Addison and Zed woke up with a start, both a little bleary-eyed at the sudden awakening, before they saw each other, and then saw Missy. Standing there in anger and surprise. Both immediately untangled themselves and stood up, complete panic written on both of their faces.
Dale ran into the room, "Missy what's going-?" His confusion turned immediately to anger, "What are you doing in my daughter's room?!" He yelled out. "Especially after what you did last night!"
"I just found them sleeping together!" Missy exclaimed.
"You have 10 seconds to start talking or I'll lock you up in containment forever!" Dale shouted.
"Wait let us explain," Addison said, putting herself between Zed and her parents, "and what are you talking about what he did last night?"
Missy started, "I got a call from Pierce this morning he said you two had a wonderful time last night, but as he was walking you to the door, that Zombie attacked you two and tried to kidnap you. He was acting completely unstable and grabbed you away from him. He was about to carry you off into the night but Pierce was able to grab you back and pepper-sprayed him to scare him off. You were really freaked out so he gave you a hug and a kiss to try to calm you down. He made sure you got in the house safe and then he wanted to get back in his car and back home just in case the Zombie was still out there."
"And you believed him? That is the most insane story I've ever heard." Addison said, shocked and angry.
"I would never do anything to hurt Addie that is not what happened at all last night." Zed defended himself.
"Why would he lie about something like that, and it makes sense why you were so upset since you just saw the real monster inside of him. So you chose to panic about the only positive thing that happened." Dale said.
"No just listen to me for once in my life. That is a complete lie." Addison said.
"Then what really happened, and why is he here?" Dale asked pointing a finger at Zed.
"So last night I went on the stupid date with Pierce and I made it clear from the beginning I wasn't interested in him and I was only there because you made me. He wouldn't stop trying to flirt with me though no matter how many times I shot him down. When we got home he asked me for a kiss and I said no, so then Pierce grabbed me and forced himself upon me. He was holding onto my arms and I couldn't move I was so scared. Then Zed was there and he saved me." Addison explained.
"Why were you at our house?" Missy asked.
"I was worried about Addison, I knew Pierce's reputation and I know he has no respect for me or zombies, and I couldn't relax until I knew she was home safe, so I just hid in the bushes, planning to just watch her come home. Then when Pierce attacked her, I jumped up and I had to help her, I roared at him and told him to leave Addison alone. He ran away scared and I wanted to stay and comfort her, but she knew you two couldn't see me like that." Zed finished the story.
"Like what? Were you rogue around our daughter again." Dale demanded.
"Yes, my anger and love for Addison brought the Zombie out, but I did it only to protect her, and I will always do anything it takes to keep her safe." Zed told them.
"Zed saved me."
"He didn't save you, you were in more danger from him than Pierce." Missy said.
"I know Zed will never hurt me, he loves me just as much as when he's full-Zom as when he's normal. He would never try to use me without my consent, unlike Pierce."
"I still think there was just a big misunderstanding between you two, and then the Zombie couldn't control himself and made you both panic." Missy told her.
"No." Zed said, finding his voice strong and level, "I swear to you, we are telling the truth, sure maybe you will never believe a Zombie's word since to you we will always be mindless brain-eating monsters, but how can you not believe your own daughter? It shouldn't even be a question for you to trust her. If anything like that ever happened to Zoey, I wouldn't need to hear both sides. I would stand beside her no questions asked. I love Addison with all my heart, she means the world to me, I trust her with my life and she trusts me, even when I am at my worst. And I will protect her to the ends of the earth. Just because someone is normal doesn't mean they can't be monsters. Sometimes it's humans who are the worst monsters." Zed stared straight into Missy and Dale's eyes, not giving them an inch.
Several moments passed where no one seemed to know what to say. Addison really wanted to show Zed just how much he meant to her too, but couldn't find the words, and didn't want to say them in front of her parents. Missy and Dale broke eye contact first, and looked at each other seeming to have a short silent conversation between themselves.
"Alright," Missy said slowly, looking between the other three, "maybe we were too quick to assume without listening to both sides of the story. Addison, I'm sorry, I know last night was probably the worst night of your life, and we made it even worse."
"Thank you, Mom." Addison said, quietly, surprised that her parents were actually listening, and even apologizing to her. They had never admitted they were wrong ever.
"I apologize too, we should have listened to you, but still, what is he doing here?" Dale asked again.
"I did sneak into her room last night, but that was only because I knew she needed me, I could hear her cries from outside, I had to be here for her, if there was anything I could do I had to do it."
"Yes, and he did, Zed is the only person I feel safe with, he helped me calm down and go to sleep. He comforted me when you wouldn't. I didn't even have to ask but he was there for me. Right when I needed him most, just like he always is. We're always ready to catch each other when we fall."
"Now tell me the truth. Was this the first time you've snuck in here?"
Both Zed and Addison knew what the only right answer would be.
"Yes, this is the first time, and I only did it because Addison needed me."
"Of course, he's never been here before."
"Alright…" Dale seemed to take their word. "Zed, thank you for what you did last night. In all honesty, a lot of my officers have been keeping an extra eye on you, and they all tell me you are a genuine, and true leader at school, and in Zombietown and always polite to everyone you meet. Now I don't ever want to find you in my daughter's room again, got it?"
"Yes sir."
"Missy, I think it's time that we try to put our pasts behind us. It's clear that Zed isn't going away anytime soon."
"I agree Dale, Zed we are sorry, as long as you don't hurt Addison, we should have no reason not to trust you with her. Addison, we will allow you to see each other, and you can join cheerleading again if you want to."
"Really? Thank you Mom."
"So, you two can have fun, but still behave yourselves. Understand." Dale warned them.
"Yes." They nodded in unison.
"You know Mom, how would you feel about having some dinner guests over?"
"Who?"
"Zed, his dad, and his sister Zoey?"
"Oh of course…that would be… lovely." Missy said slowly.
"I'm sure you'll love them, especially Zoey, she's just the cutest thing." Addison said.
"Right, um Zed, what do you think I should make? We, uh, haven't had zombie guests over before." Missy said, a bit awkwardly.
"Anything vegetarian will work, or we can bring our own food, and have a potluck maybe."
"Don't worry I'm sure I can come up with something everyone will enjoy." Missy said.
"Well, I better go tell them we have dinner plans now." Zed said.
"I'll walk you out." Addison said.
Outside on the porch, Zed turned to Addison. "Well, that was the most stressful moment I've ever had."
Addison sunk into him with a hug. "Thank you, you were great in there, it looks like we finally convinced them after showing them how wrong they are about you, and how wrong they were about him. Seabrook perfect doesn't mean good."
"Are you sure you're OK?" Zed asked once more.
"I'm totally fine, you made it all better, and now I never have to think about that idiot jerk again. And now we can be together for real, no more having to sneak around."
"And look at you, you can cheer again."
"Oh my gosh, I wasn't even thinking about that but you're right. I can't wait to cheer at your basketball games. I should call Bree right away."
"And who knows with your mom and dad willing to eat with my family, maybe we can get them on board with some of our changes to Seabrook outside of school too."
"That would be so great."
"And for us, I think I have an idea that will let us spend some time together next week."
"What is it?"
"I have a plan, and it involves Zoey, I think with her help we can convince your parents to give her the sleepover she's been begging for."
"Sounds like we both have work to do, see you tonight."
"See you later."
That night, Zed's family walked up to the front door of Addison's house in various states of nerves. Zed and Zevon were both extremely nervous about how this night would turn out, while Zoey was hopping up and down in excitement to see Addison's house and fulfill her part in Zed's plan.
Zed knocked on the door.
Addison quickly opened it with a smile on her face. "Welcome, thanks for coming guys."
"Addison! Can you give me a tour?" Zoey asked her as she jumped forward and gave Addison a hug.
"Maybe in a little bit Zoey but I'm glad you came." Addison said, laughing.
Zed gave Addison a quick side hug, her parents may have started to accept him, but he did not want to push any limits so soon after this morning.
Zevon was the last to walk in, and thanked Addison and her parents for welcoming them into their home. He even nervously shook Dale's hand.
"Welcome to our home." Missy said with a smile.
"Thank you for having us." Zevon said.
"So, Mom what are we eating?" Addison asked as the silence started to grow.
"Oh yes, I made potato soup and a salad, I hope that's alright."
"Don't worry about it, us three will eat anything…Uh vegetarian of course." Zevon added with a nervous chuckle.
"Great…Everyone feel free to dig in."
They sat down and it ended up being Addison and her parents on one side and Zed and his family sitting on the other side of the table.
Beyond initially complementing the food, the conversation started off slow as everyone was still pretty nervous.
"So Zed, I hear you're the student body president." Missy said.
"Yes Ma'am I am."
"I also heard you were leading changes at the school, what are you working on now?"
"Well, we just got approval from the school board to add zombie holidays to the school calendar, the first of which is Halloween, next week in fact."
"Oh, I didn't realize Halloween was such a big deal for Zombies."
Zevon started to explain. "Oh yeah, its always been ever since we got the Z-bands, the Zombie school is let out for the day, and most adults take the day off. We usually throw a large block party with food, games, and music. Then at night the kids still go trick or treating, but they just run around to every house as themselves. It's one of the highlights of the year. We get to celebrate who we are."
"Well, that sounds nice." Dale said.
"Addison, are you going to come to Halloween this year?" Zoey asked.
"I would love to Zoey, can I go with her?" Addison asked her parents
"Well, I don't know…" Missy started.
"Pretty please with brains on top." Zoey asked, giving Missy and Dale her best puppy dog eyes, which she knew always worked on her dad and brother.
"OK, Addison can go trick or treating with you." Missy said after a moment, "But only because you're so cute." She said with a smile on her face.
"Yay, thank you." Zoey jumped up and hugged Missy automatically.
Missy let out an "Oooff" in surprise. "You're welcome, dear." Missy said, trying to keep her smile on her face.
"Do you want to know what would make Halloween even more perfect? Zoey asked the whole table.
"No what is it Zoey?" Addison asked her.
"If we could have a sleepover, can we please?"
"It's alright with me, my little zombie angel, but you have to ask Addison's parents."
"Can she?"
"I don't know." Dale said, slightly glaring at Zed.
"I promise Addison will be safe in Zombietown, especially at our house." Zed said.
"Don't worry I'll make sure to watch out for her. Zevon promised.
Dale shared a look with Missy, "I suppose just this once since it's a holiday, but separate rooms you two." Dale said, pointing at Zed and Addison.
"Well duh, it's a sleepover that means no boys allowed." Zoey said.
"I know Dad, and don't worry I would love to have a sleepover with Zoey."
"You're welcome to come to the block party too," Zevon said, "the more the merrier we always say."
"Oh thank you for the invitation, but Dale, aren't humans normally not allowed in Zombietown?" Missy asked.
"Yeah, I'm afraid so, and with our behavior the past few weeks, I can't imagine anyone would be happy to see us." Dale said.
"Sure they will Mom, you could even make it an official community event, you're the mayor, invite Seabrook residents to the party to show town unity, and celebrate the holiday." Addison suggested.
"We'll think about it, but I see nothing wrong with that, it can be the first show that the town is on board with changing things around here. I know there has been plenty of support for change inspired by you and your friends Zed." Missy said. "Now, who's ready for dessert?"
"Ohh I am," Zoey called out excitedly.
Dale turned to the fridge, "well I worked very hard on this, I had to drive a whole 15 minutes away." Dale joked, as he returned from the fridge, holding Addison's favorite chocolate cheesecake.
"It looks delicious." Zed said, before mouthing to Addison across the table, "Oh I mean Gorgeous."
Addison had to stifle her giggles to keep from laughing out loud at him.
"Wow that looks so good!" Zoey said, "What is it?"
"It's a cheesecake Zoey, it's my favorite dessert in the world." Addison told her.
Dale began cutting the cake into pieces and passing them around.
"This is so good!" Zoey said. "Addison this is my favorite food now too."
"I'm glad you like it, how do you like it Zevon?" Addison asked.
"It's great." Zevon said.
"Addison can you give me a tour now that we finished eating?" Zoey asked.
"Of course Zoey, Zed do want to come too?"
"Sure." Zed said looking between the parents for permission.
"You can go Zed, we'll be fine here for a few minutes." Missy told him.
"Alright, let's go!" Zoey said excitedly as Addison led her and Zed through the house.
"So Zevon," Dale said, "you and Zoey seem to know Addison pretty well already."
"Dale, as a parent I can't lie to you, she has been to our house to see Zed and Zoey a couple of times before. But I can assure you she has never been in any danger."
"Thank you for your honesty with us, I know we probably started off on the wrong foot, especially after the game, and we want to apologize for the way we have been treating your son and Zombies in general." Missy said.
"Wow," Zevon was shocked, this was not how he expected the night to go. "Thank you, I hate to ask but does this mean with your change of heart about Zed, could the rest of us see some changes too?"
"I suppose, some of the zombie laws are a bit old and antiquated since the Z-bands have been invented. Where do you think we should start?" Missy asked.
"Well…" Zevon had to think about it for a few moments, "where do I begin? I really think you can lower the Z-Patrols and curfew, I've felt like I've been living in a police state for most of my life, and maybe even end the curfew and allow zombies to travel freely in Seabrook, end the job restrictions so that we can start living our own lives." Zevon started whispering, "One thing that would mean the world to me as a parent, would be if you got rid of the pet ban, Zoey's been asking for a puppy since she was in diapers. If she could have a dog, it would be the highlight of her year."
Missy smiled, "Not to get your hopes up, but maybe I'll look into what I can do. Anything else?"
"Oh trust me that's just the tip of the iceberg. Zombies have been waiting decades for our freedoms. Dale, you're the Chief, you probably know the most about Z-bands, you know they work and Zombies aren't any more dangerous than the average human, we may be slightly stronger and have better senses but we aren't a threat any more than anyone else."
"Yes, we know that now, I don't suppose Zed told you why we had our change of heart?" Dale answered.
"He mentioned a few things, that a guy attacked Addison, he saved her, and then spent the night here to comfort her, then you found him this morning, you were angry but their defense finally made you see the truth and begin to accept him for the amazing person he is, inside and out."
"Yes, and that guy was set up by us to try to get Addison away from Zed. It showed us that humans can be just as monstrous as Zombies sometimes, including ourselves. We just want to apologize again."
"No apology needed, after the game, I was angry at Zed too, for putting himself at risk, much less everyone else. But when you're a parent I understand you want to do everything to protect your kid."
"Thank you Zevon, you know, after this talk I think we can trust you to host a sleepover for Addison." Dale said.
"I promise you won't have to worry about a thing. She'll be safe, and between me and Zoey, her and Zed won't be able to get away with anything if they wanted to. But I have seen them together, and not to scare you but I think this will be the first of many dinners we have together."
"We know, Addison has been telling us this whole time that they belong together, we never really believed her until today when they were defending and supporting each other."
"Since that first day of school, Addison had been just about the only thing he talks about, I'm just happy for both of them."
"Us too." Dale said.
Just then Zoey ran back into the dining room.
"Daddy you should see all the cheer stuff Addison has in her room, she has so many Cheer posters, she even gave me this one, see." She then proceeded to unroll her new poster showing it off to everyone.
"That's great my little zombie angel. I'm sure it will look beautiful in your room," Zevon said, "where are Zed and Addison?"
"I don't know, Addison gave me the poster and I was so excited they said I should come down and show it off to all of you." Zoey said looking around behind her.
Zevon and Dale shared a look between themselves before each called out, "Addison!" "Zed!"
After a few moments they all heard footsteps hurrying down the stairs and Zed and Addison soon walked back in, trying to look relaxed, but Zed couldn't hide the twinkle in his eyes, or Addison her rosy cheeks.
"Hey Zoey," Dale loudly called out, "when you have your sleepover, I have a special job for you."
"What is it?" Zoey asked,
"It's your job to make sure Addison doesn't leave your sight, it's up to you to keep her safe in Zombietown OK, do you think you can do that?"
"OK I'll sit right beside her all night, we can watch movies and practice cheer moves, and play games."
"Good we're counting on you." Missy said with a smile at Zoey, and a warning look at Addison and Zed who just smiled embarrassedly in response.
"Well before Zed gets into any more trouble we better get going, its almost curfew after all, and it's close to someone's bedtime. Zevon said, rubbing Zoey's hair."
"Do we have to leave already?" Zoey asked.
"Yeah Pops do we have too?" Zed asked again.
"Yes, it's close to both of your bedtimes." Zevon said chuckling. "Thank you again for inviting us over."
"Oh, the pleasure was all ours." Missy said.
"You know, it would be faster if I just drove you guys back to Zombietown and you wouldn't have to worry about the curfew."
"Oh thank you Dale, but you don't have to."
"Oh no I insist, and it's no trouble at all."
"Well then, thank you. Zevon said."
"Bye Addison, buy Missy," Zoey waved as she walked out the door, after giving Addison a hug in farewell.
Zed also couldn't help but give Addison one more hug before he left. "I think this actually went well." He whispered in her ear.
"I know I can't believe it either. Gar Gar Gaza."
"Gar Gar Gaza."
"Mmrff." Dale coughed out to remind them where they were.
Zed did look up with a twinge of fear, but relaxed when Dale gave him a pat on the back when he walked out the door.
Addison stood on the porch watching them all hop the car and drive off. With a smile on her face she went back to the kitchen to help her mom clean up, for the first time in a while she felt happy with her parents.
"Well, that was nice." Missy said as she started washing the dishes.
"You really like them? I told you they aren't so bad, and didn't I tell you Zoey is the cutest thing."
"Yes, she is. And Zevon was great too, you should let them know they are welcome to come anytime. It will help us keep track of you and Zed."
"Mooom," Addison groaned, "And will you open up Zombietown for Halloween?"
"I will, I think someone even brought it up at the last City Council meeting when they heard Zed was trying to make it a school holiday. But I really don't know how many people are going to show up from Seabrook, and I really don't know how the zombies will react to Dale and me."
"I will admit you aren't the most popular with most Zombies at the moment, but like Zed says, baby steps are still progress. I'm glad you are on our side now, just more proof that Seabrook can change for the better."
When they arrived back in Zombietown, Zevon thanked Dale again and left the car with Zoey. Right as Zed was about to exit, Dale reached out and touched his shoulder. "Just a moment Zed, you and I need to talk. Don't worry Zevon, I'll let him go in one piece."
"Now Zed, I know we started off on the wrong foot, but just some ground rules. Keep Addison safe, make her happy, stay out of trouble and you'll be OK in my book. But don't you even think about you know what. Got it."
"Oh yes of course Sir. That's all I want for Addison too. And I promise you don't have to worry about…you know."
"Good, just remember I can still track your Z-band if I need too, and I can still throw you in containment forever." Dale said with a stern look on his face, before breaking into a smile. "Now go inside so I don't worry Zevon too much."
"Yep, you got it, thanks for the ride." Zed said getting out quickly and jogging up to his door. He gave one last nervous wave before going inside.
Dale just chuckled to himself as he pulled away. "Wow doing the dad talk is so much better on this end than when I met Missy's parents."
AN: Well, Missy and Dale are finally coming around but don't worry this isn't the end. I'll continue this story as long as I can come up with story ideas. I also want to thank anyone who is following or favorited this story so far, and a big Thank You! to Loveshipper and SWChica2005, your reviews are my main motivators to keep writing. Thank you again!