The Big Ten: The First Ten Books of the Beginnings Series

by Jacqueline Druga

  “What? You don’t want to fool around.”

  Ellen shook her head in disbelief. “I can’t believe that’s even on your mind.”

  “You mean sex?”

  “Shh.”

  “What?” Frank asked. “Like anyone can hear us?”

  “The street is dead, everyone can hear.”

  Frank scoffed. “No one can hear.”

  “I can.” Joe called out from the porch.

  “Why is he eavesdropping?” Frank questioned.

  Ellen shrugged. “He’s Joe.”

  Frank lowered his voice. “Are we still a couple, El?”

  “Frank, you and I were never a couple.”

  Silence.

  “Ok, you have a point,” Frank said. “Then can we still be whatever we were?”

  “I love you, Frank. We’ll take this one step at a time. Just like we’re taking life right now.”

  Frank nodded. He then titled his head. “Can I see your notebook?”

  “What?” Ellen chuckled. “Why do you want to see my notebook?”

  “You were showing … Dean your notes.”

  “I was showing Dean a poem I wrote.”

  Frank looked serious then cracked a smile. “You? You wrote a poem.”

  “Yeah.” Ellen snapped.

  “It can’t be very good.”

  Ellen gasped. “How rude. I’ll have you know, Dean said there is no bad poetry because it comes from emotions and thoughts.”

  “Dean said that?” Frank asked. “Pansy.”

  “Just for that.” Ellen hugged her book. “No.”

  “Come on. I won’t make fun. I’m sure it’s good.” Frank held out his hand. “Please? You were showing Dean.”

  After a moment of debate, Ellen opened the notebook found the poem and handed it to Frank.

  Pleased, Frank smiled. “Thank you.” He pulled the lantern closer and read. Afterward he set down the notebook and was silent.

  “Well?” Ellen asked.

  “It … you know what Dean said about poetry?”

  “Yes.”

  “He … he … he was wrong. That sucked.”

  Ellen’s mouth dropped open. She grabbed the notebook and stood up. “You are so rude.”

  “El, wait.”

  “No, I’m going home.” With a dramatic march, not looking back, she stormed from the table to her house.

  Frank watched her, snickered, then after a few seconds he followed her. After all, he still hadn’t gotten the chance to talk to her like he needed.

  ^^^^

  William definitely wasn’t a visual of Betty Crocker. Though he was at home in the kitchen, he appeared to be awkward while mixing items in the candlelight. He mumbled a bit of the recipe, held up the measuring cup to the candle, and nodded.

  Dean was watching, or rather, trying to talk to him.

  “And this concerns you …” William stirred his mixture. “How?”

  “Why do you do that?” Dean asked.

  “Do what? Stir Dino, you have to if you want the ingredients to mix properly.”

  “That’s not what I mean. You answer me, and talk to me clinically. Always pre-occupied. You never did that to your patients.”

  “You aren’t my patient. You’re my son. I never liked you as much as I liked them.”

  Dean rolled his eyes. “Ha-ha. Why are you making a salad dressing anyhow?”

  “I’m hungry.” William answered “And we’re having a late dinner with Joe. A small meeting and then we’re watching the batch of apocalyptic films. They’re always a treat. Joe has been …” He tried his mixture. “Almost right,” he said, “Joe’s been saving generator gas all day for this.”

  “Late is right.” Dean looked at his watch. “You guys are hooking up the television to …”

  “Heavens, no.” William shook his head. “Frank brought back the old reel-to-reels as well. We’re hooking up an old projector. Ought to be fun.” He tasted his dressing again. “Ah, perfect. I’ll wait until we’re ready to eat to add it to the salad. Did you want to join us?”

  “No. I’m going to bed.”

  “That, Dino, is the exact reason you have a problem.”

  “Excuse me?”

  “With women.”

  “I’m not talking to you about a problem with women. I’m talking to you about a problem with Frank.”

  “Over a woman. Ellen.” William gathered his things. “Ellen in a sense is his. Sorry. Fact of life. Whether their little relationship was carried on morally right or wrong, it is still a fact that they were together long before you entered the picture. If Ellen is ready to move on, then more power to you. I see no reason for you to fear Frank.”

  Dean scoffed. “I don’t fear Frank. I just want to get along with him. That’s all.”

  William laughed, “Well, that would be possible if you stopped trying to steal his woman.”

  “I’m not trying to steal his woman. I’m trying to be friends with her.”

  William hummed out an ‘hmm.’

  “Stop that.” Dean said. “I just need advice.”

  “Fine.” William took on a fatherly look. “You want to be friends with Ellen. Help her through this difficult situation. Befriend her. I think that is a very good idea. For the both of you. You too, you need friends. Just don’t bore her …”

  “Dad.”

  “It’s true, Dino. You bore a person, that’s why you never had friends. You and your science mumbo-jumbo stuff. But all that aside.” William said. “What I’m getting from you is that you just want peace. You want this friendship without problems. Frank is going through a difficult time. He’s threatened, that’s all. He’ll be fine. If not, you’ve dealt with bullies your whole life. Do what you always do. Stand up and outsmart them.”

  Dean nodded. “Thank you.”

  “Hope I helped. But I must be off.” William grabbed the two bowls.

  “Dad, just so you know, I don’t think I’ll bore Ellen. I think she and I will connect on a scientific level. In fact, tomorrow …” Dean said, pleased. “I’m taking her out and I’m teaching her how to take air samples. We’re going to hit all over.”

  “Air samples.”

  “Yes. What do you think?”

  “Remember when you were twelve and you got that comprehensive science kit? You took it immediately down the street to impress that young girl you liked.”

  “Yes.”

  “What did she say to you?”

  Dean thought. “She called me a geek and went inside her house.”

  William smiled. “Exactly.”

  “What’s that supposed to mean?”

  “You asked what I thought of you and Ellen and the air samples. Think of the outcome of that story. That’s what I think.” William walked away.

  Dean stood alone in the kitchen. “I hate talking to him.”

  ^^^^

  George shook his head. “I know we need the hands, but we’re talking about taking all the men from Ashtonville to make this Montana trip.”

  “We need Miguel,” Joe said. “He was a truck driver. He’ll assist us in bringing the truck back for the salvage runs. Henry and John are needed as well for the technical side. In all seriousness, George, if this place is as big as you say and we want to get back in one week, we need all the hands we can get to check this place out as quickly as possible, and get our idea of what we need.”

  “If I may,” William interjected. “You aren’t taking all the men. I’m here, so is Dean and Frank. Contrary to how my son appears, don’t let his size and brains fool you. He is quite capable of handling situations. As far as keeping the community safe …” he chuckled. “Leaving one more man here is not going to make a difference. We have Frank.”

  Joe held out his hand. “There you have it. William’s wisdom. Situation settled. Now … we leave the day after tomorrow, so let’s take a break from all this and have some fun.” He clapped his hands together once. “Hook up that projector for some apocalyptic training films.”
/>
  The three of them were already in position facing the only white wall. Joe headed to the projector but stopped when he heard a knock on the door. “Can you handle this, George?” he asked and walked to the door.

  Andrea stood there. She was wearing a summer dress and holding a plate.

  “Andrea?”

  “Evening, Joe,” she said. “I saw a light and thought if you were hungry we could have a snack and chat. I made cookies.”

  “They look great. I was just settling to watch the training films. You want to join?”

  “Love to.” Andrea stepped in.

  “You look very nice,” Joe said.

  “This thing?” Andrea smiled as she walked to the living room. “I found it. Tossed it on and …” She paused when she saw George and William. “You have company. I’m sorry. I’m interrupting.”

  “No, come in. Join us.”

  “Are you sure?”

  “Positive.”

  Andrea inched her way to the sofa that was set up theater-style and sat next to William.

  “Cookies?” William asked her.

  “Uh-hmm.” Andrea set the plate down.

  “Nice dress.” William raised an eyebrow. “Were you also just in the neighborhood?”

  Andrea gave a scolding look to William.

  “All right.” Joe announced. “We’re ready. I’d say hit the lights but they’re already …”

  “Hey.” Frank blasted out when he walked in. “Why’s it so dark?”

  “Christ,” Joe mumbled. “If you must know we’re watching training films.”

  “Yes!” Frank hurried into the living room and stopped. “Whoa. The community elderly.”

  Andrea gasped.

  “Is like no one under the age of forty invited?” Frank asked.

  “Go!” scolded Joe. “Out.”

  “But …”

  “Now.”

  “There’s cookies,” Frank said.

  “I don’t care. Leave.” Joe instructed. “I can’t believe you would say something like that, insulting everyone.”

  “Fine.” Quickly Frank extended a hand, grabbed a cookie, and despite the fact that Andrea smacked his hand, he took it anyhow and left.

  Sighing, Joe stood by the projector, ready to turn it on. He lowered his voice to a whisper. “See?” he waved a pointing finger at William and George. “You both questioned why I said no one under forty can hang with us tonight. Do I know the younger generation, or what?” he turned on the projector.

  Saturday, June 13th

  Ashtonville, Connecticut

  Joe was feeling the slight effects of a hangover. Perhaps he shouldn’t have drunk that wine the night before. Wine always had that affect on him. However, he was celebrating with George and, tired or not, he’d drive only the first six hours or so, then someone else would take the wheel.

  Double-checking the chord, Joe made sure that the generator and pump system were secure on top of the van before they took off. They’d have to use the generator to power gas pumps along the way. Economy van or not, he wasn’t making it to Montana on a single tank of gas.

  Joe pulled out the sheet of paper Frank had given him regarding directions to the three eccentric farmers in Ohio. If the Garfield project really existed, farmers were something they needed. They’d make the stop on the way there.

  Last bag in the van, passengers almost all inside, Joe gave a quick look over all they were taking. Daylight had broken and the good daytime driving hours were ahead. He was ready to go.

  Almost.

  “Honestly, Joe.” Henry followed him. “Montana. I’m making one last plea.”

  “Shut up, Henry, you’re going,” Joe said.

  “But, Joe.”

  “No buts.” Joe waved a scolding finger. “Get in the car.”

  “All the young men are leaving.”

  “There are two of you.”

  “Exactly.” Henry argued. “Don’t you think you should leave me behind to protect the women?”

  Joe snickered.

  “I don’t do well on long trips.”

  “No one does.”

  “I’ll vomit,” Henry said.

  “I’ll get you a bag.”

  “Maybe twice, three times.”

  “I’ll bring plenty.” Joe paid him no mind.

  “I get upset. And I’ll talk; what if I talk too much …”

  “I’ll duct tape you.” Joe shut the back of the van. “Get in. Be quiet. Take the pill William gave you.”

  “I think he wants me dead.”

  “Christ, Henry, do you blame him?” Joe pointed. “Go. Van.”

  Sweetly a voice called out, “Joe!”

  Joe winced.

  Henry chuckled. “You have a girlfriend.”

  “Go.” Joe scolded, and then turned around. “Hey, Andrea.”

  “I brought you some goodies for the trip.” She handed him a bag. “Share with the others.”

  “Andrea, this is very sweet. Just in time too. We’re leaving.”

  “I know. You be careful.” She leaned in and kissed him on the cheek.

  “Thank you,” Joe nodded and stepped back toward the driver’s door.

  “I’ll pray for you.”

  “Thanks.” Joe opened the door. He gave a scolding glance to Henry who was leaning between the front seats. “Get …”

  Andrea called out again, “Make sure you keep touch. Use that radio.”

  He flashed an annoyed look into the van, then turned and smiled at Andrea. “Thanks.” Again, he attempted to get inside. Until...

  “Dad.” Frank called out.

  Joe grumbled. “This is why I wanted t leave before sunup.” He backed up. “Yes, Frank?”

  “Glad I caught you. I just wanted to say goodbye and be careful.”

  Joe pointed to Andrea. “She took care of that. But thanks.” He patted Frank’s cheek.

  “Keep in touch. Use the radio.”

  “Yes, Frank, I know. I’m going now.” Joe arched his body into the van. “One week. That’s all we’ll be gone, and …”

  “Joe!” Ellen called.

  Joe hesitated. He looked to the passenger seat to George.

  “I’d go.” George said.

  “Christ,” he grunted. “One more second.” With a huff, he stepped from the van. “Yes, Ellen.”

  Ellen embraced him. “I wanted to say goodbye. Be careful.”

  “I will.” Joe kissed her on the cheek, and stepped back from the hug. “And no causing trouble.”

  She shook her head.

  “See you in a week.” He reached for the door again.

  “Joe, don’t forget to keep in touch,” Ellen said. “Use the …”

  “Radio. Yes. I know.” Joe waved, and before anyone could delay his departure any further, he got in the van and started to drive away.

  Frank, arms folded, watched with pride as the van pulled down the street. His focus stayed there until he heard a sniffling. Turning his head to the right, he looked down to Ellen. “Are you crying?”

  She shook her head. “No.”

  He looked past Ellen to Andrea. “Why are you crying?”

  “I’m just …. I’m just overwhelmed at this moment.” She fanned herself. “They are taking off to a new world. Like pilgrims. Like the original Mayflower. Like …” She sniffed. “Columbus. Your father is the new Christopher Columbus.”

  Frank’s eyebrow raised, and with an odd expression he looked at Ellen. “Oh, she’s fuckin’ whacked.”

  Andrea gasped. “And I will tell Joe about that little comment.” Offended, she stormed off.

  Ellen snickered. “You sure know how to make friends.”

  “Hey, I have you and … and ... why is Dean walking this way?”

  Ellen looked over her shoulder, then to her watch. “Oh, we’re going.”

  “We’re?” Frank questioned, “Where are we going?”

  “Not you and me.” Ellen answered. “Me and Dean. Yesterday you know how Dean taught me how to do a
ir samples. Today we’re implementing my new skills.”

  “Where exactly are you going to collect these air samples?” His eyes shifted to Dean who now stood next to Ellen.

  “About twenty miles out, near the coast. First we’re going to get as close to Manhattan as we can for some.”

  “What exactly are you hoping to accomplish?” He noticed Dean still standing there and this irked him. “Excuse me!” Frank bellowed. “We’re trying to have a conversation.” He took Ellen by the arm and pulled her aside.

  “Was that necessary?” Ellen asked him.

  “Yes.”

  “Frank, I have to go.”

  “El, wait. Why are you doing this? You know, we’re all immune anyhow, and besides, you should work on your list. Which I might add you’re not very good at.”

  “Frank.” Ellen placed her hands on her hips. “Everyone is making lists. Yes, we’re all immune, but it’s been two weeks since the outbreak and we’re curious to see if this virus is leaving the air.”

  “No, I’m not.”

  “Huh?” Ellen asked curiously. “What are you talking about?”

  “You said we’re curious about the virus in the air.”

  “Ass. Me and Dean. Not you and everyone else. Like I care what everyone else is curious about.” She shook her head and started to walk away.

  “Whoa.” Frank grabbed her arm and pulled her back. “What’s with the attitude?”

  “Me? You. You’re giving me attitude about going.”

  “No, I’m not. I’m questioning why you suddenly have this interest in virus-cology.”

  “It’s called virology.”

  “Oh, so now you hang out with a scientist and you think you’re all intelligent.”

  “You!” Ellen pointed. “Have a problem. You gave me shit yesterday about this.”

  “I did not.”

  “Yes, you did. I told you what we were doing and you laughed.”

  “That’s because I didn’t think he wasn’t teaching you anything. He was lying so he could spend time with you.”

  Ellen laughed. “What? Why would you say that?”

  “I watched. I didn’t see any samples.”

  “Because it was air. God!” Ellen heaved out a sigh. “Frank? I’m going. Ok? Dean brought all the equipment to do this. I want to do this. Never mind that I don’t have prior knowledge or skills. It stops me from seeing death at every corner. My kids. Your kids. It keeps me busy. I need that.”