Phoenix Ashes Master

by Anne, Melody

  “How do I know you won’t hurt us once we’re alone?” she managed to ask in a gasp between sobs.

  “Ma’am, if I wanted to hurt you, I would’ve already done it. Please, let me help your family. We can start with you giving me your name.”

  She peered into his dark brown eyes and felt peace for the first time in a very long while. She knew it was foolish to feel safe with a stranger, but she somehow knew he wasn’t going to hurt them. He had been sent by a guardian angel.

  “I . . . my old house is a few miles from here, outside of the city. We were heading in that direction when the men attacked. If we can get there, we could rest. Even if the house is burnt down, my husband prepared an emergency shelter with supplies. Oh, and my name’s Elise.”

  “I wish we were meeting under better circumstances, Elise. I’m going to pick up Mikey and put him in the back of the truck. We need to go now. You can point me in the right direction.”

  She hoped she wasn’t making the worst mistake yet by showing him where they were staying. Maybe this was all a trick to get more supplies. But how would he know of supplies until she told him? She hated the fear and mistrust she felt with any sort of interaction with anyone. It was a new world she hated being a part of.

  Drake helped Elise to her feet. She held Cheryl and Cathy in her arms and kept Gabe by her side as she followed Drake. He picked up Mikey, cradling him close to his chest as he walked around the corner to a small truck. How would they all fit?

  “There’s a small backseat for the kids. It won’t be too comfortable, but they’ll stay warm,” he offered after he laid Mikey down in the bed of the truck and then opened the passenger door and moved the seat forward.

  Elise took a moment to look at Mikey, so small, wrapped in the thin blanket. She wanted to hold him, this poor boy who had already lost his parents, but his sister, Cheryl, and her two children were wounded and needed her more right then. Reluctantly, she turned from the boy she’d let down. At least he wasn’t in pain anymore, and she hoped he was sitting in the lap of his parents at that very moment.

  Elise helped the kids climb inside, then sat in the passenger seat in its tight confines, with her arm draped over the back, so the kids could touch her hand. She let out a relieved breath when the vehicle started and the engine idled quietly. She was terrified any noise was going to attract more soldiers. She didn’t have the strength to fight anymore that night — maybe never again.

  She led Drake to her old address, and as they crested the long winding driveway, new tears fell at the sight of her home. It hadn’t been destroyed. The place that had brought her so much joy for so many years was still standing. She didn’t know what to expect, but seeing it upright gave her a sense of hope and peace.

  She’d give Mikey a proper burial, take care of her children, and then she’d figure out what to do next. They pulled up to the front of the house just as the sun rose. Her eyes moved to the front porch and she froze when she saw the remains of her husband and the soldier where they’d both fallen.

  “Please,” she gasped, motioning him to continue driving so the kids wouldn’t see — so she wouldn’t have to see. Drake’s eyes shot to the front porch and then to her, and understanding dawned in his eyes.

  “I’m going to pull around the side of the house. Is there room in the garage to park my truck?”

  “Yes,” she gasped, placing her hand over her mouth to muffle any whimpering that tried to escape, unable to say anything more.

  “Do you have a spare key for me to get inside?”

  “The back door’s unlocked. We left in a hurry.”

  “Okay. That’s good. I want you to wait in the truck. I’m going to make sure the house is clear. Take this gun. No, don’t shy away from it. It could save your life. If you see anybody but me walking toward this truck, you shoot. Assume they’re the enemy. I’ll be back in a few minutes. After the house is clear, I’ll go to the garage and disable the electric opener so I can lift the door. Then I’ll come back to the truck and back it into the garage to bring the kids inside.”

  Elise nodded as he climbed from the truck and jogged through the overgrown grass toward the back of her house. Her fingers gripped the butt of the gun tightly as sweat beaded on her forehead. Could she shoot someone if they came toward her? As she looked in the back seat at her wide-eyed children, she knew her answer. She’d do anything to protect them. She wouldn’t fail them again, and she couldn’t count on anyone but herself. This stranger seemed to be a good man, but he could turn on a dime. She was very aware of that.

  “Elise, I’m coming back to the truck. I’d appreciate it if you didn’t shoot me,” she heard Drake call after what felt like hours had passed. She lowered the gun, her hands shaking uncontrollably as he opened the driver’s door and climbed inside. He quickly moved the truck into the garage and killed the engine, then jumped out and shut the door, sheathing them in darkness. After a couple minutes, her eyes adjusted to the light coming in from the door to the house. That door led to her kitchen where she had huge windows that welcomed the morning sun, filling the house with natural light.

  One of her favorite memories was sitting at her kitchen table in her warm robe and slippers with a hot cup of coffee and the morning paper while her husband bustled around the house getting ready for work and the kids began to wake up for their day.

  She could almost smell the coffee brewing and hear the sounds from a happier time. Turning her head, knowing Mikey was lying in the back of the truck shattered her memories quickly. His life shouldn’t have ended so soon, and certainly not so violently. He had died trying to protect her . . . she’d never forget that.

  “Let’s get the kids inside. The house smells musty, but it’s in great shape. Your husband sealed it up really well. It looks as if animals haven’t been in here,” he told her.

  After all of the rodent infestations of some places, Elise was relieved to hear that. She really didn’t like the filthy animals, and certainly didn’t want to share her home with them.

  Together, Elise and Drake got the children settled inside on the two couches in the living room. Elise gathered blankets and covered them before she went and retrieved first aid supplies. No one had touched her home — everything was exactly where she’d left it four years ago. A thick layer of dust covered everything, a musty aroma lingered heavily, and though cobwebs were everywhere, it was still beautiful.

  She stopped to open a few windows, letting the cool breeze blow through the house and carry away the offensive odors on the wind. Carefully surveying the house, she realized that if they were going to be there for a few days, she’d have to do some cleaning — every step she took sent dust billowing into the air.

  She was torn, though. It was obvious no one had been in the home, but if it was cleaned, anyone who came near would see the house was being used, or had been recently. What if they were close by, and that led them to be found? She was so torn on what to do. The time was long over when a quick decision about anything pertaining to their lives could be made.

  She was still in shock from the attack and from the rescue and didn’t want to think about any of it anymore. She wanted to lie down and sleep. But she didn’t know this man. What if she fell asleep and woke to find her family dead? She might never sleep a full night again. She certainly hadn’t in four years.

  Drake brought in some food for her and the kids, which they gobbled down while she cleaned their wounds, grateful their cuts were minor. Her eyelids grew heavier and heavier and she was fighting the desire to cave in and let go.

  “I’ll be back. I want to take care of things. You are safe, Elise. I swear,” he said as he looked into her eyes.

  “I don’t know you,” she whispered, tears clear in her tone.

  He knelt in front of her. “I know. This world has been horrible,” he said. He pulled out an old photo that was barely recognizable as it had been handled so much. She held it. “This is me with my mom and dad the day I went
into the military. Back then it was a beautiful organization that turned boys into men. Now, it’s pure hell. I haven’t always made the right choices, but I’ve never hurt an innocent person. You can rest. Let me take care of you for this day as a thank you for shelter. I will take care of the home while you rest.”

  She gazed at him, not having the energy to answer. She finally nodded. He gave her the smallest semblance of a smile before he disappeared. Elise picked at her food, her stomach shrunken from her lack of eating in the past few months. She could barely get any of the military meal down.

  She tried to keep guard as her children curled up around her. But soon, she couldn’t keep her eyes open any longer. She told herself she’d only rest for a few seconds. But as soon as she relaxed, she fell into the first deep sleep she’d had since the day they’d left the relative safety of her hideaway cabin.

  Not even a tornado ripping through could’ve woken her. Maybe she trusted this stranger more than she had a right to. Or maybe it was her husband whispering in her ear that everything was going to be okay.

  Chapter Twenty-One

  *** Sadie ***

  “Congratulations, Sadie. I’m so excited for you.”

  “Thanks.”

  “Sadie, if you need some tips for the honeymoon, just call me.”

  “Shut up, Andrew!”

  “You’re quite popular this evening,” Phoenix said, not able to hide the smile as they passed a group of their friends.

  “I love all of the comments. If I wasn’t so dang happy right now, I’d be completely embarrassed. I can’t believe how many people have been congratulating me all day long. It shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone since we’ve been together for a couple of years already,” Sadie answered with exasperation.

  “It’s because there’s always so much sadness, death, and gloom that when something good happens, everyone wants to be a part of it. It might officially be your wedding, but the entire base will feel as if it’s their day, too.”

  “Looking at it like that will certainly make all of the dirty comments easier to deal with. Thanks, Phoenix.”

  “I’ve always got your back,” Phoenix replied as she squeezed Sadie’s shoulders.

  Sadie and Phoenix continued their stroll from the dining room to Sadie’s mom’s unit. Sadie couldn’t quit smiling as they entered the building and continued down the hall. People had been congratulating her since she’d announced the engagement. The wedding was only a week away, time flying fast as they made their plans.

  “I’m a little envious right now,” Phoenix said. “Jayden’s been gone all week, so I’ve been lonely. Add to that the fact that you haven’t stopped grinning and the blush hasn’t left your cheeks, and I have to say I’m a tad green.”

  “I’ve been so worried with Brian gone, but they’re on their way home now and in one short week my wedding day will be here. I have to admit I’m nervous about our wedding night. You know, what if I can’t . . . well, uh . . . make him . . . satisfied?”

  “I’ve seen the two of you sucking face like there’s no tomorrow. I can guarantee you he won’t have any issues feeling . . . satisfied. Plus, you deserve this, Sadie. You’re seriously the kindest, most beautiful, best friend anyone could ever have. I want you to have the moon and the stars. If Brian ever treats you badly or makes you feel inadequate, I’m going to have to come over and kick his ass,” Phoenix said, only half-joking.

  “I wouldn’t expect anything less.”

  “You girls are late,” Megan scolded as they entered the room. She had an old white dress that had belonged to her forever. It had taken some serious cleaning and mending, but Megan was turning it into a spectacular gown.

  “Oh, Mom, it’s perfect,” Sadie practically squealed as she lifted the hem of the dress and examined the pretty satin her mother had sewn on. “I still can’t believe you managed to find all of this gorgeous lace and satin. You’re my absolute hero.”

  “I just have to sew these final beads into place and then it will be perfect. You’ll make a stunning bride. I can’t believe my baby is getting married. Part of me wants to tell you it’s far too soon, but if I’ve learned nothing else, I’ve learned that life in this world can be a very short. I want you to have everything you’ve ever needed or desired in these dark days.”

  “You’ve done so much for me, Mom. This day would be special even if I were in ripped up jeans and a T-shirt, but wearing this dress . . . I can’t put into words what it means to me. And I know we’re young, but we’ve been through more than most kids my age ever go through. I truly think we’re going to be stronger together than apart.”

  “You’re my only daughter, and you’ve been a true joy to raise. I want to give you the world, but right now that’s not possible. What is possible is for me to give you a perfect wedding. When I held you in my arms as a newborn, I mapped out what I perceived as the perfect life for you. I pictured your first day of kindergarten, you rushing home to tell me about your first kiss, and seeing you in a cap and gown, giving the valedictorian speech while I wiped my tears with a soft hankie. Those were all fleeting thoughts in my mind, but the one event in your life that I always pictured in vivid detail was your wedding day. It’s an occasion a mother dreams of planning with her daughter, making it truly unforgettable. There’s nothing I won’t do for you, Sadie,” Megan said as she blinked her eyes to stop the tears.

  “You really are the perfect mom. You know that, right?” Sadie asked as she sat down and wrapped her arms around her mom while fighting back tears.

  “I do try. Now, we’d better stop this or I’m going to cry and won’t be able to see the tiny holes on these beads.”

  “Where did you manage to find these? They’re so delicate. I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything like them before.”

  “Have a seat and I’ll tell you the story while I sew,” Megan said excitedly. Both girls complied, eager to listen.

  “These beads came from a family heirloom. It’s been in our family since World War II. See this green gem? It hung down the front of a stunning necklace, so it rested perfectly at the top of the breastbone. It was made to draw a man’s gaze to one of our most useful assets,” Megan said, making Phoenix and Sadie giggle with embarrassment.

  “I’m not that old, girls. I still enjoy a man appreciating my body,” she added with a wink before continuing. “There were three strands attached to the necklace, each holding precious beads all the way from Europe. See the shimmer in them? That’s because they’re precious stones that were carved carefully. Way back in our genealogy, there was a boy, Grandpa Ervin, who was about your age when he fell deeply in love. It was a bad time then, with the war just starting. He was sent to fight in Europe. He didn’t know if he’d make it home or not, and his heart was breaking because of it.”

  “Oh, Mom. I can’t hear this if it has a tragic ending,” Sadie gasped.

  “Of course it doesn’t have a sad ending. Do you think I’d tell you a tragic tale right before your wedding?”

  “Of course not. Please go on,” Phoenix jumped in, squeezing Sadie’s hand.

  “Anyway, as I was saying, he was being shipped overseas. He didn’t know if or when he’d return, but he wanted Esmeralda to wait for him. She was quite the catch, from a sophisticated family, and she had the most exotic, beautiful dark hair and shimmering green eyes. He was certainly smitten, so he had this necklace made, picking out the green sapphire to match her eyes, and the beads to complement it. The day he left, she waited with him at the bus stop. He pulled out the case and opened it. She took one look and immediately started sobbing. It was all too much for her.”

  Megan paused as she sniffled and reached for a tissue. The girls waited while she picked up another bead to sew onto Sadie’s dress.

  “He asked her to wait for him, telling her the necklace was a promise that he’d return. He promised he’d get a ring to match it when they were reunited. Having her waiting would give him a reason to fight
to come home, as he had no family left. His parents were both dead and his grandfather, who he’d lived with, had died a few months earlier. If she were to leave him, he was afraid he’d simply give up and not fight to return.”

  “What did she say?” Sadie asked, lost in the story.

  “Well, before I tell you that . . . Grandpa Ervin was on the beaches of Normandy. It was a tragic, bloody battle where so many men didn’t come home. He was shot in the chest, the bullet just missing his heart. It took hours before a medic found him. The man was stunned to find the young private still alive and managed to get him help. When he got to the medic unit, they said it was a miracle he was still alive. He looked at the doctor and said it wasn’t a miracle — it was because he had a reason to come home.”

  “She’d said yes,” Phoenix said excitedly.

  “Yes, of course she’d said yes. Before that battle, he’d been gone for two years, and they wrote to each other as often as the mail would travel, but the important thing was that she wrote in her journals every single day. She kept her thoughts on paper, her depression with him being gone, the pressure her father was putting on her to marry a rich man in the bank her dad owned, and the heartbreak of praying she didn’t receive a letter one day telling her that her fiancé was dead.”

  “I can’t imagine her pain. I’m always so scared when Brian leaves for his missions, and he’s not very far from home and always back within a week, two at most. How did she hold on for two straight years?”

  “I have her old journals. We’ll have to pull them out sometime. They’re really very touching. Her pain jumps through the pages and has made me cry several times. The day he returned home, still healing from his gunshot wound, her journal was filled with happiness and her plans for the future. They were never apart again. It would be so special to sit down and talk to her — know this strong, beautiful woman.”