Arid

by Joyce, Anne

  “What is it? Why are you looking at me that way?”

  Her voice faded. Everything turned black. His body went limp.

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  When he awoke, Joshua saw nothing but a white blur. Is this heaven? Am I dead? He blinked a few times and realized he was staring at cheap ceiling tiles.

  “He’s awake!” Maria ran to his side. “Hey, how are you feeling?” She stroked his hair. He stared at his arm. An IV dripped fluid into it. A boy sat in the bed next to him with an electronic device on his lap. Flimsy curtains separated him from the other patients. Busy doctors and nurses rushed patients down the halls. They were all shouting to one another, but Joshua couldn’t make out what was said.

  “Josh, speak to me!” She grabbed his face and looked into his eyes.

  “Relax, Maria. He’s just a little disoriented.” Julio stood at the foot of the bed. Paola was curled up in a chair asleep with a blanket wrapped around her.

  “We were really worried.” She locked her fingers around his. “I was starting to think you’d never wake up.”

  “I knew you’d be all right. You’re one tough son of a bitch.” Julio smiled.

  “Hey! Look who decided to grace us with his presence!” Ignacio rounded the corner.

  “It’s about time.” Rolando followed him.

  “What happened?” asked Joshua.

  “You passed the hell out, man! You were hanging in the air about twenty feet off the ground. I stood on the truck with Julio on my shoulders so he could cut you loose,” Ignacio said. “We laid you in the truck bed and rushed you here.”

  “Where are we?”

  “We’re in Sonora,” Julio replied. “The doctor said you were dehydrated and malnourished. The poison you inhaled compounded it. He also said your lungs are scarred, so don’t take up smoking or try to run any marathons. Otherwise, you’re in good health. You should make a swift recovery.”

  “Where’s Skylar?”

  “She’s down the hall with Blane,” Julio said.

  “Good! I’m so glad you found him before it was too late,” Joshua sighed.

  “His condition is critical. He’s lost a lot of blood. The doctors aren’t sure he’ll survive.” Maria lowered her voice.

  “I can give blood. What’s his blood type?” Joshua sat up.

  “I’ve already donated and so has Rolando. You’re in no state to be doing that. All we can do now is wait,” Maria replied.

  “My uncle was shot last year at his convenience store during a robbery. He was in way worse shape than your friend and he made it. I don’t think you have anything to worry about,” Rolando said.

  “I hope you’re right,” Joshua said. “Do you think the Border Patrol is still looking for us?”

  “I doubt it. I haven’t seen a border guard for days,” Rolando replied.

  “What would make them just forget about us? The water barons have to be breathing down their necks,” Maria mused.

  “Maybe they’re not in power anymore,” Julio said.

  “I’m glad I never moved to the United States. My brothers wanted to live there ten years ago, but I talked them out of it,” Ignacio remarked.

  “Wise decision,” Joshua said.

  “¿Eres de América? Tu país está en guerra!” The boy held up his electronic device. A news article was on the screen along with a picture of a team of Purifiers striking civilians with batons.

  “What did he say?” asked Joshua.

  “He said ‘America’s at war.’ Let me see that.” Ignacio yanked the device from his hands.

  “Devuélveme lo!” he cried.

  “You’ll get it back when I’m done.” Ignacio stared at the screen. Maria and Julio crowded around him and peered over his shoulder. “He’s right. Your country’s at war with itself.”

  “They did it! I knew the resistance could pull it off!” Julio grinned.

  “They did what?” Joshua said.

  “Here, read it for yourself.” Ignacio handed it to him.

  “This is all in Spanish. How do you turn on the translation?”

  “You came to Mexico and you can’t speak Spanish?” Ignacio said.

  “It says the Water Coalition is dissolved, effective immediately. Three of its members were found floating in New York’s East River. The rest are missing along with Terry Pickett. Riots are ensuing all over the country. The death toll is over two thousand so far. The National Guard’s been called in to help contain the situation. Hundreds of citizens were arrested and order is slowly being restored. President Flintlock announced a temporary ban on water tariffs. He stated that standard drinking water will be publicly available at a fixed, affordable rate.” Julio skimmed the article.

  “You know things are bad when they’re sending in the National Guard,” Joshua remarked.

  “The next article says that the wrecked remains of a crop duster were found near the Arizona-Mexico border. The cause of the crash is unknown, but it’s believed to be the result of a system malfunction.” Julio flipped through the pages.

  “I wouldn’t be surprised if our pal, Trevor, had something to do with that,” Joshua replied.

  “I never thought we’d live to see the day when everyone could afford water. I guess they won’t be shipping people to the wastelands anymore.” Maria smiled.

  “Marcus and his people are some brave soldiers. They brought change! That’s damn near impossible to do with a corrupt system but they did it! I hope they’re all okay, wherever they are,” Julio said.

  “Don’t get your hopes up. The President said there’s a temporary ban on the water taxes. The government will reorganize and become stronger. There’s no telling what they’ll do after that. We already know they can’t be trusted,” Joshua said.

  “The bullet shortage will be even worse after this. They can’t risk another uprising. They’ll have to think about more than their pocketbooks this time,” Julio retorted.

  “Another slew of greedy millionaires could always take the Water Coalition’s place,” Joshua replied.

  “Who would want to be a water baron now? I’d say your buddies sent a clear message,” Ignacio said.

  “That’s why the Border Patrol isn’t looking for you. You’re the least of their worries now,” Rolando said.

  “That means you can become a Mexican citizen. You’re going to have to learn the language and get your papers. We don’t need any illegal aliens running around. I suggest you study for that test!” Ignacio laughed.

  “There’s an easier solution for Josh. He can just marry a citizen.” Julio patted Maria’s back. “Blane and Skylar will have to deal with the immigration loopholes.”

  “Shut up!” Her cheeks flushed.

  “Don’t act like you hate the thought. I see you two fawning over each other all the time,” Julio said.

  “It’s not the worst idea he’s ever had.” Joshua smirked.

  ***

  Six Months Later

  “What’s taking so long? They should be out here by now,” Joshua hissed. He grew antsier by the moment. His throat felt tight and constricted. He tugged on his bow tie to loosen it.

  “Knock it off! You’re going to mess it up.” Julio straightened the tie. “You’ll see her soon enough. You’ve got the rest of your lives to spend together!”

  “Here they come.” Blane pointed. Organ music blared over the speakers. Paola skipped down the aisle with a basket of flower petals. She tossed them around the tiny chapel until the pews and floor were covered with pink petals. She grinned at Joshua and slid into the front pew beside her grandmother.

  Skylar and Maria’s two younger sisters strutted down the aisle in their shiny red bridesmaids’ dresses. Skylar looked stunning. She beamed at her husband. Joshua knew she was thinking of her wedding day. Josefina was poised and confident as usual. She carried herself well, and it added to her elegance. Juliana winked at Julio as she took her place on the other side of the podium. Her long brown hair cascaded around her angelic face.
r />   “Juliana looks gorgeous,” Julio whispered.

  “So do Josefina and Skylar,” Blane replied.

  “Of course they do, I just meant—”

  “It’s all right. I know what you meant. You guys are doing a lousy job of hiding it. Has Maria found out?”

  “I told her. She wasn’t thrilled at first, but she’s coming around.”

  “Well, I’m sure she wasn’t stoked to find out you’re dating her seventeen-year-old sister,” Blane scoffed.

  “She’s nineteen, bozo!”

  “And you’re how old?”

  “I’m twenty-seven. So what?”

  “Will you two keep it down?” Joshua turned to his groomsmen. The music changed to a Hispanic love song and Maria appeared in the doorway. All the guests turned to see the beautiful, smiling bride in her lacy white dress. Joshua felt his heart drop to the floor.

  “You’re one lucky man,” Ignacio said from the front row.

  “Yes, I am,” Joshua grinned.

  ***

  “This wine is awful! I’m the one who picked it out too.” Maria grimaced and set her glass on the table.

  “I don’t think there’s anything wrong with it,” Skylar said.

  “When are we going to expand our business? We’ve got the money to advertise now. We need to generate more clients,” Ignacio asked Julio.

  “We’re better landscapers than anyone else in this town, same goes for Josh,” Rolando agreed. “When more people find out about us, we’ll be the first ones they call. My cousins are ready to join our team. They’re great workers.”

  “We’ll talk about it another time, my friends. Today is the day for dancing and rejoicing.” Julio smiled.

  “Where’s your new husband? It’s almost time to cut the cake,” Skylar asked Maria.

  “He was just here a minute ago.” Maria glanced around the reception hall.

  “He’s over there getting an earful from Mom!” Josefina laughed. “You’d better go rescue him.”

  “He’s family now. He might as well get used to it,” Juliana said.

  Maria pushed her way through the crowd toward Joshua.

  “When do we get to dance?” Paola twirled around.

  “After everyone has some cake. You’ll have to be patient,” Blane said.

  “There you are! Let’s go cut the cake!” Maria grabbed Joshua’s arm.

  “There’s no need to rush, dear. I was just having a chat with my son-in-law.” Her mother ran her fingers through her salt-and-pepper hair. “I’m giving him a little parenting advice since he’s new to it. I tried to do that with Juan, but he wouldn’t listen. I knew that one was going to be a dud.”

  “Mother!” Maria groaned. “Josh has been a father to Paola for quite some time. He’s doing a fine job. It’d be great if you never mentioned Juan’s name again.”

  “You needn’t be embarrassed about it. We all make mistakes when we’re young.” Joshua took a sip of wine.

  “You don’t have to drink that, sweetie. I know it’s terrible,” Maria said.

  “You chose this and now you hate it?” Her mother looked puzzled.

  “I don’t know what I was thinking. Oh, did you hear that?” Maria pointed at the stage. “They’re calling our names.” She took Joshua’s hand and led him to the front of the room.

  “I didn’t hear anyone say our names,” Joshua said.

  “I’m saving you from my mother. She can be a handful at times.”

  “She cares a lot about you. That’s all. It’s nothing I can’t handle.” Joshua planted a kiss on her forehead. Maria picked up the microphone and announced that it was time for cake.

  Julio marched toward the bride and groom. The rest of the wedding party was gathered around them and their seven-layer cake. Julio stood beside Juliana and put his arm around her.

  “Josh, I’m honored to be your best man.” Julio took the microphone and raised his glass. “I don’t think any of us would be here today if it weren’t for you. Nothing makes me happier than to see the two of you together. Maria, you deserve this man… and that’s the highest compliment I can give you. To Maria and Josh!”

  “To Maria and Josh.” Everyone raised their glasses.

  Maria blew Julio a kiss. Joshua smiled at his best friend and finished his drink.

  Julio looked surprised when Maria’s mom took the microphone from his hand. “Mom, you don’t need to make a toast,” Maria hissed.

  “I want to,” she replied.

  “Oh Lord help us,” Josefina groaned.

  “Maria, I know things haven’t been easy for you. You left this country to help the family… and you paid a heavy price for that. I’ve never forgotten the sacrifice you made for your sisters and me. We all love you and want the best for you. I think you’ve found that with this man.” She patted Joshua’s shoulder. “Josh, I know you’ll take good care of the three of them.”

  “Don’t you mean the two of us?” Paola said.

  “Uh, right. That’s what I meant, darling.” She put down the microphone and stepped away.

  “What the hell did she mean by that?” Blane turned to Skylar.

  “She must know something we don’t.” Skylar shrugged. An awkward silence filled the room.

  “Umm… those were lovely words, Mama. I think we’re done with toasts. I’ll go ask the caterers when the food will be ready.” Juliana put down her glass and headed to the kitchen.

  “Will someone give me a hand?” Maria picked up a knife and smiled at Joshua. He placed his hand over hers and they cut into the cake together. He squeezed her hand and nuzzled the back of her neck. At that moment, she didn’t think she possibly be any happier.

  Josefina started slicing the cake and placing the slices onto the large platters. “I’m going to help hand out the cake,” Maria whispered to Joshua and he watched as she and her other bridesmaids picked up the baskets.

  Joshua pulled her mother aside. “Helen, I know that wasn’t just a slip of the tongue. Who’s this third person you were referring to?”

  “You haven’t met him or her yet, but you will in a matter of months. I suggest you start preparing.” Helen smiled smugly.

  Joshua gasped and felt his heart start to race. “What did she tell you?”

  “She didn’t have to tell me anything. I’m not even sure she’s figured it out yet. She’s been too busy planning this wedding.”

  They watched Maria as she finished passing out cake. She smiled at Joshua and motioned for him to join her.

  “I’ll be right there,” he called. “How can you be so sure then?” He turned back to Helen.

  “She’s hypersensitive to taste. She’s been forgetful, and you know that’s not like her. Her breasts are also huge. I’ve been pregnant three times. I’m telling you, there’s a child on the way.”

  “Wow!” Josh ran his fingers through his hair. “I can’t believe it!”

  “Don’t mess up your hair.” Helen smoothed it over. “Maybe I shouldn’t have been the one to tell you. Congratulations though. I know you’ll make a good father.”

  “I’m going to be a dad!” Joshua cried. He couldn’t contain his joy and excitement. Several people turned around and stared.

  “I thought you were already my dad.” Paola stood behind him.

  “Of course, I am… and I always will be.” He picked her up and held her close.

  Epilogue

  “What’s the password?” Marcus said through the giant steel door.

  “You know who it is, Littlehawk! Stop screwing around and let me in.” Todd banged on the door.

  “That’s not the password.”

  “All right, it’s H2O. Open the damn door,” the petite man sighed.

  “Why are you so cranky today?” Marcus unlocked the door.

  “Haven’t you heard the news?” The fair-skinned young man stepped inside.

  “We don’t get out much in case you haven’t noticed. That’s why you’re our gofer.”

  “You have a TV, though
. You must get some reception in this hole.” Todd flung their groceries on the table.

  “We’ve been busy setting up our off-shore bank accounts. We need money to fund our cause.” Trevor drummed on his keyboard.

  “Speaking of money.” Todd held out his hand.

  “Here, you little weasel.” Marcus pulled some cash out of his wallet and gave it to him.

  “What cause are you immersed in now?” asked Todd.

  “We’re procuring money for Tanner’s legal defense. His case goes to trial next month,” Marcus replied.

  “He and his cohorts are going to have the best attorneys that money can buy,” Trevor said.

  “Do you really think that’s going to make a difference? The Purifiers shot half of his vigilante army on site. I’m surprised they haven’t executed them already, especially with that crooked President Flintlock still in office.” Todd crossed his arms over his chest.

  “The United States doesn’t want another mutiny situation. A high-profile execution could do just that. They have no choice but to handle this delicately. A lawyer with a big name and reputation will bring the right kind of publicity.” Rowan sat cross legged, tapping on her keyboard.

  “I hope you’re right. America has enough issues and they’re spreading them to the rest of the world like a disease,” Todd said.

  “What do you mean?’ Marcus stared at him.

  “Hey, Todd, what’s up?” Danisha emerged from the back room of their tiny basement dwelling.

  “A company called Golding Sexton LLC just bought the ownership rights to wheat,” Todd replied.

  “How the hell can they do that?” Danisha sputtered.

  “I’m sure it’s not legal, but they’re a billion-dollar corporation. They can get away with it.” Rowan closed her laptop and got up from the couch.

  “There go my favorite kinds of bread and pasta,” Danisha groaned.

  “They’re not going to stop with wheat. They’ll take every grain from us. It’s happening all over again. This time they’ll be better prepared,” Trevor sighed.

  “We moved all the way to Calgary, and we still can’t escape the greed and corruption,” Rowan said. “It’s an epidemic.”