Uncitizen, page 8
“I agree. I’m just telling you what my supervisor told me.”
“Why did she tell you?”
Trisha shrugged. “I couldn’t stand it any longer, so I started looking for her on my computer.”
“Wasn’t that dangerous?”
“I suppose, but I’ve never done anything like that before. And I felt it was a good enough reason.”
“Did you get in trouble?”
She shook her head. “My supervisor likes me. I guess.”
Weldon set down the cards. He looked as if he might be sick. “Death might be preferable to whatever she’s experiencing in prison.”
“Don’t say that.” Gnat looked distressed. “Pick up the cards, Weldon. And smile.”
Weldon dealt out the cards. “I wonder why they wouldn’t sentence her to death.”
Trisha picked up the cards, her voice barely above a whisper, “I think I might know. Forced labor. They want to squeeze every bit of work out of her that they can. Not just her, but lots of people who’ve disappeared.”
Weldon looked at her. “You think that’s what is happening to all the people who are disappearing?”
She shrugged. “It’s a possibility, but I don’t know anything for sure.”
A tear trickled down Gnat’s cheek. “Do you think we’ll ever see her again?”
Trisha touched her arm. “I’m sorry, Gnat. But you have to be realistic.”
Gnat took a deep breath. “Thanks for telling me. Us. It hurts but at least we know they didn’t kill her. Yet. I’ll tell you what— ”
Weldon touched Gnat’s arm. “Don’t.”
Gnat shook his hand away. “I’m tired of this game. We’re the ones she’s protecting.”
“Then you really are the agitators? I…I’m sort of speechless.”
Gnat shook her head vehemently.
“We’re no such thing, Trisha. You don’t understand at all,” Weldon said. “We’re loyal citizens.”
“Then why did she need to protect you?”
Weldon tapped the cards. “Keep playing, Gnat.”
Gnat picked a card off the pile. “We’re not agitators. She needs to know that we’re loyal citizens.”
Weldon shook his head. “She doesn’t need to know anything. We can’t trust her. She might have been the one to turn Magdalena in.”
Trisha watched the exchange. Whatever was going on between them didn’t have anything to do with romance. “I did no such thing. She was my friend too.”
“She told us about…about our friend.” Gnat insisted. “She didn’t have to do that. I trust her.”
The card game was forgotten.
Weldon stood up.
Trisha reached out and touched his arm. “She’s right, Weldon. You can trust me. Please sit back down.”
He looked at Gnat and then at her. Finally, he sat back down and nodded.
Gnat took a deep breath. “Magdalena told us that…” She mouthed the word ‘God’, and then continued, “is real.”
“And that’s why she was arrested?”
Weldon nodded. “We assume that’s the reason.”
“And not because she was involved with agitators?”
Gnat continued, “Magda—our friend had an experience. It gave her insight into some…spiritual matters.” Gnat mouthed the word ‘God’ once again.
“But I don’t understand why she would need to protect you. They can’t stop you from thinking what you want.”
“It wasn’t about thinking. We took her to a meeting of like-minded people. People searching for…”
Trisha was shocked. “You have meetings? About…that?”
Weldon nodded. “They wanted her to entrap us. So they could arrest all of us.”
“But she wouldn’t.” Gnat wiped away tears. “She wouldn’t do that. Instead, she told us everything she knew about…that. Then she let them arrest her again.”
Weldon picked up a card. “She sacrificed herself for our safety.”
“I thought this was about politics.”
Weldon looked her in the eye. “Not in the least. We’re loyal citizens.”
This was about politics. Anything to do with God was illegal. They’d never be safe to explore spiritual matters until the system changed. Trisha lowered her voice, barely above a whisper. “How can you be loyal to a system that refuses you the right to talk about…that sort of thing?”
“What are you saying?” Weldon met her gaze. “It sounds as if you might be the one they were looking for.”
“I have friends that might like to meet you and your friends. That’s all I’ll say at this point.”
Gnat caught Weldon’s eye. He shook his head. Gnat looked at her. “We’re not interested. But if you’re interested in spiritual matters we can tell you more about it. We’d love to share that message with you.”
Trisha thought about it. She was curious but she couldn’t let it interfere with other things. “I don’t think so.”
“Are you sure?” Gnat whispered. “Our friend told us that you-know-who sent her a messenger. And then she was the messenger. And now that she’s gone that makes us the messengers.”
“Messengers of what?”
“To spread the word that it’s real. That it’s not a myth.” Gnat looked at Weldon. “And that’s exactly what we’re doing.”
Trisha looked at them. “The signs?”
Gnat shrugged.
“That’s extremely dangerous, Gnat. They aren’t happy with you. And I don’t know anything for sure, but I’d guess they’re trying to find you.”
“I don’t care. Just the way our friend didn’t care. She told us what we needed to know. And now I’m doing the same. People need to know the truth.”
“The Guardians won’t tolerate it for long.”
“By the time they catch me, there will be other messengers out there spreading the word. It will keep growing. The spark will turn into an ember and then the ember will grow into a bonfire.” She laid down her cards. “Gin!”
17
Magdalena walked back into her private space carrying a small tray. She set the tray down at the desk in the room, stared at the sandwich and glass of water, and then the room.
Tears leaked out—tears of joy.
This…all of it…was so amazing.
Who would have thought a simple sandwich could bring her to tears? After her time in prison, Magdalena appreciated it more than she could ever have imagined. And the clean, refreshing water tasted amazing. She’d eaten more today than she’d eaten for weeks—and all of it so tasty. Not like the globs that passed for food.
Never in a million years would she have thought anything this wonderful could happen. Even if it was only for a little while. She didn’t have to worry about what bad thing would happen next.
In spite of her pleasure at being away from that awful prison, she was exhausted. It had been a long day, but Katya Davis’s condition had steadily improved. The spotting had stopped so that was a good sign. Every day that she didn’t go into labor was one more day for the baby to grow strong and healthy before coming into this world.
Magdalena picked up her sandwich and moved toward the bed. Someone had put some clothes on it. She picked one up. Not prison outfits but more like the scrubs from her time at Mercy Life Center. One was a soft yellow. Another was pink, and a third was blue. All of them were so pretty.
She rubbed one of them against her cheek. And so soft. There was also a stack of underwear, bras, and socks. Someone had thought of everything. Manager Davis? It didn’t seem as though that was something he’d do but who else could it have been?
She would wear one set of scrubs as pajamas. That way if there was an emergency during the night, she wouldn’t have to waste time getting dressed. Magdalena sat down on the bed—her bed—at least for now. She would enjoy it. She picked up her clothes and walked over to a built-in dresser. There was a small closet as well, but she would have no need for that.
She opened the other door in the room. Her own RR facilities. More tears. No more worries that Franny would kill her.
She decided to take a shower before eating her sandwich. In a few minutes she stepped out of the shower and stared at the little mirror in the RR. Her hair was starting to grow out from the haircut she’d been given on that first day. Blonde curls were beginning to sprout once again. That made her smile.
This whole day was bizarre. One moment Franny was walking toward her with a knife, and the next she was running to the Manager’s residence with a guard. And now she was working for them. And had all this. A private room. A private RR and real food. Clean water. Clean clothes.
How had this happened?
God. Realization poured over her. God had chosen to save her and give her this amazing gift. This was all God. The messenger told her that God would not forsake her, and He hadn’t. If she hadn’t completely believed it before, she did now.
God was real. He wasn’t a myth. Jesus loved her and had the power to save her. All that Mary told her was true. She took a deep breath. Jesus, are You here? With me? Are You real? Something had happened. She was different. She couldn’t explain it—only that she felt different.
She’d experienced many miraculous things.. She hadn’t been killed. Renata hadn’t died. And the Davis baby hadn’t died. And now here she sat in her own private space—safe from Franny.
And all these things could only be explained in one way—God. Thank You, God, for all of this.
She believed. She had hope. She could trust God because He loved her. She wanted to honor God with the same kind of faith Mary had that allowed her to tell Magdalena the truth about God—even in the face of death.
Mary hadn’t cared if Supervisor Garner heard. All she’d cared about was Magdalena learning the truth about God. In that moment, all Magdalena’s bitterness at how Mary had ruined her life disappeared. Mary had given her a new life—with God. It may not be exactly what she’d have chosen, but knowing God was a wonderful thing.
She only wished she knew more. About God. About Jesus. Now, she understood why the New Testament was so important to Mary. Her mind replayed the moment she’d hid the book instead of setting it on fire. She was so glad she hadn’t destroyed the New Testament. Maybe someone would find it one day so they could learn about God, too.
She sighed and picked up her sandwich. Her mind flashed back to Mary picking up the bread and thanking God. Could Magdalena talk to Him?
She held the bread up. “Thank You, Jesus. I don’t know very much but Mary told me that You love me. I guess that’s all I need to know. Thank You for saving me today, not just from Franny, but so I can go to heaven. Thank You for putting me in this place even if it’s only for a little while. And thank You for this wonderful food. Amen.”
18
When Magdalena woke up the next morning, she was sure that yesterday had all been a dream. When she opened her eyes, she was in her own little room dressed in pretty yellow scrubs. Tears filled her eyes once again. “Thank You, Jesus.” She jumped up and ran to the RR. She wanted to be ready whenever Mrs. Davis buzzed her. After a quick shower, she put on the blue scrubs and then sat on the bed and waited.
Buzz.
She ran to open the door.
Mr. Davis was walking by, but he stopped. “Good morning, Magdalena.”
“Good morning, Mr. Davis.”
“Did the clothes fit?”
“Perfectly. Thank you.”
“Keep an eye on Mrs. Davis. She’ll want to get up and do stuff that she has no business doing.”
“I’ll do everything I can to keep her and the baby healthy, Mr. Davis. I promise.”
“Hold out your hands.”
She did as she was told.
A moment later he unlocked her punishers. “Put this in your room for now. Mrs. Davis doesn’t like looking at them.”
“Thank you very much.”
“Don’t make me regret it.” He looked at her for a moment, nodded, and then continued down the hall.
Magdalena went the opposite direction and knocked at their door.
“It’s not locked.”
Mrs. Davis was on the sofa wearing a beautiful pair of purple silk pajamas and a robe.
Renata ran up to Magdalena waving a piece of paper. “I made this for you.”
A rainbow. Magdalena knelt down. “This is just beautiful, Renata. It will look wonderful in my room. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.” Renata ran back to her pile of paper and crayons.
Magdalena moved to Mrs. Davis and lowered her voice. “Are you bleeding?”
“No.”
“Not even a little?” Magdalena asked. “I need to know.”
“Not a speck. James told me that he got you some clothes. I see they fit.”
“They do.” Magdalena touched her powder blue scrubs. “They’re so pretty. I…I…thank you so much.”
“The laundry room is down the hall. I’ll have Sandra show you later when she gets here. Feel free to use it whenever you need. And I see those horrible black things are gone. I told James we could trust you to not try to run away. Am I right about that?”
“You are. I won’t break your trust.”
“Good. The same goes for food. Help yourself to anything in the kitchen. At any time.”
“You’re so kind, Mrs. Davis.”
“Katya.”
“That’s kind as well, but I’ll just keep calling you Mrs. Davis so Mr. Davis knows how much I respect you and him.”
“As you wish.”
“Sandra’s not here?”
“Not yet. She comes at nine.”
“I’ll make you some tea. Would you like something to eat?”
“James made me some eggs and toast. The tea will be fine. But you don’t have to wait on me. I’m perfectly capable of taking care of myself.”
Magdalena shook her head. “I know you think that but it’s not true. You need to stay off your feet as much as possible. And since you have me and Sandra and your husband that means you don’t have to get up at all.”
“I don’t like it.”
“Maybe not, but that’s my job so let me do it.” Magdalena went to the kitchen. She put water on the stove to heat up for the tea. Then she stared at the refrigerator. Did she dare open it? It didn’t feel right. But gazing inside, the array of food boggled her mind. Not only milk and eggs, but other foods that Magdalena had rarely seen. Cheese. And more chocolate cake. She opened the freezer. Ice cream.
The door opened behind her. “What are you doing in there?”
She jumped, feeling guilty. “Just looking, Sandra. There are so many different things.”
“That there is.” Sandra pointed at the teapot. “What’s that for?”
“Making tea for Mrs. Davis. And then I need to eat something. If that’s all right.”
“How about some eggs?”
“Oh, I don’t expect you to make them. I can do it myself.”
“It’s not a problem. Katya explained what you did for Renata yesterday. I’ll be glad to make you some eggs.”
“That would be wonderful.”
“With bacon?” Sandra asked.
“Bacon. Really?”
19
Every day was a victory for the yet-to-be-born Davis baby—and for Magdalena. Her new surroundings never failed to bring a smile to her face. Each moment of each day brought appreciation for the simple things that she’d once taken for granted.
Gnat was right when she said some people were a little more equal than others in NewAm. The luxury that Manager Davis and his family lived in was unknown to her.
A part of her wanted to be angry, but she refused to dwell on it. Instead she thanked Jesus for these wonderful days. It was becoming her habit to talk with Him in her room every morning and evening. The conversations brought comfort. Mary had called Jesus her Savior. Magdalena hadn’t understood but she did now.
Buzz.
Time to start her day. She left her room and knocked on the door.
“Come in,” Sandra’s voice was lightly raised.
“Is everything OK?” Magdalena asked. “Where’s Mrs. Davis? Why are you here so early?”
“She’s fine. Just getting a little extra rest today. Today is a big day.”
“Oh.”
“That’s why I’m here early. If you don’t mind, I’ll need your help today.”
“Of course, but what’s so special about today?”
“It’s Roman’s birthday and he’s coming home for the weekend.”
“Who’s Roman?”
“He’s Mr. and Mrs. Davis’s son.”
“They have a son?”
“I guess you haven’t met him yet. He attends the Life Training Center, but he comes home periodically. This is one of those times. Since it’s his birthday, I’m cooking his favorite dishes and a cake.”
“He gets to come home? But I thought—”
Sandra held up a hand and lowered her voice. “Don’t finish that sentence. Don’t even think it. It’s not our place to question The Guardians or how they live. Just be thankful you’re not in that horrible prison right now.”
Magdalena nodded. “Of course, you’re absolutely right. I was just surprised.”
But she couldn’t stop her thoughts. The rules were clear. Parents raised their children to the age of seven. Then they left home and attended a Life Training Center for the next ten years. That was the end of their contact with their birth family until they completed Life Training. After that, they were free to reconnect with their family. Some people did, but most didn’t. They had become used to being independent and friends were more important than family.
So the Rules didn’t apply to everyone. It was something else to think about.
And she was an Uncitizen. She had no rights. “What do you want me to do?”
“Do you know how to bake?”
“I used to make cookies for my patients.”
Sandra handed her a recipe card. “Good. I’ll trust you to make the cake while I do a few other things.”
As Magdalena gathered the needed ingredients, her mind was a whirl. She thought of Weldon and Gnat, and her former life. The Rules for them made her sad—and angry. She really wanted go to bed and have a good cry. But God wanted her to love others, so she tried to focus on the present.
