The Black Tide I: Remnants (Tides of Blood)

by Baileigh Higgins

  I felt alive again.

  12

  Chapter 11

  As with all highs, there came a low. By the time Andy called a halt, a nagging stitch had taken up residence below my ribs. Every step became an effort and I was only too grateful to collapse onto the ground, sucking in air.

  The two boys had pulled off their balaclavas while I fumbled with mine. They grinned, high-fiving each other as they celebrated the successful 'heist'. I watched this with a growing feeling of amazement.

  “All that for two bags of food?” I asked once I could speak again. “I mean, don't get me wrong. It was fun. But aren't there less dangerous ways to get your rocks off?”

  The grins disappeared and a grim air descended on the pair. I frowned, trying to figure out what was going on. Finally, Andy answered.

  “We didn't get much today, true. Other nights we manage more.” He shrugged. “But it's better than nothing and it's for a good cause.”

  “Good cause?”

  “You'll see. Come on.” He held out his hand, helping me up.

  I brushed the dust off my ass and dropped in behind them. A few minutes later, we reached our destination. The old Dutch Reformed Church not far from our home. “The church?”

  “Yup.”

  “But isn't that where they put all the orphans and homeless people?”

  “That's right.”

  We hunkered down behind a couple of bushes where we were joined not long after by Allen and Matthew. Both had made a clean getaway then circled around to this, the central meeting point.

  I looked at the four boys, laughing and talking, slapping each other on the backs. They were all around the same age, athletic, well-built and confident. Even cocky. A notion formed in my mind. “So did you all play rugby together before this?”

  Four pairs of eyes turned toward me, the newcomer.

  “So, who's the chick, Andy?”

  “That your girl?”

  “Didn't know you had a thing for red-heads.”

  I ground my teeth in irritation. “The chick's name is Ava. And you know what they say about red-heads? They blow up real fast.”

  Silence.

  A burst of muffled laughter, followed by snickers.

  “Ooh, Andy. You gonna have your hands full with this one.”

  “Yeah, yeah. Shut up, guys.” Andy's eyes shone with mirth, belying his brusque tone. “Seriously. This is Ava. And Ava, this is Matt and Allen.” He gestured to each. “You already know Lloyd.

  Lloyd grinned in a sarcastic manner. “Nice to meet you.”

  “Pleasure's all mine,” I replied, my hackles rising in answer to the challenge implicit in his tone.

  “And yes. We used to play on the same team,” Andy continued. “Before all this happened.”

  “How do you keep in contact with each other?” I asked, my mind wandering to my own now-useless cell phone.

  Andy opened his mouth to answer but Lloyd interrupted. “Much as I'd like to stay and chit-chat, we need to get back.”

  “You're right. Go on then,” Andy said.

  Lloyd picked up the two bags, jogged over the side door of the church building and knocked. After a few seconds, a girl opened up. She was young, maybe thirteen or so, and looked a lot like him.

  “Family?” I whispered.

  “Cousin.”

  “Why doesn't she stay with Lloyd's family?”

  Andy shook his head. “Lloyd's dad didn't get along with his brother. So when the brother and his wife died, he refused to take her in.”

  I chewed on my bottom lip, angered. “That's harsh.”

  “Tell me about it.” Andy's eyes narrowed. “The lot in there get a lot less than the rest of us do. The army doesn't care about them. Nobody does.”

  That was sobering. A flash of guilt charged through me as I realized that I'd never even given these people a single thought all this time.

  The girl took the bags with a tremulous smile of thanks and hugged Lloyd around the waist. After a whispered conversation, she closed the door and he made his way back to us.

  “So that's it then for tonight?” he asked.

  “Pretty much,” Andy answered.

  “When's the next meeting?” Matthew asked.

  “Two nights from now. Midnight. Old Mulberry tree,” Andy said. “See what you guys can find out before then.”

  With scarce a goodbye, the three boys disappeared into the night, leaving Andy and me to make our way back to the house. There was, however, zero chance to ask any of the million questions brewing inside me. We encountered two patrols along the way, nearly getting caught, and by the time we got home, it was too late to do anything but sneak back to bed.

  “Goodnight, Andy.”

  “Night,” he replied, leaning in to press a kiss to the corner of my mouth.

  Long after I lay down to sleep, that kiss still tingled on my skin. When I nodded off, it was with a huge grin on my face.

  ***

  The next day, I was up early, despite being dog tired. I waited for Andy in the kitchen, ambushing him the moment he showed his face.

  “So? What do you want to know?” he asked after we seated ourselves at the patio outside.

  “Everything. How you guys keep in contact. What you've been doing. Why you've been doing it. The works.”

  “That's a tall order.”

  “Well. I've got a right to know now that I'm one of you.”

  “One of us?” He cocked an eyebrow at me.

  I colored. “Aren't I? Isn't that why you took me with you last night?”

  “I took you with us to get you out of your funk.” He paused and seemed to consider it. “You're welcome to join us, Ava. After I clear it with the others.”

  “Do you want me to?”

  “That's your decision to make. You've got Lexi to think of.”

  He was right. I did have Lexi to think of. She was my charge, my responsibility. Once again, resentment rose within my breast. I tamped it down with a feeling of guilt. “Why do you do it?”

  “If I don't do something, if I have to sit here all day, I'll go crazy.” His face sobered, the smile disappearing. “It's all that keeps me going. Besides, I like getting back at the fuckers for what they did to Dad.”

  His lips were tight and a vein throbbed on his forehead. Andy carried a lot of rage inside him. Anger at the army, their methods, and what they had done to our fathers. These nightly excursions were his way of getting back at them, working through the pain. The fact that he helped orphans in the process didn't hurt either, I guessed.

  We sat in silence for a moment, remembering. I imagined Dad lying by the side of the road after they shot him. Eyes blank, staring up at an empty sky. What went through his mind before the bullet hit? Did he think of us? Mom?

  I'd never know for sure, would I? I'd been denied a chance to say goodbye. Denied even the right to know. Did they bury him? Burn him? Or leave him beside the road?

  Anger welled up inside. I understood how Andy felt, the release he got from going against the army. It was a release I too wanted. Anything but this all-consuming despair. “I want in. Please.”

  “Are you sure?”

  “I'm sure.”

  He poked me in the ribs. “You'd need to get fit, you know. No more smoking.”

  I pouted. “Yeah, yeah.”

  He took a big swallow of his tea, slurping loudly. “Welcome to The Lost Boys, Ava.”

  “You're joking right?” I snorted.

  Andy shook his head. “Nope. No jokes.”

  “Be serious. The Lost Boys? That is so lame!” I crowed with laughter, bending over double as waves of mirth washed over me.

  Lexi chose that moment to join us, looking sleepy in her pajamas with mussed hair. “What's so funny?”

  “Andy here likes Peter Pan,” I answered, choking the words out between the giggles. “He thinks he's a Lost Boy.”

  Lexi frowned. “Peter Pan? The boy who never grew up?”

  “That's the one.”
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  With her big brown eyes fixed on him earnestly, she asked, “Aren't you a little old for kids stories?”

  That really set me off, leaving me gasping for air while Andy drew himself up in mock seriousness. “Peter Pan is not just for kids.” He turned to me. “And I do not think I'm a lost boy. It's just a name.”

  “Yeah, sure. Whatever Peter,” I sputtered, gathering up our empty cups. “Time for breakfast.”

  “I also want breakfast,” Lexi said, skipping past me to the kitchen. “Can I help?”

  “Sure, sweet pea. Why not?” She beamed at me. “And after that, we can brush your hair.”

  “I can brush my own hair, thank you very much.” She pouted.

  “Well okay, miss 'I'm all grown up now',” I laughed as we walked.

  I put the kettle on to boil again and Andy brushed past me, whispering in my ear. “Welcome to the team, Wendy. We'll talk again later.”

  With a wink, he strode out the front door, no doubt planning on ambushing a patrol again. Some days he got nowhere; at others, he managed to strike up a conversation with the more friendly among the guys, often learning interesting titbits. Now that I was in on his secret, I wondered if that was how they planned their hits. Did they get their info from the soldiers?

  After supper, I went outside to have a smoke, followed by Andy. We stood in silence, staring up at the stars. It was a marvelously clear night, the sky was a cobalt blue tapestry of winking lights. I blew out a thick cloud of smoke, watching it curl into the sky. “Do you think we'll survive this?”

  “Meaning?”

  “The Black Tide, the army, rationing.” I gestured around us. “All of it.”

  He was silent for a moment, considering my words. “We'll survive. I'm sure of it.”

  “How can you be so confident?”

  He turned and looked at me. “I just know. Call it a feeling.” He smiled, eyes traveling over my features. “You're beautiful, you know?”

  “Beautiful?” I snorted, a blush creeping up my neck. Compliments always made me uncomfortable.

  “Oh, come on. Don't tell me you're one of those.”

  “One of what?”

  “One of those girls too stubborn to accept a genuine compliment from a guy who's into them.”

  The corner of my mouth quirked. “You're into me?”

  “Pretty obvious, isn't it?”

  My mouth dried up, and I squeaked something unintelligible.

  He stepped closer until my eyes were level with his chest. His hands cupped my face, and I shivered. “You're beautiful.”

  This time, no one interrupted us.

  13

  Chapter 12

  Lexi's POV:

  “Lexi, wake up.”

  I could hear Ava's voice coming from a big distance, echoing around me, but I couldn't answer her. My breath came in gasps, and I was being chased by something.

  “Lexi.”

  It was dark and scary all around me. No matter how fast I tried to run, it was always behind me, so close I could feel its hot breath on my back. I didn't know what it was. The monster's face was hidden in shadows.

  “Lexi!”

  Suddenly, I was back in my bed with Ava shaking me.

  “Mommy, Daddy!” I cried.

  Then I remembered. I didn't have a mommy anymore. Or a daddy. My eyes burned and next moment tears were running down my face. I hated crying. Crying was for sissies, but I couldn't help it because I missed them so much.

  “Shh, sweet pea. It's okay.” Ava climbed into the bed next to me and pulled me into her arms. Like she used to do after the crash. She let me cry, rubbing my back until I stopped. “Ava.”

  “Yes, sweetie?”

  “Please don't leave me.”

  Her breath caught in her throat. “I won't, sweet pea.”

  “Promise?”

  “I promise.”

  ***

  The next morning I woke up early and got out of bed. Ava was up too, her bed already made. I looked at mine. Should I make it? Ava was always telling me to do more chores, even though I couldn't be bothered. I decided to look for her, instead.

  I walked down the passage past Jacob's room. He was sleeping, snoring like he always did. His mom said he had allergies. I was glad I didn't have allergies if it made you sound like a hippo.

  Maybe I should wake him up. We could play a game or something.

  Mm, maybe not. He'll probably try to teach me stuff again. Make me do sums and read out loud.

  Boring.

  Mrs. Peterson was also sleeping but Andy's bed was empty. He was probably with Ava. I wasn't stupid. I knew about boys and girls and I'd seen the way they looked at each other. Like they wanted to kiss and stuff.

  Yuck.

  I wandered through the house looking for them, but they weren't inside. The back door was open, though, so I went outside. It was pretty. Splotches of pink and yellow hung over the treetops in front while the sky turned light blue above.

  I lifted my face, enjoying the warmth in the air. Maybe one day soon, the Black Tide would go away and we could all be happy again like we used to be. Dad would come back and Ava would smile again.

  A cloud floated above me, blocking the sun. Suddenly I felt cold and lonely. A shiver ran through my body. Dad was gone. He wasn't coming back. Ever. Tears burned my eyes but I wiped them off with my sleeve. I didn't like crying all the time. I wanted Ava to see I was brave.

  Andy's voice floated to me on the wind. “Come on, Ava. You can do it. Give me five more. Push.”

  I walked around the corner of the house and stopped, surprised. On an open patch of grass, Ava was doing sit-ups while Andy hovered above, yelling at her to do more.

  Her face was all red and sweaty and her mouth set in that mean line I knew. When she was angry, like really angry, her eyes would narrow and her lips press together until they disappeared.

  She didn't get cross like that a lot, but I still remembered the time I used her makeup and messed it all up. She didn't think that was funny and I could see Andy was about to get into a lot of trouble too.

  I was right.

  “Two more, Ava. Don't be lazy.” He clapped his hands together, urging her on.

  “Would you back off?” she snapped. “I'm trying my best.”

  Andy stopped clapping and pursed his mouth. “Well, I'm sorry, Princess, but your best isn't good enough.”

  “Excuse me?” she asked. “Who the hell is your princess?”

  “Come on, Prin...I mean, Ava. I'm just trying to help.”

  Ava glared at him and I stifled a giggle. I knew my sister. She was a lot like Mom used to be. Dad always told me that dynamite comes in small packages. That confused me until he explained what it meant.

  Poor Andy. Maybe I should explain it to him too.

  Ava was up on her feet and in full swing now, poking Andy in the chest with a stiff finger. She was mad all right.

  I giggled, unable to stop myself and Ava spotted me. “Lexi? What are you doing up so early?”

  “I couldn't sleep anymore. What are you doing?”

  Ava blushed, stammering as she spoke the words. “I'm doing some exercises, that's all.”

  She was up to something. I could see that straight off. “Why?”

  “Uh, I need to lose weight.” She patted her middle. “See? I'm getting fat.”

  “No, you're not.” She wasn't fat at all. Not like when Mom died and she didn't want to see Brian anymore. Then she ate all day long, crying in her room when she thought I couldn't hear her. If anything she was too thin now and I glared at her. “Don't lie.”

  Ava threw her hands up in the air. “Okay, fine. I'm bored, alright? I just want to keep busy.”

  I still didn't believe her. Ava lied to me sometimes. Mostly because she was trying to protect me but I knew. Like the other night when the gun went off. She lied to me then too.

  Maybe she was exercising because she wanted to be with Andy. That made sense and would explain why she was so embarrassed. I lo
oked from her to him. “Are you two an item now?”

  They looked at each other, startled. Andy smothered a grin and looked away, while Ava spluttered.

  Gotcha.

  “No! Of course not. We're just friends.” Ava's face burned bright red, fingers plucking at her shirt.

  Yeah right.

  I had my answer and smiled, satisfied. “Okay. If you say so.” Then I remembered something else and turned to Andy. “It's your mom's birthday tomorrow. We should do something nice for her.”

  My eyes scanned their faces; I was really hoping we could plan something fun.

  “Crap, I clean forgot about it.” Andy slapped his forehead. “Thanks for reminding me, Lexi. Maybe we can do something nice for her.”

  “Like a party?” I bounced up and down on my toes, holding thumbs that he'd agree.

  “Party? I was thinking more like breakfast in bed or something.”

  My face fell, the smile sliding right off. Ava nudged him with her elbow and he looked at me. “But if you want, we can have a party.”

  “Really?”

  “Yup,” he replied smiling. “Don't tell her, though. It'll be a secret.”

  “Of course!” I clapped my hands, delighted. A surprise party. Even better.

  Ava broke in. “Why don't you go watch television, sweet pea? Then we can talk about it later. The power's on.”

  “It is?” That was good news. Maybe I could watch Barbie Princess Power, with Jacob again. He liked that one just as much as I did.

  As I turned the corner, I heard Andy say to Ava, “I'm going out tonight to get something for Mom.”

  “I'm coming too,” Ava said.

  I froze, wanting to hear more. Eavesdropping was bad, or so my teacher used to tell me, but how else was I supposed to learn anything? Adults never told kids the truth. Where were they going?

  “You can't come You're not ready. The other night was an easy hit.”

  “But I...”

  “No, Ava. I won't risk it.”

  “You won't risk it? Don't you...” Her voice dropped, going low and hissy. I couldn't hear the rest.

  I hovered, wanting to learn more but grew uneasy. Maybe I should go in before she caught me listening. Besides, I wasn't sure what Andy meant by going out. None of us could go anywhere. Maybe he meant next door or somewhere. Like when he used to visit us at night.