Everyone had woken early and eaten breakfast, just before the peace had disappeared from the platform. The eastbound platform was now a hive of activity, as the migrating survivors from the Bank Station began constructing trading stalls. Gerard turned his nose up at the end stall as its owners pinned a garish handmade sign on its front. Tiny rooms were now being constructed from empty pallets and tarpauling behind the stall. “Daddy what’s a hen house? Is that man going to be selling chickens?” Shanice enquired whilst tugging like made on Gerard’s sleeve. The naivety of her question made several of the watching group laugh.
The end stall didn’t have enough allure to interest Jackson, he hadn’t been able to take his eyes off of the one three stalls down from the hen house. It wasn’t the goods that stole Jackson’s attention, but the seller, who Jackson recognised as the murdered from the London Bridge convenience store. Thinking about the logistics of the store, it made sense the seller had ended up here, it was only just around the corner from this station. As Jackson stare lingered for just a little too long the man nodded in Jackson’s direction, did he not recognise the young soldier? If he did he didn’t seem to care that Jackson was a witness to his crimes. Out of all the stores now being set up, this one had the most people working on it. It was obviously one of the wealthier ones. “Who says that crime doesn’t pay?” Jackson asked out aloud. “Sorry Jackson, what did you say?” Penny asked him. “Oh nothing Pen, just thinking out aloud ignore me.”
“The station will be in full working order in the next few hours. You’re all welcome to stay for as long as you want to.” Phillip surprised all of them, with his sudden appearance. They had all been so busy watching the developments on the platform in front of them that none of them had seen him approaching. Kathy studied the man, he didn’t seem that bad a person from her first impression. “Thank you, but we haven’t decided when we will be leaving yet.” She told him. “No problem and no rush. Stick around for another day and see what becomes of this place.” He said wearing a big grin on his face as he strode away. So far the group had not discussed what time they would leave, for now they were quite happy to watch what was happening on the stations platform. “Kathy, can we please stay another day? I want to see the chickens.” Shanice innocently asked, which made every one of them laugh, even Gerard. As Kathy scanned the others faces, she was only too aware that danger lay in front of them. Who was she to deny them one more day of normality? “Okay we leave tomorrow morning, first thing. Go and check out what you want to, but not on your own please?” She told them.
A chance to mix with other survivors and meet new people was too much for any of them to pass up. Shanice was the first to her feet, and instantly gave her father no chance of rejecting her eager pleas to investigate the station in its entirety. “Daddy come on, we need to go.” She begged as she tugged at his arm. She continued to tug until he stood up and hoisted his pack over his shoulder, Letitia watched out of the corner of her eye, hoping that no one saw her watching him. She was so discreet in her actions that she didn’t even break into a smile when Gerard stooped to asked her if she would accompany them. “Yes please, I would like that.” She said as she tried to play down her joy at the engineers invite. So much had happened to her since the outbreak; was it unfair to want something for herself, for a change? She didn’t think so, and felt that fate had led her to a man with the same beliefs as herself, a kind hearted man who she knew she could love, without fear of him harming her. After she stood and fixed her backpack securely, she blushed as she caught Shanice giving her a smile, which was finished off with a knowing wink. So much for the discreetness Letitia thought.
The three moved off with Shanice in the middle of them, she playfully skipped along next to the two adults, as they walked beside her. All of a sudden the little girl came to an abrupt halt, which made the adults stop as well, just short of the tiled staircase which led upwards. She surprised them both as she held out her hands to each of them, Letitia smiled as Shanice gave her hand the tiniest of squeezes, Shanice then giggled and that is when Letitia realised how clever the little girl really was. Once Gerard had completed the link they walked up the stairs together hand in hand. As they climbed the stairs Shanice wondered why neither her father nor Letitia had caught her in the act of watching both of them, when they were around one another. The little girl hadn’t noticed if any of the rest of the group had witnessed the discreet glances that she herself had observed between the two. It felt nice to have a woman with them; thinking back over the last few years, she was sure that her father hadn’t dated anyone, since the death of her mother. It was the one thing she had missed over the past few years, she couldn’t fault the way her father had looked after her, but sometimes she did miss the feminine touch that was lacking in her life.
When they reached the top of the stairs, all three of them just stood gawping, as if they were frozen by the amazement of the sight that now lay before them. There were dozens of people hurrying all around and setting up all manners of different stalls, just like the platform they had just emerged from. Some were already displaying their stock on makeshift tables. Most of the stalls featured food and water; one had old fashioned gardening and DIY tools displayed upon it, whilst another stocked handmade weapons. As the trio walked through the marketplace, they couldn’t help but stare at all the people busily working. Every creed and every religion possible seemed to have survived the virus; something none of them would have thought to be possible, until they found the sanctuary the station offered them. “Daddy am I the only child left alive?” Shanice asked her father, who until now hadn’t noticed that there were no children amongst the survivors. “I’m sure there are others Princess. We just have to find them.” He answered, hoping that they eventually came across some.
They stopped in front of a crudely made sign, which pointed to the underpass which led to Bank Station. In very poor handwriting the sign pointed to the living area that housed all of the refugee’s. “Can we go and see if there are any children there Daddy?” Gerard frowned not knowing quite how to tell his little girl that there may not be any more left alive. Her mood had grown brighter over the last couple of hours and he didn’t want to destroy that. He was grateful when Letitia answered the question for him. “Sure we can Shanice, just remember though that they may still be waiting at the other station.” Letitia then gave Gerard a little wink, and he mouthed a silent thank you to her as they made their way down to the underpass.
After walking down the two flights of steps, they finally reached a long corridor. There were small wooden cubicles lined up against both walls, which ran the entire length of the area. Each cubicle was just about wide enough for two people to lay in, side by side; there were no beds or bedding and the only privacy each occupant would have was the curtain or piece of fabric which was intended to close across the front of an evening whilst they slept. As yet there was no one staying in any of the cubicles, and when the three of them reached the end of the corridor, Shanice pointed out that there were fifty two cubicles. Two guards armed with hand guns, stood watch at the foot of the stairs that led to the other station. As the trio approached the oldest of the guards stepped forward, “End of the line guys. No admittance past this point.” He studiously informed the survivors. “Sorry, we were hoping to see the other station.” Gerard was quick to apologise. “I’m afraid you can’t do that sir.” “Can I ask why?” The guard looked back at his colleague who took a step forward. “Cross contamination procedures.” He backed his partner up with an official sounding reply. “What cross contamination?” Gerard couldn’t help but ask. “If this station suffers a spread of the infection, and we allow people that are infected into Bank, we could wipe out the whole of the network.” Gerard knew he was wasting his time, but stubbornness was one of the engineer’s habits, “But, what if we want to travel to the other station, and then travel through the tunnels the other side?” “Sorry sir, we have our orders. No one is allowed to travel through any checkpoint, without Phi
llips authorisation.” Gerard went to turn away, but stopped after a few feet, he had forgotten to ask about the other refugees. Before he got a chance to ask his question, Shanice beat him to it, “Are there more people coming here then mister?” The sentry looked down at the cute little girl, with her beaded her, stood before him, “Yes honey, once all the traders are set up, half of the refugees at Bank will then relocate here.” “So just how many is half mister?” The guard had to laugh at this infectious child, “About one hundred.” Shanice put a finger to her chin, and then asked the question that bothered her the most, “Are there any children coming in that hundred?” “Why’s that honey?” “Oh I just don’t want to be the only child left.” Now the guard smiled broadly, it was the same sort of smile that the fake Santa’s gave in their Grotto’s just before making a child’s day. “Don’t worry you will see a few later.” He couldn’t help but join Gerard and Letitia in laughter as they watched the little girl pull off a series of mini fist-pumps in celebration.
The trio thanked the two guards and moved back down along the corridor. Shanice was deliriously happy and skipped along, singing, in front of the two adults. Noticing the smile that was now etched across Gerard’s face, caused Letitia to smile, and then without thinking she grasped at his hand with her own. “You don’t mind do you?” She nervously asked. “No, it’s just been a long time.” He replied before giving Letitia’s hand a gentle squeeze. When they both looked back ahead, Shanice was watching them intently; she gave a little giggle, and then continued skipping forwards, and singing as she went.
When the three of them returned to where they had slept the previous night, they found just one of their group, Penny. She had decided to stay where she was, rather than investigate the station; although she seemed to be coming out of her grief ridden shell, she had still not totally recovered and on the odd occasion suffered a relapse, which pushed her back a few steps. Gerard and Letitia rounded the corner holding hands, they were greeted by Penny wearing a knowing smirk. Shanice suddenly bolted past the two, wanting to reach the camp first. “Penny, I’m so happy. I’m not the only child in the world.” “Wow that’s fantastic Shanice.” “Can you see what Daddy and Letitia are doing? Shanice giggled. “Yes, but I don’t think we should say anything about it just yet.” Penny told her. “Oh no I won’t Penny, I promise.” Penny hugged Shanice affectionately, “It’s good to have you back. I’ve got a surprise for you.” Shanice looked surprised, “You have something for me?” Penny laughed at the little girl, she looked like she was ready to explode with excitement. “It’s a late birthday present. Now close your eyes?” Shanice did as she was told, and felt something being placed in her hands, she wanted to open her eyes and look straightaway, but for Penny’s benefit se waited until she was told to open them. “Go on then open them.” Shanice gasped as she looked down upon the Barbie doll, still in its box. She then shrieked with excitement and then kissed Penny on the cheek. “Oh my, this is the best day ever.” She said to penny, and then ran over to her father to show him her new doll.
Shanice’s Journal, Monument Station, London, 23rd July, 21:09GMT
Wow, what a few amazing days I have just had. Yesterday was just cool, we woke up to lots of things going on around us. Lots of people appeared from the other station and began setting up little stalls, all along the platform where we had been sleeping. There were so many different stalls that the platform wasn’t big enough and more had to be set up in the stations hallway. All of us spent yesterday checking out the stalls, and talking to people. There were so many sad stories to be told, by so many brave people that have somehow survived. Penny for some reason decided not to visit the stalls like the rest of us, but still managed to trade something, she bought me a surprise birthday present of a Barbie doll, and all it cost her was a tin of fruit cocktail. Daddy said that would have been a bargain a few weeks ago, when a tin of that horrible fruit stuff would have cost no more than fifty pence. All of the group had laughed, when Daddy said that; I don’t understand why it was so funny, not only do I hate fruit cocktail, but Jade is worth much more than that to me. Why did I name her Jade? Well that’s an easy one, she reminds me of my friend that I used to play with, before she became a zombie.
The best thing to happen yesterday was seeing my Daddy hold hands with Letitia. I think she is a few years younger than him, but that doesn’t matter. I haven’t see him this happy for such a long time. Because all the space was taken up on the platforms for the new shops, we had to sleep in the new living area last night. There isn’t much room inside those strange wooden boxes, at first Daddy was going to let Letitia sleep in her own one, until I gave him a “Special Princess” arm tug, and asked if she could stay with us. My Daddy got all shy, just like some of the boys at school when they asked me to be their girlfriend. For some reason he went a funny colour when he asked Letitia, and when I laughed, so did Letitia. I don’t understand what’s wrong with her sharing a room with us, I’m eleven years old and nearly a grown up.
When I woke up this morning I was really tired. Because I was so excited about the other children coming to the station today, I just couldn’t fall asleep. I was naughty and waited for Daddy and Letitia to fall asleep and when I knew it was safe to creep out, I did. I wanted to see why the stalls on the platform were called “The Night Strip.” I can tell you now, whatever it is, that it isn’t a very nice place. I think some people were drunk; some of them were busy being sick, others sung songs that no one understood, and a few just spent their time falling over or walking into the wall. I think some of the adults were really tired, as a few fell asleep with drinks in their hands. The most confusing place was the one at the end of the platform. Just why exactly it is called “The Hen House” I truly don’t understand; there aren’t any chickens at all, it’s just very skinny women, who haven’t eaten much, cuddling and kissing men, and then they disappear behind curtains. How can these women be like chickens? They are so skinny that they look more like sparrows.
Anyway back to about today, I got a little side tracked there, I get a little carried away sometimes, and that is when Daddy says, “I jabber.” We all woke up early this morning, as we wanted to see all the strangers come into the station, for the first time. I can’t explain at how excited I was. It’s been ages since I’ve played with another child, and that nice guard had told me that there were other children alive. We got to the checkpoint at just after six this morning; even Penny came with us. When the people started to walk through, they looked so tired. One of the guards told us that they had been waiting at the gate all night, and many had gone without sleep. I waited, and waited, and finally I spotted them. It had taken over an hour for the two boys to walk in with a man who I thought was their father.
Both of the boys looked so sad when they walked through, I couldn’t help feeling sorry for them, and although the brothers are younger than me I didn’t feel like celebrating. Dan is the older of the two at nine years old, and his brother James has not long turned seven. They both looked like they were starving hungry, and are so skinny they make me look fat. Their clothes were tattered and dirty, and they looked like they would fall out of them at any minute. It was terrible for me watching them, all I could think is what both of them must have seen and how they could possible understand everything that had happened to them so far.
I’m afraid the excitement got the better of me after a guard had showed them to their room. I just had to run over and say hello. Both of them were shocked to see me; they themselves haven’t see any other children since the virus started. Out of the two of them James is the more talkative, I think Dan is quite shy, I don’t know why, I don’t think I’m scary. The man who was with the boys, said hello to me, I could tell straightaway he was a good man, don’t ask me how, but I could see kindness behind his tired eyes. After introducing myself, I pointed out the rest of our group, and then went on to ask the man, who I still thought was the boys dad, if they could come with me on a guided tour of the station. I could see th
e instant concern in his eyes; I totally understand why, he was protecting the boys. Whilst the man pondered my question, I was shocked to see James do the Princess arm tug, I honestly thought I’d invented that. Anyway the man looked at me, and then back at the group, before finally looking back at me and smiling, he then agreed.
I showed the two boys everything, I even showed them the outside of the Hen House that had nothing to do with chickens. I was surprised when the boys told me that this station was so much better than the other one. The way they described things there, it just doesn’t sound very nice. It wasn’t like this station at all apparently, because the people in charge didn’t have time to set up the first one how they would have liked it. The station had been full up just a few days after people were allowed through the locked gate.
Me being me had to know their whole life-story, and when I asked where they and their Dad came from, poor little James had started to cry. I gave him a hug as he sobbed, it was then that Dan told me that the man wasn’t their father, he was just looking after them; Dan said the man’s name was Uncle Pete, he had been their neighbour for as long as Dan could remember. Dan’s story was the saddest I think I’ve ever heard; he told me that when the virus broke his Dad had been at work, and they had not seen him since. He knew that his Dad had phoned their Mother, before the phones went dead, and told her to get out of London with the boys. Dan went on to say his Daddy was guarding someone famous from Westminster, and he wasn’t able to leave them.
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