Daughters of the Mayflower Universe: One

by Celie Wells

  “You will be taken wherever you choose to go. You tell the man where to drive, and that's where he will take you.” Clara patted the note from Dredge. “Read the note, Dear. I'll be back with some sausage and eggs. Coffee?” she yelled across the room.

  “Yes, please.” Clara strode away with purpose towards the kitchen. Her energy was impossible to ignore, and somehow it alone wiped the empty feeling from the enormous room.

  I opened the note from Dredge. It read more like a shopping list of his accomplishments for the morning. A statement had been issued to the press telling them of my intention to make a formal public announcement in the next few days. I was to expect the news crews gone off the front gate by the time I woke. Looking out the large dining hall windows, I saw nothing of the press in the distance.

  ‘Your birthday can be celebrated anyway you like. Jason suggested a casual gathering of your friends. If you are agreeable, please invite them on a day of your choosing. Let Clara know what refreshments you would like served, and an approximate headcount.’

  I was to take the car and a driver anywhere I liked today. See my family and friends, keep myself entertained. If Dredge wanted to ensure my entertainment, he should have let Jason stay home.

  Although after being kissed, licked, and rubbed raw over the past few hours. A good soak in the tub and a few hours away from him might be helpful. I enjoyed the quiet, beautiful space while I ate and planned my day. A few texts later, lunch was set up with my mother at one, and a visit with Beryl planned for after.

  “Oh, you poor thing, have you tried the arnica cream I left you?” Clara sat at the table with a bread roll and the daily paper staring at my now green and yellow neck decorations. “It shortens the healing time on the bruises and any skin issue really. It's poisonous in high doses, though.”

  “Hm, I will make sure to apply it everywhere. I feel like one big bruise today,” I replied, finishing the last of my coffee.

  “If you see Priscilla Eaton today, ask her if she knows of any tricks. That woman owns every beauty device known to man in that fortress of hers.”

  “Really, what makes you say that?” I asked.

  “Gossip, I suppose, but she has a full staff and medical supplies go in that house by the truckload. It's rumored that she sleeps in an oxygen chamber every night to extend her youth.” Clara snorted the words as if the thought was absurd.

  “If I get a chance, I'll snoop around and report back.”

  “Oh, no, no, but. Should you see anything startling or upsetting to you, I would be happy to provide counsel when you return.” Clara winked, and I could see this was the woman's vice. She loved to gossip. “How was Jason?”

  “What?” I coughed.

  “Did he sleep well?” Clara wrinkled her nose and cradled her arm. “Was his arm bothering him?”

  “No, he went right to sleep. I think he was exhausted.” I lied, he got very little sleep, but his arm didn't seem to bother him.

  “Hm, well, the new medication must be helping. I'm so thankful. We may have everything back to normal soon.” Clara sipped her hot coffee and winked at me.

  “I'm not sure what normal is anymore, but it's amazing to be home.” I looked around in time to see the sun pour in from the light filters.

  Transparent cut-glass objects were scattered tastefully around the room. An ancient crystal chandelier hung in the middle of the tall ceiling. Every cut-glass edge projected the most beautiful golden light out in all directions.

  Clara leaned back in her chair and smiled. “I'm usually the only one home at this hour of the morning. When Jason was a little boy, I would bring him in here, and we would wait for the gold to pour into the room. Each glass object he and I placed for maximum effect.”

  “It is beautiful,” I replied. Tears filled my eyes. Gold was the path I chose, and it filled the room in front of me. Crying over a feat of physics was ridiculous.

  This wasn't some magical sign from a fairytale, God. This was timing and human intervention, but it was beautiful. I could hear Chip's voice clearly in my ears, ‘I think you two need a great deal more magic in your lives.’

  I was dressed and ready for my day by eleven. The driver took me to a drug store. I grabbed a few bathroom items missing from the Fuller household. It was evident a female of childbearing age had not lived there in some time. I used my new bracelet to pay for my items. It felt so foreign to use someone else's money.

  The next store we stopped at for a pair of black slacks and shoes for my public statement. I didn't have anything dark enough for a formal statement in my closet. I needed to look serious while I stood in front of the press and read my legal statement.

  The last stop was for makeup. I wanted to cover my visible bruises. Noah's lack of self-control shouldn't tarnish all his people. The salesman behind the counter was thin and wispy with perfect flawless dark brown skin. His makeup looked precise and artful compared to his female counterparts.

  “Excuse me, but could you suggest a product to cover bruising?” I pulled my scarf away to reveal my skin. The perfect smile on the young man's face dropped to a somber stare.

  “Are you being abused? You can tell me here and now. Help will be provided to you, Sweetie. You don't have to live this way.”

  “Me, not at all. Do you recall the girls who were taken a week or so ago, from the square?” I asked. The young man nodded, yes. “I'm the one who came back home.”

  “And you are here, standing in my store.” The young man put his hand on his collarbone and looked to be disgusted with me.

  “Oh, “I stammered.” I'm sorry to have bothered you. I'll leave.” I grabbed up my gloves from the counter and stuffed my hair back inside my suit.

  “No, please wait. I would love to help you. I'm not accustomed to seeing such abuse on a woman.” The young man stuck out his long arm and closed the distance between us in one stride. “My name is Dante. Let's look for something to cover that up.”

  We found several items to conceal my multi-colored neck. The total for the handful of bottles and sprays cost more than everything else I picked up so far that day. No wonder Beryl never has any money.

  Done with my list early, we drove to my mother's office. The main building is in the front, but her office is located in the Agra-compound's far back lot. It's quite a walk, but I hoped to surprise her.

  She was standing in the middle of her large office window when I approached. Her back to the glass. I could tell it was her by the copper color of her hair. A man I didn't know slid his hand around her waist and kissed her quickly. She playfully swatted his shoulder with her clipboard and turned towards the glass to fix her lipstick. I waived.

  My mother stood up straight, dropped her lipstick in her pocket, and brushed a lock of hair behind her ear. The old green metal catwalk to her office seemed to creak and whine even louder than usual as I approached the door.

  Most of my mother's coworkers I'd known all my life. There were several hugs and pats and kisses before I could reach my mother. I smiled and thanked them for their 'welcome home' and 'so glad your safe' well-wishes.

  She looked different to me now, my fragile mother. I took her by the arm and moved her out to the grow room viewing terrace. I place where, as a child, I would sit and listen to the plants grow with awe and reverence.

  “Mother, what the hell was that?” I scowled.

  “You won't speak to me that way,” she commanded in hushed tones as she walked away towards the far railing.

  I sat down at the round metal table furthest from the doorway and contemplated what I should say next. I heard the grinding of a metal flint and could smell something sweet burning in the air.

  “Shit. You smoke too? That's a disgusting habit,” I declared, walking towards her. I leaned on the rail next to her and carefully took the lit handroll from her fingers. I took a deep exaggerated drag and instantly started to cough.

  My mother dropped her head and started laughing.” Have you ever smoked before?”

&nbs
p; “Grandma smoked mint tobacco and let me try it sometimes.” I coughed.

  “She did not!” My mother squealed, banging the metal railing with her wedding ring.

  “She didn't smoke that vile crap.”

  “I guess there were things I didn't know about my mother.” She ran her fingers through my chopped hair. “The hair suits you. It's edgy and modern. You look well, bright, and healthy. Clara is a better nurse than I could hope to be.”

  “It's makeup. I just had a very stylish man fix my face for me.”

  My mother nodded and smiled. “His name is Brian,” she pointed towards the office with the red end of her cigarette. “He's one of the chemical engineers from the main plant. He and his wife are looking to join a quart. Their children are grown and gone like your father and me. But unlike your father and me, they have a government lease.”

  “No children, no family-sized house?” I replied.

  She nodded her head in agreement while taking another drag off her vile shit scented stick.

  “You are happy with Jason?” she asked.

  “Yes, I'm happy. I came back for him. I could have stayed like Blue Bell. Sent a message home for you and dad.” I covered my face with my hand and pulled at my shirt collar to dry my eyes.

  “There was a boy there, a man really, a bit older than Jason, kind and good looking. He pleaded with me to stay, but I turned around and walked away from him. I only knew him for a few days, but it was so hard to do.”

  “Oh, it doesn't get any easier.” I doubted my mother could understand, but the pain in her eyes told me she knew something. “Your choice to come back home to Jason and us. You need to resign your heart to this step completely, or you will always cling to what might have been with that other man.”

  “Jason would have killed them all if I stayed. Or he would have tried until it ruined him. I couldn't live with so much death on my hands.”

  My mother nodded her head in agreement. “Tell yourself that every day and after a few years, you might actually believe it's true. Are you off to see your sister next?” She asked, snuffing her cigarette out with her licked fingertips. “Beryl had the fertilization procedure early this morning. I bet she could use some company. All that medical intervention is dehumanizing.”

  I nodded my head yes and pushed away from the railing.

  “We don't need to bother your father with any of these things, do we?” she asked, straightening her lab coat.

  “The awful smelling cigarettes you smoke, the man that had his mouth on you when I arrived, or the Red I left behind in the dirt? Which one?” I turned to face her as I waited for her answer.

  “None of it,” she replied.

  “Deal. Daddy shoulders enough burdens already. I'll have my room cleared out soon. You'll need the space.”

  “It's wonderful the Fuller's have given you a room, but don't you want to come home until the wedding?”

  “I'm in Jason's room with him. The staff keeps a room for me, but I only use the closet and the jetted tub. You can sign the papers or not. I honestly don't care anymore. I would love a big fancy wedding before the planet implodes, but I'll take what I can get.” My mother looked angry at first, but I could see the facts of my situation wash slowly over her face.

  “You think this comet asteroid scare thing is real?” she asked.

  “Yes, and so do others. Soon everyone will know, and I'm told there will be chaos.”

  “Plan that big fancy wedding of yours. I'll do what I can to get the papers signed.” I nodded my head in agreement and left the office.

  It took me a few more handshakes and quick hugs to get back out of the building. It was a bizarre yet fruitful visit with my mother.

  PARTIES

  Giving a public statement about my abduction wasn't half as bad as I expected. My new black pants and the burgundy silk shirt I borrowed from my sister made me feel powerful.

  I stood in front of a room full of press, with two lawyers beside me and read the prepared statement. I was abducted, taken to a Red encampment, and released after the bombing run. Five minutes later, I was done. Since any public comment can get you sued, Dredge sent me with two of his best attorneys. Jason was pleased with my performance and congratulated me on sticking to the script.

  I've watched my mother speak before large groups every time her team resurrected a long-lost fruit or vegetable. I did my best to copy her professional, even speaking tone. Though, in light of recent events, I feel like I barely know my mother anymore.

  My birthday was next on the agenda. Clara ever vigilant kept the feeling in the house light and joyful. The party was the most significant thing in her mind. Everything else was just in the way. I knew Aqua could drum up a roomful of people at a moment's notice. I trusted her to handle the guest list.

  Mrs. Eaton and Beryl arrived early. Their gift to me was it was a red, strapless, knee-length dress made of antique lace and chiffon. The fabric and cut flowed like the princess costumes I played in as a child. Beryl lent me one of her favorite sweaters to cover my bruised shoulder. A bit of makeup covered my neck. Dredge created a comfortable space in his study for Beryl and the rest of the family to relax and watch the dining hall's festivities.

  Aqua didn't disappoint. The crowd was a mix of our fifth-year classmates and Jason's sixth-year friends. Aqua and her older sister Honey fluttered around the room, helping Clara and a few staff distribute colorful paper flowers, and matching plates.

  Trays of food appeared just in time to feed Jason's hungry group. Difference appeared out of thin air holding a gift box, inside was a retro decorative glass window hanging. A bright purple hummingbird and a golden yellow bee sat on a branch with hot pink and white flowers.

  Clara squealed in delight at the sight of the beautiful object. She took it from the pile of gifts to find the perfect window to hang it before the morning sun.

  “Diff it’s so good to see you.” I stood on my tip toes and hugged him tightly.

  “I’m glad you made it back. I have nightmares about them dragging you over the barrier wall.” Difference has always been sincere and open with me. I could see the redness growing in his eyes.

  “I don’t know what I would have done if they hurt you.” I kissed him on the cheek. “I’m so glad you are okay.” I could see him with the knife to his throat. I ran my finger over the side of his neck and felt the thin scar line.

  Difference nodded his head and patted me on the back. His grip loosened and I could see he was fighting back tears. “We need to get you some food.”

  “Yeah let’s do that,” he said, wiping his eyes on his sleeve. I walked him to the main table and left him with a group of our classmates.

  Aqua and Honey seemed anxious for me to open their gifts but in private. They scooted me into the corner and opened the lid of a slick black box. Under the cover sat an oversized deck of playing cards, each displaying little brown people engaged in what looked like impossible, acrobatic sex acts.

  “This must be the benefit of being a level three. The darker skin and more flexibility.” Aqua giggled like the boy-crazed idiot she is and took the card I lingered on from the pack. She ran across the room to Jason and shoved the card in his hand before finding another group to mingle with.

  “Wow,” Honey said, taking a drink of red soda. “We need to find that girl somebody else to play with.”

  “I'll see what I can do.” I patted Honey on the shoulder, put my little black box on the buffet, and grabbed another tray of snacks fresh out of the kitchen.

  Jason took the opportunity to play his new collection of classic rock. The ancient cultures class made quite an impression on him once the topic moved towards music. The thought of all that literature, music, and art being lost in the 2076 panic. It was such a waste, how much of our society and culture will be lost after this next comet strike.

  I pushed the heavy thoughts out of my mind and prepared myself for an evening with our friends. It wasn't hard to find my smile, but it was difficult to en
joy the simple things that I found entertaining weeks before.

  Something vital had been taken from me that night in the pavilion. It wasn't something I could touch or have surgically corrected. This last birthday of my youth would seal the door between ignorance and enlightenment for me.

  Ignorance is a negative word in most conversations, but I wish I could somehow get mine back. My friends enjoyed the simple pleasures of chasing each other around the big dining room. I felt responsible for preserving their last few days of bliss.

  Jason stood in with a small group of boys across the room. He wore his black jeans and a white button-down shirt. Jason was still the same happy animated person I remembered, but the stress showed in his brow. His eyes were rimmed in dusty shadows and outlined by his heavy dark lashes. We could go through the motions tonight, entertain our friends, enjoy the extravagance pulled together for us, but I could tell he was as tired as I felt.

  There was a band, Metal-lica. Some of their music was preserved after the 2076 events. Several songs were recently recovered in an old server farm during an excavation of the eastern part of the continent.

  Jason couldn't wait to hear the lost tracks. The band's name was a matter of some debate. Many think the name is Metallica, and others claim the title is two hyphenated words. The room was split 50-50.

  Jason had the sound system set just how he liked it. He nodded to dredge, who replied with a flickering hand gesture. Jason turned the volume up loud enough to shake the windowpanes.

  The song he chose was soulful and haunting. The title was something about being unforgiven, and it fit my mood as if it were written from my life.

  Jason ran across the room's length, slid a few steps across the slick floor, stopping to grab my hand. He twirled me around, flinging red chiffon in all directions. We danced and swayed together like he didn't notice an entire house full of people watching us.

  After the next song started, one of Jason's friends walked up to us with a drink in his hand and asked if he could have a dance. Jason reluctantly placed my hand in the tall boy's palm. He was clean-cut, nicely dressed, had a pleasant smile. The boy asked me how I was enjoying married life. I told him we wouldn't be married for several months, possibly even a year, but I hoped it would be soon.