Chapter 64

.

Eve had mixed emotions her final week at the Ark site. After the trial Eve was more anxious than ever to return home. But she also knew that she'd miss Julia and Jessie. Their summer romance remained interrupted by their respective shifts. During their downtime Jessie explained a sort of black-market at this site. People all over the country were sending care packages to these places, including some from Caseyville. Ifindividual got thee packages they could do with them as they pleased. If it was given to the Ark as a whole colonel Sadler and others distributed them as they saw fit. Often those who broke the rules were denied any little treats. Some people traded items with others. When Eve got a care package in August it had some of Karen's brownies. Eve ate one, gave some to her roommates, and kept one for trading. With Jessie's help Eve traded this final brownie to a girl for some lipstick. Eve remembered why she was attracted to this bad boy. Jessie was dangerous, but not too dangerous, actually protective of Eve. He had made this place less scary. She wondered if he was teaching her about this trading to entice her to stay, or was just hoping she'd come back next year. On monday August 22nd Eve worked her final shift. It was early, but short, 7am to 12pm. Her supervisor was only three minutes late relieving her. After this shift Eve was sent to colonel Sadler's office. A part of her feared this was about her relationship with Jessie. But he just wanted to give her the certificate that said she'd earned four more chances, making nine total. He also wanted to let her know some good news. On friday president Mason was having a little ceremony at the white house. The point was to publicly thank some teenage Ark workers for their service. Eve was one of those invited, partly because her schedule allowed her to attend without missing any Ark shifts. Eve's father was picking her up tomorrow, they would go to Washington for the ceremony. Eve was overwhelmed and excited y this turn of events. Eve had a few hours until Jessie's shift ended. She walked around the site, it had really progressed since Eve first came here. From the outside it still looked like a mountain. But Eve could see some areas had completed construction, including rooms she'd helped build. When Jessie's shift ended they spent a few hours together. Eve told Jessie the good news, she'd be a guest at the white house. Theydecided to celebrate together. When Zack picked Eve up tomorrow Jessie couldn't be around, they had to say their goodbyes tonight. They went back to Jessie's room and made love one last time. Then they said their final goodbyes.

.

Jessie: I'll miss you Eve, take care.

Eve: I'll miss you too. Stay out of trouble.

Jessie: I'll try.

Eve: This might sound weird, coming from me. But have you ever given much thought to God, salvation?

Jessie: A little. I just try to do this, build the Ark, and do my best to stay out of trouble. Hope that's enough.

Eve: Well, hope you're right. Thak you for helping me through this. I'm forever grateful for all you've done.