Elliot lifted his large body from the chair he was sitting on. “Nothing will ever be normal again.” He turned to Jonathan. “But I’d like to go with you, also.”
“I would also like to go somewhere else for a while,” said Nora politely.
The group stared at Jonathan as he thought about each of them. Elliot would be the most useful. He was not sure about Tyler, and Layla looked as if she would kill them both right now if he said Tyler could go.
“Find another car and some gas cans. Whoever wants to go is welcome,” Jonathan exclaimed before quickly stepping away.
“Wait!” The group turned to Deacon as he quickly stood. He looked at Jonathan, then to Elliot. “What about Hawaii?”
Chapter 24
Sophia had been pacing back and forth for several hours now. Their mission was simple. Make it to the gas station, fill up gas cans, and return home. She was filled with emotions as she stomped around in the front yard, her arms crossed. Sadness swirled with anger in a torrential downpour of fear.
“A simple mission,” she said. “Go to the gas station, fill up cans, return home. Easy peasy.”
Andy walked up to her and reached out to grab her hand, which she found comforting. “Deacon will be back soon. I know he will because he’s the strongest man alive.”
Sophia laughed through her worried tears. “He is. I have no doubt about it.” She knew, however, that his strength may not always be enough. The fiends in large numbers could devastate a small group of survivors in moments. Kneeling, Sophia put her arms around Andy and hugged him tight. She couldn’t risk having children of her own right now, so she was prepared to guard the twins with her life.
“Why don’t you run back inside and make sure your sister’s ok,” she said.
“Ok. I found a worm anyway; Amie will be so grossed out.” Andy held up the slimy pink worm, turned, and ran up to the house. Sophia found this amazing. Despite all the bad things that happened in the world, children could find joy in life.
The soft rumble came from down the road. Sophia climbed the ladder and peeked over the wall. A truck turned the corner onto the street in front of the house. As it moved closer, she could tell it was the Tundra, but Sophia was told to wait for the signal before opening the gate in case there was trouble.
Three flashes of the headlights told her that everything was alright, and she did her own inspection of the street for fiends. Feeling satisfied, she climbed down to the soft grass and pressed the button on the wall to open the gate for them.
As the big truck rolled through, she reached up to the button, as she pressed it the white Prius pulled in. Unsure of who this was, Sophia grabbed the shotgun from off her back and readied herself to fire. They must be alright if Deacon brought them here, yet she knew better than to not be prepared for the worst.
“They’re with us.” Deacon waved to Sophia as he walked around the front of the Tundra.
Sophia ran to him and wrapped her arms around his chest. “Who are they?” Sophia felt excited to be meeting new people, yet she remained cautious.
“This is Tyler and Layla.” Deacon introduced them as they climbed out of the front. “And Elliot and Nora.”
“Nice to meet you all.” Sophia smiled. Although she found comfort in Deacon’s trust of these new people, she kept her lowered shotgun in her hand. Her index finger rested lightly on the side of the trigger. She felt that the man named Elliot looked as if he could be dangerous, and she was certainly correct.
“I thought this place would be a little bigger,” Layla said with disgust as she looked around at the single-story white house.
“You could have left her where you found her,” Sophia whispered to Deacon who muffled a laugh.
“Make yourselves comfortable. There is food and drinks in the fridge. Running water; it is well water, of course, so it doesn’t taste like the city water you remember. It certainly is great for bathing. Someone can show everyone around later.” Jonathan noticed the look on the other’s faces as he said this.
“You have electricity?” Layla asked. The disappointment began to fade as she rushed into the house. “I could use a nice hot bath.” She didn’t waste any time letting herself in. Quickly finding the bathroom, she grabbed a towel from the rack. She let out an excited scream as the water rushed out into the tub.
Jonathan explained to the rest how the house was running off solar energy and the propane generator. This was a setup that his father and brother, Michael, had worked hard on. “For the most part, the solar panels will run everything. Occasionally, however, the generator will kick on. There is plenty of propane there.”
“This is awesome. You have been living it up here,” Elliot said as he looked around.
“Yeah, I guess I have had it pretty good.” Jonathan knew this but hearing it from Elliot stung a little.
“Hey, I didn’t mean anything by it.” Elliot noticed that his comment had bothered the young man.
“Do not worry about it. It is just that everyone else has had it pretty tough out there while I have been warm and snug here. You all have these horrific stories of survival and all I can do is complain about being lonely while I eat fresh vegetables and canned meat.”
“Hey,” Elliot placed his hand on Jonathan’s shoulder. “Even you’ve suffered loss. Besides, it’s because of you that these people have a safe place to call home. Think about it, without you, how long do you think any of us would live out there? I know we were struggling pretty bad.”
“I guess you are right. I just feel awful about what you all have been through, and to make it worse, it was my father who helped start this.”
“Don’t blame him, man. I didn’t know your father, only met him briefly, but I could tell he was a genuine, honest man. He wanted nothing more than to help people. The other guy, Greg, he only wanted recognition and glory—and to bring a dead child back to life so he wouldn’t go to prison for murder.”
This made Jonathan smile. He also began to think about isolating the chemical that controls the fiends. Jonathan excused himself and went to his room where he began writing. If I can contain the chemical, then perhaps I can find a way to stop it. There must be a way to neutralize it. There must be a way to kill the dead in one large chemical attack.
The group had settled inside, and everyone had a hot shower. Clothes were cleaned, and dinner was made. The new members of their group had not had a good meal in months. Most of their meals were canned food warmed up over a fire.
Brian’s canning of meats had proved wonderful for the group. He had canned beef, fish, chicken, turkey, and pork while preparing his family. Jonathan had been a bit hesitant about the canned meat at first. While alone, most of the meals he made for himself using the meat were just sandwiches. After the others showed up, however, Sophia had prepared many different meals while still rationing supplies.
Jonathan had stood in the supply room while Sophia cooked. His father stocked everything down here with the intention of feeding his family for years, but that wouldn’t have happened. He could see his father’s estimates had been way off. If they kept eating like this, they would starve to death in a year or two. He could see that taking some of the group and leaving would be the best thing for the few who remained, but he would still talk to Sophia about rationing a little tighter.
Tonight, Sophia had prepared lasagna with homemade garlic bread. They even broke out a bottle of wine for the adults. The chatter at the dinner table was lively. Everyone wanted to tell their story and ask questions about everyone else’s stories. It was almost like a reunion of old friends.
Elliot broke what had become a long silence after the excitement died down and bellies filled. “So, Jonathan, you seem pretty sure that your family is still alive out there. I hate to bring you down, I really do, but there are worse places out there then Clay Hills. Many small cities have been completely destroyed.”
“My brother is alive, I know that. The only real questions are whether my mom is alright, and where they
are. I think I know about where my brother is.”
“How can you be so sure?”
“I have been having dreams—of the things he has been working on. I know what he is doing.”
“What do you mean? You think you’re a psychic?” Elliot asked skeptically.
“Not at all. There have been many studies showing that twins have the ability to read each other’s minds or share the same feelings. In some cases, they can feel each other’s pain.”
“You’re twins?” Deacon cut in.
“Yeah,” Jonathan replied matter-of-factly, “I guess I never thought to mention it. I mean, has no one looked at any of the pictures around the house?”
No one knew what to say. None of them have really paid much attention to the few pictures that hung on the walls. There were not many, but they showed the brothers always standing by each other as if one was a mirror image of the other.
“That sounds a bit like BS to me,” Elliot said.
“Look at Andy and Amie,” Jonathan said. He pointed to the twins who were eating their supper at the coffee table in the family room. “I bet they know exactly what I am talking about. They may not realize it, yet, but they can probably sense each other’s thoughts or share their dreams. Honestly it has become stronger over the past few years. Michael and I shared a room until about three years ago.
“All that time spent together, I guess it was not as necessary. When we started spending a little more time apart, however, we both noticed that we could feel each other’s thoughts and emotions. I am willing to guess that he has felt, or even dreamt, many of the things we have done here. Hopefully he knows we are coming for him.”
“Ok,” Deacon said, “so what is your brother thinking right now?”
“I cannot read his mind, but I have been dreaming that he has been working on outfitting a semi with bullet proof panels and glass, military weapons, that sort of thing. He seems to be preparing for a fight. An airplane quite often appears in my dreams as well.”
“Man! A beefed-up semi would put my Tundra to shame. I’m going to miss it because you guys want me to stay here,” Deacon said. It was obvious he was still angry about being left behind.
“I need to be preparing to head out within the next couple of days. Guillermo, do you still plan on going with me?” Jonathan asked.
“Absolutely. I will be by your side until the end.”
“I would like to go as well,” Elliot said. “I set out on a mission to find out what is going on and if there is a way to stop it. It seems to me that you’re the best bet in completing that mission, so I would like to do whatever I can to help.”
“I said before that I’d like to go with you,” Tyler chimed in. “If it’s alright with you, of course.”
“I guess if stupid is going then I’m going, too,” Layla said with contempt for her husband. Sophia let out a sigh of relief as she said this. Tyler rolled his eyes. “I saw that Tyler, you asshole.”
“Why do you insist on acting this way?” asked Tyler. “I’ve done nothing but provide for you the best I can. You know what? I’m done fighting. We live in a collapsed society where we face death every moment we’re alive. I’m done wasting energy on you.” Tyler stood up and walked out to the garage.
“Now I’m a waste of energy?” Layla yelled as she chased after him. She was obviously far from done fighting with him.
“I say we take her for sure,” said Elliot. “You never know when we might need live bait or a distraction so we can run for our lives.” He noticed that everyone was staring at him. “What? All I’m saying is if I had to cut her feet off and feed her to the dead so we can run away, I certainly would.”
“Thanks,” Jonathan said hesitantly. “You are more than welcome to come with us. Nora, I would like you to stay here. You will be safe here.”
“Of course, as long as I won’t be a bother.” She looked at Sophia, who gave the older woman a warm smile.
“You won’t be a bother at all,” she responded. “We’d love to have you around, and it would be great to have someone with experience to help us teach the twins as they grow.”
The thought of teaching what would now be the true future of the nation brought tears to the woman’s eyes. She reached for a napkin and dried her face. “First thing tomorrow I’ll work on setting up a few lessons just to see where they’re at.”
Jonathan looked at the remaining group sitting around the table. They would be able to start rebuilding the world right here. Together they could succeed. He knew it was all about having faith in the humanity that remained in each of them. He just hoped everyone here was ready for the responsibility that would follow.
Chapter 25
The two days of preparing and planning went by quicker than Jonathan expected. Elliot had asked many questions about Sam and anything else they may have found at the BCRC building. He was also curious to read through the notes they brought back. In their free time, Elliot taught everyone a few of his combat techniques, while Guillermo tended to the plants in the greenhouse with Sophia and the twins.
Deacon did a little bit of work on the Prius to increase its survivability out in the world. With a lack of supplies, all Deacon could really do was bolt a few stainless pipes to the frame to protect the tires and undercarriage. The small plow made from the pipes would push most light objects off to the side and away from the tires. He then changed the oil and made sure everything was running well.
Tyler and Layla fought the whole two days. “You should probably stay here,” Tyler said.
“Why? Because you want to be rid of me?” Layla shot back.
“No, because I want you to be safe. Besides, there probably won’t be any hot showers.”
“I’m riding with you two,” Elliot said to Jonathan and Guillermo as the arguing couple passed by. “I would shoot them both.”
“I have something for you, Elliot,” said Jonathan. “Follow me.” He led Elliot back into the house and to his room. He opened the safe in his closet and pulled out the Steyr HS50 .50 caliber rifle. “It is far too much for me to handle, take it and all the rounds if you want.”
“Wow, this thing is a beast! I’ve only shot a few .50 cals in my time. This isn’t really something you find in the possession of civilians very often.”
“Yeah, honestly I do not even know why my father bought it. He did shoot it a few times, and he really enjoyed having it. I do not think it was worth picking up though, but maybe in your hands it will be.”
Shaking Jonathan’s hand, Elliot said, “I suppose everyone should finish their preparations. We set out first thing in the morning. I’ll double check that we are fully stocked and fueled up. I showed Guillermo and the love birds the route we planned on the map. I think everyone is up to speed.”
“Thanks. Make sure to get plenty of rest,” Jonathan said.
Jonathan spent a few minutes talking with Deacon and Sophia before deciding it was time for bed. He was restless for much of the night. He watched as the minutes ticked by on the clock, tossing the blankets and sheets, and then he would pull them back up over himself. Dizziness struck him, sending his brain swirling in his skull as if it had been flushed down a toilet.
He climbed out of bed and stumbled to the bathroom. Dropping to his knees, Jonathan bent over the toilet. One good heave, followed by a second, and then his supper came up into his mouth in a warm chunky liquid. He held onto the side of the toilet as his head continued to spin. The vomit splashed into the water as it spewed from his mouth. A thick bile that contained traces of his supper dripped from his nose.
After several more rounds, he flushed it all down and leaned back into the sink. He reached for the hand towel hanging on the wall and pulled it down to wipe the mess away from his face. Jonathan climbed back into bed after cleaning up. Feeling better now, he was finally able to sleep.
The foghorn sounded somewhere in the mist. Jonathan stood near the water trying to see through the thick fog. The foghorn sounded again. Gunshots erupted from
all around. Explosions shook the ground. A distant rumble grew louder with each passing second, and then the foghorn blew once more. The rumble turned into a small airplane, and it buzzed over Jonathan. A rain of chemicals poured down onto him. His skin burned, but then the foghorn sounded yet again.
Jonathan sat up in his bed. His alarm had been going off for several minutes. Reaching over, he turned it off. From out in the hall he could hear the movement of the others as they made the last of their rounds before setting out. He climbed out of bed and dressed, double checking the small duffle bag that he had packed with his personal supplies. Jonathan took one last look around the room. He knew he wouldn’t see it again, at least not for a while. His gaze stopped on the mirror above his mother’s dresser. Looking back at him was the man he has become.
“You can move your things into my room,” Jonathan said to Sophia. “I will not need it anymore.”
“I can’t take your room, Jon. You’re not leaving on a suicide mission. You’ll be back soon enough.” She pulled Jonathan close and hugged him tightly.
“I know. For now, please, take my room. Even when I return, I can use one of the other rooms. This is your house now. You and Deacon will be in charge of it.”
“Thank you. Please be safe out there.” Sophia wiped the tears from her eyes as they let go of each other.
“I will, and you take care of Deacon and the twins. They will need you to hold everything together here,” Jonathan said. He had not expected to feel so much pain when saying goodbye to her, yet he felt like a piece of him was dying. “Even though I said goodbye to the twins last night, would you please tell them again for me?”
“Of course,” she said, “and I’ll keep an eye on the remaining supplies like we talked about.” They hugged one last time before Jonathan headed out to find Deacon.
“Everyone all set?” Jonathan asked as he stepped out into the garage. Tyler was standing next to the driver’s door of his Prius, Layla’s bare feet could be seen up against the window as she lay across the back seat, Guillermo was already in the driver’s seat of the BMW, and Elliot was climbing into the back.
Decay | Book 1 | Civilization Page 24