Uncitizen, page 11
She had to be causing a ruckus but there was no way to know for sure. She had no intention of endangering Weldon or any of her friends by contacting them. She was sure The Guardians had identified her by now so she couldn’t take the chance of contacting anyone.
But the truth was she missed them. Oh, well, this was the path she believed God wanted her to be on. And the truth was she wasn’t unhappy—just a little lonely.
“Time to go to work, Isabella.” It had become a habit to talk to herself and use her given name.
Spring was in full bloom. It was staying light longer, making it harder to hide after sharing the message. Gnat always managed to make it out without getting caught or shot—so far.
She walked down the alleys, keeping her head down and somehow ended up behind her former apartment building.
A part of her wanted to go in to see her friends. She could sneak up to Weldon’s apartment, maybe even Trisha’s. But that wasn’t a good idea. It was safer for Weldon and her other friends if they didn’t have any contact with her. That way they wouldn’t have to lie if questioned.
There was a backpack by the door. Gnat looked around with caution. No one was in sight. She opened the bag. Food. Lots of food. And a slip of paper with her name. She grabbed the backpack and half-walked, half-ran back to her new hiding place.
Once inside, she pulled out the note.
I thought you might need some food. You’re making a difference. Everyone is talking about you. Quietly of course, but still they are talking and thinking about the things you say. You are truly being God’s messenger. I’m so proud of you. I feel like a fraud, hiding away while you’re being so brave. I’ll leave more food next week, but no note. Stay safe and stay strong.
Weldon. She held the note to her chest as her eyes filled with tears. It was good to know she hadn’t been forgotten and that she was making a difference.
Gnat rummaged through the backpack. After two weeks of having nothing but bread and peanut butter, her mouth watered when she saw canned peaches and a can opener. Granola and candy bars, too. And two hamburgers. She touched the buns. Both burgers were barely warm. He must have put them out within the last fifteen minutes or so. How had he known? Was he watching for her? Comfortable peace enveloped Gnat’s heart. “Thank You, God. I knew You would provide. This is awesome.”
As she munched down the burgers, her heart was filled with joy, which made no sense. She sat in a dirty abandoned building—and that wouldn’t change.
But God had provided. God hadn’t forsaken her. He was trustworthy.
She packed everything up. Time to move to another part of the city. She’d been here too long. As she moved through the alleys, the hustle and bustle of the city surrounded her.
She wandered from abandoned building to abandoned building until she found one that met her needs. It didn’t even have a door, so if people gave chase, they probably wouldn’t take much time to look in here. After all, who would want to hide in a building with no door?
Going from room to room, it looked as if the house had been abandoned long ago. There were both rats and cats in it. She shuddered. She walked up the rickety steps. Opening a door, she found an RR.
On a whim, she walked over to the toilet. It flushed. Water? She turned on the faucet. More water. Amazing. She could actually clean up for a change. She wandered down the hall.
Three bedrooms.
What happened to the people who’d lived here? Had it been a happy home? She opened the doors of the bedrooms. In the last room, she found a bed. She walked over. It was dirty with holes where the stuffing was escaping.
She sat down.
But it was a bed—a real bed.
Overwhelmed, she fell to her knees. “Thank you, God, for the food and this place. With water. And a bed.”
Happy tears slid down her cheeks.
28
Magdalena woke up early and rushed to the Davis residence. Between her and Sandra, they’d already scrubbed everything they could find to get ready for baby and mother. But they decided to make a special homecoming breakfast for the family.
She walked into the kitchen. “Morning, Sandra. What would you like me to do?” Their relationship had turned into mutual respect and friendship as they both served the Davis family.
“You can crack those eggs and then whisk them while I get the other parts of the breakfast casserole ready. Mr. Davis and Renata have gone to the hospital to pick up Katya and the baby. He’s picking up Roman on the way.”
Hearing Roman’s name reminded her of Weldon. It was painful and yet she wouldn’t trade those last few moments with him for anything. She really did hope he would find someone to love someday. He deserved to be happy.
The two of them worked together quietly. Sandra broke the silence. “I have to say you are nothing like what I thought you’d be when you first came. You’re always helpful and never expect anything in return. You don’t seem angry at all.”
“I’m so grateful to be away from the factory, even for a little while.”
“Aren’t you angry that you have to go back?”
“Not really. It is what it is. I’ve had some time to think about things while I’ve been here. I knew what I was doing would get me in trouble. I made my choices and now I have to face the consequences. And I won’t ruin my time here by worrying about when I have to go back.”
“I’m not sure I would have that attitude but it’s a good one to have.”
“Here’s the eggs.” She handed the whisked eggs to Sandra.
“They look perfect. I’m sorry you have to go back there. What did you do anyway? I can’t believe you did anything that bad.”
Another opportunity? But did she dare? Mr. Davis had told her not to talk to his wife or daughter about God. He hadn’t said anything about Sandra. She lowered her voice. “Do you really want to know?”
Sandra nodded.
I am a messenger, I have to take a chance. “They charged me with treason because I found God.”
Sandra’s mouth dropped open. “You…did?”
“I’d love to tell you about Him. If you want me to.”
Sandra looked around as if someone would pop out of the walls and arrest her. Who knew? They might. She shook her head. “Oh, I don’t think so. That’s probably not a good idea. But thanks.”
Magdalena wanted to tell Sandra how much God loved her. But something told her to not push it.
Sandra poured the egg mixture over the bread, sausage, and bacon, and then added cheese. “So, you didn’t do anything violent at all?”
“No. By the way, that looks awesome.”
Sandra opened the oven door and put the casserole in. “It’s easy to make good food when I have so many different things available.”
“True enough.”
Noises came from the other room.
“They’re here.” Sandra’s face brightened and she smiled.
“We’re home.” Mr. Davis’s voice boomed throughout the house. “Come see the baby.”
Both women hurried out.
Mrs. Davis smiled but it was obvious she was tired and in pain.
Magdalena walked over to her. “You should sit down.”
“I think that’s a good idea.” Mrs. Davis carefully lowered her body onto the sofa.
Renata jumped and giggled. “See my baby. See my baby.”
Roman rolled his eyes but smiled.
Magdalena laughed. “What’s his name?”
“Same as Daddy’s.”
“You’re calling him Daddy?”
The little girl giggled. “That’s silly.”
29
Magdalena left the family’s apartment after serving them breakfast. She savored the quiet, the safety, and the solitude of her room. It wouldn’t be long before she’d be back at the factory surrounded by people, her every moment controlled. She looked upward and whispered, “With Your help, God. I can do this. But I sure can’t do it without Your help. I know You won’t forsake me. I trust you.”
A soft knock interrupted her prayer. She cracked the door and peeked out.
“Can we talk?” Sandra asked.
“Of course. Come in.”
“Are you sure it’s all right?”
“It’s all right with me, if it’s all right with you.”
Sandra closed the door, moved closer, and whispered, “Do you think anyone’s listening?”
“I don’t think so. Mrs. Davis assured me that I have complete privacy here. Her house. Her rules. What do you want to talk about?”
Sandra took a deep breath. “I…uh…I want to know about…God.” Her hand went to her mouth. “I don’t think I’ve ever said that word out loud before.”
“It feels good, doesn’t it?”
She nodded. “It does.”
“Say it again.”
“God. I want to know about God.” This time her voice was strong without a shred of hesitancy. And more—there was joy.
“Sit down. I’ll tell you what I know. It’s not much but it’s made all the difference in my life. You didn’t seem interested earlier.”
“I’m interested, but I didn’t think it was safe to talk in there. Someone came into our building the other night. She was telling people that God loved us. And that Jesus sacrificed Himself so that we could live with God forever. In heaven. My husband and I wanted to know more, but they chased her off.”
Her? Could it be Gnat? Of course, it was Gnat.
“I can’t believe I’m getting a second chance to learn about God.”
“God is a God of second chances. Of that I’m sure.”
30
Gnat sneaked through the alleys as she headed toward her old apartment building. This was her life for now. And whatever happened if she was caught would be up to God.
Another backpack was by the back door. She waited and watched. After a time she deemed it safe—probably. She grabbed the backpack and circled back to her most recent hiding place. A note was inside.
They’ve put a bounty out on your head, dead or alive. You have to stop what you’re doing. Anyone is allowed to detain you by any means. A mutual friend says she might be able to help. You should get in touch with her. As soon as possible.
A mutual friend? He must mean Trisha. Gnat had always thought that Trisha might be more than she appeared to be. Gnat rummaged through the backpack. She opened a can of pears and savored each bite.
Should she contact Trisha? Or should she just keep on doing what she’d been doing until she got caught or killed? “God, You have to tell me what to do. I don’t know what the right thing is, but I want to do what You want me to do.”
Even though it was the middle of the afternoon Gnat laid down on the bed. With her stomach full, she closed her eyes. She quieted her mind focusing only on God. “God, I need an answer. Should I keep doing what I’ve been doing or should I contact Trisha? Either way, I trust You and I love You.”
Her breathing evened out as she fell asleep. She dreamed she was sitting at Mercy Life Center with Magdalena. The two of them were eating lunch. Magdalena looked at Gnat. “I don’t understand why more of my patients—our patients don’t take the S-pill. They’re in so much pain and they suffer so. I don’t understand why they don’t end their suffering.”
Gnat picked up her cookie but looked at Magdalena. “Because life is precious. Every life counts. We shouldn’t give it up without a fight.”
She jerked awake.
It was only a dream, but she had her answer.
Life was precious.
~*~
Weldon sat at his desk filling out forms. The Guardians loved their forms. There was a knock on his door. “Yes.”
The door opened. His secretary peeked her head in. “You have a visitor, Mr. Franks.”
“Who is it?”
“A parent.”
That was unusual. “Show them in.”
The door opened wider.
Katya Davis walked in. “Good morning, Mr. Franks.”
He stood up. “Mrs. Davis. How nice to see you.”
“I hope it’s all right that I came without an appointment.”
“Of course. It’s fine. If you don’t mind me saying so, it seems as if there’s been an addition to your family.”
She touched her stomach and smiled. “Yes, the baby’s healthy as can be. Thanks to my wonderful caregiver. She’s quite an amazing person.”
His pulse jumped at the thought of Magdalena. “I’m so happy for you and your family. How can I help you?”
“I came to see how things are proceeding with Roman’s piano lessons. I know I could have called but it’s such a beautiful day and I haven’t been outside in a long time, so I thought I’d pop in. My caregiver is taking care of the baby today so I can run a few errands.”
“I’m so glad you did. His teacher is quite pleased with his progress. I listened to him yesterday during his lesson. I was extremely impressed with his talent. He’s quite remarkable.”
“That’s great.” She handed him a sheet of paper. “We bought a piano so he can practice at home when he’s there.”
“That’s a wonderful idea.” Weldon looked down at the note. I HAVE A MESSAGE FOR YOU. He looked back at Mrs. Davis. “Would you like to see Roman since you’re here?” He nodded for her to say yes.
“That would be wonderful.”
“I believe he’s outside for physical training. I’ll take you to him.”
They walked outside. Once they were several feet from the building, Weldon said. “You can talk freely now.”
“Are you sure it’s safe?’
“I think so. I know they listen to what’s happening inside the building but as far as I can tell they don’t listen out here.”
They kept walking.
“I wanted you to know that Magdalena is no longer with us.”
He stopped walking. His heart broke. Magdalena…dead. “What happened?”
“There was no reason for her to continue to work for us after I had my baby. But my husband’s arranged for her to go to the farms.”
Alive. Relief flooded through him. “You mean she’s alive?”
She touched his arm. “Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to give you the impression that she wasn’t.”
“I misunderstood.”
“Do you know what the farms are?”
He nodded. “I’m familiar with them. Some of our students who have a special propensity for growing things or with animals are encouraged to go there as their service assignment. Or those who prefer physical labor to mental labor.”
“I didn’t know that. According to James, it’s not nearly as horrible as the factory. She should be fine.”
“Is she there now?”
“No. She’ll be leaving in two days. Apparently transport only goes there once a week. She’ll leave then. I came…I thought you might have a message for her before she leaves.”
“That’s kind of you, Mrs. Davis, but I don’t really have anything to say to her.” Even though Katya Davis seemed sincere, it could still be some sort of test from The Guardians. “We didn’t know each other that well. But I’m happy to hear she’ll be at the farms. I think she’ll do well there. Thank you for sharing that information with me.”
“I really like Magdalena. I don’t get involved with my husband’s business in any way, but it’s hard for me to believe she’s a criminal of any sort.”
“It shocked me as well. I never saw any evidence that she was anything but a loyal citizen when I would interact with her.” He pointed at a group of boys. “I think you’ll find Roman over there. Even though he’s studious and enjoys the piano, he still has lots of friends and enjoys being outside as well.”
“That’s good to hear.”
“Take as much time with him as you’d like.”
“Thank you, Mr. Franks.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Davis.”
Weldon walked across the field. Magdalena would be safe at the farms. That was such a relief. God was taking care of her. As part of his training for director of the Life Training Center, he’d visited the farms to help place the people who preferred physical labor after their life training was over. He’d been there once, why not again?
At the end of the work day, Weldon walked through the lobby of his apartment building. He rarely socialized these days. Now that Gnat was gone, he spent most of his time at the Life Training Center or his living space alone.
He’d been granted a single living space, five extra restaurant meals each week, and several other benefits. Some people are more equal than others, as Gnat often said.
A man walked up to him. “Hey, Weldon. Seen Gnat lately? I could sure use that reward.”
“So could I, and no I haven’t seen her. But if I do, I plan on being the one to get the reward.”
“Really? I thought you two were friends.”
“If she’s an enemy of The Guardians, she’s my enemy as well.”
“Wow. That’s a little harsh.”
“I’m a loyal citizen, Anyone who’s done what she’s done, needs to be stopped. See you later.” Weldon walked to the elevator.
The man followed. “I know of a sex party happening tonight. Want to go with me?”
“No thanks.”
“Why not?”
“I have work to do.” He held up a briefcase. “Being director, I always have more paperwork.”
“You know what they say about all work and no fun.”
“I also know what The Guardians think when I don’t get my work done on time.”
The man laughed. “I hear you.”
The elevator door opened, and Weldon stepped in.
Being alone suited him just fine. He had no desire to socialize with anyone these days.
Would Gnat contact Trisha? She was stubborn and determined to be God’s messenger.
His door buzzed.
He opened the door.
Trisha smiled at him.
“Come on in. I was just thinking about cooking something.” Weldon smiled back. “Want to eat dinner with me?”
“Sure.”
As he moved around the kitchen, he handed her a notebook and a pen and mouthed, ‘Don’t talk about it.’
