The Big Ten: The First Ten Books of the Beginnings Series Page 32

  “I can’t give you more right now.”

  “Well, what can you give me one hundred percent?” She sat up. “Please tell me, because I need one aspect of you in my life a hundred percent.”

  “One hundred percent?” Frank asked. “I can be your friend a hundred percent of the time.”

  “Then we’ll be that.” She stated matter of fact. “We’ll be friends like we once were, no sneaking off. No hiding anything about it … we’re friends.” She held out her hand.

  Frank took it and kissed it. “I love you, you know that?”

  “I know that.”

  “So how long will this ‘only friends’ be?” Frank asked.

  “Until the time is right, if it’s ever right.”

  Frank looked dejected. “And the baby?”

  Ellen swallowed. “I want a child. Understand, Frank, the decision is now mine.”

  “Then I’m confident.” Frank sat back. “Because right now, were moving into the long-term survival plan. And you’ll see; the baby thing will slip from your mind.”

  Tilting her head, Ellen peered at him. “You really don’t see the importance of this for me.”

  “Yeah, I do.” Frank nodded. “But I also know you. You know what’s really important to you.” He winked.

  Ellen leaned back and whispered, “Yeah. I do.”

  Saturday, June 27th

  Ashtonville, Connecticut

  Three tractor trailers were lined up one right after another on Main Street, ready to go, facing the direction that would lead to the highway.

  William, clipboard in hand, once more made a visual check of the trucks. Not that he knew what he was doing, but he looked the part. He was in charge of overseeing that everyone headed out for their designated runs. The trucks were ready and waiting. The routes were designated. But the drivers were nowhere to be found.

  After looking at his watch one more time, William gave in and took the radio call from Henry. He had hoped that Andrea would get the hint and just tell Henry he was busy. But she didn’t, calling over and over again. “William, speak to Henry. He’s on the radio.”

  He supposed that didn’t irk him as much as Andrea continuously stating it was long distance.

  “It’s a radio, for crying out loud,” William exclaimed as he walked to the porch where Andrea held the unit. “Yes, Henry.”

  “William.” Henry said, relieved. “Do you have a minute?”

  “Actually, no.” William said. “We’re running late as it is.”

  “But I need to discuss me staying out here in Montana.”

  “You should have discussed it with Joe or George.”

  “Andrea said they left at dawn.”

  “You missed your chance.”

  “But ...but ... Miguel can switch places with me.”

  “Miguel is making too many runs with the trucks. He can’t.”

  Silence.

  “William.”

  “What, Henry?” William asked, annoyed.

  “It’s barren here. I’m not just stuck here with John Matoose, but those farmers ...”

  “Tough. Deal with it. You have my condolences.”

  “We can’t talk about this?”

  “No.” William said. “And I have to go. Quit using battery power.”

  Sarcastically, Henry said. “I’m not, we’re using the power me and John got up and running.”

  “Ah, then you’re doing your job. Good boy. Bye.” William put down the radio, and gave a scolding look to Andrea. “No more calls from Henry. Got that?”

  “You need to quit picking on the boy.”

  “You need to get ready to leave.” William moved off the porch and made his way to Miguel. “Are you ready?”

  “Yes.” Miguel nodded. “Got the map and supplies.”

  William peered around. “I see Jonas. Now where the hell are Dean and Ellen?”

  Miguel pointed backwards. “They said since their truck is last they want to finish a few things up at the clinic.”

  “I’m afraid to ask.” William said. “Frank?”

  “I just sent him after them.”

  The official clipboard dropped and William shook his head. “Starting trouble already, aren’t you?”

  Boxes were spread about the lab in Doc Breyer’s clinic, some opened, some sealed. Dean placed a smaller box in one and faced Ellen. “There shouldn’t be too much left for you to do once we get back.”

  “What else am I going to do but work? I don’t mind.” She shrugged.

  “I don’t know how much time I’ll have to help you. I haven’t a clue when Joe’s shipping me out.”

  Ellen looked upset. “I don’t understand why you have to stay out there.”

  “Someone has to get that medical facility up and running. I’ll be back before we head out for good. But ...” Dean closed the flap on a box and neared Ellen. “I could use the help.”

  Ellen’s head went back. “Dean. No. We talked about this.”

  “I know. Why?”

  “You know why.”

  “Frank?” Dean asked.

  “Yes. That’s a pretty big reason.”

  “I know.” Dean sounded despondent. “But you said it yourself. You two haven’t been the same. Frank needs some time alone to deal with everything. You could give it to him. Come to Montana with me, El.”

  Ellen stared at Dean. “That’s not a good idea and you know it.”

  “Yes it is. You need it. I can use the help. There’s no reason why you can’t come out there with me and stay the six weeks.”

  “Yeah, there is.” Frank’s voice interrupted when he walked in the room. “Me.” He moved straight to Dean and Ellen, laying his hand on Dean’s chest and inching him back. He handed Dean a sheet of paper. “Your route sheet, Dean. I have your stops all mapped out including rest stops. So follow it.”

  Dean took the paper and shoved it in his back pocket. “Yeah.”

  “I mean it.” Frank said. “Don’t dally out there. I know when you two should be back.” He took hold of Ellen’s hand. “Come on, El, I’m leaving. Come say goodbye to me.” He pulled her with him to the door and stopped as he pointed at Dean. “And don’t touch her out there, Dean.”

  “Yeah, yeah.” Dean nodded. “Frank.” Dean stepped forward. “Can I speak to Ellen one more minute, please?”

  “No. You’re gonna spend the entire week with her. Talk to her then.” Frank tried again to pull Ellen to the door.

  Ellen stopped walking. “Frank, two minutes. Please. I’ll be right there.”

  Frank stared for a second and released her hand. “All right. Two minutes. I’m timing you. Then I’m coming back.” He held up his wrist, tapped on his watch and walked out.

  Ellen turned her way back to Dean. “What is it?”

  “Why is he acting like that?” Dean asked. “He is really insecure.”

  Ellen scoffed. “Uh, hello, Dean, he walked in here when you were asking me to stay in Montana.”

  “Still, El. We’re friends. I like being around you.”

  “I like being around you. Frank knows that. And ... and ...” Ellen waved out her hand. “I got to go.”

  Dean grabbed on to her arm as she tried to make a quick escape. “And what?”

  “And, well ...” She saw Dean raise his eyebrows in anticipation of her answer. “Well, you know how I feel about getting pregnant?”

  “Yes.” Dean nodded. “You want to have a baby. What does that have to do with me?”

  “Frank ... he’s kind of afraid that you’ll be a willing volunteer to help me out.”

  Dean was shocked. “What? Where did he get that from?” He didn’t get an answer. “Ellen?”

  “Ok, your dad said you might.”

  “My Dad said I …” Dean’s eyes widened. “I never said that.”

  “I know. But Frank doesn’t know that. And since he doesn’t want to and I ...” Ellen hunched. “I told him ... what William told me.”

  Dean nearly screamed. “Ellen. The m
an is six foot three. If I touch you I’m dead. I already live in fear for kissing you.”

  “Oh.” Ellen waved him off. “Frank’s a big teddy bear. He’s harmless.”

  “No, he isn’t.”

  “Ok, no he isn’t. But don’t worry about him.” The smile from Ellen’s face fell, and she turned solemn. “In all seriousness, Dean, you know how much I need a child in my life. If Frank doesn’t ...”

  “Ellen ...”

  “No, listen. If Frank won’t, will you think about it?”

  Dean went silent. “Only if you think about staying in Montana with me.”

  Ellen closed her eyes. “I can’t believe you’re bartering with me.”

  “I can’t believe we’re still standing here.” Dean checked out the time. “Frank is timing us.”

  Ellen had to laugh. “No, he’s not. He didn’t mean that. What’s he gonna do when time is up? Carry me out?”

  Dean just looked at her.

  One long blow of a horn was Miguel’s signal that he was ready to pull out. On Main Street Dean and Ellen stood observing the other trucks before they got into their own.

  William moved to them and adjusted Ellen’s shirt which was lifted. “You’re not hurt?” he chuckled.

  “No.” Ellen shook her head. “I can’t believe Frank just tossed me over his shoulder and carried me out like that.”

  Dean looked at his father. “I can.” He watched as the first truck rolled away, then finally the second started moving. As it did, Frank stuck his head out the window with a wave to Ellen and a warning point to Dean. “See.” Dean indicated to Frank’s truck. “It’s a sign of things to come.”

  William softly spoke to himself as he watched the trucks pull away. “Possession becomes the law. We keep what is ours, take what is not, and want what we can’t have. We become who we will be within months of our world going bad.”

  With a quirky look, Dean turned his head to his father. “What are you talking about?”

  William let out breath as he snapped out of his daze. “Oh, I was just thinking out loud.”

  “That was pretty profound.” Dean commented. “Did you think of that yourself?”

  “Actually, no.” William laid his hand on Dean’s back. “I remembered it from Post-Apocalyptic World Training film M.C. I. T. F. B-3.”

  Dean’s mouth dropped open as his father chuckled and walked away. “Ellen, you’ve never seen that film, have you?”

  “No. Not me. I only saw the ones Joe brought home. I think only B-14 through B-18.” She shrugged. “We’d better get a move on.”

  “I’m the only one who hasn’t seen those films.” Dean threw his hands up. “You know that?” he moved toward the truck. “I’m the only one who doesn’t know what to expect in a world like this.”

  Ellen shook her head as she followed Dean, knowing full well, training films or not, no one knew what to expect. It was impossible. How could they? The world had never ended before.

  Tuesday, June 30th

  Buffalo, NY

  Ellen’s body bounced up and down every five minutes as they drove down the highway just outside of Buffalo. “Dean, I think tonight we should find a nice place to camp out. I feel funny sleeping in this truck. That’s why we brought our sleeping bags, you know.”

  “I know, I didn’t sleep well either last night. We’ll camp out tonight if it doesn’t make you feel uncomfortable.”

  “Me? How would it make me feel uncomfortable?”

  “Bugs, outdoors, stuff like that.”

  “Oh, yeah.” Ellen shrugged. “Point taken. But I’ll be fine. I thought you were meaning something else.”

  “Like what?” Dean asked.

  “Like you and I being alone, sleeping close.”

  Dean chuckled. “You think I’m afraid to be lying next to you.”

  “Um, yeah.” Ellen said.

  “Ok, you’re right. I don’t want to hear it from Frank.”

  “You worry too much about him.”

  “Ellen, please. You have the man believing that I am going to impregnate you.”

  “You are the best choice. Even above Frank, at least that’s that Andrea says.”

  Dean’s foot immediately moved to the brake, and the truck immediately slowed down. “Me?”

  “Keep driving.”

  “Sorry.” Dean returned to his normal speed. “You took me by surprise. I know how bad you want this baby.”

  “Of course you do.” Ellen said. “Why else would you barter your sperm for me to stay in Montana with you?”

  “I’d barter that because I want you to stay in Montana with me. I think it’d be good for you, me, and us. And … really, think about it. If having a baby and me getting you pregnant is important, don’t you think Montana, away from everyone, might be helpful. Hmm? Unless, of course, you’re thinking of taking a scientific route.”

  “No.” Ellen shook her head. “I’m going to sleep with the father.”

  “And the arrangement with the kid …” Dean questioned.

  “I raise the kid. Obviously the father would see him or her.”

  “Are you going to have anything emotionally to do with the father?”

  “How can I not? But I really want to try to separate the act of getting pregnant from a relationship. Does that make sense?”

  “So, you just want to get pregnant, and that’s it. Try to keep emotional attachments out? The father is just a physical sperm donor instead of a test tube?”

  “At this point, if it isn’t Frank, then it’d have to be. Are you considering it?”

  “If it was anyone else but you, yes, I would.” Dean said. “But I’m not so sure I can separate myself emotionally from you. Sleep with you without getting attached. Do you honestly think you can separate the act from the emotions with me?”

  “I do.”

  “Then I don’t think you’re being honest.” Dean said, and then lightened his tone. “Besides, right now, you’re having a hard time separating your emotions for me from Frank, add sex...” He fluttered his lips and spoke jokingly. “You’re done.”

  Ellen laughed. “You made a joke. How cute. Thanks.”

  Dean looked at her. “I wasn’t joking.”

  Taking a moment to retrieve seriousness, Ellen saw Dean crack a smile, and she shook her head. “There’s the sign. Bear off here.” Ending the conversation with a chuckle, Ellen forced her thoughts to the plan at hand.

  Garfield Project

  Henry was tired; there was no doubt about that. The marathon driving episode across country with John was beginning to catch up. And he was hungry. Little did he know that satisfying that hunger would have such a heavy price. Henry just wanted to eat and go to sleep.

  John didn’t seem to mind. He gobbled his food. Of course, he wasn’t the one the three Ohio farmers stared at. Yes, they cooked the food, but did they have to stare?

  Henry played with his fork, peered up at the three, and then finally stuck his fork into his potatoes.

  “Hot dig damn,” Stan shook his head as he rocked back in his chair. “Dirk, you was right.”

  “Told ja’,” Dirk said. “Thas’ jus’ the racist in ya’.”

  Thelma shook her head. “I still ain’t convinced.”

  Dirk huffed. “Whacha mean you ain’t convinced, woman, he picked it up, didn’t he? He used it, didn’t he?”

  “But,” Thelma added. “He also watched us fer a while.”

  Dirk nodded. “True.”

  “Why don’t we ask him?” Stan suggested.

  Finally, Henry had enough. “Ask me what? Obviously you’re talking about me.”

  “Fine. Attitude,” Dirk leaned forward “That there fork you just stuck in your mouth. Have you used a fork before?”

  “Of course I used a fork before,” Henry was defensive.

  Thelma said, “But don’t cha use them there sticks to eat.”

  John laughed.

  Henry was offended. “Not always.”

  “I thought Chinese p
eople didn’t know how to use forks,” Thelma said.

  “I’m Japanese.” Henry retorted.

  Stan questioned. “Ain’t it the same difference?”

  “No,” Henry snapped. “It’s not the same difference. Geez. It would be like me calling you Canadian.”

  “But I’m not.” Stan said.

  “And I’m not Chinese.”

  “Look Chinese,” Stan said. “I think we knew a Japanese man one time.”

  Thelma nodded. “Did. He was a nice man.”

  Dirk huffed. “No. Whacha gonna go and lie like that fer, Thelma. We ain’t known no Japanese man. We knew a man who knew a Japanese man. Back in World War II. When the Japs weren’t very nice.”

  Stan smirked. “And judgin’ by him you think they’re nice now?”

  Henry grumbled. He knew the time in Montana was going to feel like forever, and John Matoose, with his giggling, wasn’t any help.

  Wednesday, June 31

  Pittsburgh, PA

  Ellen shut the window to the truck as they crossed the Fort Pitt Bridge, leading them into the heart of the city. “Dean, we’re never going to make it all the way to Oakland.”

  “Oakland?”

  “Yeah, that’s where the university is, and the hospitals.”

  “How do you know?”

  “I went to school in this town, remember? Oakland is jam-packed with traffic normally. Imagine the chaos around the hospitals, especially there.”

  “Then what do you suggest we do?” Dean asked.

  “Make a left here. On the north side of town there’s a major teaching hospital. We should be able to get what we need there.”

  “One hospital’s the same as the next, right?”

  They neared the huge, white hospital building set in the north said of town on a city street, with very little frontal space. Traffic was not as congested as they originally believed it would be, and they were able to pull up to the emergency driveway and park.

  Just as Dean opened his door, he stopped, retracted, and slammed it. “This isn’t a good idea. It’s about eighty degrees and humid. It smells really bad out there. We have to lube.”