Zombie: A Love Story

Chapter 1

Hand in hand they walked along the beach. The moonlight cascaded across the sea, as the waves rolled in, and over their bare feet. He wore a black tux with the first three buttons of his white shirt unbuttoned, and a bow tie undone and hanging loosely around his neck. He carried his jacket across his shoulder. She wore an elegant blue evening dress, cut low in the back, which seemed to sparkle in the moonlight. From somewhere in the distance music could be heard, though he did not know the song. He removed his hand from hers and slowly, softly raked his hand down the bare skin of her back following her spine, stopping at her lower back. He turned, dropping the jacket of his tuxedo, and stepped in front of her, never removing his hand from her back. He brought his other hand into hers, as she moved her arm up and around his neck. Slowly they began to sway, dancing, staring into each others eyes, lost in one another. It seemed to last an eternity, and he never wanted it to end. He moved closer to her, bringing his lips to hers... and was knocked back suddenly.

Eugene came out of his day dream sitting alone on one of the benches surrounding the statue in the center of the quad. The man who had bumped into him said, “Sorry, dude.” as an afterthought, and continued walking.

Eugene just sighed, ran a hand through is short brown hair, and began staring again out toward the parking lot.

He was a skeleton of a man. Skinny with pale white skin, in a white vertical striped shirt, with light colored khakis on. He had a plain white pocket protector filled with pens and pencils, and he wore thick black framed glasses.

The quad was busy with people, though no one paid much attention to Eugene. From the corner near him he could hear the song from his day dream, as a man stood playing an acoustic guitar and singing “Everlong” by the Foo Fighters.

It was always the same. Same time every Tuesday and Thursday since the beginning of the semester. He sat silently, patiently waiting for the girl of his dreams. His love. The crowd passing by none the wiser that Eugene was there, hurrying off to their classes, dorm rooms, or meeting with friends.

He was now a senior, but he had met Betty on his very first day on campus. He stood behind her in line waiting to sign up for classes. The first thing he noticed was that her shoulder length brunette hair smelled of rose petals and summer. He was nervous. New school, no friends, away from family, but when that fragrance touched him, it all went away. He had no care in the world, it centered him. He forgot everything except for that scent. That is until she turned around and he saw her for the first time. The light tan of her skin, her smile that could light up a room, her eyes sparkling emerald green. In that moment he was in love, a feeling altogether new to Eugene.

Of course, this would only last for a moment and nothing more, as her boyfriend stepped to her, and Eugene's heart fell.

That one moment was the world to Eugene though, and every time he saw her, he got to relive it, if only for a minute. In his entire time at the school he only ever had three classes with her and could never muster the bravery to speak to her. One way or another, though, fate would intervene and he would run into her or see her arriving at school. He would find the right place to be to watch his love from afar. His love that doesn't even know that he exists.

Eugene slumped his shoulders. He had been sitting there for the past hour and she hadn't arrived yet. Pretty soon he would have to leave or he would be late for class himself. It was highly unusual for Betty to be this late. Normally she would step through the quad within a half-hour of Eugene arriving.

Eugene sat, silently wondering where she was and hoping that she was okay. He could hear the buzzing of conversations around him as people walked by. He was drowning in sorrow and sound, until he saw Chad's red Corvette slide into a parking spot.

Betty had only had two boyfriends since Eugene had first saw her. He didn't know for sure why she broke up with her first boyfriend, but after they broke up, he fought so hard to get up the nerve to ask her out. Even just to talk to her. He could not, however, raise his courage in time, and she met Chad. Chad was the latest boyfriend. All American quarterback, shoe in for the Heisman, rich, handsome, and a complete jerk, or at least that's what Eugene thought.

He watched as the passenger door of the car opened and Betty emerged. His life, his love, his passion, his everything. The world faded and only she remained. A breeze passed and her hair fluttered in the wind. He could almost smell the rose petals.

He watched her as she walked to the edge of the quad, and stopped there with Chad. Betty and Chad had different classes and always took a moment, just there, before parting. Betty lifted her head and Chad leaned down and kissed her cheek. A twinge of jealousy rose in Eugene. Betty sighed and slightly turned her head. She turned back to him, they said their goodbyes, and walked away from each other. Eugene watched Betty lost in a daze until a hand smacked the back of his head.

“Ow.” Eugene exclaimed as his head recoiled from the blow.

“Hello! McFly! You're gonna be late for class.”

Eugene turned to see his roommate Ray standing behind him.

Eugene had met Ray on his first day of college, shortly before meeting Betty. They were roommates their first year and became quick friends, though they were different from each other. Ray was the geek to Eugene's nerd, the Star Wars to his Star Trek. Opposite sides of the same world. Eugene knew math, science, and the like, Ray knew more of movies, comics, and pop culture in general. Ray was about the same height as Eugene, but with a larger frame. The beginnings of a gut were showing beneath Ray's black shirt, which bore Marv from Sin City and the caption, “That's one fine coat you’re wearing.”

“I'm on my way.” Eugene stated.

“Betty again?” Ray asked.

Eugene glared at Ray for a second at the question. He knew what was coming.

Ray shook his head, “Man, how many times do I have to tell you, she's out of your league.”

“I can't help the way I feel.” Eugene said as he stood and, he and Ray began there walk to class.

“Dude, I'm telling you there's no future with her. She's probably only spoken to you a handful of times in three years. I mean, come on. This is our last year. We're seniors. Don't waste it pining away over her again. Just let it go, move on.”

“Move on to what, Ray?”

“Julie. The girl from Chem. Class.” Ray Exclaimed, “I'm telling you, she likes you.”

“I don't know.”

“What's not to know? She sits next to you in class, she requested to be your lab partner, she knows you’re alive, and what's more, you can actually carry on a conversation with her and not talk over her head. She's probably the only one at this school who can understand you when you start going off in nerd speak, and that includes the teachers. You should...” Ray paused, “No. You need to ask her out. I'm telling you, she has the hots for you.”

“Julie's nice and all but we're just friends.”

“Exactly, Eugene. Just friends. Take it to the next level. Ask her out.”

“I can't Ray.”

“And why the hell not?” Ray questioned, throwing up his hands in frustration.

“You know how I am around girls. If I try to ask her out I'll just mess it up and make a fool of myself. I'm tired of doing that.”

“You’re not going to make a fool of yourself. She likes you, that's a fact. I know it, you know it, she knows it. Hell, over half of the class knows it. You’re already there man, all you have to do is say the words. Just ask her, Julie, would you like to go out with me this Saturday. That's it.”

“That's all, huh? Just say that.”

“Well, you don't have to say every single syllable, but yeah, that's it. Basically.”

“And what if she asks where to or what time?”

“Just wing it. Hell, you could just ask where she wants to go.”

“That easy huh?” Eugene said setting Ray up.

“Yeah, it's that easy.” Ray didn't catch it.

“Well, if it's that easy why haven't you asked someone out?”

Ray shook his head. “Damn, I walked right into that one.”

“Well?” Eugene asked.

“Look, there's just no one I'm interested in at the moment. Beside that, I actually have had a date since I've been here, and more to the point, you're changing the subject. We aren't talking about my love life...”

Eugene snorted, “Or lack there-of.”

“We are talking about you asking Julie out.” Ray said trying to get the conversation back on track.

“Look Ray. Julie's nice and all, but I really just don't know.” Eugene said, as he and Ray stopped in front of the classroom door.

“Okay. Fine. Just realize that you're the one making me do this Eugene.”

“Do what Ray?” Eugene asked exasperated.

Ray looked at Eugene and spoke pointedly and direct, “Either you ask her out or I'll do it for you.”

“Ray, just stop it. Please” Eugene begged.

Ray put his back to the class door. “You know, I only do these things for your own good.” Ray smiled and slipped into class.

When Eugene and Ray entered the class room, almost everyone was already there, if not already seated. Julie, seated on the right side center section of the classroom, saw the two enter and began waving them to her, smiling. They made their way up the steps of the aisle between the stadium seating of the desks, and took their usual seats. Ray sat just above and behind Eugene and Julie, he found it to be a good seat, especially around test time. Eugene sat in the seat next to Julie, who gave a cheery hello as he sat down.

“You're running a little later than usual.” Julie queried.

“Yeah, uh, just lost track of time I guess.” Eugene answered.

“Oh, don't let him fool you, he was too busy,” Ray started, to which Eugene turned and shot him a look.

Ray let out a breath. “He was too busy trying to teach people about recycling by handing out paper fliers in front of Kinko's. You know Eugene, he's a tree hugger.”

Julie let out a short laugh. Just then the professor entered the room and she turned to face forward in her seat. Ray stared down at Eugene and shook his lightly up and down, smiling. Eugene stared back shaking his head “no”. Ray just shrugged his shoulders and looked up to see the professor taking his place behind the podium. Eugene let out a deep breath and turned forward as well.

Class began and continued without incident. Eugene and Julie sat engulfed in the lesson, quickly scribbling notes, as Ray sat behind them occasionally taking notes, though, mostly scratching his head and trying to keep up. Class passed quickly for Eugene, though Ray thought it felt more like eternity, until finally...

“Alright everyone, read up and be prepared for a test next Tuesday.” the professor said. “This will be the first of the three major tests for this class, and anyone that does not pass this test may want to reconsider taking this class.” Ray thought he could see the professor look his way as he made his last comment.

“See you all next week.” The professor said, ending the class.

All of the students began gathering their things and leaving the classroom and the professor began packing up his briefcase. Eugene made his way to the professor as everyone else headed for the door.

“Professor Clark.” Eugene said trying to get his attention. Though, as he spoke, he suddenly realized that he was standing alone at the professors table, and looked back to see Ray talking to Julie. A quick jolt of irritation shot through him.

Eugene didn't get much time to dwell on the sight, as Professor Clark looked up and spoke. “Yes, Eugene, What can I help you with?”

“Oh, um, Professor Clark, ah,” Eugene stuttered as he turned to the professor trying to push what he saw from his mind. “Uh, I was just wondering if I could use the lab this weekend. I was hoping to do some work.”

“That's fine, Eugene.” The professor answered. “You know that you don't have to ask me every time that you want to use the lab.”

“I'm sorry.”

“No, it's okay, you’re my assistant. I gave you a key to the lab so that you could have access when you need to. It comes with the title.” The professor paused for a moment. “You know, you’re a bright student, just try not to spend so much time in the lab and on work. Get out and see the world from time to time.”

“Yeah, I seem to be hearing that a lot lately.” Eugene looked back toward Ray.

The professor let out a little laugh. “Yeah, I'd imagine so. It is good advice though.”

Eugene turned to Mr. Clark. “Thanks.”

Professor Clark nodded to Eugene and walked out of class. Eugene turned around to see Ray and Julie walking toward him.

Julie smiled and waved as she made her way out of the room. “Give me a call, Eugene.”

Eugene starred daggers at Ray. “What did you do?”

“Exactly what I told you I would. I asked Julie out on your behalf.” Ray said, feeling somewhat proud of himself.

Eugene looked up to the ceiling and said, pleading. “Ray. I asked you not to.”

“I know what you said, I also know that you need to do this. It's just one date, Eugene, it's not the end of the world.” Ray said. “Come on, you never know, you might actually have fun. You do remember fun, don't ya?”

Eugene closed his eyes and hung his head, thinking over what the professor had said to him. “Okay. Fine. Just one date.”

“There, that's the spirit.” Ray said smiling.

     Sorry, I haven't updated in awhile. It's been kinda busy lately at work, and when I'm not at work I've been, well... honestly I've been lazy. Mostly watching movies, reading books, or playing video games.

     I really haven't played video games much, since before Christmas, so it was fun to play for awhile. I had been playing God of War. It's fun. I kept hearing people talk about it for awhile, and finally got around to playing it. I don't really play video games much anymore because most of my time is spent on the road and I just get tired of hooking up and unhooking the consoles.

     I'm eight books deep in the Dresden Files by Jim Butcher. I've really been enjoying them, and since I've been kinda on a roll with reading them I decided to finish what I could of the series before the next book comes out and before I try to start something else. The series has been really good and each book builds on the last. So, if you decide to read any of the Dresden books I recommend that you start with the first.

     At work I've been asked about taking a new position within the company. I am currently a project manager, and if I take the new position I will be in Operations/Purchasing/Tech Support. The catch is that to take the new job I will have to move to North Carolina. I am really considering taking the job though, because I believe I will enjoy the new position better. I've not completely enjoyed project management, of course the first project I worked on was a big job and carried a lot of stress with it. I would rather have the job in Tennessee, but maybe that could happen in the future. I do think that I will enjoy the other position better, one it gets me back into dealing with some technology, albeit a small amount, but it's what I like to do and what I went to school for. I'm not sure about the purchasing, mainly because I'm not sure what all is involved with it. Either way it would just be nice to be stationary once again and not on the road all the time.

     Also, at work, it seems that at least once a week when I call into the main office, I hear the song “That's my Home” for the on hold music. I can't help from laugh when I hear it because it reminds me of David Armand's interpretive dance to that song. I have posted the video below.

     In other news, Zombie: A Love Story will be the story that I write. I hope everyone enjoyed all the stories that were posted, though. Zombie overall seems to be the most developed story, so hopefully it will be a little easier to write. I have actually begun writing on the story. I have a rough time line and have been developing the characters. I am not very far into chapter 1 at the moment, but hope to have the first chapter completed and posted sometime next week. 

     Well, that's all for now folks. It's getting late and I'm getting tired.

So, when I uploaded the photos from Christmas, I set them up in an album and tried to display the album on the left hand side of the screen, below my friends list. Apparently I forgot to hit the save button because it didn't show up. I have fixed that now and you can find all the pictures I have posted for Christmas and more in the album on the left titled Christmas 2007.

Not much else to report. I finished up season 1 of Jericho last night. It was a really good show, and now I'm curious of what is going to happen in season 2. It's about this town Jericho, Kansas trying to survive in the aftermath of a nuclear explosion. Other than that, I'm just trying to enjoy the weekend, mostly watching movies and playing video games(generally being lazy). 

I still have not been able to track down the cable I need to upload video to the computer. I plan to spend some time tomorrow in town tracking it down. Hopefully I will be able to post some videos early next week. I do have one video I haven't posted, that Billy had commented about awhile back. I am uploading the video tonight, and I think it has to go through some conversion process before I can post it on the site. So once that's done I will have a video posted of pictures of Billy, Cristie, Jason, and myself set to music.

I do plan to post on New Year's Eve or New Year's Day. I have, for awhile now, been toying with the idea of posting some of my stories on Xanga. I have decided to put up 3 to 4 synopsis and excerpts from different stories and let everyone take a look at them. Then let everyone vote on what story that they would like to see, or if anyone actually wants to read one at all. I will admit that I am usually terrible at completing a story that I start writing, but I plan on trying to complete what I post on here. I plan on trying to have an new chapter posted at least every two weeks. Hopefully this will go well.

Not much else to say at the moment. So I hope everyone is having a great weekend and enjoying their Christmas presents.