1.4 - Back Home in Viper Valley

Weeks 1 & 2 

Abby’s Accountings

I am back in Viper Valley. As we were on the way back I was given some final instructions. My shelter was ready and had most of the necessities – a sink, food storage container a bed and a table and chair that I could use for eating and another for my word processor – well, typewriter really. And the old car was parked underneath the second floor.

Beginning Shelter with double staircase - worth it in the long run

Upstairs

Basement - Notice the double staircase

I asked about bathroom facilities and the dude just laughed at me. There is a toilet at the meeting place across from your house, make use of it until you can afford to buy one of your own. Also, you have a few other safe locations that will be accessible to you, the City Hall – that is where you will deliver your reports. Then there are 3 other safe houses that have already been vetted and the folks there won’t harm you. It will be up to you to seek them out though.  

He continued: Finally, should you be able to take over the paper, which we HIGHLY recommend you do, you will have access to the old library. You will find lots of good information there, but the newspaper has blocked access to everyone so until you are in charge, you won’t be able to do anything about it.

He went on to describe our food rations.  I thought the food at the training camp was bad but now we are given only enough food to have one meal per day.  He said I was already supplied for my first week. 

He then described how I would be able to obtain building materials and additional furnishings. Each week a limited amount of building supplies will be available to purchase so you can continue to make your shelter safer. The mob is in control of this distribution. Well, they are pretty much in control of everything.  Anyway, everyone gets only what they can afford and at the same time they will allow you access to buy whatever furnishings they scavenged from the vacant houses.  You might wind up buying back your own furniture. Rumor has it they take ALL of your money no matter what you buy, so buy wisely. Don’t try to hide your money from them. They know how much you get and will certainly be expecting a certain amount.

Then he asked me if I had any questions.  Only about a million!

I still had a little money left of my stash, so before anyone could steal it from me I went to the bookstore and bought some books, then I went home and to bed to prepare for my first day of work.

Network Big Park

My first day at work went okay. I met my boss and some of the coworkers. After work I figured I would check out the ‘toilet’ facilities at the park. I was surprised at the number of people there and with their families including infants. The full effect of the earthquake and subsequent explosions hadn’t made it to the Valley yet and they seemed to be under a false sense of security with the mild afternoon - although I could feel the chill in the air. Eternal winter would be upon us soon.

I took advantage of the crowd and worked my charm and got a couple of interviews.  There is a strict curfew so I didn’t hang around and rushed home to work on my reports. No one wants to be out after dark.

Eventually the eternal winter claimed Viper Valley with a vengeance.  There were few sunny days and it was freezing. The townspeople eventually figured out the Snow Angel stress reliever method. They were everywhere along with snowmen and igloos. Igloos are no good. They scare me and I will NOT go into one or even try to make one. Having all that toxic snow surrounding me and breathing the fumes – nope, not gonna happen.

The weeks have continued to be the same. Do interviews and write up reports and deliver them. It has left little time for me to do anything else. I haven’t even been able to seek out the other safe-houses but I was meeting a lot of people, clueless people. 

I was making a lot of money at the newspaper so I had plenty to buy some much needed items. Winter had come and it was cold in my shelter so I invested in an old fireplace as well as a battery operated radio. Then I spied an old toilet. I couldn’t wait to get home with that! Anyway, I added a wall downstairs and a door to block out the cold and the riffraff. I decided I would start on a second story as well as an additional underground basement level. You never know when that space will come in handy. I just feel the need to expand!  

I still had quite a bit of money left after buying as much as I was allowed and then this man said, “Hand it over missy! We know you have more!” and then he laughed this evil like laugh - like the villains you used to see on TV which sent chills up my spine. I handed it over and ran with my toilet.

I noticed today that there is this dude that seems to be following me around.  I don’t know if it is the mob or if it is one of ‘us’ keeping an eye on me.  Whatever, I just ignore him. I see no good that can come from engaging him in conversation.  He will watch me and when he thinks I am not looking he writes stuff in a notebook.  Creepy. Very glad I got a door for my sleeping area.

Work is going extremely well. Everyone seems to like my stories. I am even beginning to believe that I might just be able to take over this rag as I am now second in command. Opening up the Library and pouring over those books would surely help with rebuilding this town. That is just the incentive I need to do it.

Newsflash!!!  LOL….I just had to write that. I did it! I am in charge of the Newspaper. The old Editor left and now I am the one and only and the Star Anchor. I have demanded that the Library be unlocked and made available once again. No one dare dispute me for fear of reprisal. Humph! Take that MOB!

Just when I thought I had settled into a routine, I got the surprise of my life. Yesterday there was a knock at my door. I almost didn't go check, because no one goes to anyone's shelter uninvited. I am not sure what made me get up, but I am so glad I did. Aaron “Green-Eyes” Matthews was standing there. When I saw him I fell into his arms. It was so good to see him and even better to have someone that I felt secure with. When we parted ways, I never thought I would see him again. 

Then, after the initial excitement, I realized something must be wrong for him to be at my door when he was supposed to be somewhere else. He said he was on the run. He wasn’t able to fulfill his duty and the mob AND the military were after him. 

We quickly went inside because I knew I was being watched.

Once inside, he said he looked for me because he still wanted to be with me, to get married. I told him that wouldn't be possible now. I couldn't be seen with a fugitive, but he could stay for the night if he wanted and could have my rations before he left. He just looked at me with those eyes. If circumstances were only different…

Of course that attraction we had back at the training camp kicked in and he kissed me or maybe I kissed him, well we kissed each other. 

Then we wound up making use of the double bed I had been so generously supplied with. And we didn't use it for sleep if you know what I mean.

Damn, I wanted him to stay, but we both knew he couldn’t. I let him have my ration for the day and he kissed me goodbye. I am pretty sure I will never see him again. I am going to work on my book now to try and forget.

It’s been almost two months since Aaron left and I still miss him but today, I figured out I will always have a part of him with me. I woke up this morning not feeling so well and threw up twice. I never get sick. At first I thought it was just bad rations. Then, it occurred to me why I must be sick. Crap, I am pregnant! When I tried to call in sick, they said not to come back. If you can’t work, even if you are boss lady, you don’t get to stay. Stupid mob rules. Maybe one day we can fix that. 

I have kept busy for the past few months writing books and working out.  I have to keep strong for this child.  I never thought I would be bringing a child into this messed up mess of a world but as the time gets closer, I am getting anxious. You really are a kicker! I will write again when we are two. In fact, little baby, you are WHO I am writing this for really, I just didn’t fully realize it until now…I love you already.

Your mom, Abby. 

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