Forsaken World | Book 6 | Redemption

by Watson, Thomas A.

  Taking a deep breath and letting it out slowly, “If you make Lilly leave, I leave too,” Lance told Sandy. “Ian and I started a place at the research area, just in case all of you got pissed because we let others in here. Uncle Doug left that Hummer to me. I’ll load it with what it can hold that’s mine and that’s it. I won’t take anything else from here, ever. Our dads bought this place so you have that right, Momma. This is yours and Momma Mary’s house, but I leave if Lilly does. I’ll offer her a place with me because I’m not depending on anyone else besides Ian for shit. I’ve done everything you’ve ever asked of me, Momma, and tried my hardest to make you proud of me and if you tell her to leave, so do I. I will not abandon you, Momma. I’ll come over every day and protect you and do the work here. You’re my momma. I’ll care for you and I’ll die for you, but if you don’t trust my judgement and let me try to get Lilly to be my girl, I have to leave.”

  “Lance-,” Sandy sobbed, looking through her tears.

  “I’m sorry, Mom,” Ian said, looking at Mary and wiping tears from his eyes. “I’m going with Lance. With Lance, I can survive this and if we survive this, that means we all survive this.”

  Tears rained down Mary’s face as she jumped up, looking down at Sandy. “Sandy?!” Mary wailed.

  The back door flew open and the fact the thing flew open startled everyone. “No!” they heard and turned to see Lilly. Her face was splotchy, snot was streaked across her cheeks, and tears flooded from her eyes. “Lance, you are not leaving here for me,” Lilly bawled. “I can move in with Heath and stay in Rhonda’s room. We can still see each other if you want. Your mom has the final say.”

  Swallowing hard, “I told you I would never stop you if you wanted to leave, but I’m leaving if you do. House seven forty-two is stocked and can be set up nicely if you don’t want to stay with me at the research area. We can set up there or just you can, if you don’t want to go to Heath’s,” Lance told her.

  “Momma Sandy, why?” Allie wailed, running in the backdoor with Carrie. “We told you Lilly makes him happy! Lance really likes her and Lilly likes Lance because he’s awesome!”

  Wiping tears from his eyes, “No, Allie,” Lance said looking at Lilly. “If this isn’t love, I don’t know what it is and if it isn’t, I don’t want to know what falling in love is if it’s worse than this. I love her.”

  Hitting Lance so hard Lilly took him off his feet, wrapping her arms around him before they hit the sectional. Unable to speak, Lilly just cried in his chest, holding him tight. The Ladybugs ran over diving on the two, and Ian never saw Jennifer as she hit him and drove him into the couch and wrapped her arms around him, crying.

  Sniveling, Allie and Carrie got off Lance and Lilly. With heads hung low, they both went over and latched onto Ian hugging him tight. “We love you too, Ian,” they sobbed.

  Wiping her face, “Lance, Lilly,” Sandy said looking down at the two. “Nobody is leaving,” she told them. “Both of you come here.”

  Getting up, they both stood in front of Sandy. “I’m sorry, and you’re right. I should’ve voiced my concern and trusted your judgement. All I could see was I was losing my baby boy, and that was selfish of me,” Sandy said, reaching out and grabbing Lance’s face with her hands. “I think you chose wisely, and I’m sorry that I and your dad weren’t here to help.”

  Pulling Lance to her, Sandy hugged him tight. Reaching out, she pulled Lilly to them hugging her. “I saw it in Lance’s eyes the day we got here. He was in love and I’d missed seeing him take that step. I just wanted to protect him and I was thinking in the mindset of the old world, not this new forsaken world. That wasn’t right on my part. He made his choice and as much as I don’t want to admit it, I like his choice.”

  Feeling the tenderness in Sandy’s hug for the first time, Lilly cried harder squeezing her tight. “He’s everything I’ve ever wanted. I really am sorry I’m old,” Lilly whimpered.

  Kissing the top of Lilly’s head, “Oh, Lilly. I own dresses older than you, so don’t start. If Jonathan had been here, this never would’ve gotten this far. He would’ve told me Lance had made his choice and like it or not, we would stand beside him. I know he would’ve said it as sure as I’m here right now, and he would’ve been right,” Sandy said as Mary came over, wrapping her arms around the group.

  The backdoor opened and Rhonda came in with Holly carrying Dawn. Lori, Jodi, Denny, Tyler, and Chris followed with all the dogs coming in. Tyler and Chris ran over and latched on in the group hug. “Is everything okay now?” Chris asked in broken sobs.

  Looking down, “Yes, Chris, everything is okay now,” Sandy told him, wiping her eyes. She turned and saw Lance looking at her, and it was only then she realized he was taller than her now, but just barely. But it was Lance’s eyes that held her gaze. He was looking at her like he used to. He was looking at his momma.

  “Thank you, Momma,” he said and Sandy pulled him close.

  Chapter Five

  The cabin

  The next day at noon, Lilly was in the passenger seat as Lance drove them back to the cabin from the research area. Every day they spent at least a few hours there, and still, Lilly was terrified of the area. When she and Jennifer had been brought up the first time, Lilly was blown away. Here, away from others so they wouldn’t get hurt, Ian and Lance let their imaginations run wild. The discoveries alone terrified and astounded her. Then when you threw in their creations, Lilly fought daily not to go into catatonic shock.

  “What’s next?” Jennifer asked sitting in back with Ian.

  “Head over and talk to Bravo group. Lay out what they have to do,” Ian said.

  “We aren’t going to look for the tigers?” Jennifer asked, and Lilly fought not to burst out laughing. Three days ago, the tigers had left out of the east gate of the diversion fence and hadn’t returned. They would usually return the same day if they left, but not this time.

  “I’m not looking for mean pussy,” Ian stated flatly.

  Reaching over and grabbing Ian’s hand to hold it, “They make excellent guard cats,” Jennifer offered.

  “We have Dino, Dan, Ann, George, and Judy,” Ian said. But Dino never went with them to the research area, and that alone told everyone just how dangerous Lance and Ian considered it.

  “I think too many people started coming over and are in the general area. That’s why the tigers left,” Jennifer offered and Lilly thought that was a good reason.

  “If I would’ve known that, I would’ve talked to Lance about bringing people in sooner,” Ian laughed.

  Lifting his phone up and tapping the screen, Lance slowed down to let the gates open. “You could’ve called,” Lilly told him.

  Putting his phone away, “That’s why Ian and I put that on our phones. We didn’t want someone to be stuck in control while we were in the research area,” Lance told her, driving in.

  Lilly was about to ask if he was going to leave it open, but then glanced back to see Ian tapping on his phone. Not about to ask why, “So, we’re taking more stuff over to Bravo Group?”

  “Yeah, and telling them what needs to be done,” Lance said pulling around the back. They saw Rhonda, the Ladybugs, Chris, and Tyler out back shooting bows. “Never thought Rhonda would give up her crossbow.”

  “She’s never practiced with a bow and I can assure you, between a bow and crossbow to hunt stinkers, I’ll choose a bow every time,” Lilly said getting out.

  Happy they were back, Rhonda walked over. “Hey, guys,” she smiled. Jennifer had asked Rhonda if she wanted her to talk to Lance and Ian about coming to the research area to help. Looking Jennifer right in the eyes, Rhonda had told her, ‘fuck no’. Rhonda could tell that even the boys were scared of the area, but respected it. There was no doubt by any that Lilly and Jennifer were terrified of the area. The Ladybugs had asked to go after Lilly and Jennifer had gone there, but Lance had sat them both down and looked them in the eyes.

  “Allie, Carrie, no,” he’d told them firmly. “If you go up
there, you’ll die. There’s too much we have going on, and Ian and I can’t watch you.” Hearing the certainty in Lance’s voice, neither had asked again.

  Setting her bow down, “What’s on the agenda?” Rhonda asked.

  “Taking supplies to Bravo Group and laying out what they have to do,” Ian answered before heading into the shop.

  “What time are we leaving?” Rhonda asked. Out of everyone in the group, Rhonda was the only one who could ask that because she was the only one Lance and Ian always allowed to go with them when she wanted. What amazed everyone in the coalition, Lance and Ian treated Rhonda more like a guy than any of the other males.

  “After lunch. I have to program the CNC and do a little here first and at the build house,” Lance told her, turning to Lilly. “I’ll be inside in a minute, baby doll.”

  Leaning over, Lilly gave him a kiss. “Okay, sweetness.” Watching them, Rhonda was so thankful the battle was over.

  When Lance was inside the shop, “What is Plan Bravo?” Rhonda asked.

  Shrugging her shoulders, “Beats the shit out of me,” Lilly told her and Rhonda turned to Jennifer.

  “Fuck if I know!” Jennifer cried out. “How did you find out anyway?”

  “Heath asked me yesterday,” Rhonda answered. “You didn’t even ask?”

  “Rhonda,” Jennifer said with a sigh. “I don’t want to know any more of their plans. At one time I did, thinking maybe I could help. Now they tell me when I need to know and can help, otherwise I would worry and it would be for no reason. I have enough to worry about as it is and have a reason.”

  Feeling awkward, “Um, do you still have those bridge meetings?” Rhonda mumbled.

  “Yep,” Lilly said, slinging her rifle on her shoulder.

  A thought crossed her mind and Rhonda panicked. “Do you have them at the research area?”

  “Nope. When we’re there, we want all of our attention there,” Jennifer told her. “Lance and Ian came up with that rule. You only work there; discussion is done someplace else.”

  Having another reason not to ever set foot there, Rhonda looked from Jennifer to Lilly. “Do you think I can come to one bridge meeting? I want to hear how you weigh the pros and cons.”

  “I don’t see why you can’t,” Jennifer said glancing at Lilly.

  “Neither do I, but we’ll have to talk to Lance and Ian to make sure,” Lilly said and Rhonda nodded. “I would suggest if they agree, don’t ask questions at the first one.”

  Cocking her head to the side, “Why?” Rhonda asked.

  “They always answer truthfully, and not one time has it ever been what I wanted to hear,” Lilly told her. “Ignorance is bliss. You’ll understand after you’ve been to one.”

  Looking at those still shooting bows, “Where are the others?” Jennifer asked.

  “Greenhouse with Ms. Mary,” Rhonda answered. “Ms. Sandy is inside getting lunch ready.”

  Taking a deep breath, “I’m going to see if she needs help,” Lilly said and marched for the door.

  When Jennifer went to follow, Rhonda grabbed her arm. “Don’t. Let them be alone,” Rhonda told her in a low voice.

  Watching Lilly head inside, “You sure? It was just yesterday when Momma Sandy still wanted to kick her out,” Jennifer said.

  “Yes. They need to talk alone, and the sooner, the better.”

  As Rhonda let her arm go, Jennifer turned to her. “Did that happen to you? A momma didn’t like you?” Jennifer asked.

  Scoffing, “Hell, no. I’ve only dated six guys and their mommas loved me more than their own sons,” Rhonda laughed out. “But I watched with Kathy and Robin. Momma didn’t like either of them. It wasn’t until they had time to talk alone that Momma started to like them.”

  “Glad Momma Mary likes me,” Jennifer mumbled. “I don’t know how I would’ve acted if she’d treated me like Momma Sandy treated Lilly.”

  Putting a hand on Jennifer’s shoulder, “You would’ve taken it, just like Lilly did,” Rhonda said then looked off, but Jennifer didn’t believe she would’ve. “But Ian wouldn’t have handled it like Lance did. Ian would’ve blown up at Ms. Mary and it wouldn’t have been pretty.”

  “Ian loves his momma,” Jennifer gasped.

  Nodding, “I know, but Ian isn’t as courteous as Lance is, and Ian had a brother and has a sister. Trust me, that makes a huge difference. I’m sure you’ve noticed, Ian is more forceful than Lance,” Rhonda offered.

  “Yeah, but he damn sure wasn’t with me,” Jennifer grumbled.

  “You’re the only person who, I can honestly say, I don’t think you’ll ever get that from Ian. That boy is so in love with you, it boggles my mind.”

  Smiling as she thought about it, “I’m so happy he chose me instead of the frog,” Jennifer sighed in bliss.

  “Oh, I’ve been meaning to ask you about that,” Rhonda said.

  ***

  Walking inside, Lilly hung up her rifle and vest and then moved over to the sink to wash her hands. “What can I do to help?” she asked as Sandy cut up vegetables on the island behind her.

  “Almost done,” Sandy answered and Lilly just smiled because the tone was pleasant. Drying her hands off, Lilly turned and watched Sandy working with a smile. Feeling the stare Sandy glanced over, still with a smile. “Need something, Lilly?”

  Just hearing Sandy use her name made Lilly feel better, but she needed to get something off her chest. “No… Sandy,” she answered, throwing the name in after a pause.

  Tossing the vegetables in a bowl, Sandy wiped her hands off on a towel and still felt Lilly staring at her. “Are you sure you don’t have something to talk about?” Sandy smiled and Lilly could tell it was genuine. “I won’t get mad, I promise.”

  Taking a deep breath, Lilly stared into Sandy’s eyes. “I wish you had talked to me about moving to the Bear Trap Clan before Lance,” Lilly told her, and Sandy gave a startle. “I would’ve left, or tried to after I talked to Lance,” Lilly blurted out, making Sandy feel lightheaded.

  Seeing the shock on Sandy’s face, “It wouldn’t have been for you. I would’ve done it for Lance,” Lilly told her.

  Shaking her head, trying to understand, “What?!” Sandy cried out.

  “You -are - ‘Momma’!” Lilly enunciated in a snappy tone. “In Lance’s eyes, God was subordinate to you! He didn’t want to stand up to his momma but you left him no choice. You were on a pedestal that I don’t think any momma has ever been put on!”

  With her legs trembling, Sandy moved over to the table and dropped in a chair, never taking her eyes off of Lilly. “I didn’t give him a choice?” she gasped. “You snatched up my baby boy!”

  “Nobody makes Lance do what he doesn’t want to,” Lilly replied coldly. “You pushed him, telling Lance he didn’t have the ability to judge for himself what he wanted. That he could kill, fight, and work but when it came to girls, he didn’t know and wasn’t old enough.”

  As Sandy digested the words and before she could respond, Lilly continued in a softer voice, “Lance wasn’t ready for that, for you to be moved off that pedestal,” she said turning away. “Lance loved his dad, but holy shit!” Lilly cried, throwing up her hands. “I’ve never seen any boy or man who held his mom in such high regard. He wasn’t ready for you to get off that pedestal he’d put you on.”

  Anger, sadness, despair, and so many emotions flooded Sandy’s system and she felt her eyes water up when she stared at the side of Lilly’s face. “I just want him to have the best,” Sandy managed to get out in a steady voice.

  Nodding, “So do I,” Lilly mumbled still looking off. “That’s why I wish you would’ve come to me first,” she said, turning to Sandy. “He wasn’t ready for you to come off that pedestal. It would’ve hurt, but I think I could’ve convinced him to stay here if I moved to the Bear Trap Clan. I don’t think I could’ve convinced him to stay long, but maybe long enough for you and me to talk this out.”

  Studying Lilly’s face through her tears, Sandy could see
the love Lilly had for her son. “You are a grown woman,” Sandy got out before her voice broke.

  Giving a shrug, “Compared to Lance I feel like an idiot at times, and I have a PhD in veterinary medicine. Age wise, yeah, I’m older but shit, you’re right, Lance was born old,” Lilly told her.

  Not liking the fact her own words were being used against her, “Did you seduce him?” Sandy barked.

  Looking at Sandy with a hurtful expression, “Really?!” Lilly cried out. “I would never take that away from Lance unless he was ready.”

  Very confused but able to see Lilly was being truthful, “So…” Sandy got out.

  Cocking her head to the side, “NO. We haven’t had sex, Sandy,” Lilly stressed her name.

  “Lance is still a teenage boy,” Sandy retorted.

  Scoffing, “Yeah, with the body of a Greek God, the mind of an elder, and the heart of a lion,” Lilly huffed and saw Sandy’s eyes narrow. “I’m sure you know Lance studies a subject before he does anything, right?”

  Finally realizing it was a true question, Sandy gave a nod. “You have porn to thank for Lance still being a virgin. Ian too, for that matter,” Lilly said and what hostility Sandy was feeling, vanished in utter confusion.

  “Huh?” Sandy cried out.

  “I trust you’ve seen a porn movie before?” Lilly asked rolling her eyes.

  With a confused nod, “Well, yes,” Sandy snapped.

  Dropping her eyes back to Sandy, “Don’t ever let Lance find out. Let him figure it out for himself you’ve watched a porno flick,” Lilly popped off. “In those movies, have you noticed none of the men have a stiffy when a scene starts?” Feeling lost at what Lilly was saying, Sandy just cocked her head to the side. “Erections!” Lilly shouted, making Sandy jump back.