Finally, the long-awaited day was almost here that Zed had been preparing for since he got back from his winter vacation. He had everything planned to perfection, but unfortunately the week before, his dad shared some great and not-so-great news. He, Zevon, and Zoey were all eating dinner when his dad cleared his throat.
"Kids, I have some good news."
"What is it Pops?"
"Well, you know how I've been working late the last few weeks?"
"Yeah."
"I have some good news to share with you, the reason I've been working late is because I've been taking some night classes in addition to work, thanks to the newly revised Zombie work laws. And now I've completed all my classes and I'm completely certified and got hired for my new job."
"Yay! What's your new job Daddy?"
"I'm still going to be working in construction, but now I'm going to be the foreman of my own crew."
"Really? What are you working on? Are you starting your own company?" Zed asked.
"No not quite, I'm still working for the city, but like I said I'm going to be the foreman of a crew made up entirely of zombie workers and we're going to be fixing up Zombietown."
"That sounds great Pops! What are you building?"
"Hold your horses, I don't know everything yet. I know some of the plans include building a reunification gate to show that Seabrook is united again. We'll also be fixing up or tearing down a lot of the abandoned buildings so people or businesses can live there again. In fact, they're even going to be building a new cheer pavilion in Zombietown."
"Wow really? I can't wait to see it." Zoey sounded super excited.
"Where are they building that? Zed asked."
"Well, here's the bad news I know you aren't going to like Zed. They're planning on demolishing the powerplant and building it there."
"What? No! That's where we have our Mashes! And the light garden." He whispered to himself.
"I know Zed, but it'll be all right, you'll be able to find a new place for your parties."
"I'm sorry Pops, you're right this is great news for you, and zombies. I know you'll be the best foreman ever. You'll be building up everything so fast that humans will want to live in Zombietown." Zed stood up to give his dad a hug.
"I want to join!" Zoey shouted, wiggling in between her dad and brother.
"I don't know about that but I hope it means things will continue to change and our lives can get better and better."
"So when do you start your new job?"
"We'll be starting on the unification gate as a symbolic first project in a few weeks, and I think we're demolishing the powerplant just after spring break and right before the prom."
"Actually Dad, I found out it's called Prawn, for the Mighty Shrimp."
"Of course it is."
"So have you asked Addison yet?" Zoey asked.
"No, I'm waiting for the right moment. I'll probably do it over Spring Break. Besides I have to get through Valentine's Day first."
"Good luck with that, knowing you, I assume you've already got a plan for that?"
"Yeah, but I may change it now."
After everyone cleaned up. Zed went up to his room and thought for a while. He was happy for his dad, truly he was. But it was also wrapped up in the grief of losing the powerplant. He had hundreds of memories from the dozens of mashes he had been to over the years, but of course his absolute favorite was the night he invited Addison. They had so much fun and in the end, the light garden became their place, just as much as the saferoom at school. Zed knew he couldn't take this new opportunity away from his dad and the other zombies, but he didn't want to give up everything he loved about that place without a fight. After chatting with Addison, he stared up at his ceiling still thinking. He didn't let anything slip to her because he wanted to only have this conversation once and it had to include all their friends.
The next day at lunch everyone was sitting at their usual table. Addison took Zed's hand. "There's something bothering you isn't there?"
"Yeah, there is, I actually have good news and bad news."
Everyone's attention was now focused on Zed.
"The good news is Pops is going to be getting a new job. He's going to be the foreman of an all-zombie construction crew that's going to be fixing up Zombietown."
"That's great news Zed. One more step of my revolution down. What's the bad news though?"
"One of their first projects is going to start in about a month. They're going to be building a new cheer pavilion in Zombietown."
"Really? That sounds great. I'd love to cheer in Zombietown." Bree said.
"Yeah that part is, but the bad news is that they're going to tear down the powerplant to do it."
"What! They can't do that. The powerplant is the birthplace of zombie heritage. It belongs to us. Who decided this? And what about our mashes? Sure other than when we get busted by the Z-Patrol that is our space. Not for prissy pink cheerleaders. No offense to the people at this table. Ugh. Ztergoge!" Eliza was seething.
"I know Eliza I'm mad about it too, but this is the biggest thing to happen in my dad's life in years. He's finally getting the respect he deserves, not to mention all the other zombie workers, I don't even know what other opportunities are being opened up. And if this will help humans feel more comfortable in Zombietown it can't be all bad. I wish they were choosing any other building to tear down. But we have to look on the bright side."
"I don't agree with you Zed. I don't care I am going to fight this."
"OK, but how about this weekend, we plan one last Mash? It can the biggest one ever to celebrate everything we've done and all the new changes that are coming."
"Oh yeah, I haven't actually been to a Mash yet. I want to be there." Bree said.
"Argh coze gru invitarr." Bonzo said, "Grreat idearr. Igg inz."
"Sure we can have a Mash this weekend but I refuse to call it the last one. I'll start spreading the word." Eliza began typing on her computer, "And I'll also start planning the fight to keep it."
Zed turned over to Addison who had gone quiet during Zed and Eliza's back and forth. "Addison what are you thinking?"
"I'm sorry Zed, you know as well as I do, anything to do with Zombietown has to have my parents' approval, so in some way, this must be their fault."
"Hey don't think like that, it's only because of them, and because of me and you that my dad is finally getting a chance to prove himself to Seabrook that he is more than a monster, that he can be a leader."
"I know how much the powerplant means to all of you because it even means something to me. The light garden will always be our place, but now it will be gone."
"I know, I'm already trying to think of ways we can try to save it, but I can't hurt Pops either. I know, we're stuck between a rock and a hard place. Let's not worry about it too much though. Let's just enjoy this weekend. We have one more Mash to go to, and it will be the most epic one we have ever thrown."
"So will prissy pink cheerleaders be invited?" Addison smiled.
"I don't see why not, hey let's open it up to everyone." Zed called out to Eliza.
"Why?"
"Maybe if Seabrook kids have a ton of fun, we can get more support for them to change their plans and keep the powerplant."
"Or maybe we'll be busted by Z-Patrol before we even begin."
"Come on Eliza, I'm sure no one will call the Z-Patrol to bust a secret party."
"Fine, tell whoever you think you can trust."
Zed spent the rest of lunch thinking over his dilemma some more until he got a brilliant idea. He whispered his plans to Bonzo in their last class of the day and he readily agreed. After their practices were done and they ate dinner that night, they walked through Zombietown to start working.
That night Addison tried to get answers out of her parents, but she knew she couldn't use the fact that zombies have parties at the powerplant as a reason to keep it standing. She also knew trying to explain the light garden would probably make them want to tear it down faster. Her parents told her that as far as they were concerned the powerplant was just an empty, decrepit building that stood as a reminder of the terrible accident. They had checked with several leaders in Zombietown and they had given their permission to tear it down for the pavilion. Seemed the adult zombies thought it was a worthy sacrifice.
Eliza planned the mash for that Friday, which happened to be Valentine's Day and Addison just knew nothing would stop Zed from pulling out all the stops, even though he did admit to her his plans had changed slightly. Both Zed and Addison had agreed for just this once to not worry about getting each other a gift since both were so busy with sports, school, and now worrying about the powerplant. But because Addison knew Zed so well, she had an ace up her sleeve should she need it.
The day started as normal. Zed was at her door to walk her to school that morning. Other than being slightly more affectionate than usual, which Addison happily returned, he wasn't giving anything away.
They split off to go to their first classes, and Addison found a beaming Bree, with a smile she couldn't turn off thanks to the bouquet of green roses and chocolates she had discovered in her locker. Along with a note folded in the shape of a swan, that when translated from Zombietongue read Meet at the barrier 7 pm tonight. Love Bonzo.
Addison smiled happily, waiting for Zed to finally let the surprise drop. He didn't give away anything in the English class they shared, but mysteriously, Mrs. Nelson told him Coach needed him and gave him a hall pass about ten minutes before lunch.
Addison was walking to the cafeteria to wait for him when she got a text.
Meet me in saferoom Valentine.
OK, she answered, quickly changing direction. She couldn't help the giddiness she felt. Even letting out a tiny laugh to herself.
She slowly opened the door to find most of the lights turned down low.
"Hello?" She called out.
"Why hello." Addison could just see the glint of Zed's eyes in the back corner of the room, hidden behind a shelf.
"Don't get any ideas buster the only thing more deadly than my high kick is my low kick."
"Sorry, this just isn't how I expected my first real Valentine's Day to go."
"You weren't expecting to be trapped in a zombie safe room?" She asked, as each slowly walked closer together.
"Oh no, that I expected, happens to me all the time, it's sort of my thang."
"Haha." Addison let out a light peal of laughter.
"So I'm not going to get low kicked?"
"You're safe. For now."
"Good cause today's a big day. It's my first Valentine's Day with my girlfriend. I need to make it perfect."
"Wow we're both having big days, I have my first Valentine's Day with my boyfriend."
"He must be a really lucky guy."
"Oh no trust me I'm the lucky one, he makes every day better than the last. So."
"I'm Zed what's your name?"
"Addison I-" Addison started as Zed flicked the lights on.
Addison looked around to see a blanket spread over the floor, with a picnic basket next to it and the entire area blanketed in rose petals, along with a bouquet sitting a few feet away. She was shocked speechless.
"Zed I"
"No, your line is Agh Zombie! Then we have our first punch." Zed playfully swung his fist.
"No way, you're not hideous at all, you are way too handsome for me to punch. Again."
They leaned closer together to share a soft kiss filled with warmth and love for each other.
Addison sat down on the blanket. "So what did you make?"
"One second, we have to make sure our saferoom is secure." Zed said flicking the lock. "I don't want Bucky and the Aceys to barge in, do you?"
"Nope, but even if they do, they can't take me away from you ever again."
"Just what I like to hear. So I have a bunch of fruit, some cheese sandwiches, and your favorite cheesecake."
"Thank you, Zed everything looks delicious. When did you have time to set all this up?"
"I asked Coach for a favor to get me out of class early, and I came to school early this morning to hide everything in my locker before I walked you to school."
After they finished eating, Addison turned to pull something out of her bag. "Since I knew you'd be such an amazing boyfriend today, I had to get something for you."
"Oh boy what is it?"
"Close your eyes and hold out your hand."
"As you command." Zed obediently held his hands out and felt something soft and furry enter his hands. He opened his eyes to reveal a brown teddy bear wearing a Mighty Shrimp football jersey. It even had his Z on it.
"Happy Valentines Day! Now you can have your own bear to snuggle with when we're apart like I have Snowball."
"Thanks, Addie this is great I love it."
"So what's his name? "
"Hmm…I know from this day forth, he will be known as Zander the 2nd."
"Wow real creative, you couldn't think of anything to name him other than after Zoey's stuffed dog."
"I'll have you know I named Zander, he was mine before he was Zoey's."
"Really? I didn't know that."
"Yeah, when she was about two she started to steal him away from me to sleep with at night, and just like you, I can never tell her no."
"Awe, that's so sweet. You are seriously the best brother ever."
"Anyway don't worry I'll make sure to sleep with him every night I'm without you. But I'm thinking Zander and Snowball can share a bed tonight."
"Just what are you planning?"
"You'll have to wait and see, I'm just getting started."
Just then the bell rang, signaling the end of lunch.
"Well, it was fun while it lasted." Addison sighed as she helped Zed gather all the rose petals.
"So can I expect you at the mash?"
"Definitely, meet me by the barrier?"
"Of course, 7 pm?"
"You got it, I'll come with Bree then."
"See you soon, I love you."
"I love you too."
Later that evening Addison and Bree were walking together towards Zombietown, ready for the party of their lives. They arrived and found their handsome boyfriends waiting just inside the gate.
"There you are, you ready for this?" Zed asked.
"Totally, and I'm not freaked out at all." Addison smiled at him.
"Grallo Breezka, grready agh mash?"
"Abzolutely Bonzo. Letz Gro"
They walked happily to the powerplant and took the long ride down on the elevator. When the doors opened the mash was already in full swing. Bree had never been to the powerplant for a mash before and was glancing all around excitedly taking everything in and entered a rapid discussion in zombietongue with Bonzo asking about everything.
Zed and Addison left them to their own devices and found a bunch of human cheerleaders and other students standing around, acting a bit intimidated.
"Hey there Swags," Zed said, raising his hand in a fist bump, "how are you liking the mash so far?"
"It's great Zed." Ryan answered, "Everything looks so cool, so what is there to do?"
"Have fun, dance, let your freak flag fly. This may be our last night here, we all want to go out with a Bamm! Speaking of which, I can see Eliza giving me the signal. Sorry gorgeous I have to go." Zed said, planting a quick kiss on Addison's cheek.
"Go get it zombie, but you better come find me after."
"You know I will. Have fun everyone! The show's about to get started."
"So Addison do you know what's going on?" Ryan asked.
"Oh yeah, have you ever seen the zombies dance?"
"Can't say I have other than cheerleading."
"Trust me the stuff we do at games is nothing compared to what Zed and the others can do on their own. Especially on a night like this."
Eliza started playing the awesome track, with the strong bass. Zombies spread around the room started cranking on pipes letting out random bursts of steam. A wall of fog started to build before Zed jumped out and along with a few backup dancers, slowly shuffled to the middle of the room in time with the beat before he broke out in his favorite song.
Welcome to Zombieland
It's a party go ahead everybody dance
Do the draggy leg you surely can
Be a part of the team gotta wave the flag
Let your freak flag fly
Gotta stare when you pass by
Not your average guy but you know I'm fly
So alive just on a different side
Look in my eyes we're the same but different
just like you I've got hopes and wishes
Itching to the world what we're missing
Its our time and its time to flip it what
I'm about to show you
What you gon show me
Guess nobody told you
You ain't gotta tell me
I'm about to put in work
Listen this is my turf
Bamm! Oh man oh man I'm the man
Bet you can't do it like I can
Bamm! Oh man oh man you a fan
Understand this is Zombieland
Bamm! Oh man oh man I'm the man
Bet you can't do it like I can
Bamm! Oh man oh man I'm the man with the plan
Lemme do my dance Bamm!
You're in Zombieland
I'm in Zombieland
We're in Zombieland
Watch me do it like Bamm!
You're in Zombieland
I'm in Zombieland
We're in Zombieland
Watch me do it like Bamm!
Everyone was pulling out all the stops tonight and even the first-time human guests happily joined in as best as they could. After the final note dropped and everyone took a breath, hugs, fist bumps, and high fives were shared all around. Zed, Addison, and all their friends continued to dance for a while, Eliza kept the atmosphere pumping. Zed knew even though it was Valentine's Day, Eliza still wouldn't be allowing any slow songs. She refused to break from the normal playlist no matter how much Zed begged.
Finally, Zed whispered in Addison's ear, "Are you ready for a walk in the park?"
"Definitely let's go." Addison said, knowing exactly what he was thinking.
They held hands and slowly walked through the excited crowd, gradually leaving behind Eliza's beats, and entered a room of comfortable silence, that was lit by a soft golden glow. They walked slowly around the entire room together, taking in every detail for their memory.
"I'm so sad that we're gonna lose this. Only one other place has ever made me so happy." Addison admitted.
"I know, I'm gonna miss this whole thing, but definitely this most of all."
"I'm sorry again, my parents could probably stop it, but they see no problem with tearing it down, and if I told them why I think it should stay they would probably say tear it down faster."
"I know, but maybe we can find another place and we'll always have the safe room unless the school starts to completely trust us and decides it doesn't need them anymore."
"No one else will need it, but I need it. It will always be my safe room and it will always have a place in my heart. Just like this place will, and just like you do."
"I know. What do you say, for old times' sake?" Zed asked.
"Do you really need to ask?"
I know it might be crazy but did you hear the story
I think I heard it vaguely
A girl and a zombie
Oh tell me more boy sounds like a fantasy
Oh what could go so wrong with a girl and a zombie
You're from the perfect paradise, I'm living on the darker side
Ooh I've got a feeling if you get to know me
Right from the start you caught my eye, something inside me came to life
Ooh I've got a feeling if you get to know me
Someday this could be this could be ordinary
Someday could we be something extraordinary
You and me side by side out in the broad daylight
If they laugh we'll say
We're gonna be someday
Someday Someday
We're gonna be someday
Someday Someday
We're gonna be someday
As they finished their song, they were on top of the central platform, and Zed gently reached out to cup Addison's cheek. "I love you Addison. Gar Gar Gaza."
"I love you too Zed." She returned.
Zed leaned down and placed a long, heartfelt, tender kiss on her lips that she returned with everything she had inside of her heart.
They broke away and smiled at each other. "Happy Valentine's Day." They said at the same time.
They sat down, Addison curled up against Zed's side, but her head scanned everything around her. "I know I probably say this every time I'm here, but I just want to stay in this moment forever. Nothing will ever be more beautiful than this place."
"Second most beautiful." Zed gave her a cheeky grin.
"Thank you Handsome, but I'm gonna be so sad to see this place go, and after tonight, I'll never see it again."
"Don't worry Addison, we have a whole lifetime to make memories, this won't be the end."
"You're right. So I know how Eliza took the news. How are the rest of the zombies dealing with it?"
"Most of them are upset to see it go, those with parents that are getting new jobs are conflicted like me. I think most of them have chosen to accept it, and just look on the bright side. I'm sorry this had to ruin Valentine's Day."
"No stop, there is no place I'd rather be than here in the light garden, alone with you. This is all I need for a Valentine's Day I will never forget."
Just then they heard footsteps below them and they looked down to see their friends looking up.
"See I told you guys we'd find them here." Eliza loudly shouted to grab their attention.
"Addison it's getting pretty late, just thought I'd check with you before leaving." Bree called out.
Addison checked her watch, "Darn it your right. Sorry Zed, I better get going too before Dad sends the Z-Patrol to shut the party down again."
"It's OK I'll walk you home then. You leaving too Buddy?" Zed asked Bonzo as they made it to ground level.
"Gra, Groo con Breezka."
"Alright, then we'll head out with you. You staying Eliza?"
"Yeah, I refuse to believe this will be the last mash but if it is I'm staying all night. Are you two coming back after you drop them off?"
"Zo."
"No, I'm gonna go home, I have plans tomorrow morning."
"What plans?" Addison asked.
"Nothing you need to worry about."
"Fine, I'll wait for you to surprise me."
"I don't know what you're talking about."
"Zed baby, I know you too well, but I can be patient unlike you."
"I don't know what you're talking about." Zed denied.
"Does Christmas ring any bells?"
"Whatever see you later Eliza." Zed called out as they entered the elevator.
On the ride up and the walk back through Zombietown, everyone chatted excitedly about their night. Bree had so much fun, she too was sad that now that the powerplant would be torn down. She could see how much it meant to all her zombie friends. They all gave each other one more round of goodbyes and then they split off in separate directions.
As Zed and Addison were now alone, they took the chance to hold each other close. "What would you say if I offered to make this night even more special?" Addison whispered.
"What do you have in mind?"
"How would you like to stay over tonight? If you're not going to be too busy in the morning."
"If I ever say no to that, you better run away from me because something would have to be wrong with my Z-band to say no to that offer. My plans in the morning can wait, but I'm not spilling what they are though."
"I will never run away from you. But you better be a master of stealth tonight."
"Don't worry, and I'll just tell Pops I'm staying at Bonzo's with him and Eliza, we've done that plenty of times after mashes."
"But you know we have to say goodnight and everything on the porch to make it believable."
"Don't doubt my acting skills."
They soon arrived at Addison's house and they shared their usual heartfelt hug and kiss goodnight.
"Happy Valentine's Day Addison. I love you."
"I love you too Zed. Goodnight." Addison said with a wink.
Zed turned away and started walking slowly back down the street.
Addison opened the door and greeted her parents. She gave a few details to appease their many questions before heading up to her room and closing her door. She then opened the window and looked down to see Zed standing up against the side of the house.
"Come on in." she whispered, holding her hands out.
"You got it Gorgeous." Zed said as he slowly climbed up, Addison helped pull him inside and after shutting the window they joined in another hug. After separating Addison pulled out pajamas for both her and Zed from her stolen collection and sent Zed to go change in the bathroom before swapping places. They cuddled up together under the blankets, holding the other close.
"So what did your dad say?"
"He says it's fine, but I got the impression he knows what I'm really doing but he still said OK. Besides he knows about Christmas vacation so he's probably good with it. Just as long as he doesn't say anything to your parents."
"Yeah don't worry. This is just to help us get a good night's sleep."
Zed pressed a soft kiss to the side of her head. "As long as you're with me, I'll never have nightmares."
"I know. I love you Zed. Gar Gar Gaza." Addison returned the kiss.
"Gar Gar Gaza." He said after their lips parted, and they snuggled up like always, with Zed protectively snaking his arms around Addison to pull her close, and Addison holding him even closer as they entered dreamland.
The next morning. Addison woke up first, like always she couldn't help the smile on her face as she felt Zed behind her. She was able to turn herself around and spent some time quietly studying his handsome face as he continued to sleep. Addison was completely unaware of the passage of time until finally Zed's eyes blinked open and she immediately made contact with his warm chocolate eyes full of love.
"Good morning Handsome. Did you have a goodnight's sleep?"
"You bet I did. I slept like a baby."
"Good to hear."
"What about you?"
"I feel exactly the same. This will always be the best way to wake up, surrounded by you."
"I aim to please." Zed loosened his arms to stretch himself out a bit. "What time is it?"
Addison rolled over to look at her alarm clock, "It's about 8:30. Do you have to go soon?"
"Unfortunately yes, Bonzo and I have plans, and it's probably easier to avoid your parents or any other witnesses the faster I get out of here."
"I know, and you still won't tell me what you're doing?"
"No, but I promise you will love it."
Addison playfully stretched herself up and placed a sweet kiss on his lips. "How about now?"
"Sorry, my plan is way too important for you to break me. It's your turn to be patient. I won't stop you from trying though." Zed said with a cheeky grin.
"Fine." Addison jumped out of bed. "You better get going so you can finish faster and I can find out sooner."
"I'll be right out." Zed grabbed all his clothes from last night and headed to the bathroom. Moments later he returned and slowly pulled Addison in for one last hug and kiss before they split apart and Zed slowly lowered himself out the window. Addison watched him as he stealthily crept around the house until he left her line of sight.
Then with nothing better to do, she started getting herself ready for the day, taking a shower, eating breakfast, and starting some homework, then spent most of the afternoon hanging around the house with her parents. It wasn't until that evening that Addison heard from Zed again.
Come meet me at the barrier, I have something to show you. He texted
I'll be right there. Addison messaged back.
She told her parents she was going to go see Zed and they wished her well. She walked through town bursting with anticipation. When she made it to the barrier Zed was already standing at the gate waiting for her.
"Are you ready for this?"
"Totally, you've been very mysterious all day, and I even checked with Bree, but Bonzo didn't tell her what you were working on either."
"That's because I swore him to secrecy to make this special for you. Think of it as a belated Valentine's gift."
"OK, where are we going?" Addison asked as he led her past his neighborhood and deeper into Zombietown in a direction she had never been before.
"You'll see." Zed promised. "And we're here." Zed stopped in front of a row of rusted-out old warehouses.
"What's in here?" Addison asked.
In answer, Zed placed his hands over her eyes. "Do you trust me?"
"You know I do."
Zed gently guided her into the warehouse, and while Addison had no idea what she was walking into, she felt nothing but happiness and excitement, she had no idea what to expect. Until Zed stopped her and slowly lifted his hands from her eyes.
Addison gazed around in shock, she was surrounded by the soft golden glow of the light garden. The lights were spread all around in several circles, and in multiple levels with the same central platform standing in the middle just like it always did. Even some of the walls had the same graffiti as the powerplant. Addison couldn't believe her eyes, she was standing in the light garden, but in a completely new location.
Addison felt tears well up in her eyes. "Zed you did this for me?"
"For you and me, I couldn't give this place up either and the only thing I could think of was if I can't save the powerplant, I can still keep the most important piece of it safe for as long as we want it."
"Thank you." Addison pressed her face against his chest as she hugged him. "This just became one of the best things you've ever done for me. I don't know how I can ever thank you enough."
Zed's hands gently rolled circles over her back. "The only thanks I need is for you to enjoy it with me. I'll make sure we always have this, from now until someday."
"Gar Gar Gaza Zed."
"Gar Gar Gaza Addie."