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

by Jacqueline Druga

  “You’re right.”

  “I know.”

  Ellen nodded. “You or me?”

  Frank looked back, Dean was slipping further away. “Odds or even.”

  “Even.”

  “Ready.” Frank held up a fist. “One, two, three, shake …” he tossed out his hand.

  Ellen gave him a swat. “Good luck.”

  Frank turned with a mumbled ‘Thanks’ and, moving quickly, headed after Dean. “Dean,” he called out. “Wait up.”

  SUNDAY, AUGUST 20

  As the sun brightly shone on Murphy’s Hill, a cool calming breeze swept by as Joe, Ellen, Frank, Dean, and Johnny stood above the burial sites of those that they had loved and lost.

  They said goodbye to the physical beings left there, yet they planned to take with them the spirit that each one of their loved ones had given them. For in their losses they found strength, hope, and a willingness to go on.

  Joe raised his head and glanced over at Frank and Johnny who knelt before their family’s grave then at Ellen who tried to be strong. “It’s time, everyone. I think they’ve waited for us long enough.”

  Dean reached over and placed his arm around Ellen. “Are you all right?”

  Ellen nodded. She bent down to the graves of her children. “Goodbye, my babies. I will always hold you here.” She brought her fist to her heart.

  Silence and sadness overcame them as they slowly, without looking back, made their way down the hill.

  They were the last to leave Ashtonville, the place that Ellen and Frank had spent most of their adult lives. The only place Johnny knew; a place that brought new hope to Joe and Dean.

  When they pulled the car onto the runway, the door to the plane was open, with only George waiting on the steps for them. Everyone else was inside waiting patiently to leave for their new home.

  Johnny ran down the aisle of the plane, excitedly taking a seat in the back.

  Ellen slid in a row and Dean followed behind her. He wasn’t even comfortable in his seat when he felt it on his head.

  “Move,” Frank spoke as he hit Dean on top of his head with an air sickness bag.

  “Excuse me?” Dean looked up at Frank standing there in an intimidating stance. “I thought you were sitting with your son.”

  “I will.” Frank nodded. “Right now I want to sit with Ellen.” He motioned his head, perturbed. “Move, Dean.”

  Ellen lifted her flushed head. “Dean, can you give us just a minute.”

  “Only because you asked.” Dean stood up. “Not him.” Brushing by Frank, Dean moved to the row in front.

  “Hey, Dean, I’m allowing you time with her. Keep that in mind.”

  “Yeah, yeah.”

  “We’re having a baby.”

  “No, Frank, we’re having a baby.”

  “Enough.” Ellen mumbled.

  Frank curled his lip at Dean, flipping him off then plopping in the seat next to Ellen. “Hey.” He grabbed her hand. “You ready for this?”

  “Oh, Frank.” Ellen spoke low as she turned her body into his, leaning down in the seat and grabbing his hand. “I am so scared.”

  “I know.” Frank swallowed. He moved his face closer to hers. “I am, too.”

  “Really? You?”

  “No.” Frank smiled and laid his hand on her face. “But think of what’s ahead. We have a new home. A kid coming.”

  Dean leaned between the seats. “We have a kid coming, Frank.”

  “Shut the fuck up.” Frank snapped. He shook his head. “I’m telling you, El, I say he can spend time with you and the kid, and this is what I fuckin’ get.”

  Dean mumbled from behind, “You’re a saint, Frank.”

  Frank snarled at Dean.

  “Ignore him.” Ellen pulled Frank’s attention. “You’re supposed to be reassuring me. I mean, this is so hard. I don’t know if I can do this. I don’t know how I’m going to be out there.”

  “Shh.” Frank shook his head. “I know this is a big step. But El, we’ll get through this.” He slowly brought his lips to hers kissing her softly. “We’ll get through this together.”

  “I am so glad I still have you in my life, Frank.” Ellen slid her arms around his neck, sighing as Frank wrapped his arms tightly around her pulling her into him.

  Dean slid down in his seat, listening to the movements of bodies behind him and the cessation of their whispers. He tapped his hand against the arm rest of the seat knowing full well that what was going on behind him was definitely a sign of the way things would be and he’d have to get used to it. He suddenly sat up when George’s voice came over the intercom announcing that they would be taking off. “Thank you.” Dean looked up at the speaker and stood, stepping into the aisle the moment Frank and Ellen broke their embrace.

  Frank ignored him, kissing Ellen on the cheek. “I’d better get back with Johnny.” He stood up. “All . . . all yours, Dean.” He motioned his hand to the seat. “For now.”

  “Thanks.”

  “Oh.” Frank came back. “I almost forgot.” He fiddled with the seat behind him. “This is for you, El.” He snickered as he tossed her an airsickness bag.

  Ellen grabbed the bag and tossed it back. “I don’t want that, Frank, I don’t need it.”

  “I don’t know about that.” Frank tapped the bag annoyingly on the seat in front of Dean. “You puked twice this morning.”

  Dean looked at Ellen. “Take the bag.”

  Frank tossed it to her.

  “Thanks, Frank.” She rested it on her lap. “Now go sit back with Johnny.”

  Frank smiled then winked, moving back to be with his son.

  Dean buckled his seatbelt, watching Ellen do the same. She was so silent, and she stared out the window. “Everything all right?”

  Ellen nodded as she still peered out. “Just a little scared and . . .” She released a shivering breath. “Nervous.”

  “Just let me know if there’s anything I can do.”

  Ellen was quiet then sat up when she heard the engines grow louder.

  The plane began to taxi down the runway and soon became airborne, bound for their new home. With excitement, sadness, and anticipation, they headed to a place that signified their new start: Beginnings, Montana.

  FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 27

  Beginnings, MT

  The first winter neared its end, striking hard and frequently. No one had imagined the vengeance of the storms, and many days were filled with snow being manually removed to make access from building to building easier. Supplies had held up far better than anticipated, and that, combined with success in the greenhouses, allowed for rations to be increased.

  It seemed as if winter was screaming its final hurrah as the late winter snow fiercely blew, piling up high and fast, and blocking any view from farther than two feet.

  Dean opened the lid to a pot on his stove; he sniffed the aroma, and replaced the lid. “Finished.” He turned off the heat, and a sudden pounding on the door caught his attention. He went into the living room and opened the door. Ellen leaned in the doorway, snow-covered and without a coat. “Ellen, what are you doing here? Look at you, no coat, you’re gonna get sick.” Dean scoffed when Frank appeared wiggling his fingers in a wave. “What is he doing here?”

  “Dean.” Ellen held onto her large protruding stomach. “The baby’s coming.”

  “Right.” Dean pulled her inside. “It’s not funny, Ellen.” He shut the door trying to leave out Frank, but he walked right in.

  “I’m not joking, Dean, the baby’s coming.”

  “Yeah, Dean, she’s not joking.” Frank brushed the flakes off of his head. “We’re having a baby.”

  “What do you mean we’re having a baby? We’re having a baby, Frank. And we’re not having it now.”

  “Dean, shut the fuck up and get ready to deliver this thing. She’s in labor.”

  “Sure she is, Frank.” Dean rolled his eyes. “It’s three weeks early.”

  Ellen could barely stand. “Oh, God. Tell it
to the baby.” She closed her eyes in pain.

  Dean looked at Ellen then Frank. “Are you sure you’re not kidding me? You two pulled this joke on me twice already.”

  “Dean!” Ellen screamed. “I’m having this baby, and soon!”

  “Oh, shit.” The color fell from Dean’s face. “And you’re sure it’s not false labor? Here, sit down.” Dean led her to the couch.

  “Dean, my water broke all over my fucking floor. I’m sure.” She began to sit.

  Frank laughed. “Yeah, everywhere.”

  “Then don’t sit on my couch.” Dean stopped her. “I’ll get Andrea and we’ll get you to the clinic.”

  “There’s no time for the clinic.”

  “Oh, shit.” Dean nervously ran his hands through his hair. “What do we do? Frank, can you carry her and run her over there?”

  “Sure.” Frank reached for Ellen.

  Ellen smacked him away. “Stop it, Frank.” She hunched over her belly. “Dean, get Andrea. She’s right next door.”

  “Ok.” Dean ran to the wall and pounded. “Andrea, Andrea.” He shouted loudly. “Ellen’s having the baby. Now!”

  “Dean, you better help me upstairs.” Ellen leaned on the arm of the couch for support.

  “You want to have it here?”

  Frank threw his hands in the air. “See El, screw him. Let’s go back to your place and I’ll deliver the kid.”

  “Oh, God, that’s a scary thought.” Ellen grunted and bent over in pain.

  The door to Dean’s house burst open as Andrea and snow barreled in. “What’s going on?”

  Dean looked panicked. “Ellen’s in labor and Frank wants to steal her to deliver the kid himself.”

  Frank shook his head. “That’s only because you’re being a wuss.”

  “Shut up, Frank.” Dean snapped.

  “No, you shut up, Dean.”

  “Go away. You’re intruding on our birth.”

  “Your birth?” Frank laughed. “Our birth. My kid.”

  “My kid,” Dean argued. “Glory stealer.”

  “Sperm donor.”

  “Out.”

  “I’m not going anywhere. Unless you throw me out. You wanna throw me out, Dean?”

  “Boys!” Andrea shouted, walked up to Ellen, and felt her stomach. “It’s a good thing we got everything ready at the clinic for you then.”

  “I won’t make it.” Ellen breathed heavily.

  “It’s only a few hundred yards. How fast were your other two?”

  “Less than two hours each.”

  Dean smiled in relief. “Good, we have time.”

  Andrea looked sharply at him. “Dean, go upstairs and get things ready, just in case.”

  “What should I do?”

  “Get a shower curtain and lay it on the bed, cover that with two blankets. Get about four towels, folded, and two sheets to cover her with. Also, a pan of warm water. Do it now. I’m going to check her.”

  “I’ll do it.” Dean ran to the kitchen and got a clean pan, then flew up the steps.

  “Ellen, are you . . .” Andrea saw Frank still standing over them. “Frank, what are you doing here?”

  “Staying. This is the most excitement we’ve had in a while.”

  Andrea shook her head. “Find something to do. Ellen, are you sure you won’t make it over there?” Andrea’s hands moved about on Ellen’s stomach.

  “Positive.”

  “Then we’ll get you upstairs. I’ll run to the clinic.” She could hear Dean’s footsteps going quickly back and forth above her. She took hold of Ellen’s arm and helped her to the steps. “Dean, come down here and get her.”

  Dean bolted down, nearly falling halfway. “What do I do?”

  Ellen moaned loudly.

  “Take her upstairs, get her undressed, get her on the bed.”

  Frank interjected, “Oh, hey Dean, look, it’s the closest thing you get to getting laid again, since El took your virginity.”

  “You’re an ass, Frank.” Dean snapped.

  “Bite me.”

  “Blow me.”

  “Boys!” Andrea scolded. “Dean, where’s your coat?”

  “On the chair, where are you going?”

  “I’m making a mad dash to the clinic. Ellen and I prepared a surgical box for this. I’m going to go get it.” Andrea grabbed the coat. “Get her up there, Dean.”

  “Andrea.” Ellen stopped her. “You have to get Joe.”

  “I don’t think there’s much time.” Andrea tried to escape.

  “I will not have this baby without him here. I want Joe.” Ellen squeezed Andrea’s arm tighter.

  Frank pulled Ellen’s grip off Andrea’s arm. “I’ll get my Dad, El. I’ll make the announcement.” He bolted to the door. “And don’t have this kid until I get back.”

  “Andrea,” Ellen pleaded while waiting for Dean, “if you get back before Frank, lock the door.”

  Andrea laughed as she backed away. “I’ll remember that.” She darted out the door.

  Dean supported Ellen by the waist. “Please don’t have this baby until she gets back.”

  “Dean, you’re a doctor.”

  “Ellen, I saw one birth and I hated it.” He walked up the steps slowly with her. “There was way too much blood.”

  “I’ll try to hold off.” Ellen squinted in pain.

  “You’re being very brave through all this. Doesn’t it hurt that much?”

  Ellen stepped to the top step, holding on to Dean who held tightly around her waist. “You’re an asshole.”

  “Sorry.” Dean helped her get undressed. He took her to the bed, laid her down, and covered her. He went over to the window and stared out. “I don’t see her.”

  “Ellen!” Joe’s voice yelled from downstairs.

  “Joe.” Ellen smiled. “Up here.”

  Joe came into the bedroom with Frank. He raced to Ellen’s side. “Hey, honey, how are you?” He grabbed her hand and kissed it then kissed her on the cheek. “Thanks for telling me.”

  “I didn’t want you to miss this.”

  Joe placed his hand on her stomach. “Wow, you’re tight. It’s really close. I’m so happy. You know what this means, don’t you? It’s the first child born.” He looked over at Dean who still stood by the window. “So why is he over there?”

  Frank answered for her. “He’s being a baby about this.”

  “Joe . . .” Ellen squeezed Joe’s hand tighter. “Get Frank . . .” Her face turned red. “Out of here!”

  Just as Joe turned to yell at his son, Henry and George ran into the room.

  “We didn’t miss the baby yet, did we?” Henry asked.

  George patted Frank on the arm as he walked by. “Yeah, thanks, Frank, for knocking on the door and telling us.”

  Ellen grunted loudly. “What the hell is this? Dean . . . Dean . . .”

  “El shh.” Dean held up his hand looking out the window for Andrea.

  “Dean!” she screamed. “Look ...” She gripped Joe’s hand in pain. “Everyone’s here.”

  Dean turned from the window. “Come on, guys.” He spoke annoyed. “You’re dripping snow on my carpet.”

  Henry held up his hands. “Sorry. Hey Joe, shouldn’t she be breathing or something.”

  Frank rolled his eyes. “I think she knows how to do that, Henry.”

  Another second, another intrusion as John Matoose came barreling in. “What is it?”

  Jenny followed excitedly. “I heard you had the baby.”

  Flinging back her head with an arched neck, Ellen yelled through her pain. “Oh my God! What is going on?” She reached her hand out and hit an empty spot. “Joe?”

  Joe stopped his conversation with George. “Oh, sorry Ellen.” He took her hand and he winked to the observers in the room. “Contraction.”

  After her contraction had eased and Joe breathed through it with Ellen, he yelled to Dean. “What the hell are you doing? You’re a doctor, get over here.”

  Dean nervously shut the curtain
. “I am waiting for Andrea. But I don’t see her.”

  Ellen grabbed hold of Joe. “Joe, get his ass over here. Now!”

  “Dean!” Joe shouted to him.

  Dean parted the curtains. “Ellen, she’ll be here.”

  Ellen moaned loudly again. “Dean, it’s coming.”

  Dean let go of the curtain and ran to her side. “Shit, just hold on.”

  “Dean, the pressure, I can’t hold back.” Her face became red.

  “Don’t push! Don’t do it.” Dean begged.

  Joe looked at Ellen, then at Dean. “What do you mean? Get down there and handle this situation.”

  Frank waved his hand. “Fuck him, I’ll do it.” He walked to the edge of the bed and reached for the sheet.

  Dean flew over. “Frank! Don’t you dare.”

  “What? You aren’t doing your job. I’ve seen enough movies. I’ll handle this.” He reached again.

  “I’ll handle this.” Dean moved Frank’s hand.

  “Stop!” Ellen yelled throaty and deep and sounding possessed. “Don’t you dare lift that sheet with all these people in the room.”

  At that moment Andrea walked in, squeezing through. “What is going on in here? This is not a three-ring circus. Out!” She pointed to the door. “Wait in the hall. Out!” They didn’t budge. “All of you. You too, Frank.”

  “Nope. I’m not going. My kid.”

  Dean barked, “My kid.”

  “Fine. Both stay.” Andrea closed the door.

  “No!” Ellen yelled, “I’m irritated …” Ellen’s face winced.

  Andrea pulled items from the box, “Sweet Jesus, Dean, check her while I get things ready.”

  “Shit.” Dean walked to the bottom of the bed and hesitantly lifted the sheet over Ellen’s bent up knees. With one eye open, he looked down. “Ellen.” He smiled. “Oh, God, Ellen, I see the head. Joe, I can see the head. Look.”

  Joe shook his head. “No, thank you. I’ll pass.”

  Andrea walked over with the box she retrieved from the clinic. “Do you want to do this, Dean? You can.”

  “No. She’s all yours.” Dean released the sheet and inched his way to Ellen, nudging Frank out of the way.

  “Oh, I don’t think so.” Frank nudged Dean.