Maniacs

by Lee Wise

  Cathy’s eyes teared up. “Why do you need to hunt them?”

  “We’ve told you.” Richard said through Robert. “We want to live in peace with you and we can’t risk them coming back!”

  Robert covered his mouth shocked. “That was fuckin’ weird!” We laughed despite the seriousness of the moment.

  “Once we have rid this area of the dangerous ones, we can come back and live in peace.” Jenny/Cathy said.

  “So, will you all go?” I asked.

  “No.” Jenny/Cathy replied. “We can’t. We need some people here with you. Stella and Stephanie have agreed to stay behind for now.”

  “I thought that only you and Richard are maniacs…leaders… whatever you call yourself. So they don’t need anybody in charge?” Liz asked.

  “They have evolved enough. They will be able to do as I can.” Jenny/Cathy replied.

  “Evolved?” Liz asked. “That’s interesting.”

  Jenny/Cathy smiled. “Yes. There’s a lot that you will learn from us, but all in good time. For now, I will let you begin building.”

  “Sounds like fun!” Luis laughed. The men and a few of the ladies went to work on the building.

  Before they left, John said to me. “I can’t wait to try out that tractor!”

  I laughed. “I know you can’t. I know a lot of others can’t also. So, I’m not sure you will get to try it out right away.”

  He made a sad face at me and said, “Dream crusher”.

  I laughed. “I didn’t say that you’ll never get to try it out. Just not now!”

  He nodded his head. “Definitely not now. I think they need my help. Chase just hit his finger with a hammer.” He walked over to help out with the building while Angela began to walk Chase in.

  “Are you all right?” I asked walking over to them.

  “Can you take him in to Jeremy? I need to help out here.” Angela pleaded.

  “Sure.” I agreed. I walked inside with Chase and didn’t find Jeremy right away. I had him go into the kitchen and put ice on it while I searched for Jeremy. I found him in the den kissing Liz.

  I cleared my throat and they both jumped in the air with red faces. I smiled. “Sorry to interrupt you two, but there’s been a little accident with one of the construction crew.”

  “Oh no! Who’s hurt?” Liz asked.

  “Chase hit his thumb with a hammer.” I replied. “He’s in the kitchen.”

  “Thanks.” Jeremy said to me. He looked at Liz, smiled and walked out of the room. I smiled at Liz. “What?” She smirked.

  “Nothing. I’m just so happy for the two of you!” I responded. “I thought you had something going on with Alex!”

  “Nah, that was just flirting. It’s different with Jeremy. He’s so sweet and funny. I haven’t told Christian yet. Is that bad? Jeremy said that I should tell him and there is no problem with us having a relationship. I’m worried that people will be upset, because I’m here to study the maniacs not to fall in love.” Liz sighed.

  “You need to live a life also. No one expects you just to be a scientist.” I assured her. “Besides, I think you make a cute couple.”

  Liz smiled. “We do, don’t we?” I laughed and we both left the den.

  We got ready to go outside, but peeked in quickly at Jeremy. He was wrapping Chase’s thumb. “Is he okay?” Liz asked.

  “Yes, no major issues. He just mostly hurt his fingernail.” Jeremy replied.

  “It hurts bad!” Chase groaned.

  “I bet it does.” Liz consoled.

  “The pain medicine should kick in soon.” Jeremy reassured him.

  Rose came in quickly. “Jeremy! You’re needed outside. Do you need me to take over here?”

  “No, we’re done here. What’s going on outside?” Jeremy asked.

  “Jacob fell off the ladder and his foot is twisted pretty badly.” Rose responded.

  “Wow! Construction is dangerous!” Jeremy announced and went outside. We all followed Jeremy, including Chase.

  “What about your finger?” Rose asked.

  “It’s not so bad.” Chase said. Rose shrugged her shoulders and followed the rest of us.

  John and Robert were helping Jacob across the yard. “Perfect.” Jeremy said. “Can we get you into the den?” He asked Jacob.

  “Let’s do this.” John and Robert helped him inside. Rose and Jeremy followed them in while Liz and I stayed outside.

  “I’m not much of a carpenter.” I said to Liz.

  “I don’t think anyone here really is!” Liz laughed.

  I nodded. “That’s true.”

  We could hear Ben shouting orders. He had taken over as foreman and was trying to get everyone organized. Most people were doing well. A couple people looked like an episode of The Three Stooges!

  “Mama! Mama!” Sarah and Megan ran over. “There’s something wrong with the big yellow kitty!”

  “Show us!” Liz exclaimed.

  We ran over to the spot where the other kids were waiting. Liz and I knew the “issue” right away. I smiled.

  “Let’s get a box for mama kitty.” Liz said.

  “A box?” Megan asked.

  “Mama kitty?” Mary asked.

  Mrs. Ford had been helping Piper outside with the chickens. They had heard the commotion and came over. “Ah, she’s finally ready to have those babies, huh?” Mrs. Ford asked.

  “She’s having kittens?” Mary asked excitedly. Meanwhile, Nate had run inside and was hustling towards us with a box.

  “Easy honey, you’ll scare her.” Liz said. “Thank you.” She took the box from Nate. “I’ll put mama kitty in the box…”

  “Her name is Rapunzel.” Megan interrupted. All the kids giggled. “Because she’s got yellow fur and she’s fluffy.”

  “Okay. Now that mama kitty, ah Rapunzel, is in the box, I’m going to bring her inside and put her in the spare room so it will be quiet. I’ll stay with her and make sure everything is all right.” Liz said.

  “Why can’t we stay with her?” Nate whined.

  “She’s getting nervous.” I explained. “We can check on her and her babies later.”

  “Aww!” All the kids whined. Liz left with the cat.

  “Who wants to get worms for when we go fishing?” Piper asked.

  “Fishing?” I asked.

  “Yes.” Piper responded. “Some of us are going to go fishing tomorrow. There’s really big fish in the lake.”

  “Really? I didn’t know that. That’s awesome!” I said.

  “Yep. Angela told us that it might be safe to do and that a few of us can go with them to go fishing.” Piper replied.

  “I’ll help!” Nate said and all the kids ran off with Piper.

  “I can tell you one thing.” Mrs. Ford exclaimed. “I am pooped out!”

  “Go get some rest!” I said. “I’ve got the kids.”

  “Are you sure?” She asked.

  “Definitely.” I said.

  “Thank you!” She left to go inside.

  I walked over to the kids. Nate was dangling a worm in Mary’s face. “Stop it!” Mary said. “I’m going to tell!”

  “Nate!” I said walking over. “If you don’t stop, I’ll make you eat one.”

  “Yuck!” All the kids laughed.

  “Yeah! Make him eat one!” Megan giggled.

  “You can eat one!” Nate began to put one in her face again, but I made a face at him and he stopped.

  “These kids fight a lot!” Piper laughed.

  Emma walked over. “I figured that I would come over and help out. I was trying to help with the construction, but I got more in the way than anything. Also, Ben is really bossy!”

  I laughed. “Would you like to help get some worms?”

  Emma made a face, “I think that I will just help supervise!”

  Jenny came over to me quickly. “We need to get inside! I sense danger!” She had me say.

  “Hurry kids!” I said.

  Piper grabbed Mary and Brianna’s hands and
Emma grabbed Nate’s hand. I clutched Sarah and Megan’s hands and Caleb ran ahead of me. Construction had already stopped. Mike, Jill and John were hurrying over to us.

  John picked up Sarah and I picked up Megan. Mike picked up Mary. Nate grabbed his mom’s hand and we all ran inside.

  “We need to do a headcount!” Cathy said. We looked around and all the kids were there.

  “Where is Ryan?” Luke asked. We looked around the house and he wasn’t inside.

  “Stay here!” Richard/Robert said. “We will go look.”

  “Probably the bathroom!” Piper exclaimed. “He had an upset stomach earlier.”

  Richard nodded and went outside with a few of the maniacs. I sent the kids upstairs with Piper and Emma. I looked out the window and saw Ryan coming to the front of the house. He was looking towards the construction area and looked confused.

  “Run!” We all heard Richard say in our minds. Ryan didn’t think twice he ran for the door.

  “Oh my God! Look!” Liz said. A pack of wolves were coming towards them. They got in just in time.

  “The chickens!” Angela cried.

  “Molly!” Liz said.

  Molly came into the kitchen growling. She had been in the living room wrestling with Mr.

  Doggleton luckily.

  “What other animals are loose outside?” Liz asked.

  “I think most of them are in the barn, except for a few cats and the chickens. The cat that the kids are calling Rapunzel is out there also. She’s my favorite.” Angela said sadly.

  “Actually, I was just upstairs with Rapunzel. She is in labor right now.” Liz said.

  “She’s having her babies right now? I think she’s a little early.” Angela sighed and looked at Jeremy.

  “You want me to check on her right now when the house is surrounded by wolves?” Jeremy asked.

  “Well, we aren’t doing anything right this second except standing around here.” Rose replied. “Let’s go take a quick look.”

  “How’s Jacob’s foot?” I asked.

  “He sprained it. He’ll just have to go easy for a bit.” Jeremy said. “Right now he is in the living room. Alright Rose, let’s go upstairs.”

  “I think everyone who can’t run quickly like Jacob and for those who aren’t good with a gun, should go upstairs.” Richard/Robert said.

  “I agree with myself!” Robert laughed.

  John looked at me. “I’m going up!” I laughed.

  “I heard that!” Jacob said hobbling in the room. “I’m headed up also.”

  “Come on Liz!” I said.

  “Where’s Christian?” Liz asked.

  “He’s upstairs with Miles. Miles is talking his ear off!” Allison said coming into the kitchen. “I need a quick bottle for the baby and then I’ll go back upstairs.”

  Jenny handed her a bottle. “Hurry upstairs! Jill you too!” Cathy/Jenny said. “Cathy…I mean, mom, you also!”

  Allison, Liz, Cathy, Jill, Jacob and I went upstairs and into the room with the kids. Rose and Jeremy had headed down the hall to check on the cat. Mrs. Ford and Naomi were sitting in recliners knitting. Miles and Christian were sitting in chairs talking and Emma was playing with the kids. Piper was holding Dylan who was beginning to get fussy.

  “Do you need me to grab him?” Naomi asked.

  “I’m just about done making a bottle!” Allison said getting the formula into the bottle quickly. She had tried breastfeeding early on, but she had had issues so formula was what she was using now.

  “There we go. Come here my baby!” Allison said grabbing Dylan. “Thank you Piper!”

  “What’s going on downstairs?” Naomi asked.

  We walked over so the kids wouldn’t hear. “Wolves!” I whispered.

  “Wolves?” Mrs. Ford asked.

  “A pack of them!” I said. “There’s a lot out there.”

  “Really?” Mrs. Ford questioned. We heard glass break downstairs and a scream.

  “Guns!” I exclaimed.

  Allison handed Dylan to Naomi. She grabbed a gun, so did Jacob, Jill, Cathy and I.

  “Kids, get in the closet!” Mrs. Ford ordered. It was a huge walk in closet. All the kids (including Piper and Emma) went inside, so did Mrs. Ford, Naomi and Miles. Christian and Liz stayed out with us. “Grab a gun!” Jill ordered. Liz and Christian looked at each other.

  “I’d rather not.” Liz replied.

  “What?” Cathy asked.

  We heard gunshots downstairs. “Why don’t you to go in the closet also and help with the kids?” I asked.

  “Are you sure?” Liz questioned.

  “Go!” Cathy demanded. They both went in the closet.

  “That way we don’t have unarmed people behind us.” I commented.

  “I agree.” Cathy said.

  “Where are they all coming from anyways?” I heard someone from downstairs shout.

  “Stand over there!” Another person shouted.

  “I have never seen a pack this large!” Someone else was shouting.

  “It’s several packs together!” Jenny said into all of our minds.

  “Please don’t think stuff to us when we are fighting!” Someone shouted.

  “Here comes another round!” Someone yelled.

  “Don’t let them past us!” Someone else hollered. “They are trying to go upstairs for some reason!”

  “What is that in his mouth?”

  “Oh my God! It’s a hand!”

  “Shoot them already!” Someone demanded. To me it sounded like Robert, probably Richard speaking through him.

  The door opened. We got ready to shoot, but it was Stella and Stephanie.

  “They sent us up here.” Stella said through me. “They are afraid that for some reason, the wolves want kids and they were trying to come after us!”

  Jenny stormed into the room. “I’m counted as a kid also!” She said through Cathy. “Richard and Brandon are still down there.”

  “What’s going on?” I asked.

  “We’ve already killed around 20, but they keep coming. I’m not sure why. They had…” Jenny/Cathy began. Then she spoke quietly. “They had a hand in one of their mouths. I believe that it was Alyssa’s hand, unfortunately.”

  “Oh no!” Cathy cried. Jenny walked over and hugged her mom. Cathy looked shocked at first, but hugged her back and cried even more.

  “We need to be ready. Okay everyone?” Jenny said through Jill, because Cathy was crying through this.

  “Mom?” Jenny managed to say.

  We were all shocked. We could tell that even Stella and Stephanie were.

  “Oh my God!” Cathy exclaimed.

  “We need to be ready.” Jenny/Jill said firmly. Jill’s face was surprised for a second since they hadn’t spoken through her before.

  Cathy wiped away her tears and composed herself. The gunshots rang out downstairs again.

  “One got upstairs!” Someone shouted. We heard someone run upstairs and shoot.

  “I’m going in to protect them!” Ryan said.

  “Go for it.” Someone shouted up.

  Ryan barged in and closed the door behind him. “Is everyone okay?” He asked. He looked panicked. “Where’s Dylan?”

  “Mom has him in the closet right now.” Allison said gesturing to the closet.

  “Thank God! It’s bad down there. I’m not sure why, but they are trying to get to the stairs.”

  “That’s what they were saying.” I responded.

  Ryan farted. “Sorry!” He blushed.

  “Really!” Allison sighed.

  “Oh wow! That is bad!” Cathy laughed.

  We all gave him some space, even Jenny who was giggling, Stephanie and Stella.

  “I’m sorry!” He laughed. “You know that always happens when I eat beans!”

  Allison shook her head. “Which is exactly why I suggested not to!”

  “Well…” Ryan began.

  “Wait!” Jenny/Cathy said. “Look! Something or someone is out there!”
r />   “You can sense them?” Allison whispered.

  Jenny was pointing at the door. You could see a shadow underneath.

  “I think the three of you should get in the closet!” Cathy announced. Jenny looked at her mom

  surprised.

  I thought about it for a second. “I agree.” I whispered. “You’re kids and you are also invaluable to us.”

  Cathy looked at them. She pointed to the closet and the three of them went inside.

  “Get ready!” Ryan whispered. We all aimed our guns at the door. Ryan sighed, walked over to me and took the safety off. They all snickered at that. I blushed. Oops!

  We heard gunshots outside the door. “How the hell did that one get by us?” Someone shouted.

  “Here comes more!” We heard gunshots.

  The problem was that nighttime would be coming soon. What would happen then? Ten minutes passed and we didn’t hear any more shouting.

  “Can you hear me upstairs?” Richard said in our minds.

  “Yes!” Jenny responded after a second. She must’ve asked the others in the closet.

  “We don’t see any more of them. Robert and Ben have closed the living room door until the windows are fixed, so no one can come in the windows or back door. The kitchen window and side door window have been blocked for now. We will stay vigilant, but we’re hoping they can’t get in. Jenny, can you tell us who is upstairs so that we can get a count and make sure everyone is accounted for?”

  Jenny named off everyone except for Jeremy and Rose. After a few seconds, she informed them that those two should be in with the cat.

  “Someone is going to check on them.” Richard said to all of us.

  We heard someone come upstairs and head to the room the two were in. Soon after, the door to our room opened. It was Angela. “Don’t shoot!” She laughed.

  “If it was up to Aleisha, she wouldn’t!” Cathy laughed. Angela looked confused.

  “Private joke!” Ryan laughed.

  “So funny!” I replied. “Were they in there?”

  “They are and so are five baby kittens and mama cat. Where are the kids and Liz so I can tell them?”

  The door flung open. “Did you say kittens?” Brianna darted out.

  “Brianna!” Christian gasped grabbing for her.

  Angela laughed. “She’s okay. It’s safe for now, but not safe to see the kittens. We are going to have all of you stay in here for the night.”