Characters: Miriam Grant, Julia Matthews, Tanner Grant, George Grant, Hope R. Grant, Malcolm MacDonald, Ellie MacDoland, Maria Davidson, Dreyfus
Rating: PG-13
Romance, Suspense, Violence, Humor
Chapter 3: Too young to understand
"Miriam what's wrong? You've barely touched breakfast".
I look over to Hope, out of all the people. Why would her and Tanner keep it from me? Again, I made my decision last night. I retreated to my room right after I memorized the documents, and took photographs with my camera. Didn't want to risk taking the documents, and my family automatically guessing where I went.
"I'm just tired. That's all" I spoke. Barely above a whisper.
"You came home pretty early last night" Tanner pointed out, and I felt three pairs of eyes staring intensely down at me.
"Tired, also I have work today as well. Anyways I have to get to school, i'll see you guys tonight" Yeah...tonight. I gave them each a hug and I wrapped my breakfast in a cloth and stuffed it into my pocket.
I stiffened, but said nothing. Just keep walking...I'll be back tonight, but i'll be saying goodbye as well in a discrete way. During school in the old Town Hall. I kept shifting in my seat uncomfortable, I needed to get up, to get out of here. I wanted to do something more than write right now...
The alarm blared just on queue, with a sigh of relief I snatched my bag and ran into the extra bathrooms to change for my last class. Jeez, my last class? The day went by in a blur like yesterday.
I enter the training yard. Only to discover that my teacher was already taking roll call. I slip next to a girl quickly, Maria Davidson. We talk every now and then, but it's nothing more than a 'hi' or 'bye' conversation.
Every afternoon, I always feel a string of nervousness when walking into my last period. I'm in a yard full of ruthless teenagers that are trained to fight since freshman year. I only had a week of experience and I'm at the lowest rank.
I won't be here for long.
My brother's advice from two days ago rang in my ears.
'You will be good at this, you're flipping fast, plus you have good climbing skills'.
That's right. I am fast, that can be my advantage, that can help me dodge a few blows. When I got ready this morning, the cut on my lip healed, but turned into a scar. I didn't want anymore injuries that will stay remained and printed on my body forever.
Today is different, instead of doing our usual training. We start with hand to hand combat first. The first one called up is Maria Davidson. I never paid attention to her fighting. That is until now.
"Miriam Grant".
I almost choke on my breathing. I couldn't get it out. How stupid I feel now to not paying attention to everyone's fighting techniques.
My feet literally had to drag my body to the street. Maria Davidson is a slightly taller girl than I am. Built to fight actually, her black hair falls to her shoulders and is wavy. Her brown eye's were narrow, but soft. Maria had a small nose as well and a few beauty marks on her face.
"Good luck?" I finally say, not so sure of my saying. Maria rolls her eyes, but her frown turned into a smirk "Gee, comforting" I'm taken back slightly by her response.
Maria fires the first blow. Her fist almost connecting with my nose as I dodge out of the way. I learn right away that she uses all of her weight to throw a punch at first hand. Continuing, I slip past Maria's hits. I felt my hands get cut up again as I slid across the pavement of the street. I have the upper hand now as Maria sprinted, but she dodged from my punch and swiftly went past. That was when I was caught off guard. I was punched in the left jaw with much force. My feet were swept from the pavement of the street and I landed hard on my back.
The impact was too hard, a sound of pain cried from my throat. I jerked as my back bone flamed with pain as well. I ground my teeth together tightly to endure the pain. It felt good, I lasted longer than usual.
Through my vision a hand stretched out. Maria's. I took hold of her grip and her lips lifted into a sweet smile.
"Nice job Miriam" Maria said. My teacher was 'slightly' impressed. That's progress I suppose.
The whole class was made to do laps around the yard. My legs began to burn from the running. I could probably run farther if I wanted to. Though I knew not to push it. Everything was sore.
As soon as my last period is finally over. The familiar ache swells in my chest. Guilt.
Every time I felt guilty. I wanted to throw up. My body would begin to shake. I know what i'll be doing is wrong, by it's the right thing to do as well.
I'm not quick to go to my job. The apartment I went to go get my work clothes still laid inside the loose floorboards of the apartment.
The backpack was a dark shade of orange. I found it last year and kept it hidden. Nothing was inside of it. Before I left this morning I packed up my dufflebag.
The essentials that I would be need of course; Water canteen, rope, pocket knife, few clothes, a pair of combat boots, blanket, bandages, first aid kit, flashlight and the camera I charged last night of the documents. If any artist can relate to, I am not leaving anywhere without my sketchbook, and my journals. Along with one reading material.
When I get home tonight. I'll be taking any food that I need, and...one of my fathers shotguns.
Damn. This is too crazy, reckless, but somewhat exciting! I'll be across the Golden Gate Bridge and into the outside world from The Colony.
When I finished, I stuffed my backpack into place. Tonight I won't be with my scavenging group. I'll just sort out any material that's found.
I approach the old police station that was just across the way. Julia walked up in a confused manner.
"You're not coming?".
I didn't look at Julia as I said, "No, I thought I could help out here for a bit" Also, I am beyond nervous right now.
Julia blinked in surprise. "Oh, well, let me know if you change your mind".
"I will. Plus Jules?" My friend turned her head as her curls bounced. "Whatever you do. Help as much as you can...please".
Julia's hazel hues still stared in confusion, but she nodded as she squeezed my hands.
"Of course".
She knows.
My friend released my shaking hands. I watch her disappear outside. My life to help the lives for The Colony. It's worth it. Knowng how much I trust Julia. I'm not scared, I can't be scared. I have to be fearless of this situation.
I want my brother to come with me to help. He'll stop me of course, and it's too much to ask.
Before I noticed I felt the same metallic taste of blood in my mouth. I wipe away the dribble from my lips. I place my fingers gently on my cheek, it stung. I knew it was red, but it would be bruised by tomorrow.
The words from the Council Members still echoed in my head.
Not much time has passed, and already sacks come flying in from people in the scavenging groups. I simply just separated the items on shelves and bins.
I sat back at the desk. Writing on a clipboard of people that finished their shifts. It kept my mind busy.
Several boxes came in. Before the girl left. I immediately recongized her.
"Maria?".
"Surprise, surprise" She said in a sarcastic tone, but smiled anyway.
"I had no clue that you...".
"That I would pick this as my kind of job? Hey the more people that help out, the more supplies The Colony gets!".
In response, I smile.
"I'm glad that you're taking the time to do this".
"Thanks. I am curious though".
I lift an eyebrow "Oh?".
"You're the daughter of the strictest, and most overprotective Colony member in the Founders Council. George let's you outside of the city limits?".
"No" My voice went raw as I clench my cut up hands into fists "He doesn't, and he can't know".
"Calm down Miriam. I am not known to be a snitch".
The veins that were boiling under my skin seemed to ease. I heave a breath, grateful for Maria's honesty.
"Thanks...Maria".
"It's no problem".
She leaves without saying another word. How many more people I knew had this job? And could easily tell my Father at any time?
'Stop worrying' I thought calmly. None of that would happen.
Heading a mile back home. I catch myself tugging on the woven bracelet Hope gifted me. I didn't dare question Hope's kindness. It was pure and happy. It's what my brother fell in love with from the moment they met.
For the past few years. Hope and Tanner have been on the fence of having children. Not after when their first child died the year Hope and Tanner got married. Hope named him Caesar.
I would of had a nephew right now if he didn't die from stillbirth. His name was quite unqiue though. Caesar Taylor Grant. It wasn't known to why Hope picked the name.
That year was something my family wanted to forget. Hope and Tanner's dead child still had a place in our hearts.
"There is my little sister!" Tanner yelled and I casually dodged him as he was about to lock me in a huge bear hug.
"Damn, usually you don't dodge me that fast".
"It's skills brother" I smirked, but I was lifted into a big bear hug anyways and laughed. Tanner would've been such a great Father.
Hope was standing nearby talking to Malcolm's wife and Alexander's stepmother Ellie. Besides Hope, Ellie has lost a child as well. A little girl named Sarah during the first wave of the Epidemic.
Both Hope and Ellie are great friends like Julia and I. Sticking to eachother until the very end. Even working in the infirmary, they help eachother out as well.
Hard to believe i'll be missing this awhile i'm gone.
Tanner finally released me. My brother went to Hope and placed his lips onto her's into a loving kiss. A feeling started to bug at me.
I've never liked someone. I've never fallen in love, and never developed a crush on anyone. I was curious on the idea of love, but...what makes you say three simple words so easily?
I love you.
It's normal to say it to someone in your family, but what about someone in an intimate relationship you're in? Clearly Hope and Tanner knows.
"I'll catch up with you later Hope!" Ellie called out as Malcolm showed up and lovingly kissed her as well.
Wow.
Am I jealous of their relationships? No. I can't even be thinking of wanting a boyfriend. Gonna shoot that straight from my mind.
Okay! Tonight I'm taking an easygoing manner. Meaning to take things with caution. Especially since I'm going into a remote forest that could have any kind of wild predator lurking in the Muir Woods.
Awhile Hope was busy making dinner. My brother as always watched her cook with the same ecentric gleam in his amber eyes, and my Father was in his office. Dreyfus was here. I overheard by the door that Malcolm will be here shortly as well.
I open the cabinet that was near the window. It was filled with a bunch of books; Mainly fiction stories, supernatural, romance, and yes! A book on the San Francisco area in the Muir Woods.
How convenient am I right?
For the next hour. I spent flipping through pages of the book of animals that roam the Muir Woods. Some wolves, foxes, maybe a few coyote's. Crap, mountain lions and bears. Well the bear population in San Francisco dwindled in the 1900's so i'll be good.
I laid out the clothing that i'll be wearing tonight. Along with setting the book on top. I quickly placed a folded blanket on the items as my door creaked open.
I spung around. Seeing Hope as her soil brown eyes were locked on me. I feel her eyes go to my cheek, which was still red.
"I can give you something for it not to bruise tomorrow" She smiled, and I followed Hope as we went out the front door.
"Keep an eye on the food Tanner!" Hope yelled to my brother and he popped from the kitchen smirking.
"Anything for you Babe!".
I snorted a laugh at how my brother acted towards Hope.
Maybe, just maybe I can tell her of what i'm planning. But I couldn't just put that kind of weight onto her shoulders. I didn't even want her to keep something like that between herself and Tanner.
The Infirmary is well stocked. Clean mattresses were in rows with Lamps by each, and rusted, metal chairs. Supply closets were filled with first aid kits, and small backpacks. The Infirmary's flaw is the cracked, discolored windows and old blood stains on the concrete walls.
Hope opens up a large box that had ice. She chopped up some cubes and placed it in a Ziploc.
The cool bag sent relief on my cheek. I sighed, loving how the wave of pain dwelled.
"Now, when your cheek is not hurting anymore. You can massage the area lightly to swell down the bruise. It will help with the pain even more and encourage the blood flow in the bruise".
"Got it Dr. Grant" I joked as I gave a thumbs up to Hope. Yeah, I couldn't ask her to keep my secret from her husband and even my Father.
I ate my dinner quick. Just a bowl of beans, and more rabbit meat. At some point i'm going to get sick and tired of eating rabbit.
My eyes travel over my family. I mentally promise to my Father, brother and sister-in-law...that I will be back.
"You okay Miri?" My Dad questioned and I nod.
"Of course, i'm..." I fiddle with my fingers nervously, feeling the tears burn in my eyes. I already thought of all the outcomes that might happen.
What if I get killed by an animal? What if the flu is still out there? So many what if's. One what if stood out the most. What if I fail?
"I'm happy, to know that this past decade I still have you guys" You all don't know how much you mean to me.
I wrapped my arms tightly around all three of them. Saying I love you as well.
That was my discrete way to say goodbye to my family.
With everyone asleep I took one sack of food. Along with a few snares I handmade. Next was going into the hallway closet and taking my Father's shotgun.
The weapon is heavy, but it's powerful. Can sweep me off my feet from the power it can fire out.
In the drawers, I also grab my brothers tool belt, and his engineering book of the cities water source of the Dam that I found in his room this morning.
I dress in a simple shirt, black jeans, my boots. Followed by a dark gray jacket that had fur sewn in, woven gloves that reached to my elbows and a ripped scarf. The layer of clothes made me feel too warm, but its perfect for being outside at night.
I blinked away the moisture from my eyes. I won't fail, I will lead on with pride for my families name. If I know Tanner and my Father. It will take them at least a few weeks to get up to the Dam. To plan for it.
The city was quiet, too quiet. Besides a stray dog that might bark in the distance.
I kept my head held high as I walked through the abandoned streets. The loose floorboards was still in place when I got to the apartment. I adjusted the backpack to my shoulders. The shotgun felt cold under my fingertips, but I held it tighter.
What would the old me from years ago think of me now?
The Miriam that will risk her own safety for others.
Taking in my surroundings. The buildings still look the same in the City. Tight, cold, threatening. Wrapped in lush green life, and the graffiti that imprinted on the concrete walls. Of the Simian flu.
My eyes look down to the street ahead of my sight. Taking the trail I know security will not spot me leaving.
I run.
Stay tuned for Chapter 4
Warning: Sassy Miriam will appear in the next chapter.