Take Over Chapter 8

Chapter 8

Miracles and explosions

The girls were unable to keep track of time. The room was kept dark most of the time. Then the “hosts” would turn the lights on low, bring food, come back remove the food and turn the lights off again.  Stefani had kept count.  She was guessing but she thought that if last two meals were breakfast and lunch then the next one they receive would make it be around diner time. 

The meals were not great, but they were not horrible either.  It consisted of bread and lunch meat.  She assumed it was bologna on dry white bread. They were each given bottled water every meal. Boy, would mom be mad if she knew how they were feeding us, Stefani thought. That brought a smile mixed with sadness to her face.

“Kim?” she whispered.

“Yeah?” 

“I miss mom,” She said.

“I know. We all miss our folks,” Kim said. Her reply was soft, distant, like her mind was elsewhere.

“How long do you think they will keep us like this?”  Stefani said aloud.

“I hope not much longer,” came from Ali. “I don’t think I can take much more of this darkness.”

“At least we have each other,” Stefani said.  Just then the lights came on.  Stefani thought it was too soon for the next meal.  They had just taken the last one out moments ago.

The girls immediately put their chins to their chest not wanting to risk another beating.

“Stefani and Ali, please stand.”

Both girls stood, their hearts felt as if they would beat out of their chest.  It was the voice of the woman whom the man called Ms. Weld. 

“Follow me,” she said.

Stefani and Ali glanced at each other and then Kim.  The looked up just enough to get the direction Ms. Weld was indicating making sure they avoided looking directly at her.  They made their way to the door. 

The hallway, if that is what it was, was stark white and the light hurt their eyes. 

The woman had them turn to the right as the left the room.  Without looking up the two followed. Ms. Weld passed several doors to their right and left.  In the condition their eyes were in, they could not make out any distinguishing marks or features of their location. 

The woman stopped, they followed suit.  She opened a door and stepped aside, “Go in please.”  

Both girls entered a room.  It was better lit than the last room they were in, but not as large.  “You two are now in charge of this room.  You are to take care of these,” with that she shut the door and they could hear the snick of the lock.

Stefani and Ali looked up.  They were surrounded by about twenty cribs and playpens. Each had a child in it ranging from what they guessed as a few weeks old to maybe two years old. Some were asleep others looked strangely calm as if they had been drugged

The two girls looked at each other.   

*******

This could not be happening, Kim thought.  Oh God why, why are you allowing this to happen?  She was beginning to be overwhelmed with grief.  She lost her dad; she did not know if her mom was alive, her sisters were gone, as well as her little brother and now, when she had finally had the comfort of a friend with her, Stefani was gone.

God, I can’t take anymore. I know you hear me. I know you are there. DO SOMETHING. At that moment she felt an overwhelming sense to pray.  She got down on her knees and began to pray to herself at first and the urge to pray just became stronger.  Soon she was crying aloud to God.

Tears streamed down her face and her chest heaved.  She would pause in silence and then began again.  Soon others around her began to weep and pray also until the room was filled with the cries and wailing of the girls.

*****

“TJ… this… this is crazy,” Steve said. “We can’t just break into buildings and set fire to people’s property.”

“Do you have a better idea?” TJ said. 

Bren watched as the two young men argued back and forth.  She knew she should say something but she didn’t know what.  TJ’s idea was the most outrageous thing she ever heard of.  He wanted them to set houses and buildings on fire, turn on the police and fire department sirens and basically make as much of a ruckus as possible.

“Look,” TJ said. “We know we can’t go to the authorities with what we have so far. If we can get those people who have our families to come here we can go inside while they are gone and film what we need and maybe even set or families free, and if that doesn’t work you and Bren will film the burning of the town and take it back to the authorities in the city.  They will have to believe that and at least come check it out.”

Steve could not argue that the idea had some merit.  It was just the thought of destroying someone else’s property was unthinkable. What if they are wrong and our families are safe somewhere? What if they came back to find the town on fire? Then what. Jail. That’s what. “TJ this is ridiculous.”

“Steve, I think he is right,” Bren said tentatively. “Listen, I am willing to do whatever it takes to get my family back and if that means destroying some things that can be rebuilt then so be it.”

“You can’t be serious. You are agreeing with him!” Steve looked to Kyle for help.

“Don’t look at me. I thought we should just go in, guns blazing,” Kyle said with a smile. “This sound much more reasonable and fun.”

Steve threw up his arms, “Am I the only sane person here?”

“Steve,” TJ said. “I know how you feel, but we really don’t have much of a choice.”

That was it, Steve decided.  He didn’t like the fact that he was being forced into such a position.  He knew TJ was right, that it was the only way and yet he didn’t want it to be…the only way.   He wanted options things to consider.  He didn’t want to feel so helpless.

“TJ, what do you have in mind?” Steve finally asked.