Dwindle: Populations Crumble: Book 1

by K. A. Gandy

  Congratulations on taking your first steps on the journey to your new life! We are so happy to have you. Upon arrival at the New Life Center of Georada, you’ll be escorted directly to our intake facility. The purpose of the intake facility is to start your baseline health file, which serves as the foundation of your care during your stay with us. We will immediately begin processing your genetic tests, so you can be matched to as many eligible bachelors as possible! Once your intake screening is complete, you will be added to our eligibility pool, and can receive matches from all over the North American Alliance; that’s when the fun begins for our future mothers!

  So sit back and enjoy the rest of your shuttle ride. You can get a head start on your health and history questionnaire below.

  Once I finish reading the oh-so-informative blurb, it automatically pops up a questionnaire.

  Name Sadie Alice Taylor

  Age 19

  Age of Mother 61

  Age of Father 65

  Number of Siblings 6

  Oh heck, it wants details on every brother? I’m going to be at this the whole ride. After filling out all of the information including occupations, age, marital status, and number of children for every single brother, It finally tells me I’m done for now. Thank heavens. The device vibrates and I see it has another notification.

  Congratulations on completing your preliminary intake questionnaire! Please enjoy flipping through our Bachelor Book while you wait to find your own perfect genetic matches!

  I sigh. What is the point in looking at pictures of a bunch of men, most of whom I’ll never meet? But yep, there it is; required reading. Cow crap. Sure, one of these guys is likely to be my husband in a few months, but shopping for one doesn’t seem like a great plan for me, given the circumstances. What if I get my hopes up that there’s some amazing guy in this book, and then I watch him get matched to Margaret? No, thanks. I’ll just open it so it shows that I did it, and then exit straight out. Deep breaths Sadie, it’s just a book of dudes.

  I glance up and see we’re now ten minutes out from our destination. Perfect! I won’t have long to obsess over it. I click the link, and up pops the Bachelor Book App. The first page has three photos on it, and stats underneath for each man. Hi there, James, Marcus, and Devonte. They are all smiling, but that’s where the similarities end. James is wearing a suit and red tie in his photo. Underneath it says he’s twenty-seven, and is looking for a wife “who wants to stay home with their (hopefully three or more) kids, who loves to cook and keep house.” His career is listed as “Assistant Justice of South Georada”, so he’s clearly interested in politics. His location is listed as fixed: South Georada Central. Fixed? I wonder what that means.

  Marcus is wearing an NAA flight suit uniform, and his career is listed as an NAA pilot. I have to admit, he piques my interest. He looks handsome and strong in his uniform, and unlike James he’s listed as looking for “A wife who wants to see the world and has a sense of adventure.” No, this is dangerous. The likelihood of me getting genetically matched to Marcus is next to nil. Focus, Sadie. I switch to Devonte. He’s handsome, too, with his dark, rich skin tone and friendly eyes. He’s dressed casually, but neatly in his photo. His occupation is listed as “Business Owner” which is cool. Wants in a wife, “Someone who sees a baby as a blessing, like I do.” Oh man, he’d be perfect for Charlotte. He’s clearly got that romantic personality, and he looks kind. I tap the app closed.

  I’m not sure if it’s better or worse seeing these men as real humans with their own hopes and desires. On the one hand, it’s better, because they’re just people too. But on the other, it’s worse because I could be a genetic match for someone who is completely wrong for me in every other way, and we would spend the next few years hating and disappointing each other. That sounds like hell on earth. I blow out a breath that pushes my bangs to the side and realize that the bus is pulling into a long, sloped driveway. This must be it, the NLC.

  Todd pulls us straight up to the grand front entrance, and pops the doors open with a hiss. Eric stands, “Ok ladies! This is it, the Georada New Life Center. You’re about to take the first steps into your bright futures. If you’ll line up after me, I’ll escort you directly to the Intake Room, where you’ll be added to the eligibility pool!” He is all smiles, but I feel a sense of dread lining my stomach. Welcome to the deep end of the eligibility pool—I hope you’re a good swimmer.

  Intake Testing

  As we all file out behind Eric, I look up at the large building in front of us. Building is really an understatement—it’s more like a full complex. This particular building is wide, and curved like the large teardrop driveway we’ve parked in. The facade has evenly-spaced white columns across the full-length veranda and balcony.. If I didn’t know better, I’d say we’d been transported back to an old-time southern mansion. This one is in perfect repair, not in plant-ravaged tatters like others we’d passed between here and Jackson Flats.

  “Hey, where are they taking our stuff?!” Nell asks in a panicked voice. I spin and see that several uniformed men are taking our bags from Todd and heading off into a completely different building.

  Eric cuts in, smooth as butter, “No need to concern yourself, darling. The staff are just taking them to your rooms, so your things will be waiting for you when you’re done with today’s testing. All of your personal items will remain unmolested in your new home. Just that way is the Future Mothers’ Residence Hall, where you will all be staying while you’re with us.” I mentally cringe. Would it kill him to just call us women? “Now, come along, ladies—pool intake is just this way.” He turns and walks off, clearly expecting us to trail after him. Which we do, so that’s a point to Eric.

  The interior of the building is just as polished and beautiful as the outside. It’s surprising, actually, that this place is as shiny as the brochure promised. Frankly, I’d expected it to turn out more like one of those restaurants with pictures of the food in the menu, where what shows up never looks like the picture. After going down a few hallways, we are led into what looks like an upscale doctor’s office. Pictures of pregnant women in white flowing gowns adorn the walls, as well as huge portraits of babies with chubby cheeks and gummy smiles.

  Eric walks right up to the receptionist’s desk, and hands over his tablet for inspection. She quickly taps a few times, then hands it back to him, never looking up or acknowledging us as we stand in the entryway. “Ladies! No need to stand around, please, make yourselves comfortable!” he gestures to the chairs spread around the room. They might be comfortable, if we hadn’t just spent four of the last five hours sitting on a shuttle. Are they really taking us straight to have medical tests done, not to our rooms, or giving us a night to settle in first?

  Almost before I finish my thought, a woman in pale pink scrubs and a clipboard arrives at a side door. “Margaret? If you’d please come with me.”

  Margaret stands with a flounce, and follows her. As she walks through the door she tosses a haughty look at us over her shoulder, as if she’s won a prize by being called first.

  However, almost as soon as the door shuts behind her another nurse in identical pink scrubs comes to the door with another clipboard, “Beth-Ann? It’s your turn, dear.” Beth-Ann heads over and disappears behind her nurse through the doors. Over the next fifteen minutes, all of the other girls are called back one by one, until it’s just me and Charlotte left in the waiting room. Eric has drifted back over to the receptionist, who’s clearly flirting with him.

  Charlotte is fiddling with the hem of her shirt, looking uncomfortable.

  “Hey Charlotte?” I say quietly.

  She looks up, but doesn’t say anything.

  “I am sure you overheard earlier at the restaurant what Margaret was saying —you know, that to be beautiful, you have to be thin.” I pause, and she gives me a barely perceptible nod before casting her eyes back down to her lap, “I hope you know that we don’t all feel that way. For what it’s worth, I think you’re love
ly just the way you are. You are curvy, and kind, and with those gorgeous green eyes, any man would be lucky to have you. Plus, on personality, you’ve got Margaret beat hands down.” I grin.

  “You’re too sweet, Sadie. Thank you for saying so.” She looks up at me politely, but I can’t tell if she believes me. Just then, my name is called by yet another nurse in pink scrubs. I reach over and clasp her hand in mine. “It’s going to be okay, we’ll get through this together.” Then I stand up, and walk through the door.

  I follow the nurse down to a room at the end of the hallway. She asks me to put on a thin paper gown, and steps out of the room to give me some privacy. Thoughtful, given I’m not in the habit of stripping down in front of complete strangers. I shuck my boots, jeans, and tank. I’m not sure if I’m supposed to keep my underwear and bra on, but I feel safer with them on, so I leave them. The paper gown is flimsy, and a bit scratchy. The two tiny ties aren’t doing much for my modesty, but it’s better than just clutching it closed. I settle onto the little exam table, and am examining the maternity and baby photos hung in this room when there is a single brisk knock at the door, before it opens.

  A tall, good-looking male doctor enters the room, “Hello there,” there’s a long pause, as he taps on his tablet, “Sadie. Nice to meet you. I’m Dr. Mitch. I’ll be the one overseeing your care here at the New Life Center. Before I get started, do you have any complaints I need to be aware of, or any pre-existing health conditions?” He finally looks up at me.

  “Well, it would have been nice if you’d taken a minute to make sure I was dressed before you came in, but otherwise, no.” I feel a bit snappy, given he just barged in here without making sure I was ready, or clearly having paid any attention to who he was coming to “care” for.

  “Uhh, yes, I’m sorry,” he stammers, clearly surprised I’ve complained about him, rather than a medical concern.

  “Thank you,” I respond. At least he has some manners.

  “I guess we’ll just jump right in with my list then. Please lie back, I need to start your exam.” He turns, sets the tablet down, and snaps on a pair of gloves.

  ✽✽✽

  After a round of seriously unpleasant medical intake tests, the pink-clad nurse escorts me to an exit, and informs me that I should head to the dormitory until dinner time. She doesn’t stick around to chat, so I am left to my own devices to find the dormitory. Really, super warm, these medical personnel, I think with annoyance as I make my way across the lush green lawn towards the large house Eric pointed out earlier. A plaque beside the front door indicates I found the right place, but I still let myself in the front door cautiously. Peeking my head around, I spot a sitting area with both Elena and Leigh chatting with mugs in hand. Well, mostly Elena is doing the chatting. Leigh is sunk deep into a cushy chair, but nods enthusiastically. I shut the door, and head over to them.

  “Hey guys, can one of you point me towards my room?” I ask, interrupting their conversation about who the most handsome bachelor in the Bachelor Book is that they’ve seen so far.

  Elena stops gushing over somebody named Quaid’s bedroom eyes to answer, “Hey Sadie! If you go down the hall, up the stairs and to the left, we’re all in the same hall. Your room is labeled with your name. The rooms are super nice and we don’t have to share a bathroom or anything! Can you believe it? We’ve got this freaking mansion practically to ourselves!” She is clearly pleased with the amenities, so that’s something.

  I give her a small smile, “Thanks Elena, you’re the best.” And leave them to their gossip. It makes sense those two have gravitated to each other, since they’re the youngest in our group. Three years may not seem like much of an age difference, but in this situation it definitely feels like it. I walk back through the entryway and into a hall. The largest curved double staircase I’ve ever seen rests in the middle of a large room, decked out in yet more maternity and baby portraits. At least the gowns in these are colorful,but, come on—I’d take a portrait of puppies or just about anything at this point for some variety.

  Heading up and to the left, I find the hallway lined with our rooms. My room is a few doors down, right across from Jenna’s. Her door is shut, but I hear what I assume is her shower running and loud thumping music. I listen a minute; it’s not my usual taste, but it’s catchy. I turn and open my door. Inside I’m greeted by mostly cream-colored walls, and more of the rich wood floors the designers clearly favor here. I’ve got a small entryway, which opens into a sitting area with a loveseat and coffee table, bracketed by two gold toile wingback chairs. I run my hand over one as I walk by. Pretty, but rather stiff.

  Further in I find a bathroom filled with flat, modern surfaces. Everything is white, shiny stone, with a clawfoot tub and a large circular shower, with the biggest showerhead I’ve ever seen. I can’t wait to get in there, and wash the road trip and medical exams from my skin. I can feel them on me, like a too-tight glove. Past the restroom and a privacy wall I find the bed covered in cream linens. Above an old fireplace is a large TV with a welcome message scrawled in gold text.

  Welcome to the New Life Center! We hope your stay with us is comfortable as you embark on your journey to motherhood. If you need anything, please dial 00 on the keypad.

  I continue to the far side of the bed, where there is a small, convenient closet. Just as promised I see my rolling duffel has been brought up for me. Beside the closet is a large curtain covering a sliding glass door, which leads to the balcony. As nice as that sounds, right now I’d rather have a screaming hot shower. I grab my duffel and unzip it and reach for my toiletry case, but stop at what I see resting on top. Two small envelopes, both addressed to me in different handwriting.

  My hand shakes slightly as I open the first one. It’s a letter from Peter.

  Sadie,

  I’m sorry I couldn’t be with you today to see you off to the New Life Center. I know this is going to be a big transition, but if anybody can find the positive in this situation, I know it’s you. I hope you find someone who is strong, but kind.

  Always My Best,

  Peter

  I put the note down, touched that he not only thought of me but arranged a surprise from afar. Gavin must have snuck these in when he loaded my bag into the truck this morning.

  I quickly open the second note, and snort out a laugh as I read it.

  Sadie,

  Give ‘em hell.

  See you soon,

  Teddy

  Teddy is my youngest brother, and the impulsive one in the family. I wonder what he means by “see you soon.” He will be done with his police training soon, but by the time I’m allowed to leave, he’ll be long since out and on a new assignment. He has one year left to decide if he’s going to join the program, or opt out like Cade did. I set the letters on my mantle where I can see them, then grab my toiletry bag and head for that shower.

  Two long shampoos later and dressed in a fresh pair of jeans and a black tank, my stomach is grumbling too loudly to ignore. I head out, and spot a key fob hanging by the door. I shove it in my pocket, and head downstairs to see if any of the other girls have figured out what we’ll be doing for dinner.

  Before I even clear the bottom step I hear Beth-Ann’s voice coming from the sitting room, “Can you believe those tests this afternoon? They seriously had to do twelve things the minute we got off the stupid shuttle? It’s just rude, is all I’m saying. Besides, where I’m from, the boys at least take a girl for a milkshake before thinking they’re going to be sliding into home base.”

  That’s one way to describe a pelvic exam, I guess. I shudder, trying to block out the unpleasant memory myself. I finally round the corner and spot her captive audience. Everyone but Margaret is here, but there are also two new faces I don’t recognize.

  Jenna is the first to greet me, “Sadie! What took you so long? We’re starving!”

  “Sorry, I got lost in that glorious shower. Did they tell us where to go for dinner?” I address the most important question.
<
br />   She points over her shoulder to another TV hanging on the wall, with a gold-scripted message,

  Please return to the Main Hall, where you will be seated for dinner promptly at 7 PM.

  Well, at least they plan to keep feeding us. The two new women walk over to me. One sticks her hand out and says, “Hey, I’m Josephine, but everybody calls me Jo.”

  “Hey Jo, I’m Sadie. When did you two get here?” I look over to the woman with her.

  “Faith and I got here just after your group did, we must have just missed you at the lovely intake center.” She rolls her eyes, “We’re the group from North Georada.”

  “Oh, wow! There’s only two of you?” I observe.

  “Technically, just me,” Jo looks at Faith pointedly.

  Faith speaks up, “I’m originally from New Texas, but I’m down from the Winnipeg New Life Center right now.”

  “That’s so far! How in the world did you end up in Winnipeg from New Texas?” I’ve never heard of anyone moving that far away outside of an NAA job, which doesn’t make sense for a woman our age. Although, on closer inspection Faith looks a bit older, or perhaps just tired.

  “Oh, it’s a really long story, I wouldn’t want to bore you,” she demurred. Now that she’s said where she’s from, I can pick up a faint hint of a drawl.

  Nell butts in from across the room, “It’s not like we’ve got anywhere better to be for another . . .” she checks the time on the announcement board, “ten minutes.”

  “Well, if you insist.” Faith begins with resignation, “I entered the marriage program at eighteen in New Texas. I had one match, Bill. He was nice enough, and we were married within a few months. After just shy of two years, Bill was called home due to a death in the family. So, we actually got a home visit earlier than usual. We were given leave to go ahead and move back to his home to help with closing up his late aunt’s house. She didn’t have any heirs to leave it to other than him.” She pauses reflectively and then continues, “A year later, we went back to the New Life Center to dissolve the marriage since we still had no children.”