The Black Tide I: Remnants (Tides of Blood)

by Baileigh Higgins

  That must be it, I decided and ran inside. Time for a movie.

  “Jacob,” I said, shaking his shoulder. “Jacob, wake up.”

  “Huh? Lexi? What the...”

  “Want to watch a movie?”

  “A movie?” He sat up, glancing at his alarm clock. “Lexi, it's seven in the morning.”

  I shrugged. “So? The power's on. We can watch Princess Power.”

  Jacob groaned burying his head under the blanket. I thought I heard him say 'Not again' but wasn't sure I heard right.

  “Not again? It's your favorite.”

  “Lexi, please. I just want to sleep.”

  I stamped my foot, frustrated. Boys! Why were they so stupid? “Fine. I'll watch it on my own then.”

  After putting on the movie, I snuggled on the couch, wishing I had super powers like Barbie. She was the best ever. If I had super powers, I could have saved Daddy. Mommy too.

  That thought made me sad. Ava wouldn't tell me much. Just that he got sick while he was gone, and the soldiers took care of him until he went to Heaven just like Mommy. I don't think she was lying about that. Dad had to be gone or she wouldn't have cried so much.

  Andy and Ava walked in not long after, both of them red-faced and angry. He stalked off while she came over to me. “Would you like breakfast, sweet pea?” she asked, smiling.

  I knew that smile. It was the fake one she used when she was angry or sad. “Are you okay?”

  She sat down next to me, staring at the screen for a few seconds before answering. “I'm fine.”

  “Are you sure?” She didn't look fine. She looked sad. Like the other day. I didn't want her to be like that anymore.

  “You can borrow my necklace if you want?” My lucky necklace was the most important thing I had. It had a picture of Mommy in it, and a lock of my baby hair. Funny how my hair used to be black but turned brown as I grew. Mom always said I took after Dad.

  She smoothed her hand over my head, eyes shining as if she was about to cry. “That's okay, sweetie. You hold onto it.”

  She got up. “Porridge and tea?”

  I wanted to pull my face but didn't. Porridge was all we had for breakfast. It didn't even have butter or sugar in it. It didn't help to complain, though. As Aunty Anne explained to me, the adults were doing their best and we kids had to try to understand. So I nodded and smiled, pretending porridge and tea were my favorite.

  After the movie, Jacob was up and he insisted on school time. Today, we did something different, though. He took out a calendar, and we went over the months of the year and how many days were in it and so on.

  I already knew that stuff so got pretty bored until Ava pointed out the date the school had closed, saying “I can't believe it. It was just the other day. It feels like forever.”

  That got everyone talking and Jacob decided we should make a time line. It was my job was to write it all down in the blocks.

  “We first heard of the Black Tide mid-January,” Jacob said. “By then it was already pretty bad.”

  With my neatest script, I wrote it down, looping the 'l's' and putting hearts on my 'i's.

  Andy nodded. “We didn't take it seriously. Our airports were closed because of a strike so it took a while before it got here and even then clinics were treating people with HIV stuff.”

  “It didn't work, though,” Ava added. “Slowed it down for a bit but then it grew resistant.”

  “Don't forget the markets crashing,” Jacob said. “Prices soared on everything. Companies closed, jobs were lost, and crime spiked.”

  “Food deliveries became less as workers took off, got sick and so on. Farmers were murdered for their crops and livestock, crime increased,” Andy said.

  “The school closed the 24th of June,” Ava added. “That was the same day the cell networks went down and we got stuck in the riot.”

  I remembered that day. It was awful. All those people screaming at us, smashing our window and throwing rocks at the police. Why did they do that? I still didn't understand why some people wanted to hurt others. It reminded me of Karl at school who used to pull the legs off insects for fun. He was a mean boy.

  “The next day, I found out Mr. Smith...” Ava swallowed and I could see she didn't want to talk anymore.

  “That's also the day Dad left and never came back,” I whispered.

  “And ours,” Jacob whispered.

  Silence.

  This wasn't fun anymore but I wrote it all down in the blocks anyway. 'School closed, Riat in the street.' Next to that, 'Mister Smith died, Daddy gone.'

  I couldn't write that Daddy was dead too. I just couldn't.

  “How long has it been?” Aunty Anne asked, her voice hoarse as if she wanted to cry.

  Jacob cleared his throat. “The army showed up the 26th. Three weeks later we found out what happened from that officer. And now it's been another two weeks, give or take a day or so.”

  Aunty Anne started crying and Andy took her to her room while Ava busied herself with something. Determined to finish, I counted out the weeks and filled in the rest of the blocks.

  There it was. Five weeks and four days during which I lost my school, my friends, my daddy, my home, everything. Tears pricked at my eyes and Jacob pulled me into a hug.

  “Cheer up, Lexi. It will be okay. You'll see.”

  “How do you know that?”

  “I don't know. But I hope. You can always hope, Lexi. No matter what.”

  After a while, he suggested we each make his mom a birthday card. I've always enjoyed making stuff so that was fun and I even put sparkles on it. Hopefully, it would cheer Aunty Anne up, too.

  Later that day, Andy and Ava made peace so we played Monopoly. I was just glad everyone was smiling again. Even supper wasn't too bad; spaghetti and tomato sauce. Around bedtime, I watched Andy carefully but he must have decided to stay at home because he never said anything and went to bed with the rest of us.

  When I lay down to sleep, Ava tucked me in like she always did. “Goodnight, Sleep tight.”

  “Don't let the bedbugs bite,” I answered.

  It was a routine we followed almost every night without fail, warm and comforting. That night I had no nightmares, though I did wake up a few times to find Ava wasn't in her bed which was strange.

  The next morning, I got up while it was still dark, too excited to sleep further. It was Auntie Anne's birthday.

  Surprise party!

  I hadn't been to a birthday party in ages. The last time was with Keira from school before people began getting sick. “Ava, wake up.”

  She groaned and tried to ignore me but I nagged at her until she sat up, blinking through puffy eyes. She looked tired. Really tired.

  “What?” she asked.

  “It's Auntie Anne's birthday today.”

  “So?” She rolled her eyes. “God, Lexi. It's not such a big deal. Go back to bed.”

  Not a big deal?

  “But...aren't we doing something nice for her? Andy said...”

  “I don't care what Andy said.” She smashed her face into her pillow, voice muffled. “Go back to sleep.”

  That was mean of her. My eyes teared up and I sniffed. Ava sighed. “Oh, Lexi. Don't cry, please. I hate it when you cry.”

  I shook my head, unable to stop. “I'm sorry, it's just we haven't had a nice day in forever and everything is just so horrible with Daddy gone and everyone is getting sick or disappearing and...”

  Ava sat upright and reached out, pulling me onto her lap. “Oh, sweetie. I'm sorry. Sometimes I forget how hard this must be for you.”

  It was hard. Still, I knew Ava would do anything for me which made everything a bit better. “At least I still have you.”

  “Always, sweet pea.” She stroked my hair. “Look. I tell you what. If you let me sleep for another hour, I promise I'll get up. Then we'll do something for Aunty Anne. Okay?”

  I thought about it, the tears drying on my cheeks. “I suppose an hour is fine,” I concluded then stressed. “Onl
y one.”

  “Oh, thank God,” Ava said, slumping back against her pillow.

  Happy now that the party was back on, I wiped my face and got back into my own bed, smiling. I was determined to make this the best day ever. Everyone would smile and laugh and have something good to eat. Today, nobody would cry.

  “I hope,” I whispered, remembering Jacob's words.

  14

  Chapter 13

  The fact that I needed to shape up was driven home the night before Mrs. Peterson's birthday. Andy didn't want me to go along but I insisted. Since there were no plans in place for a meeting with the boys, we had to go to each of their houses.

  I waited outside in the bushes, while Andy sneaked inside and tapped on their windows. A risky affair. As I sat, shivering in the cold, it dawned on me how easily we could get caught and wondered if I should have listened to Andy and stayed home.

  This thought dissipated once we were all huddled together, discussing possible hits. The excitement returned, and I was once more eager to be a part of the group. Not that they were all that jazzed to learn I was now a member. It was only Andy's authority that carried the day for me.

  “She'd better know how to keep her mouth shut,” and “As long as she can keep up,” were some of the comments directed my way. It was clear I'd have to earn their respect.

  Lloyd, much to my surprise, was the son of the Army Supply Master in the Free State. His father had been a big shot in local government before and got promoted once the army arrived. That explained where a lot of the group's intel came from but on that particular night, Lloyd had nothing to offer. There was, however, a convoy of supply trucks coming through in three days time.

  “It might be possible to get to them once they're here. I'll find out more from my dad,” Lloyd said.

  “Right. So we meet again here, three nights from now?” Andy asked.

  Lloyd nodded. “I'll have a plan by then.”

  We dispersed, Andy and I returning home empty-handed but thrilled about the upcoming venture. All thoughts of Lexi and responsibility were forgotten. I was free.

  We jogged along the quiet streets, our shoes making little sound on the asphalt. We were almost home, and I'd relaxed my guard when we turned a corner to be confronted by a patrol. Bright headlights blinded me and I threw up my hands.

  “Run!” Andy cried, dragging me back the way we came.

  I stumbled after him until I caught momentum, shooting down the road with my feet pounding the tar. My heart hammered in my chest from fear and exertion while the adrenalin pumping through my veins granted me extra speed.

  The roar of the pursuing vehicle behind us never faded, and I pushed my body to the limits. Panic took over when I realized it wasn't enough. “Andy,” I cried when I momentarily lost sight of him.

  “Over here.” He waved to me from an empty lot and I swerved. He led the way through an empty veldt between houses, the thick trees and brush providing cover.

  The truck couldn't follow. Shouts sounded as the soldiers jumped out in pursuit. I ran as fast as I could but my lack of stamina was beginning to tell and I lagged, my breathing harsh and ragged. The footsteps and shouts behind me grew louder and I thought my heart would burst in my chest.

  Andy glanced back and slowed to allow me to catch up. “Come on,” he cried, ducking behind a bush before slipping inside another yard. “This way. You can do it. Move!”

  Spurred on by his words, I pushed as hard as I could. We sprinted across the lawn, vaulted over a low wall at the back then crossed two more yards and a street. We lost our pursuers in the maze of yards and houses, their shouts growing distant. Relief rushed through me and my legs wobbled.

  “Over here,” Andy whispered, pulling me towards a low shed. He boosted me up before climbing on himself. Guided by Andy's whispered instructions, we inched sideways until we were not facing the street anymore and lay down on our backs, heaving for breath.

  “Let's wait a while before we try again,” Andy said and I didn't argue, glad for the chance to rest.

  We lay there, our heartbeats returning to normal while we stared up at the stars. The slick film of sweat covering my fevered skin cooled in the night air and I shivered, rubbing my arms.

  “Come here,” Andy whispered. I scooted closer until I lay cradled in his arms. It felt good, being held like that. It was a feeling I'd almost forgotten. My throat tightened with unexpected emotion and my fingers curled into his shirt.

  “Andy.”

  “Mm?”

  “Thank you.”

  “For what?”

  “For looking out for me.”

  His arms tightened around me, and he kissed the top of my head. We lay like that for a long time before we made our way back, without incident this time. When we got home, I slipped into bed with a sigh of relief, glad we'd made it. But I also realized that I'd nearly been the cause of our capture and vowed to get my ass into gear.

  The next morning Lexi woke me up far too early for my tastes. Even after negotiating an hour's reprieve I was still tired. My body ached and my eyes felt gummy when I dragged myself out of bed. Lexi danced around me with excitement.

  Remembering the time I'd spent in Andy's arms, I made an effort with my appearance. I slipped into black tights and pumps with a dark green tunic, even putting on a touch of make-up to hide the purple shadows under my eyes. My hair rippled down my back, not having seen scissors in months. This had the added benefit of pleasing Lexi who spent an hour picking out her own clothes for the 'party' and emerged from the room dressed in jeans, a purple sweater, and matching shoes.

  The rest of the household was up, yawning as they slouched around the house in their pajamas while Andy made tea and porridge for breakfast. Lexi's disappointment was palpable, a shimmer in her eyes betraying the tears that lay near the surface. I installed her at the dining room table with her food and pulled Andy aside.

  “Lexi was really looking forward to today. She needs to have a little fun, poor thing. Can you speak to your mom and Jacob? Maybe we could try to make today special?”

  “To tell you the truth, I clean forgot again.” Andy glanced at Lexi, spying the miserable look on her face. “I'll speak to them.”

  I left him to it, eating my own breakfast and swallowing an ibuprofen for my sore muscles. After a brief whispered conference, Mrs. Peterson disappeared into her room.

  Jacob pulled out a box from the hallway closet, carrying it to the table. “Use this to decorate the sitting room, Ava. Andy and I will tidy the house while my mom gets dressed.”

  I looked inside the box, spying a mixture of party and Christmas decorations. “Thanks, Jacob. Good idea.”

  I flashed him a brilliant smile and he reddened, hurrying off to help Andy. Lugging the box over to Lexi, I plonked it down on the table in front of her. “Want to help me get ready for the party?”

  Her eyes brightened when she spotted the contents of the box and she jumped up, porridge forgotten. “So we're really having a party?”

  “Of course, sweet pea. We've got to make this day special for Mrs. Peterson, don't we?”

  She nodded and plunged her hands into the tinsel, her expression one of pure glee. By the time she was done, the box was empty and the sitting room looked liked the holiday fairy had set off a bomb in there.

  Festive angels and a Santa looked down from the wall unit. Silver, green, and red tinsel hung from the walls along with a banner saying 'Happy 9th Birthday'. Lexi had added a crudely drawn four before the 9th to simulate Mrs. Peterson's true age. A bowl of hand-painted glass Easter eggs sat on the coffee table. Candles were scattered across the room in case the power went off. Andy and Jacob did their part, cleaning the house and sprucing themselves up.

  At the appropriate time, Mrs. Peterson emerged from her bedroom dressed in what I assumed to be her church clothes. We cried out 'Surprise!' and she made the proper noises, acting with delight at the spectacle.

  For lunch, I had made tea and defrosted the last banana loa
f that I'd brought with me when we moved in. I drizzled a little of our precious condensed milk over it, turning it into a treat. Lexi presented the birthday card she'd made to Andy's mom, we sang Happy Birthday and ate our meal, the bread sweet and sticky.

  We all tried our best to make it a special day for Aunty Anne, but the sense remained that the party was more for Lexi's benefit than anyone else's. Her little face spoke of a determination to have fun that bordered on desperation.

  Afterward, we played a game of catch on the lawn, then retired to the house for board games and a movie when it grew cold. That night, when I tucked Lexi into bed, it was all worth it to look into her shining eyes. For her, it had been a good day.

  15

  Chapter 14

  Three days later, Andy went on the planned raid, leaving me behind to worry and fret until he returned. He was adamant I stay home and I agreed, knowing full well that I'd only be a liability to him. Though I'd been exercising each day since the party, it wasn't near enough.

  I waited up all night until he returned, sneaking through the back door with his shoes in one hand. Relieved, I rushed over to find him triumphant and grinning. “We got a big one this time.”

  I watched as he slung a heavy bag off his back and set it on the counter. “What happened?”

  “The trucks were supposed to unload only half their cargo here, then continue onward to Kroonstad with the rest.”

  “At night?” I asked.

  “These guys are on the road permanently, shuttling supplies from one side of the country to the other.”

  “Okay.” I wondered where the supplies were coming from. Were there areas that still produced food? Factories? Farms?

  “Lloyd caused a distraction, while the rest of us climbed into the backs of the trucks. We were able to offload quite a lot and hide it before the soldiers returned. With any luck, they won't miss a thing.”

  “At their camp?” I asked, incredulous. That was impossible. The place was guarded twenty-four seven and bristled with guns.