The Black Tide I: Remnants (Tides of Blood)

by Baileigh Higgins

  My attention shifted to his bare hand. “You're not wearing gloves.”

  He let go of me and moved back. “My mom doesn't believe in them. She says this will all blow over. She's in denial.”

  “And you?” I asked. “What do you believe?”

  “It doesn't matter anymore. My dad's got it.”

  “Got what?” I asked, confused.

  “The Black Tide.”

  I gasped, taking a step back. My arm burned where he'd grabbed me, the surface of my skin crawling with imagined germs.

  “I'm sorry. I shouldn't have touched you.” His face was pale, lips thin. “But I...I couldn't let you leave like that.”

  “It's okay,” I said while inside I quailed. Was he infected? Had he passed it on to me? I took another step back, increasing the distance between us. Everything I'd heard about the disease rushed through my mind, raising terrible images.

  “You should go,” he said.

  I hesitated, torn. If Brian was infected, he would die and that thought was more than I could bear.

  Not you.

  My right hand rose, reaching out. I wanted nothing more than to hold him close, comfort him and be with him no matter what. On the other hand, there was Lexi. I could never abandon her. My hand dropped.

  “Will you be alright?” I asked.

  He shrugged, ignoring my question. “I've missed you, you know. All this time. I've never forgotten you...or us.”

  For a split second, I remembered the boy I used to love. Captain of the rugby team, joker, troublemaker, but most of all, best friend. “I miss you too.”

  We stared at each other, a thousand unsaid words filling the space between us.

  Brian shook his head and retreated backward. “I must go. My dad needs me.”

  “I'm sorry.”

  “Me too.”

  For the second time, it felt as if my heart was being ripped out of my chest. I stumbled back to the car and gripped the handle, then paused. What if I already had it? He had spoken to me without wearing a mask. So had his mother. He touched me.

  I thought back to everything I'd learned about the virus. Coughing, sneezing, contact with blood and other bodily fluids. Oh God. Why hadn't I paid more attention? “Lexi put on your gloves and mask.”

  “Why?” she asked.

  “Just do it.”

  With a puzzled look, she obeyed.

  “Now get in the back.” She stared at me. “Please, Lexi. I'll explain later.”

  She scooted over to the back seat and huddled in the corner, watching me with a perplexed look bordering on fright. I stripped off my jacket and tossed it aside. He'd touched it and I had no idea whether the virus could latch onto the fabric or not. “Better safe than sorry.”

  I got in and drove off, this time making straight for home. Stupid, stupid! Why did I go there? Because of some need for comfort? Why? Now I'd placed us all in danger.

  Berating myself, I drove too fast until I had to slam on the brakes to avoid hitting a stray dog. The tires squealed as we slid to a stop. The engine stalled and thick silence descended.

  “Ava?” Lexi's voice trembled.

  I sighed and closed my eyes for a beat. “I'm sorry, Lexi. I didn't mean to do that.”

  “Are you okay?”

  I choked out a strained laugh. Shouldn't I be the one looking after her? “I'm fine, sweet pea. I promise.” More silence. “Let's go home and have some banana bread. Would you like that?”

  “Yes.” She didn't sound too sure. “Will Dad be there?”

  “I don't know. Depends if he got the job or not.” I hoped he did. Now that I had lost mine, we needed it more than ever.

  “Can we save him some?”

  “Save him what?” I asked, my thoughts elsewhere.

  “Banana bread.”

  “Of course, sweetie. There's a lot.”

  “Okay,” she replied, satisfied.

  I drove the last few blocks at a more reasonable pace. When we got home, Lexi headed to the living room while I made a beeline for the shower. Scrubbing my skin until it was raw, I then cleaned the shower, dousing everything in antiseptic. I bundled my clothes, gloves, and mask into a plastic bag and threw it into the trash, putting fresh ones on.

  Deep down, I knew my efforts were wasted. If I'd contracted the virus, no amount of scrubbing would help. I did it anyway. Perhaps, what I was really trying to do, was wash away the memory of Brian and what I'd lost.

  Afterward, I unpacked the stuff I had pilfered from the pharmacy, keeping aside a cool drink for Lexi then sat down at the computer. At least, the Internet still worked. My fingers typed the dreaded words, Black Tide, and I scrolled through page after page of information. The more I read, the more my heart sank.

  Besides that which I already knew, such as contact with bodily fluids, coughing and sneezing, it also spread up to six feet via microscopic droplets in the air when people talked. Touching a surface contaminated with the virus was another way to contract the disease.

  You wore a mask. And gloves.

  A small consolation.

  “Symptoms manifest five to seven days after the virus enters the body. Infected individuals become contagious with immediate effect, passing on the virus before and after symptoms appear, up to and including death. An infected corpse remains a hazard and should be disposed of through cremation.”

  A photo of a mass grave billowing black smoke posted below etched itself into my brain. I thought of Brian, dying slowly and painfully, only to end up as one of those corpses and my throat swelled.

  One thing surprised me. Reports of immunes were cropping up all over the net. Whether these reports were reliable or not, I couldn't say and tried not to think about it too much. What were the chances of us being immune, after all?

  With Lexi out of the way watching television, I grabbed the bleach and washed every surface in the house I had come near since we got home. Door handles, keys, light switches, everything. Paranoia set in. I even washed the car. By the time I was finished, I was exhausted, leaning against a door jamb and massaging my sore fingers.

  “Why are you still wearing your mask and gloves?” Lexi asked from behind me.

  I jumped. “Shit, don't do that. You scared the crap out of me.” She frowned and stepped closer and I raised a hand to stop her. “Don't come any closer, Lexi. Stay away from me.”

  She froze, uncertain, and I sagged. I didn't know how to explain this to her without causing a panic. “Brian's dad is sick, Lexi.”

  She stared at me, face blank.

  “That means Brian is probably sick too. And he touched me.”

  Understanding dawned. Her eyes grew wide, and I rushed to reassure her.

  “I don't think I'm sick, Lexi. I'm sure I'm not.”

  “Then why...?”

  “It's better to be safe, don't you think?” I smiled then realized she couldn't see it through the mask. “Look, sweetie. Until we know for sure, I want you to stay away from me, okay? Keep your distance. And wear the mask and gloves at all times.”

  “Even in the bath?”

  I laughed. “No, Lexi. You can take it off when you sleep and bathe.”

  “Okay.” She thought about it for a few seconds. “Can I have some banana bread now?”

  “Sure, Lexi,” I agreed. “But you'll have to get it yourself. I can't touch anything you touch. There's a can of cool drink in the fridge for you.”

  She headed to the kitchen and I shouted after her. “Put your mask and gloves on.”

  “Okay, okay,” she replied. Typical child, she'd already forgotten the severity of the situation. I wished it were that easy for me.

  When Lexi had finished in the kitchen, I made tea and lunch for myself, wiping everything I touched then sat back down at the computer. In the beginning, I'd checked the news on the Internet regularly but had done so less and less of late, consumed with the everyday act of living. Putting food on the table had seemed more important. Now I regretted it. I needed to know what was going on. The
Black Tide was no longer a distant threat. It was here, in my town, contracted by people I knew and maybe even in my own home.

  I spent hours trawling the different sites. The news was damning. Much worse than the reports on TV and radio. Was it possible the media had been keeping stuff from us? Preventing panic, perhaps? I didn't know. What I did know, was that we were in more trouble than I'd thought, though some countries were better off than others.

  The USA had isolated itself completely. Its borders were shut with a shoot to kill mandate should anyone attempt to cross over. Europe was a dead zone for the most part. Billions had died with small isolated, quarantine zones holding out. The colder regions, such as Iceland, Greenland, and Alaska fared better, the spread of the virus slowed by the freezing temperatures. Sweden had enough stored Tamiflu to give to one tenth of their population, essentially upholding their infrastructure. With strict quarantine measures in place, they were doing well.

  Africa was perhaps the worst off. Every opportunistic warlord and terrorist had seized the opportunity to wage war. Mass murder, torture, and rape were commonplace and human suffering abounded. This on top of the thousands dying from the disease every day. Refugees streamed into our country and the government, already strained to breaking point, couldn't cope.

  “In a final effort to control the flow of illegal immigrants, riots, and criminal activity, martial law has been instituted. As of 06:00 a.m, June 26th, the SANDF will be deployed to all populated areas. Citizens will be expected to abide by a curfew instituted simultaneously. Curfew hours: 18:00 p.m to 06:00 a.m daily.”

  Why hadn't I heard this before? Then again, I'd been avoiding the news and radio lately, unwilling to face reality. I pushed back my chair, grabbed a cigarette from my bag and hurried outside, needing a chance to think.

  It was dark already. The moon hung low in the sky, staring down at us, cold and unfeeling. My insides were numb and my hands shook.

  Tomorrow was the 26th.

  Another thought occurred to me then. One I'd been suppressing for hours. I checked the time on my phone. Seven thirty-four. I blew out a cloud of smoke and took another deep drag in order to calm my nerves.

  Where was my father?

  7

  Chapter 6

  I waited until after nine but Dad never came home. By then I was worn out from pacing up and down, staring at the time dragging by. I chain smoked one cigarette after the other, unable to help myself until I finished the last one.

  “Fuck!” I crumpled up the box and tossed it in the trash.

  Where is he?

  Lexi was worried too, and I tried my best to keep a calm facade. “I think it's time for bed, sweet pea.”

  “But Dad isn't home yet.”

  “I know but he's probably working late,” I said. “That's a good thing because it means he got the job.”

  Lexi was unconvinced and lingered in the doorway.

  “Go on, sweetie. There's no point in both of us waiting up for him.”

  She went with reluctance, and I waited another half hour until I was sure she was asleep. I took my keys, locking the house and gate behind me.

  The night was pitch black, the moon now hidden behind the clouds and the only illumination came from my flashlight. As usual, the streetlamps were off. I marched down the road, shivering beneath my jacket. The only sound was the crunch of my tackies on the asphalt. I reached number thirty-three and walked up the driveway, relieved to see movement in the kitchen window. Someone was awake.

  Knocking on the door, I took several big steps back. I wasn't taking any chances with infection anymore. Footsteps approached and the door swung open, revealing a tired looking Mrs. Peterson. “Oh, hi Ava.”

  “Hey, Mrs. Peterson. I'm sorry to bother you so late, but I'm looking for my dad.”

  “They're not back yet.” She ran a trembling hand through her hair. “I've been waiting all day and the phones don't work, so I can't get hold of Robbie.”

  Her eyes were swollen and red―I guessed she'd been crying. A knot formed in the pit of my stomach. What now?

  “It's not like him. I'm worried sick,” she added.

  “Do you know where they went?” I asked, some half-baked idea of looking for him forming in my mind.

  She shook her head. “No. He said it was in the industrial area. That's all I know.”

  “And you don't have an address?”

  Mrs. Peterson shook her head.

  “What about the other two guys who went with them? Don't their wives know something, perhaps?”

  “No. Andy walked to their houses earlier and asked. I was about to send him to you next, hoping you knew something.”

  I gazed at her, at a complete loss.

  She stepped back and waved a hand inside. “Would you like to come inside for some coffee?”

  “No thanks. I need to get back home. Lexi's asleep.”

  “If you're sure.” She hesitated. “If they're not back by tomorrow morning, Andy's going to look for them. You can go with him if you want. It'll be a long walk, though. None of us can spare the fuel.”

  I bit my lip, dearly wanting to. “I can't leave Lexi home alone. Not now.”

  “You can leave her with me.”

  I thought it over. Mrs. Peterson was a nice woman, but what about the Black Tide? Were any of them sick? “I don't think that's such a good idea. I found out today a friend's dad has the virus and anyone of us could be sick too. I'd rather not take any chances.”

  Mrs. Peterson blanched. “It's here? So soon?”

  I nodded then pointed at her bare hands and face. “You have to be more careful.”

  She shook her head. “God, I wasn't thinking. I've been so worried.”

  “It's okay,” I replied, though it really wasn't. We were all so careless and stupid. No wonder this superbug spread so fast.

  “I tell you what. Why don't I send Jacob over to watch the house while you're gone? He can stay outside, on the patio. He needn't go near your sister.”

  “Are you sure?” I asked. “It wouldn't be too much bother?”

  She waved me off. “Not at all. Jacob won't mind.”

  “Thanks, Mrs. Peterson. What time should I be here?”

  “Around six. Bring some food and water to take with you.”

  “Will do, thanks. See you tomorrow.”

  My mind churned as I walked back. I hoped I was doing the right thing. If we cut through the Thabong location it was nine kilometers to the industrial area but taking that way could be dangerous with all the simmering tension in the air.

  Taking the other way meant an extra few kilometers and then we still had that whole area to canvass. It was going to be a long day, and I hoped leaving Lexi alone for so long wasn't a mistake.

  Jacob would be there but what if I was late? He couldn't sit on the patio all night, could he? And did I trust him? More importantly, did I trust Lexi not to be stupid enough to go talk to him?

  I wanted to scream with frustration.

  What do I do? Do I go and look for Dad? Or do I stay and hope for the best?

  Back inside the house, I went to bed and burrowed beneath the covers. I didn't want to think about it anymore. It was so hard having to make these decisions, wondering if any of them would prove to be a mistake. Like today. With Brian.

  I pulled my knees to my chest and squeezed my eyes shut. Perhaps, if I concentrated hard enough, I could forget about everything.

  And everyone.

  ***

  The following morning I was up by five. I hadn't slept well and a headache throbbed behind my eyes. To top it off the power was off all night, and I yelped as the freezing stream of shower water hit my skin.

  I decided to try and blend in as much as possible and chose my clothes accordingly. Faded jeans, worn tackies, long-sleeved shirt, and sweater, topped with a dark blue hoodie. I scraped my hair back into a bun and pulled thick woolen gloves on. With the mask covering half my face and the hoodie over my head, I hoped I looked inconspicuous enoug
h.

  Knocking first, I opened Lexi's door. She stirred and looked at me with bleary eyes. “Hey, sweetie. Listen, I'm going to town with Andy.”

  She blinked, my words not quite sinking in. “I'm going to look for Dad. I'll be back before six, okay?”

  She sat up, rubbing her eyes. “Andy?”

  “Mrs. Peterson's son, remember.”

  “The big one?” she asked. “With the bald head?”

  Amused at Lexi's description of Andy, I laughed. “That's the one. He's not bald, though. He just shaves his hair short.”

  “You're gonna go look for Daddy?”

  I nodded.

  “What about me?”

  “I want you to stay inside the house, Lexi. Play with your toys or watch TV. Don't go outside and don't speak to anyone. Not even Jacob.”

  “Jacob?” she asked, cocking her head. “He's coming here?”

  “Yes. He's watching the house while I'm gone. He'll sit on the patio.”

  “Why can't I talk to him?”

  I sighed. “Listen, Lexi. I know it's hard for you to understand but anyone might be sick even if they don't look it. I could be sick right now after Brian touched me.”

  She stared at me with those honey brown eyes and I hoped she was listening. “So I don't want you anywhere near him, okay? No talking, no going outside, nothing. Don't try to cook either. I don't want you to cut yourself or burn the house down. Understand?”

  She nodded again. “What will I eat?”

  “I'll leave you lunch in the fridge.”

  “Okay.”

  Rubbing my fingertips over my temples, I sighed. This didn't feel right. I shouldn't be leaving her alone but what could I do? We need Dad.

  “Let me grab my stuff then I'll come say goodbye.”

  She snuggled back under the covers as I made my way to the kitchen. I sliced up the last of the banana bread loaf for Lexi and rummaged through our supplies. There were two cans of cool drink, a chocolate bar, and a packet of wine gums from the pharmacy. Taking the wine gums and one cool drink, along with a can of beans and a bottle of water, I left the rest for Lexi. “That'll have to do.”