At Night's End

by Benham, Tara

  Before I even had time to think, Ever was beside me whispering her suspicions about Denver. I was glad to know that she was on the same page as me. “Don’t you think she has been acting a little strange these past few days?” Her voice made me think of those old timey detectives from the shows my dad likes to watch sometimes.

  “I was just going to ask you the same thing. I think we need to keep an eye out on her for a while until we can decipher what the deal is, don’t you think?” Ever agreed wholeheartedly with my plan. For the next thirty minutes before I had to start my perimeter check and Ever had to go down to the lab with Dad we came up with a schedule and plan to ensure we were able to keep an eye out for Denver. We even decided that we would try to get the boys involved.

  “Ever!” We heard Dad’s call from the basement. For someone who was so pro-technology, Dad always refused to use the intercom if it wasn’t necessary. We rolled our eyes at each other before she responded.

  “Coming!” Ever winked at me, grabbed two soda cans and ran down to the basement to start her day with Dad. I’m glad it was her and not me. I am definitely an outside person. I enjoy the sunshine on my skin and the sweat from the work which let me know I had been doing something productive. On the rare occasion that I did have to work in the lab, it was very interesting but was not my top pick of training.

  I was putting away the remaining dishes left over from breakfast when Henry came into the kitchen. He was wearing ragged blue jeans, a sweaty t-shirt and brown work boots. It was so hot outside that I wasn’t sure how he stood it, but I guess growing up Amish would adapt you to a lot of things that would be foreign to me.

  “Good morning McCaid.”

  “Good morning Henry. Would you like any breakfast, water or coffee?”

  “No thank you, I’ve already had some breakfast and coffee. How are you doing this morning?” His voice was deep and silky which seemed to put me in a hypnotic trance. He was close enough that I could smell his earthy smell and the goat milk soap that he uses because his mom thinks that the “Englishers” soap will damage his skin. Again, I must have been staring because when I didn’t answer immediately he cleared his throat. I shook my head to clear it and when I glanced up he had a half smile that was somewhat similar to Micah’s lazy smile.

  “Oh, um, I’m good. I was just about to walk around the perimeter and do a check. What are you doing today?” In my dreamy state I had hoped he was here strictly just to see me, but I knew him well enough that he wouldn’t do that to me or to Dad.

  “I was coming in to ask Mr. Dobbins if that exact task needed to be done this morning. So maybe I can join you to help make quicker work of it for the both of us.” It was more of a request than a statement, but there was a slight twinge of hope in his voice as well. He had such a cute boyish look on his face that I just couldn’t say no. I nodded and placed the last of the dishes in the dishwasher.

  “Okay, let’s go!” We were silent for the first couple of check points. It was not that uncomfortable or awkward silence, it was nice. I was enjoying his company and the sounds of nature that was surrounding us.

  I stopped at the next check point and noticed him staring like he was battling some internal conflict with himself. His hair had started to curl just at the top of his head, and had fallen somewhat into his eyes. His cheeks were sun kissed and he had a smattering of a few freckles just on the bridge of his nose. Just as I was about to ask him if everything was okay he finally broke the silence.

  “I’ve been meaning to ask you for forgiveness for the forwardness that I presented last night. When you wrapped your arms around me, I knew you needed comforting but I feel like I overstepped my boundaries.” I interrupted him before he could finish.

  “Henry, no, please, don’t apologize. You didn’t cross any boundaries that I didn’t want you to cross. We both know Dad’s rules and I understand why he has them, but that doesn’t mean I agree with them. I wanted to hug you, feel your arms and strength to surround me, to comfort me.” I was trying to be as earnest as I could in explaining my feeling for him, when he leaned forward and lightly kissed my lips. His lips were sweet, tender and quick. He seemed happy with his choice and confident that his actions were reciprocated. Henry placed his forehead against mine and whispered “good to know”. He stepped away, winked and suggested that we continue our checks. I wasn’t sure if I was breathing or not, but the signs that I could walk and feel a racing heart beat let me know I must be breathing. For the rest of the time while doing the checks we spoke about his family, my mom, the training and our shared loved of all things outdoors. As we were finishing the last of our checks I heard a rustling in the trees behind me. I turned around and caught sight of something or someone ducking behind a tree. It kind of looked like Denver, or at least someone wearing her jacked but I couldn’t be completely sure.

  “Did you see that?”

  “Probably a deer or something. We are close to the creek, so we probably just startled it. I’m sure it’s fine.” He didn’t seem to be too concerned, and he made a valid point. He still had a slight smile on his face which I liked probably more than I should.

  “Yeah, you’re probably right.” I tried to give a reassuring smile, but made a mental note to tell Ever. Also I needed to ask Darcy is she had been with Denver all day.

  “We should probably be heading back soon. I have to go help Micah get the rest of everyone’s stuff into the guest house.”

  “Yeah, okay. I need to be getting back so that I can begin lunch for everyone too. Thank you for helping me with the perimeter check.”

  “You’re welcome” And as simple as that, we were headed our separate ways. I couldn’t wait to tell Ever, not only about what I saw but also about that kiss. Oh, that kiss! Just thinking about that kiss made me subconsciously touch my lips. Grinning, I picked up my pace and headed towards the house.

  Chapter 12

  Our kitchen was located in the back of the house off to the right when someone came into the house. We had an old colonial home and we hadn’t changed much of it other than the floors, adding technology, the basement and the colors of the rooms. I loved our kitchen. It had a wash basin in the back still and old wooden slat cabinets. There is an island that separated the kitchen from our very large, very open dining room. I had just about finished the sandwiches when Baxlie walked in looking relaxed and at home already.

  “Hungry?” I was about to turn around to tell him he could have any of the sandwiches just as he was bending around me to pick one up off the plate causing us to bump heads.

  “Ow! Man McCaid you’ve got a hard head.” He was already on the verge of laughter as he backed away and rubbed his forehead.

  “Well yours isn’t exactly soft I’d have you know!” I was rubbing my forehead as well making sure he heard the mirth in my voice with my response. “Was there something specific you were wanting from the plate?” I managed to sputter between laughs, I couldn’t really see him much through the tears that were forming in my eyes.

  “Nah, I was just reaching for a sandwich is general. When I first came into the kitchen I had decided if lunch was ready I could at least cook for everyone.”

  “You can cook?” I raised an eyebrow teasing his with mock surprise.

  Baxlie was known specifically for being a genius with computers and being a phenomenal cook.

  “Well, I use to be able to, but who knows now what with this new head trauma I’ve recent suffered.” He was quick with catching on to the banter he was able to respond with his own retort. He had a nice smile that reached up to his eyes. He seemed to enjoy being here bantering with me in my kitchen. Ever would have a field day with all the things I was going to have to talk to her about by this nights end.

  “Oh no, I better call for a doctor then. I can’t allow the only person with mad kitchen skills to be injured.”

  “No doctor can help, I’ll need therapy.”

  I was unable to respond back because Denver and Darcy came into the room.

>   “Hey, Baxlie.” Denver’s voiced oozed honey that would make any sick. Darcy must have noticed it this time because she kind of gave a quick side glance at Denver.

  “Hey Denver, hey Darcy. I was just grabbing a sandwich before heading down to switch mine and the girl’s classes to online ones.” Baxlie’s easy going mood was gone and now he was acting as if he were uncomfortable for some reason. The space between us had grew some since the girls showed up and he wouldn’t make eye contact with me afterwards either.

  “Well too bad I was busy unpacking or I could have made you a real lunch.”

  “Denver!” Darcy was outright taken aback by Denver’s rudeness. Generally whenever Darcy is around Denver may be a little snarky but never rude to me or Ever even. Darcy really seemed to not to notice Denver’s action most of the time, but she’s been noticing more often than not the way she acts.

  “It’s okay Darce. I was about the make the chore schedule and since Denver feels she’s a more adequate cook than I am she can take both the first rotation and my rotation this week and next.” I turned to place the soda cans and bags of chips on the table, but even with my back towards her I felt her seething from my response. I heard what sounds like a snicker covered by a cough from Baxlie most likely as he headed towards the lab. Seconds later, I heard a harumph and then stomping. Denver will have to learn very quickly whom she can speak to like that and whom she can’t. At the rate she was going she might be having a lot of extra chores in the house. Part of my responsibilities since I was ten was to make the chores list. In the beginning it was just for me and Darcy, but as people moved in I had to take on the responsibility of adding them to the rotations as well. Dad always stands by my decisions, so I was unconcerned that Denver would try to go to him about what I had said. Plus for the first time I knew that Darcy would back me up instead of her. And now I had another thing to add to my long growing list of things to tell Ever. When I turned back around, Darcy was still standing there.

  “Caidee I’m so sorry. I don’t know what is wrong with her these past few days. Please don’t get mad at me.” The tears were brimming her eyes. In several steps I made my way to her and wrapped her in a hug. For all the strength she’s been showing these past couple of days, I had to remember she was still only fifteen years old.

  “Oh Darcy, I’m not mad at you. Denver’s always like that with you. You just haven’t noticed it until now.” We were still hugging when Denver hollered from the living room that there was a new news cast airing. We released each other immediately and ran into the other room.

  “Thank you Ann. I am here at the CDC where Mr. Shepherd has just came out to give an update the situation at hand. Let’s have a listen now as he speaks. ‘Ladies and gentlemen. As I speak, we are continuing to see progress with the antidote. We have had 2 other people show up to begin to receive the antidote. Unfortunately they only received the vaccination just a few days, which means that this new outbreak may be moving quicker, and we are still unsure if it is contagious, and we don’t know how it would be transmitted between people if contagious. You should treat this like any other seasonal outbreak of the flu and follow the regular precautions. That is all that we can report to you this evening. Thank you and good night.’ “You heard it right here from the director himself. Please remember to wash your hands, don’t share drinks and use antibacterial hand sanitizer when possible after touching shared surfaces such as door knobs and shopping carts. If you notice any symptoms that are out of the ordinary such as bleeding from the eyes, coughing up blood, or sudden high fevers, please seek medical attention. Hopefully we will have further information for you by our six o’clock broadcast.

  “Well that’s good news I guess.” I jumped at the sound of Ever’s voice behind me. The sarcasm seemed to drip from her voice. She must have made her way up sometime during the broadcast.

  “I should let Dad know and maybe he can verify the reports.”

  “No need to tell me, I heard. I would like to believe them that the antidote is working but until I can get further reports in my email I wouldn’t take it to heart just yet. Especially now they are saying it may be contagious. We will stay the course.”

  “Yes sir” was the resounding answer from all of us.

  The guys were all walking through the door, so Dad went to give them the update. He had the normal stress crease in his forehead, but didn’t seem to have much tension in his voice as I would have expected if he was more concerned than he was leading us to believe he was, besides if the broadcast was true we should be okay soon. As Dad was talking to the guys, I turned back to the television and noticed that Denver was glaring at me. When she was sure I noticed, she scooped her arm into Darcy’s and lead her outside.

  “Um what exactly was that evil stare down about?” I recapped the whole situation to her as we ate our sandwiches. I included my thoughts about her possibly following me earlier and then very quickly hoping she wouldn’t notice I slipped in my kiss with Henry both today’s and last nights. “WHAT? WHAT??” She was practically jumping up and down. “Oh my God! You must tell me the entire story, every detail. Right this instant.” Her eyes were sparkling. She looked like she might be able to breathe again if I didn’t start talking and soon.

  “Not here” I tittered “but I will I promise. Let’s finish our lunches and then when we go upstairs to make the schedule of chores of this month, we can talk.” I’m pretty sure that was the fastest I have ever seen her eat before causing me to chuckle. We finished eating, put away our plates and headed to the room to make the monthly schedule. As I recanted the kiss and the hug from last night, she sat completely still enraptured to the fullest. She squealed and clapped when I finished.

  “Oh McCaid, how dreamy! I wish Micah would kiss me” she sighed.

  “Ever, he might want to but hadn’t had the opportunity yet. Have you thought about that?” I wiggled my eye brows at her.

  “Yeah, maybe.” She leaned up against my bed with a dreamy look in her eyes. As she dreamed and possibly plotted, I finished the schedule. I gladly gave the next two weeks of meal duty to Denver. Baxlie was given laundry duty, Ever and I had property checks, Darcy had dishes and Milo would be responsible for gathering the fresh fruits and vegetables from the garden. Cooking was my least favorite chore and so I was glad that I didn’t have to do it for this month. I finished the calendar and noticed Ever had fallen asleep. I slowly crawled across towards her and just as I was right beside her and preparing to scare her, she jumped at me. “AGH!! EVER!” I smacked her arm as she fell over laughing so hard she was no longer making noise and tears were rolling off her face. I couldn’t resist her laughing and started too.

  “I’m sorry….” her snorts started making speech harder “…..I just couldn’t help myself. There was so much determination on your face, I just had to. Oh, my stomach hurts.”

  “It’s okay I was just about to do the same thing.” I was clutching my sides trying to catch my breath.

  We were just regaining our composure when Darcy knocked on the door casing. “Hey guys, Dad’s asking for the schedule for the month, and also wants to discuss another possible trip. What is so funny?” We were just calming down some with then news of another possible trip, but with her question and look of confusion we lost it all over again.

  “I totally just scared the bejeezus out of her, which serves her right. If I hadn’t done it to her, she would have gotten me instead.” Ever winked at Darcy. She loved to plot a good scare out of me whenever she possible.

  “I am sad I missed it then. Well if y’all are done we better head down to meet with Dad.”

  CHAPTER 13

  Gathering ourselves and the calendar we made up our way down to the kitchen. Thankfully Denver was being cooperative and already had gotten all of us drinks and placed them on the table.

  “Hey guys!”

  Suspiciously enough she was being friendly towards us. The raise of Ever’s eyebrows left little doubt that our thoughts were on the same pat
hs. Darcy seemed taken aback too, but recovered quickly and leaned in to give her a side hug. “Thank you Denver for getting these ready for us.”

  “No problem. I mean, it is my week right?” The flash of menace was not missed by anyone except for Dad. I could see Ever straining to not roll her eyes. While we were upstairs we had decided to try to keep the peace until we could find out what she was up to exactly.

  “Way to join the team?” Dad praised Denver quickly. Dad scanned the table noticing that the guys were absent. “Where are the guys? We can’t start without them.”

  “I’ll go get them Dad.” The word Dad came out very smarmy.

  “Thank you Denver, but hurry up we are running on limited time.” Dad made an almost dismissive wave of his hand before he caught himself. He gave Denver a sheepishly apologetic look. He was really running in business mode which meant whatever this meeting was, it must have been important. Ever was leaning towards me about to whisper something when Baxlie came into the dining room.

  “Vic? Have you received any more research from the CDC yet?” His question about the medication made us both stop so we could listen in. There was an edge of anxiety in his voice which was very uncharacteristic of him.

  “Baxlie, have a seat. That’s part of what I need to talk to everyone about. So forgive me but I’ll wait until everyone is here before I answer.”

  “Sounds good to me sir.”

  “Mr. Dobbins did you need me?” Master Sergeant Long peeped his head into the dining area. “I passed Denver on her way out to the guest house and she said there was going to be a meeting.”

  “Yes, actually it’d be beneficial if you did listen in, you may be able to offer some insightful input.”

  “Yes sir. The rest should be here soon.” Master Sergeant Long sat down at the opposite end of the table from Dad. Just as he had finishing pulling out his pen and paper we heard the hyena like laugh of Denver and three masculine ones that had to belong to Milo, Micah and Henry. As they entered the room the boys seemed taken aback that we were all there waiting for them.