It took a while to weave through traffic and make our way to the quarry. It was a beautiful place with a lot of room. Sam insisted I get some rest while he and nearly everyone else started setting up camp. I didn't complain. I curled up on the reclined passenger seat half covered by the blanket Sam had given me earlier. The windows were down and the night breeze felt much cooler than it had earlier. Listening to the commotion of everyone bustling around made me feel safe and I eventually drifted off to sleep.
The next morning everything took a turn for the worst. Sam woke me up and we walked to one of the campfires that had been set up. So many people had come to this place. There were men, women, and young children. If the world hadn't been ending it probably would have made for a fun camping trip.
"Good morning, Sleeping Beauty," A man wearing a cop's uniform greeted me in a thick southern accent. He had the most pearly white smile I'd ever seen. I couldn't help but smile back.
"Good morning," I felt a little shy and embarrassed for not helping out like all the other adults likely had.
Sam guided me to a chair by the hand and gave me a plate of beans. I'd never been much for beans, but I was starving and it would have been rude to complain.
"So, how long have you two love birds been together?" The cop asked, eyeing Sam and I from across the small fire. I stared at him, unable to speak.
"Four years," Sam's hand found my thigh again. I could hear the grin in his voice. "We got engaged just a few months ago. Just sent the ring out to get it sized. What luck, right?" I glanced at Sam. He couldn't have looked more honest. I smiled weakly, going along with the facade simply out of panic.
"Well then, it's a good thing you two have your own tent," The cop winked at me.
"Shane!" The dark haired woman next to the cop exclaimed and covered the ears of a young boy next to her. Shane only laughed.
I could tell my face was red as a tomato. I said very little while Sam made up this fairytale life neither of us had ever lived. He was a physics professor and I had been one of his students. He walked me to my car one night when I'd stayed on campus studying late at night. I'd kissed him then and our relationship had blossomed. It was amazing how quickly he came up with these things. Anyone hearing it would have no trouble believing it.
A week went by and Sam hadn't made a move to consummate our fictional relationship. He did, however, cuddle me at night and make too many physical gestures during the day. I was relieved when I was sent of chores with the other women. As much as I wanted to tell them I barely even knew Sam I was afraid. What could anyone do to protect me from the living in a world like this? I knew these people wouldn't make him leave.
I didn't say much and always made excuses not to talk about Sam. I acted much more reserved than I really was. In reality, I didn't talk much with strangers, but would have made small talk and been friendly, sharing bits and pieces of myself. With Sam in the picture, however, I hid the truth out of fear that no one would believe me.
Two men had shown up earlier in the day. Something about their rough nature made me feel at ease. All these people around here were so diplomatic. They'd lie right to your face to make you feel comfortable. The Dixon's, however, weren't the comforting type. They were real.
I was sitting at the quarry, moving my bare feet through the water, when Sam found me.
"Lydia, there you are," He maneuvered his way to the rock I was perched on and sat next to me with a huff. I didn't acknowledge his presence with anything aside from an inward groan.
"We need to talk," I looked at him that time. He never sounded serious. He always acted like we were living this perfect, romantic life and didn't have a care in the world.