The Last Tribe

by Brad Manuel

  “I might actually be the last one up.” He mumbled. He was too cold to care, and quickly shuffled back into the house and up the stairs to the bedroom.

  The boys were in bed with Emily. They were talking and giggling under the covers, trying to stay warm. “I have to go to the bathroom, but it’s too cold.” Emily told them.

  “It’s cold, colder than we’ve been in a while, but you’ll survive.” Todd looked at a chair in the corner of the room. There were two bathrobes made of thick fleece neatly placed across the back. “I wish I had seen these before I went.” He picked up a robe and held it for Emily. “I believe you are in luck. Here is a robe for you, and it is thick and fuzzy.”

  She reluctantly got out from under the covers, slipped on her boots and the robe, and left the room. Todd debated whether or not to put another log on the fire when he heard a knock on the door.

  “Uncle Todd?” It was Matt.

  “Yes?”

  “We have breakfast going at the other house. I can take Brian and Jay if you want to sleep in longer.”

  “Matt, come on in.” Todd turned to the kids. “Why don’t you two go up with your cousin and get some breakfast. I’ll wait for your mother, and follow you in a second.”

  Matt opened the door and stood in the room next to the fire. The hallway was cold, and he warmed himself. “Everyone is there, and we have plenty of food.” He turned to his cousins. “You should get your clothes on and we can go to Greg’s cottage. It’s pretty neat if you haven’t seen it.”

  Jay and Brian had yet to see the mythical “cottage” and wanted a peak at the legendary abode. They were out of bed and into warm clothes in seconds.

  “Be good, and I’ll see you in a few minutes.” Todd gave a nod to Matt. “Thanks, Matt, I appreciate it. Save me what you can, particularly some coffee.”

  “You got it. Come on guys.” Matt and the two boys bounced down the stairs, passing a running Emily, hurrying to get back to the warm room.

  “Get in here so I can shut the door.” Todd called to her.

  “Why do you think I’m running?” She said, slightly out of breath.

  Emily hurried around her husband as he closed the door. Todd examined the room for the first time. There was a sitting bench at the end of their bed. “Let’s pull that next to the fire, get warm before we go back outside and up to the cottage.”

  “I love you.” Emily started. “And I realize it’s been a while since we’ve been ‘alone,’ and while we have an opportunity right now,” she paused again, “It’s too cold.”

  “Okay, I wasn’t thinking that, but then I was, and now I’m not again. Thank you. I assume we have to be in a warmer climate before we renew our marital relations?” Todd asked.

  “At least 60 outside, and inside for that matter.” Emily’s comment highlighted that is was only in the low 60’s in their room.

  “Here’s what I want to talk about quickly.” Todd started, ignoring the other conversation. He sat down on the bench close to the fire. “Ah, it’s a lot warmer when you are almost sitting in the fire.” He patted the spot next to him, inviting Emily.

  “So the way I see the dynamic, at least right now, you and I need to agree about where our family goes. I know that sounds obvious, but what I mean is,”

  She cut him off, “You want to make sure you and I are on the same page before we speak to the other Dixon’s at which point you want to approach the entire tribe, right?”

  “I think so, don’t you? I mean, in theory you and I could take the kids and the dog and go our separate way. I don’t think we would do that, but if something weird happens, if the dynamic of the group turns into something we don’t agree with, well, I want to make sure you and I are good.”

  She leaned over and kissed him. “We are going to be fine. I will formally state, I don’t believe separating from your brothers is a good idea, and I will probably say the same for separating from Melanie and Solange. I cannot speak for them, maybe they want to leave. I wouldn’t mind keeping Kelly around so she can take care of Hubba.”

  “Funny.” Todd replied. “I’m starting to think it might be Hubba ahead of me.”

  “You’d be right some days.” She stood. “Let’s get some coffee and breakfast before it’s all gone.” She took off her robe and found her clothes. Emily brought in overnight bags when Todd went up to the cottage. “I have some clothes in here for you. Rebecca said it was going to warm up today, probably be in the high 40’s, maybe even mid 50’s. Maybe this sweater will work for later.” She pulled a half zip cashmere sweater out of a bag and tossed it to him.

  Todd sat on the bench, keeping warm by the fire.

  “You believe Rebecca now too?” Todd asked her, standing up to take off his pajamas and dress for the day.

  “I’m not sure what that means, but yes, talk to her for five minutes, you’ll understand. She’s working above our heads. She’s a fantastic girl, and bright as hell doesn’t begin to describe her intelligence. I wish you could have seen Ahmed try to talk quant with her. He was some high flying investment banker, talked about analytics, wanted to know her methodologies. She wasn’t rude or condescending, but she politely destroyed him. She started talking about assumptions, parameters, working models, regression analysis, heck, I don’t know what she was talking about, but Ahmed didn’t either. After a minute, he smiled and threw up his hands in a mock bowing gesture.”

  “When did all this happen?” Todd appeared to have missed much of the evening.

  “You were off making dinner or putting kids to bed. You know I’m the social one. You’re always trying to avoid people through projects. I talk and listen.” She dressed and sat on the bench by the fire. “Come on, let’s go pokey.”

  Todd pulled on his socks and boots, and they made their way out of the house and to the cottage. When they walked out of the front door they saw John opening the driver’s door to an RV.

  “Want a ride up?” He waved to them. “We are moving one of these to the Cottage.”

  “Sure.” Emily waved back. She and Todd jogged to the big vehicle. “What’s up? Why are we moving it?”

  “For the bathroom, we can move and empty these when the bathrooms are full. The port-o-john was fine for two people, a stretch for four people, but not practical for all of us.” John turned the key and the engine fired up. “Plus, I think these bathrooms are more comfortable, and the kids feel safer using them.”

  “Sorry I bailed last night. I was exhausted.” Todd said to John, putting his hand on his brother’s shoulder.

  “I made that drive. I understand. Besides, we have plenty of time to talk. There are expeditions out right now, fishing at the trout pond, checking traps, and finding a place for the kids to play.” He looked at them and smiled. “You two are late to the party this morning.”

  “There better be coffee left.” Emily said in a threatening tone.

  “There is food and coffee. We have you covered. It’s great to have milk and eggs to work with, particularly when cooking for such a large group. It is going to be a challenge keeping everyone fed unless we get to an ocean or find more game.” The RV stopped in front of the cottage.

  Emily looked out the window. “So this is it, the famous Webster Cottage.” She turned to John. “How did Greg figure out to stay here? You have one smart and lucky kid.”

  “I have no idea. I had to find a house with solar power cells to keep myself going all winter. He and Rebecca lived colonial style. They even have a bathtub. She barely knows how to drive, and yet they brought a grocery van full of food and supplies from Concord, including chickens, and found this old home. They lived pretty well.”

  John turned the RV off and started to get out.

  Todd grabbed his arm. “John, before we go into the house, what kind of long range plans do you have in mind?”

  “Today? I’m going to relax a little.”

  “You know what I’m talking about, come on.”

  “Geesh, when did you get so sensitive?” Jo
hn looked at Emily. “Maybe he needs the coffee more than you do.”

  “There are some mornings.” Emily laughed. “Seriously, John. We know the situation. We can’t settle in Hanover, but we can’t force other people to do what they don’t want to do. I’m sure that our family, the big family, can come to a decision on our next steps. How much are we considering the inclusion of outside people?”

  “That’s the question, isn’t it?” John opened his arms in a fleeting gesture. “I’m not prepared to leave some of these people, but you’re right, we can’t force them to come with us. We can’t force them to become farmers or fishermen. Maybe they have better ideas. I agree with you, the Dixon family will stay together.”

  Emily looked out the window at the cottage again. “I’m not sure the new people aren’t Dixons at this point. You know?” She turned to look at her husband and brother in law.

  “How about we decide this, we are open and forthright with our plans with everyone. We let the chips fall. I wouldn’t call this a secret meeting, but let’s limit these types of family only discussions, and try to treat this as an actual tribe.” John shrugged his shoulders. “That might be the best way to handle this small a group.”

  Todd agreed. “Well, my short-term goal is to use our time in Hanover, however long that time is, a week, two weeks, the summer, whatever, to learn to be a tribe. To discover our skill sets, get stronger where we are weak, create a team. I don’t like the politics or decision dynamics that might come into play. I am not a coward or spineless with my opinion, but I do not enjoy the discussions on our future when we splinter into groups.” Todd paused.

  “But you just brought it up with me behind closed doors.” John replied.

  “I know, and I shouldn’t have, you can see how poorly I did it.” Todd walked towards Emily and the side door of the RV. “Okay, coffee and breakfast, then let’s see what needs to be done.”

  John sat in the driver’s seat. He was not sure what just happened. “I could use some more coffee too, especially after that conversation.” Before John jumped out of the driver’s door, Jaclyn came in the side door.

  “Hi Mr. John, just using the bathroom, if that’s okay.” She said politely. She was a great kid. John never had a daughter and did not know his nieces. Jaclyn was his first experience with a girl. He was enjoying it.

  “That’s why I brought it up here.” He jumped down and walked around. There was a queue forming at the side of the RV. “Is everyone going to use the bathroom?” He asked.

  “Yes.” A chorus of children told him.

  “Sounds good to me, I’ll be inside.” John strode passed the line of children and into the cottage for a fresh cup of coffee.

  John heard Paul and Todd having an animated conversation in the kitchen. He walked through the living room, waving to Melanie sitting on the couch playing Go Fish with three of the kids. John found his brothers and Emily eating and talking. He entered the middle of the conversation.

  “You never went there?” Todd asked.

  “The roads just cleared, literally, just cleared this week. Not only did I not think about it, we had no way to get there. Let’s try today. If there is anything to salvage, we need to salvage it before the thaw let’s more critters into the supplies.” Paul sat on a barstool sipping what John guessed was his fifth cup of coffee.

  “Paul? Have you moved from that spot in the last two hours?” John asked him.

  “I got up to get coffee when no one would get it for me. Does that count?”

  “No.” John told him. “Where did you not go? What is Todd talking about?”

  “The flour company with its headquarters, factory, and factory store across the river in Norwich or White River. We might be able to find flour that will last us a long time.” Paul took another sip. “We have to get the Suburban anyway. We’ll make a side trip to find it. Can you imagine how much they might have there?” Paul looked over at Todd. “Scones, there might be boxes and boxes of scones mix.”

  “I don’t like scones, too dry. They are like drop biscuits, not a fan.” Todd told him. “Did you know I have a pizza oven in the trailer?”

  “You have a pizza oven? When were you going to tell me?” Paul set his coffee down.

  “I did just arrive yesterday afternoon, so I…” Todd was cut off before he could finish.

  “Are there other secrets you’ve been keeping? What supplies do you have?”

  “Well, I took some art from the Metropolitan, you would probably like the Van Gogh I have, and we picked up the Constitution and Declaration of Independence when we were in DC. Oh, and Peter, he’s the older gentleman, he has a letter that the President wrote for survivors. It was on the desk in the Oval office.” Todd stopped. “Does that sound about right, John?”

  “Yeah, I think that’s it for the big stuff. We have food and clothes and things like that, but the big things are the art, historical documents, and the pizza oven.”

  “Hank and I rode bikes across the country to get here. I’m sorry we didn’t take more time to stop and sightsee like you did.” Paul held up his hand in mock anger. “I’m going to get ready for the day. I’ll talk to both of you later.” He stomped out of the kitchen towards the bedroom to get dressed. He was sleeping at the old house, but his clothes were still at the cottage.

  “Wow, he was so mad he left his barstool.” Todd picked at the strata made from eggs, last night’s bread, and some kind of sausage. “Where did we get sausage?” He asked John.

  “Hank used the grinder on the leftover squirrel and rabbit. He’s turned into quite a sausage maker. He was talking about making a bunch of moose sausage.” John took another sip. “He’s off fishing with a group that includes Antonio, if you can believe it. What did I miss that turned him around?”

  “Solange.” Emily said through a mouth full of breakfast casserole. She sat at the kitchen table enjoying the brother’s conversation. “Tony, that’s what he likes to be called, mouthed off to Todd in Spanish. She walked up to him and slapped him right across the face, went off on him in front of everyone. She told him to grow up or get the hell out. She spoke to him in Spanish, whispered into his ear, and he’s been the new Tony ever since.” She took another bite of food. “She’s the big sister he never had, the big sister that would have kept him in line and not let him join a gang.” Emily spoke with her mouth full of food. She was hungry. “Tony grew up on the water, his father was a ferry boat captain for New Jersey Transit. He’s probably fished his whole life.” She took a sip of coffee.

  “Wow.” John said with a smile. “That woman surprises me every day. Good for her and for him.”

  “I bet she does.” Emily replied with an even larger smile.

  “And what is that supposed to mean?” He asked her.

  “Nothing, nothing, never mind.” Emily put her head down, smiling from ear to ear, continuing with her breakfast.

  “Where is Solange this morning?” Todd asked to break the silence.

  “She went with Greg and Matt to check traps. Bernie, Peter, and Jamie are talking about finding a better place for the kids to play. With all of the snow, there’s no open area. I told them to move some chairs and tables and use a room in the library. It will be cold, but it will be dry and snow free.”

  “Back to our earlier conversation, it appears we are settling into Hanover.” Todd finished his last bite of strata.

  “It’s a great place, there’s no doubt about it. It’s beautiful and secure. We have access to water and food, and the climate is fantastic for about five months of the year, but the other 7 months are tough. Twenty-two mouths to feed for seven months on food stores alone?” John stood. “It’s just like we said, let’s take a break up here, learn to live and work as a tribe. We can decide upon and make a move to our final location later. If we spend a month up here, I think we’ll be okay.” He put his hand on Todd’s shoulder. “I busted my ass to get here. I left a solar powered house on a bay brimming with fish. I’ve been tortured by the separation
from my son, I deserve a few weeks of rest and relaxation.”

  John looked at Emily. “Would you like to come to the flour factory with us? I don’t think we’ll be doing that much heavy lifting even if we find a warehouse.”

  “I’d love to come.” She pushed her chair back. “Do you have any idea where my two sons are? My dog has found a spot in the kitchen.” Hubba was on a small blanket next to the woodstove. “But I think I need to find my kids before I commit.”

  “They were outside with my twins that last time I saw them, waiting in line to use the bathroom. It looks like they are playing in the library. I saw them run out when the RV pulled up. Maybe Bernie was successful in her playground expedition. They’re fine. I’ll make sure they stay out of trouble.” Melanie yelled from the other room. “You go have an adventure. Bring me back some cake mix or something sweet.”

  “Thanks, Mel!” Emily called back. She lowered her voice to reply to John. “Yes, I would love to go with you.”

  “Great, let’s get Paul, and find a vehicle.” John walked into the living room. Melanie was still playing cards with the girls. Paul sat on the couch next to her, looking at her cards, and pulling on his socks.

  “I saw you speak once.” Paul said to Melanie. “You were great. It was a lecture on new techniques for less invasive neurosurgery. You know your stuff.” He paused. “That was you, right?”

  “Oh my god, you attended one of those lectures? Which one?”

  “Cincinnati, I was dean of admissions. I’m not a medical doctor, I’m a ‘phony doctor’ as the MD’s used to call me.” Paul grabbed his boot and laced it onto his foot.

  “The things I had to do to keep on staff at Hopkins. Lectures and papers, that was the name of the game.” She looked at Paul. “You really liked it? If you aren’t a doctor, why would you care?”

  “The surgery aspect was over my head, but I enjoyed seeing faculty from other schools, kept me up to date on the competition. Some places I could say ‘have you ever seen Dr. Smith lecture, check it out on the web.’ You know, if the surgeon was boring and flat, it might sway a recruit my way. You were tops. I didn’t direct people towards your videos. Did you know Rebecca was accepted to John’s Hopkins? ”