“I’m sorry Sean,” she whispered. “I really am. It’s even harder because you’re my best friend and I don’t want to lose you. But I know it’s not easy and I feel bad asking you to be there for me.” It was such a relief to actually say what she felt. She was surprised by the kindness of his expression. Her heart tightened with pain for this boy…this boy whom she did love so desperately that the thought of losing him was unbearable. And yet, he was not what Asher was to her.
“There’s nothing to be sorry about Fi,” Sean put his arm around her shoulders and gave her his usual little side-hug. “Life is life. You don’t choose who you love.” He looked her straight in the eye. “Who knows that better than me?” he asked and she choked.
“I can’t lose you Sean,” she said as tears welled in her eyes. “I know it’s selfish, but I think it would kill me if you weren’t my best friend any longer.” She shook her head. “I think that is really why I couldn’t admit what I felt, because if it cost me you…” her voice trailed off. “I wasn’t sure I wanted it. Well, that, and I didn’t think he saw me that way,” she added and it was Sean’s turn to choke.
“Yeah, Maggie mentioned that too,” he said. “Not very observant are you?” he teased and her mouth dropped open again.
“Seriously Fi, we’re back to my original point. You and Asher, old news to everyone but you…” he squeezed her shoulder again.
“That bad, huh?”
“Yeah, honestly, I think we were all ready to just tell you guys to go get a room,” he said and Fi squeaked in embarrassment and punched him.
“Ow!” Sean protested, shoving her. “Should you be punching your beloved best friend whom you can’t live without?” he joked as he wrestled with her, grabbing her wrists. Relieved and happy, Fi laughed and pretended to pout until he released her. The anxiety that had been petrifying her all afternoon flowed away from her like air leaving a balloon. As she relaxed, she grew pensive, searching Sean’s face.
“Thank you Sean.” It was all she could manage. There were no other words to explain the feelings that whirled inside of her. Relief, joy, grief, guilt, excitement, worry…
“I’m happy for you Fi,” he stood and offered his hand. Taking it, she popped up next to him. Sean nodded toward Asher’s figure on the other side of camp where he sat reading to Kiara by flashlight. “The reason that I can find a way to handle this,” he said and his voice wavered and he paused. Fi touched his arm and he bit his lips and then smiled.
“The reason I can find a way to handle this,” he repeated, “is because I know for certain that he would do absolutely anything for you…anything. I don’t think I could have handled it if I thought he did not love you as much as I do,” his voice grew strangled. “But he does.” Overcome, Sean hugged her briefly and then walked away into the darkness of the forest.
Last Crossing
--------------- Fi -----------
Over the past week, Sean had made a real effort to be his usual, cheerful, wonderful self once again. It made Fi happy to have Asher see what an amazing person Sean really was, to understand why he was so important to her. For his part, Asher seemed relieved as well, though he was equally chagrined when Fi recounted her conversation with Sean. They both found it embarrassing to learn that they’d been the talk of the Family for months. At least with their love out in the open, everyone could settle into the new relationships.
Rather than undermining the Family stability, acknowledging their partnership had seemed to strengthen it. What was forged through danger and violence months ago in that basement grocery store was an effective tactical team. With the Montreal crossing approaching, the rift between the three fighters had been mended just in time. They would need the team working on all cylinders to prepare for this last moment of danger. Once they were through Montreal, they would be headed back deep into the woods. In the meantime, what loomed ahead was a trek across an unknown city with the entire Family. It was the biggest risk that they had ever taken.
It was an overcast day as the Family set out to complete their last trek through the mountains. By afternoon, the road would carry them down to the lowlands where they would reach the banks of the St. Lawrence River. Glaring at the thickening clouds with concern, Fi hoped that afternoon showers would not add to the stress of the day.
“So what are our plans for Montreal?” Asher asked her as they strolled beside one another. Nodding, Fi sighed and waved to Sean. They had been putting off talking about the details, but it was time. Sean jogged up to join them.
“What’s up?” he asked with a smile. Fi’s smile flashed in response like a reflex. It was impossible to contain her happiness at having sunny Sean back in her life.
Asher spoke up, “I’m bugging our fearless Leader for the details of the Montreal crossing.” Sean nodded. Fi and Sean had talked about it some yesterday when Asher was out hunting with Jose. Sean replied.
“Yes, well we studied it and unfortunately, going across Montreal itself seems to be our only choice. The major issue is that we have to get across the river to get to Eden, but we don’t want to go too far out of our way. Montreal is by far the closest crossing. But to cross Montreal we not only have to cross a major City that we don’t know well, we also have to get across two bridges with the entire Family.” Asher drew in his breath.
“And why is this the only option?” he asked. “It seems unnecessarily risky,” he added, “especially with…” his voice trailed off and he indicated the rest of the Family. Yes, that was the main concern. Running into Others with the Family in tow was a major concern.
“The only other crossing is very far out of our way to the north over what looks like tough terrain,” Sean explained. “The reason we have to cross two bridges in Montreal is because, ironically,” Sean sniffed, “the place is an island just like Manhattan.” Asher laughed.
“How appropriate,” he joked and Fi gave him a quizzical look. Asher smiled at her expression. “How appropriate that the Three Musketeers will take Manhattan again,” he explained. “Only this time it’s Franch.” Fi and Sean both laughed at his terrible fake accent.
Sean spoke up again. “There is a bridge at the south end of the city and another not too far on the other side, also at that end of the city. That crossing is the narrowest I could find. I think that the shortest route across is our best bet, without any other knowledge that is.” They walked in silence for a while. Asher sighed in agreement.
“Yes, that makes sense. I wonder how many Others stayed in that city.” Fi nodded, it was the thought that troubled her the most as well. Hopefully it had been long enough that Montreal was mostly a Ghost Town. Fi piped up.
“Sean and I thought that the three of us should scout our desired route tonight when we arrive. We could get the lay of the land and maybe even conduct a raid, depending on the resources and the conditions.” Turning to Asher, she asked, “You up for that?”
“Of course,” he said as he drew his sword. The blade sang as it slid from its sheath and Asher sank into fighting stance with a grin. “Bring it on,” he murmured and Fi and Sean both laughed. Even if it seemed dramatic, they all knew that one had to get raring for a fight or you wouldn’t stand a chance. It was time for them to get ready for the fight that could lie ahead. Asher sheathed his sword again as they strolled and the rest of the day was spent breaking down scenarios, planning out fights, and debating escape options.
That night, they left the rest of the Family on the opposite shore, safely tucked away in an old auto-body shop. After a twenty-minute hike they reached the end of the first bridge. It felt like deja vous to Fi. Standing under the starry sky, facing another darkened skyline.
“This is really depressing,” she whispered. “I hate going into the cities now.” Asher touched her hand gently. She knew he understood. It wasn’t like her to complain, but the sight of a city skyline brought back too many memories. Her side hurt just thinking about it. At least their packs were light for this mission. This was an in-and-out scout
ing trip, period. There did not appear to be a soul on or around the bridge and it seemed intact, so they headed across.
Here, you could see some signs of panic. There were cars abandoned at the end of the bridge, a few even on the bridge. Probably ran out of gas, Fi thought until she saw some with skeletons in the seats. Maybe some were murdered, she corrected herself with a shudder. It was a stark reminder of the other reason she hated the cities. They snuck across the bridge and into the city. It was humid and overcast, the night air heavy. Even sound seemed muffled as they progressed northward across the southern side of the city. There were no signs of life. They peered around at the buildings looking for gang signs, but from what little they could see, there were none. The three were silent except when they stopped to confer. They kept their whispers minimal and moved quickly. It wasn’t long before they’d reached the other bridge.
“Let’s go all the way across it to see what’s on the other side as far as cover goes,” Fi suggested in a whisper. The guys nodded their agreement and they began to sneak their way across the bridge.
“Stop!” a harsh voice spoke from the darkness ahead of them as soon as they stepped onto the bridge and they froze. Fi’s hand hovered over her gun. She hadn’t had to use it in so long that she was almost excited. The feeling made her a little sick.
“Mains en l'air!” the voice shouted. Fi didn’t understand the words, but she was pretty sure she knew what they meant. She raised her hands.
“Oui, Oui,” the voice confirmed. A light switched on and was pointed in her face as the Other approached. Blinded, the three tightened their formation, ready for attack.
“We’re Americans,” Fi spoke into the darkness. “We mean no harm,” she added, trying to remember what little she knew of French from Maggie. “Um, Parley-vous Anglais?” she asked and the voice laughed.
“Oui,” the man said. “Though it has been a long time.” His words were deliberate and thickly accented. Fi’s eyes adjusted as the flashlight beam lowered and she could see that there were two men blocking their passage. There was no way to know if there were more waiting in the wings. Both men were extremely gaunt. They were of average height and seemed to share a resemblance, even in the dim light. One appeared to be about twenty years older than the other. Father and son, Fi concluded. Both had thick, dark hair and beards. The speaker addressed Asher.
“What are you doing, sneaking over my bridge at night?” Asher smiled and indicated Fi.
“She speaks for us,” he said and the man made a strange face.
“Ah, ok.” His tone was confused. “What are you doing, and how many are you?” Fi was cautious. She knew giving out information could be dangerous.
“We were scouting,” she said simply. “There are three of us, as you see.” The man grunted.
“Scouting for what? Food?” His tone grew tougher.
“No,” she said truthfully as she holstered her weapon. “We’re simply seeking to pass through the city into the wilderness,” she said. “No one is so stupid that they wouldn’t take food if they found it, but if you want to inspect our packs, you’ll see that we haven’t any food.” She grabbed the straps of her pack to show her willingness to have them search it. The man stood silently for a moment.
“I believe you’re scouting.” He spoke with care. “If you were the guard, what would you do?” She thought about this. It was a fair question. Her response was both honest and reluctant.
“I would tell you to get the hell off my bridge and go back where you came from,” she said, not sure why she said it. The man snorted and then a small laugh emerged. And then both men burst into laughter.
“Jeez Fi,” Sean whispered, “looks like you’re the comic relief,” he touched her hand. They were still on guard.
“You,” the man pointed at Fi in the dim light. “You are a funny girl,” he said. “So you want me to kick you off my bridge then?” he asked. “What do you suggest?” Fi smiled.
“I suggest that we work out a deal, a barter of sorts,” she said and he tilted his head. Fi turned to Sean and Asher. “Our cured meat for our safe passage tomorrow?” she checked with them in a whisper. They nodded. These guys and their Family clearly needed food and since Jose the great hunter had joined them, Fi’s Family had been able to get wild meat with some regularity.
“It’s not with us, but we have cured meat, game meat,” she explained. “We have been living in the wilderness and have done well at getting meat. If you don’t mind the occasional hedgehog or porcupine,” she added. The older of the two men chuckled, but also looked extremely interested. Resources must not be so available here, she thought to herself. “I intend to bring my whole Family across the city and then across this bridge tomorrow,” she began. “I realize this will mean that your Family will be taking a risk, in letting us pass close to your Home.” He nodded. “I would be willing to give you a good portion of our cured meat in exchange for safe passage across the bridge and up the river out of your territory.” The two men conferred in French and the younger man stepped up.
“Oui,” he nodded and offered to shake Fi’s hand. “We will take the deal, but there are some things you should know,” he added. Fi could feel both Sean and Asher tense next to her when the man shook her hand. She smiled. It was nice knowing you were covered.
“Ok,” she said. “It’s a deal. Now what do we need to know?”
“First,” the man said, his accent lighter than his father’s. “You should come again at night. Though the city is mostly abandoned now, there are some bad people around.” Fi shivered. “Also, there was violence in the heart of the city. Bad riots.” For a moment he paused. “You must avoid going north. If you go too far north in the city you’ll find piles of bodies.” The trio gasped.
“Why? Why are there…piles…of bodies?” Fi stammered, shocked.
“Some people tried to do the right thing, grouping the bodies together so that they could be claimed, could be buried,” he said, his voice shook. “But no one could come to claim them,” he threw up his hands. “Everyone had to leave so fast to protect their families once the soldiers disappeared. So now there are just piles of skeletons,” he whispered, “in the streets.” Fi’s group exchanged glances, shock written across every face. Despite her shock, Fi understood. It was a sight to be avoided, she realized, appreciating the warning.
“I’m sorry that I haven’t asked your names,” Fi said to the men, feeling their sadness. They saw these terrible things happen in their beautiful city, she knew. “I’m Fi, and this is Asher and Sean,” she said, indicating each. The younger man nodded.
“This is my father Jean, and my name,” he said, “ is Luc.” Fi gasped. A hand touched hers and she met Sean’s eyes.
“Good omen,” he whispered. Fi nodded and squeezed his hand.
“Definitely,” she murmured. Jean and Luc allowed them to leave and they easily made their way back to the Family. It had been a successful scouting trip, Fi reflected. They were safe and had secured passage across the second bridge. Still, they had learned that there was possible danger in the crossing. Fi prayed as they jogged back to camp. All they needed to do was make it past Montreal and they would be at Eden’s doorstep. So close, she thought, so close. Please God, let it be so.
The next night Fi got the Family ready for the crossing. If it went as planned, it would be very smooth.
“Everyone have your packs ready to go?” she asked and was answered by a chorus of quiet ‘Yes’es around her, even from the kids. She knelt down to speak with Zoe. “Zoe, I know you have learned to be a good quiet girl on our hikes when we ask it,” she began and Zoe nodded. “Ok, well, tonight it’s going to be extra super-duper important that you be quiet. Do you understand?”
“Yes,” Zoe nodded her little head. “We are going to a place where there may be Others,” she added, surprising Fi.
“Don’t you worry now Zoe,” Fi reassured her. “We may not see any Others besides Jean and Luc, and they are safe,” she began. “And
you have all of us here to keep you safe.” she finished and Zoe nodded again, her eyes wide. Kiara walked up to her and took her hand.
“We will be quiet together, right Zo?” Kiara’s tone was encouraging and Zoe smiled. Proud of her sister, Fi mouthed ‘Thank you’ to her over Zoe’s head. Everyone did his or her part in this Family, Fi reflected.
When they reached the first bridge, Fi warned them not to look inside the cars.
“It’s dark enough that you don’t have to see if you don’t want to,” she said. “Just pass by like it’s all a dream.” Single file, they wound their way through the cars on the bridge and into the city. In silence they flowed from shadow to shadow, always moving toward the other bridge. After thirty minutes they were getting close and Fi was starting to feel more relaxed. They had not heard a sound besides their own movement the entire time. Fi was directing the Family across an open intersection when the silence was broken by an air-horn. In the darkness, Fi saw several shadowy figures spilling out of the streets behind them.
“Run Sean!” Fi screamed to him at the front of the line. “Get the family to Luc!” she added as she and Asher drew their weapons. Sean didn’t hesitate.
“Run,” he yelled to the Family, “This way!” He charged ahead, melting into an invisible side street. Fi knew that her best strategist would get the Family to safety, if she and Asher gave him time.
“Fi!” Kiara yelled as she was pulled away. “Fiiiiiiii!” Doc Ron grabbed her and picked her up, sprinting. Fi felt the hair on her neck stand up as she readied herself for battle, her legs coursing with adrenalin and her weapon steady. The darkness was going to make this tricky, Fi thought, assessing. It was impossible to know the total number of attackers. More might be hiding in the alleys. Together, she and Asher kept moved backward in tandem, trying to position themselves with a wall at their backs. Asher’s weapon required range, so Fi had to give him space. It was less reassuring than being back to back like she used to do with Sean, but then again, having Asher there was the most reassurance Fi could have.
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