In The Broad Daylight
Normally, Zed Necrodopolous slept like the dead.
Waking anytime before absolutely necessary was out of the question. His alarm clock was battered and dented in more than one place from the many times he'd expressed his rage at early wake-up calls.
Yet, today was different.
At the ungodly hour of 4:15 a.m., Zed woke with an overwhelming sense of excitement. Rather than hitting snooze, he threw the blankets off at once.
Today was the day he'd finally see what the world was like outside of Seabrook.
His suitcase sat beside the door to his bedroom, neatly organized and, admittedly, overpacked. It was the only item that was clearly out of place in his room, the pale blue surface sticking out against the dark tones of his decor.
He couldn't help grinning at the sight of it, running a hand over the luggage as he passed it on his way to the bathroom. The excitement was hard to contain, as he found himself nearly skipping down the hall. It took all his restraint to rein it in, staying quiet to avoid waking his father or Zoey.
A quick shower later and he was slipping into his travel clothes: a pair of black jeans, one of his favorite charcoal tee's and an oversized forest green hoodie. After lacing up his sneakers, he double-checked that he had his ID, wallet, z-band charger and most importantly, his Z-Pass.
Every time he saw the document, he swore his heart almost started beating. It was a huge step for zombie rights, and he couldn't believe that he was the first to be approved for the pass. He knew that to some degree, he was being used as a trial run–an experiment–simply because he was well known for his football accomplishments and helping integrate the school.
Even that knowledge couldn't dampen his spirits. He'd happily be the test run if it allowed him the opportunity to have this adventure. Especially since his first using the pass would be for a spring break trip with Addison's family.
Since the Z-Pass was so new, it was currently necessary to travel with a member of the Z-Patrol to ensure Zed wasn't denied access to airports or other means of travel. Once the passes were more widely recognized, it wouldn't be necessary to have a 'chaperone.'
Things had worked out nicely in that regard, as Addison's father more than filled the role with his title of Chief of Z-Patrol.
Once Zed was satisfied he had everything he'd need for the trip to Florida, he threw his backpack over one shoulder and hauled the suitcase down the stairs to wait for Addison's family.
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Dale had made arrangements in advance in order to ensure that things ran as smoothly as possible at Seabrook Airport. Zed was escorted to a security line that had been cleared out just for him, with a member of Z-Patrol stationed behind the desk,
The man inspected the Z-Pass and his ID, before handing them back with a smile. "You're making history, kid."
Zed nodded, tucking the documents back away in his bag. "It doesn't feel real."
After he was instructed to put his backpack through the scanner, he was directed to walk around the metal detector to be patted down.
"Sorry about this," said the guard, "With the z-band, we can't put you through the detector but we've gotta do our job."
Zed assured him that he understood, and was soon cleared to move to the final checkpoint. At this stage, a Z-Patrol officer had him hold his z-band over a small sensor. After a moment, it glowed green and he was waved through.
He grabbed his bag and headed over to where regular security was letting out. He found Addison leaning over a bench, retying her shoes.
"Hey there, gorgeous."
She finished tying the laces and straightened up to meet his eyes, stifling a yawn. "Mmmm," she murmured, rubbing the sleep from her eyes. "Zed, it's not even six and I didn't bother brushing my hair this morning. I'm pretty far from gorgeous."
He shook his head, not bothering to argue since he knew she'd just shut him down again. He stood by what he said–even with her white hair tossed in a messy bun with the previous day's makeup only somewhat wiped off–he found her stunning.
"Oh, there you two are," called Missy as she and Dale wove through the crowd toward them. "Everything went well, then, Zed? No issues?"
"No issues," he echoed.
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Addison insisted he take the window seat since it was his first flight. He was glad she'd done so once they were soaring through the clouds, as he found himself mesmerized by the sight. More than once, he found himself tapping on her shoulder to point out something he'd seen down below.
Each time, she'd laugh a bit at his enthusiasm before humoring him and leaning across to see what had caught his eye. She found it adorable to watch her zombie boyfriend geek out about his first time flying.
In fact, watching Zed experience something new was her favorite thing in the world. There was nothing like watching the way his eyes would light up over things that she often took for granted. His awe at those experiences reminded her to be more appreciative of her life.
The one part of the flight that Zed did not seem to enjoy was landing. They hit a small patch of turbulence on the descent and felt his cold fingers reach out to grasp her hand. She gave a gentle squeeze, hoping to reassure him as he shot her a wide-eyed look of panic.
"It's okay," she promised, leaning against him. "I promise. Just relax–close your eyes if you need to, it should help."
Zed did as he was told, grip on her hand tightening. He mumbled something in zombie tongue – Addison hadn't mastered the language enough yet to know exactly what he meant, but she recognized a few words. He was begging for them to survive the landing.
She reached out with her other hand and brushed it through his hair, murmuring words of comfort until the plane finally hit the ground.
Zed exhaled heavily, fingers finally releasing her hand as the plane slowed to a stop.
"You're looking a little green, Z." Addison observed, worried he was going to be sick. "Are you alright?"
He rolled his eyes, "I always look a little green, Addie."
She supposed that if he was feeling well enough to crack the usual jokes with her, he must be doing alright.
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Since zombies were only found in Seabrook, few people gave Zed a second glance. The few that did seemed to be more interested in his hair color than his undead state, and even then they seemed to like it.
Zed's sleeve covered the z-band entirely, hiding the biggest clue that might cause strangers to recognize him for what he was. His grey pallor was also less noticeable since only his face and hands were exposed.
What he noticed most was the way he was treated. Suddenly, he was regarded with the same level of respect that Addison and her parents received. There were no whispers, no looks of fear when he approached. No patrol members eyeing him from their posts.
It was refreshing.
After checking into the hotel, Zed followed Dale to the room they'd be sharing for the duration of the trip. Though he wished he could share with Addison, he knew it wasn't an option with her parents around.
He also knew there was a certain level of liability for the Chief as he was in charge of supervising Zed on this first trip outside the barricade. The last thing he wanted to do was mess up his opportunity for future excursions–or to cost the other zombies a chance to experience it for themselves.
The room was easily the most extravagant place Zed had ever stayed. With shining marble floors and large balcony overlooking the beach, it was the height of luxury in the teen's eyes.
He deferred to Dale, letting the older man choose which of the two queen beds he preferred. When the Chief chose the one closest to the door, Zed dropped his bag on the one by the window, turning to take in the view.
He never thought the day would come when he'd get to see an ocean outside of Seabrook. Somehow, the crashing of these waves felt different. This was special.
"Alright, Zed," Dale interrupted his thoughts. "Why don't you change into your swimsuit and tell the ladies we'll meet them at the pool?"
"Sounds great."
Unzipping his suitcase, it only took a moment to locate the swim trunks he'd bought for the occasion. They were a deep green, with a palm leaf pattern printed across the fabric. He grabbed those and a black tank and headed to the bathroom to change.
When he stepped out, a few minutes later he saw that Dale had changed as well. The man was dressed in a pair of pale blue swim trunks and a matching tee. He had a pair of sunglasses resting on the top of his head, that were beginning to slip forward as he pulled on his flip flops.
That reminded Zed, who went to locate his own sandals.
"Hey, Zed."
"Yeah?" He looked up from his suitcase to see the Chief pulling something from his bag.
"Now, understand that you do not have to take this and that I mean no offense in offering it," the man began, holding up what looked like some sort of leather bracelet. "I had this made–it's a z-band cover, custom designed to fit your band. I know you get a hard time in Seabrook for being a zombie, and people here are even more ignorant about zombies. I thought you might like to fly under the radar for a bit."
Zed was surprised by the offer, reaching out tentatively to take the fabric in his hand. In Seabrook, zombies were required to make the bands visible at all times so the Patrol knew there were no rogues. This offer was certainly unexpected.
"Uh, thanks Chief," he said, turning the leather over in his fingers.
Dale cleared his throat, looking uncomfortable. "Or, if you prefer you can, of course, leave it uncovered. Again, I hope you understand I'm not trying to force you to hide who you are, I just know you'll attract a lot of attention from strangers if they know you're a zombie. Something tells me you and Addison were hoping for a more private trip."
Zed held out the leather in his left arm. "This is my only opportunity to be treated like a human–how could I pass that up? Now, how do you put this thing on?"
Dale seemed relieved, reaching out and securing the thin cuff around the z-band. It molded perfectly to the band, secured by a series of metal loops and catches. To the outside eye, it just looked like he was wearing a–admittedly, strangely thick–leather bracelet.
"There," he said. "That should do it. We'll need to remove it each night when you're charging your z-band, but other than that, we should be good. Just let me know if your band feels like it's overheating, this is new territory for us."
Zed agreed, promising to be extra alert.
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Addison was already stretched out across one of the lounge chairs by the hotel pool, dressed in a pastel pink bikini. Her eyes were closed and a look of pure contentment was clear on her face.
Missy sat beside her, wearing a white cover up dress and oversized sun hat. Her attention was fixed on the magazine in her hands until she heard their footsteps approach. She looked up and waved them over, pulling extra towels off the chair beside her and offering them each one.
Zed took his and slid into the chair on Addison's other side. He stripped off his tank top and kicked off his sandals before leaning over her and whispering, "Hello, gorgeous."
Her eyes flew up at the sound of his voice, and she pushed herself up into a seated position.
"Hey, handsome," she greeted. She gave him a slow once-over, eyes traveling slowly up his body. She gave him an appreciative smile before asking, "Are you ready to get some sun this week? I think we could both use a tan after Seabrook's weather this last few months."
Zed laughed, not disagreeing on the bleak nature of their hometown's weather. It was as if the sun had forgotten to shine on Seabrook since December.
He leaned in closer, lowering his voice. "I'm sure you'll look especially delicious with a tan, but unfortunately I can't tan. An unfortunate part of the whole 'undead' thing."
She blinked at him, surprise filling her face. Despite their months of dating, there was so much she still didn't know about his life.
"Well," she said, biting her lip as she thought. Then, she gave him a sideways look, mischief in her eyes. "Truthfully you won't be completely alone in the whole not-tanning thing. I have a horrible tendency to burn instead of tanning."
He laughed, shaking his head at her attempt to lighten things up.
"Trust me," she continued. "You're not gonna find me delicious when you see my tomato red face against my white hair."
He chuckled at the visual, assuring her that he'd always find her beautiful.
Addison's eyes wandered to his left hand, taking in the sight of the leather cuff. "So Z, what's up with your band?"
He held it up between them so she could get a closer look. "A gift from your dad. This way, people are less likely to know I'm a zombie. With any luck, they'll think I'm just a really, really pale guy with a thing for green hair dye."
"And makeup?" Addison asked, gesturing at her eyes.
"What do you–? Oh, my eyes. Guess that's not normal either."
She reached out and grasped his hand. "I love your eyes. And you are normal–every zombie's eyes are like that."
He squeezed her hand, once again grateful for her endless optimism. "What would I do without you, cheerleader?"
"You'll never have to find out."
I think this is going to be a two-shot–but we'll see if inspiration strikes.
I'd love to hear your thoughts so please review!