by T. W. Brown
When they went back to the first house, it showed signs of a hasty evacuation; drawers were open, clothes thrown everywhere, cupboards had been picked clean. While there had been so much taken, there was a lot in the way of tools and things like detergents and cleaning supplies. Getting the gas-guzzling SUVs in the driveways started and driving them to the entrance to further bolster their defenses was a secondary benefit. Even though Kevin had built gates and put them up, nobody really felt good about it. The wall of vehicles were another precaution that they’d weighed the dangers of noise versus safety.
Kevin pointed out that they hadn’t seen a zombie since they’d arrived and cleared the place out. The vote was unanimous. This place would be awesome…as long as they didn’t encounter any groups like Shaw and his men again.
“I thought that four of us were gonna make that trip?” Kevin asked after another horrendous groan and scream came from behind the door where Erin was now using an amazing strand of profanity.
“Heather was bored,” Matt shrugged.
“Did you tell anybody you were leaving?”
“Actually,” Heather spoke up, “we let Peter and Shari know. We even asked where you and Aleah were. You were up at the groundskeeper’s shack and Aleah was out at the north fence cutting back the brush.”
“Why didn’t you come and get us?”
“She didn’t tell you?” Matt shot a look at Heather that Kevin couldn’t figure out.
“Tell me what?”
“One of the houses we hit for supplies and took the big Suburban parked out front…” Matt looked at Heather and nodded, encouraging her to speak up.
“It was my cousin’s house,” Heather blurted.
“You didn’t go there thinkin’ you would find somebody did ya?” Kevin put a hand on Heather’s arm.
“I don’t know.”
Kevin felt bad for the girl. She’d been bugging him for five days to go check those houses and fetch a few cars for the blockade of the main entrance. All this time, he thought, it’s been because she was nervous about the entry gate not being sturdy enough.
“I tell you what,” Kevin put his arm around his friend and pulled her close, “tomorrow we’ll go. You can go in that house and pull anything you want. Everybody will bring a handcart.”
“Really?” Heather looked up, a hopeful smile and eyes brimming with tears.
“Absolutely,” Kevin said and hugged her. “After all, this is gonna be our home.”
They all sat quietly. Then, a moment later, the sound of a baby cry broke the silence. The door opened and Aleah waved them in. Everybody got up and followed her into the room. Erin was lying on top of a sleeping bag that Kevin instantly decided he would need to find a replacement for. Shari was sitting cross-legged beside her sister peeking into a tiny bundle as Peter was using some sort of tube with a bulb to suck stuff out of the angrier-sounding-by-the-minute baby’s mouth.
Erin looked up with smile, her face still bright red, sweaty, and tear-streaked. “Say hello to Autumn Angel Bergman.”
* * * * *
17
“We are Gathered…”
“That’s damned impressive, Jamie,” I said, looking down into the trench.
“Of course we’ll need a lot more concrete mix,” Jamie insisted for about the tenth time. “I doubt we will be able to finish before the weather really turns on us.”
“But it’s a nice start,” I insisted.
“And we’ll have to really watch the walls if we get some heavy rains.”
“Wow, you know a lot about this stuff, huh?”
“My…” Jamie paused and seemed to mentally check out for a few seconds. “My uncle had a contractor’s business. Sometimes, during summer vacation I would work for him.”
“And you were gonna keep this a secret for how long?” I asked, ruffling his short hair.
“I’m just—”
“A kid?” I cut him off. “Not these days you ain’t.”
“Yeah,” he shrugged, “but sometimes I get ideas and I’m worried you’ll think they’re stupid.”
“From now on, if you’ve got something, you tell me. And if you don’t want to do it in front of the group, then wait and pull me up when I’m alone.” I patted my gimpy leg for emphasis. “In case you haven’t noticed, I’m around a lot these days.”
“Okay.”
I looked down again at Jamie’s work. It seemed so simple. He had a sheet of plywood planted in the ground. Then he’d poured concrete in to what amounts to nothing more than a big mold. He’d even sloped the bottom a little and wedged some sort of bar or pipe about a foot off the bottom and a foot from the top.
“There you are, Steve,” Dr. Zahn said as she walked up behind me and Jamie.
“What’s up?” I gave Jamie’s project one more appreciative look and then turned around.
“It’s time for Thalia and Emily’s math class,” the doctor said with a smirk.
We’d started classes for the girls. Everybody pitched in to help. Dr. Zahn taught health, Sunshine was teaching some kind of environmental science (which now apparently meant Thalia had to point out and identify every plant we walked past). DeAngelo had quickly offered a phys-ed type program. Jesus Sanchez was doing some sort of combination Spanish and history class. I got math. (Guess who has the least popular class?)
“I’m on my way.” I clapped Jamie on the shoulder as I turned to go, then paused, “Any idea when Brad and Teresa will be done with their project?”
The road that went past the entrance to this campground was actually quite narrow. The far side of it ran alongside a huge drop off. After a long talk, we’d decided that we could actually use the trails to get in here. The only real obstacle was that on the side of the road closest to us was a steep six to eight foot uphill slope. Anything we would bring to our little settlement could be maneuvered up that slope. Jake knew where some quad-runners were located. Add a rugged little trailer, and we could haul anything in that we desired…provided that we found it.
That horde had come up the entry road. They’d fanned out into the woods from there. We were undercutting about a twenty yard section of the road. It’d sounded easy when we thought of it. It was turning out to be much more difficult. A little dynamite would’ve really helped. Still, once we managed to cause that section of road to collapse, zombie attacks would really be minimized. And as for hostile, living-types…we could at lease hinder any approach.
Every morning, two people went out to that site and, with pick and shovel, worked on undercutting the rod. So far, while slow, progress had been steady. The joke each day from those returning from that particular task was, “Sure would be nice to have a little dynamite.” Of course it’d started as a serious complaint from Teresa.
“Teresa says that it could fall any day now,” Jamie replied. “In fact, she’s insisting on going with whoever is in rotation the next couple days. Wants to see it happen with her own two eyes.”
With a nod, I followed the doctor up to the house. Fiona and Sanchez waved from where they were hanging clothes out to dry. Not much longer and we’d have to find an alternative way to dry our laundry. Wet days were starting to outnumber dry ones. I waved back. At the top of the hill that led up to the house, I paused to look around. Other than Melinda—Dr. Zahn had demanded she stay in bed another few days to recover despite the protests that “she was fine, thank you very much and could run circles around anybody here”—the place was buzzing with activity.
As we approached the house, I could hear the sounds of a hammer. Even with its head wrapped, it was still noisy. We remained in the mode of trying not to draw attention to ourselves by anything…living or dead. Ian looked up and smiled. The gazebo he and Billy were building was coming on nicely.
“How ya holdin’ up?” Ian asked as I hobbled up the stairs.
“So far…so good,” I called over my shoulder.
“Kinda like watchin’ ‘em build the gallows they’ll be hangin’ ya from,” Ian chuckled, slap
ping the frame of the structure.
“Hi-Larry-us!” I quipped, and headed inside.
Thalia and Emily were both sitting at their desks—also made by Ian and Billy—with their hands folded in front of them. I didn’t fall for it for a second.
“You’re still gonna have your test today,” I said and pulled the Dry-Erase board out from behind the counter. Propping it up in front of the window, partially because it kept them from staring outside and partially so that I could sit in the big over-stuffed chair in the room and be comfortable, I nodded for them to begin.
“Okay, you two,” I announced, “That’ll do for today.”
Thalia and Emily both scooped their books off their desks and stuffed them in the cupboard that had been designated for their school stuff.
“Don’t forget to have your assignments done before the start of class tomorrow,” I called as they dashed out the door. I don’t think Thalia knew I could see her reflection in the Plexiglas cover over the map of the area. That, or she didn’t care if I saw her stick her tongue out at me.
“Hey there, Mister Popular!” DeAngelo turned sideways as Thalia and Emily shot past him in the doorway.
“Hiya,” I greeted the behemoth as I pushed the desks up against the wall.
“They should be back any day now, huh?” DeAngelo wiped off the board and slid it back behind the counter.
“Yeah,” I nodded, “but we learned a long time ago not to put time tables on anything when it comes to dealing with the outside world.”
“I can see that.”
“So, what brings you?” He obviously had something on his mind.
“It’s that obvious?”
“Yeah.” I nodded.
“You know that Melinda and I are thankful for all you’ve done. We owe her life to Dr. Zahn.”
“But you still want to head down to Texas and look for family,” I said.
“Well…”
“Hey,” I walked over and patted his big arm, “nobody stays here against their will. But I hope you’re not thinking of leaving any time soon.”
“No!” DeAngelo shook his head. “Don’t ever tell her I said this, but Melinda is barely in condition to walk to the stream and back.”
“Not only that, but have you noticed how cold it’s getting at night?” I asked. “The weather is really turnin’.”
“Yeah, I saw frost on the grass this morning,” he said.
“Hey, you two are welcome to stay as long as you want, and free to leave whenever.”
“I just didn’t want to be fixin’ to head out, and have people mad because we sucked down your supplies, then just split.”
“I appreciate it,” I said with a smile. “But nobody will think that. Besides, now that I know I only have you for a limited time, I’m puttin’ your ass to work.”
“That’s a deal,” DeAngelo laughed.
The door flew open and Thalia burst into the room. “Melissa’s back!” Then she turned and bolted back outside.
I followed DeAngelo out to the porch and looked out across the grounds. Sure enough, Melissa, Jesus, and Jake were coming up the entry drive with Teresa and Brad in tow. All three had bulging backpacks. I wasn’t very happy seeing Melissa toting an overflowing pack being almost four months pregnant.
Four months! Hell, the only reason we knew that was because Dr. Zahn had posted a calendar in the big visitor’s center. Every day, she marked off a day. She had one of those Ironman watches which is like the Swiss Army Knife of watches. It has the day and date. Otherwise, I’d have no idea that today was October 10th.
The chime that Jon had placed in the lookout tower rang three times. That was the signal for friendly arrivals. Simple but clever, it let everybody know what was happening. Sure enough, everyone emerged from wherever they were, whatever task they’d been busy with, to welcome home our people.
Thalia and Emily were already running down the driveway, Buster bounding along beside them. They’d both had greatly improved attitudes now that we’d talked over everything. I’m still surprised at how amazingly bright Thalia is for six.
By the time I reached the edge of the parking lot, I could see Emily leading Thalia across the drawbridge and down the lane between the berms. Melissa obviously saw them because she was already unshouldering her pack and kneeling with arms open.
Even from up here I could hear the squeals of laughter as Melissa hugged the girls, then flipped open her pack to reveal whatever was inside. I hated the wait as she let Brad take her pack so that she could hold hands with both girls and continue the trek up to the house.
The closer they got, I realized that both Teresa and Brad were absolutely filthy. Both were covered head to toe in a coating of fine dirt. I was reminded of the images of the people who emerged from the giant cloud when The Towers fell.
Finally, they rounded the corner and came up the last leg of the driveway. Thalia was dancing around like she had to use the bathroom. I glanced around and realized that everybody was present. DeAngelo had even helped Melinda come out.
“Did you find the place from the address on the truck?” Jon finally asked after the din died down from all the excited welcomes and greetings.
“Found it and the place is a gold mine,” Jake replied. “We’re gonna be busy the next few days.”
“There’s a freakin’ semi parked out on the road,” Teresa quipped.
“Something drew the z-population east,” Jesus said. “There were a lot of small arms being used a few miles over from where we were. I decided to take advantage. We found a rig and loaded it. We filled half the cargo area with supplies, including more food. Also we have two quads, fifteen five-gallon cans topped off, and a few luxuries.”
“Can I tell yet?” Thalia blurted.
“Go ahead, Thalia,” Melissa nodded.
“Melissa brought dresses for me and Emily!”
“Is that right?” I asked with a raised eyebrow.
“Pink ones!” Emily added.
There was a flurry of questions about what else was waiting down in the truck, but Jake kept deferring, telling the group that it was a surprise. I noticed that Jon didn’t look entirely pleased that so many of our agreed upon protocols had obviously been broken. I let go of Melissa long enough to sidle up beside him.
“Hey,” I whispered. He nodded curtly. “Ease up on them. I think it’s time we think past survival and consider living.”
“We can’t afford—”
“We can’t afford to be wound up to the breaking point every single day,” I interrupted. “And maybe one big trip beats several small ones.”
“But what the hell does he mean by luxuries?” Jon hissed.
“I have no clue,” I said with a shrug. “But look!” I gestured to the group. Everybody was smiling, some were laughing. “Whatever it is, have you ever seen everybody so up? Even the doc is getting swept into this.”
The two of us watched as Dr. Zahn clapped appreciatively while Thalia held her dress up to her tiny body. Melinda was leaning into DeAngelo, her normal wince from the pain replaced by a huge smile.
“Maybe you’re right,” Jon shrugged.
Eventually the din died down. Teresa took the moment to announce that the section of road had finally given. It had collapsed in spectacular fashion…almost taking Brad with it apparently. Talk continued and I stood back, watching. Even Jon was laughing…finally. This was my new family. Not even the low clouds and chill could dampen this growing feeling of optimism that was settling in.
“It ain’t a tux,” Jake said as he helped me with my tie seeing as how my hands all of a sudden couldn’t seem to manage, “but it’ll look good. Besides, nobody cares what you look like anyways.”
“Long as Melissa is standin’ beside you, you may well be invisible anyways,” DeAngelo added with a rumbling laugh.
“Hey,” Jamie stuck his head inside the door, “Teresa says it’ll be about ten more minutes.
“Tell ‘em
we’ll be ready,” Ian stood up and walked to the window, “but if they put this off much longer, those clouds will be sitting right on top of us.” Jamie nodded and ducked back out, closing the door.
“That girl already has him jumpin’ though hoops,” DeAngelo said, shaking his head.
“You have no idea,” Billy grumbled from where he was sitting in a corner.
“All done.” Jake raised his hands like he’d just hog-tied a calf at the rodeo.
“Let’s get outside.” Ian opened the door, ushering everybody out. He stopped me as I brought up the rear. “Too bad you got that bum leg.”
“It’s getting better,” I said, wondering what he was talkin’ about.
“Yeah, well…I usually ask my friends right about now if they’re sure. Tell ‘em it ain’t too late to run for the hills,” he laughed. “Guess you’re stuck.”
“Cute.”
“But seriously…I want to wish you both the best.”
“Thanks, Ian.” He and I started to shake hands, but it morphed into a bro-hug.
We walked outside to the gazebo. Ian and Billy had really outdone themselves, but some credit had to go to Jake. One of his “luxuries” was a strand of twinkling lights and one of those large, square batteries from an emergency lamp to power them. With the sun setting behind the hills, it added an ethereal quality to the white painted structure.
Jon was already standing inside, waiting. Ian and I went up and stood in our place. Then, another luxury, the strains of Vivaldi’s Allegro from Spring came from the portable CD player. (They’d tried to find a disc with the Wedding March, but Melissa had finally settled on this.)
All eyes turned as Melissa stepped from the shadows of the house. Thalia and Emily held little silk flower bouquets in their hands. Both girls had huge smiles. Melissa’s own light-pink dress shimmered in the twinkling lights as she took her place beside me. The music faded, and the two of us turned to face Jon.
