Chapter 42 Ahead of Schedule

Chapter 42: Chapter 42 Ahead of Schedule

By the time Erik and his group arrived at their new residential homes, Penelope and her group at already returned to their homes.

Penelope and Kai felt like they were going crazy from boredom when they heard a knock at the door.

"Mom, Erik, you’re finally home" Kai said as he opened the door. Stepping aside to let his mother, brother, Ben and Aunt Lucy enter the apartment.

"Hmm. We made a quick stop to a supermarket near Ben’s home." Erik responded nonchalantly.

"What did you buy?" Penelope asked.

"Everything." Aunt Mary answered as she walked directly towards the kitchen. Getting ready to prepare lunch for the group.

"Everything?" Penelope asked, baffled.

"Yup, Brother Erik pulled out a CEO move and purchased all the supplies allocated to the store." Ben said with a cheeky grin.

"Cool" Kai said as he patted his brother’s shoulder. Clearly pleased with his brother’s move.

"So, what are the supplies you managed to purchase?" Penelope asked.

"Well, nothing much. Just fresh produce, dry goods, safety supplies, cooking supplies, toiletries, heaters, fans, all sorts of snacks, meats, frozen food, grilling supplies, coal, all that. You can check the space, it’s all been stored for inventory." Erik said. Clearly proud of himself as well.

Penelope did a quick inventory check and gasped at the amount they managed to get in just one morning.

"Oh right, Killian turned out to the be the other owner to the apartment next door from this floor. So, turns out, we can’t just break in." Kai said.

"So, he’s the mysterious owner who would not budge in selling his apartment." Erik said with a frown.

"Yeah. It was his parent’s last gift to him before their passing." Penelope answered. She remembered hearing something about this at the company. He would give almost anything to his uncle’s family but not his family heirloom and his residence. Penelope always thought that by residence, they meant a villa. She never imagined it would be his apartment.

"So, I decided I’ll stay downstairs in one of the apartments while Ben and Aunt Lucy stay next door to me." Kai said.

Erik furrowed his brows as he contemplated the safety of that decision.

"Kai, I’ll stay with you and mom can stay with Penny." Erik decided.

"That works fine with me." Aunt Mary said as she stepped out of the kitchen with freshly made sandwiches and cut fruit.

"Penny, honey, go call that poor boy for lunch. He must be starving." Aunt Mary said.

"I’ll go." Erik said, as he headed towards the door.

******

Killian was walking out of his apartment, getting ready to go ’grocery shopping’ when he saw Erik walk towards his door.

He raised his left eyebrow as he looked at Erik. Both stayed in a staring contest.

"Yes?" Killian asked as he put his hands in his pant pockets.

"Lunch is ready" Erik responded.

Killian was surprised to hear that they had made him a share of lunch as well.

"Very well, thanks." He responded as he walked towards Penelope’s door.

When he walked in, what greeted him was the family’s laughter. He couldn’t comprehend why this family was always happy. They knew of the impending doom, yet they still stayed positive.

He couldn’t understand but he liked the atmosphere. It was better than being gloomy all day, dwelling in misery.

Misery did not survive the apocalypse, ruthlessness did. He knew just how ruthless one had to be in order to survive.

"Thank you for inviting me to lunch, I hope I wont be a bother." Killian said with a gentle smile.

"No bother at all, please sit next to Penny. Erik, sit here with me." Aunt Mary said.

Killian walked towards her and sat down. She handed him a plate with a sandwich and fruit.

Although he could have reached for it himself, he was still grateful that she took the initiative to serve him. This was not his home, so he still felt awkward reaching out for a serving.

"So, what’s the plan for today?" Kai asked.

"Let’s wait till evening to step out and go loot some factories." Erik said.

"What do you mean loot! You are going to go borrow a few supplies." Aunt Mary screeched.

"Borrow, yes." Erik nodded.

"Are you coming with us?" Penelope asked Killian.

"Not tonight. I have some things to take care of tonight." He said.

"Alone?" Penelope asked worriedly.

Aunt Mary raised her eyebrows at Penelope’s question.

"Well...would you like to go with me?" Killian asked.

Erik pursed his lips as he saw their interaction.

"Hmm...do you need someone to accompany you?" Penelope asked again.

"Not really. I actually have to go to my parent’s villa. I’ve left a few important things there. I would like to retrieve before tomorrow morning." Killian answered.

Penelope heaved a sigh of relief. Right now, she was the only known ’space’ superuser. She needed to accompany her brothers in order to make the looting....borrowing believable.

"Okay then, just be safe." She answered as she looked down at her food.

"Mmhmm" Killian responded as he took a bite of his sandwich.

Erik, Aunt Lucy, and Aunt Mary couldn’t help but pay attention to their conversation. Aunt Mary and Aunt Lucy both looked at each other and smiled. While Erik just furrowed his eyebrows.

Half an hour later, strong rays of sunshine peeked through the living room window curtains. Erik, Aunt Mary, Aunt Lucy, Ben, Kai, Penelope and Killian all stood still. Erik walked towards the window and opened the curtains.

The sky, which had been bright and blue was now glowing red. The sun, which had looked bright yellow, was now blazing an angry shade of red. Clouds which once were white, had a heavy hue of pink and red on them.

"Mother of God" Aunt Lucy said as she clutched her son’s arm.

"May the lord have mercy on us" Aunt Mary said in a low voice.

Erik walked towards his mother draped an arm over her shoulder. Reaching out his other arm to pull Penelope close. Kai stood closer to Killian. Although Killian wasn’t family, he didn’t want him to feel alone at a moment like this. All seven members were feeling scared.

"It started a day early" Killian said.

"Is that even possible?" Erik asked.

"A few days ago, I would have said no. Now, anything is possible." Penelope said as she leaned her body into Erik’s embrace.

All members were terrified at this moment. They thought they had one more day to adjust their mindset, but it seemed fate had other plans.