Summer +6 weeks
It took us three hours to get everything out of the vault. We found MRE, several bags of salt and pepper, bullets, water purifying kits, more books then you could shake a stick at, several tins of gun powder still in good shape, as well as a machine and material to make reloads. Several military type assault weapons, four military grade gas mask, explosives, ammo for the military weapons as well pistols, clothing, Debbie must have been near my age since we were about the same size … I don't want them … toilet paper (There is a God!), paper towels and other gear. Bruce commented that the guy must have been a survivalist, someone who stocked pile gear for when the world ended so he could survive.
Yeah, great planning on his part.
And of course, he had a list of everything he had in the vault. And Debbie, being a good daughter, crossed off the items they used.
As for Debbie and Bo, we left them just as I found them, seemed wrong to move them. Bruce said a few words, asking God to take them in his hands or something, I … I don't know about heaven … sounds like a nice dream. If there is one … I hope Debbie and Bo are there with their mom and dad. Then we sealed up the vault, locked it and I destroyed the code. It will probably be buried under the rubble of the roof by next spring … that is fine. That would be perfect actually, there is no reason for anyone to disturb their sleep again.
When we got back to the compound; Joel told me to head home, he would handle the paperwork on this one. I didn't argue … or even say thanks … or wave goodby to anyone. No one said anything, even Shawn left just as quietly as I had.
When I got home, after I stored my weapons in the armory; I immediately stripped down, threw on a pair of shorts and a half shirt two sizes too big for me. Barefoot, I walked down to the bag … I took a deep breath ... and pounded away. I pounded it hard … I hit it till my knuckles bled … I yelled till my throat was raw … I cried till I couldn't breath … then I hit it some more.
When I couldn't do it anymore … I went back to my room, stripped down again, then went to take a bath. I soaked in the bubble bath, thinking about how Joel surprised me one day with the idea of a bubble bath. How we chased each other around the kitchen throwing bubbles at each other. I wanted to think happy thoughts … anything but … guess I'm not all cry out yet.
Eventually, the bubbles disappeared, the water got cold … the tears stop. After drying myself off, leaving my hair damp and down around my shoulders; I went to Joel's room, found one of his shirts, a long flannel one that button up and hung down to my knees, then I crawled into his bed. It was too hot and muggy really, to be wearing this shirt … but …
It as dark by the time Joel came home, I heard him come in and take his boots off at the door. He stop in at the armory, but bypassed my door; instead came into his room. Yeah, he already knew where I would be. Even though he kept the lights off, I kept my back to him as he changed. It didn't matter that I already had seen him; pftt, I took care of him while he was dying, cleaned him several times a day. This was part of the 'No go there with Joel' rule, we respected each other needs.
When Joel climb in the bed, I flip over and buried my face in his chest. I'm … I'm not sure who I was crying for anymore. Bo? Debbie? Riley? Sam and Henry? Tess? Sarah? My mom? All of them? None of them? The whole stupid world? I don't know … I'm just so thankful that I wasn't crying for Joel. I never want to cry for Joel.
We have a rule in our house, first one up fixes breakfast. Lunch was something you did for yourself since it was rare anymore for both of us to be home at the same time. Dinner, that was something we both did together. But breakfast, it was usually Joel; I am not much of a morning person.
I look in the refrigerator, pulling out some bacon and eggs, raised here at the stables. I was starving, I last ate yesterday afternoon and that meal had consisted of two small rabbit sandwiches, hardly enough to consider a real meal. I let out a snort as I started frying the bacon, so very glad I don't have to worry about making friends with my food.
"Smells good," Joel says walking into the kitchen, fresh from the shower and dressed for the day. I still don't know how he can be so damn energetic so early in the morning. I was still wearing his shirt.
"To you, after eating all those so-called meals of yours for years, anything smells good." I smirked as I slid the eggs on his plate.
"You never complained," he smiled as he took his plate from me.
"I didn't know any better."
We made small talk as we ate, him reminding me that he would be at the power plant until sun down and I reminded him that I had the day off.
"So when are you going to let me stand guard at the plant?"
"When you learn to swim," he gave me the same answer he always gives me. "Or you tell me when you turn 16, which ever comes first."
"I am happy to tell you when my birthday is," I smirked as I shoved the last piece of bacon in my mouth. Then I gave him my best 'I'm too cute to ignore' smile while saying,"Right after you tell me when yours is."
"Okay, we will get up early tomorrow for another go at swimming."
"Fine!" I groan out. "How is it you can resist that smile like this?"
"Sarah," he said snorting. "She was a tab better at it then you and I still didn't always give in."
"Yeah, I bet. You are such a horrible lair." He just shrugged but his eyes … they were dancing with amusement. He started picking up his dishes, as per custom, but I stopped him. "I'll do them, this way you can get to the gate early enough to swap lies about feet ball with the other old goats."
"Feet ball," he shook his head while I followed him into the armory. He grabbed his rifle and pistol, automatic checking them and his clips, it was like breathing to us both. "Hard to believe they knew more about soccer then football."
"What is wrong with that? You told me Sarah love to play soccer, that picture you have is her holding a soccer trophy."
"Yeah, well," he hem hew answer as he check each bullet in his clips. "She still knew all about football."
"Must have been quiet the scene,you two sitting in front of the television, sharing a beer … yelling at the mindless machine, as you called it, when there was a bad call." I gave him a smile, "sound so Normal Stockwell."
"His name was Norman Rockwell ..."
"Pftt, whatever."
"And that is one thing that hasn't changed … kids didn't drink alcohol back then either."
"What? That is bullshit, man."
"Nope, not good for kids."
"That is so stupid, I got drunk once , it wasn't so bad."
"Oh you have, have you?"
"Yes I have," I said standing tall, while looking all proper and shit. "I was twelve and I had something called 'moonshine' and it was a great time." And I did have a great time … if by great time, you mean, I was barely able to started breathing again after my first shot or how I need several gallons of water to put out the fire as the moonshine burned down to my tummy. And the wonderful night spent puking up ever meal I'd ever ate … so if that is what you would call a great time, then I nailed it … what I remembered anyways.
"Sure kiddo," he said with a twinkle in his eye. "How much do you remember and how long did you puke?"
"Pftt, whatever," I rolled my eyes as he walked by me chuckling. "You are impossible, you know that."
"So I have been told."
"How old were you when you first drank?"
"Legal age in the state of Texas to consume alcoholic beverages was twenty one."
"And," I asked as he put on his shoes.
"Of course I would never break the law, Ellie."
"God, you are so full of shit."
"So I have been told," shit, now I know why I can never charm him with a smile … and why Sarah was better then me. I must get better at this, I'm the 'L', he will not resist my cuteness. "I know you might not be in the mood Ellie," Joel said getting serious. "But you should head over to the trading post, make sure I did everything you wanted done."
"I will, Joel." I said crossing my arms and leaning against the wall. I probably would have anyways, I really don't want to sit here all day by myself … thinking.
"And if you need anything, Ellie," Joel said looking … conflicted or uncertain … neither one I would ever associate with him. "Make sure you that when you try to sneak over, you carry a rifle instead of the bow. That way, if you get into trouble we have a better chance of hearing you."
Holy shit! Joel … damn it he does care, doesn't he. Okay, be brave girl. Run over there and give him a big hug! Tell him you love him and how much he means to you and how lost you would be without him! Do it Ellie do it now!
"Okay, Joel." Son of a bitch, I am so fucking pathetic! For the love of God, I need to tell him how much I love him, before he leaves! "Joel," do it, all I have to do is say it. "I … I … don't want to cry … you know … because … well, you know."
How! How the fuck can I run thought a town full of fucking bandits and Infected without being scared but can't tell the most important person in the world I love him? How!
"I know baby girl," he said, his eyes growing so soft … damn it. "And you never will."
"Promise?"
"Promise," and with that he walked out the door.
Shit … he really loves me too, doesn't he.
It didn't take me long to clean the house, never does really. I made Joel's bed, gathered up our laundry and started a load, also scrubbed the dishes in the kitchen. I really wish we could fix that dishwasher, no parts.
I thought long and hard about giving Joel back his shirt for like a whole ten seconds; yea screw it, mine now. I also considered making my bed, which took less time then the shirt. I'll worry about making later. Just like every other day.
So … yeah time to make my way over to Abby's place. After checking my own pistol and ammo, and my switchblade; I headed over to the trading post. Along the way, I called out greeting to several of my neighbors, receiving them back. Slowly, very slowly, the people around town were getting used to me and Joel, well mostly me.
They are already friendly with Joel, and I know how open and friendly he can be with strangers. When we first got here, they wouldn't even try to hid their suspicion of me, just staring at us as we walked around town.
Sure, okay, maybe because we still carry our pistols openly. We aren't crazy, you know, we just like to be prepared. 9mm … don't leave home without it. And most of the adults, especially those of us who work the line or hunt, carry guns on us at all times.
Maybe it is that look in our eyes? We try to be friendly, well I do anyways, but Tommy and Maria both have said sometimes, and it's not like I mean it, but they say that my eyes get … scary looking. Especially when, you know, I am meeting someone for the first time and trying to see if they were a threat.
However, I know it was mostly because they keep expecting me to start freaking out and biting people. My immunity wasn't well received nor appreciated at first. At the town meeting, where Maria and Tommy let them know about my so-called 'special condition', there were three main reactions. One was lead by that priest guy, the one who smiles too much, totally creepy guy; saying I was a sign from God that He still loved his children. Yeah sure; whatever.
There was also the camp that believed I should be killed and burned, not necessary in that order. Joel's facial expression really help but the brakes on that idea. A majority of those there were … undecided if I read them correctly. They were willing to wait and see but they didn't look like they would be surprise if I got burned. Then there was that one fat guy in the back that wanted to know why there was no cake or refreshments.
We … it wasn't the openly hostile stares that got me or the ones who seem to see me as some sign from that father figure in the sky. Those people aren't new to me, frankly don't care that much.
No, the ones who look at me … and … I can see the wheels turning in their heads and they are wondering 'what makes her more special then my daughter/son/father/mother/sibling?'
Those stares … I really …
Yea, well … anyways. Kevin, or 'grandpa' as he insisted I call him; told me that one benefit of having me work the line was to have the town see me more as an asset then a threat. I had my doubts at first, I didn't say anything since Joel seem to respect the older man's opinion; lets be honest here, Joel doesn't really show respect to anyone other then me. So when you met someone who Joel respects, you damn well better respect him as well. There is a reason for it, even if it is not apparent at the time.
And wouldn't you know it, damn if he wasn't right. In the month that I have worked the line, done a few official scavenging runs and brought back several bucks, using my trusty bow; some of them were really starting to warm up to me. Some even wave hi to me before I wave to them.
Who knows, maybe this time next year, they will stop me in the street to chew the fat or tell me about their kids or … invite me over for drinks or something. Wouldn't that be something, uh?
Or maybe … you know … Joel isn't afraid to …they … they shouldn't be afraid to …. just you know, … shake my hand or … you know … a high five … or … give me … a … simple ...
You know what, Fuck it! The Cleveland Browns have a better chance of winning the Super Bowl then … Joel gives me all the fucking hugs I need; Joel is all I need. No sense on wishing for the impossible, right? Fucking A right!
The Trade Post was in an old dinner located by the East Line, closer to the center of town then our home, which was closer to the forest. Abby runs the place; with her husband, Earl, who does all the butchering and tanning for the town.
Abby is the middle person, as Joel explained it to me; she takes whatever you wish to trade and assigned a unit of credit to that item. You can haggle with her if you feel the credit was too small or even walk away from the trade if you chose, she didn't take it personally. She then recorded the amount of credit you received and you use that amount to buy things from her, again haggling is okay and you didn't have to buy anything, credits last as long as the town did.
Also, if you wanted to trade with someone else in a private trade, she would be willing to help, for a small fee, of course.
No one really understands how she does it either, even Maria uses vague terms when she tried to explain it to me. Supposedly, Abby use to work for something called the IRS … not sure what that was,other then it was from the 'old time'. I also know Joel use the same tone of voice that he normally reserves for Bloaters whenever he says that name. It was there she learned how to do accounting work, knowing the value of something … Tommy also said she learned how to pull toenails out and make grown men cry by looking at them. Joel was amused by that, Maria … not so much.
Abby showed me what she estimated as to the value of the entire haul. The MRE, salt, pepper, tins of smokeless black power, explosives, and clothing we recovered were already divided among the town and us. Joel made sure that our share of the clothing went to the other three. Guess he heard me when I said I couldn't … wouldn't … take any of the clothes. Tommy took all of the military grade weapons, ammo and gear, as well as the machine to do reloads, as repayment for the twenty guards and workers as well as for the tools we used.
Fair; plus I know that chances are Joel and I will get to use them more then anyone else besides Steven and his wife, thus providing better protection for the whole town.
I also asked her to add 20 credit units to Shawn's personal account. He might be a major asshole but he did follow my directions and he did stay with me even thought I could tell he wanted to bolt. He showed balls, so he should be rewarded.
As I continued to scan the list, I hid a smirk; that my Joel. He, somehow, convince the boys that they had a great deal. As far as trade value is concern, they did have the larger portion of the haul. However, when you look at the practicality of what we use to protect ourselves, feed ourselves, and the leather we clothe ourselves with, we made out like … er bandits? Got to come up with another phrase.
"There are some other miscellaneous items that I haven't had an opportunity as of yet to itemize," the Bill-size, older then dirt, woman said as she adjusted her glasses. "However, your father and those other three gentlemen had reach an agreement that along with the seven boxes of arrows you recover, you should have solo ownership of said items."
"Which are?" I said not letting my irritation show thru.
Joel is my best friend, my partner, he is a lot of things, hell once in a while I think I would kill to have a dad like him, maybe, but he is not my father. Only Sarah gets to have that honor … that joy of calling Joel … dad. Maybe all that fat is plugging up her ears since we both have explain it to her numerous times.
"Those three younger gentlemen were able to secure the necessary containers in which to secure you collection since it is both large in number and weight. I have allowed storage of said items, for a credit per day, until you have come to a decision as to your finial disposition of said items."
"Which are," I repeated. Seriously, does she really think she sounds impressive using so many words to say nothing at all.
"I have them right over here in my overflow area, if you'd walk this way."
Pftt, what a loaded statement. I really had to bite down on my smart ass desire not to walk exactly like she was, not that I could wobble as much as she did.
She led me behind the counter and through what had once been a kitchen and thru another door to a section that had once been full of tables and happy patrons in a world long dead. Now there were just shelves, boxes and a couple booths … with more boxes.
"These twenty boxes," she said pointing to the boxes sitting on the floor in one of the booths. Damn, I have twenty boxes … I am so rich; again, really hard not to be myself right now. "I have a list of all the items in said boxes as well as initials of your father stating that all the boxes were sealed by him after he check the contents. Along the tape, you will find his initials on the tape as well. To insure that what is in the boxes are, in fact, the same as when he pack them."
"Okay," I said as she handed my the list … oh.
Oh, they were the books that I found in the vault. That all it was as I flipped through the inventory list, hundreds of books, ring binders with CD-Rom disks, pamphlets and computer printouts, and magazine from the past. Just books, damn Joel; he really is … fuck! He really does get me, doesn't he.
I excitedly started signing the forms she had.
"Excuse me, Miss. Ellie. Procedure requires you to verified the seals on said contents before you may sign showing the seals are in fact, intact."
Play nice. Play nice.
"And please sign all three copies," she said after I check the tape on all twenty boxes. Only then she smiled and told me to take my time as she left me alone with my treasure.