Hella Rises: Dawnland

by Karen Carr

  I was sitting on the cot in the garage when Huck walked in with our breakfast tray.

  “Good morning,” Huck said. He rested the tray on a folding card table and then sat on one of the metal chairs.

  “Where’s Zeke?” I asked. Zeke had breakfast with us every morning, just as the sun rose over the horizon.

  “He left a few hours ago. He wanted to bring some supplies to our new place.” Huck handed me a powdered donut and poured me a cup of warm green tea.

  “He’s driving there?” I asked with a furrowed brow. “I thought it was too hard to get to by car.”

  Huck tilted his head. “You’re seriously concerned about Zeke?” He shook his head. “No need to do that, Hella. Zeke’s a big boy. He took his new bike, loaded up the saddle bags.” Huck gestured for me to drink my tea. “Don’t worry he’ll get through. It might take him all day, though. It’s quite a hike.”

  I regarded my flying partner with warmth from the tea and from my heart. For the last few days, Huck and I had been going out on the ultralight together on Hipslow’s special missions. We had made a trips out to Snow Camp and Sanford and Siler City to kill more of the dead.

  Clearing the towns of the dead tool less time than I thought it would. My virus was a powerful defense against the dead. I imagined it as a giant baseball bat, with me grasping its base and swinging at all the zero-head balls. We were able to knock out all of the points on Hipslow’s map in a couple of days. I would soon be done with my job and free from my contract, although I was sure Hipslow would let me out early.

  We had found our new house yesterday. It was on a peninsula in Lake Jordan. It was surrounded by hundreds of acres of woods and only had one gravel road leading to it. The gravel road had seen its fair share of abuse and multiple trees had fallen in its path. It was an hour away on the ultralight, which meant it would take Zeke a couple of hours to get there and a couple more to get back. It was also across the river, which meant Zeke would have to drive farther down to the south bridge that Hipslow didn’t blow, or wade or swim across.

  “We got to get going,” I said. “I want to get my rounds over with early this morning.” I took a few more donuts and popped one in my mouth and another in Huck’s.

  I had left my golf cart in the community college the night before, so we took Huck’s dirt bike through the woods to go and get it. We were going to leave the following day, so the plan was to appear as normal as possible today. I was due to go back to Mace Duce’s in the day after that, we were really cutting it close but wanted to give Hipslow and the rest of the time.

  We parked Huck’s bike and got in the golf cart, saying good morning to everyone we met along the way. I drove through the fields heading to our first stop. The tomato plants had grown so much in a few weeks, and other crops were bursting out of the ground as well. We waved and chatted to the people in the fields, but didn’t speak to each other until we reached the edge of the field and the picnic table.

  Baskets of treats were left on the table. People would leave me all kinds of things, and I enjoyed peeking in each of the baskets. I lifted the cover of each one and found croissants, bread sticks, homemade jams, cheese and a beautiful cheese knife. Someone had also left me with an assortment of baggies and Tupperware containers. Unfortunately, I had eaten too many donuts and opted for the canteen filled with hot coffee. I opened it up and poured myself and Huck a cup.

  “I am so glad Trevan and Lily aren’t here,” I said.

  “I’m not so sure about that,” Huck said. “I’d rather be able to keep an eye on them.”

  “I’m sure someone is watching them,” I said.

  “You are getting to be a really good pilot.” Huck took a sip of his coffee.

  I started packing some of the treats in the plastic baggies. “I like flying,” I said. “It makes me feel free. It takes me away from everything and everyone, except you.” I blushed when I looked in his eyes.

  “Nothing but us and the blue sky,” Huck said. He raised his coffee cup and we toasted.

  I regarded the high fences made with the timber that Zeke had helped cut down and chicken wire now guarding this part of the field. It had grown in length another thirty feet since the last time I was here, which was one morning ago. I snorted when I realized I didn’t really need to do my red-dot rides anymore.

  Huck looked at me like I was crazy. “What was that noise?” He asked.

  “Oh sorry,” I said. I squinted my eyes so that only Huck’s face was in focus. “We’re almost out of here,” I said. “Look around. My mission is almost done. These people are safe, Huck. They will be safe without me.”

  “Hella, your face is all rosy.” Huck touched my cheek. “The glow of happiness. It looks good on you. We’re going to have a lot of free time once we’re done here.”

  “Going from town to town,” I said. “Just like the incredible hulk.”

  “You’re much better looking than the incredible hulk,” Huck said. “And bonus—you don’t turn green.”

  “Green with envy, maybe.” I smiled and winked at Huck, a gesture I wasn’t used to making. I hadn’t flirted with anyone in ages. “We won’t be able to stay long anywhere, Huck. I wouldn’t want anyone finding out about me.”

  Huck ran his fingers through his hair. “Long enough to kill all the zeds, but short enough so that people won’t figure it out. I’m game with that. I know this earth pretty well, I’ll show you a good time.”

  “Do you think we’ll run into any survivors?” I asked.

  “Sure,” Huck said. “Look how many people are here. There has to be more out there, maybe even more like you.” Huck poured me some more coffee and looked at me in his irresistible and crooked-smile way. I glanced around, thinking of nothing but rolling around with Huck in the bushes, and then another woman popped in my head.

  “Where’s Ana?” I asked, trying to break Huck’s unfathomably handsome stare. We hadn’t talked about her since I saw them together, I hadn’t seen her since then.

  “I got rid of her,” Huck said. When my eyes perked up, he shook his head. “Not like that.”

  “Then like what?” I asked. “Where is she? Have you seen her?”

  Huck glanced in the trees. “Truthfully, I haven’t seen her. I think she’s with Lily. Your mob of protectors haven’t let anyone those two come anywhere near us, and I’m always with you so how should I know. I hope she didn’t run away.”

  “Lily and Ana. Two traders in a pod.” I looked at him.

  “I wish I could talk to her about her English,” Huck said. “I can’t believe she lied to me.” Huck swallowed hard. His tone was so serious.

  “Sorry, Huck,” I said. I took out some fresh strawberries from one of the baskets and offered him one. “You believe any of her story?”

  He took the strawberry, but didn’t eat it. Instead, he examined it like it held an important answer. “I was with her, Hella, in Mace’s prison. Remember, I told you she spit in his face?”

  I nodded.

  “I was thinking about that last night,” Huck said. “If it was all an act, she was a very good actor. I don’t get it.”

  “It’s almost two weeks,” I said. “We’re going to have to get out of here soon, or her friends will be on me to return with them.”

  “I can’t wait to get out of here,” Huck said. He reached out and grasped my hand. “With you.”

  I put his fingers to my lips. “I’m supposed to go back to Durham. What if something goes wrong?”

  Huck stared at me. “It won’t. It can’t. If it does, we’ll deal with it. It’s been fifteen minutes, let’s get out of here.”

  The next stop was the pond. Where there was once a blanket by the pond, someone had found a rusty two-seater lawn chair with a comfortable cushion and left it for us. Harper was sitting near the pond and ran over to us when she saw us coming.

  “What are you doing here so early?” I asked. I tossled her hair as she came in for a hug.

  “Fishing,” Harper said.
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  “How?” I asked. “You have no line.”

  “You caught me,” Harper said, putting her hands behind her back. “I was waiting for you. I woke up early and couldn’t go back to sleep. I feel like something’s going to happen today. I’m scared.” She hugged me again.

  “Don’t be scared, Harper,” I said. “Nothing is going to happen.”

  “Something has to happen,” Harper said. “Something always happens.”

  “Well, that something doesn’t have to be bad, does it?” I asked.

  Huck and I sat down on the lawn chair while Harper curled up on the blanket. We spent the next fifteen minutes watching Harper sleep and whispering to each other about our plans. When we left, we left her there on a blanket, so that she could get some more rest. I kissed her forehead gently and then got back into the golf cart with Huck.

  “You want one of your own?” Huck asked.

  “To procreate the earth?” I asked.

  He moved his eyebrows up and down. “You said it.”

  “Yea, maybe,” I said. “I’d like to see if my virus transfers to my kids. It might be something to look forward to.”

  “That’s the only reason you’d want to have kids?” Huck asked.

  “Change the subject,” I said. “Let’s go to Fareva’s.”

  We drove to Fareva and Georgia’s house, my favorite stop on the journey. They had moved back into their house a few days after I started clearing and were sitting on the porch when we pulled up.

  “Greetings,” they both said, getting up from their matching rocking chairs.

  Fareva took my hand and led me inside. “You two look healthier and happier every time we see you.”

  Georgia took Huck’s arm. “Your muscles are getting bigger, Huck. Soon you’ll be stronger than Zeke.”

  Huck laughed. “Zeke can pick up a car.”

  They took us to the back patio overlooking their yard, which was in blossom with spring flowers. They couldn’t resist serving us food, and when I asked them to wrap it up, they had no problem complying. We were going to be fed well the first few days at the new house and then probably never again.

  “We’re going to miss you,” Fareva said out of the blue.

  I stopped what I was doing. I didn’t think she knew about any of our plans, although Hipslow was aware we were leaving.

  “We’re not going anywhere,” I said.

  “Oh, Fareva.” Georgia tapped her wife on the shoulder. “She probably doesn’t remember what day it is. You’re due to go across the river the day after tomorrow.”

  I looked down at my hands wondering what to say.

  “Are you going with her?” Fareva asked Huck.

  “Of course,” Huck said. “I am not going to leave her side. In fact, she is stuck with me for the rest of her life.”

  “In sickness and in health?” Georgia asked.

  When I blushed, Huck held my hand. “And so much more.” He brought my hand to his lips and kissed it. “We were just talking about having kids.”

  “You should definitely be married before you have kids,” Georgia said.

  “Sounds like we should have a wedding before you leave,” Fareva said.

  I took my hand from Huck’s in surprise. “A wedding tomorrow? I couldn’t do that. I’m sorry ladies.”

  “Why not?” Huck asked. He looked indignant until I saw the corner of his mouth curl up.

  “We don’t have time,” I said through gritted teeth.

  We spent the next few minutes together joking and laughing and sharing cooking secrets with Fareva and Georgia. We took our leave from the two women and drove to the church with wedding bells on my mind. Could I really ever get married? I looked at Huck’s strong jaw and thought of his sweet personality. I’d marry him in another life.

  Huck pulled up behind the church in the parking lot. He had insisted on driving for a change. We walked in the back door and entered the small communication room leading to the classrooms. The church was quiet, but to make sure we were alone I called out for the Reverend. No one answered.

  I took Huck upstairs to see my classroom, which I had fixed up over the last few days. There were twelve small desks in three rows of four. The classroom had been decorated with every kind of map and poster I could find. The walls were painted white and the floor swept and polished.

  “I will never be able to teach any more classes here,” I said.

  “We’ll be back,” Huck said.

  “No we won’t,” I said. “We’ll never come back here, Huck. We’ll never see Zora or Boa or the Reverend again.”

  Huck touched my cheek and brushed the tear falling from it away. “I’m going to miss them, too.” He touched my mouth. His fingertips tasted salty from my tears.

  “Oh Huck,” I said, falling into his arms. He pressed his lips to mine and searched my mouth for answers.

  “Excuse me,” the Reverend said.

  I pulled away from Huck and saw him by the door.

  “Oh, hi Reverend.” I smiled and wiped my mouth. “I was just showing Huck my classroom.”

  Lily and Trevan stepped in the classroom behind the Reverend, completely spoiling my mood.

  “What the hell are you doing here?” I asked.

  “Hella, really,” the Reverend said. “Watch your language.”

  “Yea, Hell-a,” Trevan said.

  “You’ve been avoiding us, Hella,” Lily said.

  “Yea, I have,” I said. “I wonder why? Let’s get out of here, Huck.”

  I didn’t have to ask Huck twice. He took my hand and whisked me out the door.

  “Hella, I’m sorry.” The Reverend followed us down the stairs.

  “It’s alright, Reverend,” I said mid-step. “Even the Lord can’t prevent evil from destroying the world, I can’t expect you to keep it out of your church.”

  We left the church by the back door and walked toward the golf cart with Lily and Trevan following at our heels like dogs waiting for us to throw them a scrap of food.

  “Get away from me, Lily.” I turned and was about to shove her, when an explosion rocked the whole town and sent me falling to the ground.

  Huck jumped on top of me and covered my body as a plane flew low down West Street. I saw something fall from the plane and another explosion rocked the town. They were bombing us. The plane circled back and this time hundreds of pieces of papers fluttered from its cargo bay before it disappeared on the horizon.

  Huck helped me to my feet. “Are you alright, Hella?”

  “Yea,” I said. “But I don’t think everyone else is.” A giant plume rose from the ground over by the community college. Another plume was farther away and two more after that.

  “Mace is leaving his calling card,” Trevan said.

  “What do you mean?” I asked Trevan.

  Trevan handed me one of the pieces of paper that were now all around us. “He’s sending you a message, Hella. You leave, and he will bomb this whole town. He’ll take it down to rubble.” Trevan sneered.

  “Shut up,” Huck said.

  Huck picked up another piece of paper from the ground. We read them together. It only had three words printed on it. Hella or Die.

  “And you think Mace better than Hipslow?” I snarled at Lily as I shoved the paper at her. “If Hipslow has bombs, at least he doesn’t use them.”

  She refused to take the paper from my hand. Her face had gone ashen and she took several steps away from us before her back bumped into a tree and she collapsed against it, covering her hands with her face. I wanted to kick her in the gut, to make her feel like I felt at the moment, but we had to see who was hurt.

  I jumped in the golf cart, Huck taking the driver’s side and he drove us toward the explosion. My hands were sweaty and my eyes were blurry and my throat was burning. We headed down West Street, dodging the people who were running everywhere. This time nobody said hi or smiled when we drove past, they didn’t even recognize us because they were so focused on the bomb and its aftermath.
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  “Zora,” I called out as I saw her and Boa exiting her shop.

  Huck pulled next to her. Her eyes were lit with fear.

  “We’re going to see if anyone’s hurt,” I said.

  “I’m right behind you,” she said. “I’ve got to find Greg.” She handed a helmet to Boa and got on her motorbike.

  Stan and Saudah were behind Zora, they must have been all together.

  “Get in,” I said to them.

  “We’ll meet you there,” Stan said, ushering me on.

  “What about your virus?” Saudah asked.

  “Fuck my virus,” I said. “It’s not going to help anyone hurt. Let’s go, Huck.”

  A half a dozen golf carts trailed us and more were in front of us. Huck raced toward the community college, moving past people running toward the smoke. We had no doctor, only a worthless dentist and a vet who was miles away. If there were any casualties, it would be bad.

  Just as we pulled into Willie’s parking lot, I saw Zeke parking his bike.

  “Thank God you are alive,” Huck said to Zeke.

  “I am so glad you are not hurt,” I said. “Trevan said Mace did this. It’s a message for me.” By the crumpled up paper in Zeke’s hand, I knew he had seen Mace’s note. Papers covered the campus and the fields. People were screaming and yelling and hollering in pain.

  “Come on, let’s see what happened,” Huck said.

  Golf carts had parked us in, so we had to run the rest of the way. Huck took my hand and we rushed toward the smoke. A woman rushed towards us, the woman whose husband I saved from Sanford.

  “You did this to him,” the woman called out. She pushed me hard. “You murderer.”

  My stomach lurched when I saw the smoke and the fire and the burning trees. The bomb had hit the far field, by the pond where we had left Harper almost an hour ago.

  “Huck, Harper,” I said. “She was sleeping over there.”