Uncitizen, page 14
Adrianna must have had the same thought because a moment later, she said, “Let’s get away from here. We don’t want them to see us. Can you walk, Trisha?”
“Sure thing.”
“If we keep moving, it will warm us up.” Weldon stood up. “I think we should keep the rope on for now. It’s so dark, we could end up losing track of each other.”
“Good idea,” Adrianna said. “And no flashlight either. We don’t want them seeing our light.”
“That’s for sure.” Trisha stood up. “I…I can’t believe I’m standing in the Old City and then on to the Empty Lands. I wonder if it will be as bad as we were taught.”
“Worse.” Adrianna said in a quiet voice. “But God is with us so…there’s that.”
“I don’t believe in God.”
“That’s OK, girlfriend, He believes in you.”
They walked up the bank. The moonlight allowed them to dodge obstacles. Old cars lined the sides of the pitted street they were moving on.
“I’ve never seen this many cars in one spot before.” Weldon looked around.
“And sadly, none of them work.” Adrianna pointed out.
“It’s a shame. It would have made our trip a lot quicker.”
“We shouldn’t go too far from the river.” Adrianna reminded them. “Just far enough inland that the watchers can’t see us.”
“I guess if we can’t see them, they can’t see us, right?”
“Makes sense to me.”
The three of them headed south through the abandoned city. Every now and then, something would scurry around. Rats? Or worse?
“This is spooky,” Trisha said, her voice trembling.
“It will be better when it gets light,” Adrianna replied.
“And warmer, I hope. I’m still cold.”
“Me, too.”
The sky began to lighten.
Weldon stopped and looked behind him. “We can take the rope off now that we can see.”
He untied his section and then handed it to Trisha, who did the same.
Adrianna stuffed the rope into her backpack.
“We did it. Our first morning of freedom.” Weldon took a deep, cleansing breath.
“With many more to come.” Trisha added.
“Let’s thank God for bringing us out safely.” Adrianna suggested.
Weldon took her hand and held a hand out toward Trisha. He was surprised when she took it. He prayed in a loud voice. “Dear God. Here we are. Thank You for watching over us and keeping us safe. Please watch over the others on the bus. Keep them safe. We don’t know what will happen, but we know You will never forsake us. Amen.”
“Amen.” Adriana smiled. Tears trickled down her cheeks. Her voice rang out clear and loud, “Thank you, Jesus. Jesus. Jesus.”
Weldon grinned. “Jesus.” A little louder. “Jesus.”
Adrianna grabbed his hands, and began dancing and shouting the name of Jesus.
Trisha stood there watching but laughing. “Both of you have lost your minds.”
Weldon laughed. “Maybe so, but it’s amazing. We can say the name of God without being afraid.”
Trisha smiled. “And you know what I call that?’
“Freedom.” Weldon was joyous.
37
“Enough silliness.” Trisha didn’t understand their obsession with this mythical God. “We need to get moving. It’s a long way to the rendezvous point. Especially since we have to walk.”
“Yeah, too bad about the cars.” Adrianna touched one as they passed it.
“Jesus is not silliness, but you’re right, boss.” Weldon grinned. “Time to get moving. And stop thinking about the cars, Adrianna. They don’t work.”
“I know, but it would sure be nice if they did.”
“Maybe when we get to where we’re going, Marcus and I might be able to rig up some sort of vehicle to travel in.”
“That’s something to look forward to,” Trisha said. “By the way, where exactly are we going?”
Weldon shrugged. “I have no idea. I guess we’ll know when we get there.”
“That’s what I love…a clear-cut plan.” Adrianna laughed.
Grass and weeds had taken over the streets and sidewalks of the Old City. Near some of the houses were abandoned belongings, couches, TVs, even a refrigerator. Other things were so damaged it was hard to tell what they might originally have been.
“Oh, my! Look. What are they?” Trisha whispered as she pointed.
“They’re some sort of deer.” Adrianna kept her voice low. “Not sure what kind.”
The herd grazed, watching them, but didn’t run away.
Weldon whispered, “I’ve never been this close to a wild animal before. Except at the zoo. And that doesn’t count.”
“If there were people around, they’d probably be more afraid of us,” Trisha said.
“Too bad we don’t have time to catch one.” Adrianna grinned at Weldon. “They make good eating from what I’ve heard.”
“Eat those beautiful animals? That would be a travesty.” Trisha was horrified.
“You won’t be saying that later,” Adrianna said. “That peanut butter and bread won’t last long.”
“That’s disgusting.” Trisha squeaked, louder than she intended.
The deer turned to them in unison. A moment later they sprang to life, and then they were gone.
“Maybe so, Trisha, but that’s reality.”
“I’m sure you’re right.” Trisha grinned. “But I won’t think about such things right now. Are we’re going in the right direction?”
“There’s the river. According to Marcus, as long as we keep the river in sight, we’re good. It will lead us past the southern part of the city. When the river turns eastward, there should be woods south of us. And that’s the rendezvous spot.”
“I’m sure glad Marcus decided to help us. I don’t think we would have gotten very far without him.” Weldon paused. “Or without you, Adrianna. You’ve been invaluable to us.”
“Oh, my. You say the nicest things. Maybe we should find a place to rest for a few hours. We walked all night and we can’t walk all day without getting a little sleep. Besides, we’re making good time.”
“Sounds good to me.” Weldon agreed. “Inside or out?”
“I’ll feel a little safer inside than out.” Trisha admitted. “But I’ll leave it up Adrianna.”
Adrianna stopped and looked around at their choices. She pointed at an old house. “Let’s go check out that building.”
They moved toward a rickety house.
Weldon used his foot to make sure the steps would hold them. He walked inside. “Hello. Hello.”
No response.
Each of them settled by a wall to sleep against.
Trisha was sure she wouldn’t sleep. She didn’t want to admit it, but she was terrified of everything. Maybe this wasn’t such a good idea. She wasn’t…cut….out…for…
Someone shook her.
Trisha opened her eyes.
Adrianna stood above her. “Time to get moving.”
Trisha nodded, groggy and confused. Her gaze fell on her bandaged-up wrist. What was happening back in the city? Did anyone know they’d left? Were The Guardians looking for them?
She sat up and pulled bread and peanut butter out of her backpack.
After each of them had a sandwich, they walked out of the house. The sun was out.
The warmth was wonderful.
Adrianna pulled out her water bottle. After several sips, she asked Trisha, “Would you like us to tell you about Jesus?”
“Do I have a choice?”
“Of course. The way I understand it God always gives us a choice.”
“Gnat and Weldon told me enough. It’s not—"
Adrianna held up a hand. “Did you hear that?”
Weldon looked at her. “Hear what?”
Adrianna shrugged. “I’m not sure. I thought I heard something. I’m probably just being paranoid.”
They started walking again.
Weldon stopped. “I heard it that time. I think it’s coming from—”
A boy walked out from behind a house.
Trisha smiled. “Hi. Are you OK?”
He nodded. “What are you doing here? This is my area.”
“We’re just moving through. We didn’t mean to disturb you. We won’t hurt you.” Weldon assured the boy.
“What’s on your back?”
“Our supplies.”
“Food?”
“Are you hungry?”
“No. Just want to know what’s in them. Any weapons?”
“If you’re—”
“Go away. This is my area. You shouldn’t be here.”
Weldon touched Trisha’s arm. “No problem. We’re leaving right now. We didn’t mean to bother you.”
“Just go. Just go.”
“Let’s go, ladies,” Weldon whispered to them. “Walk in front of me. I’ll make sure he’s not following us.”
Trisha tugged Adrianna’s arm. “We’re going.”
“Just go.”
“We are.” Weldon assured him. “We’re not staying here. Nothing for you to worry about. We don’t want to hurt you.”
They walked another block and another. Weldon moved up beside them. “It’s OK now. He didn’t follow us.”
“He was a little scary.” Trisha shuddered.
“He was so young. He probably needed our help,” Adrianna said. “Why would he be out here alone?”
“Let’s keep walking.” Weldon urged. “He probably could use some help, but he made it clear he didn’t want it from us. So nothing we could do about it.”
“Still, I feel bad.”
“Yeah, me—”
“Just go. Just go. Just go.”
Trisha turned toward the voice.
The boy was running toward them with a knife.
Weldon stepped in front of Trisha and held up his hands. “Stop. Stop. We won’t hurt you.”
But the boy charged at Weldon.
“My area. My area.” The boy finally stopped moving. He was only a foot or so from Weldon. “Just go. Just go. Now. This is my area. Go.”
“We’re go—”
Without warning, the boy jumped at him. They both fell to the ground. Weldon grabbed at the knife and twisted, despite it slicing his hand. The boy dropped the knife as he yowled and grabbed his wrist.
“Oh, no. Stop it. Stop it,” Trisha screamed. “We won’t hurt you.”
The two fighters rolled away from her.
Mustering up his strength, Weldon pushed the boy off, but the kid grabbed the knife and jumped right back on him. He straddled Weldon and lifted the knife.
“Stop or I’ll shoot.” Adrianna’s voice was steady. She had a T-gun pointed at the boy. “Just go. This is my area. Just go. Just go.”
“Get off of him or I’ll shoot you.” Adrianna’s tone was steel.
The knife hovered above Weldon’s chest. And then the boy slashed downward.
The laser light shot out of the T-gun and hit the boy square in the chest. His eyes widened and he crumpled onto Weldon’s unmoving body.
Adrianna ran toward Weldon as tears streamed down her cheeks. “I had to do it. I had to do it.” She fell to her knees. “I had to do it.”
“Of course, you had to. You didn’t have a choice.” Trisha helped her roll the boy off Weldon.
The knife was buried in his chest.
38
Gnat had managed to squeeze in behind a dumpster. Being small had its rewards. Every nerve in her body buzzed.
Everything was happening so fast. Her mind was having a hard time catching up with reality. Weldon and the others should be at the rendezvous point and she hoped they’d hide out until it was safe.
And then…to the Empty Lands.
What would it be like? How would they survive? She closed her eyes. I trust You, God. I know You’ll take care of us.
A shadow moved up to the door of the building. A worker coming in early for some reason? The shadow looked around, and then walked into the building. A moment later the outside area was flooded with light.
Marcus stood in the doorway.
She ran into the building. Marcus quickly locked the door behind them. “Glad to see you made it. We don’t have much time before other people start coming in, so we need to hurry.”
“Did the others get off all right?”
“I guess. Adrianna refused to let me go with them. The last I saw her was when she kissed me good-bye in our room.”
“I’m sure they’re fine, Marcus. Did you take out your LifeChip?”
“It’s in my pocket. I’ll leave it in the bus when I get out.”
“What about Magdalena? Will she have a tracker of some sort? If so, we’ll have to get rid of it right away.”
“Prisoners have external trackers. He held up a screwdriver. “We’ll be able to get it off with this. But you’re right, we’ll need to do that quickly.”
“Too bad there’s not a way to do it before she gets off the bus.”
“Maybe God will give me an opportunity for that to happen. I’ll keep my eyes open.” He led her to the bus and then opened the luggage compartment. “Let’s see if you fit in there.”
Gnat climbed in and sat down cross-legged. “Perfect.”
He pointed at a stack of newspapers. “There’s paper and a lighter. Also a screwdriver to puncture the fuel tank. Think you can do this?”
“With God all things are possible.”
He took a deep breath. “Then let’s pray that He thinks this is the right thing to do.”
“Amen.”
“Ok, to the back of the bus. I want to make sure you can open it. And then under the bus so you know what the fuel tank looks like.” He spent a few minutes showing her what to do. “OK, time to make yourself comfortable. Let’s just hope Magdalena remembers me. I only met her once.”
“True, but you’re so good-looking, you’re hard to forget.”
He laughed. “If you say so.”
39
Katya Davis sat in a rocking chair with her baby as she wiped at tears. “I’ve tried to convince James that you should stay with us, but he says you have to leave. He doesn’t have a choice.”
“It’s OK. I knew this day would come. I can’t tell you how wonderful this time has been here with you and your family. I will never forget how kind you’ve been. Thank you so much. And please don’t feel bad or be mad at Mr. Davis. It’s not his fault.”
“See, this is what I mean. You are so sweet and kind. You don’t deserve to be in prison.”
“I was found guilty. That’s not his fault.”
“I know but I usually get my way.” She placed the baby on her shoulder and patted his back lightly.
“Your house, your rules.”
“Exactly.” A loud burp.
Both women smiled.
“I didn’t exactly get my way this time, but I do have some good news.”
Good news? That didn’t seem possible. She was on her way back to the factory and to Franny. “Really?”
Mr. Davis walked in. “It’s time to go, Magdalena.”
She stood up. During the weeks she’d been here, she’d received several more sets of clothes—all in different colors. “I don’t have the right clothes to wear. I didn’t have anything on when I came here.”
Kataya smiled at the memory. “You were wearing only a towel.”
Mr. Davis reached out for the baby and hugged him close. “That’s OK. Where you’re going, you’ll be able to keep your clothes.”
“I will? I don’t understand.”
Katya looked at her husband. “I haven’t told her yet. I was just about to.”
He cradled the baby but looked at Magdalena. “I’m sorry. I don’t have the authority to keep you here with us permanently. But I do have the authority to send you somewhere else. And that’s what I’ll do.”
Some place without Franny? “Thank you.”
“Don’t thank me yet. You don’t know where you’re going. You might not thank me when you get there. It’ll be hard work. I’m sending you to the farms.”
“The farms?”
“The farms are where the food for the entire region is grown. It’s not a prison but it is a protected area. Some people do their service assignment on the farms, and many choose to stay permanently. It’s hard work, but there’s more…freedom. Prisoners who show good behavior can be sent there, too. It’s not nearly as regimented as the factories. And I’ve been told the living conditions are better, though I can’t guarantee that.”
Mrs. Davis looked at her. “I hope that it will be a better situation there for you. You deserve it.”
“I…I don’t know what to say. I’m so incredibly grateful to both of you.” She’d be safe from Franny and others like her. “Thank you, Mr. Davis.”
He sighed. “I’m sorry I can’t do better. You can say good-bye to Sandra if you want, and then pack your clothes. I’ll get you when it’s time.” He handed the baby back to his wife and walked out of the apartment.
Mrs. Davis grabbed Magdalena’s hand. “I already told Mr. Franks about it. He was happy to know that you’re going to a safer place.”
“Thank you for telling him.”
“I was happy to do it. So, there is more between the two of you than a simple acquaintance?”
“Not really. Only the ghost of what could have been. If we’d had more time together, it might have become something special.”
“I understand.” One more hug, and then Magdalena went to the kitchen. “Almost time for me to go, Sandra.”
“I heard about the farms. That’s good, isn’t it?”
“Very good.”
Sandra hugged her. “I’m glad I got to know you. And thank you for telling me about you know what. My husband and I are believers now. That wouldn’t have happened without you. We’ll be praying for you.”
Magdalena’s eyes filled with tears. One person at a time. That’s what she’d told Weldon. It was good to know that it worked even in NewAm. They might have their rules, but God couldn’t be confined nor defined by man’s law.
“I’m so happy for both of you.” Magdalena hugged her back and then hurried to her room. She was sad to leave, but her tears flowed in relief for not having to go back to the factory or to Franny.
