This isn't listed in the categories but I think more people should probably give it a chance. It's inspired by the old radio dramas and is about a group of survivors trying to live in a world overrun by zombies. This started out as a recurring dream and I couldn't get it out of my head. The characters are mine and not from We're Alive. I hope you like it. All comments are welcome.

Chapter 14

I looked at my choices spread out all on my bed. Considering that I came to the Compound with a limited amount clothing, there wasn't much to choose from. Occasionally a few of the women would loan out their clothes to each other but I was never very comfortable wearing something that wasn't mine.

"We really need to get you some more clothes, Moll," Aenne said as she sat down on the bed once more.

"Well I'm sorry if fashion was never high up on my list of necessities on our outings, Aenne," I mumbled, looking at the pile and wishing I had time to borrow something but judging from the note I just didn't have any to spare.

"We'll work with what we've got then and shop the next time we make it back to the city," she smiled as she grabbed a black skirt and dark maroon tank top. "At least now you can pretty much afford anything and not have to worry about it!" she joked.

"That just seems like such an unnecessary risk," I said as I took the clothes into the bathroom to change. Aenne stopped me by adding a few extra items that made me pause and look at her. "Where did you find these?" I asked.

"Let's just say: one team navigator owed me a favor for bringing her back something that wasn't on your 'list of necessities' and played personal shopper," she answered, grinning as I flushed at the red lacy undergarments that I held.

"Aenne!"

"What? I didn't tell her they were for you!" she laughed and pushed me into the bathroom once more.

"When did you plan all of this?" I asked once the door was closed and I placed everything on the counter.

"When I realized that eventually you and Gabe would stop being idiots and finally see what I already knew," she said from the other side of the door. "And I've done my share of laundry duty to know that you do not own a pair of lacy anything!"

I traced my fingers over the soft material and took off my robe so I could change, looking at myself in the full length mirror briefly once I tried the undergarments on. I marveled at the feel of lace on my skin before putting on the skirt and tank top. I brushed my teeth again and put on the slightest amount of makeup before going back to my room. I noticed my jewelry box open on the bed and a few pieces had been selected for me to wear.

Aenne looked at me and nodded her head when I stepped out, walking towards me with a brush in one hand and an old fashioned glass bottle of perfume in the other. "Sit." She pointed to one of the chairs and I did as she commanded.

She proceeded to brush my hair and gave me a simple braid down my back, leaving a few stray tendrils on the side of my face. Finally she opened the bottle of perfume; I got a quick whiff as she pulled out the glass topper and trailed the slightest amount of perfume between my breasts before I could protest.

"I can't believe I'm doing this," I said as she handed me the small amount of jewelry she had set aside for me to wear.

"When was the last time you went out on a date, Moll?" she asked as she sat on the bed once more.

"I had just broken up with my ex before this all started," I replied as I put on the simple earrings. "It wasn't going too well between us and I had asked Roadie if I could stay with him for a while until I could figure out what I wanted to do."

"And that's when you came here."

"With everything going to hell in the city, we figured it would be the safest place to be since it was so far away from anything," I said as I turned to her.

"Do you ever wonder what happened to him?" she asked as she grabbed one of the pillows from my bed and hugged it.

"I knew he had moved on when I left," I said as I got up and picked out a pair of sandals from my closet. "Frankly, I was pretty sure he was cheating on me so he was the last thing on my mind. My only concern was for my family since there was no way to get in contact with them once the lines went down."

"So it's safe to say it's been a while since you've…"

"Yes, Aenne, it's safe to say that it's been a while," I said as I swatted at her leg. "Once I realized that the only thing keeping us together was just sex, I knew I couldn't stay with him. I wanted something more," I said and laughed. "I always said I didn't want anything complicated and ended up wanting what my parents had all along."

"And now you have Gabe," she said as she smiled. "It just took you long enough to realize he was what you were looking for!"

"Which I'm sure you're going to remind me about a million more times before he gets here, right?" I joked right before I heard a knock at my door. I jumped slightly at the sound and looked at the time before looking at Aenne.

"Nope! He's right on time," she said and got up to open the door.

"I don't know if I can do this, Aenne," I said as I tried to stop her.

"Too late," she said as she maneuvered passed me and opened the door. Gabriel smiled as he looked at her. "Don't keep her out too late, Romeo. Remember she's important around here," she joked as she turned to me. I got up on shaky legs to greet Gabriel at the door.

Don't do anything I wouldn't do, she mouthed before she left and I gave her a nervous laugh. Gabriel reached out and took my hand, squeezing it reassuringly as I smiled at him.

"Shall we?" he asked and I nodded.