Shifting Power

by Dacia M Arnold

  “Am I that hard to please?” she laughed.

  “You’re just emotional,” Jack offered. “It’s fine. I was the one who okay-ed everything. It was August’s idea. He didn’t want to piss you off.”

  “I wanted to do something nice for you. This place is so sterile. You deserve to be comfortable here. Now, eat as much as possible. No skimping on breakfast, we’re in no rush.”

  Hyka pulled out Valerie’s chair just as the kitchen staff wheeled in a waffle bar on a cart. Caleb squealed with delight.

  “I have been dying for strawberry shortcake for months,” August admitted when he saw Valerie top her waffles with strawberries and a little cream. “I’ve been fighting off gaining sympathy pounds, but I couldn’t resist.”

  “It’s one-hundred percent my fault. I’ve been more concerned about my image than giving in to my pregnancy cravings. This is definitely a treat. Thank you.”

  Once breakfast was finished, Valerie was led to the new home. Jack stood at the nine-foot double doors and handed her a conventional key to the apartment. Her joy became more natural as soon as she opened the door to a replica of a traditional ranch style home, much to the contrast of the rest of the Facility. The walls were colorful but modest. The kitchen was full-sized, with an oven and a stovetop. Windows lined the south-facing walls, with higher panes opening to the outside.

  “One thing I’ve hated since living here is not having any fresh air,” August explained. “They’re high for safety but mechanical, so we don’t have to reach up there to open or close them.”

  “Want to see the baby’s room?” Hyka asked, nearly hopping toward a door just off the living room and pushing the door open with a grand gesture.

  Painted a light gray with purple trim, Valerie found the space to be pleasantly sophisticated yet feminine.

  “I picked the theme and colors. Jacqui picked out and sent the furniture from San Francisco,” Hyka beamed.

  “Her room connects to both yours and mine,” August said. “It’s been a long time since I’ve had a baby, but I know they don’t sleep through the night. I wanted to be available to help.”

  The little girl’s room had three entrances, including the one they stood in, which lead to the main living space. Valerie walked inside to get a better look. Despite the fresh air from the high windows, the room was stuffy.

  “What is this? Does she have her own atmosphere?” Valerie questioned.

  “We duplicated the tech from the Technology Testing Center,” Jack explained. “Hyka still managed to make it look cute, but there is nothing we can do for the stuffiness.” He smiled at his fiancé and reached for her hand.

  “This way, the girl can grow like a normal child, and you won’t throw her in the trash.”

  “Hyka, that’s disgusting,” August shot her a look. “We were just trying to make things easier on you. You’ll have all the support you need to get through this.”

  Was she angry? Frustrated? Helpless? An emptiness formed in her gut. No amount of gifts or systems in place would cover the fact she had no control over her situation. “I didn’t ask for any of this.”

  “You would never ask for help,” August laughed. “That’s why we’re offering it. There’s nothing to be embarrassed about. No one thinks less of you. It’s hard to parent alone, but you’re not alone in this no matter how much you try to isolate yourself.”

  Valerie wiped a tear with the back of her hand. She hated how much he seemed to genuinely care for her. Even though during the first months, she refused to even see him. Now they were moving in together. The room let her hormones run unchecked, and the empty space filled with love like lifesaving water. Her belly tightened just slightly as her daughter stretched within. Valerie didn’t mind the discomfort of cramped lungs and stomach. The room took away the hard feelings. But as she looked up at August, who stood in the doorway, the spark between them remained. Her heart still fluttered. Her skin still blushed. Maybe the feelings were becoming more real.

  She didn’t want to leave the room, but there was more to see. Caleb’s room had its own theme. The entire room was plastered in a cliché country western style with a cowboy costume hanging from an antler coat rack mounted to the wall. He howled with joy and immediately climbed on his bed. A navy-blue comforter with a giant star in the middle wrinkled under his feet.

  “From the Hamptons, I’m guessing,” Valerie said, referring to the DiaZem leaders from Texas.

  “Don’t worry. Once we can organize professional sports again, we’ll set him straight.”

  On her son’s dresser was their family Christmas photo from the year before. She turned to August and hugged him. She didn’t have the words to express how much it meant to her. He would find his own place alongside the memory of Caleb’s father.

  August opened the door to Valerie’s room. The walls stretched high above her with wooden beams lining the tall ceiling. Two couches staged by the door to her daughter’s room formed a small sitting area. On the opposite side of the room was her bathroom. It housed a giant tub, like the jetted one in her current suite, with a shower decorated with silver, green, and gold accent tile.

  “This is everything. It’s so inviting. When do we move in?”

  “Tonight, if you’d like. I was thinking I could have your things brought down while you and Hyka go see Lalit about a dress.”

  Her mood changed like a switch. Fear. Lalit’s boutique was in the Cherry Creek marketplace near downtown. “I can’t go shopping. We can’t go out there now.”

  “I’ll be there too,” he said as he rubbed her shoulder. His touch was reassuring. “It’s important that we don’t stop integrating normal public activities back into our routine. The people need to see us, too. We’ll have security on site. We can’t hide up here in our little fortress. Plus, you’re the only person who can convince Hyka not to wear black to her own wedding.”

  Hyka threw her hands up and walked out of the room, validating his comment.

  “Lalit is expecting us today, isn’t she? But her shop is in the old mall.”

  “I won’t pretend I’m comfortable with this, but the community needs to see we are not afraid of the Council or Reactance or anyone else who comes against us. Hyka’s wedding is important from a social standpoint. The ceremony is a symbol of happiness in our new circumstances, despite the odds, and despite our losses. And the threat needs to know we aren’t broken.”

  “Courtney talked you into this?”

  “Yes.”

  “I’ll go, but I want a gun.”

  Behind August, something caught her eye. A cloud of mist floated in the hallway near August’s room. It glided closer, taking a definite form. Lucas Jarrett. She was not afraid of him. She pushed past August.

  “Get out! Leave us alone.”

  The apparition smiled and came closer. He reached a hand toward her abdomen. Before he could reach her, Hyka appeared with a bundle of branches in her hand, the top of which was on fire. She walked up behind Jarrett’s energy and blew out the fire, sending smoke through the midst. Both energy and smoke dissolved into the air.

  “Sage.” Hyka held up the burning leaves. She continued through the apartment, blowing the fragrant smoke to each corner and mumbling to herself.

  “Can we have this stuff everywhere? Burning around the clock, for goodness’s sake. I’m not safe here. I’m not safe out there.” Valerie threw her hands up in defeat. “I feel like I’m nothing more than bait.”

  “Well…” August laughed.

  “Shut up!” Valerie sent a soft backhanded slap at his chest, positive it hurt her more than it hurt him.

  “Val, I have to give you something,” August said, his demeanor shifting. His brow creased as he reached into his jacket pocket. He handed her an envelope with her father’s writing. “He gave it to me in the cabin. Wanted me to wait until you saw the new place before I gave it to you. He wanted you to be in a good mood. Those moments are fleeting, and I don’t want to hold anything else back from you.”r />
  “Did you read it?” She hoped he could filter whatever message was inside.

  “No.”

  Valerie arranged her belongings the best she could for the moving detail taking place while she was out. She packed her photos neatly in a box, gathered Caleb’s toys, and loaded her clothes into suitcases. Her need to control the situation made leaving the task to others difficult. She had moved plenty of times as a child, then while Scott was in the military. She trusted no one to move her possessions without breaking them. However, being five months pregnant, no one would let her lift a finger. If she wanted anything packed right, she had to do it quickly before she left for Lalit’s boutique downtown.

  Mike’s letter sat unopened on the dresser. She was afraid of opening it. Like her father was inside, and he would be gone forever the moment she broke the seal. If she never read his letter, he would always have one last thing to say to her. If she could hold on to his message, he would always be there waiting.

  “Ridiculous,” she whispered to herself. There was no huge revelation within the folds of paper that would change anything. Mike Burton died. Buried in the ground at the end of the tarmac. Nothing could bring him back. She needed to act, instead of reacting to everyone’s lead. She could start by finally letting her father apologize.

  She picked up the envelope and ripped the paper open. Valerie took a breath and unfolded the papers carefully to reveal her father’s small, precise script.

  Val,

  How did we get here? The easiest answer is because of me. I’ve written you hundreds of letters over the last few months, but this time I think I have finally found the words to tell you what you truly need to hear.

  I came from nothing. The CDC found me after I ran away from home at thirteen. They fed me, clothed me, and sent me back to school. Lucas was like a father to us. We hated him like most kids come to hate their fathers at some point. I was determined to remember where I came from. I knew better than to believe the lies they fed us so early on.

  Your mother is still the most beautiful woman I have ever seen. She didn’t believe the lies either. They treated her as a princess. Lucas’ favorite. Janice wanted no part in being superior to anyone. She wanted a modest life. So I swore to her, for three entire years, that I would save her from her “destiny”.

  We ran, and they let us. I know that now. I know the illusion of getting away was their plan all along. I didn’t save Janice or you or Kevin from anything. I’ve made so many mistakes, and I keep making them. There is nothing I can do to undo what has been done. I could never protect you from Lucas. I’m sorry.

  As much as I miss you and little Caleb monster, I have to leave you. I’m taking Kevin to volunteer for the Pacific Fleet. Your brother has grown more and more bitter and resentful. He is beyond my reach, and I fear that you are the target for his anger instead of me. Another fault of mine.

  As more DiaZem join our cause, I will escort the first team to the carrier. The sooner we are in place, the better for all.

  Last, Valerie, I am so incredibly proud of you. You have miraculously fixed every mistake I’ve made. You’ve become a fair and just leader, all on your own. You never needed me here to guide you.

  You are surrounded by people you can trust. Keep them close to your heart. Including August. I loved Scott like my own son, but Valerie, you still deserve to be happy and loved. My grandchildren need a father figure in their lives. Since I won’t be there to lay down Grandpa Law, you’ll need someone to help you when those teenage years hit. Especially the girl. If she’s anything like you, you’ll have gray hair despite your abilities.

  I love you, Valerie. I cannot be prouder of you than I am. I won’t be gone forever, and I plan to visit when I can. Take care of those kids and yourself.

  Love, your dad.

  Valerie carefully folded the papers and fit them back into the envelope. He was gone forever, leaving nothing behind but a warning. The thought of Kevin doing anything harmful to anyone never crossed her mind. The more she mulled over the possibility, the more she realized he had access to where the bombs were detonated at the capitol. How convenient he was near Jasmine and was able to make it out without any mortal wounds. Why had he not been suspected? If he was capable of something as horrible as killing their father, then there was no limit to what else he would try to do. She blamed the Bowman girl who wrote the articles and stood as a barricade so she could see the explosion. She blamed the people captured awaiting trial, minions thinking they could make a difference by killing the city leaders. Jasmine’s appearance was not a coincidence, and her brother might very well be the one conspiring against her this whole time.

  Breaking her frantic thoughts, August walked in. Taking one look around her suite, he tsked at the amount of work she had done. She fanned her face with the envelope to keep the tears at bay before handing him the letter.

  After he finished reading, she asked, “Does Kevin know where we’re going today?”

  “I didn’t tell him, but it’s not a secret. You think the bombing was him?”

  “There is enough suspicion, wouldn’t you think?”

  August let out a frustrated sigh and sat next to her. He wrapped an arm around her shoulder and hugged her. “We can have Lalit come here.”

  “No. We need to figure this out. I’m tired of hiding behind these walls, you, and everyone else.”

  “Okay, but you really need to let other people do your heavy lifting,” he said, pointing to a box marked Memories. “You’re doing too much. No one would dare break the Queen DiaZem’s personal effects.”

  “You can’t expect me to just let people handle my stuff,” she said innocently, picking up a backpack she packed for herself and Caleb. August relieved her of the bag.

  “What’s in here?” he asked, exaggerating the weight.

  “Snacks, mostly. Juice. A change of clothes. Everything I need in case the baby comes.” She trailed off.

  “You have over three solid months before this baby comes, Val.”

  “You should know better than to argue in these matters.”

  “Touché,” he answered, shouldering the weight.

  She knew he once had a child, but seeing him interact with her and Caleb made her notice his natural paternal strength. Without thinking, Valerie stood on her toes and leaned into him. August supported her balance and met her lips with his. Slow and sweet, their passion not only sent a power surge through the Facility, but it sparked a sensation in her like floating through the air. Effortless. And it left her thirsty for more. She fought herself to back away.

  “I need to remember to grab fleece pajamas while we’re out.” She opened the door for him and Caleb, ignoring her body’s screams for more.

  August stepped around her, taking the weight of the door, holding it open, and making way for her and Caleb.

  There was a deeper chill in the air compared to the temperature of the funeral the day before. Valerie wore slim-fitting pregnancy jeans—a band of elastic stretched from the denim over her belly—and soft flat shoes. She chose a long cowl neck sweater instead of a jacket. She could count on one hand how often she left her suite in casual clothes in the prior months. The outfit was like a costume to fit in with the city residents. Hyka, on the other hand, wore much less: a sports bra and yoga pants.

  “I’ll be in and out of my clothes so many times, this will just make it easier,” she argued.

  “A shirt at least?”

  “Whatever,” Hyka pulled a T-shirt from the large purse she carried and put it on. “Better?”

  “Why did you even bring the shirt if you wouldn’t wear it?”

  “Because I knew you’d throw a fit, and I didn’t want to walk all the way back upstairs.”

  While Valerie agreed with the logic, she missed the days where her image in public was no more important than what she had eaten for breakfast that day. As a closet introvert in her past life, no one could point her out of a crowd. She did not see herself as better than those living in
the city. Her fears rested on the public’s perception of her. Courtney was the best at what she did: showcasing Valerie in a positive, empathetic and authoritative light. But the shopping trip had her stomach in knots.

  “These doses of normal life are kind of neat, you think?”

  Hyka shrugged.

  “Yeah, me too. Well, I’ll do my best to show you what a girl’s day out looks like. Where do you keep your gun? Your outfit doesn’t leave much hidden.”

  “Let me worry about that,” Hyka challenged.

  “No. Please tell me you didn’t keister a gun, Hyka.”

  “You’re gross. Let’s go.”

  Valerie and Hyka stopped at a coffee kiosk when they arrived. The old mall was one of few public markets in the city. Many small businesses moved to the location because it offered security from looters in the early days of the Awakening. Before then, Cherry Creek Mall was considered the high-end shopping mall in Denver. Now, it was a civil market place only open four days a week.

  After Lucas’ death, Lalit requested to relocate her shop from the airport to the mall to help the community rebuild while remaining Valerie’s stylist. Valerie never ventured to Lalit’s shop. All of her maternity clothes had been delivered to her over the past months. She considered the luxury far too elaborate, but she treasured Lalit’s visits. She tried to think of her excursion as a treat, returning the favor to Lalit for making all the trips to the Facility.

  “This place is so crowded,” Valerie whispered to August as they made their way through.