The next morning Zed and Addison spent their final day back out on the slopes and had lots of fun. Addison even let Zed try that same black diamond that he attempted earlier, and while he did fall on his butt twice, there were no major problems like last time. For one thing, Addison told him to avoid the ramp and he listened to her. They stopped skiing early in the afternoon because they had plans that evening. When they got back to the hotel, they changed clothes for the night. Addison was wearing a light blue sweater and jeans, while Zed was wearing a dark gray jacket and jeans over a green t-shirt.
First on their agenda for the night was dinner with Missy and Dale. Everyone jumped in the car, and they drove a few minutes away to a cozy restaurant. Missy and Dale sitting on one side of the booth, with Zed and Addison on the other. They immediately held hands beneath the table as everyone started looking through the menu.
"So, Zed have you been enjoying yourself this week?"
"Oh yeah, I can't thank you two enough this had been the time of my life. And I even made it down a black diamond mostly unscathed."
"You've done really well this week. I was not expecting you to pick skiing up as fast as you did." Addison told him.
"Because I had the best teacher in the world. Have you guys had a good time?"
"Definitely, this is the one time of the year I get to put my phone on silent. I'm sure Gus can handle anything that pops up back home." Dale said.
"We've had just as much fun having time to ourselves as you two have." Missy added, "So Zed what are your plans when school starts again?"
"Pretty much the same as before other than a few class changes, I still have to finish the basketball season, of course, I'm sure Coach will be running us hard when practice starts again."
"It's been great watching you guys this year, I hope you get the chance to go all the way like you did for football."
"Did you play basketball too Dale?"
"No I wrestled, I was far from the greatest, but I had some moves. Plus, as we all know, the only thing Seabrook was good at was cheerleading before you came along."
"Mom I know you don't want to talk about work on vacation, but are there any more zombie changes coming soon?"
"Yes, next week the city council is planning to create a committee to change the zombie work laws so that zombies can have more freedom to choose their careers, possibly opening up more job training opportunities. We don't know for sure how far we'll go but hopefully, we'll be revamping the current system, and eventually, Zombies will be allowed to work just like anyone else. Plus I'm sure you two know about the elementary and middle schools being integrated when school resumes next week."
Just then their waiter returned with their orders, and they all dug in. Zed was thinking quietly to himself. Since the Z-bands were made most zombies were very limited in their work opportunities. Most of them were employed by the city of Seabrook to do menial cleaning jobs or high physical labor that didn't require much skill or education, like being a janitor, trash collectors, construction laborers, factory workers, etc. like Mr. Zeck, or his dad who had worked in construction for Zed's entire life but was never considered more than the lowest guy on the totem pole. Some of the luckier zombies had jobs in Zombietown itself like Bonzo's dad, who owned his own store that artfully repurposed Seabrook's trash or Mr. Z who was able to teach at Zombietown's school before he got his new position at Seabrook. Things had changed a lot for the kids in Zombietown, but as Zed thought about it more, this could be huge for most of the adults he knew that had been held back their entire lives ever since the outbreak. And maybe he could even start to dream about his own future.
"Missy if you need anything to help with changing the work laws, let me know because I will happily do anything you ask of me, and I know a whole lot of people that will want to help out too."
"Thank you, Zed, I'll let you know if I need anything."
"But one thing, for something like this, can you please include zombies in the decisions? Because we deserve to have our voices heard in something this monumental."
"Don't worry Zed, we've already been tentatively reaching out to a few people."
"That sounds great thank you. Now let's keep eating because this food is delicious."
They all happily devoured their delicious entrees, and everyone agreed to order dessert. Missy and Dale each had a slice of pie and both Zed and Addison chose a brownie sundae. Both ended up with chocolate on their lips and Zed had to hold himself back from kissing it away.
"So, are we partying all night with you guys?" Zed asked.
"No, don't worry you two don't have to hang around us all night. We'll be going to a party a few floors up, but they'll have a kids party at the hotel."
"Mom seriously? A kids' party?"
"Young adults." Missy supplied. "Don't worry it will be fun, much more fun than sitting in the hotel room all night, maybe you can both meet some new people."
"Sure, it sounds like a blast." Zed said.
"I guess we'll go and try to have fun." Addison said.
"That's the spirit dear, and don't hesitate to call if you need anything, and we'll probably be checking in with you every so often."
"OK Mom."
Soon after that they paid the bill and drove back to the hotel. Missy pointed Addison and Zed in the direction of the kids' party and told them to have fun. Leaving the two of them slowly walking towards the music.
"A kids' party?" Addison asked sarcastically.
"I think this is just their plan to limit any real alone time we could be having but still letting themselves have fun."
"You're probably right, that checking in comment was probably a warning to not just sneak back in the room all night."
"Well, between you and me, I predict I'll be dead on my feet by midnight, so we'll have to go back by then."
"Let's see if either of us can make it that long. You ready for this?" Addison asked.
"Yes please, I'm sure it won't live up to a zombie mash, but this could still be fun."
"Gee way to look on the positive."
"When do I not do that?"
"That's a good question. Let's go."
They walked through the doors, and they could hear the music playing, lots of kids talking, many wearing wacky hats on their heads or already blowing into party whistles. The lights were turned down low with balloons and streamers scattered around the space. Spotlights were shining all around, occasionally blinding them for a few seconds.
"I'll admit this looks like it could be a little fun." Zed said.
"Don't worry I'm sure we'll enjoy ourselves. Are you thirsty? Let's grab some punch."
"Sure."
They walked over and each took a glass of punch, and Zed also grabbed a plate full of snacks. "At least they have good food." Zed said, popping a few chips in his mouth.
"Well, when you're done eating, how about we dance?"
"I would love to." Zed said, he started to hurriedly shovel more food into his mouth. While Addison could only laugh at him.
They danced together through several fast songs, mostly just showing their moves off to each other, but unknowingly attracting attention from most of the other partygoers. When they started only a few people were on the dance floor, but their fun-filled atmosphere soon brought more onto the floor until it was filled with teens. After a while, a guy got on a microphone and gave an exciting announcement.
"Alright everyone, who's having a good last few hours of the old year?"
The crowd cheered excitedly, including Zed and Addison.
"I'm glad to hear it, right now we're going to start karaoke for anyone that wants to. You can sign up over by the DJ booth."
Zed smiled down at Addison, "You want to try that Addison?"
"Oh yeah, I think it could be lots of fun."
"What should we sing? I vote Bamm, I know we can bring the house down with that."
"I doubt they have that since Eliza isn't the DJ. While I agree you would make this whole crowd want to come to Zombietown and see what a real live Zombie Mash looks like."
"Hmm well, what's a song you know that we can both sing? Other than Someday, of course, our song is way too special to be shared with anyone but you. Plus, they probably don't have music for it either."
"I know, I'm trying to think…um…Oh! I have an idea. You know what this whole thing reminds me of?"
"What?"
"I'll give you a hint, ski lodge, new year's, karaoke, and a handsome, singing basketball player."
"Aha. I get what you're saying. If you want to sing that I'm all in. But is your head in the game?"
"Nope but my heart will be in the song."
"Well, that sounds good enough for me. Let's go sign up."
They walked over and put their names on the list, but by the time they did they could see they had a while to wait so they got a refill of punch and danced along with to the music of the other brave karaoke singers as they awaited their turn.
"Alright, again big thanks to Ross and Laura for that great duet. Next up we have Zed and Addison and ooh their going to be singing another classic. Come on stage you guys!"
They both stepped up to the stage in the center of room and gently grabbed their mikes. They shared a smile and just waited to begin. They could hear some surprised whispers from people, and that caused Addison's anxiety about her hair to flash up again. She turned towards Zed, this time with a look of nervousness, and Zed kept eye contact with her to try to convey the message that she had nothing to worry about. She is beautiful, and he's here if she needed anything. Addison could feel the emotion pouring from his eyes and giving a nod of confidence turned back to the crowd ready to perform.
The music started playing softly, just enough to be heard over the continued conversations around the room. Zed started singing. Most of the guests seemed to losing interest, their talking growing slightly louder, and Zed was just able to sing above the din.
Living in my own world, didn't understand, that anything can happen, when you take a chance
Addison started her lines now, her voice shaking slightly but quickly gaining strength and confidence
I never believed it, what I couldn't see, I never opened my heart, (Oh) to all the possibilities
Now both were really feeling the groove, only focusing on each other, and completely ignoring the crowd.
Ooh I know that something has changed
never felt this way, and right here tonight
This could be the start of something new
It feels so right to be here with you (Oh)
And now looking in your eyes
I feel in my heart (feel in my heart)
the start of something new Oh Yeah
The crowd really started to get in the groove as well, letting out cheers and claps, no one could ignore the perfect chemistry they had together on stage.
Who'd have ever thought that, Hmm
We'd both be here tonight, Ooh, Yeah
And the world looks so much brighter (Brighter brighter)
with you by my side (by my side)
I know that something has changed
Never felt this way,
I know it for real this could be the start of something new,
It feels so right to be here with you (Ohh)
And now looking in your eyes I feel in my heart (heart)
The start of something new
By this point the entire crowd was standing and clapping along, meanwhile, Zed and Addison took the mikes off the stands and began to happily dance with each other, caught up in the rhythm of the song, and the lyrics that both were singing right from the heart. It wasn't Someday, but both knew it was something.
I never knew that it could happen till it happened to me, Ohh yeah.
I didn't know it before but now it's easy to see, Ohh
It's the start of something new,
It feels so right to be here with you, Ohh
And now looking in your eyes I feel in my heart,
That it's the start of something new,
It feels so right to be here with you oh,
And now looking in your eyes, (looking in your eyes)
I feel in my heart (heart)
The start of something new, (the start of something new)
The start of something new.
The crowd gave them a round of applause and Zed and Addison gave each other a side hug before playfully bowing. A few kids even shouted for an encore, but Zed and Addison chose to leave the stage for the next singer. They received lots of congratulations and pats on the back from random people, but they soon escaped near the snack table once again.
"That was so much fun." Addison laughed, shouting to be heard over the still fired-up crowd.
"I know I had a blast. Best non-zombie party I've ever been to."
"Definitely, I never would have dreamed of doing that in Seabrook."
"But we definitely could, I think it's pretty obvious that the crowd loved us."
"Yeah, maybe someday." Addison agreed, "But speaking of which after all that excitement, and all that punch I really need to go use the bathroom quick."
"OK, I'm gonna go find a place to sit down over there." Zed said motioning towards some couches.
"OK I'm sure I'll be able to find you, I just need to look for the tall, handsome guy with green hair."
"Don't take too long now, I don't want to be lonely."
"Don't worry I'll be right back."
Zed grabbed some more punch for them and walked over to one of the couches. He sat down and took a sip when someone else sat down beside him. He turned his head in confusion.
"Hi there, you're Zed, right?" A tall girl with long black hair was sitting on his left and wearing a pink blouse and skirt.
"Yeah, I am and you are?"
"I'm Drew, I saw you singing up there, you're very talented."
"Thank you."
"Do you have lots of experience?"
"Oh yeah I sing and dance all the time, you should see the parties I have at home, this party is nothing compared to our mashes."
"That sounds fun, maybe I should come sometime, where are you from?"
"Seabrook California."
"Oh, pity I'm from New York, so I probably won't find myself there anytime soon, how about you show me a dance now then?"
"Nope sorry, tonight I'm only dancing with my girlfriend."
"Who's your girlfriend then?"
"Addison, the amazing angel I was singing my duet with."
"Well I don't see her anywhere, I'm sure we could sneak onto the dance floor for a song or two."
"No Drew. I'm sorry but I'm not interested. I don't want to dance with anyone except Addison."
"Well then fine tell me more about yourself. That's an interesting watch you have there, what brand is it?" She asked, examining Zed's wrist.
"It's not just a watch, it's a…um…medical device. It's called a Z-band." Zed said a little nervously. Pulling his arm out of her grasp.
"Oh, what's it for then if you don't mind me asking?"
"It's just something I was born with. I don't want to bore you with the details." Zed tried to act nonchalant about it.
"And is there a reason you dyed your hair green? Was it to get into the Christmas Spirit?"
"Actually, believe it or not, this is all-natural." Zed said, waving his hand through his hair.
"Fine don't tell me, let me guess you lost a bet or something?"
"Nope, I promise I'm telling the truth." Zed said laughing nervously.
"So besides singing and dancing what else can you do Zed?"
"I play football and basketball."
"I can tell you look like you're pretty strong. Drew once again reached out and squeezed his arm.
"Thanks." Zed said slowly, he was really wishing Addison would get back soon.
"There you are Zed." Addison said, walking up the couch. "Who's this?"
"I'm Drew, and you are?"
"Addison, my girlfriend." Zed supplied standing up and wrapping his arm around her shoulder. "Now that you're back what do you say we hit the dance floor?"
Drew's eyes narrowed and she scowled for a moment before fixing her face. "Of course, Zed I would love to."
"Um sorry, I meant Addison, my girlfriend. It was nice talking to you but-"
"We have our own plans for tonight. Happy New Year." Addison fake smiled.
"Yes, Happy New Year." Drew returned the fake smile.
Zed and Addison walked off to the dance floor, and they slowly started to gently sway to the music. "So who was that?"
"Uh her name is Drew I guess, she came to tell me good job at singing and then kept talking to me."
"What did you talk about?"
"She asked me if I wanted to dance and I told her I was waiting for you, so then she asked me about my green hair and my Z-band but I just tried to be evasive and not tell her I'm a zombie obviously."
"I saw that, "Addison turned her head, "I'm pretty sure she was trying to flirt with you, and she's still staring at you now." Addison said, peering over Zed's shoulder.
"Really? I didn't even notice."
"How would you not notice? She was feeling up your muscles."
Zed looked down, straight into Addison's eyes. "You're the only girl I will ever notice. When you have the best why bother with the rest? You know just as well as I do there is no chance I would ever want to do anything without you. I love the way it feels when you're in my arms or holding my hand, or wrapped up tight beneath the blankets. I felt absolutely nothing from her."
"Sorry I got into protective girlfriend mode."
"Hey it's fine, I protect you and you protect me, that's what makes us great. Now I just want to spend the rest of the year with you."
"Oh haha, you're hilarious. Well," Addison looked down at her watch, "we have about forty-five minutes left to go, think you can last that long with me?"
"I think I'll manage, let's just keep dancing."
"You know what they say about a new year's kiss?"
"No, what?"
"That you kiss the person you want to spend the next year with."
"And that's me I hope?"
"Oh definitely, but how about we wait until midnight to make it even more special?"
"Oof that's gonna be tough, but I can hold out for you."
They continued to dance, the music kept shifting between slow songs where they could hold each other close, and fast songs where they broke apart and showed off their individual moves. Until finally one last slow song began to play, and after twirling Addison for the final time the music quieted and everyone began counting down.
"10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, HAPPY NEW YEAR!" the crowd loudly cheered around them.
But Zed and Addison were deaf to it all as the final seconds ticked away. All they could focus on was each other as they slowly met in the middle like always, lips tenderly pressing against each other, sending a silent promise of their future happiness to come.
They finally separated for air, and Addison looked up at Zed. "Happy New Year Zed!"
"Happy New Year Addison!" He returned, before letting out an involuntary yawn.
"Awe is someone getting tired?"
"Yeah it's way past my bedtime, and we've had a very exciting week."
"And just wait for this year to be even better."
"It will be because I'm already starting it with you. What do you say we get out of here and go back to the room? I'm ready to crash."
"Agreed, maybe we can have some alone time before my parents get back from their party."
"Good thing you didn't mention that sooner, otherwise, I would not have made it to midnight."
"Don't get too excited. I want you to be here to celebrate next year."
"You got it, but let's go."
Walking back to the halls, both Zed and Addison started humming a tune and once they realized it, they decided to start singing aloud in perfect sync like always as they entered the elevator to travel up to their room.
Watch it come together
be the best one ever
because it's our time
this is gonna be our year
Been waiting for this moment
yeah we're gonna own it
you can watch us shine
This is gonna be our year
Our year, our year, our, our, our year, our year, our year
This is gonna be our year
Watch it come together be the best one ever
Because it's our time
This is gonna be our year
We've been waiting for this moment
Yeah we're gonna own it
You can watch us shine
This is gonna be our year
Yeah
They finished singing right when they got to their door and let out matching peals of laughter before rushing in and pushing the door closed behind them.
"So what happens next then?" Addison asked.
"Well it's a new year so I think we should start it off right."
"And what would that be?"
"You and me, warm under the blankets, nestled in each other's arms, maybe stealing a kiss or two, getting one last great night of sleep before we have to leave our perfect paradise."
"I think that sounds like a great plan, I better go get ready." Addison said turning toward the bathroom after grabbing her pajamas. "You better not fall asleep without me."
"I would never, but you better hurry or I just might. Maybe I'll have to cuddle up with Snowball."
"No way, both of you are all mine, only I get to cuddle with either of you."
"Change fast then." Zed grinned.
A few minutes later, Addison walked back into their room to find Zed already beneath the blankets and hugging Snowball to his chest.
"What do you think you're doing?"
"I got lonely and I needed comfort from Snowball." Zed returned, hugging the bear even tighter.
"So I've been replaced that quickly hmm?"
"Of course not he's only a stand-in. Just say the word and I'm all yours."
"I will but only if you give me Snowball."
"Alright come and get it."
Addison, rolling her eyes but smiling at his antics jumped onto the bed and reached out to take Snowball back, but before she could grab it, Zed lunged forward and pulled her close to him making her squeal in surprise. "Happy New Year Addie." Zed said, tossing the bear to the side, and snaking his arms around her instead.
"Happy New Year Zed."
They shared several long, tender kisses, no words passing between them, but then Zed decided to be a little adventurous. He broke away and flipped them both over so he was now hovering on top of Addison and leaned down to gently start sucking against her neck, as his teeth grazed her skin, Addison let out a shiver and a soft moan of pleasure.
"Are you OK with that?" Zed asked, pulling away and his eyes nervously meeting hers.
"Now you're getting fearless. I didn't say stop, keep going, or soon I'll have to take my turn." Her eyes glinted in the dark.
"As you wish." Zed said before returning, more confident and more forceful than before, he began in the same spot once again and Addison couldn't help but fall into the amazing feelings Zed was giving her as he gradually moved farther up her neck and then to the other side. Every move he made sent more shivers down her spine until he broke off and met her eyes once more.
Addison gave him a flirty smile and wrapped her arms tight around him and tried to flip him over as he had done to her, but all she managed to do was lift herself closer to Zed.
"Need something Addie?" Zed asked with a smirk.
"I need to show you how you just made me feel so you better turn yourself over buster."
"Absolutely." Zed said, and then effortlessly he rolled over so they could swap places, now he was on his back, facing a breathtaking Addison hovering over him. She leaned down and started to gently kiss and then suck against his skin, softly at first but growing stronger as she became more confident. Zed let out a groan of delight, making Addison burn even fiercer, she kept up the pressure, occasionally nibbling him as she moved up and down his neck.
Eventually, she broke off her attacks and met Zed's eyes, they both agreed they were at a stopping point and Addison collapsed on top of Zed's chest.
"You are seriously without a doubt the most amazing person I have ever laid eyes on." Zed declared.
"I should say, that was, I don't even have words." Addison knew if the lights were on her face would be flushed cherry red.
They held each other as close as they could possibly be. Now they were only focused on hearing the heartbeat next to them as they gradually drifted to sleep without any interruptions. Until they were eventually interrupted. About ten minutes later Zed heard two voices talking outside the door.
"Addison I think your parents are back." He whispered.
"OK." Addison sighed, still resting on his chest, "I better scoot over so they don't get the wrong idea." Addison rose off his chest and scooted away just enough that there were a few inches separating them. Zed reluctantly removed his arms, and both closed their eyes to feign sleep.
Zed could hear Dale's footsteps coming in to check on them, he whispered "Zed, Addison? I guess they're asleep already. I hope they haven't been here too long."
"Don't worry Dale, we know they didn't come back till after midnight. And everything's fine. Don't worry and let's get to bed too, we have a long drive tomorrow."
"You're right goodnight."
A few minutes later once the light was off in the other room. Zed pulled Addison against him once more. "Good night beautiful. Gar Gar Gaza." He said, tenderly nuzzling the back of her neck.
"Gar Gar Gaza Zed." Addison said, snuggling closer to him both soon entered dreamland.
The next morning Zed opened his eyes and smiled at the sight of Addison's white hair lying in front of him, he couldn't help but reach out and gently twirl a lock of her hair around his finger. He just laid there for a while with a smile on his face and eventually, Addison shifted and rolled over.
"Good morning Handsome."
"Good morning Gorgeous." Zed said meeting her eyes before they drifted down and widened in fear. "Oh, Ztergoge we're dead."
"What is it Zed?" Addison asked confused, and still waking up.
"I uh may have left my mark on you from last night, and now your dad is going to kill me." He whispered nervously.
"What you gave me hickeys? Crap we are so dead."
"Wait do I have any?"
"I don't know…I think you do but I can just barely see them, I wish I had stupid zombie healing too."
"So…what do you think we can do?"
"I don't know obviously I've never had to deal with this before." hissed Addison as she stood up, and hurried to her suitcase, searching through the clothes she brought. "I have one of your sweatshirts." Addison said pulling it on and putting the hood up. "Does this hide it all?"
"Yeah I think so mostly, I think you should probably go check the mirror."
"Yeah OK." Addison said walking quietly to the bathroom, she looked in the mirror and pulled down the hood, she could see a couple of purple bruises along the sides of her neck, she looked at it from as many angles as possible and most of them could be covered by her hair, but there was one right below her jawline that she was certain was still way too obvious. Addison hadn't brought any makeup with her since they had been skiing every day, but as she looked around the room her eyes landed on her mom's toiletry bag. She dug through it and thankfully her mom had packed some concealer so Addison used that to hide the evidence as much as she could then she went back to the room where Zed was quietly pacing the floor in his nervousness.
"Addie I'm so sorry, I was so stupid to do that to you." Zed whispered.
"Zed it's OK." Addison said, hugging him to help him calm down. "I think we both agree we had fun last night didn't we?"
"Yes, of course I did. Did you?"
"For sure, and while it probably wasn't the smartest time and place to do it, I don't regret it. I'll just have to be careful the next few days until they disappear. Once we get home I should have no problems hiding them. Just stay calm because I'm pretty sure my parents can smell fear."
"Right I can do this. Zed's eyes kept darting down to Addison's neck."
"And hey, maybe try not to stare at it, we don't want to make it obvious."
"Yeah OK, how about we start packing then while we wait for your parents to wake up."
Eventually, they ate a late brunch at the hotel before checking out for the long drive home. Neither Missy nor Dale seemed to notice anything different about Addison's appearance, though they did notice how fidgety Zed seemed to be. Zed claimed he was just a little homesick and was excited to be heading back to Seabrook.
So they drove home and the ride back was pretty similar to the drive there, Zed and Addison spent a lot of the time napping in the backseat and leaning against each other. They were still super nervous about letting anything slip so they weren't as chatty as the ride down, trying to keep a low profile below Missy and Dale's notice. They all made it home without any incidents and after being dropped off at his house Zed spent most of the night telling Pops and Zoey about everything he did that week, He did of course leave out some of the best details that belonged to him and Addison alone.
When Addison got home, both of her parents were still so tired out that they did some laundry and then went straight to bed. She cleaned off the make-up she put on that morning to check her neck over again, and it still looked pretty much the same as this morning, she knew she was still in for a few nerve-wracking days ahead, but she was confident that she could keep it covered up. She tried to spend as much time as possible outside of her house, with her friends or at cheer to avoid her parents finding out, and luckily no one else seemed to notice anything either. Except for Bree when she came over for movie night, who then demanded details in exchange for keeping the secret.
And after a few more days, the night before school started again when Addison checked her mirror as she was getting ready for bed, it finally looked like they were all faded away. She called Zed to give him the good news.
"Hello?"
"Hey there handsome, good news I think we're in the clear, I can't see anything anymore."
"That's a relief, I've been half-expecting your dad to come to arrest me all week."
"You don't need to worry anymore. At least until the next time, we try something like this."
"So, you really aren't mad at me?"
"Of course not Zed, I mean sure, it's technically your fault but I played a very active role too."
"Good, because honestly for about two seconds that morning before my brain could catch up and panic took over, I felt kind of proud seeing it. Is that weird?"
"I don't think so, all week they've just served as a reminder of our wonderful vacation together, and I was a little disappointed I couldn't leave my mark on you."
"You'll just have to try harder next time beautiful."
"Goodnight Zed. I love you. Addison laughed.
"Goodnight. I love you too."