Section 12: Book #3 in The Makanza Series

by Krista Street

  “I honestly didn’t know if I’d make it. My feet were so cold by the time I arrived at Cash’s, that it took over an hour to warm them up. Luckily, Cash left firewood and matches so I was able to start a fire. Without that, I probably would have been frostbitten.”

  A stone settled in my stomach at how close it had been for him. “I never would have forgiven myself if something bad happened to you.”

  “Well, luckily I’m just fine.” He grinned and winked.

  I laughed again.

  After supper, we strolled back to the hotel. My thoughts shifted to Davin as Ian and I rode the elevator. While I was happy to see Ian, I didn’t have the reaction to him that I had to the Kazzie waiting for me in South Dakota. No man had ever affected me like Davin. Just the thought of him got my pulse racing. And even though I’d seen him only twelve hours ago, I already missed him.

  I had never felt that with Ian. I bit my lip as we walked to our rooms. When we reached our doors, we both said goodnight.

  It was only as I slid my key card into the door and stepped into my room that I heard my cell phone ringing. I’d left it in my bag on the bed. After fishing it out, my eyes widened when I saw the two missed calls from Cate.

  And she was currently calling again.

  With a hasty tap on the screen, I brought it to my ear. Her screech of excitement rang through the phone line so loudly it practically burst my eardrum.

  “We’ve got it, Meghan! We’ve got the vote! The president agreed to a vote next week. It’s finally happening!”

  And just like that, everything changed.

  20 – THE VOTE

  The next morning I was a nervous wreck. Cate called to check in on me. When I asked her how many people they expected at the rally, she hesitated.

  I knew what that meant.

  “Over ten thousand?”

  She finally replied. “Probably.”

  I fell back onto the bed in my hotel room. “I’ve never spoken in front of that many people.”

  “You can do this, Meghan. You’ve come so far since I’ve met you. I believe in you. And remember, the vote’s next week. We need more votes to win.”

  No pressure or anything. We spoke for a few more minutes before hanging up. After we did, I stood and paced. I was so distracted, I barely heard my phone ringing on the bedside table.

  After seeing who it was, my heart leaped. “Hello?”

  “Sara said she’s been getting steady surges of panic from you for the last hour.” Davin’s voice was steady and deep.

  I closed my eyes as my heartbeat slowed. “Thanks for calling.”

  I’d called him last night to tell him about the vote. He’d taken the news in stride. I could tell he wasn’t getting his hopes up.

  “What’s going on?” Genuine concern filled his voice.

  “A crowd…” I stopped to take a breath as my ever-present anxiety threatened to consume me. “Ten thousand or more. That’s how many I’ll be speaking to this morning.”

  “Breathe, Meghan. Just breathe.” For months, Davin had helped me with my anxiety. When I’d begun this crazy journey of public speaking at Cate’s side, panic attacks had started too. Each time I was positive my heart would burst from fright, Davin’s calm words had worked their magic.

  “One… two… three…” He talked me through the breathing.

  I followed his lead as love so fierce it choked me welled up inside me. When I finally felt like my head wasn’t spinning and I wouldn’t pass out, I sat on the bed.

  “Thank you. I don’t know what I’d do without you.” The words slipped out so naturally.

  His reply was quiet. “I’m always here for you. You know that.”

  THE NEXT HOUR passed in a blur. I showered, got dressed, tried to style my hair and makeup into something somewhat fashionable. I knew first impressions were lasting ones. And if Davin and the Kazzies were to ever be free, I needed to convince the southern states to vote on our side.

  Ian’s eyes were bright when I saw him. He assessed me from head to toe. “Looking good, Meghan. Quite professional.” He winked.

  With Davin’s calming presence still in my mind, I merely nodded, my heart rate even. “Wish me luck.”

  “You don’t need luck. You got this.”

  When we arrived at the outdoor rally, thousands of people had already gathered. Bright sunshine streamed over the crowd in the park. A bandstand had been erected in the front. My stomach somersaulted a few times, but it wasn’t unbearable.

  The woman in charge of the event hurried to me. “Thank goodness, you’re here! We moved you up. You’re on in ten minutes.”

  Ten minutes? And just like that, my carefully erected control crumbled. I turned to Ian. “I need a second.”

  Before he could reply, I hurried off the side of the stage. I ran to the dressing room they’d provided, closed the door behind me, and sank to the floor. Closing my eyes, I tapped into my connection with Sara.

  She opened readily. Hey, what’s up? I hear you’re doing better after you spoke with Davin.

  I was, but now… Can you channel me to him?

  I could tell she sensed my urgency. Hold on.

  A moment later, Davin entered my mind. Just the feel of him slowed my breathing. Hi.

  Are you ready to speak?

  Yes, and I think I’m going to throw up. I was doing so well, but then… I don’t know. I panicked.

  You’ve done this speech a hundred times, Meghan. You can do this. Just remember what to do if you feel yourself slipping. Picture me in the crowd, focus on that. It’s just you and me.

  Hearing his voice, and hearing his confidence, instilled something in me that made me rise from my crouched position. I stood straighter and glanced into the dressing room mirror. My hair still looked okay, and the little makeup I’d put on hadn’t smudged. This one could be a game changer, Davin. If we convince these people to vote on our side, I’m certain we’ll sway the vote in our favor.

  Nothing like a little pressure to up the stakes, he joked.

  I smiled despite the weight that the next hour held. If I fail, I’ll have failed you. I’ll have failed all of you.

  No, you’ll never have failed us. You’ve done more for us than anyone. Now go out there and tell them what we’re like. Tell them they don’t need to be afraid of us. Tell them that we’re people just like them.

  Tears filled my eyes. You’re right. That’s exactly what I’m going to do.

  WHEN I RETURNED to the stage, my back was straight, my hands warm, and my breathing even. The woman in charge shifted her microphone headset to the side. “You ready?”

  Ian stood beside her. He gave me the thumbs-up.

  “Yes. I’m ready.”

  My feet walked on their own accord as the speaker announced me. Cheers and boos came from the crowd. There were so many people. They stretched farther than I could see.

  Since we were outside, a warm breeze flowed across my cheeks. I pictured Davin in the front row peering up at me, his intense gaze sending love and support. This is it, Davin. This one could change everything.

  The crowd died down as I stepped behind the podium. Thousands of faces stared up at me. I avoided the urge to wipe my brow. No. Not today. Today I will not let my anxiety win.

  “Good morning. As most of you know, I’m Dr. Meghan Forester, a scientist with the MRI and employed at Compound 26. As I’m sure you know, I’m here to talk about the vaccine and why it’s effective and why the Kazzies should be freed from Reservation 1.”

  I launched into the science initially, explaining how effective the vaccine was and how it had kept everyone safe who’d been vaccinated and exposed to Makanza, both healthy and the immunocompromised.

  A breeze ruffled the tendrils of hair around my face. I didn’t let it distract me.

  “And I was no different. During my time at Compound 26, I was exposed to Makanza.” From those closest to me, their raised eyebrows were apparent. I nodded. “That’s right. I was exposed. Initially, Sen
ator Douglas liked to spout the fact that I’d never been around someone with Makanza, that I was too afraid, but Senator Douglas preys on fear. He wants you to believe things that aren’t true. The truth, is that I was exposed–”

  “Did you get sick?” someone yelled from the side.

  I glanced his way. “Yes, I’ll be honest. I did. And you may too if you’re ever exposed, but those initial symptoms are to be expected. That’s the natural response when an illness enters your body that you’re vaccinated against. It’s your body responding. But it didn’t last for me, and it won’t last for you. I felt unwell for five days but then it passed. And now, I’m fine. I can freely walk with the Kazzies, without a biohazard suit. I’m immune. Makanza will never hurt me.”

  My speech continued as I discussed the Kazzies and who they were. I stated their names. All 1,200 of them. Behind me, the slides flipped, showing pictures of the Kazzies in various stages of their lives before the First Wave. My eidetic memory let me read their names off Reservation 1’s roster as their pictures brought them to life.

  By the time I finished, and answered the questions from the crowd, two hours had passed. I was exhausted – mentally and physically, but it was done.

  Now, it was a matter of seeing if it worked.

  IAN AND I spent the next six days touring the south. I gave dozens of speeches everywhere we went. He was at my side the entire time. He stood in the shadows, coaching me, encouraging me, being a true friend.

  I wouldn’t forget that. Even though I knew he’d initially wanted more than friendship, I appreciated that he didn’t push for it. He knew where my heart lay. My heart would always belong to the last remaining Lakota Sioux in South Dakota.

  The only man I’d ever loved.

  The only man I’d ever cherish.

  I could only hope that come next week, that man would be free to walk by my side.

  And I could only hope that he chose me in return.

  THE MORNING OF the vote, Sharon and I walked to the voting station in Rapid City. I’d flown in from Louisiana the night prior, and she’d returned from the reservation yesterday afternoon.

  Crowds had already formed outside of the voting station. Hundreds of people were lined up on the sidewalk.

  We huddled together. Cool wind blew across the street. Snow from the freak blizzard had mostly melted, but winter was still on its way. The crowds around us bundled up in groups, like a flock of birds lined along utility wires on a cold winter’s day.

  I hadn’t slept for more than a few hours, and it had nothing to do with my crazy schedule. I had yet to see Davin. The last time I’d seen him had been when he’d walked me to my car a week ago. I longed to be in his embrace, to feel his arms around me, to smell his unique sent. To have him free at my side.

  Maybe soon, that dream will come true.

  Sharon and I finally made it inside after waiting for an hour outside. My toes felt cold as shivers intermittently struck me. The warm air in the building was a welcome reprieve.

  “Name?” the woman checking voters in asked the man in front of me.

  He replied readily.

  Studying her roster, her pursed lips never loosened despite the words that rolled across her tongue. A conservative bun held her hair back. Behind wire-rimmed glasses, her gaze assessed each person as if they were bugs to be squashed.

  When it was my turn to sign in, she gave me the once-over. “You’re Meghan Forester.” She stated it like a fact. As if anyone walking the street would know who I was.

  “Yes, that’s me.” I handed her my driver’s license. Since this vote was so contentious, proper ID was required to partake.

  “That won’t be necessary, Ms. Forester. I know who you are.” She handed my ID back and gave me my ballot. “Please step to voting booth number two.” With the wave of a hand, she turned to Sharon.

  On shaky legs, I padded to the booth. I glanced over my shoulder to see how Sharon was fairing. The check-in woman was scrutinizing her, her eyebrows drawing together. Sharon gave me a nod, as if encouraging me to continue.

  When I stepped up to the booth, the noise behind me fell into the background. The vote was quick and easy. The ballot only held one question. One, simple question.

  Shall the individuals infected with the Makanza virus be released from Reservation 1?

  Two boxes waited behind it: Yes or No.

  I tried to fathom how all of this could be summed up into one question. For months and months, I’d worked at freeing the Kazzies. I had poured my heart and soul into helping the public understand that Davin, my friends, and the 1,200 souls on Reservation 1 were not to be feared. Yet it all boiled down to one question.

  Shall the individuals infected with the Makanza virus be released from Reservation 1?

  My fingers shook as I picked up the pen. I placed a darkly written X through the box.

  Yes.

  I stared at that one word. That one word epitomized the depth of my emotions. The love of my life lay trapped within the reservation. If the public did not agree to let him go, he would forever remain behind that fence.

  For as long as I lived, if he was never freed, I would only see him if I visited the reservation. Since the reservation was funded by taxpayer dollars, it was too costly to care for family members in addition to the Kazzies. Therefore, family and friends were not permitted to live on the reservation. We could only visit. It would be the equivalent to living in different countries. Davin and I would be together in spirit, yet forever apart in body.

  My heart beat erratically. I suddenly felt flushed. My very own future depended upon the outcome of this vote. I closed my eyes and took deep, calming breaths as I tried to stem the panic attack that wanted to choke the life out of me.

  It took minutes before I could breathe normally. When I did, I walked on shaky limbs back to the door. After I handed in my voting ballot, I waited outside for Sharon. Tears filled my eyes even though I tried to blink them back. It was all coming to a head. It didn’t help that I hadn’t slept properly in days. My emotions felt like a roller coaster.

  Sharon approached as the line shuffled along the sidewalk. I knew a few people recognized me. A woman whispered to her friend behind her mitten. Both of their eyes followed my movements. A man cocked his head as I passed, as if trying to figure out where he’d seen me.

  Pulling my scarf up, I stuffed my hands deep into my pockets. I didn’t have the energy to confront crowds right now, answer questions, or deal with hecklers.

  Sharon gripped my arm tightly. “Let’s go back to my house. I’ll make a pot of tea.”

  It was such a familiar statement from her that for a brief second I laughed. The hysterical sound bubbled out of me.

  Sharon simply squeezed my arm. “It’s going to be okay, Meghan. I just know it.”

  WE DROVE BACK through the quiet streets to her bungalow. The large trees that lined the boulevard were naked in winter. Their skeleton branches stretched over the neighborhood. A blanket of clouds covered the sky. It was gray, cool, and quiet. It seemed everyone was either inside glued to their television screens or at the voting station.

  Sharon parked and we entered her home. Scents of pine filled the air. A small Christmas tree sat in the living room.

  “This will probably be the biggest turnout in voter history.” Sharon shrugged out of her winter jacket and kicked off her boots.

  Her home was cool, and she reached for the thermostat in the entryway. Once she set the temperature up, she retreated to the kitchen.

  I hung my winter jacket on the hook on the wall. I had been coming to Sharon’s house so often that it felt like second nature to make myself at home. Padding into the living room, I fell unceremoniously onto one of the pale green sofas. I still remembered the first time I’d sat on them.

  A year ago, I’d come to Rapid City in hopes of meeting Sharon and convincing her to help me. At that time, Davin wouldn’t speak to me.

  It was hard to believe that in a year, my entire world had c
hanged. I’ve fallen in love. I’d defied the MRI more than once. I’d become a political poster child for a movement in our country. I’d broken federal law. Never had I imagined I’d be a household name.

  Curling up on the couch, I tucked my feet beneath me. I knew I could turn on the TV. American News Network would be running nonstop coverage about the vote. But I wasn’t sure I could face it. What if the country votes no? What then?

  Pushing those thoughts away, I sat up straighter when Sharon stepped carefully into the room from the kitchen. Her China tea set balanced delicately on a tray. The pink roses and cherry blossoms were such a welcome site. She still pulled out her best China every time I visited.

  Sitting beside me, she set the tray on the coffee table. Without asking, she poured my tea. She knew exactly how I took it and handed me a cup.

  Smiling tentatively, she sipped her tea. “Now, it’s just waiting for tomorrow. Come morning it will be a new world.”

  Tea sloshed over the rim when I brought it to my lips. It dripped onto my jeans burning me briefly before it cooled. I didn’t care. My thoughts were focused on one thing only.

  Will I ever get to be with Davin? Will my friends ever be free?

  SOMEHOW, WE MANAGED to get through the rest of the day. We passed time by playing board games, going for walks, and making supper together. Sharon had tried multiple times to teach me how to cook. I tried to warn her that I was hopeless in the kitchen.

  It was around the tenth time that she gave up. She finally seemed to understand that the kitchen would never be my domain. Now, she gave me vegetables to chop or something to stir. Beyond that, I was a useless sous chef.

  That night as I climbed into the bed that Davin slept in when he was a teenager, I tapped into my link with Sara. All day I’d been wanting to talk with her, yet Sharon and I had kept so busy.

  Sara opened readily. Hey.

  How are you all doing up there?

  She sighed heavily. It’s so tense it feels like it’s going to explode.

  Any news on Bethany and Jamal?