Project Lightning, page 28
“I look forward to it.” She turns and puts her arms around her father. They all wave and make their way out of the house. I collapse on the couch, suddenly exhausted. Caleb smiles sweetly as he covers me with a blanket. He kisses me sweetly on the head and I smile as I slip into a deep sleep.
Chapter 48
Three weeks later, our truck rumbles into Demeter Colony. We spent two weeks in Zeus Colony preparing for our trip to the midwest of the country. You had to get special permission to travel between colonies and it took two weeks to get the proper clearances.
The gates open in front of us and we are shocked by the sheer size of the fields. Demeter Colony is in charge of agriculture and feeding most of the other colonies. It is amazing to see the fields of wheat, barley and other crops going on for miles in every direction.
“I had that reaction too.” Daddy says as he pushes my mouth closed. “When I first saw it.”
I nod as we are led to the center of town what used to be Wichita, Kansas. A group is gathered on the colony hall steps. Statues of Demeter are placed on either side of the doors. I can tell this is a very different way of life. The women are dressed in simple skirts and blouses. The men mostly in overalls and t-shirts. Despite it being early April, it is quite warm out. I feel the sweat gathering under my armpits.
Daddy steps out of the transport and makes his way to the steps. He is grabbed into a hug by one of the men standing there. Caleb and I disembark and make our way in that direction.
“I thought for sure you were dead.” the man says as he steps back from my father.
My father smiles wryly, “There were times I wished I was...” He turns back and motions to me. I walk into his arms. “But then I would have missed seeing Brinna again.”
“Brinna?” the man looks at me, “Your daughter?” Daddy nods and smiles as he kisses my head. “My God...”
“It has been a shock for me as well.” Daddy says. “But an amazing one. Brinna, this is Councilman Jaxson Mayview. Jax, this is my daughter Brinna.”
“I remember you from when you were little.” Jaxson says as he shakes my hand. “My god, you have grown up.” Caleb growls lightly from behind me and I chuckle. Caveman.
Realizing I need to defuse this situation. I step forward and gesture back to Caleb. “This is my fiance.” I say, “Caleb Warner.”
“Fiance?” Jaxson says shocked. I nod as I am pulled back into his arms. My father chuckles lightly.
“You and Jax grew up together. His father used to be a councilman.” Daddy explains.
“Excuse me.” Jax says sharply, “Sorry. I am just...”
“It's okay.” I say, “I understand.”
“Well shall we go into the council's chambers?” Jax says as he turns to walk up the steps to the building. Daddy goes first and Caleb and I walk hand in hand after him. Caleb's eyes bore into the back of Jaxson's head. His eyes are narrowed slightly. I elbow him and chuckle.
“Jealous much.” I whisper.
He chuckles lightly. “That man wanted you.”
“I know.” I say, “But I only have eyes for you.” I look up at him and smile. His eyes flash with possessiveness but also love.
“Damn straight baby.” Caleb says as he kisses the side of my head. We walk into a large room where several other people have gathered. Daddy goes around hugging many of them.
Once he has made his rounds, we all sit down at the table. Another man stands at the head of the table. “Welcome back, Marcus.” he booms. “It is amazing to see you after all these years.”
“I thank you, Councilman Withers.” Daddy says briefly.
“Welcome back Brinna.” Withers says. I nod lightly. “And welcome Caleb Warner to Demeter Colony.”
“Thank you sir.” Caleb responds.
“So what do we owe this honor to see you again, my friend.” Withers says to Daddy.
“We are looking for my wife and son.” Daddy says, “I was told they settled back here when she left me.”
Withers' face falls and goes ashen. “I am so sorry, Marcus. I thought you would have been told.”
“Told what.” Daddy's hand bite into the table as he struggles to remain seated.
“Cassie died three years ago. Her car was run off the road on the outskirts of the colony to the west.” Daddy's face falls. Tears cascade down his cheeks as he processes the loss of his wife. I wrap my arms around him as I feel tears prick my eyes. His shoulders shake rapidly as he lets go in my arms. I close my eyes. My mom is gone. “I'm so sorry, Marcus.”
“What happened?” Daddy croaks.
The councilman clears his throat. “She was run off the road and she hit a tree. She was killed on impact.”
“Did you catch who did it?” Caleb asks sharply.
The councilman nods briefly and Caleb motions for him to continue. “It was Maven Whitcomb.”
“Maven?” Daddy croaks.
“Yes.” Withers says, “She admitted it and is now serving a life sentence at Leavenworth Correctional Colony.”
“You mean in the Ares Colony.” Caleb asks shortly.
The councilman nods. Caleb stiffens.
“Did she say why?” Daddy asks as he attempts to straighten up.
“She went a little crazy after you and Cassie ran the first time. We tried to help her but she never really recovered. When Cassie returned nine years ago with Camden, she just lost it. We kept them apart for the most part and kept Cassie's location secret but she found out somehow and...well...”
My father falls forward on the table. His whole body shudders as he processes everything. Caleb pulls me into him as tears begin to fall. I would never get to see her again. My shoulders shake as keening wails escape me. After several minutes, I hear the scrape of chairs being pushed out. Daddy picks his head up and we see most of the council leaving the room. Withers and Jaxson remain.
Daddy swipes at his face as he begins to pull himself together. “What happened to Camden?”
Jaxson speaks this time. “Camden was eleven at the time and we tried to find a family for him but it was hard. He was having trouble dealing with the loss of his mother and father. We thought you were dead so he grieved for you. But he caused some trouble in several foster families. So we contacted Aesculapius Colony to look for any living relatives. We knew we couldn't send him to Zeus Colony because of...” Daddy nods. “Well, we located his mother's sister.”
“You mean, Charlotte?” Daddy says.
He nods. “We got in contact with her and she came to claim Camden.”
“Do you know if he is still there?” Daddy says.
“I'm sorry.” Withers says. “I tried to keep in contact with him but about a year ago the letters stopped coming. I am not sure what happened to him.” Daddy looks thoughtful for a moment. I can see the haunted look in his eyes and I know he is using his training to get through this. “Where is my wife buried?
Jaxson steps forward. “Dad had her buried in the community cemetery. Next to your marker.” I swallow hard as I think about how now I get to truly grieve for my mother. I held out hope that she was alive once I found my daddy alive. But now I didn’t know how to feel.
Daddy nods and turns back to me. “Are you ready to go sweetheart?”
“You are welcome to stay the night and get a fresh start in the morning.” Withers offers.
“I thank you.” Daddy says. “But I would like to get back home. My daughter and her fiance need to get back to training and we can search better from there.”
“Very well.” Withers says as he stands and approaches my father. “It was great seeing you and again I am so sorry.”
Daddy nods and gives him a brief hug. Jaxson comes around and gives Daddy a hug. We make our way out of the city hall and into the transport.
“Where to sir?” The soldier asks as he starts to truck.
“To the community cemetery on 3rd street.” Daddy says as he sits in silence. His downcast eyes and tense body betray his true feelings. He is holding it all in until he can properly grieve. We arrive at a large plot of land dotted with various stones. My stomach feels like lead as we get out of the transport. I swallow hard and feel Caleb’s hand on my back offering assistance as I walk along the stone lined path. Large oak trees offer shade over the entire location.
Slowly we walk to the left. In front of us is a white stone with the rod of Asclepius across the top. I stop suddenly as I stare at the name on the stone. My body is wracked with tremors as I looked down at the words
Here Lies
Cassandra Cruz St. Pope
Loving mother, husband and loyal soldier
May she rest in peace
Daddy kneels in front of the stone and lovingly traces her name. I watch him as tears stream down my face. I can’t believe that it is real. My mother is really gone. This time...there is no coming back.
I place my hand lightly on Daddy’s shaking shoulders. He glances back at me with sorrow, tear filled eyes. He wipes them gently on his sleeve. “Oh baby girl.” He keens as I kneel down and into his arms. His deep wails are muffled on my shirt as I hold my father. Caleb comes around and holds both of us up as we kneel and grieve at Mama’s grave.
I don’t know how long we were there. But the sun’s angle had changed and is now low on the horizon. A light cool breeze has picked up and is whirling around us. Daddy is gently touching Mama’s name when he begins to talk about her. “Your mama.” he looks at me and smiles grimly. “She was an amazing woman. Smart like you. Caring and gentle.” He takes a shuddering breath. “I wish you could have known her babygirl. She did everything she could to keep her tech out of Barnum’s hands.” He closes his eyes and shakes his head. “When she bartered for her and Camden’s release, I was truly happy. She left me yes and that broke my heart but knowing she was alive out there. That gave me hope. It kept me alive.”
His head dips down. Shoulders slumped forward. “I did know her Daddy.” I rasp through my tears. “She was there for me for the first eight years and again once I regained my memories this year.” His eyes widen but he nods. “Without her…” My voice cracks and I need to clear it several times before continuing. I lightly trace her name as I continue. “Without her, I wouldn’t have made it through.” I look back at my Daddy. “Without her, I wouldn’t have found you.”
Daddy sits back on his heels. His face looks pensive for a moment before he gazes lovingly over Mama’s name. “Thank you Cassie.” he whispers as he kisses his fingers and places them gently on the stone. I close my eyes and turn into Caleb’s arms. His lips make contact with my head as he sways lightly.
Daddy stands next to us and as we turn to leave. A strong breeze blows across us with the scent of lilac. “Cassie.” Daddy whispers again and I can almost swear I heard her laugh in the wind. As quickly as I hear it, it is gone and I am left once again bereft.
Caleb helps me into the back of the transport. The sun has made its final approach to the horizon. The reds, purples and golds glow from its nightly resting place.
“Where to now sir?” The soldier asks as he starts to truck once again.
“Back to Boston.” Daddy says briefly as he sits back in silence.
My thoughts turn to Camden. I lay my hand on his shoulder and our eyes meet. “We'll find him, Daddy.”
He puts his hand over mine and rubs it. “I really hope so, Brinna. I really hope so.”
We move out of the gate and back toward Boston all reeling from the loss we have experienced in that colony.
Acknowledgement
I want to thank everyone who had a hand in creating this story. Thank you to my children, Katelyn and Josiah for pushing me to complete something out of my comfort zone. Thank you to Chelsea Stanhope for editing and helping me create a good product. Without your help I wouldn't have made it this far. Thank you to my husband who has supported my dreams and given me encouragement when I needed it.
About The Author
Hilary Lisee
Lives in a small town in downeast Maine. A teacher by trade, I love to write and have loved it for many years. I have a supportive husband and three children. Lover of coffee and chocolate and the occasional glass of wine.
Hilary Lisee, Project Lightning
