Leon's gaze followed Addie's lively figure once she hopped right in before he looked down to see a bunch of papers being handed his way, “Well, at least she's chipper.” He mentioned with a grin.
That smile was quick to fade away as the guard waited for him to take the paperwork.
The man spoke to Leon once he paid attention, “Miss Patterson is in housing section E, building fifteen, room fifty-eight. The others are at A, building eleven, room sixty-nine.” The guard said. He then dipped his head and stared at the three of them, “You guys, welcome home.” He finished as he patted against the hood of the car.
Quinta mouthed “E” the moment the guard expressed that they were not going to be in the same room but not they weren't even in the same section. Whatever that meant. Just how big was this place?
Wetting his lips awkwardly, Leon read over the paper and took a mental note of which route to take for the tour. How typical of the higher ups to place them so far apart for a reason that even he didn't know. At the very least it seemed that the siblings were kept together which seemed to be a successful choice in population morale. Nodding, Leon tucked the paper in his chest pocket and started up the cart again.
“Let the tour begin.” Leon stated as he honked the dinky horn.
With the rocks and sand kicking up from beneath the wheels, they were off down the path and onto a worn road.
Addie clapped her hands excitedly, “Yay!” She exclaimed in a child-like manner.
These were one of the rare moments where her true age seeped from the cracks in her own joy. Dane silently watched Leon with a ball of unease in his stomach. He had the instinctive feeling of not wanting to separate their new group.
Speaking up, Dane leaned over the back of his sister's seat, “So how exactly far is A from E?” He questioned.
After passing by a few rows of houses, the first place they arrived was the marketplace, “Uhhh not very if you have a cart.” Leon said as he began to slow down.
Dane then flicked his glance to Quinta with an unsatisfied look and wondered how easy it was to get one of those, “...And....how do you get one?” He asked.
Leon smirked, it was easy to see that this man had a playful side but also a pride that couldn't be broken.
Looking back at him for a moment, Leon flashed Dane a foolish grin, “Be a Lieutenant.”
Not seeing the big deal about Leon's boasting attitude, Dane's blue eyes instead drifted over to the woman beside him. The cart bounced here and there on the uneven road and still his gaze rested on her. Would they really be split so soon? It wasn't often, in fact it was a rarity, to find someone one could really trust in this world. A genuine person who was liked and well received with the same motives as one's own.
To survive.
Trying to find a way to get around these stupid rules that had been enforced, Dane simply stared at Quinta. She looked so worn, so tired, and in need for comfort from people she relied on. A family and that is how she saw her so soon. He trusted her. It wasn't until the street vendor's shouts around them did he tear his gaze away from her right before she realized.
The first thing that Quinta noticed about two minutes later in the distance were makeshift stands that lined both sides of the faded, red brick road and sidewalks. Addie's eyes lit up that very moment because her bags were full and ready to make her own profit. This was her calling, just what she wanted. Fellow occupants of the sanctuary bounced from one stall to the other. This part of the road was particularly messy with the people pushing against one another. The ones patrolling the streets were strict when it came to littering even in this crowd. One man was forced to his knees by one while another officer wrote him a violation which would be paid in full before he was able to leave. They passed them by and still, Leon kept talking.
The long line of stands even crowded the narrow alleyways for a good seven blocks with shop keeps that shouted out what they sold to get anyone's attention. Quinta's eyes bounced from one miscellaneous shop to the next, none of them sold one consistent thing; just whatever they had to get rid of. Throngs of people maneuvered themselves in front of and around the cart. They all stared because if these three were being driven, then they must have been “special”. Usually when newcomers came, they were walked directly to their homes, and explained the run down along the way.
Leaning against the cushion, Addie wiped the sweat and hair from her face before she turned and looked at Leon, “How much does it cost to get one of these shops? What are you paid with? What's the currency?” She bombarded him full of questions.
Dane arched his eyebrow while Leon was happy to have someone enthusiastic to make his task more enjoyable on the “Leon Express”.
Rubbing his hands along the steering wheel, Leon cleared his throat, “This is how our bartering system works within these walls. Low ticket or common items, like toilet paper, ration labels...you get the picture, those can be traded with other like products. Think of it as a give and take of necessities if you will. High ticket and luxury items like weapons, electronics, and clothing are traded with cash. Of course,unfortunately the inflation of this place is like a shaft in the ass.” He said. He then paused as he looked at Addie, then Quinta, and finally Dane, “That is of course if you're into that sort of thing, we are a judgment free zone. Gay, straight, purple, or blue we are all in this together. Anyway, pretty good system, eh?” He questioned.
The infliction of his last few words allowed a slight, Canadian accent to shine through.
“Oh, I get it.” Addie whispered to herself.
She continued to look around at all the goods that hung on hooks or over the counters to be hocked for anything they could get their hands on. A need for a need is how this new life was built. At least that’s how innocent and well giving she imagined in her mind. Little did she know that most of the ones with the sun beating on their backs were vipers. Day in and day out they looked to take more than what they intended to give.
Soon the three of them would find out that life in this place they were to call home did not thrive on brotherhood or banding together. No, the government that oversaw this regime was strict and kept every movement monitored, even down to the menial luxuries of showering. This was America, no longer the land of the free.
Quinta couldn't help but notice that not one person had a smile on their face as they bartered for the necessities of toilet paper and soap in exchange for their food rations. The condition of the buildings behind them were poor to say the least. Homes, that's what they were, with a bar tucked in there, and makeshift signs that announced the high-ticket items that were for sale. Each door was guarded by a soldier who had to protect this Sanctuary's elite. The ones who could afford the interior shops, their wares, and shoddy air conditioning. Even though they were protected from guaranteed death, it was quite apparent that life within these walls was not much better.
After a few moments of silence Dane leaned over the seat before he cleared his throat, considering what was in their bags, “And medicine?” He asked in a hushed tone.
They had ridden far enough down to get out of the crowds of people and just past the last stall when Leon slowed the cart to a stop. Pivoting in his seat, he wrapped his arm across the back of his seat and stared into Dane and tried to assess him. Quinta's light brown gaze flicked over Leon's direction before her head followed suit. She glanced between Leon and Dane while Addie also caught on, turned in her seat, and leaned in to hear.
Leon's blue eyes looked dead into Dane's, “Selling or buying medicine between civilians is illegal here. We take it very seriously. Too many people turn to medicate themselves, waste supplies, and turn into junkies or worse because they don't know what they're taking or how much. Junkies turn into idiots and idiots are dangerous to our security. If you are ever caught doing either, even once, you will be discharged from this facility and given twenty-four hours to do so. You will also be escorted for the entire duration from notice until you step foot outside these walls. If you come across
any medication, they will be flagged, and you are to proceed to our main medical facility. They will pay you cash for your findings. You'll need a prescription and a doctor's clearance to buy though, just like before.” Leon answered in a stern, authoritative tone. Once that was sorted out, Leon huffed out of his nose and tapped the back of the seat, “Well, let's not sit around here. We have a special stop to make.” He finished
Addie's mouth dropped once she found out that they'd have to buy medicine, with cash no less. Cash was used on “hot ticket” items which made her head reel at the thought of just how expensive the medicine for Dane would be. Just on the shop sign behind Leon for advertising said “SALE: SMALL FLAT SCREEN TV JUST $1,035”. That was the sale price. Addie's excitement was deflated as she returned to the proper position in her seat and gripped her bag which was full of illegal medicines. Each bag they carried held products from the last raid and items they had gathered up beforehand.
As the cart picked up speed, Quinta's nostrils flared while this awkward, thick blanket of silence fell over all of them. Now it was her turn to stare at Dane's profile and wonder just how this system worked when it came to terminal patients like him. Any kind of supply would be expensive but it was a matter of life and death for him. If the three of them could make the money, they would go out there any chance they could and retrieve more. No matter what. Quinta made that silent vow to him and was determined to keep to it. Even if they were being separated. They were in this together after all.
Dane stared at the back of Leon's head. There was a puzzling point made in his mind. When he checked his bags, the medication he raided was still there and they waltzed right in. Little did he know that they'd soon see the medical center where they would be forced to sell their illegal wares. It took a few seconds for what he was told about the price and trade of medications to really sink in. Dane tried to seem reserved and calm because that was a lot better, and not assume that they'd be expensive automatically. The fact that they could trade and get cash from what they bring in, inflation or not, would help. At least that was his optimism.
The truth of the matter was that he needed his pills daily. They weren't the most common and they really weren't a cure for him. They only staved off the inevitable. He felt this sinking, dark sensation in his core which proceeded to cloud his mind and eyes. His stomach churned while that positive outlook was quick to fade.
Quinta's eyebrows tucked together while she watched Dane lean back into the seat with a somewhat defeated posture. Slowly, Quinta reached over to grip Dane's hand with a squeeze of reassurance and a small smile on her features. At the feeling of Quinta's hand on his, that pulled him back to the present. Unknowing that she had been watching him, his palm immediately gave a squeeze back while his thumb felt along her knuckles. Catching that smile, he was grounded again.
They rode along hand in hand for the next few minutes. Their hands were set on the seat between them while the two who sat up front went unaware. The cart turned into a driveway that was lined with tattered flags. The fabric rippled through the air and by the sudden increase in soldiers, they knew that they’d arrived at a government venue. One of the longer and newer buildings from the time before the attack came into view.
The cart came to a rumbling stop in a parking space among the other golf carts and mopeds. Quinta pulled her hand away and peered upwards at it. The building was modern with rows of large palm trees that spread out in a straight line from both sides. The front expanse of the dingy white building was mostly glass riddled with a light residue of dirt. Above the main entrance there were letters that spelled “Ocean Center”. Some were cracked, some broken, and the T was entirely removed with just the faded outline. Quinta arched an eyebrow while Addie was quick to hop out of the car and raise her arms high over her head. This must have been the “junkie heaven” with how armed it was.
Turning the key, Leon brought it with him as he stood with the others, “And we have arrived! I do hope you all have enjoyed the tour so far.” He stated.
Regaining his friendly attitude, he impersonated a tour guide as he opened the doors and led them into the lobby. The air within was alike to the welcome center, if one could call it that, which they just left. Even though the building was a bit weathered on the outside, inside was sterile, cool, and quiet. The double story lobby was lit from both the sun through the windows and the hot, white lights that hung from the ceiling. The yellow paint on the walls was still bright and inviting. The shiny metal sculptures still hung from the walls between the sconces for decoration. The lobby was long and narrow with double doors propped open along the three toned, tile floors along the left wall.
Each one of them were strapped with quite a bit of contraband and the way the nurses and other personnel stared at them only put Quinta on edge. One nurse met with Leon with three packs in her hand as though she expected them.
Leon waved them over before he grabbed the wallets and handed them out one by one, “Alright now, single file. These are some complimentary wallets that all the newbies get. They aren't exactly regulation but it's something nice we here do for our people.” He expressed as he handed them the randomized clutches. The nurse backed away as he pointed down the hallway, “Now, bring your meds further down to sell. You'll see some double windows but try not to be too long because we have a few places left before you're dropped off at your brand-new homes. Go on! Don't just stare, we don't have all day.” He said while he now waved them away.
Leon then turned his attention to one of the soda machines that had been salvaged and could accept coins. Carbonated drinks certainly were a luxury now. Having been harvested, like much of the other food in and around the immediate area of the sanctuary, one must now pay for one of life's gifts. And he was going to do just that while he waited and slacked off.
The trio did as they were told. Every few feet from one set of doors to the other had a name of what the clinic set up specialized in. Burns. Infections. Disease. Broken Bones. These were the ones they passed before they finally reached the half windows with two nurses seated behind them.
For once, instead of cold and distance expressions, they were greeted with a friendliness they'd not encountered in a long, long while, “Hello there, you three must be the new tenants they radioed us about! I hear you all have a lot of things you wish to trade with us, well come on now, we won't bite!” One of the portly women said.
Addie smiled at them just as brightly as she received because anything that had to do with money, real money, slapped a smile on her face. Both she and Quinta hauled their bags up on the counter to which the women took them and went through. They found what they needed easily since the welcome center bagged the goods and marked them with red tape. Most of their medications, sans vitamins, were seized, counted, and then they were paid accordingly.
. Dane, of course, got the most money since his raid in the pharmacy. A total of $920. Quinta received $550, and Addie $345. Which would do them well in the end when it came to necessities.
Dane was somewhat impressed and comforted with this atmosphere. He oddly felt safe with knowing that help was nearby but what he didn't expect was the faculty to be so sweet and almost helpful to a fault. The two nurses were almost eager to help them with the trade and to sort out his medical papers that were to be signed off. Especially with the hefty near $1000 payout which only placed a minute smile on his face. Quinta tucked her money in the wallet and stood beside Dane as the nurse had him sign off the last paper which stated that he was medically dependent.
As Dane struck across the 't' in his last name, the nurse took the paper and tucked it away in his medical file, “Now sugar I have a warning. You can keep all the medication you found for your illness and what you find outside of the wall. So, you know, you are given a monthly allowance of one pill per day, per month, every first of the month by us by protocol. IF, in the off chance you lose your supply and need more. You will be docked a hundred dollars per pill, so I would advise you to protect these little
life savers. Good luck you guys if you need any kind of medical attention, we are the only place that can help you for miles.” The nurse warned.
The confidence in the smile Dane wore vanished while he keenly listened. At first, he liked the sound and benefits of this systems. Then there came the downside that hit him right in the chest. The price PER PILL was introduced to him which put him on edge and leery to be so generous with his medicine. A ridiculous price for it was ten times that of what it was before the outbreak and even that seemed extreme on its own. He forced a frustrated half smile while he waved goodbye only for the women to lower metal sheets over the windows. Their job now was to sort, lock, and store away the medication for pickup that night to the main facility.
Addie blew out happily as they all made their way back towards the entrance and Leon's cart.
She skipped in front of them and proceeded to turn to back step with wallet in hand, “What do you guys want to buy first? Obviously, it would have to be after this whole tour thing but I think I saw space for me to set up a shop! I want to check it out if we can, please Dane? I have this money on top of the money we found. This is going to be great!” She exclaimed in her excitement.
Dane snapped out of his thoughts on how to secure his supply as he looked to his sister. Immediately, he felt hesitant about letting her go and shop on her own. He had caught the same vibe from the marketplace that Quinta had, she was just the first one to voice her concerns.
Quinta cleared her throat and wet her lips as she stared at Addie, “Me nah tink yuh should wave da fact dat we got paid around 'ere. Me saw some of da individuals in dat market. Dey didn't look friendly or dat dey would be so to a young girl like you. Keep yuh voice down, we don't need to bring attention to what's in yuh pockets.”
The World We Once Knew Page 9