Wish Us Luck

by Jennifer Wedmore

  Jake paused again, he needed a moment, and he could only imagine what Catherine was thinking.

  “Anyways, I realized they were all gone pretty quickly, so I turned around and headed to you. I knew you were on your own and those animals were heading in that direction. The truck died a couple houses down from you, I guess the animals I ran over did something to the engine. I just started grabbing as many supplies as I could carry and made three trips before I saw movement at the end of the street. The rest you know.”

  Seven

  Catherine was stunned. This was not what she expected Jake to say. Not what happened to the rest of the soldiers but why he chose them to save, to protect. He’s right though. A year ago, she would have thought he was nuts, a stalker and ran away. She’d had six months to get to know Jake. He was a good guy, no one else would have come to their rescue, so his story didn't change her opinion of him.

  “I am so sorry Jake, for what you saw, but I am so thankful you came back for us. I can never say thank you enough. I don’t think you are creepy at all. I understand the fantasy of seeing someone and thinking of what could be. If you hadn’t then you may never have shown up at my door, and I wouldn’t be here today, nor would Mitch.”

  Catherine wanted to express her gratitude but didn't want him to think she only felt grateful to him. She had come to love him in the last six months, but this was not the time or place for that.

  Jake visibly relaxed and Catherine knew he was worried about her reaction. She needed to change the subject so he wouldn’t worry about her reaction anymore. “It’s time to decorate and wrap Mitch’s presents. Are you ready for this mayhem?”

  “Let’s go, we will make this his best birthday ever. You start wrapping, and I will decorate. Deal?” Catherine laughed at his excitement. Who knew decorating could make Jake smile like a little boy in a candy store.

  Jake walked out of the room, and Catherine got up to find the scissors and tape she needed to wrap his presents. After finding everything she needed, she sat down on the couch and waited for Jake to come back in. Jake walked in and dropped a box on the floor by the couch. “This is your box. I will be right back with the rest.”

  Catherine started pulling the presents out of the box so she could organize everything.

  “You know this is a prime example of being prepared. It’s great you shopped early, who knew you would be stuck with me for six months.”

  Catherine shook her head at Jake. “I would never say stuck with you. If anything, you were stuck in a house with a raving lunatic and her son who pestered you every minute. You were so patient with me when this went down. I really don’t know what I would have done without you. I needed those first days to just break down. You were there to care for Mitch, take care of me, and keep us safe. No matter how many times Mitch would yell, ‘Hey, Jake,’ you responded so patiently. You answered his questions and still kept us safe. I can never think of you any other way than as our hero.”

  Catherine looked up from wrapping one of Mitch’s presents to see Jake staring down at her. “We will agree to disagree on this subject. Now, do you want to supervise the hanging of the decorations or do you trust me?”

  Catherine laughed. “Go for it.” They worked together in silence for a few minutes. “Hey, Jake, what do you think we will see when we go out there?”

  She was afraid of his response and of his silence.

  “Like most people I have seen the movies of what a dystopian society looks like and this is how so many books and movies start right?” The problem with those scenarios… they were fiction, and this was reality. “I don’t honestly know, as far as we know there are people out there alive since we have power. We don't know if others are squatting in their homes or if they took the chance and left. I can’t imagine anyone else was six months prepared like we were but there are those doomsday preppers. But honestly, it’s only been six months, not really enough time for things to fall into major disrepair. I imagine it will be much like it is on Christmas… Empty roads and parking lots everywhere. Well, this time we may see some abandoned cars, and we have to be prepared for bodies of people and animals.”

  Catherine pondered his words, that was the most logical answer and much better than what she had imagined. She had buildings falling down, zombies moaning and shuffling around. Her mind could be a dangerous place.

  “Don’t forget, there were no reports of humans being contaminated when I was attacked. It was just animals.” Catherine frowned when he continued almost to himself. “But if no people were infected what was the noise we heard outside, what attacked the soldier? Surely they would have cleared the area of infected animals before venturing out.”

  Catherine dropped the present on the couch with a bit of force, to get Jake’s attention.

  “Sorry, I was just thinking out loud. No matter what we see out there, we will be safe. Together in the Jeep, it’s the best place we could be. Now, I am done with the decorations, how are you doing on the presents?” Catherine had to agree with him, together they would be safest.

  “I’m all done. It’s not every day a boy turns eight. Anyways I’m going to bed, Mitch will be up early full of energy, and we need to conserve ours.” Catherine got off the couch and moved towards the hallway. Just as she walked by Jake, he reached out and grabbed her arm. “Thank you for hearing me out and trusting me.”

  Catherine nodded and continued down the hall to her bedroom. She laid in bed thinking of everything Jake had said tonight. Could he really care for her? In the beginning, it was curiosity, infatuation, or even just a crush. But maybe after the last six months, he had come to care about her.

  Ugh, she groaned out loud. This was not what she needed to worry about right now. What would cause those animals to attack? What happened to the rest of her community? They had power, so someone was keeping it on somewhere, but why hadn’t anyone else tried to come to the door to see if anyone was left behind? Why was there nothing on TV or the radio? Was this a country still? Was this a worldwide problem? But that brought her thoughts back to the power and water. Someone had to control them, and if they did, why did they leave the electricity on for so long? They had to think there were survivors here to do that.

  Catherine debated giving Mitch presents for his birthday. Was it cruel to give him stuff he could do nothing with? Here honey open your brand new football, but no you can't go outside with it. Or here's a bunch of new video games, but we are leaving and can’t take them with us. Should she preserve the idea of a traditional birthday with presents and cake, or face reality and have Jake equip him with tools he would need to survive in the new world they planned to step into. Maybe a knife, clothes and a backpack for traveling would be better gifts.

  Well, she thought, it was too late to change it now. They would just have to hope they could come back here one day.

  Catherine gave in to sleep with these thoughts still plaguing her.

  Eight

  Much too early Jake heard Mitch come running down the hall. He groaned as he sat up on the couch, He shouldn't complain even if to himself. This was probably one of the last nights he would sleep on anything as comfortable as the sofa. He hoped he was wrong but knew there were no guarantees.

  “Good Morning, Jake!” The kid bounced on his feet. “Is my mom up? Can we get her and open my presents?”

  Jake laughed. “You go in the kitchen, and start getting bowls and stuff for breakfast, and I will check on your mom. Deal?”

  Jake smiled as he watched Mitch skip into the kitchen. To be young and naive about the world they lived in. Something bad happened outside, and the thought of bringing this child out there terrified him. He didn't want to be responsible for Mitch and Catherine, but he also didn't want to trust anyone else. It was a selfish thought he hated having. He would protect them with his life, and he would keep them alive if it was the last thing he did. Sometimes he felt overwhelmed with the task he set himself.

  He knew though, given the chance to do it all over ag
ain, he would have done nothing different. They were his family now, and nothing was changing that.

  He walked down the hall to Catherine’s bedroom and knocked on her door. “Catherine, are you awake? Mitch is up and ready for his presents. If we wait too long, he will probably start without us.”

  After a few minutes of no response, Jake knocked harder. “Catherine, I am coming in.” He waited for another moment and then opened the door. She was asleep, curled up in a tight ball. He could see tear tracks on her face. She must have cried herself to sleep last night. His guilt over his borderline obsession was immense. He caused her despair, and he could never apologize enough.

  He sat on the side of the bed and shook her shoulder. “Catherine, wake up. I’m so sorry for upsetting you last night. I only had the best of intentions, and I am sorry if I scared you.”

  Catherine looked up at him with a bewildered expression on her face. “Why would you apologize?” she asked in a voice groggy from sleep. “I cried because of what we may have lost here, what Mitch may end up seeing and what we may have to do to keep him safe. I cried for the loss of innocence he will have, and because he's opening presents, he can’t use. Most of all I cried because of the chance we may have had if we could have met under normal circumstances.” She smiled at Jake. “Give me five minutes, and I will meet you in the kitchen.”

  Jake let out the breath he didn't realize he had been holding and got up from the bed. “I’ll corral Mitch and get some breakfast going for us.”

  Jake walked out of her bedroom and down the hall to the kitchen. He couldn't imagine how she was so forgiving, but he was very relieved. With a big smile, he walked into the kitchen. “Okay, Mitch, ready for your first day as an eight-year-old?”

  Mitch let out a whoop and did a little boogie dance. “How about we have some eggs today? Then after breakfast, I will show you some stuff you can use to protect you and your mom. Then we will load the truck for tomorrow. How does that sound to you?”

  The smile fell from Mitch's face. “Jake, I don’t know if I can protect my mom. Will you help me?”

  Jake caught his breath at the question, Mitch should not have to ask that type of question. He squatted down in front of Mitch. “I will protect you and your mom with every breath I take. Don't worry about that. What I will show you will just make you feel more confident and comfortable. Were you a boy scout?” Mitch shook his head. “No problem. Their motto is ‘Be Prepared,’ and that is what we are going to do. Be prepared for anything. How does that sound?”

  “Thank you, Jake.” Mitch sighed in relief. “I’m kinda scared what we will see when we leave. Would it be okay if I got scared and cried sometimes?”

  Jake’s heart broke a little at the vulnerability he saw on Mitch’s face. Anger surfaced on the heels of that. It wasn’t fair that he had to sacrifice his childhood to the new world they’d venture out into tomorrow. “I’m sorry, little man, I didn’t mean to imply you had to grow up in one day. I get scared and cry too. This whole thing makes me feel really scared. If you need to cry, you go ahead. If you need to yell, go ahead. There are no rules when it comes to what is coming. We will figure it out together.”

  Mitch leaned in and gave Jake a hug. “I love you, Jake, thank you for staying with us.”

  Jake felt tears come to his eyes. “I love you too and no thanks needed. This is where I belong. Now let's get cooking!”

  Nine

  Catherine leaned against the wall outside the kitchen and cried. Mitch’s words and Jake’s response touched her in ways she couldn’t and didn't want to examine. She wiped her eyes and walked into the kitchen. “Where is the birthday boy! I need love from my big boy!”

  Mitch ran over and jumped into her arms. “I’m a little man now, Mom, Jake said so.”

  Catherine couldn't contain the slight groan that caused, but thankfully Mitch didn't notice. Jake however did. She knew he would have questions later, to avoid him asking now she changed the subject. “Did I hear something about breakfast? I’m starving!”

  Mitch puffed out his chest. “Yep! Jake and I are cooking it today. Sit down, Mom, and wait for me to finish, please.”

  “Oh, so formal.” She beamed at him, proud of her baby boy. “Yes, sir, I will sit patiently for my delightful breakfast.”

  Jake laughed at their antics and walked over to Catherine. “I figured we should use up the rest of the powdered eggs now. I am not sure if we can find a place to cook or if a fire will be feasible while we are out there. We may be eating a whole lot of MREs.”

  Catherine nodded at Jake and watched Mitch banging around the pots and pans. “I was thinking this morning, my neighbors had just left for a two-week vacation right before this all went down. They may have food in their house we can take. Maybe even some supplies. I am sure they would understand and let us use what we need.”

  Jake had walked over to the stove to finish cooking glanced at Catherine over his shoulder. “After we eat, I’m going to show Mitch some stuff to be prepared, then I will see what I can find next door and maybe check out a few of the other houses.” He turned his head to look down at Mitch. “After I get back from that we can load the Jeep. Sound good to you?”

  “Yeah... but when are we going to open my presents?”

  “How about after you load the Jeep we will have cake and presents. Today is going to be a busy day.” Catherine smiled. “I need you boys out of the kitchen, so I can bake the cake! No peeking either!”

  Jake leaned down to Mitch and whispered, “What are the chances she will let us lick the bowl?”

  Mitch hung his head. “Not much. She says it's her treat for cooking.”

  Jake let out a loud bark of laughter. And Catherine knew she was blushing as he smiled over at her. Leave it to Mitch to share that tidbit.

  “Breakfast is served, my lady.” Mitch set a plate in front of her. Catherine smiled at him. “Why thank you, kind sir, I look forward to eating your fine creation today.”

  Mitch got a kick out of her response and fell to the floor laughing. She loved seeing him so carefree, she sniffed back tears again. When would she see him this happy or young again? Maybe never. Jake must have sensed her discomfort because he walked behind her and put his hand on her shoulder and gave it a light squeeze. She appreciated his support.

  Once everyone was seated Catherine dug in and raved over the top about the eggs. Mitch soaked it up as his due. “So, what are you going to do first, Jake?”

  Jake smiled over at Mitch. “I think we will work on walking really quietly through the house, maybe we can practice sneaking up on your mom. What do you think?”

  Mitch rubbed his hands together and attempted to give her a sneaky grin. “Challenge accepted. What else?”

  Catherine appreciated the way Jake was handling this. By making it a game, Jake would learn stuff and still have fun.

  “Then we will wrestle. I will show you how to get away if someone grabs you and how to hide if you hear something. Maybe we can practice on your mom more. You hide, and she can find you, if she doesn't you can sneak up on her and grab her. How does that sound?”

  This time Mitch’s smile grew so wide, Catherine thought his little cheeks might burst. “This is going to be so much fun! Be ready, Mom, I’m coming for you.”

  Catherine laughed at his delight. “Well, I’m done eating so finish up and get moving. I have a cake to make. But I will be watching and listening. Let’s see if you can sneak up on me.”

  Mitch high fived Jake and ran from the room giggling.

  “Thank you, Jake, for making this a game, for making it fun and for taking the time to show him the important stuff. His dad was gone too early, and I didn't know who would fill that void. You have done amazing with him.”

  Jake reached out and took Catherine's hand, he gave it a squeeze. “It’s my pleasure. He's a great kid. You did an amazing job with him.”

  ***

  Over the next hour, Mitch practiced moving through the house quietly. He managed to scar
e Catherine once, and she tossed the spoon she was using to mix the cake batter. Mitch and Jake laughed until they cried. Catherine threatened to not share the bowl of leftover batter with them after that, so they moved onto wrestling and hiding.

  Catherine had just slid the cake in the oven when she heard from across the house. “Mom, come find me and Jake. We are hiding. You have three minutes then we come and find you!”

  “Can I walk through the house yelling Marco? Will you answer?” she called out.

  She could hear giggling but couldn't place where it was coming from. Neither of them replied to her.

  Catherine thought about the house and the best places to hide in it. She started at the back of the house and searched each bedroom, under the beds, and in the closets. She even looked in the shower. No one was there.

  She walked down the hall and checked the closets and went into her office. Under the desk, behind the couch, no one was in either of those places.

  Next was the living room... She stood in the archway between the kitchen and living room and yelled, “Marco.”