Decomposition

By K M Boze

Zombies are on a rampage all over the world and keep increasing in number. They live and breath for whatever they can sink their rotten and decayed teeth into. Xyla and her American friends are trying their best to stay alive and free from the zombie virus. On their journey, some might get in contact with the virus while others might even die. Everyone is on the run not knowing where to turn. Xyla knows that this is all her doing, but does she tell Hunter? Will Xyla's European friends be able to come to America and help save the human race? Is Tayt going to be the hero in the very end? Time is something they are running out of.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Trafford Publishing
• Release date: Jan 8, 2014
• ISBN: 9781490721705

K M Boze

Writing has always been a passion of mine. I started writing about a year and a half ago with my first book 'Empty Vessels'. I fully enjoy writing and I hope all my readers are taking the time, pleasure, and interest of soaking up all the stories that I am sharing with you to enjoy.

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DECOMPOSITION

K M Boze

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© Copyright 2014 K M Boze.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the written prior permission of the author.

ISBN: 978-1-4907-2169-9 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4907-2171-2 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-4907-2170-5 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2013922877

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

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and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

Trafford rev. 01/06/2014

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CONTENTS

PART ONE

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

PART TWO

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty One

Chapter Twenty Two

Chapter Twenty Three

Chapter Twenty Four

Chapter Twenty Five

Chapter Twenty Six

Chapter Twenty Seven

Chapter Twenty Eight

Chapter Twenty Nine

Dedicated to

All Zombie Lovers

PART ONE

Corrupted Motive

Chapter One

T he rays from the sun came into the window making square shapes on the floor. The birds were chirping in the trees outside. The house was quiet. She just lay there thinking about last night. She glanced over at Hunter, who was sleeping like a baby. ‘Baby’, she thought. When should she break the news to him? She didn’t want to ruin his Christmas.

Her mind started racing. So much was happening at the same time. She had to deal with Tayt, being pregnant, and taking care of her experiment that spilled all over the lab room. That one stumped her, she had no idea what that was capable of doing. She slid out of bed very quietly, trying not to wake Hunter. In the bathroom, she showered, got dressed, and then headed downstairs to make breakfast.

No one was stirring about, so she wanted to be quiet. John’s bedroom door was still shut. Coffee was the first thing she made when she entered the kitchen. When it was finished, she poured her a cup and walked out the back patio. She loved sitting outside with a coffee and listening to nature play. After her cup, she went back inside to start cooking. Eggs, bacon, sausage, biscuits, and pancakes was on the menu. She loved cooking for the men in her life, it gave her great pleasure to watch them eat.

Noelle popped into her head. She hoped that everything was alright with her. And who got her pregnant? She said it wasn’t Tim, so who could it be? Unless, she met someone and had a one night thing, without Tim knowing. No, she thought out loud, that’s not like Noelle to do something like that. Something happened and she was determined to find out.

One by one, the men slowly made their way into the kitchen. Xyla poured each one a cup of coffee and placed it on the table. John was all smiles. He was in heaven with his daughter back home. To him, it was like she never left.

Hunter approached her and kissed the back of her neck and whispered, Good morning Blondie.

She turned around and hugged his neck, Morning handsome. They kissed then she turned back around and finished cooking. She filled the table with platters of food for them to eat. She sat with her coffee watching them eat.

Sunshine, this is fabulous. Get you a plate and eat something, her dad bragged.

No thanks daddy. I haven’t been feeling real well, and I would hate to get sick if I eat something. Coffee is settling good for the moment, so I’ll stick with that.

John paused for a second. His mind went to wandering. He was afraid of what he was thinking. He gave Xyla a look then went back to eating. Hunter made himself at home.

Do you want me to go out and get you something else that might be lighter on your stomach? Hunter asked.

Well, for one, you don’t know your way around, she said laughing. And two, I can heat me some soup or something if I get hungry.

I hate for you not to eat, your body needs energy even if you’re not feeling well, Hunter reminded her.

I know. I’ll eat when I get ready, don’t worry, reassuring him.

He didn’t want to make her mad, so he said winking at her, I’m sure you will, smiling then went back to eating.

John excused himself to the living room with a coffee. Hunter made himself another plate. Xyla just laughed at him. She then got up and went into the living room to see her dad. She kissed him on the head and asked if he was okay this morning, while kneeling on the floor in front of him.

I’m fine. I’m worried about you. You’re not feeling well? What’s going on Sunshine? he demanded some answers.

She put her head down. She didn’t want to tell him. Her dad was all she had for family and the last thing she wanted to do was disappoint him.

By your actions, I can almost guess what’s wrong, he said picking her head up.

Silence was all she had. He figured he would help her out.

You’re pregnant my daughter, he finally said.

Her mouth dropped a mile long. How do you know, she was flabbergasted.

Honey, your mom had these same symptoms when she was pregnant with you. Does Hunter know? taking a sip of coffee.

She shook her head no, No, not yet. I don’t know how to break the news to him. I guess, it’s because I don’t know how he’s going to react, she said very concerned for his welfare.

John wanted to be honest with her, Sunshine, you know I always wanted you with Tayt. He’s a nice young man, and he has helped me a lot since you’ve been in America. Don’t get me wrong, Hunter seems like a nice guy too. But, he’s a stranger, he’s not from around here, and doesn’t know anything about us and us about him or his background. Of course, it’s a little late now that you’re pregnant. Hunter will be welcomed into the family, regardless of what I think is good for you or not. I will do anything to help you, I hope you know that.

She shook her head in agreement, Yes, I know that. But I have a question. You’re talking about Hunter as if he’s a family pet or something. I’m going to marry this man and have his baby, you are going to have to accept him whether you like him or not, getting angry.

I understand how you feel Sunshine, believe me I do. I just want you to understand how I feel. I’m trying to be honest with you, still sipping on his coffee.

I can’t believe we are having this conversation. If you cared about me and loved me like you say you do, then you will accept Hunter into this family as much as you love me, she started walking away.

As she got to the stairs to go up to her room, John called her to come back. She didn’t pay any attention to him, but kept walking up the stairs.

Hunter finally came into the living room. He looked around and asked, Where’s Xyla?

John didn’t look at him, She went upstairs. I don’t know if she’s getting sick.

Hunter went upstairs to see if she was okay. He found her in the bathroom, knelt down in front of the commode. He put her hair in his hands and rubbed it gently.

So, you’re carrying our baby? he asked.

You heard? with tears in her eyes.

I’m afraid so. It was kind of hard to avoid. When were you going to tell me? he didn’t know what emotion to show.

I didn’t want to ruin your Christmas. Are you mad? she didn’t know him well enough to know how he would react.

I think I’m more mad that you didn’t tell me, then he looked away from her and put his head in his hands. How long have you known? he asked looking at her.

I took a pregnancy test the morning we left America. So, I just found out myself. Please don’t be mad. This baby is both of us, trying her best to keep him from getting angry.

So, you just found out? he seemed calmer.

Yes. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you as soon as I knew. I guess I was just waiting for the right moment, she was crying now.

He pulled her to him and hugged her, rubbing her hair, and consoling her.

Everything is going to be alright, he faced her to him, we’re in this together. Let’s take it one step at a time. Wedding plans come first, then after that we will prepare to welcome the new addition to the Harmon family, he was smiling now, which made her smile.

Relief came over her. She just wanted to have a good Christmas with her dad and fiancé.

Just give my dad some time to get used to you. He’ll come around, it just takes him longer. He’s older and set in his ways, she tried to made an excuse for them not to fight.

I’m not worried about your dad. You’re my family now, and that’s all that matters. I will be very nice to your dad, he’s a nice man and I have nothing against him, so you don’t have to worry on my part, letting her know he holds no grudges. He just loves his daughter and wants what he thinks is best for her, and that’s something I’m going to do with my child, grabbing tissue and wiping the tears from her face. Then he kissed her and picked her up and brought her to her bed. They both smiled then started laughing.

He then walked over to her bedroom door, closed it and locked it. He met her back on the bed.

After about an hour, they both came down stairs. John had fallen asleep in his chair. They looked at him and laughed. She walked into the kitchen to clean up the mess from breakfast. Hunter made a coffee, grabbed his coat, and walked outside to sit on the back patio. He had a lot to process.

Xyla brought the phone and a blanket outside with her. She sat next to Hunter and dialed Noelle’s number.

Morning Xyla. How are you feeling today? Noelle answered the phone.

So, So. But the question is, how are you feeling? You never answered my question. If Tim isn’t the father, who is? Xyla looked at Hunter shrugging her shoulders with an I don’t know expression on her face.

Xyla covered the phone and whispered to Hunter, She always tells me everything. I don’t know why this is such a secret.

Hunter asked, Is that Noelle?

Xyla shook her head yes.

I just don’t want to talk about it right now, Noelle started crying.

Okay, that’s it, we are meeting in 10 minutes. Hunter made plans to go to Oxford with my father today, so I am free. Be ready, because I’m coming over, she demanded and wasn’t taking no for an answer.

She hung up the phone, I’m going to get dressed. Then I’ll wake my father to let him know that you’re ready when he is. Please, try to have a good day with him. I know how impossible he can be, but I just want you to try. I don’t want him to have any reason not to like you, she kissed him with confidence that he can win over her dad.

Don’t worry about me. I know how to win your dad over. We have a lot in common; you, Science, and his grandbaby, he said smiling.

They kissed, then she excused herself.

On her way out the door, she woke her dad.

I’m spending the afternoon with Noelle while you and Hunter have your guy day. Please daddy, for me, try to be nice to him. He means a lot to me and I love you both, tears in her eyes.

Don’t cry Sunshine, wiping the tears from her face. I promise we will have a productive day, so don’t worry. You don’t need to be getting yourself upset, kissing her, I love you.

I love you too daddy. she smiled trying to stop the tears.

She got in her car and headed to Noelle’s place. She pulled into her driveway and honked the horn. Noelle came to the front door and let her in.

Hey, Xyla said hugging her.

They sat on the couch. Noelle had already poured them some iced tea.

So what’s going on? Xyla was very curious.

Nothing, Noelle was very quick and short.

I didn’t come all the way here for you to zip your lip. What’s going on that you’re not telling me? Xyla started to get firm with her friend.

It’s a long story, Noelle tried to change the subject.

I have all day, Xyla insisted.

Okay, okay, Noelle finally caved. About a month or two ago, I went to check on Tayt. He got very angry and upset after you left. When I pulled in front of his house one night, a cab was pulling away. I didn’t think anything about it, crying. Xyla grabbed a box of tissues from the coffee table and handed her one.

I knocked on his door. It took him a little bit to answer, and when he did you could smell alcohol on his breath. I asked him if he was alright, and then went inside. He shut the door behind me and we sat on the couch. He was very distraught, his head in his hands, crying some. I asked him what was wrong. Then he looked at me, it was weird though, he looked at me as if I was someone else. He then proceeded to make advances towards me. The alcohol and anger he had built up inside him, caused him to be even stronger than usual, crying hysterically by this time.

Xyla was trying to calm her down, Sh, it’s okay. Talk slower so I can understand you.

I couldn’t pull away from him, and he didn’t let up on his advances, staring at Xyla trying to keep the tears back but she couldn’t.

Xyla put her hand over her mouth, No! He didn’t?

Noelle shook her head yes, sobbing.

Xyla pulled her towards her chest and hugged her and rubbed her hair, and told her everything was going to be okay. She was so angry, she couldn’t think straight.

Does Tim know? Xyla asked, knowing the answer already.

Noelle shook her head no. She got up and walked into the bathroom to wash her face. Xyla followed her.

This is part your baby too, so we are going to love it and take care of it, Xyla didn’t finish talking when Noelle interrupted her.

I’m not keeping it, Noelle shot a look at her.

What? Why? Xyla was very upset with Noelle.

I can’t love a baby that has anything to do with him, she said very angry and bitter.

It’s not the baby’s fault. It’s your baby too, Xyla tried to convince her with an attitude.

I don’t want it, she had already made her decision.

Noelle’s phone rang. They both stopped and looked at her phone. Noelle walked over to it and checked to see who it was, she looked at Xyla and showed her that it was Tayt.

Chapter Two

O livia went to her grandparents’ house a lot over Christmas break. This particular day when she went, there was an unexpected welcome from Gramps.

He opened the door and let her in. He was very upset, shaking, and scared.

What’s wrong Gramps? Olivia asked.

He didn’t know what to say. He pointed to the basement door. She’s down there, his voice was shaking.

Who’s down there? Gramie? Why? she had a puzzled look on her face. She went to open the door, but Gramps stepped in front of her to block the door.

It’s not your Gramie. She changed into someone else.

What are you talking about? What do you mean she changed? I want to see Gramie, Olivia demanded.

She moved her Gramps out of the way and opened the door. She hollered down the stairs, Gramie! Gramie! She started to walk down the stairs when she seen a shadow. Gramie, she said softer. She could hear a weird breathing noise.

Gramie slowly made her way to the bottom of the stairs. Olivia screamed. Gramie was covered in blood, mucus, sores on her skin, some of her teeth were missing, her body was decaying, and her hair, tissue, and muscles were disintegrating.

What the hell happened to her?!

I don’t know honey. She was improving and doing great for these past few weeks and then she turned for the worse, he said with tears in his eyes.

Olivia was beside herself. She knew she was to blame. She gave her their medicine they created even though Xyla told them not to touch it till it was ready… maybe it wasn’t ready.

Gramps leave her in the basement, I need to make a phone call then I’ll be right back, okay?

She gave her Gramps a hug and kiss and out the door she went.

The television caught Xyla’s and Noelle’s attention at the same time Xyla’s phone rang.

Hello, she said with a strange look on her face.

Xyla, it’s me Olivia, she said breathing real hard.

Xyla stood up from the couch, watching the television. Yes Olivia, what can I do for you? shocked at what she was watching on television.

Noelle was just as shocked as Xyla at what they were seeing. What is that? Noelle asked pointing at the people on the screen.

Xyla looked her way and shrugged her shoulders, not knowing herself. She wasn’t even listening to Olivia who had been rattling on and on about her Gramie.

Olivia, Olivia, calm down! I can’t understand what you’re saying, she just wanted to understand what she was trying to tell her.

"I took some of the medicine we made and gave it to my Gramie in the Nursing Home. Now my Gramps has her locked up in the basement! What do I do? We can’t leave her like that!

What’s wrong with her? What was in that stuff we made? What’s going on?" Olivia just wouldn’t stop.

Okay, okay. Just stop for a second so I can think about what you’re saying. Are you watching television Olivia?

No why?

Because there is a big, huge, serious problem going on in parts of the world, looking at Noelle. Leave your Gramie in the basement until I can figure out what’s going on. I will call you back as soon as possible, okay Olivia?

Okay, but hurry! We don’t know what’s happening or what to do! Olivia was very hysterical.

They both hung up. Noelle turned up the volume on the television. The news was reporting that people were turning into Zombies, but that they had everything under control.

Is this from your experiment? Noelle shot a frightening look toward Xyla.

I don’t know, Xyla answered really scared. I need to get home. Please think about what we talked about, this is just as much your baby as it is his, so please, please, don’t do something you will regret, hugging her.

I’ll think about it, that’s all I can promise you, okay?

That’s all I want to hear. Everything’s going to work out, I promise. Cheer up, we are having our baby’s together, Xyla said smiling with confidence.

They hugged and Xyla got in her car to head back home. When she arrived, her dad and Hunter were still gone. She was hoping they were getting along and having a good day. She turned the television on in the living room to watch the news. They were still talking about the Zombies. They were saying that they had no idea how they got this way and how many there were.

Her dad and Hunter finally pulled into the driveway. She didn’t realize what time it was, she was glued to the television the whole time they were gone, which was a few hours. They walked into the house laughing and talking and getting along like they’ve known each other for years.

Hey Blondie, trying to get her attention. He noticed she was very much involved in the news. What’s going on? he asked looking in the same direction.

I don’t know. They are talking about people that turned into Zombies.

What? You’re joking, he chuckled. How? Where are they? he had many questions.

Her dad came over to see the news.

People turned into Zombies. They don’t know how this happened yet, but they say they have it under control. What if there are some still more out there that they don’t know about? What are we going to do? Xyla was worried.

I’m sure they have things under control. I just hope they find out what caused this so we don’t get an outbreak of these things, Hunter mentioned like this wasn’t an issue to be concerned about.

I’m sure they will take care of this. No need to worry when we don’t have to, John added.

John motioned for Hunter to follow him to his study. They did nothing but talk Science all day.

Xyla come in here please, her dad hollered.

Yes daddy, Xyla walked into the room.

Hunter mentioned that the two of you are thinking about locating here, so I’m going to pull a few strings at the University to get him a position here, he patted Hunter on the back, we had a wonderful time today. I showed him around campus, we had lunch, and introduced him to a few people that stay working through the holiday.

Xyla smiled. She was so glad that they were getting along. She hugged them both and whispered in each of their ears, thank you.

She went back to watching the news. She was very concerned about the situation at hand.

Trying to keep her concentration on Zombies, she thought about Olivia. How did Olivia get the liquid, they were always together? And, why did she take some of it? She knew she needed to call her immediately.

She looked towards her dad’s study, the two guys were very much distracted with Science so she took the chance to call Olivia.

Dialing Olivia’s number, Xyla headed up stairs to her bedroom.

Hello Xyla, Olivia said answering the phone very nervous.

Hey. I have some questions for you. You took some of the vials with liquid? very aggravated.

Well, yea. You said it was for allergies and the common cold, so I thought it would be great for my Gramie, Olivia answered with a more nervous tone.

Kind of yelling at Olivia, I gave you and Misty strict orders NOT to use any of the liquid until I gave the okay! And you took some anyway? very upset.

Sorry, I thought I was helping my Gramie. What do we do? Olivia asked crying.

I don’t know, Xyla was pacing her bedroom, hands on her head, and sweat pouring down her face. I’m going to need some time to think about what to do. Have you told anyone about your Gramie?

No. Just me and my Gramps, that’s it, Olivia choking back the tears.

Good then. Don’t tell anyone and tell your Gramps not to say anything to anyone. You’re going to have to give me some time to figure something out. I will keep in contact with you with each step I take, okay?

Alright, but try to hurry. She looks and smells terrible. She can’t even talk, Olivia was very worried.

Really? You need to watch the news, they are showing Zombies on television. Keep me posted on what’s going on in the news, I’m going to be busy trying to fix this. I’ll call you as often as I can and take care of yourselves, you and Gramps,

Xyla said hanging up the phone.

Xyla headed back downstairs. She tried her best not to let this Zombie situation bother her. Hunter and John were still in his study going over Science stuff.

She poked her head in the door, I’m going to make you two a snack tray. Would you two like some coffee?

Hunter grabbed her and gave her a big hug, Sure, that’s sounds great. He kissed her cheek and gave her a wink then turned back to John.

She put on a fresh pot of coffee then grabbed a tray and made a beautiful display of fruit with cheese and crackers. It looked so yummy, she couldn’t help but indulge while she was placing the food on the tray. She giggled to herself, it tasted so good.

Her phone rang so she picked it up off the table.

Hello Tayt. What can I do for you? she said with an attitude.

Have you been watching the news? What’s going on with this Zombie issue? he asked her.

Yes, I’ve been watching it. I have no idea what it’s all about. I do know that we don’t need it getting worse, she said with concern.

Can we meet? We need some catching up to do.

That’s fine, but I need to be back early. We are celebrating our Christmas tonight. Some family members are coming over to meet Hunter.

Sure, I understand. I won’t keep you too long, I just want to visit and catch up on things, he said very sweetly.

They hung up and she poked her head in the door way of her dad’s study, I’m going to run to the grocery store and pick up a few things for our dinner tonight and I’ll be right back. There’s a tray in the kitchen, she said smiling.

The men waved her on and kept on talking. She grabbed her purse, coat, hat, gloves, and threw her scarf around her neck and headed to her car. It was starting to snow so she really didn’t want to be gone that long.

She met Tayt on campus then they rode in his car to this new restaurant he found. It seemed like they drove for a while, she didn’t seem to know where they were going, which made her a little nervous.

He looked over at her and could tell that she was getting anxious. Don’t worry, I’m not going to kidnap you, he said laughing. She just shot a mean look his way.

They finally arrived where he was taking her. He found this nice log cabin restaurant way out of town. He wanted to take her to a place with a romantic atmosphere. He had more than eating on his mind.

This is beautiful. How did you find this place? she said looking all around. It had a fantastic setting with the snow on the ground and still hitting everything in its path.

After you left I had a lot of time on my hands, so I would go for a ride to clear my mind and I bumped into this place. It is spectacular, isn’t it? he said smiling and put his arm around her shoulders.

She moved away from his arm and walked into the restaurant. He sighed to himself and followed her inside.

It wasn’t very crowded. Tayt asked for a secluded booth, so the waitress walked them across the room to one in the corner.

Tayt asked for a beer and looked at Xyla. She ordered a coffee which was the only thing that settled her stomach.

A coffee? he said sarcastically.

I haven’t been feeling well and it’s the only thing that agrees with me, not knowing if this was the right time to tell him.

What’s wrong with you? How long have you been feeling like this? he was very curious.

If she told him the truth he would do one of two things, be so upset that he could cause hurt to someone or himself, or finally realize and accept the fact that they would never be together.

She figured it was time to let him know what was going on in her life, because he was going to find out sooner or later anyway.

I’m pregnant.

Chapter Three

T he snow was falling harder as Xyla opened the door to her family. John’s sister Alena with her