Starting Over

Completed project

Same as the days before we set out early so we can complete the project. The ladies were hard at work, laying out the frame and sheet metal. In preparation for our arrival. We were able to resume work immediately.

"How many stayed in the house last night." I asked Joyce

"Everyone. We had already brought all our valuable items when we headed over yesterday. We all decided that staying last night and getting an earlier start was best." She smiled so brightly. " It was the first time in a while I didn't feel so afraid and alone."

"That's so great to hear." I reply

"We are going to start heading over to each house one by one and shut them up. Hopefully, we can avoid squatters in our homes."

"That is a wonderful idea. At least you won't be alone if something were to happen." I tell her. "Make sure you have several guns with you just in case."

Just then, there is a commotion at the gate entrance. "something is going on at the gate. I'm going to check it out." I walk over to the gate. There is a group of people speaking with dad, Mary, and Uncle Frank.

"What's going on, Carol?" I ask

"This group of 21, asking for sanctuary."

she said, "So far, what I have gathered is this is a family of 3 siblings and their spouses and children. 3 are doctors, and 2 are physician assistants." They are not empty handed each one is pulling a cart or wagon. "How many rooms are left in the house?" I asked Carol

"5 I believe there are now 20 women and their children living here. The kids are staying in the room with their mothers."

I see Dad starting to shake his head.

"Dad, Mary and Uncle Frank?" I call out." Can I have a moment?" They say something and walk towards me. "Before you turn them away, ask for credentials. They are valuable if they are truly Doctors." The light bulbs finally flashed in their minds. "There is only so much room here, ask if they mind being separated. We have an infirmary at home and bunk houses. There are also several furnished apartments." They walk back to the group, and they all start rummaging through their luggage. Next, they are producing papers for dad and Uncle Frank to look at. I am so annoyed because I can't hear them, but this time, everyone is nodding their heads with smiles.

I go back to work as they are leading 2 families to the house. 2 families are staying here, and the rest will follow us home. They had walked 175 miles from the closest city. We knew they were exhausted. But the men refused to rest and started giving us a hand.

"Hello, I'm Dean Camball." introducing himself, he extended his hand yo me

Shaking his hand, I said, "Jacquelin Mullens, it's a pleasure to meet you. It's nice seeing new faces." He was a lot taller than my 5 foot frame. He must be around 6'2" he had dark brown hair and hazel green eyes. He seemed to be in his late 20s or early 30s

"Which community do you live in?" He asked as a tall, slender man walked up to us."This is Dr. Shandon Raiel, his sister, is married to my brother." I Shake the Dr's hand. He wasn't a stand-out type of good-looking. But he had a kind face and gentle smile.His hair was a sandy blond with bright blue eyes.

"it's a pleasure to meet you, Dr. Raiel, " I said and turned back to Dean. "I live in the other community with my parents."

"Were you in college when all this went down?" He asks

"No, I'm 16. I was a junior in high school," I responded. "What a creepy conversation.

"Oh, s**t your a minor. I'm so sorry. I thought you were older." Dean was thinking she was one of the most beautiful women he had seen. Now he knows to keep his distance. this was a disaster in his mind. Before the war started, he was quite the playboy and loved women. He was a successful contractor and made great money.

On the flip side, Dr. Raiel appreciated her beauty but knew that he would never measure up or deserve such a striking young woman. Besides, she was underage, and at 16, that was a huge age gap for a 36 year old bachelor.

"Your beauty speaks volumes, young lady." Doc said as I stood there blushing. "You will grow even more beautiful as you age. I am going to assume you spoke to Brian, Frank, and Mary on our behalf. I would like you to know we will be eternally grateful to you, Thank you so much. I can actually rest now that all my family members will be safe."

"Doc, it was nothing but common sense. The adults are under a lot of pressure and are worrying constantly. It takes a lot of courage to turn people away, not knowing what will happen to them." I said with confidence." We as communities will need specialty trained individuals to help us thrive."

"Well said, I'm going to head over and see what I can help with. Thank you again, little dutchess." I was a little dumbfounded by the nickname but just blew it off.