Zombie Bride 3: Zombie Bride

By Aaron Abilene

The final book in the Zombie Bride trilogy. An American man falls in love with a Filipina and they get married, but when they go to the Philippines on their honeymoon all hell breaks loose when zombies invade then they also have to deal with a big bad.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Aaron Abilene
• Release date: Dec 1, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223983460

Book preview

Zombie Bride 3

Zombie Bride

Aaron Abilene

Published by Aaron Abilene, 2023.

This is a work of fiction. Similarities to real people, places, or events are entirely coincidental.

ZOMBIE BRIDE 3

First edition. December 1, 2023.

Copyright © 2023 Aaron Abilene.

ISBN: 979-8223983460

Written by Aaron Abilene.

Table of Contents

Title Page

Copyright Page

Zombie Bride 3

Sign up for Aaron Abilene's Mailing List

Further Reading: Zombie Bride 2

Also By Aaron Abilene

Zombie Bride 3

Written by Aaron Abilene

––––––––

The sweltering heat of the Manila sun beat down on Jason Montgomery as he navigated through the crowded streets of the city. The scent of sizzling street food and exhaust fumes intermingled in the air, creating a unique aroma that was both enticing and overwhelming. As a travel blogger, Jason had journeyed to countless destinations around the globe, but there was something about the Philippines that drew him in like a moth to a flame.

The vibrant colors of jeepneys adorned with religious icons and pop culture references flew past him, their horns blaring a cacophony that only added to the symphony of chaos that was Manila. Jason reveled in the sensory overload, knowing that each new experience would fuel his writing and satisfy his insatiable curiosity for life beyond his own borders.

Excuse me, sir, are you lost? A voice called out to him from one of the many makeshift stalls that lined the streets.

Jason turned his attention to the speaker, an elderly Filipino man with a friendly grin. Oh, no, I'm not lost, he replied. Just exploring.

Ah, I see. You are American, yes? The man asked, squinting through the sunlight.

Guilty as charged, Jason said with a chuckle. My name's Jason. I'm here to experience everything your beautiful country has to offer. He extended a hand, which the Filipino man shook warmly.

Welcome to the Philippines, Jason! My name is Ernesto. If you're looking for something unique and memorable, you should visit Intramuros, the old walled city of Manila.

Thanks for the tip, Ernesto! Jason smiled brightly, his mind already spinning with ideas for his next blog post. He knew that the locals were always the best sources of information when it came to discovering a new place. I'll be sure to check it out.

Enjoy your time here, Ernesto said, nodding his head in farewell. As Jason continued on his way, he couldn't help but feel a sense of belonging in this chaotic city – as if the very essence of Manila was speaking to him on a deeper level.

Every day is an adventure, he muttered to himself, pulling out his trusty notebook and pen to jot down his observations. His thoughts ran wild, capturing the sights, sounds, and smells that surrounded him, weaving them into a tapestry of words that would transport his readers halfway around the world.

As the sun began its slow descent toward the horizon, casting a warm golden glow over the city, Jason knew he had only scratched the surface of what the Philippines had to offer. He was eager to delve deeper into the heart of this enigmatic country, exploring its hidden gems and documenting the stories of its people.

Manila, you've got me hooked, he whispered, closing his notebook with a satisfied grin. Little did he know that his journey was about to take an unexpected turn, leading him down a path that would forever change the course of his life and those of the people he would soon come to hold dear.

––––––––

The next morning, Jason found himself in the heart of Manila's bustling market district. Vibrant colors danced before his eyes as he wandered through the throngs of people, trying to take it all in. The air was thick with the mingled scents of sizzling street food, fragrant flowers, and the tangy smell of fresh tropical fruit. He could hear the excited chatter of vendors hawking their wares, the cries of children playing amidst the chaos, and the distant hum of traffic that served as a constant reminder of the city's ever-present pulse.

As Jason navigated the labyrinth of stalls, he felt an inexplicable pull toward one in particular. Nestled between a vendor selling handwoven baskets and another offering ripe mangoes was a small, unassuming stall laden with beautiful handmade jewelry. Each piece seemed to tell a story, a delicate balance of artistry and tradition that spoke to Jason on a profound level.

Magandang umaga! greeted the woman behind the stall. She flashed him a warm, inviting smile, her eyes sparkling with a resilience that seemed to defy the hardships etched upon her face. I'm Lily Fernandez. Welcome to my little corner of the world.

Magandang umaga, Jason replied, practicing his limited Tagalog. I'm Jason Montgomery. Your jewelry is stunning, Lily. I can see the love you put into each piece.

Thank you, Jason, she said, her cheeks coloring slightly at the compliment. Every piece represents a part of me, my love for my country and my family. Each bead, every thread, tells a story of our history and culture.

I can see that, Jason said, picking up a necklace adorned with intricate patterns of beads and shells. It's like holding a piece of the Philippines in my hand.

Exactly! Lily's eyes brightened with excitement as she continued to explain the symbolism and techniques used in her work. She shared stories of her ancestors, weaving tales of love and loss that seemed to echo through the ages.

As they chatted, Jason couldn't help but be drawn to Lily's passion and dedication to preserving her heritage. It was a connection that transcended language and culture, one that resonated with his own longing for discovery and understanding. He realized that in this unassuming market stall, he had stumbled upon something truly special – not only in the artistry of the jewelry but also in the kindred spirit of its creator.

Would you like to have that necklace, Jason? Lily asked, breaking him from his reverie. I can see it has touched you in some way.

Thank you, Lily, Jason replied, feeling an overwhelming sense of gratitude for their chance encounter. I would be honored to wear it.

Then it is yours, she said, carefully wrapping the necklace in tissue paper and handing it to him. May it remind you of the beauty and spirit of the Philippines, and of our friendship.

Thank you, I'll treasure it always, he promised, placing the wrapped necklace into his bag. As he turned to leave, he felt a stirring within him, a deepening connection to this vibrant country and its resilient people. It was a feeling he knew he wouldn't soon forget, and one that would guide him as he continued his journey through the heart of the Philippines.

––––––––

In the vibrant glow of the setting sun, the market buzzed with activity as Jason and Lily stood side by side, shoulder to shoulder. The scent of sizzling street food wafted through the air, mingling with the hum of haggling vendors and excited chatter. A sense of belonging enveloped them both, as if they had known each other for a lifetime, yet still only a few precious moments.

Tell me, Lily, Jason began, his voice threading through the cacophony of sounds, what is it that inspires you most about your country? What keeps you creating such beautiful pieces?

Lily's eyes sparkled as she gazed across the bustling market, her hands motioning gracefully through the air. It's the stories, Jason – the history and the people that make the Philippines so special. Every bead and every thread weaves a tale of our resilience, our love for life, and our connection to the land.

Your passion is infectious, Lily, Jason replied, his own heart swelling with admiration for her dedication. I feel it in everything you create. It's like a tangible force that brings your pieces to life.

Thank you, Jason, she said, her cheeks flushing with pride. But what about you? What drives you to explore new places, to seek out new experiences?

Jason paused, the question striking at the very core of his being. He glanced around the market, taking in the myriad of faces and colors, the symphony of voices, and the tapestry of cultures that surrounded them. I suppose it's curiosity, he finally answered, his gaze returning to Lily. The world is so vast and complex, and there's always more to learn, more to see. Traveling allows me to understand different perspectives and appreciate the beauty in all things.

Ah, I see, Lily said, nodding thoughtfully. You have a wanderer's soul, Jason. You long to see the world and gather its stories, just as I long to share the stories of my people through my art.

Exactly, he agreed with a smile, feeling a deepening bond forming between them. And I think that's why I feel so drawn to you and your work. It's like we're two sides of the same coin – both seeking to connect with and understand the world around us.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting its fiery hues across the sky, Jason and Lily continued to share their thoughts and dreams. Each revelation, each shared passion, drew them closer together, their connection growing stronger with every word spoken and every emotion shared.

Though the market's noise raged on, it seemed to fade into the background as they delved into each other's souls, their conversation becoming an intimate dance of vulnerability and trust. And as the stars began to emerge in the night sky above, it was clear that something extraordinary had transpired between them – a connection that would forever burn brightly amid the vastness of the universe.

––––––––

Dusk had given way to twilight, and the Manila market transformed into an illuminated canvas of vibrant colors and flickering shadows. The air buzzed with the mingling scents of sizzling meats and exotic spices.

Jason, Lily said, gesturing to a stall selling balut, a Filipino delicacy consisting of boiled duck embryo. Have you ever tried this?

Never, he replied, intrigued by the dish's unique appearance. It's so different from anything I've seen back home. What does it taste like?

Like nothing else in the world, she laughed, her eyes sparkling with amusement. But it's not just about the taste; it's about the experience. Here, let me show you.

Lily carefully cracked the eggshell, expertly peeling it away to reveal the partially formed duck nestled within. Jason watched, fascinated, as she dipped the balut in a mixture of vinegar and salt before taking a small, tentative bite. Her face lit up with delight as the rich flavors burst onto her tongue. She then offered the remainder to Jason.

Your turn, she encouraged, her voice warm and inviting.

Alright, Jason said, swallowing his apprehension and trusting Lily's guidance. He took a bite, surprised by its tender texture and complex flavor. Wow, that's... actually really good.

See? Lily beamed, pleased by his openness to trying something new. There are so many hidden wonders in this world, waiting to be discovered if we're willing to step out of our comfort zones.

As they continued to wander through the bustling market, Lily introduced Jason to more of the Philippines' unique customs and traditions. They sampled sweet rice cakes called kakanin, marveled at the intricate skill of weavers crafting traditional mats, and listened to the melodic strains of indigenous music played on bamboo instruments.

Back in America, everything is so fast-paced and heavily focused on individual success, Jason found himself confiding in Lily. But here, it's like there's a greater emphasis on community and appreciating the simpler things in life.

True, she agreed. "We may not have as much wealth or material possessions as some