Endless Winter Box Set: Books 1 - 4

by Theresa Shaver

  “Sorry, I just never thought I would be in a real functioning medical unit again. You have no idea how hard and frustrating it is to be a doctor and not be able to help people properly when all you have is makeshift medicine and rags to work with. Coming in here is like waking up from a medical nightmare!”

  I turn and look into the room and see it with new eyes. I feel a wash of shame as I think of all the people this room could have helped instead of staying dark and empty. I shake my head and push the shame away. There’s no changing the past. We just need to make the best of what we have today. I look at Ethan again and square my shoulders.

  “AIRIA, the computers name is AIRIA. She controls all the functions in here and will keep everything running. Would you say you and Lance will be taking control and organising your group?”

  Ethan glances back over his shoulder to where the group is still milling about in the far end of the cavern before looking back and answering me.

  “Well, we have since we left the hotel so probably.”

  “Ok, I’m going to give you, Lance and Rex a yellow authorization. That means you can ask AIRIA questions and for help and she will talk to you. You will be able to control the locks on the storage room doors as well but you won’t be able to open the door between the barracks and my living area. If you need to get out the exterior doors you can open them too. If you really need help she can’t provide, you can have AIRIA send me a message, but I’d rather your group keeps to itself.” I rub at one of the worst burns on my forehead before continuing. “Rex knows where most everything is but I’ve locked the armory down completely. I’m not comfortable letting your group have the weapons stored in here.”

  As I’m talking, Ethan is nodding as he walks further into the infirmary and starts opening cabinet doors. I’m ready to just take off when he turns with a tube in his hand and beckons me forward. I look at him warily but he just laughs.

  “It’s just some burn cream. It’ll help soothe those welts and help them heal.” When I still just stand there his smile turns sad. “When was the last time someone took care of you, Skylar?”

  His tone is so sympathetic that I feel tears spring up but quickly blink them away. It’s my job to take care of Ben and that’s all that matters. I shake my head at him.

  “Yeah, um, thanks but I have my own medical supplies. You should get your own people looked after. I’ve got to get back to my brother so, um, good luck.”

  I spin away and out the door before he has a chance to say anything else and make for the offices. It’s hard for me to keep my resolve strong when Ethan, Lance, and Rex are all being so nice. I know in my heart that most of these people would be kind to Ben and me but it’s just the possibility that one of them won’t that means it’s not a chance I’m willing to take. I took a chance before and it almost got us killed. I’m almost at the doors to the office when a small voice stops me in my tracks and I squeeze my eyes shut in frustration before turning around.

  “Skylar?”

  I look into his sweet green eyes and see how happy he is to see me and want to cry but instead just say,

  “Hi, Matty. You doing ok?”

  The kid is just too cute when his grin broadens, causing his dimples to be on full display and I have no choice but to catch him when he throws himself at me for a hug. I have to keep reminding myself that Ben’s safety comes before his happiness because I know what’s coming next.

  “Can I come with you to see Ben? Or can he come over here so he can meet the rest of my family?”

  My mouth goes dry and my throat closes as I try and think of a way to explain to this little angel why that will never happen again. He’s looking up at me with all the trust I can’t give back when I’m saved from answering.

  “Matty-man! Rex is looking for you. Scamper, pest, big bro’s getting worried!”

  Matty nods at Marsh but throws his small arms around me one more time before running back towards the crowd with a yell over his shoulder.

  “Tell Ben I’ll see him later!”

  I just stand there with my shoulders slumped watching as he’s swallowed up by the crowd. Marsh’s words jolt me out of my funk.

  “Don’t sweat it Sky. You did a huge thing by letting us all in here. Now you gotta do what you think is best for you and your little man. Sometimes the best thing to do hurts the most. Just know that Rex, and me, well, we’d both lay down our lives for you and Ben. You saved us and Rex and Matty more than once now so we’ve got your back. No matter what you decide.”

  The deep breath I try and take hitches in my chest so I turn away from him so he can’t see the pain I know is all over my face.

  “Thanks, Marsh. That means a lot but I just…”

  I feel his hand on my shoulder and it gives a brief squeeze before dropping away.

  “I get it, its ok. Go on back to Benny-boy. You did good today.”

  The tears are starting to fall down my face and there’s no way to stop them so I bolt to the doors and just keep going.

  Chapter Seven … Rex

  “Matty, there you are! I’ve been looking everywhere for you.”

  I snatch the kid up and give him a fierce hug before dropping him back to his feet. I keep one hand on top of his head to keep him with me as I scan the crowd looking for Sky. I don’t believe she’d take off without talking to me first but Matty’s words dash that notion.

  “I was just saying goodbye to Sky. Can we go over and see Ben later?”

  I close my eyes in disbelief. She really left? Man, every time I think I know what she’s thinking, I’m wrong. I shake my head and put it aside for now. There’s work to be done.

  Lance climbs up on top of one of the bunks and lets out a piercing whistle causing the crowd to all go silent and turn in his direction. Once he sees everyone looking his way he starts giving directions.

  “The doctor’s pretty sure that was acid rain falling out there and suggests we all make use of the showers to get the chemicals off of our skin and hair. He has burn cream to treat the burns after we shower. Before we do that, we should get a quick organization done. We’ll need some volunteers. We need a few people to help out the doctor to get everyone treated that needs it. I’m told that there are fresh clean clothes and towels in storage, so ten people please head over to where Marsh is standing and he’ll show you where that is. You guys carry it back over to the showers so everyone going in can grab fresh garb.

  "Next up is food. There is a large amount available and a huge kitchen to prepare it in. Anyone who loves to cook would be welcome to help. The more we work together the faster we can get fed!

  "Once we are clean and have eaten, we can look at setting up living areas. These bunks look like they can be moved so we shouldn’t have any problem putting together some separate living areas to give us all our own space. We can use the extra blankets as screens for even more privacy.

  "I think that’s all we should worry about today. We can have a meeting tomorrow to decide how to go forward.” Lance looks at all the faces staring up at him but when no one speaks he nods. “Alright, give us a few minutes to get the supplies and you can all start lining up at the showers. Ladies showers are over there and men’s are that way.” He points in the two directions and then hops down from the bunk.

  I walk Matty over to where Marsh is to help carry over towels and clean clothes. It’s only been a few days since I had showered in Skylar’s bathroom but the amazing memory of it has me eager to help everyone else feel the same. The last time I was in here the shelves were bare so Sky must have opened a few of the storage containers and pulled out what she thought we would need to get started. A bunch of people come over to help so it doesn’t take long for us to start handing stacks of shrink-wrapped towels and clothing sets out. There are thick plastic bags filled with soaps and shampoos that we use to fill dispensers in both washrooms and soon there are clouds of scented steam floating out of the shower doors every time they’re opened.

  As I pass the long line u
p of women waiting for their turn, I come to a stop and shake my head before heading over to Lance.

  “Hey, I don’t know why I didn’t think about it before but there’s like ten shower rooms in here. They don’t need to line up at just these two.”

  Lance’s eyes widen in surprise and he shakes his head with a grin.

  “That’s good to know. We’re going to have to have a tour of this place later on. I think it would be wise to know exactly what all we have to work with. Let’s plan on that after everyone’s settled in for the night. Now, let’s go stock up a few more of the shower rooms and get these people cleaned up!”

  Once Marsh and I and the others finish passing out shower supplies, he and I head out to look for Matty so we can have our own showers. We finally find him in the huge kitchen, where the most incredible smells are filling the air. He’s sitting on one of the stainless steel counters kicking his feet and chewing on what looks like a granola bar. Beside him on the counter are at least thirty serving jugs filled with ice and some kind of orange drink. Belle is next, standing at a sink filling up the last few empty jugs and giving each one a stir.

  I look around the rest of the kitchen and see five of the biggest pots I’ve ever seen gently steaming on the stoves.

  “Wow Belle, I can believe how fast you guys are! How did you put this together so quickly?”

  Bell sets the last jug on the counter with the others and turns to look at me with a frown.

  “We didn’t. It was already made.” At our blank looks, she glances down to another counter where Sasha stands with a sulky face before looking back at us and explaining. “Five pots of chili. All we had to do was turn the stove on. There was also over a hundred bread rolls rising and ready to be baked. Do you know how long that would have taken to prepare? Even if it was all premixed? Your friend Skylar did this. She made this meal for you and all of us. She’s a very special person Rex. I’m so very sorry.”

  Skylar, Sky did this. She made this meal to welcome us and comfort us. Again she makes my head spin. I just want to sit somewhere quiet with her and talk. I know if I had that chance I could get her to change her mind.

  Almost like he’s reading my mind, Marsh gives me a nudge.

  “Hey man, you just need to give her some time and space to work it out. Think about it. She’s already getting there. She’s already changed her mind about letting us in here and after seeing all this I’m almost positive she’ll come around. Sky’s epic, she’ll get there!”

  His words make sense and I feel a little better but it washes away when I see that Sasha’s come closer to hear what we’re talking about and she has an ugly sneer on her face. It takes all I’ve got not to slap the look off of her face and instead I pour my contempt into my voice.

  “You stupid…CHILD! She saved mine and Matty’s life and probably yours too and you stand there with that look on your face? What the HELL is wrong with you? I didn’t know you were so malicious and filled with jealousy. I do know that I don’t want you anywhere near me or Matty!”

  Her face loses the ugly expression and goes pale with shock before turning to her mother for assurance but Belle’s lips are pressed tightly together in anger.

  “Sasha! Go, go help set up tables. We’ll discuss your attitude later!”

  Sasha practically runs from the kitchen but not before I see the tears in her eyes. For a half second, I feel guilt at treating someone who’s been a sister to me and Matty that way but it quickly passes. It’s not just about Sky. Sasha threw both me and Matty under the bus with Ted and that’s what I don’t think I can forgive. As far as I can tell, she still doesn’t think she’s done anything wrong.

  “Why is Sasha being so mean? Is she mad at us Rex?”

  Oh man, how am I supposed to explain something I don’t even understand to the kid? Thankfully, Belle steps in to take the hit.

  “No baby! Sasha’s just really confused right now and it’s making her act not like herself. She loves you and Rex very much. It’s just, being fifteen is a very difficult time for a girl. They go through so many changes in their bodies and minds that sometimes they do things before thinking them through. Don’t worry about it, I’ll be helping Sasha make better choices in the future."

  "Now, you need to help out with dinner set up. Go and take a stack of those plastic cups out to the tables please.”

  I help Matty down from the counter and he gives Belle a funny little salute before doing as she said. As soon as he’s out the door, Belle turns back to me.

  “Listen, I’m not making excuses for what my daughter did but what I said to Matty is true. Sasha’s hormones are all over the place right now and I know you know she had a very large crush on you, Rex. Now that I’ve seen Skylar, I can see where the jealousy came from. That girl is stunning! Try and think about it from Sasha’s position. She thinks she’s in love with you but you don’t feel the same and then you find this gorgeous girl you fall for almost right away. Skylar is and has everything Sasha doesn’t. She’s like a dream girl with beauty and a magic wand that she waves to make everything better for everyone. Top that with Skylar being kind and generous and Sasha can’t compete in any way. She’s had all of us to herself for the last seven years and now she has to share? Sasha just doesn’t understand that it’s not a competition. She doesn’t understand that we’re her family and that’s not going to change. Add in hormones and you’ve got a perfect storm!”

  Belle makes a lot of sense but even with all that it’s going to be hard to see Sasha the way I use to.

  “Rex, what Marsh said was true. Skylar will need some time to work through all that happened but so will your sister. No matter what she thinks she feels or what she did, Sasha is your sister. I’ll be helping her work through it, ok? Just give her a chance and you’ll see.”

  There wasn’t a lot I can say in response to Belle’s plea so I just nod and pull her into a hug. I can’t help but feel grateful to have her and the other adults in our lives to help us navigate through all our problems and feelings. It just makes my heart hurt for Skylar even more. She’s been alone for so long, trying to figure out life and parenthood with no guidance except for an unfeeling computer. I hope she can find her way back to me.

  Chapter Eight … Skylar

  The door slides shut behind me and I take my first real deep breath since I left to go outside. I slump back against the cool metal and take a minute to process everything that just happened while using just my fingertips to touch the few stinging burns on my face.

  I try not to think about what would have happened to all those people if I hadn’t let them into the barracks or even if I had waited any longer to do it. I don’t know what to think about the rain coming down after so many years. Does this mean that the earth is now trying to cleanse itself or is it just more misery like the snow and ash? I’ll have to ask AIRIA to let me know if anything else changes out there because I don’t plan on stepping out those doors again for a long time.

  I push away from the door and slowly start walking down the concrete tunnel.

  “AIRIA, the doors I just came through can only be opened by me, right?”

  “Skylar Ross, authorization green is needed to open the barrack doors. You are the only person with a green authorization.”

  “Ok, good. Did you voiceprint the two men I talked to? Lance and Ethan? I don’t know their last names.”

  “Skylar Ross, voiceprint complete on both males with names Ethan and Lance. Authorization level for both males set at red.”

  “AIRIA, you can change both of their access levels to yellow and add Rex Larson to that too. They will need to ask you questions about where stuff is stored and any other things you can help them with as long as it isn’t about security. Let them know what you can help them with. Oh! And you could tell them that they can ask about any of the educational stuff you helped me with too, like setting up the grow room and that they can use the computers in the offices to watch videos and also…”

  I come to a stop
half way down the tunnel and close my eyes. I am a coward! One decent conversation with them and I could have told them all of this. I could have given them a quick tour and explained everything that AIRIA could help them learn. Instead, I just ran away like a scared little girl! I know why I did it. Rex. If I had spent any time with Rex all my resolve would have crumbled. It was hard enough just talking to Matty.

  “AIRIA, just, I don’t know. Give them a tutorial or something!”

  My feet start moving again and I give my head a shake. Like Marsh said, sometimes the best thing to do hurts the most and that’s very true because more than anything right now, I want to run right back into the barracks and find Rex. I want to sit and talk with him and I want to bring him and Matty back with me and make us all dinner and…so much more. I push that thought away with the image of Ben’s empty face when Ted had held the gun against his neck. Not having a future with Rex hurts but a life without Ben would kill me.

  By the time I make it back to our living quarters, my resolve and barriers are as strong as the rock that surrounds us. I know what’s going to hit me on the other side of the door so I’m ready when I step through.

  Ben’s not on the couch like I thought he would be. Instead, I see him pacing back and forth with a worried look on his face. When he sees me it clears to a giant smile before clouding back over.

  “SKY! What happened to your face? AIRIA said you brought everyone inside the barracks. Did they hurt you?”

  My hand automatically reaches up to touch at the burns but I quickly drop it.

  “No, no, no Ben! It was - there was rain. Bad rain full of chemicals started to fall outside and a few drops hit me but it’s ok! It’s not as bad as it looks.”

  The air whooshes out of him in relief and he’s back to smiling.

  “Are Matty and Rex ok? Are they coming over? I’m so happy you changed your mind Sky! Can we have another pizza party sleepover soon? I’m sorry I was so mean to you!”