Chapter Text
The very first thing Kate realized upon waking up was how eerily bright the room she resided in was. It was almost nauseating, causing her to close her eyes to the point the lids squeezed together in retaliation from ever opening up.
I must have forgotten to close the curtains again, she thought, shifting her weight just enough to sit upright. The room also being painted an off color white didn’t help the matter as well, and given the room she was in had direct access to the sun gave her the realization as to why she’s told to close the curtains before bed.
“I won’t make that mistake again,” she muttered, blinking a few times allowing her eyes to adjust. Once she was oriented with her room she slipped out of bed and closed the curtains.
This was maybe one of the few reasons people often talked about their unpleasant stays at the hospital. Not just the brightness that only seemed to amply once the sun hit the walls, but the atmosphere.
There was this sense of foreboding the clung with every breath, as if before she knew it something bad would happen just outside her door, and not to mention the smell. Kate knew and had known from an early age that hospitals had to sterilize everything to avoid the risk of spreading infections and viruses, but there was something almost rotting about the way the hospital had smelled today.
It could just be from the nausea from waking up this morning, Kate hummed, before the light in her room turned on and she blinked a moment before turning away from the window to see a woman in nurse scrubs giving her a pleasant smile.
“Oh, you’re already awake,” the woman said, cheerfully. “Good morning, Kate! I hope you slept well, as you know you’re my first stop this morning.”
“Good morning, Miss Kimberly,” Kate said in kind before giving a half-hearted smile, “I accidentally forgot to close the curtain last night,” she stated as she walked over to the nightstand next to her bed, closing her sketchbook.
“Up late again working on one of your sketches?” Miss Kimberly politely asked, nodding her head to the closed book.
“Sparks of inspiration strike at the most inopportune moments.” Kate said, almost sage like. “I had a hard time sleeping after my family left.” She admitted a moment later.
“Ah, yes, family day can do that to a person.” Miss Kimberly hummed, tapping her finger against the doorknob. “Before I head off to Dakota’s room, would there be anything you’d like to eat for breakfast?”
“Blueberry waffles and a cup of chamomile tea?”
“That’s cute, but no. Food I can provide within the hospital’s means.”
“Darn, wishful thinking,” Kate said, acting hurt. “A plain bagel and a bag of that knock off chocolate milk.”
“Now that I can arrange,” Miss Kimberly laughed, before sighing. Her shoulder slouched in defeat. “I really hope you’ll eat actual cafeteria food before you leave here. I have no idea how anyone can start their day with just a bagel and a plastic bag of chocolate milk.”
“I would if I could stomach the food the cafeteria serves.” Kate shrugged, feeling a small ping of guilt. However, she felt it necessary to be honest.
“That’s understandable,” Miss Kimberly sighed, again. “Most of you kids are the same when it comes to the food here. I hope we can get better fundings in the future to make the food more…bearable.”
Kate smiled, hoping to convey she hoped for that too before moving her hands then to make her bed, signaling that she was done with the conversation with Miss Kimberly so that she could go check on the other teens on her floor.
Miss Kimberly, to Kate’s relief, took the dismissal and left, shutting Kate’s door gently behind her.
Once her bed was made she grabbed her toiletries and moved over to the bathroom, knowing she had enough time to shower and get dressed before Miss Kimberly came back with her bagel and milk.
Upon entering the bathroom Kate chanced a look in the mirror giving her reflection a frown before disregarding her reflection in all of its entirety, since being in the hospital and the realization of what she had almost done Kate had a hard time looking at herself.
The event in question had only been a week ago, and from what her therapist had stated over the phone it would take time for Kate to align herself. To feel at one with her being and state of being, something in which her mother had disregarded and stated the day prior that if Kate had faith in the Lord then well, she wouldn’t have been weak and on that roof.
She felt her stomach lurch as she turned the knobs, taking in the sound of the shower itself and tested the water before she, as if moving on autopilot due to the sickness she was feeling, stripped out of her clothes and stepped inside.
The water wasn’t too hot nor too cold, lukewarm at best and she stood there allowing the water to pelt against her body as she gave herself time to ponder.
While weak of mind, Kate had felt strong in her conviction to jump. To have been called weak by her mother, to be seen as weak willed had hurt. Maybe that was the point, knowing her mother. Kate knew if she had succeeded her mother would have asked her father to lead a seminar at church, ralling people to have utmost faith in the Lord and to not take the cowardly path her eldest child had taken.
She bit her lip knowing her father might interject but ultimately be shut down while her mother used Kate as an example, and that made Kate glad that Max was able to stop her in time despite how sure she was on wanting to commit.
Max, her angel. If only Max could have been all the proof Kate needed in the lord. The previous week and all events leading up to it had shaken the fundamental core and values Kate once upheld. How could an all knowing and all powerful being leave its own creations in their time of need had been beyond her, and the more she had looked at the bible and had bothered to reread the passages she felt even more of a disconnect.
Kate had stood beneath the water long enough then for the water to turn cold and jolted her into awareness. “Right,” she huffed, ignoring the way her body reacted as she got to work then on washing herself. All the while the thoughts she had then being pushed into the back of her mind for later.
Her shower didn’t last that much longer, only being able to handle the cold for so long before needing to step out and begin her routine of drying herself off. Despite the cold she felt refreshed with just enough energy to dry and put her hair into a loose bun. She quickly brushed her teeth and dressed herself for the day, readjusting her bun before gathering her things and leaving the bathroom.
What or rather who awaited her on the other side of the door leading to her room caused Kate to pause in her steps. Before her stood a rather annoyed looking Miss Kimberly who barely noticed Kate walk out of the bathroom as she stared heavily at none other than Victoria Chase.
This wasn’t her first visit. The third day Kate had been confined to this very room Victoria had come to see her, it was a bit awkward at first. Kate hadn’t really said anything to Victoria as she apologized profusely over everything that had transpired. She had visited Kate then nearly everyday save for the day prior wanting to avoid Kate’s family, or so she assumed as much when the tall blonde hadn’t announced herself.
And now here she stood today, ignoring Kate’s nurse as she held up a bag from Two Whales and a thermos. “Good morning, Kate.” Victoria said kindly, drawing Kate’s full attention to her. “I figured you might be tired of the bland food here so I opted to grab you some breakfast from the diner.”
“I’m sorry, Kate.” Miss Kimberly had said a moment after when Kate hadn’t responded, “She insisted on waiting in here for you, if you’re uncomfortable I can have her leave.”
Kate watched as the small smile left Victoria’s lips, choosing then to look at Miss Kimberly. “If she wants me to leave, I’ll leave. But only if she tells me to, not you.” She then looked back at Kate, giving her what looked to be a reassuring smile. “And I will leave if you don’t want me here. I just thought to bring you breakfast because Maxine mentioned you didn’t like the food.”
“N-no,” Kate stuttered and then ahemed, “No, that’s quite alright you can stay. She’s fine to stay Miss Kimberly,” Kate assured, looking between her worried nurse and Victoria. “She’s not bad company to have, and if memory serves, she isn't much of a morning person.”
Victoria for her part only smiled as Miss Kimberly nodded her head, giving Kate an apprehensive smile. “Well, in that case push the button if you need me. Otherwise I will leave you to it and let you enjoy the food she brought.”
Kate could only nod her head as the woman turned around and made her leave, shutting the door behind her as she went. For a moment nothing was said between Kate and Victoria, Kate for her part picking at the sleeve of her sweater.
“So, would you like to sit on the bed or at the table to eat?” Victoria asked, breaking the silence. Kate had guessed she wanted to avoid the awkwardness that just happened with Miss Kimberly.
“Table is fine,” Kate answered, moving at the same time Victoria did as they both took their seats. “Thank you,” Kate found herself saying before a sudden realization dawned on her. “Don’t you have class soon?”
Victoria for her part waved her left hand as she used the other to retrieve the takeout from the bag. “Well given that I’m practically a Valedictorian, I simply called the school office and said I was sick. Technically, I have more than enough credit to graduate now. So,” she paused, giving Kate a warm smile. “I didn’t want to miss having breakfast with you after the last time you mentioned how spending breakfast with your father and sisters made you feel.”
Kate felt her heart flutter, if only at the mention of something she shared with Victoria three days ago not knowing that the blonde would actually pay attention to what she shared with her.
Victoria had handed Kate her food then and again Kate felt herself at a loss. “Blueberry Waffles,” she mumbled before picking her gaze up at Victoria.
“That is your favorite, right?” Victoria asked, looking a bit perplexed. “I remember you mentioned liking blueberry waffles, and tea,” she paused, looking at the thermos she had also placed on the table. “I know you and Maxine would often have teatime before, well before, so I had asked her about the tea.”
Momentarily forgetting about the waffles, Kate picked up the thermos and opened it. The smell of chamomile caused her body to relax, a smile she felt gracing her features. “Chamomile, this smells heavenly thank you.”
Victoria had visibly relaxed then, “I’ll tell Maxine thank you when I see her next.”
“Max,” Kate found herself saying, lifting her brow slightly. “She doesn’t like being called Maxine.”
“It’ll be a long cold day in hell if you ever hear me call Maxine by her nickname.” Victoria said flatly, before realizing her tone. “I’m sorry that was–”
“It’s fine,” Kate said, giving Victoria a dismissive wave. She gave what she hoped was a kind smile, “I wanted to call you a mind reader for bringing me exactly what I’ve been craving for the last few days, thank you again.” She then took a greedy gulp from the thermos and let out a content sigh. “Just the right amount of honey too, make sure to tell Max I said thank you as well for that.”
“I will,” Victoria said, picking up a piece of bacon. “Not to appear rude, but I am hungry so I’ll start eating now.”
Kate nodded her head as she turned her attention to her food as well. Not wanting to waste time herself she grabbed the cutlery that came with their food and dug in. Neither spoke as they ate, it was almost therapeutic if Kate were to be honest. On occasion she found herself looking at Victoria as she would cut a piece of sausage or take a sip of her own drink.
To think she got to see this side of Victoria after she was put in the hospital. She lowered her knife, a question at the very tip of her tongue. “Victoria, I—”
The door to Kate’s room swung open, the bang from the impact causing both girls to turn their attention to the cause. “Hey, Kate,” Miss Kimberly said, her voice wavering. “I need you and your visitor to leave.”
“Leave?”
“Doesn’t she need to sign paperwork in order for that to be possible?”
“T-that’s not important,” Miss Kimberly nearly shouted, trying to maintain her composure as she looked outside the door, a crazed look in her eye before looking back at them. “Collect your things and leave, I have to warn the others. I don’t have time to explain, just please don’t trust anyone with a bite mark on them.”
Kate regarded Miss Kimberly’s appearance then. Her usually neat scrubs were covered in blood, her hair looked ruffled as if she had got into an altercation with another person. Kate felt her heart pound against her rib cage then when she also noticed her arm, it was bleeding and had looked like someone had taken a piece of it with their mouth.
She also did not have the time to ask what happened as Miss Kimberly had turned on her heels and ran off, presumably to warn the other patients.
“That was…weird,” Victoria finally said, “think it was a prank? I mean we are close to Halloween. The blood looked fake so…”
“No,” Kate answered, moving around the room she had occupied — gathering all of her belongings with haste. “Miss Kimberly is the kind of person who hates pranks, as much as she hates rudeness.” she stated before gesturing her hand to the nightstand Victoria stood next to. “Can you grab my sketchbook?” she asked, as she put the last bit of clothes into her duffle bag.
“Kate you can’t be serious,” Victoria groaned, even though through her peripheral vision she saw Victoria grab it for her. “There’s protocol and procedures, you have to fill out paperwor—-”
Victoria’s voice died down by the scream emanating from somewhere down the hall, Kate felt her heart seize for a moment, before shoving her duffle bag towards Victoria to take and slinging her book bag over her shoulder. A moment later she grabbed Victoria’s free hand.
“I’ll explain when we’re in your car,” her voice sounded raw, too low as if afraid to draw any direct attention to them. She caught Victoria nodding her head, gripping onto her as if she were a lifeline. “Just stick close to me,” Kate said, moving them to her doorway, her voice still just low enough for Victoria to hear her. “And then I’ll need your help to find your car, because I’ll be lost after we make it to the entrance.”
“Okay,” she heard Victoria say, knowing she was also focused on the hallway.
Kate didn’t bother to look back, knowing she might have left a few things. She gently tugged Victoria, only for her to collide into her back. She didn’t bother to ask her what was wrong when she was looking directly at the blood trail on the floor and the bloody handprints smeared against the walls. The sight itself was quite horrifying. The grip on her hand only grew tighter.
‘ We have to make it to the entrance. ’ Kate thought, willing her legs to move and pull Victoria along with her. Every part of her felt the prickly sensation of fear, however if they stayed they very well may meet whatever left all the blood behind.
Quickly as they could they weaved around the hospital, opting to take the stairs all the way down to the main entrance and avoid roaming the floors around them. They hadn’t seen anyone, thankfully, but the sound of screams rang on around them. Blood, too. By the doors from each level down blood just seemed to seep from whomever ended up bleeding from the other side.
All of it had Kate’s mind reeling, waves upon waves of nausea hit her, but she held onto the knowledge that they were close to the entrance. Her father’s words now echoing in her mind.
If you’re ever in the situation where people are dying around you, you need to forgo your fears and move until you’re somewhere safe to assess the situation. If you are seized by your own fears, you’ll die too.
As soon as they slipped out of the stairs onto the main floor they spotted their first dead body, the receptionist whom’s face had been mostly bitten off. Kate did not dwell, she felt bad the elderly woman had been nice upon her admission. However, if they stopped they could meet a similar fate.
“F-fuc–”
Kate gave Victoria a gentle squeeze of her hand as they exited out of the hospital. “We can’t stop,” she said, keeping her voice leveled as she turned her head to look at Victoria. The taller blonde for her part wordlessly took the lead without Kate having to say anything else. Kate knew that seeing the dead woman had shaken Victoria, but they needed to get out of there.
Once they made it, Kate noticed Victoria upon letting go of Kate’s hand had fumbled for her keys. Kate wanted to reach out for her, to sooth her the best that she could. Instead her hand dropped to her side, a part of her feeling that the touch in itself would upset Victoria. That the comfort in the act itself would not be receptive despite them having held hands all the way to her car.
What they had experienced felt like an eternity, but in reality it all happened so fast. Victoria visiting, them sharing a meal, Miss Kimberly interrupting them — blood everywhere and seeing the mauled face of the elderly receptionist. Kate inhaled sharply upon hearing the sound of keys clinking against asphalt. Victoria for her part hissing out profanities as she bent down to pick up her keys.
Movement then drew Kate’s attention away from Victoria, and that is when Kate realized that Miss Kimberly had not been too far behind her. Except she didn’t look like Miss Kimberly. Her mouth was agape — covered in blood. She had this crazed look in her eyes as she was reaching for Victoria.
Kate wanted to scream, but her voice lodged itself into her throat almost painfully. The only thing she could do was react, by pulling Victoria behind her and swinging her bag directly into Miss Kimberly’s face — hitting her hard.
“What the fuck!”
Kate chose to ignore Victoria in favor of swinging her bag against Miss Kimberly’s face again, doing her best to keep her down. This gave Kate enough time to pull out her scissors.
“Unlock the doors,” she nearly screamed out, her soft voice raw as she lunged for Miss Kimberly as she got up and stumbled towards them. She couldn't take a chance to look at Victoria, her focus purely on the body in which the soul of Miss Kimberly used to reside and managed to slam her scissors with enough force into the side of her head. “Now, Victoria, we have to get out of here!”
When Kate, with some difficulty, removed the scissors she noticed people like Miss Kimberly filtering out of the hospital. Her grip on the scissors tightened as she hastily made her way into the passenger side of Victoria’s car. She was thankful that Victoria had listened to her. Neither bothered to put on their seat belts as Victoria peeled away from the parking lot.
Kate knew she reacted on baser instincts, self preservation, and the need to ensure her and Victoria’s safety. If this had all happened a week ago, Kate wouldn’t have been too sure on wanting to escape, let alone make sure that Victoria would have survived with her.
It shook her then, as the adrenaline had worn off and she chanced a look at the hand tightly holding the scissors, noticing all the blood on her hand. With her clean one she quickly pressed it to her mouth, her eyes watering.
“Fuck, no.” Victoria nearly yelled, “No, no you don’t. Not in my fucking car!” Kate, despite holding in her vomit and feeling the tall tale signs of a migraine sprouting, didn’t mind the swearing. She’s even happy when Victoria pulls over just for her to open the car door and release all of what she had eaten earlier. “Fucking great,” Victoria groaned, Kate can hear her moving around her car then. “Why couldn’t you have fucking done that once you scissored the bitchy nurse?”
“Too many coming out of the hospital.” Kate gasped as she spit out the remnants from her mouth, pulling herself back into Victoria’s car and locking the door once she shut it. “Not much time for that when we needed to get away.”
“Yeah, well we still do.” Victoria gripped, as she put her foot on the petal and forced her car back on the road. “Here,” she said, handing Kate a handkerchief that was wrapped around a bottle of water. “There’s some aspirin in the glove box, just take some of that please.”
“Okay.” Kate said, using her clean hand to rummage through the glove box finding the bottle.
“It’s a good thing the hospital is an hour and a half drive from Arcadia Bay,” Victoria said a few minutes later. Kate merely hummed as she drank a generous amount of water. “How do we know if it’s not the same there?”
“We don’t.” Kate admitted, as she fumbled with Victoria’s radio while Victoria put her foot on the gas. Almost every channel was playing music, it baffled Kate a little that no one seemed to be aware of what exactly happened at the hospital. “No one is talking about it. Shouldn’t there be a warning or, or a bulletin on the radio or some kind of safe zone we should head to?”
“I don’t fucking know,” Victoria nearly snapped, Kate noticed her grip on the steering wheel. How stark white her knuckles were, she was still reeling from everything and keeping it together to drive them. “Look, maybe the coast is clear at the Bay, but what exactly are we going to do if it isn’t.”
“If it is or if it isn’t that doesn’t necessarily matter. We have to get to Blackwell Academy, collect some clothes and find a safe spot to hide out in.” Kate stated, choosing then to take another drink of water.
“God, you fuckin’ sound like one of those survivalists on tv.” Victoria said, with less bite.
“I would have to give credit to the radical survivalist mindset of my father, and his own teachings of how to survive that he had forced onto me and my sisters.” Kate admitted, she clutched onto the scissors that were still in her bloody hand. “I said I would tell you what I know, or well heard.” Kate finally said, “The thing with Miss Kimberly,” she let out, swallowing down the guilt. “And at the hospital itself.” She paused for a second to recall everything. “Two days ago, after you left, the nurses were all talking about a patient who had come in. A woman who had been bitten.”
“This sounds like some plot to a terribly written zombie movie,” Victoria muttered, Kate shot her a look and Victoria sighed. “I’m sorry, please continue.”
“Anyways, after a few hours of her admission the nurses were all talking about how she flatlined.”
“From a fucking bite?”
“Yes,” Kate answered knowing how bizarre it all sounded. “But then about ten minutes later she was up again. They had her locked in the room, Miss Kimberly mentioned the area being quarantined.”
“So fucking zombies.” Victoria stated, Kate saw her scowl. “Noted.”
“I don’t know,” Kate mumbled, looking at the sign that said ARCADIA BAY 30 MILES, “I never watched those kind of movies.”
“Well, good for fucking you I guess,” Victoria huffed, her annoyance even more apparent as Kate rested her head against the window taking in the cool sensation. ”Thank you for saving me,” Victoria stated after, her voice less harsh.
Kate could only hmm in response, eyes fixated ahead.
Silence fell between them then like a blanket. Kate’s mind chose to focus on whatever it was to come. A small part of her hoping she wouldn’t have to kill anyone again. Not anytime soon.