Somewhere in Between Read Free Page B

Elliot figured. Which he knew was good; because Trent was a big guy, and he'd probably hit him if he knew that he'd essentially tortured Gemma for months over a stupid crush that really had no shot and was the least mentally healthy thing he could think of. "Oh God. I gotta find her."
    He didn't stop to wait for anyone to say anything to him. He just flew out the door, not even bothering to tell his sister he was leaving, not that she'd care, seeing as she was with Josh. Jumping into his Honda, he tried to rack his brain over where to look. He knew Gemma well enough to know she wouldn't stay home. If by some chance anyone drove by or came home early, she wouldn't want to have to explain her presence. So he figured she probably went out like she said she was just to keep her lie from being unearthed.
    As he started his car, the Fairview Mall popped into his head. There were stores and a theater over there. Perfect place to hide for a bit.
    Gunning the engine, he drove off into the night.
     

 
    CHAPTER TWO
     
    She walked around Barnes and Noble, until it closed at nine-thirty. She'd bought the latest zombie craze book, knowing she'd probably love it though she would outwardly mock it since not even Elliot knew of her fascination with the undead. Vampires had always been her favorite, but lately, like the rest of the world, she'd taken to the rotting creatures with rapt attention. There was something fascinating about the survivors. Unlike with vampires, no one really wanted to become a zombie. At least, she didn't think anyone did. The world was a weird place, so who knew really.
    Knowing she still had probably another couple hours to kill until it looked reasonable for her to return home, she shoved her purchase into her jacket and decided to make the short trek toward the Fairview Cinemas. While not being far from the bookstore, she still had several other stores to pass before reaching the aging theater, and the wind was starting to get nippy.
    Gemma could see neon signs lighting up the path as some places had yet to turn out for the night. This strip mall was aging and she wondered how much longer if would be around before someone came in and bought it, tore down or changed it.
    Feeling a chill run through her from a gust of wind, she picked up her pace. It would no doubt be a bitterly cold winter.
    She passed several little shops, ignoring the lingering cigarette smoke that seemed to pour out of one of the side doors, and then looked both ways before crossing a nearly empty street. If not for the theater, the place would be deserted. As it was the night felt dead. It made her think about the darkness surrounding her and the book she'd just purchased. She wondered what it would be like if suddenly a zombie popped out of the shadows.
    She imagined all the ways she would try to fight them off, using her keys, perhaps to take out an eye. In everything she read, the instruction was to destroy the head, so she wondered if she could possess enough strength to take one out. Thinking more about the mythical creature had her suddenly itching to get home and read her new book, despite not wanting to be embarrassed by her situation.
    The theater was still a half block away when Gemma felt her hip buzz. She'd put her phone in her pocket, opting to not bring a purse or bag on this trip. Just as she was about to reach for her phone, she felt a strong arm grab her from behind, the grip tightening around her neck, dragging her down a lowly lit pathway between the State Farm and Mitch’s Pub that led to a parking lot. A quick image of a zombie taking control of her, trying to kill her flashed before her eyes before true panic set in. Ignoring her phone, and bringing her hands up to the arm, Gemma began to grab and claw, scratching to get free, while also trying to dig her heels into the ground to keep from being pulled anymore.
    But nothing was working.
    There was heavy and wet tobacco breath against her face, and the form pressed up