by Susan Lowry
Sarah set her mug back on the table. “Well, I got better acquainted with Chris today – he was over for dinner you know, said not to disturb you though. Anyhow, now I understand what took the two of you so fricking long to get here. I’m impressed.”
Lucy thought she had better explain. She chewed and sipped water while she talked. “It’s just that, when Christopher puts his mind to things he doesn’t fool around – he made that unmistakably clear the minute I met him. It’s his astronaut personality, undoubtedly. He didn’t want us to stop until we’d done everything – and trust me – it was all very important.
“Of course it’s understandable that he didn’t want to have to go back there again. You couldn’t blame him for that. But, last month, I just wanted all the work to be finished so we could get here. I could tell something was wrong with Travis. He had me so worried. And then, Christopher was his typical stubborn-old-mule self about it. But I finally convinced him how important it was to be here. So we wrapped things up fairly quickly after that. Travis needed me. It’s been so horribly hard on him.”
Sarah sighed. “He breaks our hearts… for a small boy to have survived all this. You sure found us in a terrible mess when you got here too, didn’t you Lucy? Sorry about that. But, having the two of you show up right then was the best thing that could have happened.”
She held her reddish-brown hair off her long, graceful neck and watched Lucy dig into her food.
“Want some tea, sweetie?”
Lucy held up her mug and nodded with her mouth too full to speak.
“Well, now that you’re here we can get on with our lives,” Sarah announced, letting hot tea dribble from the spout of the teapot into Lucy’s mug. “It’s time to start over. Do you mind staying here, in the cottage with me? I sure wouldn’t mind your company.”
Lucy swallowed and glanced at Sarah’s hopeful face. “Are you kidding? This is perfect.”
Sarah’s eyes brightened. Lucy imagined she’d have no problem adjusting at all, after having spent her life with so many foster families – she was a pro at fitting in. It would have been awfully special to have a twin like Sarah did, though.
She studied the woman’s beautiful features with a pang of envy, wishing she could have been so lucky. “It must be cool to have your own clone,” she confessed.
Sarah’s eyes widened. “But we’re very different people I think — comes from being apart so long; I’m sure that’s the reason. We’re just starting to get to know each other again.”
“You’re still pretty lucky. I didn’t have any siblings and I was only three when my parents were killed.” Lucy pretended to make light of it.
Sarah rested her chin in her palm and smiled warmly at her with huge, green eyes. Lucy had to force herself from staring at the woman’s innate beauty. There was something so reassuring about Sarah, she suddenly wanted to share her entire history. Having thought Travis and Christopher were all she would ever need in this world, it suddenly dawned on her that she’d really missed female companionship.
Poking her fork into the salad and then wiping a dribble of dressing from her chin she began to feel chatty. “There are lots of vegetables still growing out there, if you look around; potatoes, sweet potatoes, onions — healthy stuff like that you know. Kept us going no problem at all.”
“That’s a relief,” Sarah nodded. “I’m glad you managed to eat well. We made a point of bringing lots of packaged stuff with us; pretty much stayed put once we got here. With only me and my sister to care for Travis, and Kate having been pregnant. Preferred to avoid the zombie apocalypse out there if you know what I mean. Enough was enough.”
Lucy looked up from her salad.
“Did you meet any zombies in your travels?” Sarah swatted a mosquito on her cheek, frowned, and wiped her hand on her shorts.
“No. Wouldn’t be surprised if they’re out there though,” Lucy said cautiously, “Did you?”
Sarah laughed rather wildly and then rested her head in her hands on the table. She wiped her eye and sniffled. “I’m sorry. Kate thinks I’m a little wacky. You’re a brave one Lucy, I can tell that. When I think what you’ve done for us – you and Chris. What a guy he is, eh? I’m so glad you’re both here finally, it feels a whole lot safer, somehow.”
A relaxing fullness had settled Lucy and she felt even more motivated to reveal her feelings. “Well, I have to admit that it scares me to see everything gone like it is — culturally — you know? I mean, I am too young not to have had a chance to do all those things. And they no longer exist.”
Sarah went over to the window and yanked it open wider. “We all feel that way hon, trust me. Damn, it’s getting hot again.”
Then she turned toward her, her eyes softening with understanding.
“Oh, I know that it’s hard sweetie — but we still have our imaginations to create new things that are special, right? And our children won’t miss a thing, now will they? We’ll surprise ourselves, you’ll see.”
“I guess,” Lucy mumbled doubtfully, smearing some expired jam onto her third piece of bread. “Will you teach me how to make this?”
“Oh, of course I will. My grandmother could have showed us a few things – still remember her even though I was so young. Wasn’t so lucky to know her for very long though — not like Kate did.”
Lucy took another bite of the bread feeling like she couldn’t get enough of it. “I know the story. You were kidnapped by a —”
She stopped chewing for a second. Sarah’s forehead had creased, her eyes had expanded questioningly, and her pain was unmistakable.
“But… you — you just got here,” Sarah stammered. “How could you know about that?”
Lucy hadn’t meant to upset her. Sarah obviously didn’t understand the ability she and Travis had — their telepathy was so much more advanced than Sarah’s.
“Sorry. Travis was only trying to—”
“But – that was complicated!”
“It was only because Travis cares about the two of you so much. I’m really sorry.”
Sarah sighed and suddenly smiled. “I know that. Of course he cares… I just didn’t think… well forget it. It’s just surprising, that’s all. But what isn’t, these days?” She chuckled and then with a confused frown, shook her head. “Don’t worry.”
Lucy watched her gaze out at the lake. The moon was shining brightly now.
“I couldn’t believe that thunder didn’t wake you,” Sarah pondered softly, still turned towards the window.
“It did for a second. I don’t mind storms.” She wiped her face with her napkin, physically satisfied but feeling a little guilty for what she’d said. It was because she was so tired. She needed to sleep and wanted nothing more than to go back to bed.
For a moment they sat in silence.
Sarah began to tap the table absently with her fingernails. “It’s warming up again. Would you like me to go down to the lake with you so you can wash up?” she offered.
Lucy gazed over at her, pulling her fingers through her long hair. She knew it could use a shampoo. “Um… do you mind if I wait until morning? I’m usually very clean, but, I’m just so tired.”
Sarah blinked at her and then she laughed. “I just thought you would enjoy a relaxing swim. But of course I don’t mind, you’re exhausted silly. I’ll do the dishes. You go to bed sweetie. Okay?”
“Are you sure? Okay then,” Lucy said, with a yawn. “Well, goodnight Sarah. Thanks for everything.”
Chapter Three
The Grin
(July 3rd, Year Two, PA)
Jack had prepared a quick dinner and while they were eating, lightning had struck so close to the cottage that they had nearly jumped out of their seats; it had even wakened Ben. The heavy part of the storm had passed over quickly, but now, as he fluffed Kate’s pillows and helped her lean back in bed, they could hear the droplets still dripping from the trees from the open window.
Once settled, Kate looked pleased watching Jack while he
hung his shirts, folded his shorts, tucked his clothes neatly into the dresser drawers, and took his toiletries into the bathroom. When Ben began to cry again, he lifted his precious son from the crib and walked with him patting his back. Then, gently placing him into Kate’s arms, she winced.
“Those ribs are pretty painful, I imagine,” he said, sitting down in a chair beside the bed.
“Just when I move,” she mumbled sarcastically, adjusting Ben’s position for him to nurse.
Jack gazed at both of them with fascination and when Ben was happily suckling he spoke. “Your sister has an innate talent, you realize. Stitching you up didn’t bother her one bit. Steady hands too. I intend to teach all of you everything I know, eventually.”
“She could have been a doctor,” Kate said, awkwardly. “If she’d been raised properly.”
It was difficult for Jack to see her struggling. He gazed at her pensively. “It’s truly amazing how much blood can come from a tongue, but we can be thankful it wasn’t as bad as it looked. I’ve got some supplements to give you in the morning though Kate, you’re looking awfully pale.”
Kate nodded and gazed down at Ben.
“You know, painkillers wouldn’t be a good idea while he’s nursing.”
“I know, I’m fine,” she assured him.
Jack was surprised she continued speaking. She obviously needed to get her thoughts out.
“Can’t believe you thought I’d be better off without you. I hate your father for what he did to you.”
“And I bombarded you with that.” Jack buried his face in his hands and groaned. He was never going to forgive himself. “I put you through a lifetime of abuse in a matter of days. It sickens me that I did that to you.”
“It was soul-shattering,” Kate agreed.
Jack went to the window, slid it open wider, and breathed the fresh air. Then he peeled his t-shirt off and returned to the chair beside her. He sighed, and hung his head. “I just hope you’ll get over this, one day.”
“Stop punishing yourself. Now I know you more than anyone, ever. I like that part of it.”
He stroked the curve of her chin and ran his palm down her neck. “You’re right about that. I feel the same way.”
“I’m glad,” she whispered.
“I don’t want to hurt you Kate.”
“I know.”
Jack finally lifted sleeping Ben away from her. He squealed in protest but then settled easily in his arms. Kate gingerly lowered herself flat on the mattress and let out a deep sigh. After tossing the extra pillows up on the closet shelf Jack returned to her side still holding his son.
“Are you all right?” Kate gazed up at him with sleepy, emerald-green eyes that were stunningly beautiful to Jack.
“Get some rest,” he whispered, with a smile.
The corners of her mouth curled and her long-lashed eyelids closed. Jack bent down and kissed her lips. The bruise on her cheek was quite stark now but the inflammation had gone. He could not believe he was finally with her, that she actually still wanted him after what he’d done to her.
“I can’t sleep with you staring at me,” she finally giggled.
“Night,” he conceded, taking the lantern and closing the door behind him.
He walked over to the other side of the cottage and stood by the large window overlooking Moonstone Lake where the water was still settling from the storm. The air was calm now and the lunar rays illuminated the edges of each wave so the entire lake shimmered. The glow came inside the cottage and fell across Ben’s face.
Gazing down at the baby’s handsome features he held him against his chest. “I have a son…” he crooned.
A tiny grin formed on the sleeping infant’s lips and Jack chuckled.
“Ah… look at that. You and I are going to get along just fine, aren’t we Ben? I do believe you’re finer than whiskey my son… finer than all the whiskey ever made.”
Chapter Four
A Gruesome Find
(July 4th, Year Two, PA)
Five years of solitary confinement had left Jack with an appreciation for the little things in life. As he swirled the last bit of his coffee around the bottom of his mug, side-tracked from his work by the early dawn skipping across the lake, he caught sight of Rose and Chris who were out on his porch looking somewhat concerned.
Setting his reading glasses down beside his computer he quietly went to the door and opened it.
“Morning,” he greeted under his breath, “everything okay?”
“Is Kate awake?” Rose whispered.
“Not yet, should I—”
Rose’s eyes widened, she shook her head emphatically and motioned him to come outside.
He glanced toward the bedroom, stepped out onto the porch, and shut the door gently behind him.
“I wanted to get you before anyone wakes,” Rose insisted, looking unusually troubled. “Sorry, but I have some rather alarming news.”
Jack looked at Chris, who shrugged his shoulders and gazed at him blankly while Rose immediately started down the steps. She continued towards the lake walking briskly, explaining as she went.
“Just follow me. I have to warn you right now though, it isn’t good at all, so please prepare yourselves for a shock my dears. You’ll just have to see this for yourself, since there are no words to describe it — it is horrible, unfortunately.”
“But, what’s this all about Rose?” Jack had slipped his toes into the flip-flops he’d left on the porch but he didn’t have a sweater and there was a cool wind coming in from off the lake. The sun was still low on the horizon. Rose pulled her jacket closely around her, too upset apparently with whatever she was about to show them to zip it up.
She spoke quicker than usual, rushing along the path without looking back at them. “Something terrible happened last night in the storm. It’s been just a horrible night for the both of us. I thought it was another one of the boy’s nightmares at first. Travis has been having them for a long time Kate tells me, ever since she’s known him I imagine. They were actually getting better, but I’m afraid he might be in for a setback now. More often than not he would share them with Kate. That would usually help.”
They were taking the short cut through the trees and Jack’s flip flop slipped a little as he stepped over a rock. Chris kept glancing at him suspiciously but remained quiet as they continued along.
“I’ve never once heard the boy scream though, not until last night. Poor child didn’t even speak for the longest time I understand, after the plague — but you can imagine what he went through so that’s understandable. Amazes me he’s as well-adjusted as he is. Didn’t you hear him scream? It’s so upsetting; he was doing so well. And now this.”
“I didn’t,” Chris assured her and Jack shook his head. He and Kate had not heard anything over the noisy storm.
Rose waved her arms theatrically as she spoke. “Well anyway, he was so terrified; he was just beside himself, poor dear. It was right after that lightening hit so close to the cottages. He said he saw some kind of monster outside his window. Of course I assumed it was just another nightmare at first, but then, by the way he was acting I couldn’t help becoming apprehensive about it. Took forever to calm him down and he stayed up most of the night; then finally, when he fell asleep in my bed, I went outside to see what he was going on about and… well, just wait until you see this.”
“Don’t think I’m gonna like this one,” Chris mumbled to Jack soberly as the three rushed toward Rose’s cottage.
Rose peered back at them for a second and then continued walking. “It was still dark when he fell asleep so I took my flashlight and immediately went outside to look. At first I couldn’t see a thing and I was relieved. I really wish it had been a nightmare. That would have been a lot easier to deal with than this — trust me.”
They had reached the dock in front of her cottage. She paused and, breathing heavily, looked at both of them gravely. “I see no reason anyone else need know of this. They should be spared o
f the worry it would cause them – I’m sure you’ll agree.”
Then she waved her hands irritably at the swarm of blackflies hovering in a cloud around their heads. “Damn things are supposed to be gone this time of year,” she complained unhappily and then started climbing the hill up to her cottage.
“I thought, maybe an animal of some kind, a moose… or maybe a bear. We haven’t seen anything like that alive in this area, but if we did, it might have scared him in the dark. It might have looked like a monster to Travis. I thought about it all night just praying that was what it was.”
She stopped again, turned back toward the men and squeezed her hands into fists.
“I just don’t like what this implies, that’s the real problem. And I really hate having to ruin your day like this — especially when you both just got here.”
The three came around the back of her cottage. Rose put a finger to her lips and pointed to her window which fortunately did not look out to the back yard, whispering, “Careful you don’t wake him.”
She paced over to the back of the property where the trees began. Jack and Chris followed and the three of them stood by a clothesline that stretched across the yard from one tree to another. Rose stepped over to a clump of bushes and with a disgusted frown, shifted one of the lower branches out of the way to give them a clearer view. “Right where he said it was,” she gulped.
Jack stepped closer.
“See what I mean? Why upset anyone? They don’t need to know about this, right?”
“Aw jeez…” Chris whined, bending down to take a closer look, biting his lip as he focused.
“Christ,” Jack murmured under his breath. “Where the —?!” He stared at the repulsive details trying to think, and then it hit him — he knew exactly what Rose meant. All he could think of was Ben and Kate, and he suddenly felt nauseous. None of the other corpses where anywhere near this bad. She looked like the victim of a violent acid attack.
“I know,” Rose whispered with a sinking tone.
“And why now?” Chris mumbled. “I wonder what she’s doing here.”