by E A Chance
“I should get upstairs to Julia. Big day tomorrow. I’d like to review my notes before bed.”
Coop took her hand and gently rubbed the back of it with his thumb. “Not just yet.”
She scooted closer and rested her head on his shoulder. “That feels nice.”
He put a finger under her chin and tilted her head. “Can I kiss you, Riley?”
She leaned into him and pressed her lips to his in answer. He wrapped her in his arms and kissed her passionately in return.
Riley pulled away and met his eyes. “Just two friends having a drink? Is this how you treat all your friends?” Coop laughed and kissed her until she wriggled free of his arms. “As much as I want to stay here with you, I do have to go.”
Coop reluctantly stood and offered his hand. “I’ll walk you.”
He kissed her once more outside her door.
“I wasn’t sure I wanted this to happen, but I’m glad it did. I don’t know what it means going forward, but I promise not to overthink it,” Riley said.
“All I ask. See you at breakfast.”
Part of her wanted to invite him in as she watched him walk away, but that was out of the question. Aside from Julia, she wasn’t the type to hop into bed with a man on a whim. She and Zach married young, and the majority of her romantic education came from their relationship, but she was no longer an inexperienced girl in her twenties. She was a passionate and lonely woman, far hungrier for intimacy than she’d been willing to admit. She looked forward to exploring what else could reawaken with this man.
Chapter Four
Riley slept soundly and woke eager for the day. She dressed with care before hurrying to the dining room with Julia. Their breakfast with Coop was a repeat of the previous morning, except Riley convinced him that the buffet would be plenty, and he didn’t need to order the entire menu. She made two trips through the buffet line before realizing she’d have to give up breathing if she ate another bite.
While they ate, she and Julia planned their day. Riley had freed up her morning so they could visit at least one of the Smithsonian museums before she gave her afternoon seminar. She had her heart set on the National History Museum, but Julia wanted to visit the Air and Space Museum. Since Julia was cooperating with being cooped up in the room, Riley let her have her choice.
While they were deciding what to see first, an alert sounded on the restaurant TV. Phone alerts started going off seconds later. Riley pulled her phone from the tote without taking her eyes off the TV screen. The cameras were pointed to an empty podium in the White House press room. When the Deputy White House Press Secretary stepped to the microphone, Riley’s gut twisted into a knot. The president was traveling out of the country, and she feared he’d been assassinated or had a heart attack.
The restaurant quieted when the press secretary began to speak.
“I’m speaking on behalf of President Carlisle, who is unavailable to make this announcement himself. Please be assured that he is safe and well. He sends his respects.”
Riley blew out the breath she’d be holding. At least they’d have a president to guide them through whatever was coming.
“One hour ago, scientists who monitor solar activity detected what is called a Coronal Mass Ejection or CME. CMEs are, and I quote, ‘large expulsions of plasma and magnetic field from the sun’s corona.’ I’ve been informed that CMEs of varying speeds and sizes happen regularly. Most are harmless to our planet, but this CME that scientists have detected is quite massive and will collide with Earth in twenty-five hours.”
He paused to let the information sink in. Riley reached for Julia’s hand but was too anxious to muster a smile.
“While this situation should be taken seriously, there is no cause for panic. We anticipate no more than a four-day inconvenient loss of power. Scientists predict that while the entire Earth will be affected to some degree, the majority of the impact will be felt in North America. If we prepare properly and sensibly, the impact should be minimal. Electrical grids and devices powered by electrical power will be affected. Computer circuits, including those in motor vehicles, may also be impacted. With clear-headed planning, authorities predict that power grids will be functioning again within four to five days.”
The press secretary continued to ramble about forthcoming instructions on the internet, TV, and radio, the National Guard and Reserves being called up, and the president declaring a national emergency. Riley barely heard him over her pounding heartbeat.
She stood and tugged on Julia’s arm. “Come on. We’re getting out of here.”
Julia raised her eyebrows in confusion but stood to go with her. As they rushed out of the restaurant, Riley heard the press secretary say, “All air, train, and cruise travel will be suspended twelve hours before the CME is expected to arrive. Travel until that time is only authorized for previously purchased tickets departing before the ban goes into effect. Domestic and oceanic shipping will also be halted at that time. We advise you to stay off the roads as traffic signals and some vehicles may cease to function.”
Coop caught up to Riley and Julia and stepped into their path. “Where are you going?”
Riley lifted her chin and crossed her arms. “Home. I’ll drive the rental car all the way to Colorado Springs if I have to.”
“Let’s go back to your suite and discuss this rationally.” He glanced at Julia. “We don’t need to panic, remember?”
Riley brushed past him and headed for the elevator. She was disappointed to find the line of people already waiting.
“The man said we’re supposed to stay inside, Mom. How can we go home?”
Riley gave up on the elevator and pulled Julia toward the stairs.
Julia broke free and came to a stop with her hands on her hips. “I’m not walking up ten flights of stairs.”
“It’ll be faster to wait for the elevator,” Coop said behind them.
Riley raised her hands in surrender and walked back to Coop. She paced in front of the bank of elevators, reminding herself to breathe. Three minutes later, she was on her way to the suite and annoyed that Coop had been right. She raced to the room and started digging out their suitcases the instant she was through the door.
Coop gently put his hands on her shoulders. “Stop and think. How far do you think you’ll get in twenty-four hours? Are you going to drive all that way with no sleep? What if the scientists have the timing wrong?”
She covered her mouth with her hand and said a muffled, “Oh, no,” before hurrying to the bathroom. She leaned over the toilet and deposited her massive breakfast into the bowl. When the heaving stopped, she went to the sink and splashed cold water on her face.
Julia tapped on the door. “Mom, can I come in?”
Riley sank to the floor and pulled her knees to her chest. “Yes, sweetheart,” she mumbled.
Julia sat next to her and put an arm around her shoulders. “We’re going to be fine.” She held up her iPad so Riley could see the screen. “I googled CMEs. It doesn’t look like that big a deal, Mom. We just shut down electricity until this passes and then start it up again. It won’t be any worse than the time we lost power for three days during that blizzard. That was kind of fun.”
Riley took the tablet and read the article. The situation wasn’t as dire as she’d imagined, but her only thought was of getting home to her other children. She handed the tablet back and rubbed her face.
Coop stepped into the bathroom doorway. “Mind if I join you?” Riley didn’t answer, but he came in anyway. He sat across from her and reached for her hand. She thought he was going to hold it, but he pressed two fingers to her wrist to take her pulse. “Your heart rate is 120 and I don’t like your color. Do you have a sedative?”
Julia climbed to her feet. “I know where they are.”
“PTSD?” Coop asked. Riley stared at her trembling hands and nodded. “Thought so. I recognized the signs.”
She wiped her mouth on a hand towel. “I guess tossing my breakfast was a dead
giveaway.”
“Among other things. I don’t care, Riley. You deserve a little anxiety after what you’ve been through. I told you when we met; I understand trauma.”
“This isn’t just my anxiety. I need to be home for my family.” Julia came in and handed her a pill and bottle of water. Riley swallowed the pill and wiped her mouth. “I’ll get as far as I can before the CME hits. I’ll drive ten hours today, sleep for six hours, drive ten more, sleep, and then drive until I’m forced to stop. I’ll be close enough that if the car keeps working, I can load it up with food and keep going.”
“What if the car dies and strands you on a barren road in the middle of Kansas in the dead of winter? Can you risk putting Julia in that kind of danger?”
“Then, come with us,” Riley said. “I’ll buy you a ticket to Chicago when this is over.”
“How will my traveling with you prevent the car from dying? And I can’t bail on the stranded conference attendees. You’re not the only one desperate to get home, so take a breath, call your family, and do what you need to do to prepare. I’m going to talk to the hotel manager to see what they have in the way of provisions and generators. Julia can research what we need. You can work on your presentation for tomorrow.”
“You expect me to give a seminar with the world coming to an end? How will my presentation even matter?”
“The world’s not coming to an end. Don’t be such a drama queen,” Julia said. “I’m going to look at this like we’re part of a big adventure.” She offered a hand to Riley. “We have work to do, Mom.”
Riley stared at her daughter in wonder, wishing she had even a fraction of her courage and optimism. She accepted her offered hand and got to her feet.
“If you’re sure you want to stay, then, that’s what we’ll do. And don’t worry Coop, I’ll be ready to present my seminar tomorrow or help with whatever else you need.”
Coop kissed her cheek. “That’s my girl. I’ll be back as soon as I talk to the manager.”
Riley’s meds kicked in soon after Coop left. As her anxiety faded, she and Julia called to check on her parents and the children and assure them they were safe. Julia rambled on about their exciting adventure. Thomas said he had the generators ready and was stocked with food, firewood, and batteries. He’d even dragged out his HAM radio. Riley promised to see them in a week, even if she had to drive all the way to Colorado.
After hanging up, she turned on CNN. They were replaying the White House briefing and adding further details and information as they became available.
“Power companies will begin to shut down four hours before the CME strike, so plan to be in your homes by that time. Information on how to prepare generators and solar-powered homes will be forthcoming. In the meantime, charge your electronics and backup power supplies, then unplug anything that runs on electrical power. Those of you in colder climates, make sure you have a reliable heat source.
“Please do not raid stores and gas stations to horde food and gasoline. Get only what you need to last a few days. If you know of anyone incapable of caring for themselves, please look after them if you can or notify your local authorities. President Carlisle is preparing to return to the U.S. as we speak. Vice President Kearns is fully briefed and prepared to lead the nation until then. Let’s take care of each other and weather this storm as I know we can.”
Riley took notes while Julia searched for more information on the internet. Coop came back forty-five minutes later and handed her a stack of papers.
“I printed this downstairs. It’s the latest information on preparations and what to expect after the CME. The hotel pantries are stocked with enough food for four days, depending on the number of guests that stay, and they’re already collecting emergency supplies. Their generators run on natural gas and are what’s called ‘hardened’ to withstand a nuclear attack, so they should function after this type of event. We’ll be safe and warm here, so nothing to worry about.”
“Sweet, the food here is awesome,” Julia said. "We get to ride out the apocalypse in style.”
“Get to? Lucky us,” Riley said. “What about the conference?”
“I was mobbed by attendees the second I hit the lobby, but everyone calmed down after I reassured them we’d have food and heat. Most who drove here are gone, but about two-thirds stayed. The conference briefing is in the ballroom in half an hour.”
“Then, it looks like we have everything we need. All we have left to do is wait,” Riley said and rubbed her forehead, feeling far less confident than she acted.
“Mom said I don’t have to do homework, so I’m watching all the YouTube I can before the power goes out.”
“Wish I could do that.” He gave her a fist bump and winked at Riley. “See you in thirty.”
Riley was impressed with Coop’s composure during the conference briefing. He answered the barrage of questions calmly and had everyone laughing by the end. She hoped she could do the same during her seminar the following day. She packed away fears of the impending solar storm and practiced the presentation she’d been preparing for months.
Throwing herself into her work had always been her proven strategy for combatting anxiety. Helping mend broken bodies was deeply fulfilling, and she was confident in her abilities. She owed a large part of that to her father, who never missed a chance to praise or encourage her. He’d taught her to believe in herself and never quit. She’d reaped the rewards of those lessons as she progressed in her career.
She and Julia spent the afternoon in the suite while Coop went scavenging for whatever water, food, and medical supplies he could get his hands on. He’d tried to convince Riley to join him, but she refused to leave her daughter’s side.
For dinner, Coop arranged a casual conference meal in the ballroom, so Riley left Julia with pizza and a promise not to be too late. Julia planned to use the time to download every video she’d wanted to see until the memory on her iPad was full. Riley encouraged her to use the time more productively but got a stony stare in return. She gave up with a shrug and went to meet Coop.
She took her laptop along so she could stay informed on what was happening as the country prepared for the CME. She insisted they take a table near an outlet so she wouldn’t run out her laptop’s juice. When their food arrived, Coop convinced her to close the lid and visit with the people at their table. She grudgingly complied but was soon glad she did, enjoying the stimulating and animated conversation with their table-mates.
After the meal, Coop was sharing stories about trips to Africa as a boy with his father when suddenly lightbulbs overhead began to explode and rain down shards of glass before the room went dark. Riley instinctively covered her head with her arms and jumped out of her chair when sparks blazed up her computer cord from the outlet. There was a loud pop when the sparks reached the adapter port, and flames shot out from the side of her laptop, catching her note papers on fire. Coop felt his way through the darkened room to a fire extinguisher hanging on the wall by the exit. He doused the flames as backup power kicked in, and soft emergency lighting flickered on.
A deafening bang rattled the ballroom walls seconds later, followed by squealing tires and a din of crunching metal on the street in front of the hotel. Ceiling tiles smashed to the floor, trailing clouds of dust. Riley crouched under the table with her hands over her ears and stared at her fried laptop in confusion. The CME wasn’t supposed to hit for another sixteen hours.
When the frightened guests ran for the exits, Coop gave a loud whistle and raised his arms.
"Everyone, please, stay where you are while I find out what’s happening. The last thing the hotel staff needs is panicked guests running around in the dark. Give me five minutes."
Most of the guests nodded and sank into their chairs. Ten or twelve ignored him and ran from the room. "Doctors, so terrible at following orders," he said, only loud enough for Riley to hear.
His joke brought her to her senses, and she caught his shirt sleeve as he started to go.
&
nbsp; "I have to get to Julia. She must be terrified. I promise we’ll lock ourselves in the suite until I hear from you."
Coop hesitated an instant before nodding, but it was long enough for her to read the fear in his eyes. She stayed close to him as they rushed down the crowded hallway to the lobby. He'd been right to tell the seminar attendees to stay put. It had only taken seconds for the hotel to erupt into chaos.
Riley made a beeline for the stairs, not daring to go near the elevators, even if they were operating on backup power. Her room was on the eleventh floor, but she was an experienced hiker and runner, so a few flights of stairs didn’t deter her. Even with being in shape, she was winded by the time she reached the sixth floor. Having to fight the panicked crowds jostling past her on their way to the lobby didn’t help. She avoided making eye contact with them as she fought her own rising panic.
She swiped her keycard in the reader when she reached it, but the door didn’t unlock until the third attempt, making her wonder how guests opened their doors when power was out.
She rushed into the darkened room, calling for Julia but got no answer. She noticed the open balcony doors and headed that way. Julia was at the railing taking in the spectacle instead of cowering in a corner as Riley had imagined.
“There you are,” she cried as she ran to her. “What are you doing out here? Get back inside.”
Julia ignored her and continued to gaze out over the city. She reached for Riley’s hand to pull her closer. “Have you seen this, Mom?’’
Riley's simmering anxiety boiled over as she stared at the scene spreading before them. Fires blazed in several parts of the city, throwing up black plumes of smoke that mixed with the falling snow and obscured the cloudy sky. It looked like they'd been transported to a different world. The streets were choked with mangled cars and dazed people milled about aimlessly or clutched their injured loved ones. Riley counted at least ten broken bodies lying in the dirty snow.
