“It’s coming. It’s coming. It’s coming,” Jenna repeated over and over again.
“Okay,” I said pressing my hands together. “I’m going to have a look.”
“Do it then!” Jenna shouted. “I don’t know what the hell you’re waiting for. A written invitation?”
I blinked several times. “I’m not the one that got you pregnant. Don’t take it out on me.”
“Sorry,” Jenna said starting to cry. Seconds later, she was mad that she was crying. “Just help me already!”
“Holy crap,” I said quickly covering my mouth.
“What’s wrong?” Jenna asked her words running together.
I shook my head. “Nothing. I see the baby. It really is coming.”
“I need to push,” Jenna said.
“Okay,” I said pulling in a slow breath to ready myself. “Push.”
Of course, I had no idea if she should push or not. All I could do was assume that whatever felt natural for her was hopefully the right thing to do.
Jenna pushed again. She screamed and cried and shouted. And just like that, the baby’s head was out.
“The head is out!” I said excitedly.
I tried to hold on to the slippery baby while also being extremely careful. I’d never held a baby, at least not one as young as Jenna’s was.
“Give me a towel,” I said.
Allie handed me a bright yellow towel. The color seemed unusual because of how much it stood out in our environment. Everything was gray and dreary but the towel seemed overly colorful.
The baby slipped out with the next push. He was anxious to get out and into this world. Too bad I couldn’t have warned him. Maybe he would have wanted to wait a bit longer.
He was so tiny. His little hands were wiggling but he didn’t cry.
“It’s a boy!” I said.
Jenna sat up, trying to see him. “Is he okay?”
“He’s moving,” I said.
“Why isn’t he crying?” Jenna asked.
“I’m not sure,” I said. “Ready to hold him?”
Jenna bit her lip. “Um, I don’t know.”
“You are,” I said confidently.
Jenna took him into her arms, wrapping the towel tightly around him. She held him against her chest and he started to cry.
“Guess he likes you better,” Jenna said lightly brushing the wet hair at her temple away from her eye.
“Nonsense,” I said.
“What do I do now?” Jenna asked.
I shrugged.
“Umbilical cord,” Allie said. “We have to cut that. Oh, and the placenta.”
Jenna and I both looked at Allie. Allie flashed us a nervous smile.
“I’ve helped a couple other women,” Allie said. “When I was with the other group. I didn’t do much but I was there. We’ll need something to clamp it.”
“What do I do about the placenta?” Jenna asked.
“We just wait,” Allie said.
Jenna looked down at the baby. She smiled at him.
“Isn’t he the most beautiful baby you’ve ever seen?” Jenna asked.
“Definitely,” I replied.
Allie got up and dashed to the kitchen. I could hear her going through the drawers and cabinets.
“I can’t believe he’s real,” I said lightly touching his forehead.
“We’re going to take really good care of you,” Jenna said. “Me and your aunt Joss.”
I shook my head. “That’s not necessary.”
“You’ll get used to aunt Joss.” Jenna leaned closer and whispered something to him.
“What did you say?” I asked.
“Nothing important,” Jenna said widening her smile. “I have a name for him.”
I blinked. “Already?”
“I’ve thought about it for a while now.”
“Oh yeah?”
“Yeah.” Jenna nodded. “I’m going to call him Cal but his name is Caleb Robert.”
The lump in my throat made my eyes burn. It was the perfect name. It was just too bad Caleb and Robby weren’t around to hear the name.
“Think they’d like it?” Jenna asked.
“I think they’d love it.”
After everything was finished and Allie and I had cleaned up, we all sat in the living room. Jenna had attempted to feed her baby but it didn’t seem as though there was anything for him to drink. It didn’t matter because he seemed content.
I held Cal when Jenna could barely keep her eyes open. It was hard to understand how something so small could bring a smile to my face when outside was nothing but awfulness and dread.
“I don’t want to stop looking at him,” she said.
“I don’t blame you,” I said.
It wasn’t long before exhaustion overtook both her and Allie. Somehow, I felt more awake than I had in a long time. Perhaps it was the adrenaline that still seemed to be coursing through my body.
“Caleb Robert,” I whispered when I was sure the other two were sleeping. “You sure chose an interesting time to come into this world.”
I stared at him. He brought his hand to his mouth and gently gnawed on his closed fist.
“You’re hungry, huh? Yeah, unfortunately, that’s the way of this world. Your mom will be able to keep you fed, though. Let’s just let her sleep a little longer, okay?” I whispered.
Cal wouldn’t know a world any different from the one we were in. He’d grow up used to the rain. He wouldn’t even know what the sun was or how it felt on a summer day.
The baby would never know about the cars or the internet. Maybe it was better that he didn’t. It would be easier to live when you didn’t know everything you were missing.
“I’m going to do everything I can to keep you and your mom safe,” I whispered. The words had just seeped out of my mouth. I hadn’t given them any thought. “I will protect you until the day I die.”
It was true, though. I would do anything to keep little Cal safe. I didn’t know him but for some reason, I felt a strong bond with the little guy.
Jenna cleared her throat.
I sucked in a breath and my eyes connected with hers. “I thought you were asleep.”
“I was,” she said. “But your noisy conversation woke me up.”
“Sorry,” I whispered.
“Actually, my boobs kind of hurt,” Jenna said. “I think I should try to feed him again.”
I carefully stood and held Cal until she was situated. “Ready?”
“Yep,” Jenna said. She held him to her breast. His mouth moved and Jenna’s eyes widened. “I still don’t think anything is happening.”
I didn’t know what to tell her. The two of them would surely figure it out. And if they didn’t, maybe Allie would have some pointers she hadn’t mentioned.
“That was really sweet of you,” Jenna said. “You know, I got your back, too, okay?”
“I know,” I said.
“I’m glad you’re here with me, Joss.” Tears started to roll down Jenna’s cheeks. She didn’t bother to wipe them away. “Dammit, I’m so emotional.”
The smile that curled my lips surprised me. I placed my hand on Jenna’s shoulder. “I’m glad we’re together too.”
“Get some sleep,” Jenna said.
“Are you sure?” I asked. I still wasn’t sure if I would be able to close my eyes.
“Yeah,” Jenna said. “I just want to be with him.”
I lingered.
“Go on,” Jenna said. “I’ll be okay.”
“I like looking at him too,” I said. After a few seconds, I forced myself to move my feet toward the stairs. “Wake me if you need me, okay?”
“Yeah, I will,” Jenna said.
I yawned as I plodded up the stairs. It was crazy but I missed him already. Something told me I wouldn’t get a lot of sleep before Jenna needed me.
I wasn’t sure how long I’d been in bed when I heard Jenna's frustrated cries. The sky outside the window was dark and I’d forgotten to light the c
andle in the bedroom.
“What’s going on?” I shouted seconds before I stubbed my toe.
Jenna groaned loudly. “He doesn’t like me! He won’t eat!”
20
Adam
Eli slopped down a pile of what I assumed, and hoped, was oatmeal. He set down a bowl for Heather first. Once we all had our food, he held out his hands, resting them on the edge of the table.
“Let’s give thanks to God for this bounty,” Eli said. Leah and Heather took his hands, and then they took mine. “Dear Lord, we thank you for this wonderful meal and for keeping us safe during these trying and troubling times. Please continue to look out for us. Amen.”
“Amen,” Heather said quickly and enthusiastically.
“Amen,” Leah and I murmured simultaneously.
Eli rubbed his hands together and grinned. “Good. Then let’s eat.”
The slop was delicious. Maybe it was because it was warm or maybe it was because it had a lot of cinnamon and sugar. I couldn’t stop shoveling it into my mouth.
“So, Heather,” Eli said setting down his spoon. He wasn’t as ravenously hungry as the rest of us. “Tell me about your travels.”
“It was awful. Dreadful, really,” Heather said. “A nightmare I don’t want to relive. I don’t even know how long I’d been wandering around aimlessly before I ran into Leah and Adam. Then it only took us a short time to find you.”
Eli clasped his hands together as he eyed Leah and me. “You’ve only been together for a short time then?”
“Um, yeah, but they saved my life,” Heather said as her eyes darted around.
“Huh,” Eli said. “So, you don’t know them very well at all?”
The back of my neck felt hot. Eli’s bushy brows blended together to make one long caterpillar stretching across his forehead.
“What if they’re spies or thieves?” Eli asked Heather as if we weren’t even there. “Maybe they’re murderers.”
“We’re not any of those things,” Leah replied.
Eli didn’t turn away from Heather. “It’s amazing you survived out there when you’re so damn stupid.”
“Hey,” I said pressing my left hand down against the table.
“Uncle Eli,” Heather said puffing out her bottom lip as she looked down at her lap. “They could have killed me but they didn’t. They helped me.”
“I don’t want strangers nosing around my stuff,” Eli said. “You should have known better than to bring them here.”
Leah stood, the chair hissed against the floor as she pushed it back. “We’ll leave then. Come on, Adam. Let’s get our things.”
“Sit down!” Eli said slamming his fist against the table. The bowls and spoons rattled noisily.
Leah dropped to her seat like a frightened child. Her expression, however, didn’t show an ounce of fear. Her brows were angled with contained rage.
“My apologies,” Eli said. “I’m not a trusting person, as you may have put together. Heather was careless but you’re here now.”
“We’ll get out of your hair,” Leah said. When she got up this time, she was much calmer. “We really didn’t mean to impose.”
We should have known better than to come this way. My lack of sleep led me to make poor choices.
Leah swayed to the side. She gripped the edge of the table but her eyes closed and she started to tip to the side.
I managed to get to her just before she passed out.
“Leah!” I said shaking her body gently. “Leah!”
She didn’t open her eyes. I scooped her up and carried her to the bedroom. Her body felt so warm against mine.
After I set her down on the bed, I placed my lips on her forehead. She was burning up.
“Is she okay?” Heather asked from behind me.
I glanced at her standing in the doorway. “I don’t know. She has a fever.”
Leah groaned as she rolled onto her side. She pulled her knees to her stomach.
“I don’t feel good,” Leah moaned.
“What’s wrong?” I asked sitting down on the bed next to her. I stroked her hair, brushing it away from her face.
“I’ll get her some medicine,” Heather said. “I’m sure I have something, or maybe Uncle Eli does.”
Leah fell asleep even though Heather hadn’t been gone long. She returned, holding a small cup.
“Here,” Heather said handing it to me. “It’s Uncle Eli’s secret recipe.”
I looked into the cup. There was a white powdery film on the surface of the water. Tiny bubbles floated up, creating a fine mist as they popped.
“What is this exactly?” I asked.
“Tummy medicine,” Heather said with a shrug. “You know, that bubbly stuff. I think he adds a pinch of sugar and lemon juice.”
I gently shook Leah until she opened her eyes. She didn’t ask what I was helping her drink. She was too sick to care and that worried me.
“Uncle Eli said it’ll fix her right up,” Heather said. “It’s a passed down family recipe. I remember my mom making it for me when I was little. It tastes terrible, even with the sugar but she’ll feel better in the morning.”
“I hope so,” I said.
Heather left the room. I sat with Leah, staring at her as she rested uncomfortably.
Beads of sweat gathered at her temples and the back of her neck, yet she shivered. I pulled the blankets up, only to take them off her when she looked too warm.
I felt helpless. I didn’t know what to do for her. I didn’t know how to help her.
Useless.
The word repeated over and over again in the back of my mind. It wasn’t my voice I heard, though… it was Eva’s.
She haunted me. If I narrowed my eyes, I could see her standing in the corner of the room. Maybe that was why I couldn’t sleep. It wasn’t because I didn’t feel safe, it was because Eve wouldn’t let me.
When morning came, Leah wasn’t doing any better and I hadn’t gotten much sleep again. Every little movement she made woke me. I wanted to help but she’d whimper and fall back asleep.
“Leah,” I said.
“Hmm?”
“Are you feeling any better?” I asked.
She shook her head.
“Do you want anything to eat?”
“No,” she groaned.
“You should try to eat something,” I said.
Leah turned away from me, pushing the blankets off her body. She started shivering.
A soft knock at the door made me look up. I didn’t bother to get up.
“Yes?” I said loudly.
The door opened but Heather didn’t come forward. “I just wanted to check on Leah. Hope that’s okay.”
“Yeah, of course,” I said. “Come in.”
Heather pressed her palms to her sides and entered the room. She had her bag over her shoulder.
“I’ll get her more of my uncle’s medicine but I was hoping I could take a look at her wound,” Heather said.
“Sure,” I said.
“I wonder if it might be infected,” Heather said. “If so, I might have something that could help.”
Leah kept still as Heather raised up her pants and pulled back the bandage. Heather winced and covered her nose.
“Yeah,” Heather said. “I’m pretty sure this is infected.”
“Okay, so what do we do now?” I asked.
“I’m not exactly sure but I’ll clean it and give her one of the antibiotics in my bag,” Heather said. “Then we cross our fingers.”
I licked my dry lips. “What if it doesn’t work?”
“Let’s just hope that it does,” Heather said looking into my eyes.
The next three days were some of the worst days of my life. I was worried sick about what Leah was going through. I worried so much I couldn’t eat. My stomach felt like a can of soda that had been shaken… bubbly and ready to explode.
Every day, Heather said the wound looked better. The redness diminished and Leah didn’t seem as bothered when the
bandages were changed.
Still, she didn’t get better. In fact, she continued to get worse.
21
Stevie
A group of eight men cheered as they cut me down. They weren’t careful and I fell hard into the mud.
Mud covered half of my face and body. I looked up and they all laughed.
“Our mud-covered prize!” one of the men said.
A man leaned close and touched the tip of my nose. “Where did you come from, little mud bug?”
I bit my cheek to stop my eyes from rolling. Then I buried my hands into the mud to stop myself from throwing my fist into his face.
“She’s an angel that fell from the sky,” one of the other men joked.
I kept my head down but my eyes flashed upward at each one of the men. I was committing their faces to memory.
“Hey!” one of the men shouted before kicking me hard in the hip. “He asked you where you came from.”
“From the north,” I said scrunching up my nose as mud seeped into my mouth. The gritty bits crunched between my teeth.
“I doubt it,” the guy replied grabbing my arm and roughly lifting me off the ground in one swift movement. “Let’s get her to Zachary.”
I dug my feet into the mud. “What if I don’t want to meet Zachary?”
“You don’t have a choice in the matter,” the rough guy said.
“What’s Zachary going to do?” I asked.
I wanted to jerk myself free but I knew it was pointless. I was going to be hauled to Zachary, whether I liked it or not.
“You’ll find out soon enough,” the guy grunted into my ear.
As they dragged me closer to the town, I glanced over my shoulder, hoping to catch a final glimpse of Shawn. There was a chance it was the last time I’d see him. I peered through the rain and mist but he wasn’t anywhere to be seen, which made my lips curl slightly at the ends… he’d gotten away.
Shawn was going to be fine.
They led me to the poorly fenced in gated community. A black metal fence I could jump over lined the area. At the road, the gate was a bit taller and guarded by two men.
They smiled as they opened the gate. I felt like a perfectly cooked steak with how they were looking at me.
The Reset Series | Book 6 | Striking Page 9