I just can't keep Nana E out of this! I've been reading previous chapters and seeing what gaps I'd like to fill in. This was one of them! It's really hard to write at the moment because my computer is down and I'm awaiting a new one. Hopefully I can drum up some ideas in this interim. I hope you're all safe out there!
Once Junior year of college began, Zed was already certain that he knew what he wanted to do with his life. He wanted to marry Addison and he wanted to work in a chemistry lab. With a Chem major and a biology/Zombie biology double minor, he began to plan out what he hoped would be an option instead of Z-bands. This would likely be a quite some time away with a lot of work, but he just couldn't shake the thought. He really knew he had good idea for how to help Zombies out of their Z-bands.
His lab partner, Steve, was interested in it as well. They had become good friends through their classes and when Steve saw the potential for what Zed was working on, he was eager to help. Plus his girlfriend had Zombie relatives, so he really liked the idea.
Addison thought that Zed's schooling was to study and understand Zombie biology. And she wasn't completely wrong, so Zed didn't tell her his actual reasons because he didn't want to disappoint her if it failed.
However, one eagle-eyed family member did catch on to what he was planning. And it didn't surprise Zed that it was Nana E.
During Spring Break, Eleanor called Addison and said, "Sweetheart, I'm taking you and Zed to lunch. I'm going to pick him up and then get you."
"But Nana," Addison replied. "Wouldn't it be closer for you to get me first?"
"Ok, Addy. I'll see you in 30 minutes! Love you!"
And with that, Nana E hung up.
"Um, ok," Addison said, staring at her phone.
Meanwhile, Eleanor was already sitting in front of Zed's house. She had texted him earlier and told him to be ready ASAP. She honked the horn and he came running out.
"Good afternoon, Nans!" he said, assuming that he would hop into the back seat. But when he didn't see Addison, he got confused. "Um, did you forget your granddaughter?" he asked with a laugh as he opened the door and peeked in.
"Pfft! I'm old, but I'm not senile!" Nana E replied. "I thought you and I could talk before we go get her."
"Ok..." Zed instead got into the front seat and let Eleanor drive him to Zray Park.
"Care to join an old lady on a bench for a few minutes? It's a beautiful day and I've got a few questions for ya."
"Sure! Anything for my favorite Nana."
They both got out and walked to the nearest bench. Eleanor sat down Zed joined her.
She looked around and smiled. "It's beautiful here. I love all the contraptions and art just on display for everyone to see."
Zed grinned as well. "Yeah, it's on of the few places in Zombie Town that has grass, so my Dad loved to bring me and Zoey here. I'll have to bring you to a music festival next time we have one. It's wild!"
"See that you do!" Eleanor said happily. She turned to him. "So, you're probably wondering what this is about?" she asked with her usual mischievous grin.
"You could say that."
"I've noticed something and I want you to confirm my suspicions. Or tell me I'm wrong. Now, I've heard that you're studying chemistry in school. Right?"
"Yes, ma'am," Zed replied, obviously still confused about where this was going.
"And you're also taking biology courses."
"Also true."
"All right then. Tell me this: are you working on something special for Zombies? Maybe something for those bands of yours?"
"How did you-?"
"This old lady figures things out pretty well. So, what do you have going on?"
"Well, first of all, Addy doesn't know the whole story. She seems to think that I'm just going into Zombie medicine or something. She's not totally off base, so I'm letting her think that for now, since I don't want to disappoint her if things don't work. So, can you please not tell her?"
Eleanor made a zipper motion to her mouth. "Secret's safe with me."
Zed smiled. "Ok, well, I really think I could someday make a solution that would get rid of the need for Z-bands. My lab partner and I have made some decent strides with it. But, I also think we're a few years away from the final cure."
"Would you be human then?"
"Um, kinda? I'm not 100% sure on that yet. For now, this is definitely all speculation. But I'm thinking that it would get our hearts beating with something much more blood-like. Counter balance the lime slime or whatever we've got in our veins. This might even darken our skin tones since we'd have actual blood? I think the hair would probably be the same. I dunno. Steve and I are hoping to present our findings and get hired by the university in the chem research department. Keep this crazy train rolling."
Eleanor beamed. This boy was something else. "So, you could someday not need your band and maybe even look a little less pale? Zeddy, my boy, I'm saying it now: one of these days, I'm going to make these cheeks of yours blush."
He tilted his head. "Don't get too far ahead of yourself, Nana E."
"Nonsense! I know you'll do whatever it takes for our girl." Eleanor paused. "I mean, I'm assuming our Addy has a lot to do with this?" she asked with a sly grin.
Zed chuckled. "I want to help all Zombies. But yeah, Addison is at the top of my motivation list. If I can make things easier for her and our life together..."
He trailed off, but Eleanor knew where he was going. "When are you going to pop the question?" she asked.
His eyes snapped to hers. She raised her eyebrows in challenge. Of course she knew that too.
Zed smiled. "I don't have a ring or anything yet. But my plan is next year. I'll probably ask before we graduate, but we'd wait until after to actually get married. I want her to be able to do all of this as her own person, as Addison Elizabeth Wells."
Eleanor laughed. "She's probably been Addison Elizabeth Necrodopolous in her own mind for quite some time, my boy. But I think the sentiment behind your reasoning is quite commendable. You're a good man, Zed."
"Thanks, Nana. That means a lot to me!"
"And now, we'd better go get Miss Wells before she thinks we got lost. "But let me tell you this: I am so proud of you. I truly believe that you'll accomplish your goal. If anything, because you've got Addison's picture in your mind. But, if by some slim chance you don't, just know that I'm still proud of you. You worked your ass off to get where you are. You deserve all good things."
She pulled him into a hug and he just nodded his response, for fear his voice wouldn't cooperate. He stood and helped her up. And as they drove to pick up Addison, his confidence soared all the more.
