Wings of the Walker

by Coralee June

  “Let me address the first part of your question,” he began. “Your role here is to contribute to the household and community however you see fit. We all pitch in where help is needed. And, I’d like to add that your cooking is something I could get used to.” A series of grunts erupted in agreement. I looked around and saw that Patrick had already given up on our conversation and was busy shoveling more food into his mouth. “We all have chores around the house, as well as volunteer in the community. I’ll show you around town, tomorrow.”

  “I’ll answer the next part.” Jacob piped in. He wiggled his eyebrows suggestively, and I cringed, causing another series of chuckles.

  “Yes. Our community shares women. Beautiful ladies, such as yourself, are a commodity in these parts.” Jacob said. “After X hit, some people found ways to build their family outside the normal traditions you're accustomed to in Galla.”

  “However, that lifestyle is only for a select few, none of us have even considered that notion, probably because we’re too busy keeping this town running to even think about that. And, Cyler didn’t invite you into our home under that presumption.” I felt a weight being lifted off my chest at his assuring words.

  “You don’t have to worry about anything from me,” Huxley grunted. His quick dismissal of me made my eyes roll involuntarily. Huxley was the last person that would make me worry. His eyes were like piercing knives that exposed every dark thought I’ve ever had to myself.

  “You won't have to worry about anything from any of us,” Cyler added while glaring over at Huxley. Huxley grunted and jumped as if someone kicked him from under the table.

  A small part of me felt disappointed. I knew it was irrational to think this way–just a minute ago, I was planning on running back to the Stonewell home to avoid them. But, I couldn’t help but wonder, was I not good enough for them? I knew these insecurities stemmed from Josiah’s recent betrayal, but I couldn’t help but want to feel . . . wanted.

  “Ah, Ash. Don’t get that sad, puppy-dog look on your face.” Kemp said. “It's not you. We’ve always been competitive; we simply would prefer not to mess with the dynamic in our home. We’re leaders here in Dormas, and we need to be a united front–just not that united.”

  “We decided the moment you fainted on the train, looking all nasty and covered in blood, that you would be off limits,” Patrick said with a chuckle. “We want you to feel comfortable in our home. Like a . . . sister . . . .” He struggled with the last word but still smiled.

  I absorbed their explanation and felt peace wash over me. For the first time in my life, I not only had the freedom to do what I wanted but also a family.

  Chapter 12

  The next morning I woke up early to tour the town that was now my new home. Maverick gave me instructions the night before to meet him in the kitchen first thing, but to my surprise, when I turned the corner, it was Jacob yawing instead of him.

  When his eyes met mine, a sleepy smile spread across his cheeks.

  “Maverick had to leave in the middle of the night, One of the Walkers is having a bad reaction to the vaccine and needed medicine,” he explained.

  “Oh,” I said. I felt disappointed that I wouldn't be able to tour the city, as well as worried for the Walker. It was rare that a Walker’s body rejected the vaccine, but when it did happen, it almost always resulted in their death. I made a mental note to visit Maverick later after touring the town with Jacob.

  “Don’t look so glum, I’m here to show you around,” Jacob said. He then handed me a pastry and a to-go cup full of tea. It was a sweet gesture, and I immediately decided that Jacob was a kind and thoughtful person.

  We made our way through the village center. Wooden buildings surrounded us on each side and Jacob explained in detail what each building was, who worked there, and whatever gossip was going on at that time. Occasionally, he would run into someone he knew, and they would smile and joke, or he’d introduce me. What few women we saw, fawned over him. I couldn’t deny that Jacob was downright beautiful, and it was evident that he liked the attention.

  We made our way down the dirt road until we arrived at a small shop. The sign on the door indicated that this was their local, grocery store. Inside were buckets of grain, food, and other supplies. Jacob grabbed a basket and began plopping items into it.

  “Everyone is given credits for rations at the beginning of the month,” he explained while sinking his pearly-white teeth into a thick peach. The juices rolled down his chin, and I wanted to lick them off.

  I’m like a sister to them, I reminded myself, despite the very unsisterly thoughts that filled my brain.

  An older man and woman were at the register, and followed us with their eyes, each wearing a smile.

  “You must be the Walker that saved Cyler,” the woman exclaimed. She had long, grey hair that was braided and hung low down her back. She looked beautiful in the soft light of the General Store.

  “Oh, no it was nothing,” I mumbled.

  “Nonsense!” the man exclaimed. His voice was gravelly and deep.

  “Cyler Black is a hero in this town,” he explained. “He carried us through the X outbreak as well as defended our community against scavengers. This town is indebted to him and you.” He then bowed and handed me a piece of chocolate. My eyes widened at his kind gift, and his wife nodded her head enthusiastically. Although it was too kind, I just didn’t want to refuse their compassion. I gently grabbed it and took a bite.

  The burst of flavor caused my eyes to close, and a satisfied moan escaped my lips. When I opened them, I was greeted by happy smiles from the couple.

  We made our way back outside, and Jacob and I carried the groceries back towards the main house.

  “He’s right, you know,” Jacob said. His voice took on a serious tone that didn’t match his earlier easy-going nature.

  “We all owe you for taking care of Cyler,” he began. “I was supposed to travel with him, but I couldn’t go.” Jacob hung his head in regret, and I realized that he was feeling guilty for what happened.

  “Why couldn’t you?” I asked.

  “Because Jules Black is in love with me,” he replied simply. He shrugged and adjusted the sack of groceries higher up on his shoulder. The firm, corded muscles in his arms stood out prominently while he hauled our goods towards the main house. I was surprised at his answer, as well as curious.

  “I’m not sure when it happened, but Jules has always been extra kind to me. Even as a child, she stole minutes alone with me away from her brothers.” Jacob refused to look at me while he told his story, and I was hanging on to every word. “She soon realized that I wouldn’t date her. Jules tried everything, but I simply didn't see her that way. She was like my kid sister. Not to mention, we’ve overcome so much. I didn’t want to jeopardize my relationship with her brothers. As she got older, she became increasingly aggressive, and I didn’t find myself to be attracted to her in that way.”

  “Jules thought that if she got the guys to hate me, then she could have me to herself. So, she did the unthinkable. She told them that I . . . took advantage of her. She was incredibly convincing.” He looked over at me, concern on his face. Even when revealing such a horrible story, he was worried about my reaction. My heart broke at his words. How cruel could someone be to lie about such a horrid act?

  “She didn’t expect the reaction she got, though. Huxley went mad with anger. It triggered him in ways I still don’t fully understand. He attacked me and nearly killed me. It wasn’t until I was on the brink of death that she confessed to her lie. Luckily, Maverick was able to mend my bones in a healing pod.”

  “I can’t believe she did that,” I muttered. “How childish. How cruel,” I exclaimed. A small part of me worried about Josiah being with such a deranged person, but I knew that he would have to live with the consequences of choosing her over me, whatever they may be.

  Jacob shrugged while nervously looking down at his feet. “Unlike Galla, Dormas gave up arranged marriages decad
es ago, but Cyler and Maverick decided it would be an easy way to make sure she was cared for while putting some distance between us. Jules had the choice between working in the mines for the next five years or moving to Galla to marry a prominent Governor. As I’m sure you can guess, she was very eager to jump on the first transport out of here. Jules isn't one for manual labor. She’s an opportunist, and master delegator.

  “We weren’t going to tell you this. I know your. . . history with Jules’ fiancé. But, I wanted–no–I needed you to understand. We can’t let anyone get between us again. Dormas has experienced too much loss. We’re all these people have.”

  I nodded my head in understanding, the importance of my presence in their household clicked into place. They needed someone to mend the separation brought on by Jules. It was at that moment that I vowed never to do anything that would jeopardize that for them.

  “Thank you for telling me,” I told Jacob.

  “I just couldn’t stand you thinking I didn’t want you,” he said with a smirk. All seriousness went from his expression.

  “Oh yes, well, my little heart can finally be at peace,” I replied in a playful tone that seemed unfamiliar to me. Was this what it was like to have fun? To be with people that didn’t care about the fact that I’m a Walker?

  That night I made a pasta dinner, using the ingredients Jacob and I got from the general store. I hoped that talk of my embarrassing assumptions wouldn’t come up again, but the teasing nature of the men guaranteed that I wouldn’t escape dinner without some embarrassment.

  They snickered while I set the table and playfully called me “Lover” whenever I passed. I tried to take their jest in stride, but a healthy blush still covered my cheeks.

  When it was time to eat, all but Maverick sat at the table, and I assumed that he was still tending to the sick Walker. Therefore, instead of joining them, I started preparing a basket of food for him. I knew, firsthand, how draining it was to care for sick Walkers whose bodies reject the vaccine.

  “Where’re you off to, Ash?” Patrick asked with a mouth full of bread. Apparently, the formality of yesterday’s meal was gone, and everyone decided to jump right into inhaling copious amounts of food and pasta.

  “I’m going to bring Maverick a meal. He’s been tending to that Walker all day,” I answered politely.

  “Do you want someone to accompany you?” Cyler asked with his mouth full.

  “Jacob showed me where the clinic was. I should be fine,” I said with a smile. “Besides, I don’t think you are quite up to walking again, yet.”

  Cyler scowled at me. It was apparent that he didn’t like feeling useless.

  After figuring out which bedroom belonged to him, I gathered a pack of clothes and toiletries for Maverick. At first, I felt weird going through his belongings, but I assumed that he wouldn’t care. Usually, when Walkers’ bodies rejected the vaccine, it took days of fighting.

  The sun began to set when I finally was ready to set out and assist Maverick. A nervous energy washed over me, and I wondered how he was doing. The evening air had a bit of a chill, so I found a black, hooded cloak to wear. Just as I was about to leave, a harsh cough stopped me in my tracks. Huxley stood in the entryway with a prominent scowl on his face.

  “I’ll clean up the mess from dinner when I get back.” I offered, assuming that his sour expression stemmed from something wrong I did, but instead of scolding me, he merely thrust an electric lantern out towards me.

  I wordlessly took it from his hand and nodded my head in thanks. The gesture was thoughtful, but I wasn’t foolish enough to believe that he would be extending kindness towards me often. Huxley was scary. Period. The way he looked at me was frightening, and after Jacob told me what happened to him, I realized that Huxley was a man that was ruthless when it came to protecting his family, and I didn’t want to be someone that was on his wrong side.

  After turning on the lantern and adjusting my cloak, I made my way outside and down the dark path towards the clinic.

  Chapter 13

  The clinic was modest in size but inside, contained all the amenities of the most beautiful hospitals back in Galla. Once, as a child, I broke my arm after Josiah dared me to climb the most massive tree in the park by their dwelling. Children cheered me on as I rose higher and higher, and each step made me feel like I could kiss the clouds. The adrenaline caused by the height and their cheers spurned me forward, but just as I was about to reach the apex of the tree, I stole a glance at Josiah. Even then, I craved his approval and appreciation. But, instead of a smile, he wore a thick scowl. The expression caught me off guard, causing me to slip and fall.

  Master Stonewell Sr. begrudgingly took me to the hospital, insisting that I would be useless if it didn’t set correctly. I remember feeling cold and the doctors all providing me with deep-set frowns of disdain. I wasn’t allowed pain medicine, and a large, balding doctor set my arm methodically while another held me down. Josiah watched with morbid curiosity, and that night he snuck into my room to read to me while I tried to sleep and cope with the trauma of the day.

  Maverick’s clinic felt warm and inviting, despite the medical equipment. I explored the offices briefly, until I found Maverick in a back room, standing over a poor girl suffering in bed. She was drenched in sweat and moaning quietly. Maverick watched her with trepidation and almost didn’t notice me walk in.

  Once we made eye contact, he turned silently and guided us both out of the room, allowing her to sleep. He seemed to be overwhelmed with grief. Most knew that those whose bodies rejected the vaccine didn’t usually make it.

  “I brought you dinner and a change of clothes,” I whispered. I didn’t want to wake the suffering girl in the back room.

  “Thank you, Ashleigh. It’s been a long day.” Maverick gripped his hair and looked around the room while sucking in a deep breath.

  “I’m happy to be out of that room. I hate that the healing pod can’t help her,” he growled. The Vaccine Rejection was a common phenomenon and couldn't be cured by anything.

  “Here. Let's eat and rest a moment. I know this is hard for you, but you’ve got to take care of yourself, too.” I said.

  We both sat on the floor outside of her room. Maverick seemed uncomfortable, and it was evident that he wanted to remain near in case she woke up. We ate in silence. I felt unsure of how to help Maverick but seeing him eat eased my worries considerably.

  “Thank you for this, Ashleigh. You should be getting back soon. I don’t want you walking around late at night,” he said while rubbing his eyes.

  “May I stay? I-I've seen this before.” I said. I prayed the sadness from my past didn’t coat my tone.

  “What happened in your experience?” Maverick asked. “You don’t have to tell me,” he quickly added after seeing my sad expression.

  “The Stonewells once tried to take on a second Walker,” I started, trying to keep my voice low and steady. “They wanted someone to work in the gardens and perform more complex repairs. His name was Elliot. He was seventeen, and I was just thirteen.” I allowed myself to remember him. He was handsome with long, black hair that swept across his forehead. I remember gawking at him when the Stonewells introduced us. “The Stonewells claimed him. They vaccinated him on his first day. At first, he seemed fine.”

  “I remember feeling excited to have someone like me in the house. Josiah–my master–was more like a friend, but there was something magical about knowing someone with the same . . . status as me.” Maverick looked at me with sad eyes.

  “When he got sick, Mistress Stonewell told me to take care of him. For four days I brought him water, washed him, fed him, and held his hand.” Tears began streaming down my face.

  “The night . . .,” I had to pause for a moment, then started again. “The night before he died, he told me that he had never, uh, never kissed a girl. He was smelly and dying, but I kissed him.” I still remembered his soft lips against mine, and how he smiled when I eagerly embraced him. “He requested to w
atch the sunset, so we stumbled up the stairs of the basement and made our way outside. I fed him soup broth. It was my first and only date.” I chuckled. “He died the next morning.”

  “That must have been hard for you,” Maverick said. I considered his words, but there was something so incredibly enlightening about his death.

  “I think I’m supposed to feel sad about that time in my life,” I said. “But instead, I look back on those days as a beautiful lesson. One shared with me by a kindred soul,” I answered.

  “And, what did he teach you?” Maverick asked. He looked haunted, but accepting, of my story, the ghosts in his eyes seemed to seek me out and comfort our mutual losses.

  “That endings can be beautiful,” I whispered.

  That night we both watched over the weak woman. When she woke up, Maverick held her hand while I braided her hair. We talked about everything and about nothing. She mostly listened to our sleepy voices, her throat too constricted to contribute to the conversation.

  The next morning, Patrick brought breakfast and a change of clothes. He smiled sweetly at me, but other than a pleasant ‘good morning’, no words were exchanged. I briefly wondered if they were mad that I didn’t make them breakfast, but I knew that regardless, I was needed here.

  Maverick and I didn’t speak much to one another, except when the Walker Woman was awake. Otherwise, he kept a stoic expression and gripped her hand. He seemed to be someone well acquainted with death; he anticipated her needs while her body deteriorated. It was amazing and humbling to watch someone so young (He couldn’t be much older than me) be so familiar with death. He knew what she needed, and gave himself willingly to her.

  The next night we took turns sleeping in the hall on a makeshift pallet and just before sunrise, he quietly called me into the room. I knew it was time.

  Heat rolled off her skin in waves, making me sweat. I imagined Elliot with us, whispering to her while she let go. The monitors eventually beeped, forcing us to acknowledge her passing. We let it ring through the clinic, neither one of us able to turn it off. The finality of it seemed too real. Too painful.