by Claire Buss
Jed gave Martha a small nod of encouragement and rejoined the others.
The two skimmers entered the city. No-one lived on the city outskirts - this close to the wall the streets were empty. Martha shifted in her seat feeling vulnerable and exposed. No-one spoke. She reached out to touch the personal shield that extended two feet around her, reassuring herself that it existed.
'Alright Ma?'
Jed's voice sounded tinny, yet comforting.
Martha swallowed and managed to croak a yes.
As they rounded the corner it seemed to Martha that every single person in City Forty-Two had come out to line the main street. They were all standing silently, watching her skimmer move closer. Someone, somewhere, began to clap. The sound echoed loudly. Then it was joined by another. And another. And another. The crowd began chanting.
'Hamble. Hamble. Hamble.'
Martha raised a hand tentatively and waved. There was an explosion of noise as the people began cheering and shouting and waving. Martha waved more confidently and began smiling at the people, her people. Streamers flew through the air and children sat on shoulders waving enthusiastically. As if in response to the crowd, the baby moved in her stomach and Martha felt it kick for the first time. Tears of happiness began to stream down her face.
This was a new beginning.
A new beginning for them all.
I'd like to say thank you to my husband Kevin, to my Pen to Print mentor and friend Ian Ayris and to my dedicated readers/editors Donna Tyrell, Ashvin Mathora and Taron Wade for all their support and encouragement throughout this process.
I'd also like to thank Lena Smith and the team at Barking & Dagenham Library Service for all their hard work in making this whole project possible.
Check my website for latest news and other projects I'm working on:
www.cbvisions.weebly.com
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Read my blog: www.butidontlikesalad.blogspot.com
