by ID Johnson
Chapter Fifty-Four
Waking up and not realizing where she was or how she’d come to be there was something Rain was getting used to. As unsettling as that could be for someone who’d woken up in the same bed in the same room for almost twenty years, she wasn’t alarmed when she opened her eyes to find herself in a bed she didn’t recognize in a room she was fairly certain she’d never been in before.
Trying to move was her first reminder of what had happened. Her shoulder was sore. It didn’t hurt at the moment, though she was suddenly aware that it had. The pain was a fresh memory, and as she pushed up to sitting, she could almost feel it radiating through her limb again.
But it didn’t hurt, not like that. It was more of a dull throb in the center of her upper chest muscle. She was wearing a white nightgown and paused to question the origin and how it came to be on her body. Had Mist changed her clothes? Surely, Adam hadn’t. Or one of those strangers. Did this gown belong to that woman from the boat? Had she been the one to remove the bullet?
The bullet had been taken out. She had to assume so, anyway, because they’d used the wand on her shoulder, on both sides. She could feel the difference it had made. As a first-year medical student, they were required to slice their palms and then use the wand to heal it. The tingling sensation of the nerves regenerating was recognizable to her now, even deep within her tissue. A bandage covered her shoulder completely obscuring both the entry and exit wounds, so she couldn’t check for infection or see how it was healing, but she felt much better than she had when Adam had carried her onto that boat. She couldn’t remember much after he’d set her down. Only that she felt safe despite being among strangers. There was that woman--she seemed harsh in a way. But there was someone else there that had made her feel safe. What was his name?
Before she could recall him, the door opened a crack and the woman poked her head in. “Ah, I thought I heard you stirrin’.” She looked much more at ease now than she had on the water. Rain wanted to guess that had been the night before, but she had no idea how long she’d been unconscious. “How you feelin’?”
“Better.” Rain’s voice was a croak. A hand went to her throat as she recognized her urgent need for water.
The woman had come prepared. When she entered, she was carrying a tray with a bowl and a glass of water. She brought it over and set it on the nightstand. “Here you go, sweetie.”
Rain grasped the glass and drank it down quickly. It soothed the ache so much better than a hydration pill ever could. When she’d downed about half of it, she set it aside. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome, Rain. I brought you some soup as well. It’s my grandmother’s recipe. I reckon you’ll like it. Chicken noodle.”
Rain had never heard of chicken noodle soup before, but she’d had tomato soup a few times in the cafe back home. Maybe it was similar? “It smells delicious.”
“It’ll help you get your strength back. It’s still pretty hot. You might wanna let it cool a bit. Does your shoulder hurt?”
“No, it doesn’t. It’s just stiff. Did you remove the bullet?”
“I did. Your friends helped, as best they could.” She smirked a little, which made Rain think they hadn’t really been much help at all. She had a faded memory of Mist freaking out in a way she never had before and couldn’t help but smile. “I’m Esther, by the way.”
“I’m Rain. But you know that already.”
“It’s a pretty name. So many people from your country have… odd names. Yours is nice.”
“Thank you. I have to admit, I’ve never heard of the name Esther before. What is it?”
“What is what?” the woman asked, tipping her head to the side.
“An Esther. What is an Esther?”
She laughed then, a rich chuckle that didn’t seem hostile or make Rain feel silly. “We name our children different here, sweetie. Though it’s true Esther does mean star, and a star is a thing, I’m named for a person. Esther was a queen in the Bible. You must know what the Bible is ‘cause Adam told us he chose his name after the first man.”
Rain remembered the conversation she’d had with Adam when he’d chosen his name. The book he was talking about--that was this Bible Esther was speaking of? “I didn’t realize it was a famous book.”
“Probably the most famous book ever written,” Esther replied. “Maybe someday, when you get to the Nation of Quebec, you’ll have a chance to read it.”
Esther’s remarks were encouraging for more reasons than the kind woman probably realized. She seemed to think they had a chance of actually getting to Quebec. She seemed to think there might be a time in Rain’s future when she could relax long enough to read a book. “I hope so,” was all Rain could think of to say. “Thank you--for your help. If you hadn’t taken us aboard your boat, we all would’ve died.”
Sitting down on the bed next to her, Esther shrugged. “You’re welcome, dear. It wasn’t a decision we took lightly. Getting’ involved with the Mothers is somethin’ our people try to avoid. For decades, we’ve laid low and tried to keep conflict free. From time to time, a group of military Mothers may show up on the Red River. As long as they don’t cross over, we leave ‘em be. But the last thing we want is for their kind to try to lay claim to our territory. Oklasaw isn’t an organized country recognized by most of the rest of the world. We don’t have an official government, and most of our people are spread out over a vast territory. But we solemnly believe that what the Mothers are reportedly doin’ is wrong. Other nations would go to war with the Mothers to stop them from exploitin’ natural resources. We would fight to free the men they hold hostage, should we ever find ourselves in a position to do so. For now, our tribal leaders instruct us to stay out of the Mother’s way, to leave ‘em be, whenever possible.”
“But you didn’t do that,” Rain reminded her. “I know you didn’t actually fire upon them. We did that. But we are wanted fugitives, and you provided refuge for us.”
Esther nodded. “Our local council wasn’t too happy about our decision, but Seth was right when he said we couldn’t leave you, especially not when it was evident that Adam and Walt had been so mistreated. You and Mist have had wrong done to you as well. It isn’t right to teach young women that men are essentially useless, that they should only be used for reproduction and labor.” She shook her head slowly. “The fact that the two of you were willin’ to risk your lives to help free the men says a lot about your character. We decided that helping you was the right thing to do.”
Rain placed her hand on top of Esther’s. “Is there anything we can do to repay you?”
Again, Esther’s shoulders rose and dropped. “Make it to safety. Do what you can to right the wrongs of your nation. Make the world a better place.”
Rain nodded. Those were already her intentions. “Are you in any danger due to our being here?”
“No,” she said quickly. “I remember you were out cold before we left the river last night, but we are deep inside of a mountain. Getting’ in and out is nearly impossible, and even if the Mothers were to detect an entry point, we’d be able to stop them easily enough. You’ll be safe while you’re here. We’ve pulled all patrols off from the border, though, for now, seein’ as though the Mothers are amassin’ on the opposite side of the river. They’ll be coming over soon enough. Our leaders’ll likely let them come through, so long as they don’t bother any of our settlements. Most of them are hidden, like ours, which we call Judea. Some are above ground. Farmers, ranchers, those who can’t rely on artificial sunlight the way we can. If there’re any disputes between the Mothers and those settlements, then our leaders will surely get involved.”
Several points were raised as Esther continued to explain. Questions were answered but others came to Rain’s mind. She’d only been asleep a few hours, it seemed. They were inside of a mountain, so the light out the window was fake. It looked quite real from where she was sitting. The Mothers were coming across the river for them. Her stomach tied into a knot
at the thought. They’d all hoped that they’d be free once they got across the River Red--or as Esther had called it, the Red River. That would not be the case, and they had a long way to go to get to Quebec.
“If you’ll allow us to rest a day or two, we’ll be on our way,” Rain assured her.
“You may stay here as long as you need, sweetie,” Esther said, patting her hand. “Now, eat your soup, get some rest, and I’ll leave you be.”
“Thank you.”
“You’re welcome. Your friends are chompin’ at the bit to get in here and see you, but I’ll make ‘em wait a while longer. You need sustenance. And rest.” She stood and left Rain to her food.
The chicken noodle soup was quite good, just as Esther had promised. She especially enjoyed the way the noodles felt when she slurped them down her throat. Thankfully, Esther had left her a napkin since she couldn’t manage to do that without getting the broth on her chin.
When she was finished, Rain set the bowl on the tray, finished her water, and laid back, trying to rest. Closing her eyes didn’t help to shut the world out, though. Her mind replayed the moments before she got shot as she tried to calculate the best way for them to move through Oklasaw to Quebec without getting caught. It was so far--it seemed impossible for them to make it with the Mothers on their tail. Perhaps Esther or some of her people would have some suggestions.
A light knock on the door caught her attention. “Come in,” Rain said softly. When Adam opened the door, she couldn’t help but smile. She would’ve been happy to see any of her friends, but she knew she needed to thank him. He had been the one to convince Esther to take them, and she could still remember having his arms wrapped around her when her mind was in and out of consciousness.
“Hi,” he said quietly, stopping at the foot of the bed. “How are you?”
“Sore, but otherwise fine, thanks to you,” she said, wishing he’d come closer.
“Me?” Adam questioned. “I didn’t do much.”
“You did a lot.” She wouldn’t try to list all of it. He had to recognize that he’d essentially saved all of them, though, when he’d convinced Esther to help. “How are you?”
“Good. I finally got some sleep. In a real bed. With no chemicals or anything.”
“That’s wonderful.” She realized that had to be the first time he’d ever slept in a bed without the Mothers dictating everything about his life, including when he opened and closed his eyes.
“Did you sleep?”
She nodded. “I feel a lot better, but Esther thinks I need some more rest.”
“You do,” he agreed, as if he were the medical student. She smiled wider. He was so cute when he was confident. “Mist and Walt are asleep now. Esther said we can stay a few days, until you feel better. Then… we’ll head out again.” A worried look behind his blue eyes let her know he was aware that the Mothers were coming after them, but he didn’t want to tell her. “I’ll see what I can find out about our best route, hiding places, all of that. Seth’s a good guy, and he seems to want to help.”
Rain’s head rocked back and forth again. She’d gotten that impression about Seth as well. “Sounds good.”
He glanced over his shoulder at the door and then back at her, ran his hand through his hair and said, “Well… guess I’ll let you rest. I just… I’m glad you’re okay, Rain. That was… terrifying.”
“I’m glad I’m okay, too, Adam.” She wanted to say more, but the words got caught in her throat. Was he still upset at whatever she’d said the other night, in Dafo? He didn’t seem to be, but then, there was still a distance between them. She could feel it, and she didn’t like it. Perhaps it would be best if she didn’t say anything at all, especially when she wasn’t feeling her best and her head was cloudy.
Adam stood and stared at her for a few seconds longer and then turned to walk toward the door. He also looked like he wanted to say more, but when he opened the door, his pause was only for a smile in her direction, not an explanation of what had created the tension.
He left, and Rain felt more alone now than she had since they’d begun their journey. She would find out what she’d said to change the situation between herself and Adam, though. She had to make sure he understood how much he meant to her, especially now that the reality that a bullet could come out of nowhere at any moment had made itself an ever present threat.
Rain settled back against the pillow, thankful that she’d met Esther and her family, that they had this place to rest and restore their bodies so that when she took off again, she would be ready. Outrunning the Mothers might be an impossible task, but she’d gotten this far, and she wouldn’t stop until he reached the safety of Quebec. She owed Adam and Walt that much--and all of the other men who were held prisoner and the women being brainwashed into thinking it was okay.
Taking a deep breath, she closed her eyes and reached for sleep. She’d need it. Rain’s run was just beginning.
If you’d like to keep reading, you can find Book 2, Rain’s Run, here. Available for preorder now, release date February 1, 2021.
A Note From the Author
Thanks so much for reading Rain’s Rebellion. I hope you’re enjoying my first ever dystopian romance and will keep reading the rest of the series. Rain’s Run will be released on February 1, 2021. You can find the link to preorder on your favorite retailer here.
If you liked the book, please consider leaving a review on your favorite retailer. Reviews help other people decide whether or not to read a book. Since this particular book deals with sensitive issues, if you have an opinion about how those issues were handled, it would be helpful for you to let other readers know. Some readers might see that this book’s themes include enslavement, rape, and women’s rights and be alarmed. If you feel that I’ve handled those topics in a responsible, sensitive matter, a short comment that lets browsers know that is greatly appreciated. You can find the links to all retailers here. Just click the icon for your retailer and scroll to where it asks for a review.
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Thanks again for reading Rain’s story! You’ll find a full list of the rest of my books on the Also by ID Johnson page.
Also by ID Johnson
Stand Alone Titles
Christmas Memory
(sweet contemporary romance)
The Doll Maker’s Daughter at Christmas
(clean romance/historical)
Pretty Little Monster
(young adult/suspense)
The Journey to Normal: Our Family's Life with Autism (nonfiction)
* * *
Duology
(psychological thriller/literary fiction/women’s fiction)
Beneath the Inconstant Moon
The First Mrs. Edwards
* * *
The Motherhood
(dystopian romance)
Rain’s Rebellion
Rain’s Run
Rain’s Return (coming soon!)
* * *
Ashes and Rose Petals
(contemporary romance/retelling of Romeo and Juliet and Cinderella)
Girl in the Attic
Girl From the Tomb
Girl On the Beach
* * *
Nashville Country Dreams
(contemporary romance)
Meant to Marry Me
Lead Me Home
* * *
Forever Love series
(clean romance/historical)
Cordia's Will: A Civil War Story of Love and Loss
Cordia’s Hope: A Story of Love on the Frontier
* * *
The Clandestine Saga series
(paranormal romance)
Transformation
Resurrection
Repercussion
Absolution
Illumination
Destruction
Annihilation
Obliteration
Termination
* * *
A Vampire Hunter’s Tale (based on The Clandestine Saga)
(paranormal/alternate history)
Aaron
Jamie
Elliott
Christian
* * *
The Chronicles of Cassidy (based on The Clandestine Saga)
(young adult paranormal)
So You Think Your Sister’s a Vampire Hunter?
Who Wants to Be a Vampire Hunter?
How Not to Be a Vampire Hunter
My Life As a Teenage Vampire Hunter
Vampire Hunting Isn’t for Morons
Vampires Bite and Other Life Lessons
Gone Guardian
Death Does Not Become Her
* * *
Blood of the Vampire Hunter (based on The Clandestine Saga)
(paranormal romance)
Night Slayer
* * *
Ghosts of Southampton series