Chapter 132

.

In early May Eve noticed Amy was acting differently. It wasn't anything that she could put her finger on, just something. Maybe it was because Eve wouldn't sleep with her, maybe fear of graduating next month. Perhaps she wasn't sure what to do with herself anymore. Chris Smith still campaigned, careful not to attack the president too much. Smith tried to get in good with his constituents by doing their jobs for a day. Fast-food worker, delivery man, grocery store bagger, even heart surgeon. He only observed the last one. One thing they all had in common was looking forward to June 6th. Then NASA would launch the missles, by August they would hopefully destroy ELE. If not, who knew how much people would panic this time. On Saturday May 6th Zack had a birthday party for Eve. Karen was suprisingly helpful. After graduation Karen planned to resume work at Ravenwood,seemed like good steady work. It felt good to have a real party again, without worrying about food rations so much. Not too many guests, Nadia, Amy, some of Eve's friends from her mosque and the Sons of Liberty were here. Chris Smith came briefly. He and Syed Ali tried to avoid arguing about politics, but eventually they just took it outside. When everyone gave Eve presents Amy sheepishly said she'd forgotten hers, but would give it to her tomorrow. After the party Amy asked to see Eve in her room.

.

Eve: If this is about what I think it is, I remain adamant about "no."

Amy: That is regrettable for me. The truth is, I just didn't want to give you your present in front of others. Here it is.

.

Amy handed Eve a wrapped box. Eve un-wrapped it, and inside the box was a gun. Specifically a Smith and Wesson six-shooter, loaded.

.

Eve: This is my present?

Amy: Yeah, be sure to keep it hidden, and locked in your room.

Eve: Is this is a good idea?

Amy: I hope that reconstruction goes on without interruption. But if it doesn't, I want my girlfriend to be able to protect herself. Ted was arrested you know.

Eve: What? When?

Amy: Last week. We're still trying to find him, I don't even know if he's still alive. Be careful Eve.