“Tatit, swartit, lyii, donktit, chee.” Daisy sat mumbling to herself as Ginger Mae started at the strange sounds.
“Are you okay, baby?” She swept her daughter’s thin hair back from her pallid face.
Daisy grinned wide, the now six-year-old savant patient with her mother’s curiosity. “I’m just learning, Mama. I need to know how to talk.”
Ginger Mae frowned. “That sounded like you were choking, not talking. Are you playing with me, you little silly?” Daisy sighed then started to gab a mile a minute about the wonders of intergalactic syntax and the limitations of the human throat. Ginger Mae’s eyes glazed over as Scotty slid by, giving Daisy a high five.
“How’s it going, peewee? You seen Kimir around?”
Ginger Mae answered for her daughter. “He left with one of the keepers. Elias, I think. Since he just sits here and glowers at Kane and Emma, I suggested he spend some time thinking of someone else. Kimir wanted to go see Tobi of course, so off they went. Why?”
“Abby wants Kimir to work in the library with Daisy. He needs to get an education. He might as well start now. He needs some structure instead of running around here like a wild boy.” Scotty laughed as he walked away. “He should be able to learn quite a bit in the next hundred years.”
Scotty finished his tour over by Peter’s table. Bonnie sat next to Peter, having returned from her trip with Netty to see the new survivors. They sat whispering up a storm about their plans for the lion cub that had stolen Peter’s heart. Watching Peter’s eyes light up and his expression so animated pleased him enormously. He was very fond of Peter and it hurt him to see the exile he’d imposed on himself. He didn’t know what had brought him out of his shell, but he’d bet Bonnie’s infectious joy for life had something to do with it. Jose’s adopted sister, the chubby little girl they’d all grown up with in Mama Diaz’s house was just a delight to be around.
As Scotty slid into a seat next to Bonnie and Peter, Bonnie’s eyes bugged out. Turning to investigate what she was looking at, Scotty watched Clyde walk into the kitchen with his arm wrapped around the man who’d been rescued with Clyde’s wife and granddaughter. The man limped and had a shit-eating grin on his face if Scotty ever saw one before. He was followed by Emma, Wil and Abby. Clyde helped him to a rocking chair and clapped him on the shoulder.
“This here, ladies and gentleman, is the savior of my wife and one of my grandbabies. Meet Seth.”
Clyde glanced over to Netty. “Can we please have some of our best grub for this remarkable man? He’s a hero.” Netty hurried to set him a place, filling it up with fruit pie, crusty green protein bread and tea.
Seth glanced back toward the kitchen door and whined up to Clyde. “You’re sure that tiger won’t come in here?” His eyes searched the room. “Anyone have a gun . . . just in case?”
Scotty spoke quietly and firmly. “Caesar is no threat to anyone.”
“Are you sure you can eat solid food, Seth? We do not want you to get sick on us.” Netty smiled sweetly as she served him and returned to the fire. Scotty watched as the man’s eyes feasted on Netty as she turned her back. I bet he’s never seen anything like us Elders before. Seth’s gaze rested on Chance and the dogs, then looked down at his pie.
“What kind of food you serving me? Sure looks good. What is it, pig or dog?” he asked with a knowing grin. His question was met with shocked silence.
Netty froze, her tone glacial. “We don’t eat our loved ones here . . . Seth . . . We protect them.” Surprise flickered in the man’s eyes as Scotty rose to join Chloe at the fireplace again.
“How many of you, exactly, are winged ones?” He turned back to Netty. “No offense ma’am. I’m not one to turn away food after so long, no matter what’s cooked in it.”
“Excuse me, Seth. I find your comments more than a little offensive. As soon as you finish eating, I think we need to get a few things clear regarding the Hive.” Scotty sat down again, picking up Echo and Barney to place them on his lap as Seth sputtered and choked on his tea.
“Hive? What the hell is that? What, you have some kind of commune going on here?”
Clyde tried to shush him, patting him on the arm. “Now, now, Seth. You just eat. The folks here are just sensitive about their animals, that’s all. You’ll understand after a while. You’ll get used to it. Let me just tell these fine folks what you did for my family while you taste Salina and Netty’s delicious grub.” Seth shut up and devoted himself to eating, while Clyde waxed on about the heroics of Seth and the herculean efforts he’d made on behalf of Lorna and the grandchildren. Tears came back as he continued between sobs.
“This man deserves all the help we can give him . . . he even tried to fend off the villains that came in the night to kidnap my Suzy.” Salina rushed to his side as he broke down. He held up his hand to her, warning her to come no closer.
“I can never repay the debt I owe Seth. Thanks be to the Womb for beginning to give him back his ear that was damaged when he heroically defended my family from the hordes that attacked them. It is to this man that I owe everything. And I promise I will spend the rest of my life making it up to him.” He looked down at Seth stuffing his face with Netty’s goodies. “If he’ll allow me.” Seth swallowed as Clyde enveloped him in a big bear hug again.
“Seth, I want you to bunk in with me so I can show you the ropes around here. Break you in, so to speak.” Clyde stood tall with his hands on his hips as if Seth would be prostrate with gratefulness.
“Well now, big guy, why don’t we keep things the way they are for now? I’m still feeling a bit weak. And I’m just not ready to turn my back on Lorna and Jen. They’ve been like my family for so long now.” His eyes lids fell slowly then rose, fluttering with brave innocence. “I don’t think I could bear to part from them until they can join me in good health.”
Wil raised his voice to pipe in on the conversation. “I must say, I don’t know when that might happen. Jennifer’s recovery is going well, even though she has not awakened. But Lorna will be touch and go. There was some other damage.” Wil looked at Clyde with his shining eyes.
Clyde reacted with defensiveness and outrage. “Well, if some here had as much respect for people as they do varmints, then my wife and granddaughter would be sitting right here with us.” His voice rose, shrill and accusing. “And if some people hadn’t been so secretive about the source of our good health, then maybe I would have understood when I saw the creepy fingers come out of the wall and attach to my wife. Maybe if some people shared their information, we’d all be a lot happier here.”
Clyde stared back at Wil, clearly an example of testosterone at play. Scotty saw it as the men endured their pissing contest; and it didn’t escape their new guest either. Wil’s wings fluttered ominously.
Seth blinked, assessing the conversation. “So . . . Lorna’s not doing as well as she should be? Hmmm . . . I’ll just have to keep a closer eye on her. I wouldn’t want to lose her now, would I? She’s become like a mother to me.” Seth beamed with concern and touching self-sacrifice. Scotty warmed with the thought of Clyde’s family in such good hands. Everyone in the Hive had given up on them months ago. To get such good news and have new members of the Hive was a miracle.
Suddenly, there was a commotion at the kitchen door as their ears split with the shrieking trumpet of Tobi’s surprise appearance. Little Kimir and Elias ducked under her neck as she tried to get her head in the doorway.
Seth dropped what he was doing and stood up on the table in fright.
Bonnie came running forward. She glanced at Seth. “That’s not necessary. Tobi’s just here looking for me. Peter . . . Dezi, let’s get Chance and take Tobi back to the herd.” She looked at Salina for approval. “Don’t worry, Mama. Tobi knows it’s almost time for bed and I haven’t been down to say good night. She knows something’s different and it scares her. She’s just looking for reassurance so she’s confident the herd isn’t in danger.”
Ginger Mae rose with Daisy to pet T
obi’s big head. Even Chloe got up to pay her respects. Bonnie slipped her a green, crunchy treat and backed her out the door to go back to the herd.
Seth eased himself down off the table. He steadied himself against Clyde. “Well, I see you have some very big pets.” Seth plastered a huge infectious smile on his face, flashing it to all who were left in the room. “I can see I have a lot to learn from all of you good people. I look forward to becoming part of your family, just as I have with my sweet Jen and Lorna. Clyde . . . shall we?” He gripped Clyde’s arm to be guided back to the sleeping quarters. “Good night, all my wonderful new friends. I’m sure we’re all going to get along just fine.”
Chapter 9
Seth found it difficult to find time alone with Lorna. When he lay down to sleep, he couldn’t wake back up until morning, finding himself stronger and stronger each day. His limp was gone and his ear clearly reformed. His scabs healed and even his hair was growing back in. He knew he looked better by the reaction of Emma, who brought water to bathe Jen and Lorna every day. He never knew when she would show up because she had to fit it in between her chores in the kitchen and her turn for the delivery of lunches.
Clyde had become quite the pain in the ass with his constant hovering over his family and his determined efforts to integrate Seth into the community. He guessed he’d met everyone several times by now. He noticed the Elders hadn’t yet warmed up to his charms, but they were probably naturally suspicious. And the lady from the kitchen . . . Salina. Clyde seemed to avoid her. Wonder why? But Seth knew if he was patient, the moment would come. He just had to hope it was soon. He couldn’t have them actually recovering. Lorna wasn’t a problem since her healing was so slow. If he was lucky, she’d die on her own anyway.
It was Jennifer he was worried about. Two deaths might just look suspicious. Maybe he could find some way to control her. It shouldn’t be too hard. She was just a snot-nosed kid after all. He’d show her sassy ass a thing or two when she woke up.
Emma entered the room as he lounged on his stone dais. Her smile brightened as she realized he was awake. “Hi, Seth. How do you feel this morning?”
Seth picked at his developing ear lobe and grinned. “I feel a lot better now that you’re here, Emma.”
She flushed a pretty pomegranate shade. “I’m just stopping by to give you fresh water. I’ll be back later.”
Seth watched every move she made, his eyes feasting on her young vitality. “Bet you have a boyfriend here don’t you, Emma?”
Seth smirked. Emma turned to face him, her earthen jug now emptied into their water bowls. She lowered her eyes to the ground, making circles on the floor with her toe as she watched him from under her eyelids. “I might.”
Seth knew he had her. “If I was a young guy again, I’d sure give him a run for his money.”
Emma raised her face up in astonishment. “You’re not old, Seth. What are you, thirty five-ish?” Emma’s voice rang with coyness. “Some girls like an older man.” She innocently licked her lips, inflaming Seth who wanted to get his hands on her so bad he didn’t know if he could stop himself. The demons that ruled him begged for release.
“Why don’t you come on over here, Emma? I could sure use a back rub.” His innocence blared right at her as he worked to keep his heaving breath under control. He eyed the lush figure outlined in her smock as she bent down to let go of her water jug.
Suddenly from around the corner, Clyde and Netty—the golden babe with the wings—entered. Waving to Seth, Clyde escorted a frowning Netty to Lorna’s side. Netty appraised her condition, lifting her arms from side to side with no response.
“I do not know, Clyde. She still looks serious. She is in a coma, the best state for her to heal. But you did great damage to her potential recovery. We talked about the process before.”
“But you didn’t tell me about the monstrous creepy things that burrowed into her. A heads-up might have saved her. You can’t let her die, Netty. This is my wife!” Working up a steam of resentment, Clyde wiped away the sweat from his florid brow with the sleeve of his tunic. He moved over to Jennifer’s stone dais. Netty followed, placing her hands on the teen’s temples.
“Now Jennifer appears fully recovered.” She lifted an arm, turning it over to search for unhealed scars. “She looks fine, Clyde. I just don’t understand why she still sleeps.” They both turned to Seth. Netty raised her golden eyebrows, mesmerizing Seth with the luminous and hypnotic quality of her eyes.
“It has been one full week now, has it not, Seth, since you awoke?”
Seth gave her his most beguiling smile. “Yes, Netty. It has. Why?”
“Well, according to Clyde’s reports of your heroic deeds, you spent more time in the open, exposed to all the radiation and microbe soup in the air. Yet you healed one week before Jennifer.”
Seth didn’t know where Netty was going with this line of questioning as the facts were perfectly correct. Even though many of his excursions had been to locate water and food, he always fully assuaged his needs first so he could avoid the need to put up with Lorna’s bitching about sharing.
“She is younger and presumably healthy. She should have healed before you, Seth.”
Emma worked her way over to Jennifer. Netty glanced her way, pointedly saying, “Emma, I think you are needed in the kitchen.” Netty turned to follow behind Emma, a vision of perplexity. “We will keep an eye on her and hope, Clyde. That is all we can do as the Womb finishes any repairs she may need.”
Grumbling, Clyde left Jennifer’s side to return to his wife, offering explanations to Seth as he patted her head that was beginning to show signs of hair regrowth. “If they wanted to, they could heal her.” His bitterness clearly reflected his worry and fright for his family.
Seth motioned to Lorna. “Looks like they are healing her, Clyde. At least they’re trying. I don’t want to scare you, big guy, but Lorna was almost gone when we got here. Maybe too much damage was done. Maybe she has too much poison in her. You should prepare yourself.” Seth slid off his dais and wrapped his arms around Clyde’s wide shoulders. “She looks to me like she’s not going to make it.” His voice dripped with compassion and concern. He sniffed, causing Clyde to glance up. He sniffed again as Clyde held him tightly.
“I just don’t know what I’m going to do if we lose her. She’s my family now. I haven’t had much of a family in my life. My parents died at an early age. I was just a kid. Eleven years old.”
“Gosh, Seth. I’m so sorry.”
“I know you are, Clyde.” He patted Clyde’s hand in sympathy. “They died in a bad house fire, so long ago I barely remember. I just can’t go through losing Lorna, now that I’ve found her. But don’t worry, Clyde,” he said as the big man’s eyes started to flash with overwhelming emotion. “I’m here to look after her. I’ll do everything she needs. Just leave it to me. You know you can count on me, right?”
“I sure do, my boy. I sure do.”
Seth held up his hand with all the drama he could muster, poising it near his face.
“What? What is it, my boy?” Seth’s fingers squeezed his nostrils, a loud sob escaping his trembling lips. He choked back another sob, clutching tightly to Clyde.
“It’s just the nightmares. Suzy . . .”
As the two female survivors of the Armageddon and their own personal hell named Seth lay wholly in their comas, the two grown men cried and consoled one another deep underground in comfort and safety as the last of the lingering sparks of life above ground slid into the quiet release of death. Before long, their desiccated bones would reduce to powder; all moisture leached away; the calcium breaking down to sift lightly into the cold ambivalent wind. Ashes to ashes . . . dust to dust.
*
Emma hurried for her assignation with Kane, disobeying Netty once again. Her excitement was palpable as she made her way to the deep cleft near the bathing caves that worked so well when hiding the activities of two hot-blooded young lovers. Today was the day she planned to force Kane to
declare his loyalty to her. She no longer wished to be the girl in the shadows, a joke. Kenya’s passive aggressive remarks indicated to Emma that she suspected the worst anyway. So she would hardly be blindsided. Maybe a shock to her system would be a good thing, bringing on the delivery of the baby and putting them all out of their misery with her constant bellyaching.
A hand reached out to grab her arm and pull her into the cleft. She laughed as Kane crashed his lips down on hers.
“Easy, baby. Let me catch my breath.” Her arms snaked around his neck as he ran his hands up over her back and down to her butt where he squeezed hard.
“I want this, now. Just feel me.” Kane slammed his body up against hers, showing his erection in all its youthful glory.
“Ew, ha, ha, ha. I like.” Emma ran her tongue down Kane’s well-developed chest as he tossed his smock aside, arriving just where she knew she would force him to groan. Emma tipped her head to see his tormented expression. “You like this, baby?”
Kane’s eyes glazed as she plied her tongue and fingers to their best advantage. “Goddamn, Emma. You know you’re killing me.” He pulled her roughly to her feet and ripped off her smock. She stood proudly while he admired her sleek, curvy figure. He turned her around and placed his erection along her backside. Emma squirmed, wanting to see his face to judge her control.
Kane bit down on her neck. “Come on, babe, let me.”
She twisted around to face him as he tried to convince her. “Do you love me, Kane?” Her voice was a low whisper as her cool fingers caressed his erection that throbbed hungrily against her skin, seeking her moist warmth.
“What are you talking about, Emma? You know I love what we have.”