by Gwen Cole
The man motioned to a pair of chairs placed before his desk as he sat in his own on the other side. I had to admit, I ‘d been nervous as we entered the room, but his presence had a calming affect, his eyes almost seeing right through me. He felt like someone I could trust.
“I’ve got to say, I’ve been wanting to meet you two for some time now. But honestly, I wasn’t sure if I ever would. I’m sorry about your friend Seth, I heard about his injuries this morning.”
“You’ve met Seth?” I asked disbelievingly.
“Yes,” he said, nodding. “He’s the one who convinced me to send a team after you. He showed up here yesterday morning, demanding to see me.” He looked between us and finally landed his eyes on me. “The younger one was your brother, wasn’t he?”
I nodded.
“Yes, well, he was . . . just as demanding.” He cracked a smile but I saw that West wasn’t very amused. He was oddly quiet at the moment.
“Well, we should probably thank you, then,” I said.
He waved it away. “It needed to be done. This war would have been over already if they had managed to keep you. People need to know that you’re still alive and fighting, and I know you probably don’t think it matters, but it does. We would have never gotten this far if it wasn’t for you two. People look up to you. You being here is important to them.”
West finally moved, leaning forward. “Why does it matter so much? We’re nobodies. Just normal people who want to get through this thing alive. We’ve never had it in mind to have people follow in our footsteps. We were just trying to survive, and I wouldn’t even be here if it weren’t for Reese. I’m sorry, I just don’t believe people think of us as rebels, or, whatever you want to call us. There’s no way everything happened because of what we did.”
A slight frown appeared on the general’s face. “Reese?”
I paused, not ready to be asked anything. “I don’t know either. It just doesn’t make any sense that people would believe in rumors about someone they’ve never seen. Yes, people from both sides are here supposedly, but that was their own choice wasn’t it? They chose to come here; they didn’t come here thinking we were some sort of rebellious leaders so we could lead them to victory. We’re not. We never were.”
“I know you’re not, but it’s still true.” He suddenly stood. “Follow me, I want to show you something.”
West and I exchanged glances with before following him out the door. Cruz fell into step behind us and we walked farther down the hall.
General Martin stepped into a dim, silent room and we followed him in. West and I stared across the room where the entire wall was glass, stepping closer so we could get a better look at what we were seeing.
We were in an overlook, displaying a large oval room with built in steps that climbed the walls where people could sit or stand. It was full of people, all waiting for something. But the thing that shocked us most was that it wasn’t just soldiers, but soldiers from both sides, standing alongside citizens as well. I had no idea there were so many.
I felt West’s hand slide into mine, knowing he was feeling the same.
General Martin’s footsteps come up beside us. He shifted his weight for a moment before giving a small sigh.
“Why are they here?” West asked.
“We’ve received some news a few hours ago about the East City. They’ve gathered their forces and are on their way. They thought they would have taken control of everything by now, and they’re getting impatient.”
I turned to look at him. “They’re already mounting an attack?” I asked. I hadn’t believed it would happen so soon. We’d just gotten here.
“They’ll be here sometime tonight.” He stepped back and sat down in one of the chairs. West took my hand and led me to the couch across from him. I was out of words for the moment. “They’ve pulled all their men out of the South City and brought them up to the East. The only advantage we have is the fact they’re running low on men.”
“But almost half of your force is made up of locals,” West added. “Even if they do decide to stand with you.”
“And that’s why I called you here.”
“I’ve told you, those people aren’t here for us. Does it really make a difference if we are standing alongside them in this? Yes, we took a stand and fought for our lives but who hasn’t? They’ll fight with you either way, won’t they? We just . . we want to be treated like everyone else. We’re no different from them.”
General Martin barely even blinked.
“West, it’s very true they do not look to you two as leaders.” He held up a hand to keep him from interrupting him. “To them, you are a sign of hope.”
West’s face went blank and he looked down, staring intently at the rug.
I finally saw that the general was right. We were living examples of hope when there was none to be found. Yes, people might have changed their prospective on things because of what we did, but what mattered was that now we had something to fight for. When this war started it seemed that everything was already done and finished. It seemed hopeless.
But now that people were working together, and actually had a fighting chance, there was more hope of finishing it. And from what the general was saying . . . we were the proof.
We were proof that anything could be done by doing what you believe is right.
“And now I need to ask more of you,” he said. “When their army comes tonight, I want both of you to fight with us. Those people down there need you two fighting alongside them, to give them the hope they need for us to win. But I also understand if you would rather leave before they come. You both have been through enough. I wouldn’t put it against you.”
It came to a surprise to me that I wasn’t freaking out. Shouldn’t this be something to freak out about? Going into a full on battle and being shot at, having a high possibility of dying? West stared ahead, thinking deeply.
I suddenly looked over at the general and the words poured form my mouth before I even thought of them.
“Okay, I’ll do it.”
The two of them stared at me with wide eyes, but the general pulled back his expression faster. I turned to West and saw that he was actually giving me a small smile.
“You really want to do this?” he asked.
“Yeah, I do. I want this to be over, one way or another. I want everything to stop. I’ll regret it if I don’t, and I can’t live knowing I walked away from a fight that was all of ours to begin with.”
The general smiled. “Thank you, Reese. What about you, West? I know this isn’t your fight but . . .” He left the sentence hanging.
West barely thought about it before he gave his answer.
“I’m in.” Then he turned towards me. “I’ll follow you anywhere. Even if you decide to jump from a helicopter again.” He grinned and a confused look flashed across General Martin’s face.
A knock echoed off the door and Cruz admitted another soldier.
“They’re ready for you, sir.”
“Thank you, we’ll be out in a moment.”
Martin stood and took a deep breath. “I’ve never been good at public speaking.” He almost was saying it to himself. “You both don’t have to say anything, just being there is enough.”
We followed him out the door, and my heart was fluttered, knowing all those eyes were about to be on us. Or, maybe it was from what I just agreed to do, and the fact it was only hours away.
The four of us made it down to the ground level and we were suddenly walking towards the entrance to the auditorium. I kept my eyes on the general’s back as we entered.
The sudden silence brought our footsteps as echoes, bouncing off the plain walls like claps of thunder. The weight of staring eyes made my shoulders heavy and my back itch. The crowd parted as we walked through the room like a flood through dried leaves.
After finally gaining enough courage, I moved my eyes, but the first place they went to was West. He gave me a side glance with a reassuring smile.
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General Martin came to a stop near the middle of the room where there was a large open space. People surrounded us, just staring, waiting for what they were about to hear.
“Thank you all for coming,” he said, pausing to take a deep breath. “I’m sure all of you have heard that sometime during the night we will be under attack.” To my surprise, there wasn’t much murmuring in the crowd, like they always knew this was going to happen eventually. “They’ll come strong and quick; you all know what platoons you’ve been assigned to and know what to do when that time comes.
“I have no doubt that any of you are willing and capable, and I know we can do this. Unlike our enemies out there, we have something to fight for. Our homes and families have been stripped away one way or another. Some of you are fighting for those who you’ve lost, and some of you are fighting for what you still have. These people have taken things from you that can never be replaced, and we can no longer allow them to stand in our way.
“We’ve stood together before now, and now we will do it again. None of us thought it would be this way; enemies finding common ground. I thought it was impossible before this war.” He paused and turned to us, and my heart raced. He looked at us both together and so was everyone else.
“West, we all know what you did in the South City, and it made other soldiers in the United army also stand against what they know is wrong. You started everything. But nothing would have been started if it hadn’t been for Reese.”
He looked at me. “West’s actions would have died with him that day if you hadn’t intervened. They’d kept it quiet by trying to eliminate the person who’d done it, hoping everyone would forget if he wasn’t alive, no longer fighting for what he believed. But you triggered everything, Reese. You kept him alive, and his former actions along with him.”
I opened my mouth to protest but no words came out.
“You caused that fire to spread, but not only to them, but also to us. We began to trust the people who wanted to help us, and look where it got us.” He motioned his hands around him. “We have both of you to thank for that, and what you’re about to go through with us tonight.”
This time people started whispering, and some even smiled. But I was worried that I would let them down in some way. I was never cut out for war, and I wasn’t sure if I even had the guts to go into battle.
I was so engrossed in my own thoughts that I missed the general dismissing everyone. When I came to, people were slowly making their way towards the exits, and quietly talking among another. West gently grabbed my hand and we started following Cruz through the throng of people.
I wasn’t surprised really; I was just as nervous going out of this building than I was going in.
I knew we all had a long night ahead of us and it was only going to get darker than it already was.
CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN
Three hours later, and I was sitting in an uncomfortable chair next to Seth’s bed. I had no where else to be until the time came; the one I was dreading and eager to have to over all at once. I couldn’t stop thinking about what it was going to be like tonight. But it was impossible to picture anything.
“Reese, do you want any of this?”
I looked over to see Seth holding a half-sandwich, his hand outstretched.
“No, I’m not hungry.” I looked away again, my foot tapping the ground. I felt like I was starting to fall apart. I couldn’t keep it together. My stomach was inside out. I wasn’t like this a while ago, but with every hour that passed, it kept getting worse. I was never one to freak out about things, but I was coming close with this one.
“Reese, seriously, it’s going to be all right.” Seth sat up in his pillow a bit straighter, but just ending up wincing in his attempt.
“Seth, you have to sit still. If you move to much, you’ll have internal bleeding. I was listening to her, too.”
He waved it away. “I’m fine. You’re the one I’m worried about.”
I just shook my head and turned away from him again. I constantly glanced down the hall, waiting for West and Ethan to return. I wasn’t even sure where they went. Some where in the back of my mind I had a feeling they were talking about something but I couldn’t remember. Where was I during that conversation?
Seth sat back in his pillows, giving a long sigh. “I wish I was coming with you.”
I spun around. “What? Why?” Maybe he had too many pain killers in him and they were making him loopy.
“I know you’re nervous and all, but . . . I’m surprised you don’t feel the same way.” He put his hand on his chest where his wound was and grimaced. “You were shot, the same as I was, and when I went down I felt this anger rising in me. The pain from my chest also brought out the pain that was inside of me. It was there all along, but I never paid attention to it. You just have to find it again, Reese, and you’ll be all right.”
Finding the pain inside.
I tried to recall the memories of the day I was shot, but everything was so blurred in my mind now. But the feelings weren’t. I was angry at them. They’d taken everything from me that day, and then some. My parents were gone, along with our home, and I still had no idea where Ethan was at the time. And even more, they were still trying to find West. To kill him.
I sat up a little straighter and stopped tapping my foot.
“You’re right,” I said, my voice hushed. “I’ve been focusing on everything but the reason we’re fighting them.”
“And what’s that?” he reminded me.
“Everything. They had totally screwed up my life, and Ethan’s too. We would still have parents if it wasn’t for them. I have been shot, almost choked to death, chased by a helicopter, beat up, and thrown in the dirt so many times I’ve lost count. I’m just surprised I haven’t been stabbed yet.”
He nodded slowly. “And now you have a chance to let them know how you feel.” Then he added, smiling, “And hopefully that last one will never happen.”
“I guess I understand why you want to be there now. I’m sorry.”
“Just do enough damage for the both us.”
It was amazing to me how fast my emotions had changed, but all I had to do was remember why I had agreed to do this. It was to get our lives back. To go back to actually living without fear of being attacked at any moment, and go out into the streets without the need for a gun. Shouldn’t that be something worth fighting for?
“Still nervous?” he asked.
“Yeah, but it’s a good nervous. Is that healthy?”
He laughed and gave a small shrug. “Doesn’t matter as long as it keeps you alive.”
I nodded, sitting back in my chair. “So, they aren’t moving the hospital?”
“No, they think it’s deep enough into the city so it will be safe, but if they happen to break through the lines we’ll have enough warning to get out before they come. They’ve got trucks outside just in case. Plus, there aren’t many people left here, everyone who was able to walk and hold a gun left to help fight.”
I stared at the floor again but remembered something. “Where did West and Ethan go?”
“I . . . don’t know.” He glanced around with his eyebrows scrunched.
Well, that solved that mystery. I stood and stretched my legs, then after doing so realized I couldn’t sit down any longer. My nerves were up to a boiling point and I had to do something or else I would go crazy.
“You’re leaving me too, huh?” Seth stated nonchalantly.
“I’m sorry,” I mumbled. “I can’t sit here any longer.”
“Nah, it’s fine. I’ll just—” he stared blankly for a moment “—sit here.” He was having a hard time holding in his smile and I was amazed at how he could be in such a good mood at a time like this. But seeing him happy made me in a better mood too, so I wasn’t going to put him down.
“I’ll see you later,” I said, and he just waved me away again. The big tent seemed so stuffy and crowded after I stepped outside. The air was brisk and had a snap in it;
the first signs of fall.
“Reese!”
I jumped a little as Cruz appeared beside me with a silly grin and a huge gun strapped across his back. His ruffled hair and the fact he hadn’t shaved in a few days made him look so non-soldier like.
“Hi,” I answered awkwardly.
“So, you’re gonna be with me tonight over on the northeast side. Is that all right? I know West wanted you two to be together but we think its better this way. He’s with most of his people and you’re with us.”
I nodded, not wanting to argue. “Yeah, that’s fine.” Even though I wasn’t sure if it was.
He rubbed his hands together eagerly. “Great! We only have a few hours left until it’s dark, so we have to make sure everything is ready.”
I shifted my weight awkwardly, not sure how to ask him. “Um . . . where can I get a gun?” I asked.
His smile widened and waggled his eyebrows. “Follow me, little one, and I will show you the goods.”
It didn’t take long to arrive at the building where they kept the ‘goods,’ as Cruz liked it phrase it. It was an old storage building before people started hoarding guns like old woman with piles of newspapers. And the best thing was, that they were actually organized. Battle rifles on one side, shotguns on the other, explosives near the back, and just about everything you could imagine in the center.
It totally felt as if I was in another movie again. It was like The Boondock Saints in real life.
I drifted through the aisles, just trying to imagine what it was going to feel like using these weapons against people. When I shot those two soldiers in the clearing with my pistol, I hadn’t thought much of it at the time. They were standing between me and that stranger I had an odd desire to save, so I never hesitated.
Then there was that night when we were escaping from the old factory in the rain. I had shot the man because he was choking the life out of me, and the other man because he was trying to kill West. Would that feeling of self-defense hit when it would all start tonight? Or would it be a new feeling all together?
I shook my head, clearing my thoughts. Right now all I wanted was a way to defend myself, and maybe cause some damage on their end—I wouldn’t deny it.
