Starting Over

Reunion

Aunty Gail decided that Clair could go with me to teach my lessons and help with the ladies. We would wake up early and head out. Within a few weeks, we had most of the goals met. The coop was up. Cattle, sheep, and goat pens were erected. The layout of a garden was set, and root vegetables were in the ground. I had taught a few ladies how to ride and wrangel the animals. They were prepared for the most part. The ladies have become dear friends to us. They had even thrown us a birthday party, which was not expected but appreciated.

As the war rages on, more and more people are heading out to the country looking for salvation. Some are willing to do anything for a bite of food. It has become unsettling. Mom told us this morning that this will have to be the last visit over here for a while. She is terrified that someone will attack us or worse.

"Mrs. Mary, mom is worried that something could happen to us. Especially with all these people wandering around out here. She said that today will have to be the last visit till things calm down a bit more. You have the radios up and working now, so if you need anything, you can still contact us." Mary gives me a hug

"I appreciate all you have done for us, and this will never be forgotten. You 2 girls are amazing people. When this is all over, you will always be a part of my family." Mary says in my ear

"Thank you. Remember, the fields are ready for planting. Keep a guard with whomever is out of the wall. If you need any advice, call out on the radio. I'm just checking to see if you heard from anyone." I ask, wondering if any family members have been in touch.

"Ohhh, I had almost forgotten. Bobby sent a letter. He wrote it 1 month ago. They were fine then. He said that they are with the Montana 1st rifle platoon on the Nationalist side. Timothy has been field promoted to Lt. Colonel and Jeremy is now a Major. They should be getting leave soon and may be home for a few weeks." Tears were falling down her face as she spoke with the largest smile I had ever seen on Mary. "I'm so excited to see my boys."

"Oh my God, that's amazingly great news!" I exclaim. "They have been gone for almost 7 months now. At least we know where they are and can keep an ear out for them on the short wave." I said.

"When are your men heading out?" she asks me.

"Within the next few days to a week." I say."They are leaving on foot to blend in with the refugees. They are getting gear together. I wish they would wait till George and your sons come home. Then they will know what to really expect."

"I wish mine would stay and not leave again. I get so afraid at night when everything is calm and quiet. The thoughts that go through my mind. But my boys are good men."

"Brian will be excited that Bobby's coming home. They were always getting into trouble together." I smiled at some memories. The boys are going out and racing on the county roads and getting arrested. I can remember Dad getting the call and leaving.

"I can remember how much trouble they put us through." Mary mirrors my thoughts we just start laughing.

"Mom said we had to be back early today. There has been news of people headed this way." I said leading daisy towards Clair who was saying good bye to the friends she made.

"PEOPLE HEADED TOWARDS US ON THE ROAD!" The gate watch yells down. We all run towards the gate to see what's going to happen. I call our community on the walkie talkies.

"People are headed in our direction. Over"

"You were supposed to come home early. Over."

"We were headed out just now when the guard shouted. Over"

"Alright stay there do not attempt to come home. Over"

"Yes, we will call back with news. Over"

"Waiting. Over"

Just then shouts are heard "Momma!" "MARY!" a large group of men and women in camouflage are walking towards the gate. There's around 25 people.

Mary races up to the ramparts to look. "ohh" she whispers. Then screams "Darling" she's running back down the steps. "Open the gate! OPEN THE GATE! it's my babies."

I open the hole in the gate to look out and speak to the man standing there, all I can see is his chest. "Hey, Mary recognizes her boys let me speak to one please." The man leans down and looks me in the eye with crystal blue eyes.

"Who are you?" He asks

"That isn't important. I need to know that everyone with you is safe to enter." He raises an eyebrow.

"Oh really how do we know our mother is safe in there with you. I am Timothy Mary's oldest." I blush because I didn't recognize him. He worked in town and we never crossed paths.

"I'm Jacquelin Muller from up the road. I need to know that everyone is with you. That you are not being coerced." I state calmly

"Little Jaq, s**t. your growing up. No we are not being coerced in fact half these people are headed to your place. They are part of Franks militia." He explains

"Please ask them to wait we will head over with them. Is Saundra with them." I ask as I unlock the gates

"Saundra come here." He calls out

Mary is bouncing and crying all over the place repeatedly saying "open the gate open the gate." Once the gate is open she springs into the giants arms kissing his cheeks and hugging him. "My baby, I love you my baby."

"Mama I love you too." He sets her down and she runs to the next man this scene is playing out in the background while I speak to Saundra

"Hello Sergant, are you all on leave?" I ask

"Hey kiddo, yes we split our leave. Half are here and the rest will come after we return." She says.

"Clair and I were headed home but wasn't sure who was coming up the lane so we radioed it in and waited." I tell her.

"It's our militia, Over"

"Then you will have an escorted home. Over."

"Yes, we are heading out now. Over."

"Now.Over"

Clair is standing next to me and we smile at each other and Saundra said "Frank" we start giggling. Before we leave everyone says their byes and Thomas walks up to me.

"You still haven't explained why you were here." He says

The man is huge compared to my 5 foot. I look up and up and up to meet his eyes. "They all needed help, so we helped I shrug and start to leave."

"Wait, is that all?" He asks confusion written all over his face. He is standing so close. I can feel his body heat. My face starts to blush I can feel the heat rising in my cheeks. I take a few steps back.

"Yes, Glad to see you all safe and home. Tell Mary to enjoy her time with you. I'm so happy for her and the other ladies." I say and turn to catch up to the rest of my group.