The Post-Apocalyptic Society: A Nelson and Hyde Revolution

by Stephanie Kato

  “You’re still a statuesque beauty,” Percy whispered in her ear.

  Savannah gladly responded, “I have to admit that you’re still pretty impressive too. Most men in their fifties don’t have a body like yours.”

  The pair continued their intimacy while hot water enveloped their bodies.

  Chapter 2

  The following morning, Savannah met with her old friend, Janet Hayward, at the local coffee shop. They approached each other and shook hands.

  “It’s really good to see you in person again. Thanks for coming here to meet me,” Janet mentioned.

  Savannah tried to remain positive. “It’s not a problem, but I’m finding this situation very confusing. Why are you being so secretive?”

  “Let’s have a seat and then I’ll explain everything. I got a latte for you. That’s still your favorite warm drink, right?” Janet asked as they sat down at a table.

  “I’m surprised you still remember after all these years. So, what’s going on?” Savannah pondered out loud.

  Janet looked around the room to spot anyone who might be close enough to overhear them. “I’ll tell you everything, but we need to be careful. People might eavesdrop.”

  “It must be really important if you’re so worried,” Savannah commented.

  Janet nervously tapped her fingers on the table. “Look, you’re going to hear some big news on television soon. I want you to hear it from me first. You’re a good person who does a lot for the community, and I don’t want the media to ruin everything.”

  Savannah felt skeptical. “What are you talking about? Just tell me the big news already.”

  “First, promise that you won’t say anything to news reporters. You can’t say anything about it on social networking either. Otherwise, my boss will fire me. I’ve been covering a big story and it affects your family,” Janet said cautiously.

  Savannah agreed to her terms. “All right, I’m listening.”

  In New York City, Beauregard heard someone knock on his door as he painted on a canvas. He walked to the front door and opened it.

  “Surprise!” Malcolm shouted from the other side.

  Beauregard groaned. “What are you doing here? I thought you were enjoying a safari in South Africa.”

  Malcolm was disappointed by the lackluster welcome. “My flight was scheduled to arrive in the states today. Actually, I still have some vacation time left. Since I wasn’t doing anything today, traveling to New York City sounded like an interesting idea.”

  “Well, come inside. Go ahead and make yourself comfortable, but I’m still working on one of my paintings,” Beauregard replied.

  Malcolm entered the apartment and Beauregard closed the door. They walked to the art studio.

  The German man looked at Beauregard’s unfinished painting. “Very cool. This underwater vessel looks a lot like the submarine from our trip.”

  Beauregard mixed some paint on his palette. “Obviously I used some real life inspirations for this painting.”

  “Are you okay? That was a really traumatic experience,” Malcolm wondered out loud.

  Beauregard focused on his artwork. “I should be asking you the same thing. Both of us were on the same ship.”

  Malcolm crossed his arms. “Yeah, but you’re the one who was kidnapped by pirates. Did they probe you like aliens?”

  “Shut up! I don’t think it’s funny. People died on that ocean liner,” Beauregard snapped.

  “You’re right. That was in poor taste. Anyway, I suppose artwork is a healthy way to express your feelings,” Malcolm responded.

  Beauregard used his paintbrush to dab a few areas of the canvas. “Many artists express themselves through their masterpieces. On a different note, I thought you brought a woman to the safari. Did you accidentally leave her behind?”

  “Very funny. Apparently, she wasn’t cut out for the outdoor experience. The wildlife was too much for her to handle. I need to keep looking for the right woman,” Malcolm discussed.

  “The dating circuit is hard. There are plenty of women who will date men like you or me because we have big money and reputations. However, it’s hard to find someone genuine who isn’t a gold digger or publicity fiend,” Beauregard explained.

  Malcolm couldn’t argue with his companion. “I have to admit you’re right. Unfortunately, I don’t want to take dating advice from Reb and Giles. They’re a couple of self-righteous bigots and it bugs me.”

  “Tell me about it. The Nelsons have strange views about romance. For them, marriage is a business arrangement. I find it very impersonal, although it seems to work for them,” Beauregard added.

  Malcolm shook his head. “I just don’t understand why everything has to be so complicated; Steampunks, dating, the Apocalypse, grafting, pirates, and whatever.”

  “Tell me about it. Everything was much simpler before the nation got turned upside down,” Beauregard muttered.

  The two men thought about their whirlwind lives as Beauregard continued working on his canvas.

  Gable left the office and rode his motorcycle home. The casino tycoon parked in the garage and removed his goggles, leather jacket, gloves, and aviator cap. He walked in the house and noticed that Oliver and Maggie were already doing their homework. Priscilla approached Gable and gave him a kiss.

  “They’re being well behaved. I almost never see them doing homework so early,” Gable stated.

  Priscilla hung onto his arm as they walked through the living room. “They have exams coming up. I want them to study hard.”

  “Well, they both have enough potential to do well in school. This is the right age for them to develop good study habits,” Gable replied.

  Oliver looked up from his assignment. “Hi, Dad.”

  “What’s up, Oliver? It looks like you’re studying hard,” Gable said optimistically.

  Oliver rolled his eyes. “It’s not like I have a choice. You know what? I’ve been thinking about something. It’s been almost a year since the cruise incident happened, but neither one of you have said anything about it to me or Maggie. You and Mom were attacked by pirates! That must be an amazing story.”

  “I don’t think it’s appropriate for your age. We can talk about it when you get a little older,” Priscilla insisted.

  Maggie looked at her brother. “See? I told you she was going to say that.”

  Oliver resumed his assignment, but stopped to say to Maggie, “Did you know they’re leaving again soon? We’re going to be stuck here writing homework and studying for tests while they enjoy another vacation.”

  Maggie became upset. “What? That’s not fair! If you guys are going on a trip, we should go too!”

  “Actually, this is more like a business trip. Your mother and I will only be gone for a few days. We’re meeting an important politician in Oklahoma. Honestly, it will be kind of boring, and both of you have important exams coming up,” Gable explained.

  “I can’t wait to be an adult! There’s too many rules for kids!” Maggie pouted.

  Priscilla was unsympathetic. “Be careful about that. You’ll become an adult soon enough. Adulthood comes with a lot of responsibility and stress. I don’t think you’ll like that part very much.”

  “I don’t care if we fly to Oklahoma. We’ve seen Aunt Reb’s ranch a whole bunch of times. I think it’s a lot more fun here in Las Vegas,” Oliver said, as he opened a textbook.

  Gable was firm with his children. “Take your exams seriously. Good study skills will give you a better chance in high school. So suck it up for a little bit.”

  “This trip might be a good thing for both of you. You won’t be distracted by us, and the house should be quiet. I’ll make sure someone is here to keep an eye on you guys,” Priscilla said, in a soothing tone.

  Maggie was about to finish her homework, but stopped to add, “Whatever. I still think next week will suck.”

  Later in the evening, Gable and Priscilla lay in bed.

  “They’re going to be mad at us for several da
ys, especially Maggie. She knows how to hold grudges,” Priscilla commented.

  “Unfortunately, she learned that skill from you. Just lay back and relax. You’re going to like this part,” Gable teased.

  He picked up a strawberry from a plate of fruit on his bedside table. Gable ran the strawberry down the side of Priscilla’s face, down the crook of her neck, and part way through her cleavage. He fed the strawberry to her and ran his tongue along her skin. She turned on her side and affectionately kissed Gable on the lips. Priscilla caressed her husband’s chest and ran her hands across his strong back.

  “I have an idea too. Lay on your back and relax,” Priscilla insisted.

  Gable obediently rested on his back while Priscilla took a small bunch of grapes from the plate. She fed the fruit to him, one piece at a time. Gable enjoyed the sweet taste while Priscilla spoiled him. He took her hand and sucked on a few of her fingers. Priscilla put the grapes aside and kissed him again. She mounted his crotch and ran her hands across his tanned torso. Gable felt great pleasure as his hands moved across the curves of her body. He gently gripped her bottom when she leaned over him and nibbled on his neck. Gable turned Priscilla on her back and then he assumed the top position. They passionately kissed each other while he stroked one of her breasts. Priscilla ran her hand down Gable’s back until she rested it on his rear end. For them, it was another romantic and relaxing night in their bedroom.

  Meanwhile, Reb was stuck in her office. She rubbed her forehead as she read material about her clientele on the computer. The lawyer knew it was going to be a late night at work. Reb’s cell phone rang with her mother’s ringtone.

  She picked up her phone and said, “Hi, Mom. What’s going on with you? I’m going to be trapped in my office for half of the night, so make it quick.”

  “Reb, this is really important! I need to tell you something!” Savannah frantically declared.

  “Did something bad happen? Are you and Dad okay?” Reb asked in a concerned tone.

  Savannah tried to be quick. “I’m going to make a long story brief. You and Giles tried to have artificial insemination several years ago, right? Apparently, the clinic made serious mistakes and mixed up biological material from their clients. There’s a huge investigation going on right now and the news coverage is going to be crazy. A reliable source told me that someone accidentally switched your samples with another couple. There’s very strong evidence showing that you and Giles have a son who’s being raised by a different family! The two of you are parents!”

  Upon hearing the news, Reb’s eyes rolled up in her head and she passed out.

  Chapter 3

  After Reb and Giles finally arrived home, she explained the situation to him. It was a traumatizing revelation for both of them.

  Reb fretfully paced in the living room. “How are we going to survive? I can’t be a mother to a kid who’s nine years old! There was a time when I wanted kids, but my priorities have changed over the years! I’m used to our freedom! Also, I don’t understand how we can conceive a child without knowing it!”

  Giles tried to calm her down. “There’s no reason to have such a meltdown! If we have a son, the two of us will have to deal with it! This is a hard adjustment for me too!”

  Reb took a deep breath and said, “I’m just really worried about this situation. This kid already has parents and we’re just strangers to him. I don’t know anything about being a mother. Everything was about my career and our marriage. Starting with a newborn is one thing, but creating a family with a much older child changes everything. We didn’t have a chance to instill our values into him. I don’t even know his favorite hobbies.”

  “Do you know anything about the couple who’s raising him?” Giles asked.

  “My mother told me the details. He’s being raised by an oil baron from Dallas named Arturo Salvatore, and his wife, Tanya. They have money, but I don’t know anything else,” Reb explained.

  Giles scratched his head. “So, our potential son is from a wealthy household. That might work in our favor.”

  “This is going to change our lives forever. Our reputations, popularity, and publicity will be totally different,” Reb stated.

  Giles hugged his wife. “I think everything happens for a reason. If we can survive multiple attacks from terrorists, raising a child should be simple.”

  Reb rested her head on his shoulder. “I guess you’re right.”

  Meanwhile, Percy and Savannah argued in their lounge.

  “What were you thinking? You shouldn’t have said anything until the investigation was finished! I’m sure that information is confidential! That was a terrible way for Reb to find out about her potential child!” Percy growled.

  Savannah defended her actions. “I believe it was the right decision! Reb and Giles deserve to know the truth! Do you think it would be more appropriate for them to find out on the news? I was told ahead of time because there are multiple leaks in the investigation!”

  Percy regained his composure. “This affects our entire family. It’s true that Reb and Giles need to know about it, but I don’t understand why everything has to be so dramatic. Personally, I’ve always been open to the idea of having more grandchildren. Although I’m not sure how much faith I have in Reb’s parental instincts. She’s such a spoiled brat.”

  “You might be surprised. Reb is a very smart woman who’s resourceful, with a strong sense of loyalty. Those are good elements for a mother,” Savannah commented.

  Percy was still skeptical. “Do you really think the boy belongs to them? The investigation isn’t complete. It could be a false positive.”

  “Maybe, but the people who examined the mixed up samples were confident that it was a switch,” Savannah replied.

  “It’s going to be very disappointing for everyone in our family if the boy doesn’t belong to Reb and Giles,” Percy stated.

  Savannah understood the risk. “I realize that. Let’s stay positive and hope that God is turning the wheels in our favor. Obviously, Reb and Giles are attractive people. I’m sure their son will be equally beautiful.”

  Back in New York City, Malcolm and Beauregard sat in a bar and hunted for women.

  “Reb recommends that we find attractive women who are good enough for us. I can live with that idea. Why should we settle for average? We certainly deserve the best,” Malcolm said as he picked up a beer stein.

  Beauregard glanced at various women in the bar. “Sometimes I think Reb is crazy. Do you believe in destiny? At times, I want to believe fate will bring me together with that special woman.”

  “That might be true, but you’re not going to feel any type of destiny if the women aren’t substantial enough,” Malcolm remarked.

  The two men immediately became distracted when they saw news coverage on the bar’s television screen. They heard the reporter say, “The authorities continue their investigation on a fertility clinic located in Dallas. Many human genetic samples were switched and the results could be devastating for many families. One of the more notable mistakes may include the reputable oil baron, Arturo Salvatore, and his wife, Tanya. Most likely, the couple received biological samples from entertainment lawyers Giles and Rebel Hyde. If this is true, Giles and Rebel might receive full custody of the child.”

  Beauregard almost choked on his martini. “No way! It can’t be true!”

  Malcolm was equally baffled. “That’s messed up. I don’t envy Reb and Giles at all.”

  That night, Reb and Giles tried to distract themselves in bed. Unfortunately, Reb couldn’t concentrate. She rolled onto her back and sighed in frustration.

  “This isn’t working, I just can’t relax. Even our sex life will never be the same. It won’t feel like the same amount of privacy, and we’re going to be tired all the time,” Reb complained.

  Giles leaned over her and cooed, “I have ways to help you relax. Don’t think about kids or anything that will stress you out. Just think about the two of us.”

  He kissed Reb on
the mouth and sensually worked his way down the front of her body. She became relaxed and aroused from his touch when he reached her pelvic region. Then Giles climbed on top of Reb and planted wet kisses on the side of her face. She grabbed his muscular back and drew him closer. They firmly kissed each other on the lips and pressed their tongues together. He massaged one of Reb’s legs, while she ran her hands up and down his back. She kissed him on the shoulders and collarbone.

  “Do you really think we’ll overcome this situation?” Reb wondered out loud.

  “Of course. I don’t want you to worry. Our Lord is going to throw challenges at us sometimes. We’re going to be a real family,” Giles replied.

  Reb kissed him on the lips again. “I believe you. Perhaps this obstacle will prove to be a blessing for us.”

  They kept the pace slow and intimate as the evening continued.

  Chapter 4

  The following morning, Reb finished the final touches of her hairdo before she went to work. Reb always felt prideful of her Victorian fashion.

  Giles held her from behind. “Are you feeling any better?”

  “I have mixed feelings about everything. Last night was great, but I’m still digesting the idea of having a son that we didn’t know about,” Reb admitted.

  Giles picked up his briefcase and then walked toward the front door. “It’s strange and eerie, but we just need to stay positive. Maybe it will bring us closer together. We can talk about it later. I’ll see you at the office.”

  Reb planted her baton on the carpet. “Actually, I’m going to work from home today. Given the stress and the media coverage, I want to get some work done in the privacy of our house. Most of our employees are going to have a zillion questions. I don’t feel like dealing with it today.”

  “Understood. I’ll give you a call if I need a consultation about any of our clients,” Giles replied.

  “Sure. I’ll be here,” Reb said.