The Survivor: Part 1

Every day, new relationships are formed. Some of them last for a lifetime, others . . . just a few days. Lily’s relationship lasts longer than a lifetime. It proceeded into the afterlife, thanks to her buried boyfriend, Jeremy.

 Lily and Jeremy had grown up together as neighbors. When they were both thirteen, Jeremy had finally popped the first date question. Their relationship blossomed into one of true love that couldn’t be broken by anything. No arguments, fights, disagreements, or even changes could’ve made them leave each other. They were in love and happy . . . until Jeremy’s seventeenth birthday.

Lily had everything planned out that day. Jeremy’s best friend, Paul, was going to distract him for the day while she got his house ready for his birthday party. After the party, she was going to give him a special gift that no one else would’ve thought to give him. With the plans underway, Lily waited patiently in her living room, watching for Paul to drive away with Jeremy before she started her mission.

She watched as Paul jumped down the front porch of Jeremy’s house, swinging his car keys around his fingers. A sweet smile formed on her face as she saw Jeremy follow suit and jump down from the porch. His wavy, light brown hair flew about his face as he landed with a thud from his combat boots. He straightened up and grinned, while his hazel, almond shaped eyes caught a gold glimmer from the sun’s rays. He cleared his throat and dusted off his slightly muddy trip pants. Paul pointed to Jeremy’s shirt and nodded his approval. Lily smiled wider as she realized he was wearing the Disturbed Band T-Shirt that she had gotten him for his last birthday. Jeremy smiled fondly down at his shirt and followed Paul to the car, while adjusting his spiked leather wrist ban.

Lily stood up and walked over to window just as Paul started his old, beat up, mustang. She pulled out her cell phone as Paul drove up in speed. She quickly dialed her friend’s number and pressed the phone to her ear.

“He’s gone?” Jess asked before Lily could even say hi.

“Yes.” Lily nodded even though Jess couldn’t see her. “Come over, but pick up Brian.”

“Ok, see you in five.”

Lily flipped the phone close and grabbed the bags of party supplies from the couch. She quickly ran over to Jeremy’s house and rapped on the front door.

“Hello Lily!” Mr. Routhier greeted as he answered the door. “We’re heading out now, so don’t worry. We won’t be here for the party. But try not to make a mess. We’ll be back in the morning.”

Lily nodded excitedly and watched Mrs. Routhier follow him out to their car. Lily closed the door as they drove away from the house. First things first, she needed to put up the skull streamers. She grabbed the dining table chair and dragged across to the front door. Being a short girl, she had to balance herself on the top of the chair’s back, but being an athletic and well balanced girl, it was easy for her. She attached the first side and leaned over to the other side.

“Lily!” Jess screamed as she swung open the front door.

Lily gasped, caught off guard, and fell forward. Brian pushed Jess aside and easily caught Lily around the waist. She grabbed his arms, her own hand shaking from shock. She looked up at Brian and smiled.

“What the hell is wrong with you?” Brian snapped as he leveled her. “You’re too short to be putting up streamers. Why didn’t you wait for us?”

“There’s a lot to do.” Lily defended as she stepped away from Brian.

Brian Rodriguez had been her best friend since conception. Their parents had been best friends and so, naturally, Brian and Lily became best friends. Brian shook his head, his gel spiked dark brown hair not moving as he moved. Yet, with all the anger he felt from being worried for Lily, there was a slight twinkle in his dark blue eyes. He followed Lily into the house and took the remaining streamers from her hand.

“Lily, that’s dangerous for you.” Jess began to lecture.

Jess Berg was the first real girl friend that Lily ever had. She had stood up for Lily whenever there were bullies around, and once Jess spoke, everyone became quiet and listened. Jess was a looker too. She had long and straight fiery red hair and sky blue eyes.

Lily shook her head and walked over to the party bags. She pulled out the birthday signed and grabbed another chair.

“No!” Jess snapped. “I’ll put it up.”

She grabbed the sign out of Lily’s hand and narrowed her eyes.

“Lily, you got a lot of food to cook.” Brian sighed. “Why don’t you go do that, while we decorate.”

Lily thought for a moment and nodded her head. She did have a lot of food to cook that could take all the day.

“Alright.” She agreed. “But do it properly.”

Lily gave them both looks of warning before heading into the kitchen to start cooking. She loved to cook, especially for Jeremy since Jeremy was in love with her food. For the party, she planned on cooking all his favorites. She pulled out the flour and began making the pastry dough. The hours rolled by without her even noticing. Once the grandfather clock in the living room began chiming at six, Lily glanced around the kitchen in a daze.

“Damn.” Brian grinned as he stepped into the kitchen .

He grabbed a sausage roll from the tray and popped it into his mouth. He shook his head as Jess came in behind him and did the same thing.

“Alright, I’ll put the food out.” Jess smiled. “You need to go get ready. Unless you’re greeting him with flour in your hair.”

Lily blushed slightly, took off her apron and grabbed the last remaining party bag from the couch. She ran up the stairs towards Jeremy’s shower. Once she was showered and smelling sweet again, she walked into his room and began to change into the party clothes. She had decided to put on a black frilly miniskirt and a red and black skull tank top. She slipped on her black and red flip flops and began to brush to hair. Lily was another looker. She had long, wavy, reddish " brown hair, and clear gray eyes. She was the shortest in their group of friends, but she was also the sweetest.

Once she felt ready, she heard the guests arriving and ran down stairs to greet them. As everyone filed into the living room to chat, she felt her cell phone vibrating. She opened the text and smiled.

“Ok!” she yelled. “They’re turning down the street down. Lights off, everyone get ready!”

Jess nodded and shut the lights off. Lily was in the back of the living room, so she knew she wasn’t going to be the first one to greet Jeremy. Yet, she also didn’t want to be the first person. Everyone remained silent as they heard the front door open.

“Dude, I’m telling you, Luke Skywalker was never in love " ” Jeremy began to say.

“SURPRISE!” Everyone screamed as he turned the light on.

Jeremy took an initial step back and collided with Paul who was grinning evilly. Jeremy’s face broke into a happy smile as he grabbed Paul’s head playfully.

“Damn!” Jeremy laughed as he entered the crowd, hugging everyone as he walked towards the one person his eyes were stuck on. Everyone stepped aside to give him room as he made his way to Lily. Once he was within reach, he grabbed her arm and pulled her against his chest. Lily smiled up at him lovingly as he covered her lips gently with his. He reached up and ran his fingers effortlessly through her hair and leaned her against the wall as he deepened the kiss. Lily’s arms went around his waist as she clung to him as if he was her life support.

“Alright!” Brian snapped, breaking the spell between them. “Get a room, geez. This is a party!”

Jess nodded her head and flipped the music on. Jeremy grinned sheepishly at Lily and pulled her to the middle of the room to dance. Lily tantalized him, like she always did, with the swift movement of her hips. He couldn’t stop looking at her skirt as it shifted from side to side.

After a couple of hours of constantly dancing, Lily needed a break. She began to fan herself and quickly excused herself. She walked into the kitchen to make sure they still had enough food. Once she grabbed a soda, she headed back to the living room. She squealed as someone pulled her into the storage closet under the staircase.

“Jeremy?” she breathed.

“Well, if it was anyone else, I’d kill them by now.” Jeremy whispered into her ear as he began to nibble on her shoulders and neck. “I love you, so much.”

“I love you too.” She murmured as she gripped onto his shirt. “But we can’t do this now . . . it’ll spoil my surprise later.”

Jeremy froze as she said those words and pulled away slightly. He looked down at her and narrowed his eyes.

“You mean . . . you’re ready?” he bit down on his lower lip.

She smiled sweetly, leaned up and kissed his lips gently. “I’ve been on the pill for over a month, just for tonight. I’m ready.”

“Oh god.” Jeremy pulled her against him and kissed her hard.

She kissed back just as hard as Jess pulled open the closet door. Jess stared at them and burst out in laughter.

“This is your house Jeremy.” Jess grabbed her hand and pulled her away. “Take it up to your room. Geez!”

She felt her face flush and quickly made her way to the back yard. The pool was already filled with people, so she headed through the back gate towards the back of her house. She took a deep breath and sat down on the tire swing. She looked up into her brother’s window and smiled. His loud rap music was blaring out towards the back yard.

“Need a break?” Brian’s voice rang through her head.

Lily turned around and smiled up at her best friend. Brian walked over to her and leaned against the rope. He bent down and kissed the top of her head.

“The party was a success.” He said softly. “He’s happy. He’s head banging with Jess.”

“Oh, I don’t want to miss that!” Lily jumped off the tire and began walking back to the gate.

Brian frowned and grabbed her hand lightly. She spun around and knocked into his lean chest. He looked down at her and sighed. Lily looked up at him and bit down on her lower lip.

“You don’t have to go through with it.” He whispered. “He’ll understand.”

“I want to.” Lily said firmly. “I know you don’t want me to, but I’m going to do it.”

Lilly roughly pulled her hand out from his grip and stormed off. Brian had been acting extra odd lately ever since she told him about her surprise for Jeremy. She had thought that her best friend, who had lost his virginity when he was fifteen, would’ve understood her decision. But now, he was acting extra protective of her.

Lily walked quickly through the back yard and into the living room. She dodged the dancers as she headed for the stairs. She ran up and walked into Jeremy’s room. She gasped as she saw Jeremy laying face down on his bed.

“Hun?” she whispered as she closed the door.

She slowly walked over to him as he raised up from the bed. He moved into a sitting position and turned to her. Lily smiled gently at him as he outstretched his hand towards her. Lily gave him her hand as he gently pulled her towards him. She sat down next to him reached up to run her fingers through his hair.

“What’s wrong?” she wondered.

“I just needed a break from all the noise.” He smiled and kissed her cheek. “Where did you go?”

“I needed break too.” She closed her eyes lightly. “I went by the swing. Don’t worry, the party is almost over.”

“I know.” He said huskily as he began to kiss along her neck.

Lily breathed in deeply as her entire body began to warm up. She tilted her head to the side as he began to nibble along her neckline, all the while slowly lowering her to lay down on the bed. He ran his fingers down her sides and gripped the bottom of her shirt.

“Surprise.” Lily breathed.

“Are you sure?” Jeremy double checked.

Lily nodded her head, opened her eyes, grabbed his face and kissed him hard.

***

Their door remained closed for a full hour. A slight knock made Lily sit up and wrap the blanket around herself. Jeremy cleared his throat and got off the bed. He pulled on his underwear and pants and walked over to the door. He opened it to Jess’ smug face.

“Well, I see you two had fun.”

Lily’s face went red as she immediately went under the covers. Jess laughed and patted Jeremy’s shoulder.

“It’s about damn time if you ask me.” she shook her head. “Anyway, everyone’s gone, and Brian and I are about to leave. Just wanted to let you guys know. Oh, and we already cleaned up. You’d never have guessed we had a party there.”

“Thanks Jess.” Jeremy leaned forward and kissed her cheek.

“Thank you, Jess.” Lily muttered from under the covers.

“No problem.” Jess laughed. “See you guys on Monday.”

She waved lightly and disappeared from the doorway. Jeremy closed the door again and made his way over to the bed. He laid down and pulled Lily out from under the covers and against his chest.

“Was it bad?” he asked softly.

“No.” Lily smiled up at him. “It was amazingly perfect. I love you Jeremy Routhier.”

“I love you too, Lily James.” Jeremy kissed her lips lightly and leaned back into the pillow. “Let’s get some sleep. You have soccer practice tomorrow morning. I’ll go with you.”

Lily nodded and nuzzled her head against his chest. She was too awake to fall asleep, but she knew that if she kept talking, Jeremy would never fall asleep. She remained silent and smiled to herself as she felt his chest rise and fall from his sleeping heart beat. Everything was perfect. She knew she had made the right decision, and she had no regrets, which was good since most girls regretted their first times.

She closed her eyes slowly as sleep began to overtake her. She whispered Jeremy’s name and smiled as she began to remember how it was. Her eyes shot open as she heard a noise from downstairs. She pulled away from Jeremy and sat up as another noise caught her attention. Lily shrugged and got off the bed. She had a feeling that it was probably Brian and Jess again. Knowing Jess, she probably forgot her phone or something.

Lily pulled on one of Jeremy’s t-shirts, walked over to the door and grabbed the knob. Her hand froze as she heard the unfamiliar voice of a man. She pulled away from the door and ran over to Jeremy. She grabbed his  shoulders and shook him.

“Jeremy!” she hissed. “Wake up!”

Jeremy groggily woke up and looked up into Lily’s frightened eyes. “What’s wrong?”

“There’s someone downstairs!”

“What?” Jeremy quickly got off the bed and walked over to the door.

“Damn, they’re rich!” the guys voice echoed.

Jeremy looked over to Lily and pressed a finger to his lips. He grabbed her hand and pulled her towards him.

“They’re probably the guys who’ve been burglarizing the neighborhood.” He whispered. “Get under the bed. Do not make a sound.”

Lily nodded her head and turned around to go under the bed.

“Lily!” Jeremy snapped, making her jump and look up at him. “I love you.”

He kissed her hard and walked over to his closet. Lily quickly scrambled under the bed and covered her mouth out of fear of saying something. Jeremy grabbed a metal bat from his closet and walked over his door. He stood up next to it, against the wall and waited.

“Fred, let’s check upstairs.” A deeper voice echoed.

Jeremy gripped his hands on the bat as he heard the creak of the stairs. He was not going to let them hurt his Lily.

“Wait, Calvin.” Fred, the first voice, snapped. “Let’s do the kids room first. The one with the ‘Stay Out’ sign.”

“Aright.” Calvin pushed open the door and glanced around the room. “What can we really get from a kids room?”

Jeremy waited until Calvin was in clear view before swinging the bat and slamming it into Calvin’s face.

“F**K!” Calvin screamed as he covered his face, dropping the gun in his hand.

“What the hell.” Fred pushed Calvin aside and rushed in.

He turned around and quickly pointed his gun at Jeremy’s head. Jeremy froze with the bat in position. Fred glanced at Calvin, who was still clutching his bloodied face.

“F*****g kids.” Fred snapped as he grabbed the bat from Jeremy’s hand.

Jeremy glared at Fred and Calvin as he clenched his fists. Calvin wiped his face and gave Jeremy a murderous look. Lily bit down on her lip and looked up at Jeremy. She could tell how scared he was, but was proud that he was putting on a brave front.

Calvin licked his lips, grinned widely at Jeremy and pointed the gun to Jeremy’s knees. Jeremy’s brave expression instantly turned to fear. Calvin cackled loudly as he pulled the trigger. Lily gasped from the sound of the gun and quickly covered her mouth again. Jeremy screamed out in agony and fell to his knees.

“God damn it, Cal!” Fred pushed him hard. “Now the neighbors are gonna know we’re in this house!”

“The f****r hit me with a bat!” Calvin stepped away from Jeremy and walked to the middle of the room. “It was self defense.”

Jeremy’s knees grew weak as his entire body fell to the ground, next to Lily under the bed. Lily stared into his half conscious eyes. All she wanted to do was hold him. She didn’t even realize the tears that were rolling down her cheeks. Jeremy outstretched a finger and pointed it to the flat box next to Lily. Lily nodded her head and opened the box silently. Her eyes widened as she saw all Jeremy’s martial arts weapons, laying in the box. She pulled out the set of throwing stars and pressed it into Jeremy’s hand.

“Take the x-box, and all the electronics.” Fred ordered as he walked around the room slowly.

Jeremy took a deep breath, turned on his back and threw one of the stars at Fred. It hit him directly in his jugular vain. Fred dropped the gun and clutched his neck as he gasped for air. Calvin spun around and stared at the blood gushing out of Fred’s neck. He looked over Jeremy, pointed the gun to him and pulled the trigger.

Jeremy screamed again and clutched his chest as death slowly took him. He looked over to Lily’s face as the police sirens began blaring from up the street.

“Oh, f**k!” Calvin snapped. “We gotta go. Hang on Fred.”

Calvin wrapped an arm under Fred’s and dragged him out the room. Lily scrambled from under the bed and clasped Jeremy’s face. Jeremy smiled up at her in a daze.

“I . . . I love you.” He choked out.

“No, don’t say that!” Lily snapped. “You’re going to be fine.”

“Lily . . . look at me.” he begged.

Lily looked up into Jeremy’s smiling face as more tears began to fall down her cheeks. She bent down to his face and kissed his lips gently, ignoring the slight trickle of blood flowing out of it.

“Do me a favor.” He whispered. “Whatever happens . . . don’t forget me.”

“I love you too much to ever forget you, Jeremy Routhier.” She kissed him again as her tears dropped down to his cheeks.

Jeremy reached up slowly, stroke her cheek and dropped his hand as death kidnapped him. Lily pulled away from his lips and stared down at his closed eyes.

“Jeremy?” she whispered.

She bent down to his chest to listen, but heard no heart beat.

“Jeremy!” she yelled as she began shaking him. “No! Wake up! Please!”

She pulled him up against her chest as his head fell limply to back from his neck. Lily screamed out. Both in anger and sorrow. She placed him down gently as her body began to shake with rage. She looked up at the gun laying on the ground.

“Police! We’re coming in!” a deep voice echoed from downstairs.

Lily scrambled for the gun and pulled a pair of Jeremy’s jeans. She shoved the gun into the back of the pants and sat on the bed, waiting for them to find her. She looked down at Jeremy’s lifeless body and started to cry again.

Reviews

[ChristianM]

Wow.
This was awesome!
You built the story up to the climax masterfully.
The relationship between Jeremy and Lily was portrayed beautifully and it was believable.
There were a few typos but nothing a quick edit can't fix.
I look forward to reading part two.
Great writing.

[Gianna Perry]

This is intense. I love this just the way it is. Great job!