32 HOURS LATER
"Well, here we are. Home sweet home." I mutter with only a hint of sarcasm.
The past few days seem like a blur. Nothing feels real anymore. It's strange when you start accepting living out of a feed store during what could very well be the end of the world.
I slowly decelerate—bringing one of the three ATVs we commandeered from the local Ride-n-Go to an even slower crawl. Carla and Ronnie bring their ATVs alongside of me. All eyes are riveted to the front of the gas station. Ronnie’s brow furrows as he looks over at me.
“What the hell is that?!? Y’all in some kind of gang or holy war?!?”
Painted on the store's windows, in red paint, is an enormous red cross and a note: ‘Our Congregation has grown. Let GOD’s will be done. The human race must remain united. Join us, brothers!’
My voice is very nearly a growl as I reply to his overly stupid question.
“No. The Reverend Cox is sending us a message!”
“What the hell is a Reverend Cox?! And what the hell kind of message is he supposed to be sending?!” Ronnie responds with equally bitter frustration.
Carla answers instead—pointing at the cross and lettering painted on the store’s windows.
“I would say it’s pretty self-explanatory. ‘Join us….Or else.’”
Ronnie angrily takes in the message—reading it over and over—his mouth one firm line.
“Sounds like a real winner, this guy! You gonna tell him to kick rocks, or should I?!”
With all of my mental strength, I will myself not to go off on the poor kid. It wasn't his fault that the whole world had turned ass-backwards. But it was his fault that he was a bit of an asshole. That was the part i was having trouble with.
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“I think the best course of action is to wait it out. Don’t confront 'em. Let it be for now! We don’t need this!” I state in as calm a voice as I can muster.
“So….Just wuss out? Let ‘em deface your headquarters? Let them threaten you? And still do nothing?!? Got it.”
I whirl in Ronnie’s direction. Suddenly, unable to contain the anger growing inside me.
“I’ve served this country, kid! Have you?!? And I will fight against any enemy….Be it a god, demon, preacher, asshole, Santa Claus, or the goddamn Easter bunny! Cause it’s what’s right! But there is also a right—and a wrong time—for everything. Anyone who has read their Bible knows the devil can appear as anything. From an angel of light to a wolf in sheeps’ clothing. I may not know all the fancy words to say, but i do know that! Reverend Cox was the pastor of my aunt’s church since i was knee high. I respected him once. I’d just like to give him a chance to think about what he’s doing. Give him a chance to come around to sense before we go charging in there. Lives could be lost. I’d rather avoid that, if possible. Ain’t nothin’ wuss about saving lives, if you can. Cause what it seems like he’s proposing….Doesn’t bode too well for the womenfolk here.”
I nod at Carla, and the two other young women now accompanying us.
“I don’t hanker to rape. And if all you boys are smart….You won’t consider casting your lot with them, either. Now, that note seems real ominous. Not ‘cause of what it says—but ‘cause of what it doesn’t say. He knows there’s at least one woman here. Like I said, I know my Bible—and my history. I saw the Reverend let a fella talk to a young woman like she was a dog. Simply so he could be edified. And she ran right back to ‘em! I can’t say, I think manners have improved. And the Reverend seems to have been losin’ his grip for quite some time. When times get rough, women become not much more than breeding factories. Basically, sanctioned rape. Let me ask ya? Would you want some random guy laying atop your woman, Ronnie? What about you, Zach? Huh? Gettin’ her pregnant every nine or so months? Wearin’ her out? Making it where she’s too tired when you want a little action? Ripping up her insides until she’s about ready to die? Just so he can feel satisfied? Makin’ her feel older than her years? Makin’ her hate the sight of you ‘cause she associates you with every sexual trauma she’s ever experienced? Doesn’t sound like fun, does it kid? Well, pretend every woman here is your girlfriend…And show a little respect. Ain’t nobody wussin’ out! It’s about being smart. Why open up the flood gates and invite disaster; when you can play it safe and avoid unnecessary bloodshed?”
Ronnie is silent after my impassioned speech. The others stare at me in stunned silence. I nod toward the front of the store.
“Now, can we go inside? I’d like to get some shut-eye.”
Anthony, who hasn't spoken a word since Adele died the previous evening, shuffles his backpack on his right shoulder and steps up beside me. His solemn brown eyes meet mine in a stern gaze.
"After you, Sir! I'm a bit tired too."