No Normal Day

by Richardson, J.

  They were all loaded, the stuffed bags in the bottom of the trailer, covered with three more blankets of Lynn's. The girls wanted their own pillows. They confiscated everything that they could take from the pantry. Lee has tied that bag to his rack. The girls spotted the sandwiches that “Gram” made and each had one, with a juice. They had never been bashful about eating. Jack realized how hungry he was, after the nausea of the previous hour and a half had subsided. He and Lee had a sandwich. Lynn just refused to eat at that time.

  Lee and Jack helped the three up on the mounded clothes and blankets. Lynn turned her back to her home and did not look back. They pulled away and followed a different route that Jack knew would keep them away from the apartment complexes. The route was a mile or more longer but he thought it would be safer. They got on a toll road that was very new and there had not been so many vehicles along the wide pavement. The road had an exit just a few blocks from Beth and Jack's neighborhood, they had a very uneventful trip back. Except for a couple of “I gotta go” stops, a fuel refill and a drink of warm water, they kept moving along. By 6:30, the group wound it's way through the division. It had been slow and the sun got pretty warm on them, after the stress of the day the girls were asleep against Lynn's legs and her head was nodding.

  Beth and Cody had heard the vehicles from a block away. They opened the tall heavy wooden doors that sealed off the back yard as the small procession came up the driveway, they motioned them in. The mower, loaded trailer, and ATV pulled straight through, over the back patio and into the yard. Beth and Cody close and secured the gates. The motors went silent. Mindy and Michelle jumped right out of the trailer, “Gram!” they both grabbed on to their grandmother. Lynn stood up a little stiffly. Lee said, “Here, let me help you.” As he put his hands on her waist and lifted, he noticed the brace on one leg, peeking out from the bottom of her jeans. In all the chaos at her house, he had not even noticed. They briefly exchanged a glance. He certainly had not noticed those big hazel eyes. Even with a swollen lip and a cheek that was starting to turn blue, this was a beautiful lady. Beth went to her, touched her hair and noticed the damage to her face, oh god, is that blood on her shoulder? “Oh sweetie, are you okay?”

  “I'm fine, Mom. Just real tired right now.”

  Beth says “Well, just sit. I am going to cook some burgers on the grill. I'm cooking up what I can before it all goes bad.” Cody stood nearby in his usual pose, hands in jean pockets.

  Beth pulled him over, her arm around his waist. “This is Cody. Don't know what I would have done without his help today. Cody, this is Lynn. And those two little behinds going in the door, belong to Mindy and Michelle.” Lynn managed a smile and said, “Hi, Cody”.

  “Lynn, I still have just a little ice, want a glass of tea?” said Beth. She locked eyes with Jack, he was beginning to pull some things off of the ATV. “And you, road warrior, what might be your pleasure be? There must be a story...”

  Jack cut her off, “My pleasure would be whiskey and the story can wait. Lee, I think there are about six beers in the back bottom of the fridge, my son-in-law left them. They won't be so cool, help yourself.”

  Lee and Cody followed Beth inside. The twins already sat at the kitchen bar and were playing cards by the light of the lantern. Though there was still light outside, the house inside was bathed in shadows. She dug a slightly cool beer from the fridge, mixed Jack a drink and gave them to Lee to take outside. Cody said he would like tea, she fixed a glass for him and a glass for Lynn and asked him to take it out. With a glass of wine for herself, she spread the burger patties on a tray and joined the others outside.

  Jack walked out of his garage with the end of an extension cord in his hand. “Lee, I've got a small gas generator out here. If you will put this cord through the window and stretch it into the kitchen to the refrigerator, we will run it and get the fridge cooled down. Maybe we will be able to run it a couple of hours or so a day and keep the fridge cooled down, even maybe keep some ice. Beth, later you need to dig around and see if you still have some old ice trays or figure out something we could use. We won't be able to have a lot, we will have to use it sparingly. We will see how we think our fuel is going to be, before we decide. For now lets just go with it.” He squeezed Lynn over and sat on the wicker loveseat with his drink.

  “Have any trouble today, Beth?” he said.

  “No, still mostly quiet around here. Cody and I did spot a person or two on the street that I didn't recognize, but then we certainly don't know everybody in our vicinity. No one has approached the house. With Cody's help, we got a place for him and Lee set up in my garage. In the front bedroom, we pulled that big tall wardrobe in front of the window. We turned the bed against the other wall to make a little more room for Lynn and the girls. We stowed the food that Lee brought in the storage closet.”

  Cody chimed in, “Yeah, and we made a rain catcher. See over there by the building?” The daylight was gone now and the wind had come up, blowing the tall old hardwoods around. A blue tarp stretched from the corner of the storage building to the nearest tree. There was enough slack in it to form a valley and it funneled down into a large plastic trash can. It was still visible in the growing dark.

  “That's great, you two” said Jack. “Looks like we might get some rain to collect. Cody, think we better secure that container down, it will probably blow over before it gets any water in it. Come with me, I'll see what we have in the shop.”

  Lee came out the back door and said, “Okay, got the fridge plugged up”, the three of them walk into the shop. The burgers were done, Beth and Lynn went inside to get the food together. She soon heard the whir-r of the refrigerator. The sound of raindrops could be heard on the roof. The guys came in, Jack had a drop light on a long cord and plug extender. He plugged the light in, on the cord with the refrigerator, draping it over an open cabinet door so that it illuminated the dining table and kitchen bar. The two girls sit at the bar and the other five of them gathered around the table to eat the hamburgers and the last of a bag of chips that had been in the pantry.

  Jack said, “In the morning, I want all of us to have a meeting, to try and get a handle on where we really stand right now. You know, a look at our supplies and water, some plans for how we might replenish things when we get low. Mainly, I want to discuss our security issues. I think we are still at fairly low risk but it is rapidly becoming high risk. Lee, are you a deep sleeper?”

  Lee swallowed a bite of burger and said, “Um-m, not really. Combat forces you to learn to sleep with one eye open.”

  “Well, I thought that would most likely be the case. Since you will be out in the garage and I will be sleeping in the back of the house, I don't think anyone has to stay up and watch tonight. We'll discuss future watches, tomorrow. Lynn, if you will tell me just what you and the girls need tonight, we'll get that in. We don't have to unload everything tonight. I am going to go out and get a some more water bottles for the small bath. I'll let the generator run for about another hour.” The rain still peppered down on the tarp as he dashed for the storage building.

  Beth cleared away dinner, looked at the expanding bag of trash, we will have to figure out how we are going to deal with that. She already had filled a dishpan with warm water heated on the stove and she dropped the glasses and silverware in, to wash in a while. Getting a flashlight from the counter, she lead Lee and Cody out through the small room, where the pantry was on one side and the washer and dryer on the opposite. Cody was looking pleased with himself as they showed Lee the accommodations. They had to walk around the SUV, which was parked near the door to the house. In the space next to it, where another car could have squeezed in, he had helped Beth clear out all the clutter and move it out to the storage building or Jack's shop, which was a generous two car garage.

  This garage was paneled with a cheap imitation wood paneling, various hooks and nails were scattered on the walls. A rather gaudy large battery clock, from an earlier time and decorating preference ticked away,
hanging near the tall stand of shelves that sat in front of the window. They had cleaned the junk from the shelves and some of Lee's and Cody's gear now huddled there. A big bottle of water, some throw away cups, a towel and couple of washcloths were on the top shelf. A single size roll away, fold out bed was on each side of the window, a wooden TV tray opened up beside each. Mismatched and slightly worn throw rugs softened the cold concrete floor next to each bed. Candles sat on each table, with matches beside them. Cody lit the candles and bounced gently on the side of a bed. The beds already had sheets, pillows, a blanket and folded up at the foot of the beds, some blankets that Lee and Cody brought. Over the years, Beth and Jack had bought about six of these beds, to have for family Christmases, etc., because they stored away and were actually darn comfy.

  Lee took it all in, rubbed the back of his neck. “Who would have ever thought a garage could look so homey? Thanks, Beth...you and Jack...for making Cody and I welcome. I really appreciate it.”

  Beth said, “No bother,” and winked at Cody, who was laying back on the pillow with his hands behind his head. Cody can show you where the bath is. If you are brave, you can stand in the tub and pour some of the cold water over your head. Our septic is still working. I left a flashlight on the counter. She clapped her hands together, “Well, I am going to wash my dishes and start getting ready for bed.”

  Lee said, “I'll go see if Jack needs anything else”.

  Before the dishes, she went down the hall to the front bedroom. The girls were getting settled in, they of course, were quite familiar with the house. Lynn gingerly wiped her face with a damp cloth. Beth knew that she hated to be coddled. She said, “Lynn, if you need to talk to me about anything, you know I am here.” She had explained the bath situation, earlier.

  “I know, Moma. Don't worry.”

  Jack and Lee came in the back door, there was still water dripping from the edge of the covered back patio. Beth was moving to the kitchen sink. A sharp POW! echoed outside, not right by but not so far away. Jack and Lee hustled to the front door. “Lock up,” Jack said to Beth. They stayed under the porch roof and let their eyes adjust to the dark. Jack put his hand on his gun and moved slowly out to the drive, Lee right behind him. There was another POW! This time it was obvious, the noise was coming from somewhere near the highway. They can hear voices, broken, shouting and then things got quiet.

  Lee said, “Look, I think I see someone running”. The rain had turned to a mist, it was so inky with no stars, it was impossible to see very far. They stood still in the driveway for a few more minutes, watching.

  “Let's get back in” said Jack. The wet had already dampened their clothes. Beth let them in, locked back up, she gave Jack a worried look. He said, “It was somewhere up closer to the highway, something going on.”

  “But, that's not very far, Jack.”

  “I know. I still think, that for a little longer there will be plenty of places for the slugs to loot, cars...stores. Tomorrow, we will start making some plans. With Lee and I in the house, I feel pretty good about tonight. Let's all try to get some rest.” Jack patted Lee on the back, “Go ahead, get some sleep. See ya in the morning.”

  Beth put out the lantern, left the dishes for morning. Once again, she and Jack went to sleep with fingers entwined. There would be a fresh plan. She knew that it would not get rid of the rock of worry that laid in the bottom of her stomach, about the rest of the family. It would keep her moving, though.

  Chapter Three

  OFF BASE

  JASON and DIANNE,

  It was early morning, Jason stood under the sprawling old live oak trees in his back field. The fire of a cigarette glowed in his hand. He was not at all sure what he should be doing. Something had most certainly gone wacko. It was the start of the weekend and he was off duty. About three months earlier, he and Dianne bought this great little place and moved off base. It lay twenty five miles plus, from the central Texas military complex that had been his home base for about four of the eight years he had been in the Army, just a little farther from Dianne's job in town. It was just the two of them at home now and they loved this place, even though it was quite isolated. Three acres, a remodeled house and about ten miles to a town with basic necessities. The roads that lead to the place from the nearest highway, were gravel, narrow and thickly overhung with tree limbs.

  Dianne walked up behind him, encircled his waist,“What cha' think, Babe?” He exhaled some smoke, snuffed the cigarette out and pulled her around. She was so much shorter than him, he placed his chin on the top of her head and smelled her soft black hair. “Maybe your crazy momma is smarter than we think”. He had always, just mostly laughed off his mother-in-law's talk of end-of-the-world, apocalyptic events. He had seen plenty of bad things and didn't kid himself about the craziness of the world. Yet, he had been busy being a good soldier, busy being a husband, busy trying to mesh together “his” kids and “her” kids. When he was state-side, he was just damned glad to be in the United States of America, no time to fret over the complicated state of affairs or things that might happen.

  “Well, we don't really know what has happened, do we?” said Dianne as she moved back and looked up at her tall lean husband.

  “Did you get in touch with the kids?” he asked.

  Dianne replied, “Of course, not. The phone won't work, not even the cell.”

  “Right, and neither your car or my truck will start. Look over there, it's that car that goes by here ten times a day. It's stopped right there at the corner. Something big is wrong, this is not just a typical power outage,” said Jason

  “What do you think we should do?” said Dianne.

  “I don't know yet. I feel like I should be on the base. I am trying to think this through,” he said.

  “Jason...the base! How would you get there? Anyway, I don't want you to leave. You know I never complain, even when you are deployed. But, this has me spooked.”'

  Jason smiled at her, “You think I haven't hiked a lot further than twenty five miles with a heavy pack on my back? Hey, where's that battery radio that your mother gave us for Christmas?”

  “I'll go look for it, come on in,” she pulls on his hand.

  The coffee had just finished brewing when the power had gone off. Of course, it was cold, so Dianne put it in a sauce pan and warmed it on the gas stove. She didn't drink coffee, Jason drank several cups in the morning. She poured herself a glass of Dr. Pepper and took the coffee to the table, where Jason was already sitting. They heard the gate clanging around and someone shouting, “Yoo-hoo, Dianne...Jack? Are you there?” They had purposely started locking the gate when they realized what a pestering busy body, the neighbor Mrs. Lingner was. They rolled their eyes at each other and Dianne stepped out on the front porch. “Hello, Mrs. Lingner, what's up?”

  Mrs. Lingner's words all ran together in a rush, “Do you have power, Dianne? Mine is off and something is wrong with the cars, too. Isn't that weird? Is Jason at home? I was thinking since he is in the Army and all, he would know what is happening...know what to do”.

  “I am sorry, but Jason and I don't know what's going on either. All of our stuff is dead, too. If we figure anything out, we will let you know. See you later.” Dianne turned and went in the house, leaving the neighbor opened mouthed at the gate.

  The late morning rolled into the late afternoon, as they waited, talking about what could have possibly happened and some options of what they could do. They were increasingly concerned about their children. Jason did not want to tell Dianne yet, how strongly he was considering hiking to the base. I really need to know what is going on. Everything around them remained quiet. Dianne got the radio out and for the fourth or fifth time, they searched through the channels, trying to get a broadcast. This time they hit on a voice, broken and nearly not understandable over static but it was someone talking.

  “...all roadways clogged...no cars runni.. been no explanation....base is locked down....no law or military on the streets...looting...danger
ous in city.”

  Jason twisted the dial, trying to get a better signal when they heard a low humming of a motor and a horn honked at the gate. Dianne ran to the front porch. “Oh, thank god, it's the kids...Jason, it's the kids!” Jason sprinted down the steps and to the gate, unlocked and swung it back. The long heavy old car that belonged to Dianne's daughter Kathryn and her husband, Tate, rolled in and he closed and locked the gate behind it. Tate was driving, Kathryn beside him on the bench seat. Dianne's twenty one year old son, Dane and Jason's eighteen year old son, Matt, sat in the back. The grand-baby BJ, age eighteen months, was between them in his car seat. Everyone piled out. Kathryn took her baby and hugged him. The toddler reached out for his grandmother, Dianne. She took BJ and Kathryn began to cry.

  “Oh Momma, it was awful in town. We don't know what happened, cars were blocking us everywhere and the cell wouldn't work. We don't know why that big hunk of junk is running and I think we are nearly out of gas. We went to the college to get Dane, you know how far that is...and we stopped and found Matt.” She hugged her step father, who she really accepted as her dad. They all moved into the house. Tate took his son to change his diaper. Matt went right to the refrigerator and pulled out a cola for he and Dane. “Still cold”, said Dane after a sip.

  Jason said, “You know that big ride of yours is probably running because it is so old.” Tate and Kathryn had both been trying to go to school and work and they have the baby. His grandmother passed the station wagon along to them. She had owned it since it was brand new, over 40 years ago. She kept it in a garage and took perfect care of it. So, it was a gas sucking goliath of a relic but still ran and hardly had a nick on it. He continued, “I remember reading that older cars might still run after something knocked out all of the ones with computers and electronics.”

  Tate said, “I was thinking the same thing. Not going to do us much good without gas though and all the gas pumps are down.” He sat BJ down on the floor with some toys. They all gathered around the long table.