Elena found both her and her sister smiling at him. To her, he looked cuddly and plump, with his broad, round face and red cheeks, stuffed inside the hood of his jacket like a sausage.
Anthony then gestured toward the princess. “This here is Sophie Reed, age unknown at the time.”
Sophie laughed. A sound that was almost musical to Elena’s ears.
“They have decided to hang out with us, since they have nothing better to do, especially since there’s a raging snow storm outside and they have no shelter.”
Everyone chuckled lightly at that, even the animals. Garfield merely grunted and walked to the fire to warm himself, being light-hearted was somehow beneath him
Elena could tell her brother must’ve told the two newcomers about Mugzy and Kodiak, because neither of them so much as blinked twice when they set eyes upon the massive bear-dog and the immaculate canine with his pushed-in face.
“So, I’m going out on a limb here and guess you guys found us something to eat?” asked Andrew, his eyes sparkling with anticipation.
Anthony turned to look at him with a huge smile etched across his face. “My friend, we found a whole lot more than that. Let’s get down to business!” he said cheerfully.
They didn’t have to be told twice. Within seconds, they descended upon the shopping carts, undoing the knots in the ropes, pulling aside the heavy furniture pads, revealing an incredible hoard of just about everything they would need to survive for some time within the cave.
Elena let out astonished gasp here and there, as the contents of the shopping carts was revealed. Eventually, though, her natural disposition took over and she couldn’t help but say, “Why don’t all of you grab something to eat that isn’t hard to make, and go and sit by the fire. I, and whoever else would like to help me, will stay here and get this stuff organized, so we don’t make a huge mess. If we are going to have to live here in this cave for a while, then we have to make sure we put everything away neatly. Otherwise, we’ll be walking in our own trash in like days.”
Mikalah grimaced at the thought as though she could already smell something offensive.
Anthony looked at his sister and shook his head. “Well, guys, when she talks like that, there is no chance whatsoever we can change her mind. So, we might as well get something quick to eat. I’m sure she’ll have us all working before we know we’re actually working. She is like this busy bee of efficiency.”
The children smiled, looking at each other for a heartbeat or two. In the end, their hunger prevailed over embarrassment at being the first one to make a move. Almost as one, they stepped forward, slowly pawing over the food and supplies, searching for something quick to eat.
The animals, on the other hand, stayed back.
After a short time, Kodiak announced: “The Fist will hunt separately and in turns, so as not to leave you children without protection.”
Some of the animals either sniffed loudly or nodded in ascent.
“Garfield, since you have done the most ranging this day why don’t you go and get your fill first.” Kodiak nodded toward him.
“At once, Great Canine,” the cat growled through its fangs. It bounded off out of the entrance of the cave, in search of a meal, gone in a flash.
“I will help you,” said Sophie. She came forward to stand before Elena with a wide grin.
Elena was surprised and grateful at the same time. “That would be awesome, thanks.”
“I will help you too, Elena,” muttered Mikalah slightly nervous, staring up at Sophie with large brown eyes.
Elena could see her sister wanted to make Sophie’s acquaintance. “Good, then let’s get this over with,” she proclaimed.
In minutes, all three were arms deep into the shopping carts, while the others drifted away towards the fire, conversing, joking, and eating some the food that didn’t need preparation. None was more eager than Andrew who tore through a ham and cheese sandwich like there was no tomorrow.
Silently, Elena wondered about the pale beauty beside her. What was her story?
It’s probably just as terrible as ours…
*****
To their mutual delight, the boys had done a magnificent job scavenging from the supermarket.
First, the girls had uncovered all five of the carts, opting to place four of the furniture pads atop the twin piles of pine branches and palm fronds Kenai had provided. The double-layer of cloth would definitely add comfort when they slept.
The last remaining pad, they’d commandeered Joaquin and Andrew to find a way to place it over the entrance of the cave to keep out the cold and retain the heat from the fire. The boys had grumbled at first, but when Sophie asked them again, politely (if not demurely), they buttoned up and promptly to figure out the problem. She had turned back toward the girls, hiding her overly sweet expression from the boys and winked, which made Elena and her sister giggle.
There were advantages at being a drop-dead knockout.
In total, the girls discovered they had scores and scores of cans of fruit and vegetables. There were soups, olives, tuna (in water), spam, fruit cocktail, spaghetti-O’s (all sorts), Chef Boyardee ravioli and both refried and chili beans, even Pork n’ Beans. These they gathered in one of the carts and, with the help of Kenai, undid the nylons ropes holding the cart atop the sled. They rolled the cart next to the woodpile and closer to the fire pit, where they’d most likely be preparing their food. The sled they placed by the entrance of the cave.
By then, Joaquin and Andrew had secured the last furniture pad over the entire portal by stuffing its bulky edges into narrow cracks along its’ top. Their plan had proved sound, hardly any drafts made into the cave now. Soon, they’d all be warm and snug.
Next, they placed bag after bag of potatoes, oranges, apples, tomatoes, heads of lettuce, celery, onions, carrots, and various other produce in a second cart, and unleashed it from its sled. With this cart, they packed it here and there with snow and left it closer toward the entrance of the cave, where it was considerably colder. They’d created an effective sort of ice box that would keep the food fresh.
Then, they began to organize the forks and knives and spoons, placing them in the child seat of yet another cart. With these, they placed a great assortment of cooking utensils the boys had gathered – both wooden and plastic spoons, spatulas, turners, ladles, tongs, jar- and can-openers, strainers and sieves, graters and peelers, and kitchen knives of all kinds. In the lower larger section of that cart, they placed a large conglomeration of pots and pans of all sizes and shapes, using just about every bit of space in order to get every single, one inside. As with the others, they unwound the ropes, freed the cart from its sled, and rolled it alongside the cart full of cans. Beside those two carts, on the ground, they placed a good number of extra-large packages of paper plates, napkins, and paper towels, and toilet paper as well. The second to last cart, they filled with meat. A huge assortment, full with beef (both ground and cut), pork, and chicken, interspersed the piles with snow and ice. They left it next to the cart full of produce, making a second ice-box.
The final cart, they filled with a great assortment of bags – kitchen, trash, freezer, sandwich, snack, etc. – as well as various cleaners and cleansers, sponges and brushes, gloves and hand sanitizers, two first-aid kits, and a slew of towels – dish, hand, and body. This they rolled it next to the carts nearer to the fire pit.
As a group, they walked over and placed a number of the throw blankets the boys had found upon each of the sleeping areas. Mikalah walked the last three of the blankets and a pair of scissors over to Andrew, telling him he could make them into some sort of outer covering, better fitting and not nearly as musty as the animal skin he’d worn earlier in the day.
Behind her sister, Elena grabbed the skin Andrew had worn and promptly walked it back toward the cave entrance, lying it down on the ground with a satisfied smile.
Sophie walked up to her and patted her on the back. “That’s very nice, Elena. We have a welcome m
at now.”
“Thanks!” she said with a satisfied smile. “Now, we can wipe our feet and won’t track in all kinds of gunk from outside into our new home.” It was her practical tone. She used it to swallow the lump that had suddenly formed in her throat. The thought of having to have to find a new home in the first place was just downright disturbing.
Sophie nodded.
Elena turned around and surveyed their handy-work, and then glanced back Sophie. “Thank you Sophie for helping my sister and I.”
“You’re welcome,” replied the girl as she giggled, her shoulders bunching. Elena could tell the other girl wanted Elena to like her. She was pondering this as she walked over toward the fire where all the others gathered, some still eating – nibbling on beef jerky or potato chips (or candy, as was the case with Louis). Some were resting against the logs, half-asleep, stomachs full and content. She sat down next to her brother, who promptly gave her a sandwich wrapped in a paper towel. He had saved it for her, knowing she’d be starving by the time she finished with organizing their provisions. He placed a can of Coca Cola and an open bag of Doritos on the ground in front of her. She accepted them readily, smiling at him as he did the same for Mikalah when she sat down on the other side of him. Sophie sat on the far side of Mikalah, retrieving her brunch from Anthony as well.
Elena smirked, a little giddy, at the long look her brother and the teenage girl shared. What are these two up too? she wondered as she glance back and forth between them. Then, Elena’s attention shifted when she took a huge bite of her sandwich, savoring the various tastes filling her mouth. She was famished! A twang in her gut exclaimed this to her when she swallowed, her digestive organs demanding more. She obliged and took another bite, watching Mikalah do the same as a similar expression of pleasure crossed her face. Elena looked back at her brother and felt a rush of love for him. It startled her when she realized how thorough her feelings of him were, in the depths of her heart, on many, many levels. She had never known she’d felt that way about him. He was always such a pest. Why had it taken such a monumental lost to get this through her thick skull? I should’ve been a better sister.
The thought sent a spark through her, one she couldn’t ignore. No, she wasn’t going to let this pass.
Suddenly, she was standing. “Even though, we’ve had a tough day,” she began her voice nearly cracking, “and lost many of the things we hold dear, we still have a lot to be thankful for,” she raised a hand indicating the cavern surrounding them and the food in her lap. “Even on a day like this, which is probably the worst Thanksgiving Day I have ever had.”
Anthony peered up at her, and then placed his left hand upon the upper portion of her bicep, his right arm he draped about Mikalah’s shoulders. “Yes, we do, Elena. We have a lot to be thankful for,” he said and gave Mikalah the biggest squeeze he had ever given her in her life. He stood and did the same to her. At his side, gazing down, all she could manage was a deep, crimson blush.
Kodiak muttered softly in her deep, rumbling baritone, “Well said, Elena.”
The girl looked up, realizing, all around the fire, her companions were staring back at her with thoughtful looks about them - some nodding in agreement, some smiling in affirmation.
The fire crackled.
Glances were exchanged and the feelings about the cavern deepened. They became palatable. The bonds between them began to thicken out of need. They were becoming important in one another.
Yes, we all have something to be thankful for, even on the worst days of our lives, thought the nine-year-old girl. For the first time that day, she was - both inside and out - warm.
~~~~~~~~<<<<<<{ ☼ }>>>>>>~~~~~~~~
~ 52 ~
Migraine
Day One, Thursday, 1:00 pm Sharp…
Anthony sat up suddenly. He hadn’t remembered falling asleep. He pushed away the blanket he’d pulled over his body.
Where in hell am I?
It came back to him as his eyes flicked about the cave. He and his sisters had gotten up from the central location of the fire pit. He had seen, at the time, both of the girls were in dire need of sleep. Having gorged themselves on sandwiches and potato chips, their bodies were final capable of relaxing. After so many hours of distress, ill-treatment and battling with the extreme cold outside, they were totally spent. They had made their way to one of the two sleeping areas to rest.
He had arranged his sisters on one of the large pile of palm fronds and pine boughs they had covered with two furniture pads. He had given them each with their own blanket – two of the many they had taken from Vons. Within minutes, they had fallen into exhausted slumbers, still as stone, unmoving where they lay. He took a blanket for himself, had tucked it about the lower half of himself, sitting next to them, thinking for a while. He was tired, but not quite ready to do anything other than think for the moment. It had been a brutally intense day, involving so much emotional strain. It had been tough - even for him. He couldn’t imagine what the ordeal had been like for his young siblings.
He’d been able to keep himself under control. He hadn’t lost it, for the most part. At times, though, he’d wanted nothing more than to run off into the hills screaming. Silently, he’d hoped by sleeping some of the tension in their hearts and minds would ease. He’d sat there, purposefully repressing his own emotions, not allowing them to pile up upon one another, or on him. He made himself numb and unmoved. It was for the better, sometimes, to cut ones’ self from the world.
He’d glanced around the cavern, watching the animal’s mill about, each taking turns to hunt, a quiet symphony of comings and goings through the furniture pad that blocked the entrance of the cave.
All the while, his human companions were lounging about the fire, talking in short, exhausted sentences or had taken heed of his idea of getting rest and had stumbled over to the sleeping area adjacent to the one he’d sat upon. They’d curled upon it, drifting off to sleep as well.
He had watched the forms of his sisters under the blankets, chests rising and falling with the rhythm of sleep, his thoughts strayed to his grandmother. The realization she might no longer be in his life was astounding. He had wondered at the hole he felt in the middle of chest, but was not sure what to make of it. Why am I not crying? Why do I feel nothing? He knew he should’ve been experiencing a fountainhead of loss. But, as he had sat there, following the breathing of his sisters, seeing it deepen and become regular as they slipped deeper into slumber’s warm embrace - he felt nothing. Nothing at all, not even dismay at the fact he couldn’t feel a thing.
Why?
His grandmother had been an integral part of his upbringing, why wasn’t he crying his eyes out? Why hadn’t he been reduced to rubble, a quivering mass of useless mourning? Where were his emotions, his feelings for the woman who was like a second mother to him?
Maybe, you’re just numb. Maybe, things will change with time… Time… time, maybe...
He really didn’t know how he was going to react to losing her with time, particularly due his lack of response now. What would happen to him when the days stretched and it became all the more evident they wouldn’t be returning home? How would he be able to make it through the week without talking to her, without seeing her and feeling her hug him? For many years agone, he’d spent most of his weekends at his grandmother’s house. It had become a habit ingrained so deeply in their family, his mother and father and grandmother were all used to planning their schedules around it. It was assumed he would be going over to her house on the weekends to play on his laptop computer, jacking into the network she had at her home. It was his time away from his sisters. His time alone, to battle other clans or defend against sieges or put together a well-balanced party to harvest a decent Raid Boss. That was what he did. It was on the weekends that he got in true, uninterrupted playtime, having to help his grandmother around the house every once and a while. He liked the tempo and the pace of his days there. Even though he wasn’t truly alone, there was a degree of solitu
de or personal time that was expected, and respected, by all.
His grandmother was always traipsing around the house or was outside keeping up her garden, watering her plants. His uncle was about too, sometimes joining him on Lineage II from his upstairs bedroom where he had his desktop. Or he would be watching sports or working in the yard as well, doing some of the heavier yard work Anthony’s grandmother couldn’t do by herself. There were always noises and voices all around, but they were familiar, almost memorized, oftimes expected. To him, it was like a symphony of sound, movement and thought, flowing around him in concert, live. He’d come to enjoy those Saturday and Sunday mornings, even when his sisters were staying over as well. Their running around the house, their laughter and yelling were natural sounds. Whether they played in the backyard or with their Lego’s or silently on the floor behind him, he liked those noises. It didn’t matter what was going on, the fact something was happening, was comfort enough. It was a routine he’d come to rely upon…
Now, well now, it seemed there would be nothing of the kind, here, in this place. There was none of the usual noises, smells or sights. Everything would be different now…
Why was he not crying over it? Wasn’t it a dramatic, traumatizing loss? Why was he not despondent beyond belief, the life sucked out of him? Why was he not feeling what he should be feeling?
Maybe, I just don’t know how to react…
It was last thought he could remember. He must’ve fallen asleep immediately thereafter…
He glanced up and noticed, while robotically rubbing sleep from his eyes, Sophie was sitting on the other sleeping area much like him. She had one leg tucked beneath her, the other stretched out before her, touching the floor, an identical throw blanket gathered about her shoulders, worn like a cape. She was staring down at Louis, who was now a small bundle underneath a blanket, already asleep, most likely comatose from too much sugar.
The Unwanted Winter - Volume One of the Saga of the Twelves Page 45