by Dziekan, PJ
“What’s going on?” Sarah asked.
Ryan turned to look at her, a huge grin on his face. “Showers.”
“What?”
He reached out for a wrench and Bobby placed it in his hand. “We rigged a tank on the roof, with a pipe running through the bathroom on three to here. It’s gravity fed and there’s a limit to the water, but we’ll be able to take showers.”
Sarah envisioned being fully clean, without freezing her ass off to do it. No more sponge baths. She could have clean hair. She could shave her legs. “I could kiss you, Ryan.”
He laughed. “Nope, sorry, you picked the lesser brother.”
“Hey, what about me?” Bobby said. “I helped.”
Sarah kissed Bobby on his cheek, smiling as he blushed. “Thanks, Bobby.”
“Good surprise?” Annie asked from the doorway.
“Great surprise.” Sarah couldn’t stop smiling.
“You get to be first.” Ryan used the wrench to tighten the showerhead.
“Me?”
Ryan nodded. “Yeah, so if it doesn’t work like we think it will, you get to be the one who suffers.”
She laughed as she punched him. “Ass.”
“It’s just river water, so it won’t be perfect. We put a fifty-gallon tank up there and a low flow showerhead here, so if we take five-minute showers, we can probably get four before the tank runs dry.”
“How’d you get the water up there?”
“Bobby, Ben and I hauled it up after we hauled the tank up.”
“Jesus, Ryan. All this work for a lousy shower? We were doing OK with heating the water.” As much as she hated to admit it.
Ryan shrugged. “We have showers in our homes.”
“We’re gonna hook another tank up,” Bobby said. “We just gotta find one.”
Sarah shook her head. “You guys. This is great.”
“You gonna try it out?”
Sarah shot a look at Ryan. “You planning to watch?”
“Well, if you’re offering…”
She laughed. “Get the hell out of here!”
Sarah grinned the whole time she was in the shower. She didn’t care that the water was a little chilly or that it smelled like river. She luxuriated in the water sluicing down her body, rinsing the soap and shaving cream down the drain. She had probably gone over five minutes by the time she shut off the water, but it was so easy to do. It felt so damn good. At least she turned the water off when she soaped up and shaved her legs. They would have to find a way to time the showers. She was already looking forward to her next one when she pulled the towel from the shower rod and briskly rubbed her hair. She wrapped the towel around her body and knotted it before she opened the shower curtain.
She almost screamed. As it was, she let out a little squeak. Mick was leaning against the wall, arms crossed over his chest, a wry grin on his face. “Jesus, you scared me!” She exclaimed
“You know, we could have shared the shower.”
“Sorry, babe. I’d rather be clean.”
Mick laughed. “Maybe next time.” He moved closer.
Sarah backed away. “Uh-uh. You ain’t touching me until you get a shower. I want to enjoy this as long as possible.”
♦
“We have a good supply of food, thanks to Sarah, Mick and Steven,” Annie said later that evening as they gathered in communal dining apartment. “And they brought us Troy.” She smiled at him and he nodded. “So tonight, we celebrate!”
The gathered crowd cheered. Everyone was squeezed into the apartment with the exception of a few. Elaine sat with Elizabeth, Mikey and Lily. Steven and April were on gate duty. Sarah had taken each of them some MREs.
“We have a lot to celebrate,” Sarah said. “We have a safe place to live. We have lots of food. We have electricity. We have a shower!”
Loud cheers erupted. Mick grinned at her from across the room, raising his glass of water in a toast. She winked at him.
“Working together, we’re making something here. A community.” She smiled. “I’m glad to be a part of it.”
There were more cheers. She waited for them to die down before she continued. “But a community means work. We all have to pull together to make it work.” She paused to let the murmurs of agreement wash over everyone. “But not tonight,” she finally said. “Tonight, we play!”
She reached under the table where she had hidden the items that she had liberated from the last house they had searched. Two bottles of whiskey and a bottle of tequila. The crowd roared as she passed them around. The final item she was still a little reluctant to reveal. She didn’t know how it would be received. With a shrug, she grabbed it and hauled it up. Her eyes met Mick’s.
His eyes flashed with surprise and pleasure. He crossed the room and ran his fingers over the acoustic guitar. “Where did you find this?”
“At that last place. Will you play for us? For me?” She still regretted not seeing him play with his band.
“Of course.” He looked down at his fingers caressing the worn instrument. He raised his head to look at her. The joy in his eyes made her smile. His free hand wrapped around the back of her neck and he pulled her in for a kiss. “Thank you,” he whispered against her lips when he finally released her. He took her breath away. She just nodded.
Mick found a spot on the sofa and began to strum the guitar, tuning as he went. He played for hours, old classics, newer favorites, a few of his own songs. His voice was rough but no one cared. No one cared at all.
CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE
Over the months that passed, the two groups became one. Friendships, and other relationships, were made. Annie handed over leadership of her people to Sarah, who didn’t want it, but accepted it anyway. She had become a lot more accepting of things over the last few months. Elaine became a pseudo-grandmother to the whole group, often taking care of the children, their playful antics and laughter seeming to melt the years from her. Ben, still pretty taciturn, became part of the construction crew, spending most of his time with Ryan and Bobby. Grant, with the help of a pair of glasses Mick had scored for him, joined Christa and Dominic in teaching the kids, along with working in the gardens. Claire moved into Sarah and Mick’s apartment while Michelle took her place to be closer to Missy. She was near the end of her pregnancy and fearing for what was next, despite being eager to have it over with. She was being secretive about her wishes for a boy or girl and the names she had decided on. Everyone had secrets, now that there was a small measure of privacy to keep them.
Sarah and Missy were alone together in the third-floor apartment. Sarah, while still mourning what she had lost, warmed up to Missy, coming to think of her as a friend. Michelle was taking a shower, using water from the tower on the roof. The cold showers were still better than nothing. The next project was heat for the apartments. Winter wasn’t that far off.
Elaine, Dominic, Donna and the children were working in the garden. Becca’s plants that Sarah has so painstakingly kept alive had flourished, along with the seeds they had picked up months earlier. With so many mouths to feed, there wouldn’t be much to preserve for winter, but plans were already being made to expand the gardens to other roofs and a few more plots on the ground. When the first tomato ripened on one of Becca’s plants, Sarah took a piece in honor of her fallen friend. It didn’t make the tomato taste any better.
April was checking their barriers along the side streets. Some were permanent, like cars stacked atop each other, while others were blocked with smaller trucks that they could move for easy access in and out of town. The only ones left unblocked were the dead ends.
Troy was keeping watch at the north gate. He had blended into the group quite easily. He had a head for organization, so he had taken over the cataloging of supplies. He even kept records of everyone’s name, birth date and previous location. He liked to spend time alone at the gate, noting everything in his record books in his neat meticulous writing. Jack manned the south gate, Claire keeping him company.
“Sarah, I want nothing more than to have had this baby yesterday,” Missy groused.
Sarah smiled softly. “Sorry, Missy, but I’m the only one here and I don’t know shit about babies.” She felt a twinge of fear, but pushed it down.
“Trust me, I’m not having it today. I’m not that lucky. I’ll just be stuck with this stupid backache.” She shifted on the easy chair.
Something tickled Sarah’s brain, but she couldn’t bring it to the surface. “Can I get you anything? Another pillow?”
“Nah, but thanks.” Missy wiped a hand over her brow. “Boy, do I miss air conditioning.”
“And in a few months, we’ll miss this sweltering heat.”
“You’ll have body heat.” Missy winked.
Sarah grinned. “True.”
“I had body heat with Denny.” She lowered her head and picked at a thread on her tank top. “I didn’t love him; he was just someone who watched out for me.”
“Denny was your boyfriend?” Sarah asked softly.
“You could call him that, everybody did,” Missy said with a shrug. “But we were really just friends. We just got together for comfort. I mean, I missed him when he died, but I wasn’t torn up over it. Then, when I found out I was pregnant, it was like he was still here.” Missy smiled. “You know?”
“I know.” Sarah knew that if something happened to Mick, she’d be devastated. Would a baby be enough to give her the strength to go on? Her hand skimmed over her belly.
“Oh, this damn back!” Missy exclaimed as she moved forward in the chair so she could reach around and rub her back.
It finally clicked. Sarah jumped up from the sofa. “I think you’re in labor.”
Missy looked up. “No way.”
“Back pain can be a sign of labor. Let me go get Michelle.”
“Wait! Don’t leave me!”
“It’ll just be a minute. I’m going to run and get Michelle.”
“Please! I don’t want to be alone. I ---” Her words were ripped from her mouth in a scream. Sarah could see the contraction moving through her belly.
“Shit,” Sarah breathed. “I have to get Michelle.”
Missy reached out and grabbed Sarah’s arm. “Please, she’ll be here any minute. I don’t want to be alone.” Her eyes were wide with a mix of fear and pain.
“OK, Missy.” She released her arm and Sarah sat on the footstool in front of Missy. “How’s the pain now?”
“It’s OK, now. Just kind of a dull ache in my back.”
“Good. Did you learn any breathing exercises?”
“I read a book, but I felt silly doing them.”
“You’ll probably need them. Don’t feel silly, just do them, OK?”
“OK.”
The only sound was Missy’s heavy breathing. After a few minutes, Sarah asked, “Do you want a boy or girl?”
“I don’t really care, as long as it’s healthy.” Missy chuckled. “I used to make fun of people who said that. Of course, they had a preference. But now, I know. After everything that’s happened, all I want is a healthy baby.”
Sarah felt that twinge again. “You’ve been eating good and taking your vitamins. I’m sure the baby will be fine.”
“Something could always go wrong.”
“I know,” Sarah whispered. She didn’t mean to, it just slipped out.
“Did you – did you lose a baby?” Missy asked hesitantly.
Sarah swallowed and looked at the floor. “Yes.” Her voice was barely audible. “A few months ago.”
“That’s why you didn’t like me!” Sarah’s head flew up. “I thought maybe you thought I was a bubble headed idiot for getting pregnant.”
Sarah shook her head. “No, never. I’m sorry, Missy. I just – you reminded me and –”
“It’s OK, Sarah.” Missy patted her hand. “I’m just glad we could be friends, that you’re with me now.”
Sarah managed a smile. “Me, too.” She looked around the room. “I just wish things were different.”
“I’m just wishing for the epidural about now,” Missy gasped. “Here comes another one.” She grabbed Sarah’s hand, gripping tight as the contraction moved through her.
“Breathe, Missy.” Sarah began to breathe like she had seen pregnant women do on TV. She didn’t know if she was doing it right, and it did make her feel silly, but Missy picked it up and it seemed to help. They breathed together as the contraction began to wane.
That’s what Michelle saw when she walked in, fresh from her shower. “You have got to be kidding me.”
Missy and Sarah looked at her, both still breathing. Missy shook her head. “I think it’s time,” she managed between breaths.
Michelle tossed her dirty clothes on the sofa and took charge. “Sarah, there’s a roll of plastic in the corner of the small bedroom. Cover the bed with it then wash your hands. I’ll need you to put clean linens on the bed.”
Sarah stood, Missy releasing her hand. “Should I go find April?” She asked.
“Nope, it’s me and you for now.”
Sarah swallowed, her eyes wide. “Oh – OK.” Wringing her hands, she went to the bedroom.
♦
Jack and Claire were back first. Bobby had replaced them on gate duty. “Sarah, we saw something,” Jack started.
“Not now, Jack.” Sarah was sitting beside Missy’s bed, holding her hand as she breathed through another contraction.
“Shit.” Jack stopped at the doorway.
“Go on, Jack, I’ll talk to you later.”
“But Sarah…” He trailed off when Michelle shook her head. He backed away from the door.
“You’re doing fine, Missy,” Michelle said in her soothing professional voice. “Only a couple more centimeters.”
“You said that an hour ago!!”
“It was true an hour ago and it’s true now. But you’re doing great.”
“Bullshit!”
Michelle smiled. “You really are doing well for a first timer.”
“Not well enough, it’s still in there,” Missy grumped.
It took another six hours. Michelle tried sending Sarah from the room and bringing April in instead, but Missy begged Sarah to stay. With a mixture of sadness, excitement and anticipation, Sarah stayed, lending support to the young girl.
Missy delivered a boy, a little small, a little thin, but with a set of lungs that rivaled any rock star. The scream he let out brought smiles to everyone from the women in the room to the gang waiting eagerly outside for news.
Michelle cut the cord, cleaned him, wrapped the child in a freshly laundered blanket, and placed the tiny bundle in Missy’s arms. “He’s so tiny,” she said, her voice full of awe.
“He’s beautiful,” Sarah whispered, ignoring the flutter in her belly.
Michelle busied herself with the aftermath of the birth. “Have you decided on a name?”
Missy looked up at Sarah. “Louis Michael, after you and Mick, if that’s OK.”
Sarah swallowed thickly. “Of – of course. We’d be honored.”
“Would you like to hold him?”
Sarah hesitated. Just a moment. Then her arms reached out. She took the swaddled baby from Missy’s hands, marveling at his tiny features, the small spot of blood on his cheek that Michelle had missed. “Hello, Louis,” she whispered. His eyes were open and although she knew he couldn’t focus on her, she couldn’t help but smile.
“Missy, do you mind if Sarah introduces him to the group while we get you comfortable?” Michelle asked.
“No, that’s fine.” Her voice was breathy and laced with fatigue.
“I’ll bring him back,” Sarah promised. Cradling the child in one arm, she twisted the knob and pushed open the door.
At the creak of the door opening, all eyes turned to her. Everyone w
as there, with the exception of Elizabeth, Mikey and Lily and those on gate duty. She smiled tremulously. Her gaze sought out Mick. His eyes were filled with concern. Her smile widened and she cleared her throat. “May I present Louis Michael Tyler.”
Quiet cheers rang out in the room. Sarah was surrounded by the group, each pushing closer to see the first baby in nearly a year. Mick sidled up to her. “How are you?” he whispered.
“Tired,” she sighed. “Not as tired as Missy.”
“That’s not what I meant.”
“I know. I’m OK, Mick. I’m actually OK.” Sarah smiled widely, lighting up her face, chasing the fatigue. “She named him after us.”
He smiled. “Really?”
Sarah nodded. “He’s beautiful.” She looked down into his face, now fighting sleep.
“He is.” Mick pressed a kiss to Sarah’s damp forehead. “But not as beautiful as you.”
“Please,” Sarah scoffed. “I’m sweaty and dirty and about dead on my feet.”
“And beautiful.” He kissed her again.
Michelle emerged from the room. “Missy’s resting now, but you can all visit her tomorrow.” She walked over to Sarah. “Let me take Louis; you go get some sleep.” Sarah placed the sleeping baby in Michelle’s outstretched arms. A wave of fatigue washed over her and she yawned.
“See?’ Michelle said. “Go to bed.”
“After I get washed up.” She laced her fingers in with Mick’s. “Come on, let’s go to bed.” She noticed his raised eyebrows and rakish grin. “To sleep,” she clarified. At his frown, she laughed. “Maybe not.” Laughing, Mick led her from the room.
♦
The heat wave broke overnight and the morning was chilly. Sarah, wearing a long-sleeved tee, emerged from her room to see Jack sitting on the sofa. “Hey, Jack,” she said on her way to the kitchen.
He jumped up. “Sarah, I need to talk to you.”
She held up a hand. “Let me get some caffeine first if you want me to actually comprehend what you have to say.”
She poured some bottled water into a pot and set it on the camp stove. She turned on the small propane tank and started the stove, noting that the tank was getting low. She’d have to replace that soon. She got out her cup and a fresh tea bag. “Want some?”