“Of course, we lost some people over the years from things that should have been treatable or cured...not as many as you might think,” said Matt. He looked up and saw his young son and Kevin walk by, “Son, where are you two headed?”
He answered his dad, “I am going to show Kevin the War Wagon.”
With the mention of the War Wagon, the ancient station wagon hulking in the garage, Tate said, “Yeah, come on Jeff. You won't believe some of the wild adventures about that old tank.” Several of the men followed the boys into the garage, many tall tales were told. Jeff shared some of his stories in return.
The women all started picked up and cleared away the food. They had plenty of their own stories to tell. All of the women of Unity had experienced no lack of adventure in their lives. Emily showed them the scar on her forehead and a few more. She didn't intend to spill it out but the warmth of the women made the tears flow down her face. “I guess I would either be dead or still there if it had not been for Jeff.” She wiped at her cheek with the back of her hand.
Lynn hugged her and said, “I understand, sweetie. I would have been in the same spot, a few years ago, if my Dad and Lee had not come along at the right time. I still have nightmares about it.”
The “girl talk” continued. It felt so good to Emily to have a family feeling again, she had missed her sister and mother very much. She said, “So, as you might have figured, I am not Jeff's wife.”
“Yeah, well, no matter. Would you like to be?” smiled Dianne.
Emily raked her hand through her curls, “I don't know. He seems to be a good man, he's devoted to Kevin and he has been kind to me. I don't know that he wants me.”
Trish peered over the top of small lens glasses, “Oh, trust me, he wants you. I saw how he looked at you.”
Lynn said, “That's a big space out in the garage. But if you don't want to be in the same sleeping area as Jeff, we have plenty of other room.”
Emily said, “No, it's fine. He would never force anything. We have sometimes been sleeping in the back of the wagon.” A thoughtful look crossed her brow, “Of course, there was a young boy inches away from us...no, I'm sure, it's okay.” Catching Trish's eyes she said, “What do you mean the way he looked at me?” All the women exchanged looks and burst out laughing.
***
The heavy hot days inched by. Emily had come to believe that there was something very special about Unity. The love and loyalty in the descendents of Jack and Beth was obvious. As she had met the other citizens of the community, she realized that the bond extended through the small town. The residents were strong and self sufficient, they had survived and built a haven for the their families. Within the hundred plus population, consisting of three large groups and some scattered individual families, there was agreement. There had to be rules, laws to live by. These laws of Unity were not complicated. You were expected to do, according to your capability and ability, your part in the sustaining of the community. Thievery or taking more than the share you had earned was not accepted.
Through talks with Dianne, Trish and Lynn she learned that the community was far from a perfect Utopia with no human conditions and situations. Jealousies, betrayals, infidelities...these things occurred as in all groups of humans. They were considered to be personal and you were expected to resolve your issues, unless your situation bled over into the town and threatened the peace. From the inception of the town until present day, the most applied form of punishment for breaking the law was banishment, removal from the town.
There was a high degree of tolerance in Unity. Such as Dane, the first born grandson of Jack and Beth, he was a beloved and respected resident of the town. He and his partner Sean, were smart and productive and there was no condemnation of them. There was the black family who had arrived at the boundaries of Unity about eight years earlier. The man, his wife who was not in very strong health, two children and the wife's younger sister had requested haven. They had been struggling to survive in a rural location for several years after the event. It had become increasingly difficult for the man to keep them safe and fed. The Boone family had become a very important part of the town. Mr. Boone was very knowledgeable about crops and livestock, his sense of humor, his intelligence was a big asset.
Within the three main groups of the town, there had originally been some diversity of race and culture. Through marriages, there were a couple of Mexican American residents, a black man and there was a family in the Church group that had immigrated from Viet Nam after the bad war of the 1960's. Unity had never been some white bread purist community. It was a town where character, loyalty and your contribution to the welfare of the citizens were respected. Emily thought that there was a deep feeling of camaraderie and peace in this place. It would be easy to stay here.
Jeff's impressions of Unity were not very different from Emily's. He felt that the three of them would be accepted here. Kevin enjoyed the companionship and so did Emily. Even in the Texas summer heat, the feeling of security and friendship had a nearly hypnotic pull. The longtime traveler definitely had some thoughts of staying. Something nagged at him, however, something in the back of his mind. Was it the letters, sitting expectantly in the bag? Was it the independence of the road? He was far from convinced to put down roots. Since meeting the four travelers from Unity that were headed to Colorado, he had thought a lot about going there. Maybe that was a destination that called to him. He did know, this was not a season to head for mountain country, at best you would arrive in the harsh winter. For now, he, his son and Emily would accept the hospitality of the people of Unity.
Just as was expected of all citizens of the town, Jeff and Emily, even Kevin worked along beside the residents. They participated in all the daily chores and jobs that kept the small town and the family group functioning. Jeff's engineering skills earned him the respect of the men, they were glad to have his input concerning various projects that they always had going. The survival skills that had kept he and his son safe and well during his years on the road was experience that the men knew they could learn from. Emily quickly proved her efficiency with a gun and hunting. She easily contributed to the everyday living necessities, her years with her family had taught her much about care giving and providing for ones self. They young boys and girls of the community found out that Kevin was adept at many things including the knack he had with the donkeys and other animals. When their jobs were done, several of them would often choose a horse and ride around the approximate three square mile town. Girl would huddle in her scarf sling around the boy's neck and he would tell them some of his stories of the road.
On a night when the moon was full and making a bright glow on the world, Jeff had taken a first watch. Dark came late this time of year, so his watch was not ended until about 1:00 a.m. Because of the heat, the screen door was the only barrier on the back door of the house, when you entered you could look through to the open door to the garage where he and Emily had been given sleeping quarters. He could see the soft outline of her on the bed, lit by the moon through a slit in a boarded up window. The garage at one time had been the bedroom of two of the couples of the family. Later, when the second house had been incorporated into the compound, it had become the sleeping quarters for the young men of the family. All the several beds that were once scattered around with the young men's personal things stowed in multiple places, were now folded up in the corner. The sisters had arranged two beds, two rugs and two small tables for the visiting travelers. In another corner was a curtain for some privacy in dressing and undressing, with a small basin for water. A small battery fan whirred away, there was not much but just a breath of air flowing across the two beds.
Jeff tried to be quiet and sat on the edge of his bed to take off his boots. Emily raised up on her elbow. “I am sorry,” he said as he stripped off his t-shirt, “I was trying not to wake you up.”
“It's okay” she mumbled, and noticed his lean silhouette.
He remained sitting on his bed. “Emily, t
hese are nice folks, I suppose you are liking it here. I was just wondering, if Kevin and I traveled on...not right now, eventually though...would you want to remain here?”
She did not answer right away, then said, “They are very nice. Something is a bit special about this place.”
“Oh,” he said with a note of disappointment in his voice. Emily pushed herself up and sat on the edge of her bed. The movement and the ever so slight breeze sent a clean soap smell wafting to him. She was wearing a loose t-shirt and those silly polka dot boxers.
“Jeff, you saved my life,” she spoke softly, “I would never be able to re-pay you for that act of kindness. I was hoping that you and Kevin would want me to stay with you, that I would not seem like a burden to you.” There was uncertainty in her voice, “To be honest, I want to be wherever you are.”
Jeff crossed the five feet or so to sit beside her. He placed his palm on her cheek, his fingers in those soft brown curls, loose around her face now. It was what he had wanted to do for a long time. “Em, are you sure? You want to be with me and with Kevin?” The tears spilled from her eyes and over his hand. “Because, I have known for a long time now, that I do not want to be anywhere unless you are there.” Placing his other hand on her face, he gave her a long kiss, “I am in love with you, Emily.”
“I love you, too, Jeff,” she said, placing her hand on top of his and kissing him back. “If we could be together, if we could be a family, I would follow you anywhere.”
The second bed got no use that night. In the early morning, Emily eased herself from the heavy arm that encircled her. She always helped with breakfast, so she slid on some jeans and sandals, pushed the hair band on. There was already the sound of activity from the nearby kitchen to the patio. As quietly as she could manage, she pushed Jeff's bed up next to hers and joined the sisters to help prepare breakfast.
As she stepped out onto the patio, she was trying not to smile like a ninny. She asked what she could do. Dianne took one look at her and started grinning, “Well, well...good morning Emily.”
Trish looked over her glasses and said, “Didn't I tell you that I saw that man looking at you?”
Lynn thought the look on the woman's face was hilarious and suddenly they were all cackling like a bunch of guinea hens. Jason and Eric were finishing the last watch and they looked over at the noise and shook their heads. The oldest sister said, “That's great, honey. Jeff seems like a good man.”
***
Emily made a lovely bride. She and Jeff had asked to repeat their vows at a family gathering, with a few other residents of Unity attending. They were well liked in the community. The sisters had greatly enjoyed putting together a celebration for the new couple. The bride wore a pale blue dress that matched her eyes. Lynn had embroidered delicate roses around the neckline and real red roses adorned her hair. The day was filled with joy for Emily and Jeff, and for Kevin. For the next several weeks, the new family worked and shared in the peace that was part of Unity. It was like good medicine.
The town still had a day of bartering at the community fields, at least two Saturdays a month. Jeff and family would hitch up the donkeys to the wagon and attend the trades day. The air was hot but they were having a fun day of pulling things off of the wagon and dealing with the other traders. A tall black man approached the wagon, he looked around the goods decorating the cart and seemed to pause for a moment at the canvas US MAIL bag. Jeff walked up to the man and extended his hand, “Hey, what are you interested in?”
The man shook his hand, introduced himself and said, “Actually, I am not interested in trading today,” he reached in a shirt pocket and took out an envelope. “I heard that you were a postman of sorts. I thought that if you were going to be traveling again...well...I have this letter.” Jeff took the letter and read, John Boone, US Government Camp, Fort Hood, TX.
Jeff looked up at the man, “You understand, I can't make any promises?”
“Sure, I understand that. When my family and I came here a few years ago, we separated from my brother and his family. He was determined to try and make it to the government shelter. I don't know if they even made it there,” said the man. “I just thought if you ever were traveling again and of course, going in that direction,” he smiled, “not really a chance in Hell, but worth a try.”
The self appointed postman put the letter into the bag and said, “I'll try, Mr. Boone.” The last letter, the one from the woman on the Louisiana river to her sister, he had not been able to deliver. He had searched for the addressee when they crossed east Texas and not been able to locate the sister. Mr. Boone's letter dropped on top of another, that Jeff had been thinking about a lot lately, it was addressed to Bandera, TX.
When the day's trading was done, Jeff took Emily's hand and Kevin trailed along beside them, Girl scampered around, they moved over to the Unity Cemetery. They had heard the story of Herm, the first hero of Unity and of course, they had heard many stories about Jack and Beth. A bench had been placed under the shade of a tree, the couple sat down and Kevin sat on the grass in front of them. The father and new husband spoke, “I have been thinking about traveling again.” The wife and son stayed quiet. “It's not that it isn't good here. I know the two of you have enjoyed these weeks, I have, too.” He gave his new wife a loving look, “It couldn't have been any more special. I may be asking way too much of you.”
Emily reached for his hand, “I go, where you go.”
Kevin looked up at his father and his new mother, he ruffled Girl's ears, “That's right Dad, can't get rid of us.”
“What about the friends you have made, Kevin? The road must be a lonely life for you,” said Jeff.
The boy answered, “It has been fun but we have had good times on the road and I've got Girl.” The petite pup barked and wiggled.
Jeff let his breath out in a relieved sigh, “I am not sure why, something just keeps nagging me to move on. Kevin, remember the people we met in New Mexico that were traveling to Colorado?” he looked over at the double marker on the graves of Jack and Beth, “This marks the grave of the parents of the people who have welcomed us here and the man and woman who Cody learned to love and respect. Those two couples traveled all that distance to find the house that Jack built and they made it to that cabin. I have been thinking that if we could reach their location by the Spring, we could make a home there and quit traveling. What do you think, Son...Emily?”
Kevin jumped up, excited, “Really? You mean a house and everything?”
“That's what I was thinking. Of course, it would be maybe six more months of traveling, so that we would not get there in the bad winter. We could go farther south in Texas and then travel northwest over to New Mexico and slowly work our way up to Colorado,” said Jeff.
Emily stood up and reached for both of the guy's hands, “So okay, we have a plan. When do we leave?”
Chapter Five
The Long Way Around
These leavings, in this world were always hard. Hugs, handshakes and a few tears were shed, even the extended family was there to see the travelers off. Jeff could not even imagine how much courage it must have taken for Cody, David, Shawna and Ashley to say goodbye to this loving family and this haven that was their home. The goodness that existed in this town of Unity, made him even more confident that somewhere near the immigrants from here, would be the right place for him to make a home for his family.
Once again, the noisy and loaded wagon was being pulled along the rough roadways. Jeff, Emily, Kevin and the little girl dog were on the way towards a new home, miles and months away. The wagon rolled right back out through the gate it had entered in, several weeks before. Brook, with her lip out, tears streaming down her pert face opened the gate for them and sadly closed it behind them. In the mail bag was a bundle of more than a dozen letters from the family to the Colorado couples. Optimistic words that were spoken in these difficult partings, were known in the heart to be highly unlikely to be true. However, sincere thanks and “we will see you a
gain” were offered.
It was the first of October, a few of the trees of east Texas showed the golds and reds of Fall and leaves had begun to drift to the ground. The travelers moved towards the government camp in the south central area of the state. The trip would probably take them two weeks or more. Jeff was apprehensive about what they would find there. He had purposefully avoided any of the government camps because pieces of information that he had gathered in his travels, had not been positive. The rumors indicated that instead of planning for long time survival and establishment of self sustaining colonies, the survivors in the camps had been given shelter and rationed out food and supplies until stockpiles were depleted. It was said that a few rare camps had been successful at creating a self sufficient colony but that the majority had deteriorated into desperate slums. In these camps, those that had not left years before, lived in unsanitary conditions with hunger and crime ruling.
Before the travelers left Unity, Jeff had discussed with Jason his intent of locating the Texas Hill Country camp. Jason, who had spent a good many years of his military service on that base, had said to him, “I haven't heard any real news of the conditions at the survivors camp. Thing is, the base was huge, one of the biggest in the US. Thousands of personnel and their families lived in the area. I do remember hearing about enormous stockpiles of supplies that existed for catastrophic disaster situations. What always bothered me was that it always seemed to be a plan for temporary disruptions. I never heard any talk about or had any training that addressed a long term event.”
He paused, like he was thinking and continued, “You know what I mean, Jeff? Things like growing crops, plans that taught people to stay alive after the hand-outs were gone. I would like to believe that there is some long term survival there, but I truly don't know. If I were you, I would approach that area with extreme caution. You watch your back and be careful.”
No Normal Day IV (Travelers) Page 8
