“Oh, I missed you too,” I said happily.
Bibi looked over at Singer and greeted him, “Hey Bookboy. Can you believe our girl here, hunting two deer and going back out for more?”
Singer smiled at her and agreed, “She definitely is awesome, no doubts there.”
“You got that right,” she went on, “Hey, we need to fuckin’ celebrate, Doll! Tonight, after dinner, your place! No arguments! It’s settled. I’ll tell the old guy.”
“Hey where is Stone, by the way?” I asked, “I haven’t seen him yet today.”
“He’s out scavenging,” she informed, “left right after breakfast. He’ll be gone a while I think, said they were heading all the way out to Atlanta this time.”
“Atlanta?” I echoed concerned, “Isn’t that, like, too dangerous, with all the demented there?”
She shrugged and said, “Stone might be fuckin’ uptight, but he knows what he’s doing, Doll. I wouldn’t worry. Besides, we need to make plans!” She looked around at Mouse and Buba and added loudly, “You’re all invited, of course! It’s party at Dana’s tonight, bitches!” She then turned back to me and said, “Listen Dollface, I’m thinking, since you got back early, I’m gonna let you take Xanderman off my hands and go handle some shit. Okay?”
“Sure,” I quickly accepted, “Thanks Beebs!”
“No sweat,” she cried, darting outside, “Later bitches!”
Singer glanced at me and shook his head. “Boy, that girl is really something, isn’t she?”
“Yeah,” I chuckled, “like a hurricane.” I set my brother down and told him, “Hey, Xandy, why don’t you go play in the back? I’ve got some work to do here, okay?”
“Kay!” he cried, running off to the back door.
As he went out, Lexa came in through the front door.
“Whoa!” she said, raising her eyebrows, “I just bumped into Bibi, her aura is explosive. She said something about a party at your place?” She looked at me curiously.
“Yeah,” I explained, “looks like she’s giving a party there and we’re all invited, including me.”
Lexa nodded, understanding my meaning. She then looked outside and cried, “Girls! What are you doing out there? Come inside.”
A moment later two young girls came in, Nelly and Mimi. They weren’t really Lexa’s girls, they were orphans she had kind of adopted, just like Stone had done with Buba. And like Buba, they were both fourteen, but that was about all they had in common.
Penelope Carter, nicknamed Nelly, was a blonde, with big brown puppy eyes. She was extremely shy and jumpy, easily getting startled over loud noises or sudden movements. She hardly ever left Lexa's side. Mimi, on the other hand, didn't look like she was afraid of anything and often walked around on her own. She walked into the hut like she owned the place. Her name was Melinda Jackson. She was a fiery tempered brunette, with bright blue eyes. I always thought they were both very beautiful girls. Even though they looked nothing alike, people sometimes thought they were sisters, because they were always together. However, the truth was they were just brought together by unfortunate circumstances.
Both had lost their families to the demented. I wasn't sure how Mimi ended up an orphan, but I knew Nelly had watched her whole family die in an attack. She lost her mother, father and several siblings, all at once. Poor girl, it was no wonder she was so jumpy all the time. Lexa had put both girls in my archery class, in hopes they'd someday become hunters like us. They were eager students, but still had a long way to go before I could actually take them out hunting.
"Good morning, girls!" Singer greeted them.
Nelly and Mimi weren’t just his sister’s girls, they were also his students at school. They both greeted him back, then went over to chat with Buba. I think they were his only friends. The three of them had kind of banded together for protection at school. And even though Buba was on my squad and the girls were just training the bow, he was never arrogant with them. It seemed they got along okay.
Lexa set her stuff on the counter and commented casually, “People around town are very pleasant today.”
“Yeah,” I said, “I noticed. Kinda good ain’it?”
Lexa made a face, as if to say, “I guess so” and then went to help Mouse clean the bikes.
“So,” Singer started up conversation again, “What are your plans, now that you’ve achieved all this success?”
I smiled at him and answered, “I might just run for leader of the town and take over this place.”
He laughed, “Witty. I like it.”
“Seriously, though,” I added, “I’m just happy we’re able to justify our squad even existing. I’m not out to compete with anyone or gain any privileges.”
“Of course not,” he commented, “but, like it or not, you impressed everyone today. I think you’re becoming quite a force to be reckoned with. You should be proud.”
“Yeah, I dunno... I guess,” I accepted.
Compliments always left me feeling a little embarrassed and unsure. But I could see that Singer was just being honest and genuinely nice. He was always like that and there was no reason to doubt him. Other people might praise you to get something out of you, but not him. He helped me put things in order at the hut. We chatted away as we worked. Some of the townspeople came and congratulated us. I didn’t even remember their names, but they were all very nice. Only a few minutes after they left, Mr. Harper showed up, with his wife and three bodyguards.
He greeted me kindly, “Miss Brightman, I don’t mean to disturb you, but I just wanted to congratulate you on an amazing contribution to the community!” He took my hand and shook it firmly. “Wonderful work, just wonderful!”
I barely knew what to say, “Oh, thank you Mr. Harper. We do what we can, you know. And please, call me Dana. Everyone just calls me Dana.”
He chuckled at me happily and said, “Then you must promise to call me George! All this formality is so silly sometimes, don’t you think?” He looked around at the hut.
I took it upon myself to show him around and introduce him to the squad, “Oh, um, this is Mouse and Lexa, my senior hunters, if you will. And the young man over there is Buba, he just graduated to squad member.”
“Ah, yes,” he greeted them all proudly, “the new town heroes! Of course, you already know my wife, Cindy.”
She shook my hand as well and said, “We’re all very proud of you, Dana. Of all of you. Very proud.”
Mr. Harper went on, “You know, I heard it was just the four of you. It’s amazing what you kids pull off with so little. You don’t know how happy I was when the council finally gave you permission to hunt. Your father would be very proud, Dana. He was a great man, your dad. And it looks like he was a great father too, did a wonderful job with his daughter, especially with all you’ve been through.”
I choked up for half a second there, but quickly recovered and said, “Yeah, my dad was one of a kind, that’s for sure. I’ll consider myself lucky if I turn out to be half the person he was.”
“In my book,” he said seriously, “you’re already every bit as great as he was. And you listen to me Dana, if you need anything, you come directly to me. We’ll manage something with the council together. Understood?”
“Yes sir, mister... I mean, George,” I replied, “Thank you very much! But really, we’re doing pretty good with what we have. Just you being here is a real treat for us.”
He always seemed like a nice man to me, even if he was something of a politician. He took the time to see how our hut worked. Then he congratulated me one last time and left us to our work. The minute he was gone, I turned to the others with my mouth wide open. Lexa, Mouse and Buba all came and group-hugged me. It truly was a great day for us. I was mostly happy for them though, seeing their smiles was priceless to me. We all finished up our chores and took the rest of the day off. We still had most of the afternoon to go before dinner came up.
I never knew what to do when I had time on my hands like that. Singer suggested we
go for a walk with Xandy. I couldn’t see why we shouldn’t, so off we went. There was a playground, that the townspeople had set up in the central part of town. I hardly ever had the time to take my brother there, so it was like a special treat for him. On the way there, we ran into Ranger.
“Dana,” he said, with his charming smile, “Hi! Looks like I missed out on some sweet action today, huh.”
“You sure did,” I told him, “We could have used your help too. Bringing back all that juicy meat wasn’t easy on our own. Where the hell were you anyway? You show up at archery practice everyday, for a week, then when it’s time to go out hunting you’re nowhere to be found?“
“Actually,” he explained, “I went out hunting yesterday and didn’t really feel up for it today.”
“What?” I wondered, “You went out alone? Why?” I had never really asked him that before, but somehow it felt natural. After a week, seeing him everyday, I guess I felt entitled to an explanation.
But he didn’t give me any, he just looked at Singer and greeted him, avoiding my question, “What’s up Singer?”
“Hello Ranger,” Singer replied dryly.
I had forgotten they didn’t get along.
“Where are ya’ll going?” Ranger asked.
“We’re taking my brother to the park,” I replied, “We were so awesome out there that we now have the whole afternoon off, see?” I taunted him a little, lifting my nose proudly at him.
He just grinned at me said, “Right.” He glanced at Singer again and then asked, “Mind if I tag along?”
I knew Singer didn’t want him around, but I couldn’t find it in me to tell Ranger he wasn’t welcome. I ended up just shrugging at him to avoid giving an answer. Of course he took that as a “yes” and joined us.
“You know, Ranger,” I made taunting conversation, “you missed more than just an awesome hunt. You missed a handshake with Mr. Harper himself. He even introduced me to his wife and told me to call him George.”
“Really?” he asked slightly unimpressed, “So, I guess you’re famous now then, huh? Should I be asking for an autograph or something?” He never gave in.
Singer replied in my place, “Dana has always been a respected member of the community, Ranger. From the moment she set foot here, everyone liked her. Only you seem to think that only now she’s famous.”
I thought to myself, “Where did that come from?” and before Ranger could reply, I said, “He didn’t mean anything by it, Singer. Besides, not everyone likes me. I’m pretty sure the hunters all hate me, now more than ever.”
Ranger glared at Singer and then said, “Not all hunters hate you, Dana. I’m a hunter too, you know.”
We got to the park and Xandy ran to the nearest swing. There were some other kids around, but he ignored them. Singer went and offered to swing my brother. He seemed angry to me. I walked to a nearby bench and sat down to watch them. Ranger sat next to me. Singer watched us. It was getting really uncomfortable all of the sudden.
Ranger started up a conversation, “You and Singer are really close, aren’t you?”
The directness of the question caught me off guard and I replied clumsily, “Oh, yeah, I guess. He’s always kinda been a good friend. He’s actually my new substitute babysitter now, when Bibi’s not around.”
“Babysitter, huh,” he said thoughtfully, “You gotta wonder though, why he’s being such a good friend.”
“What the hell’s that supposed to mean?” I quickly demanded, turning to face him.
But he dodged my gaze and said, “Nothing...” Then he got up and wandered off without another word.
“What the fuck?” I thought to myself.
Ranger and Singer were both being really weird. Did they hate each other that much? As I sat there wondering, Singer came to my side.
“Your brother doesn’t want my help,” he said, “I think he wants to prove he can swing on his own or something.”
“Yeah,” I said distractedly, “sometimes he just wants to be left alone. It’s his way.”
“So,” he said carefully, “what’s with Ranger showing up all the time now? Has he finally joined your squad?”
I looked at Singer and answered plainly, “No. He’ll never join my squad, he’s a better hunter than I am. I think it’d be weird... for the both of us.”
Singer insisted, “But you said he keeps showing up at archery classes? Why? Is he helping out?”
“No,” I replied again, “actually, we just talk...”
Singer seemed impatient. He stared at me either waiting for me to say something or searching for the right words to ask something.
It annoyed me and I finally asked, “What IS it with you two? Is there some kind of bad blood thing going on that I’m not aware of?”
He looked at me, as if conflicted with the answer.
“Well?” I insisted.
Singer turned away from me and admitted, “I just don’t trust him, Dana, the way he hovers around you. I can understand you and Bibi because of all the stuff you’ve been through together, but Ranger is...”
“Whoa-whoa-whoa,” I snapped at him, “Wait just a damn minute, Singer! Bibi and I are like sisters, okay? You can’t even begin to compare that with Ranger!”
Singer was surprised with my abrupt tone. “I didn’t mean to compare anyone,” he said lamely, “I’m just wondering what he wants hanging around all the time.”
“What?” I asked bewildered, “You know he pretty much just asked me the same thing about you.”
As I stared at Singer, it began to dawn on me... they both thought that the other was... “oddly interested” in... ME? Was that it? I suddenly became extremely self-conscious and avoided Singer’s eyes. “W-well,” I said, before he could say anything else, “you two need to settle whatever it is that’s going on between you. Just leave me out of it!” I got up and called out, “Xandy! Come on baby, time to go!”
Ranger came back up to us and asked, “Leaving already? Is something wrong?” He glared at Singer again.
Singer glared back at him unafraid.
“No,” I replied, clearing my throat, “I just have to go.” I picked Xandy up and started to walk away. I didn’t know what else to do, but it felt wrong leaving without saying anything, so I glanced back at them and said, “Sorry. I’ll see you both later, okay?”
“At Bibi’s party?” Ranger asked.
I had forgotten all about that damn party. “Right,” I confirmed in spite of myself, “Bye.”
Ranger and Singer both stood there watching me, with confused looks, as I walked away. I felt really bad pulling Xandy away from his playtime, but it was like some defense mechanism had been shifted into gear. I was on autopilot.
- - - - -
How did Ranger even know about the party? Did Bibi go around telling the whole town? I wonder what Singer and Ranger told each other after I left. Hopefully, they didn’t get into a fight. Now, Dinner is coming up in a few minutes, and after that everyone will be here, in my apartment.
Did I misread it? Or do Singer and Ranger both... “like” me? First Flavian, now them? This is crazy. It can’t be. Then again, what else could it be? It explains why they hate each other for no apparent reason. I wonder if they’ve already talked about this. Maybe they already had some kind of fight and I never even knew about it. No! There’re plenty of other girls in town and they’re both good looking guys, in their own way. I’m reading way too much into it. There has to be some other thing going on. I’ll have to talk with them, clear this up.
I gotta go get ready for dinner...
Entry 06
March 2nd, 47
Party
Last night the party ran a little late. So, I went to bed and left the journal entry for this morning.
- - - - -
Stone and Bibi came over to my place to fetch me for dinner. He had just arrived from his scavenging trip and looked tired, but he still smiled when he saw me.
“There she is!” Bibi cried excitedly, “Ou
r golden girl! Oh, I’m so fuckin’ proud!” She hugged me, lifting me up again.
Xandy ran up to the door and cried, “Bibi!”
“Xanderman!” she replied, dropping me and picking him up, “You’re ready to party, aren’t you little man?”
Stone shook his head at her, then told me, “Bibi’s been telling me about your little hunting trip and the party... you sure you’re up for it?”
“Of course she’s up for it!” Bibi protested, “Don’t be such a fuckin’ kill joy, Stone.”
They both looked at me for confirmation.
“No, it’s fine, Stone,” I reassured him, “We deserve a little celebration. All of us. It’s been awhile since we had anything to celebrate, right?”
“Fuck yeah!” Bibi declared, “We’ve been needing a party. But first, let’s go get something to eat! Otherwise, I might have to eat this little monster,” she put her mouth on Xandy’s neck and mumbled, “Nom-nom-nom!”
He laughed hysterically. I locked up the apartment and we headed out to the cafeteria. The dinner siren went off as we walked and talked.
On the way, Stone said, “I’m glad people are finally recognizing you, kid. It’s the least you deserve!”
“Thanks Stone,” I said timidly, then I remembered, “Oh, and what about you? I heard you went deep into the bowels of Atlanta. You didn’t run into any trouble, did you?”
“There's still tons of demented up there,” he explained, “but we managed to sneak by unnoticed. Scavenging was tough though, found just some clothes, some construction tools... Trouble is, we’ve pretty much cleaned out the surrounding areas. Now, all the good stuff is in Atlanta. We’re probably heading back there some time soon.”
“Oh,” I realized, “Well, I know you can handle it. It’s your scavenging buddies I’m worried about...”
“You don’t have to tell me, kid,” he cut me off, “I’m scared enough for the both of us, believe me. I already told the boys, I ain’t taking no chances. They’re all mostly sound minded, but if one of them fucks up, I won’t hesitate to leave them behind.” He looked at me and then added, “But enough about me, let’s talk about you. Tell me everything.”
Dead End Chronicles (Book 1): Dead End Journal Page 6
