Patrick the prick. He is the bane of my existence."

"Jaceeee."

I sighed.

"Fine! We had a little scuffle, but it was he who started it! He pushed me and my lunch got scattered all over the floor!"

I thought she would get angry at me for getting into another fight, but instead of looking displeased, Suzen simply gave my shoulder a gentle squeeze.

"It's fine, kiddo. Don't get so worked up over it. Did you punch him for that?"

"..."

"Did you?"

My aunt's eyes glinted dangerously. Despite knowing her for the past 9 years, I still can't help but shudder at that.

"... I kicked him in the nuts."

My aunt winced, before smiling nervously.

"W-well, you got back at him, so everything's fine, right?"

"Nothing's fine. That weirdo was laughing after I kicked him! I think he likes the pain I inflict upon him!"

My aunt laughed, hugging me as she did so.

"Maybe, but I think if you ignore him, he will leave you alone. Try doing that."

"...Maybe."

I hugged her back.

We kept on hugging each other, a silence looming in the air. At that moment, I realized...

I was about to wake up.

This was not real. Aunt Suzen, Patrick, even the Milk I drank, nothing I'm experiencing is real. They're nothing but fragments of my imagination. The normal life I used to have before the outbreak, I desire those days to return. That desire has led me to witness all this.

Everything I have experienced since 'waking up' has been a dream and I know it.

We stayed like that for a while, before I broke the silence with a sob.

"S-Suzen... I-I'm alive..."

"Mhm."

"I-I didn't die in the accident, I hope you know that..."

"Now I do."

My grip on her tightened.

"I have got people who will protect me. There is this girl, her name is Kara. She promised she would protect me. I don't know why she did that, maybe she has her reasons, but I believe in her. I have even joined a small group, which I think is going to grow big in the future. Their leader might be weird, but all the other people I have met are nice...."

"That's great, kiddo. Keep on surviving like this, and grow big and strong."

I sniffed, breaking the hug to stare at her face.

"Are...are you alive, Aunt Suzen?"

Instead of answering me, she simply smiled and hugged me again.

I cried in her embrace for a while longer, before all the things around me slowly started to disappear.

It started with my breakfast, then the glass of milk. Slowly but surely, everything started disappearing.

Soon, it was my aunt's turn.

"I.."

I wanted to say something, anything! Even though I knew she wasn't real. I still wanted her to know how much I loved her. How much I appreciated her for taking care of me after my parents' deaths, but no words came out.

I only sobbed as that was the only thing I could do.

Aunt Suzen smiled gently at me as she began to disappear. Even though she tried to hide it, I could still see a few tears in her eyes as well.

"Wake up, Kiddo. It's time."

~~~

I opened my eyes to stare at the worried face of Kara. She was holding my hand, and her gaze told me she was concerned about me. I must have blabbered something in my sleep. Damn you, the stupid mouth of mine.

We were inside the Howe's Hardware. After Carlos was done talking and discussing some matters with Carver, the two nice guards we met outside showed us our place to sleep for tonight. The ground was filled with mattresses that people use to sleep on. Me and Kara were sharing one due to not having an abundance of them.

I stared at Kara's face, thinking of what to say to her. She looked a lot like my aunt with her short blonde hair and green eyes, which made it easy for me to trust her.

Kara:- "What happened, Jace? Had a bad dream?"

Jace:- "You can say that. But it was just that, a dream."

I answered, staring ahead of us. Luke and Nick were still awake as they talked about something. Carlos was beside Sarah, telling her a story to make her go to sleep. Some other people were sleeping, but I have yet to get acquainted with them.

Kara looked on at me, giving me a casual smile.

Kara:- "Wanna talk about it?"

Jace:- "... It was about my aunt."

Kara:- "Your aunt? I remember you talking about her. So, is she like your guardian?"

Jace:- "Yup. My parents... died in a car accident when I was six. My aunt took me in after that. She raised me like her own child for the past three years."

Kara:- "I'm sorry to hear about your parents."

Kara side-hugged me as we sat, in a way to comfort me. I didn't need to get comforted, but the gesture was still appreciated.

It turned silent after that. Kara and I simply looked ahead of us, with me keeping my gaze on the dimply lit bulb. It kept turning on and off every second, annoying the hell out of me.

Just as I was about to voice out my frustration, Kara's next words took my complete attention.

"... I... recently lost someone important to me."

Kara began, and by the way her voice cracked, I couldn't help but stare at her with widened eyes.

Kara:- "He was a great friend. The first friend I ever made in my life. I was only 4 when I met him, and the friendship lasted for 20 more years."

Kara struggled to speak. I didn't want to interrupt her so I sat silently, waiting for her to speak up again.

Kara:- "He was a police officer. And the day this whole... 'stuff' happened, he came to inform me about it the first chance he got."

The realization hit me like a truck. The guy she is talking about must be that police officer I first saw her with. So that's why he wasn't among us?

"Edward, was it?"

I asked, making her turn her head in my direction with a shocked face.

Kara:- "Y-yes. Y-you remember him?"

Jace:- "I do. He was that policeman with you when I first saw you."

Kara nodded, smiling with slight tears in her eyes.

Kara:- "Yes, that was Edward. You think that it was me who saved you that time, right? But you couldn't be more wrong. It was Edward."

I stared at her, too stunned to speak.

Kara:- "He was hesitant to save you at first, but just as you fainted, he couldn't help but carry you in his arms. He was a scaredy cat. He had always been. But once he sees someone in danger or need of help, he becomes the first person to help them out."

"... What happened to him?"

I was very hesitant to ask that, as I can guess what must have happened. Anyone can.

Edward, the man who saved my life, died.

Kara sniffed, and judging by the way her hands started shaking, she began to panic.

"I-it was me. I-It was because of me!"

Kara crossed her arms as she stared at the ground. Her nails were digging into her sides as she held the most grief-stricken face I have seen her make till now.

How did we end up coming into this conversation? I knew it was supposed to come sooner, but I didn't know it would come this soon.

Still, I should do what anyone else in my place would do in this situation.

I hug her. Tightly.

Everybody in the room stared at us, some glaring so some looking at us in curiosity. Carlos gave me and Kara a sad look seemingly realizing what we were talking about. Luke and Nick both looked confused at the sight.

I kept on hugging Kara in the hopes of calming her down.

Jace:- "It's fine. You don't need to talk anymore. It's fine Kara."

Kara:- "I-it was all me..."

Jace:- "Shhh. Calm down."

I patted her back gently, doing my best to comfort her.

After a while of silently sobbing, Kara finally went to sleep. She must have been extremely tired from all the walking we did today. It's also quite late at night. I guess I should better put her to bed.

Using the little strength I had, I gently put Kara over the mattress. Covering her with the blanket I was using earlier, I stretched my arms. After I was done, I stood up and went over to Luke and Nick who were sitting away from everyone.

Luke gave me a friendly wave, whereas Nick simply grunted something under his breath. I bet my 2 bubblegum and a yoyo that he used to be an edgy teenager.

Luke:- "Hey, kid. Don't feel like sleeping?"

Jace:- "Nah. I have slept enough."

I plopped myself between the two individuals. I don't feel like sleeping anymore, and seeing how these two are awake as well, I think it doesn't hurt to make some friends.

Moreover, I think Luke's machete is cool. I wonder if he will let me touch it.

Nick:- "So, what was up with you and your mom just now? It's fine if you don't answer, I don't mean to prob."

Jace:- "Nah, it's fine. She was sad because of something recent. I was consoling her."

I shrugged my shoulders, not telling them the full story. It's Kara's decision on whom she wishes to share it with, not mine. I'm just glad that we have gotten close to the point she trusts me enough to show her vulnerable side.

It makes me feel important.

Luke:- "That so? You sure are a good kid. Your mother is lucky to have you."

Luke said, which made me smile a bit. My smile soon turned into surprise when I heard the guy who I least expected to say something, complimenting me.

"That's very mature of you."

Nick smiled lightly, which made both me and Luke give him a weird look.

To be fair, you can't blame us. I don't see Nick as some bully or anything, but I just can't bring myself to picture him ever saying nice things straight to people's faces. Just look at Luke, even he seems surprised, and he is this guy's childhood friend.

Seeing our expression, Nick stared back at us, a bit confused and offended.

Nick:- "... What? What are you staring at?"

Luke:- "Nick, buddy. I think you should sleep."

Luke said, a very worried expression on his face. I mimicked his expression while nodding my head twice.

Jace:- "I second that."

Nick:- "What the hell? You think I can't be nice?"

Jace:- "To be honest, I don't."

???:- "I agree with the kid."

That voice jolted all of us, especially Nick as he stared at the man who approached us with widened eyes. A woman was beside him, they both looked to be in their early fifties, and judging by the way Nick is looking at them, it was safe to assume he knows them.

Nick:- "Jesus, where did you two come from?"

Old Lady:- "We were here for some time, but you didn't seem to notice us. Who is our little friend?"

The old lady smiled at me, ruffling my hair as she did. I hate when people I don't know do that to me, but I guess I will make an exception just for now.

I smiled at the woman, hoping to give a good first impression.

Jace:- "Name's Jason, but you can call me Jace."

Old Lady:- "Well, It's very nice to meet you, Jace."

The lady gave me another pat on the head, making me groan in annoyance. Seeing my reaction, she simply chuckled as she retracted her hand.

The man beside her gave Nick a look.

Old Man:- "You seem alive."

Nick:- "That's because I am. Anyways, would you mind telling me where the hell were you two?!"

Old Man:- "Your mother got her hand injured a while back. She was tinkering with the fence and got her hand tinkered instead."

Old Lady:- "That's not very nice of you Pete. Is that how you speak to your older sister now, you old fossil?"

Old Man:- "You're older than me. And who are you calling a fossil?!"

They bickered, but judging by their words and the smiles on their face, I could tell it was a friendly banter between the two siblings.

Nick looked on at the two, unamused, before a worried expression graced his face when he noticed the bandaged hand of the lady.

Nick:- "Does it still hurt?"

Old Lady:- "It doesn't hurt all that much, honey. Do not worry."

As the both of them talked, I looked at Luke who silently sat on his seat. There was a hint of sadness in his eyes. It made me a little confused, but I decided not to pry. I still shifted toward him, however, as I was a bit curious about the relationship between Nick and these two.

Luke looked at me, his expression turning a bit soft.

Luke:- "Hello again."

"Hey." I sat beside him. "Who are they? Nick seems to know them. Are they related?"

I pointed toward the two, giving Luke a puzzled look.

Luke chuckled.

Luke:- "Yup. That's Pete and Grinda; Nick's uncle and his mother."

Jace:- "That's his mother?"

Luke:- "Surprised you're not the only momma's boy around?"

He asked as he chuckled again. I gave him a bemused look.

Jace:- "Not funny. Anyways, I wanted to ask-"

"Are you curious about us, boy?"

The old man, Pete as Luke called him, approached Luke and me. He gave Luke a nod, before turning toward me.

Pete:- "What did you say your name was?"

Jace:- "My name is Jace. It's nice to meet you sir....?"

Pete:- "Peter. But you may call me Pete. Or Uncle Pete, if you wish."

Jace:- "No thanks. I'm fine with just Pete."

Pete chuckled at my reply, before sitting beside Luke.

Pete:- "You alone here, Jace?"

Luke:- "Nah. He is with his mom."

Pete:- "Really? Where is she?"

Jace:- "She is sleeping. That's why I am here talking with Luke."

I pointed toward Kara, who was currently sleeping, hopefully dreaming about something pleasant.

Pete:- "I see."

The old man nodded, turning toward me again.

Pete:- "So, you and your mum with the doctor?"

Jace:- "You know Carlos?"

Pete:- "Of course. He was the one who fixed my sister."

Pete looked at Carlos, who gave him a polite nod. He turned back to me before continuing with his questions.

We kept on chatting like that for a while, with us both exchanging questions to get to know each other better, it was quite a pleasant chat.

Finally, the man asked me a question I wasn't sure he would ask.

"So, have you killed one of those things yet?"

"PFFT—"

Luke spit out the water he was drinking from his bottle, too shocked to hear Pete asking such a question. I was the same, except I did not have anything to spit out.

Luke:- "Uhm, I don't think it's–"

"I haven't."

I answered, looking at Pete straight in the eyes.

"Not yet, at least."

Pete stared at me, his eyes looking me up and down as if searching for something. Finally, he nod his head.

Pete:- "I see. Well, anybody taught you how to shoot yet?"

Jace:- "Not really."

It was silent for a while, with Luke looking between me and Pete with uncertainty. For some reason, even I was beginning to feel a bit nervous.

After a while, Pete stood up. I thought he would walk away, but what he did next, left me completely dumbfounded.

"Tomorrow morning, come with me if you wish to learn." Pete paused. "If your mother agrees."

"WHAT?!"

Luke shouted, getting glares from all the people around us. He didn't seem to care though, just like Pete who didn't even glance at him, his eyes staring into mine.

I didn't know how to react to the situation. This man, who I have known only for a little while, has suddenly decided to teach me how to shoot. I'm not stupid, so I know how important this skill is going to prove in the future. The way the world is right now, it may as well be my first and last opportunity to learn it.

Feeling conflicted, I hesitantly nod my head.

"I will think about it. I want to learn, but I have to ask my mum first. Can you wait, please?"

Damnit, I do want to learn!

Seeing the desperation on my face, Pete agreed with my request before leaving for his sister and nephew.

I bid a very concerned Luke farewell for the night, before going toward Kara again and plopping myself beside her.

I closed my eyes, thinking about what I have just gotten myself into.

I have got a lot to think about.