Zombie-Killer Girlfriend

“Nice kill, Leon!”

“Thanks. Look out, Lilly!”

“Got ‘em!”

“Yah! High five!”

“Okay, kids. Put the game on hold and eat.” I said, as I came into the living room.

My son Leon looked up at me, and said, “Give us a couple of minutes, mom.”

“Yah, Mrs. Jay, we’re about to hit the boss zombie.” His girlfriend Lilly added.

“Fine.” I said. I became silent, and watched them play. I smiled, remembering how it had been for me. How a friend and playmate had evolved into much more, happening so slowly we had been “dating” for months before we even realized it ourselves.

Finally, the pretend gunfire stopped and the two of them shouted and cheered for themselves, and I asked, “The good guys and gals won, I take it?”

Leon turned around and said, “Of course. With such an awesome partner, I had to win.”

Lilly just smiled at him, and took his hand to lead him to the food.

Once they had finished, Leon said to Lilly, “Time for another chapter in our Zombie War game?”

“Love to, Leon, but I promised my mom I’d come home early tonight. Busy day tomorrow.”

“Oh, yeh, the doctor thing” Leon said.

“I’m confident things will be okay, Lilly” I said

“Thanks.” Lilly said.

Lilly gave me a hug, and then gave one to Leon as well. When they broke apart, my son was blushing a bit, and I could guess why.

We walked Lilly to the door, and said our goodbyes, and then she was gone. After I closed the door, I turned to my son, and asked, “Things are getting serious, aren’t they?”

He turned red, and said, “Is it that obvious?”

“Only to anybody with eyes, hon. But I’m happy for you both.”

“Thanks. I’m pretty lucky I still have her around.”

“We all are.”

******

The next night, Leon and I took Lilly and her father out to celebrate her good news. As the party wore down, I heard Leon ask her, “does this mean you won’t be able to help me finish beating the game?”

“Not on your life! We are so going to kick zombie butt!”

“That’s great news!” he said.

Later, Lilly and I went to the ladies room, and I said, “I’m a little surprised you like playing that kind of game, dear.”

Lilly smiled at me, and said, “Just because I’m transitioning, doesn’t mean I have to be a girly girl, at least not all the time.”

“But you will let me help your dad find you a Prom dress, right?”

“Of course. Dad’s been great, but I don’t think he knows beans about girl’s fashions, So ‘m counting on your help.”

“You got it. Lilly.” I said, and gave her a hug. “Now we better get back.”

“Sure thing, Mrs. Jay.’

And out we went.