Madie Life in Bear Country
Published by Marsha Loftis
Smashwords Edition
Copyright 2010 Marsha Loftis
Smashwords Edition, License Notes
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I wrote this book on the internet as a serial fiction blog. You may find spelling and grammar mistakes or story inconsistencies...Marsha Loftis
CHAPTER 1
Journal: Prologue
I’m not sure exactly what day this whole thing started. I never watched the news. I was a kid doing my own thing. I didn’t care what was happening around me as long as I could spend time with my friends. I remember my Dad saying how sad it was that a mother of three small children had died from the flu. Then someone else died, then someone else and then quarantine. Life fell apart after that.
The local authorities told us to stay in our homes. Stay away from other people. Don’t go out in the streets. Doctors were working on a cure. People panicked, they left town to get help from other hospitals. This was a mistake. Almost instantly, the news reported stories about epidemics, people dying by the hundreds, then the thousands.
My dad was a part of the homeland security team. He was working with the town government trying to keep things under control. Unfortunately, his efforts and the efforts of others didn’t help. The virus continued to spread. The death toll continued to rise and soon bodies began to pile up on the streets. It was awful. Our entire town smelled like death.
My mother died first. My heart hurt so badly. I wanted to die. My father was already sick. I could tell his heart was broken too. He died a couple of days later. I lay on my bed and cried hoping death would take me too. The only thing that took hold of me was hunger.
Millions of families were destroyed. Parents died leaving their children to survive on their own. Death preyed on the smallest survivors. Babies died in their cribs. Toddlers starved to death because they couldn’t get out of their homes. The survivors, the so-called lucky ones, began to group together and form gangs. The Bears formed when a dozen people moved into the Bear Country High School on Lafayette Blvd. We survived but life wasn’t easy.
I have always wanted to be a writer. I think my Dad bought me my first journal when I was in the 1st grade. I have kept a journal ever since. This is my story. The following journal entries are a brief view of my life.
Madie
Journal 1
Finally found a new journal to write in. I found it at the plaza. I paid a hefty price. Nevertheless, I desperately needed something to let me vent and chronicles my thoughts. You would think that a person living inside a school building would have access to paper. Except for the stash, the journal club keeps under lock and key, the only paper in this school is the student records. This paper serves no useful purpose to me.
Not a lot to tell about Bear Country except that things have been quiet for weeks. I am a little bored. Everyone is off doing his or her own thing. I was hoping that maybe I could get someone to play a game of cards, spades perhaps. It is a fun game but no one was interested. I even asked the Library Trio, Marty, Gretchen and Cecelia. Day in and day out the three of them sit in the media center and read. Surely, they could use a diversion.
They weren’t interested. Marty said they were doing research. This sounded somewhat interesting so I asked if I could help. They all three looked at me and in unison said “No". Before I knew what was happening they pushed me out of the media center. In addition, they added insult by locking the door. Those three are a wealth of information. A little odd and secretive and they are rarely seen alone but they can be very helpful at times. I am only a little hurt that they didn’t want to play with me. Oh well, their loss.
The agriculture club is trying their best to supply us with a variety of fruits and vegetables but an unfortunate accident with a bug infestation has damaged much of their crops. In an effort to keep us from starving to death, the agriculture club has asked for volunteers. They need people to help with the crops that are left. I will be spending much of my time next week helping in the fields. Oh, joy! It’s not that I mind helping out. I just hate manual labor. Better to help now than to starve later.
Journal 2
There is trouble in Bear Country.
Runt came running down the admin hall before sun up this morning yelling at the top of his lungs.
“Get up, Get up. They took our fuel. “
I jumped off the couch and tackled him in the hallway.
“Ok, we get the point.” I yelled back as I grabbed him by the shoulders and tried to calm him down.
By this time, everyone residing in the admin hall was awake and standing in the hallway. Sleepy eyes were everywhere and no one was in a very joyful mood.
Runt tried to squirm out of my hold as he cried.
“Tony …Tony’s hurt. They beat him up.”
Tony lives in the basement. He has been my friend (sort of) since before the world turned upside down. We didn’t run in the same circles but we had several classes together. He always asked my opinions on homework assignments. I used to wish he would ask me out on a date. Unfortunately, he was dating a cheerleader. He isn’t very sociable these days but he is very good at fixing and maintaining whatever we break.
I ordered the Runt to stay put in the admin hallway and grabbed some muscle. When I say muscle, I am referring to Matt and Jonas. The three of us ran toward the basement. The basement was a mess and Tony was slumped against the far wall holding his stomach, bleeding from his head, and his left eye was swollen shut. Tony attempted to open his good eye as soon as he heard us coming. He adjusted the way he was leaning against the wall and let out a cry of pain.
“I tried to reason with them.” Tony said as he spit out a mouth full of blood.
“They took all of our fuel.”
Tony said it was Central. I honestly was not surprised. They have been giving us trouble for ages. The Central Bobcats are from the east end of Lafayette Blvd we live on the West. We were rivals in football, basketball and volleyball. Our bands competed against each other in competitions before the world thru itself into chaos. The big difference between Central and us is that we are not a bunch of thieves and bullies.
The leader of the Central Bobcats is a former high school wrestling champion. He is mean, leads by fear, and regularly has his goons beat up people for fun. The kids call him the Hulk after the comic book character. He doesn’t barter for what he needs. He has his goons take what he wants.
Matt and I leaned over to help Tony onto his cot. I told Tony he shouldn’t have tried to stop Central Goons from taking what they wanted. Just then, Runt ran up behind me holding a first aid kit. The Runt is such a tiny little person. I yelled at him for leaving the admin hallway. He gets into more trouble.
Runt glared back at me. “Tony didn’t try to stop them. They beat him up afterwards.”
I looked at Tony and he just nodded in agreement.
At that moment, Matt and Jonas both blew a gasket and started ranting a raving about getting even. Love these boys but they get hot under the collar fast and don’t always think things thru...
We have some big people in Bear Country but we are not a match for the goons at Central.
Journal 3
I take back the “I’m bored” thing. Bear Country held a meeting to discuss what to do about our missing fuel. The consensus was nothing. Asking for the fuel back wasn’t an option, taking the fuel back wasn’t an option, although two people who shall remain nameless thought we should storm Central and take it back. Can you say Matt and Jonas? We voted this down because of the possibility of casualties, on our side. We decided to put in place a security team during the night hours. Everyone over the age of 12 would be required to keep watch at two-hour intervals. Our resources are few and we don’t need to be losing anything else. We have strength in numbers and we can protect ourselves when necessary.
At the meeting, we also discussed the up and coming festival. Like last year, we plan to have a feast, music and games. The Journal Club will be putting up fliers to announce the event to the community. We invited everyone but Central. With luck, they won’t grace us with their presence at this year’s event.
Journal 4
I dreamt about being home again last night. I swear I could almost feel and smell the clean sheets. It felt like a weekend. One of those mornings, when you had a great night sleep, a familiar smell wakes you. My mom was in the kitchen making her famous biscuits. I miss those biscuits. I miss the strawberry jam. I don’t know what woke me from my dream but it was a letdown when I realized it wasn’t real.
Journal 5
I went to the market plaza today to see if I could find a pair of new shoes (old shoes). The ones I have are coming apart at the seams. My feet wouldn't fit into any of the shoes. I guess I will wear these a little longer. While I was shopping, I overheard some people discussing the Central Bobcats. They are causing trouble all over town. I am not usually afraid of anything but the Hulk seriously worries me. He is so evil. People say he is that way because his father was always beating on him, especially if he lost a tournament. I don’t know if this is true or if it is just a rumor kids spread around to explain his meanness. I do know that he never seems to have remorse about his actions. He actually enjoys hurting people.
Journal 6
We moved Tony from the basement up to the admin hallway. He is not doing well. His eye seems to be better but his stomach is extremely bloated and painful to the touch. He isn’t holding any food done but we are insisting that he drink water. People die from dehydration. Marty, Gretchen and Cecilia have headed out to the main library to do some research on Tony’s condition. With any luck, they will come back with some answers on what we should do to help him. In the mean time, the kids are taking turns sitting with Tony and trying to keep him comfortable.
Journal 7
Tony is getting worse and Runt is missing. I couldn’t find him anywhere this morning. He didn’t show for breakfast. His bike is also missing. He is too little to be out in the city alone. It would be disastrous if the Central Bobcats caught him. Lisa took over sitting with Tony after Runt. She said he was obviously upset and mentioned something about finding medicine to help. If I thought medicine was available, I would have been the first person to go and find some.
Unfortunately, finding medicine for even the common cold is just not possible. Survivors emptied out the pharmacies long ago. You can occasionally come across something to barter but there is no guarantee that what you are bartering for is actually in the bottle. The only time medicine appears on the market is when some desperate soul is trying to save a dying loved one. People have sold their souls for medicine and it turn out to be nothing at all. Some awful concoction someone has put together. Matt and Jonas volunteered to go and look for Runt. I would have gone but I have things that need my attention here.
Journal 8
It has been a long day. Matt and Jonas have still not returned with Runt. I am keeping my fingers crossed that Runt is doing fine and that the Central Bobcats didn’t catch him. Tony was his best friend, is his best friend. Speaking of Tony, he is still recovering. We are still taking turns looking after him. He is not taking in many fluids but his color is improving slightly. We held elections today for Sheriff. Sheriff Pete will take over as the man in charge of security. He has started looking for people to fill the deputy sheriff positions. I need to put a Thank you in the Bear News for everyone that helped in the middle of the night. I suppose I could give you some good news. Casey finally delivered her baby. Her labor lasted for days. She was in labor, then she wasn’t, she was in labor then she wasn’t. I felt bad for her because she was in constant pain. Everything turned out fine in the end. Mom and baby are doing well. As soon as Casey is up to it, we are going to have a naming ceremony. The ceremony usually occurs about two weeks after the baby’s birth that will put it around the end of the month.
Journal 9
I forgot to take my journal with me yesterday. I went for a walk, a long walk. Went by my old home and someone was living there. I guess I shouldn’t be surprised. It has a very homey feel. I wanted to run up to the people living there and say “get out this is my home.” I didn’t, I just stood there. I stood there for a long time until my stomach said it was time to eat. I said goodbye to my home and went looking for food.
Update, Tony is getting better. He is still sore and bruised but he isn’t dead. This is a good thing because without him Bear country just wouldn’t be the same. As for Runt, he is still missing. I am beginning to think we will never see him again. It has been days and he is so little.
Journal 10
It rained all night long. I love the rain. I seem to sleep well when it rains. It is going to be a busy day. I promised Casey I would watch the baby a little while so that she can take care of herself. She is the cutest baby. I hope Casey gets to enjoy her for a long time. I am not so sure I would want to take on the responsibility of having a baby. There are so many things to worry about. Babies don’t seem to do as well as they used to. Medicines don’t exist. There are limited things you can do when they get ill. No one talks about the things that can go wrong. I wonder if Casey worries about the baby getting ill. I would worry.
I saw Tony up walking around a little while ago. He was walking toward the showers. It’s a good thing because he was starting to smell bad. If he had been severely ill for much longer, it was going to be a challenge to get people to sit with him.
CHAPTER 2
Journal 11
The Journal Club has finished with the flyers for the up and coming festival. Evan and J.T. have done a wonderful job again. It amazes me how creative they can be. They will be distributing the flyers around town today. The festival is the one time of the year when everyone gets together and has a good time. We forget about our sorrows and pain and enjoy ourselves. I am a little worried about the Central Bobcats. I am keeping my fingers crossed that they don’t cause any trouble. Sheriff Pete is working on obtaining people for security of the festivities. It is going to be a challenge for him. He is asking for help from around the community.
I heard Lisa practicing her guitar this morning and singing. She has such a beautiful voice. She usually tries to sing happy songs but sometimes you can hear a little sadness in her voice. She keeps the sad songs to herself. No one bothers her when she goes to the roof to sing and play. I am not sure if she knows that we can still hear her up there. It’s her place of solitude, so we leave her alone.
Journal 12
I feel so bad. No one told Tony that Runt was missing. I was updating the bulletin board in the admin hallway when Tony asked me where Runt was. I just stood there and stared at him. I finally told him that I was sorry. Runt had been missing for days. I tried to explain to Tony why we think Runt left. That he left to find medicine and that Jonas and Matt went looking for him. Tony was so angry that he yelled at me for being irresponsible. He said I should have been more reliable and that it’s my fault if Runt is dead. I don’t blame him for yelling at me. We should have told Tony that Runt was missing sooner.
Runt was not my primary responsibility. He just appeared on our doorstep one day, dirty and hungry. Tony became is friend. Tony is the one who took care of him. This is going to sound stupid but I honestly didn’t realize that I should have been taking care of Runts needs while Tony was ill. I just assumed that everyone took care of everyone. I have a tremendous amount of responsibility around here. I try to make sure that life around Bear Country runs smoothly and most of the time it does.
Journal 13
I woke up early this morning. I didn’t sleep very well last night. I kept thinking about what Tony said to me yesterday. By the way, he is now avoiding me. I tried to talk to him this morning but he wasn’t interested in anything I had to say. To get my mind off things I went to the plaza to see if I could find another pair of shoes. No shoes, but I did run in to a kid with a very well trained dog. They were doing some amazing tricks and entertaining the crowd. The dog listened so well. Then a couple of Central goons showed up. They enjoy causing trouble and as usual, they did. They started tossing trash at the dog and pushing around his owner. I wanted to see the dog eat one of them. They would have deserved it. Unfortunately, the dog was well trained and didn’t attack but he did display an impressive display of I am going to eat your heart out if you don’t leave my owner alone.
With help from the crowd, the Central goons crawled away in disgrace. I can feel trouble in the air. The Central Bobcats continue to make life difficult. I heard that the Hulk is recruiting goons. I need to organize a meeting with the town leaders to see if we can do something about Central. Unfortunately, people are getting more and more afraid. People like to look the other way when it doesn’t involve them. I have a feeling this is going to involve the whole town soon.
Journal 14
Tony is still avoiding me. He won’t look at me. He won’t talk to me. He will not enter if I am in a room. I wish I knew what to say. I have tried to apologize. I have never seen him this angry with anyone before. I don’t know what to do. The cold shoulder he is giving me is breaking my heart. I keep hoping that Runt will walk thru the front door.
Journal 15
Central continues to cause trouble. I went to the Plaza today with Matt and Jonas. The streets are crazy. People are missing. No proof but the word is that the Central Bobcats are behind the disappearances. I knew Central was recruiting older males, large males of substantial build but the missing are young boys. Apparently, four young boys have disappeared in four days. Took Matt and Jonas, collected a few community leaders, and went over to the Central campus. We were hoping that the Hulk (as we endearingly call him) might be able to help us. Let us know where the boys are. His goons wouldn’t let us thru the front door. Apparently, the Hulk is busy with Central Bobcat business and can’t be disturbed. We tried to force our way in but the goons guarding the entrance had lethal weapons we weren’t prepared to deal with at that moment in time. We left a message. This whole thing with Central is getting on my nerves.
Journal 16
I held a meeting with the community leaders of the larger gangs that are allies with Bear Country. I love community meetings. No, actually, I don’t but sometimes they are a necessity. I am not a very good diplomat. I have trouble hiding my emotions. I always turn a bright shade of red when I get flustered. What I hate the most is that these meetings always end up loud and noisy. Getting everyone to agree is always a challenge but I think we have a workable plan. All the gang leaders have agreed that getting someone inside the Bobcat campus is a necessity. Bear Country will have to get someone inside but first we have to find out what kind of security the Hulk has in place so that we can get information out once we are inside.
I went to see Tony after the meeting. He is still angry with me. At first, he pretended to be working on something and ignored that I was even standing in the same room. I said I was sorry and that if I could bring back Runt I would. I said I needed his friendship. He threw a wrench across the room (It barely missed my head) and said I wasn’t a very good friend. A friend is someone you can count on. Someone you can depend on. I said, “I was dependable.” He said I wasn’t. He said I should have kept a closer eye on Runt. Perhaps he was right. I should have kept a closer eye on the little guy. However, honestly, I can’t be everywhere at once. I have a great deal of responsibility. I would have done my best to look after Runt if Tony had died. We all would have looked after him. It’s what we do in Bear Country. We look after each other. No one could have prevented Runt from leaving if he wanted to leave. No one is under lock and key.
Tony went back to whatever it was he was working on and I left the room. I said I really was sorry.
Journal 17
Tony stopped by my room in the admin hallway. He said he wanted to help. I guess this is his way of saying he is sorry for being mad at me.
It’s been a long night. Tony, Matt, Jonas and I (under the cover of darkness) went to the Central campus. There was a lot of activity even at the hour that we were snooping. The guards seem to all be visible. No need to hide, the size of these people would keep most people away. Of course, we don’t know exactly what is going on inside. We tiptoed around the entire campus. No one seemed to be guarding the east end backside of the building. The door was even unlocked. We went inside. The classrooms in this hallway were all locked and empty. At least the rooms we peaked into were empty. Things seemed a little too easy. Feeling uncomfortable with the ease that we entered we decided to quietly leave. Ok, we can get in. Which means we should be able to get information to each other? The next step is to get someone into the Bobcat gang.
Journal 18
There are days and then there are days. Matt and Jonas fought at the plaza today. It was awful. Both boys were injured. They both had bloody lips, cuts and bruises. A couple of venders are going to have to rebuild after Matt and Jonas crashed thru their kiosks. It didn’t take long for a crowd to develop. People began to cheer for one or the other. It always annoys me that people encourage fights. You would think that the proper thing to do would be to stop the fight but not in this town. Anyway, as the fight grew in intensity a couple of the Hulk’s goons from the Central campus arrived. They just stood back and watched. I am not surprised. The fight ended as Matt pinned Jonas to the pavement. Some words exchanged that I would rather not repeat. Then Matt released Jonas and stood up. Jonas struggled to his feet. He yelled at his brother that they were no longer brothers. I wanted to cry. After the show, the crowd dispersed as quickly as it formed except for the Central goons. They were interested in Matt. I wasn’t close enough to hear the conversation but Matt left with the enemy.
Journal 19
Jonas limped back to Bear Country. He didn’t say a lot when he got back. I cleaned up his wounds and made him something to eat. He didn’t eat much. I am not sure if it was because of his physical injuries or because of the mental anguish I am sure he feels. The whole thing was just incredibly sad. I find it hard to think about one without the other. Matt and Jonas have always done everything together.
Journal 20
I have such a headache. Probably stress. The preparation for the naming ceremony is going well. Casey is getting so excited and the baby seems to be thriving. Casey is also doing well. Plans for the festival also continue. We have had several responses from several of the local gangs who wish to participate. The same gangs come year after year. I can’t wait; we need some diversion, some fun. My brain is tired. What else can I tell you? Oh, I know Jonas is climbing the walls. We still have not heard from Matt since he defected over to the Central Bobcats. I hope he is safe and not taking any unnecessary chances.
CHAPTER 3
Journal 21
Matt sent a message to me. He is inside the Central campus and it sounds like he is doing fine. He apologized to Jonas for the eye punch. Apparently, Matt lost his balance on the last blow. Matt has access to most of the Central campus but a couple of the areas are heavily guarded. Matt has located the Runt and the other lost boys. The boys are slaves forced to do the Hulks bidding. The goons keep the boys in cages most of the day. The Hulk’s goons force the boys to fight in the arena for amusement.
Wrestling seems to be very big on the Central campus. People are continuously challenging each other to duals. Matt has been able to avoid being challenged because he is currently not considered a threat, the higher the rank the more privileges you have and the better food you eat. Matt hopes to be home soon.
Journal 22
I am having trouble sleeping. I seem to worry about everything. Last night was horrible; I couldn’t shut my mind off from thinking about the day. I don’t like Matt living inside the Central campus. I don’t want him taking any unnecessary chances. I am sure he will only do what is necessary but I still worry about him. Tony is feeling a little happier. He is anxious about Runt. It was difficult to convince him that he can’t just run over to the Central campus and get Runt back. We have a workable plan to get all the missing boys back. I think he understands that if he ran over there and tried to take Runt back right now the other missing boys could be in trouble. One-step at a time and we will get our friends back. Sheriff Pete is currently training his deputies. I think he is enjoying his new role as Sheriff. He walks differently, taller I think.
Journal 23
Sheriff Pete and Tony retrieved another note from Matt.
Not everyone is happy with the way the Hulk runs the Central Campus. This is a good thing. Matt got in an argument this morning with someone trying to take his breakfast. The bully was trying to prove to his pals that he was big and tough. Matt won the argument after a knock down fight.
Matt made some friends. One in particular, a girl named Hemy. She said that there are people at Central that do not like the Hulk or his goons. The Hulk and his inner circle have most of the people who live at Central afraid. Food and a place to sleep seem to be the strongest reasons why people stay. Others stay because they enjoy the wrestling tournaments and that way of life. Central reminds me of the stories I heard when I was young about the gladiators. The guards force people to fight as the Hulk and his goons watch. Matt said there are 10 goons in the Hulks inner circle.
Journal 24
Met with the gang leaders and shared the notes from Matt. The atmosphere in this meeting was calmer than the previous one. The gang leaders shared their thoughts on how to proceed toward getting rid of the Hulk and his goons. Everyone agreed that the Hulk was a nuisance. The longer he stayed in town the stronger he was going to get. We have all decided to band together in a show of force. A lot of violence is expected. I gave the gang leaders the opportunity to back out of the conflict if they found the risk to great. No one withdrew his or her gang. I will send a courier to inform Matt on how we plan to proceed.
Journal 25
Matt has sent word that he has received our plans. He had a few suggestions that might make the take-over a little easier. The Hulk has scheduled a wrestling match for tomorrow morning. The Hulk and most of his goons will be present in the gym for the event. Having everyone at the Central campus in the same location of the school will make our attack easier. I am holding a final strategy meeting this evening with the allied gang leaders.
Matt has made allies inside the Central campus among several of the current residence that do not like the Hulk’s style of leadership. This is good news. Allies inside will make the battle a little easier. I am keeping my fingers crossed that everything goes smoothly and that any injuries acquired will be minor.
Journal 26
It’s early and I have butterflies in my stomach. I want today to go well. All the gangs have designated places to be around the Central campus. Our attack will occur soon after the start of the wrestling tournament. The gang leaders have agreed that we will only use the force necessary to get the Hulk and his goons to leave Central. I am keeping my fingers crossed that the violence doesn’t escalate into something ugly. I don’t want to see anyone seriously injured, especially those that are on our side.
Journal 27
I have been sitting for a long time trying to decide how to start this entry. This is going to be one of my longer entries. There is so much to tell. Everyone that was going to participate in the take over at the Central campus gathered in the admin hallway. No one said anything at first. We just stood there looking at each other. Casey asked me to deliver a note to a friend she once new at the Central campus. I said I would do my best to deliver the note. With everyone gathered, I gave everyone one more chance to back out.
The walk to Central was a quiet one, a few people chatted back and forth trying to keep the mood a little less serious. I was so nervous and afraid but I tried to look confident. I didn’t want the others to know that I was scared.
I don’t know if the Hulk was expecting guest but he didn’t look surprised when we entered the gym. He had a sort of welcome to the festivities grin on his face. It was a little unnerving. There was a sharp pain in the pit of my stomach as I announce to the Hulk that we were demanding that he leave Central and the local area with his goons. The room went silent. I felt as if I was beet red in the face. The Hulk stood up from his chair.
He said something sarcastic like “I’m sorry, have we met?” Trying to sound confident, I told him who I was.
He said, “Look little lady I’m going to pretend that you and your friends here haven’t disturbed my festivities. Just turn around and walk away and I won’t have my goons beat you to a pulp.”
I took a deep breath and said, “We’re not leaving but you and your goons can leave quietly or with a fight.”
The Hulk and his goons began to laugh. “You are no challenge for us; you don’t have a chance…Prepare to Die!”
I puffed up my chest in a display of courage. “I didn’t come alone; I brought a bunch of friends with me.” The gym filled with gang members from around the community.
Journal 28
Time stopped for a moment as the Hulk and I stared at each other. I’m not sure where the fight began in the gym or who exactly started the chaos but suddenly it was weapons clashing and people yelling battle cries. Matt did an excellent job of organizing the resistance from the inside. The uprising against the Hulk was impressive. The fight actually didn’t last that long. I don’t know what I was expecting but things ended with the Hulk and all of his goons captured or dead. People don’t look scary when tied in ropes. The ropes don’t always help their personalities. The Hulk didn’t accept defeat very honorably. No one died on our side. Our injuries were minor. We jailed The Hulk and his remaining goons temporarily. The gang leaders will decide what to do with them later.
Tony released all the slaves from their cages including the Runt. It was a tearful reunion. Tony made sure that everyone held captive returned home to his or her gang. For someone who is mostly a loner and has a tough exterior Tony is very paternal.
I delivered the note to Hemy from Casey. I told her it was a message for someone named Xavier and that it was important that he get the note. She acted a little surprised as if I had mentioned a ghost. “I’ll give it to him,” she said. The whole thing was a little odd. Hemy was to be the new leader of the Central Bobcats. Although she said, there would be an election to make the whole thing legitimate. I wished her luck and offered our assistance if she needed any help getting things back to normal. She said life was going to be a little bit of a challenge but that she thought the people living at Central could handle it. The gangs all dispersed and went home. I said my goodbyes and left Hemy and Matt. He said he was going to hang around to help clean up. I personally think he has a crush on the new Central Gang leader.
Journal 29
The gang leaders gathered one more time this time to decide the fate of the Hulk and his goons. The gang leaders decided that the jail was not a good place. The inmates would need taken care of on a daily basis. No one wanted the responsibility to watch after them. We will escort the Hulk and his goons to the edge of town and demand they never return. Short of execution, this is the best solution. We can only hope that they changed their ways and don’t victimize anyone else.
Journal 30
The gang leaders and a majority of the town gathered along the streets. Everyone cheered as Sheriff Pete and his deputies escorted the former Central leader out of town. It was a long walk to the edge of town. The Hulk and his goons whined the whole way. It was “The ropes on my wrist are too tight."” I need a drink of water.” Then they started to get nasty by making threats. Tony and the other deputies were getting irritated. You could see in their eyes that they wanted to bop each one of them around the head, neck and shoulders with a good strong club. I was impressed with their restraint.
At the edge of town, Sheriff Pete and his deputies released the Hulk’s restraints. Hemy asked to speak to the Hulk alone. She wanted to say something important to her former gang leader. I didn’t hear what Hemy and the Hulk discussed. Their little meeting lasted only a moment and then the Hulk and his goons continued down the road.
The walk back was quieter. I hope we did the right thing. I think we did.
CHAPTER 4
Journal 31
Today we gathered to celebrate life. We welcomed a new member to our gang. It is a tradition in Bear Country to hold a naming ceremony when a new member finds there way here because of a birth or because of a desire to join this community. Casey a member in good standing in Bear Country presented her daughter to our gang. Casey named her baby girl Aleece in honor of her own mother. I hope the baby’s life is long and happy.
We had a little drama during the ceremony. I was giving Aleece my blessing when I heard Casey suddenly blurt out the name Xavier. My back was to the door, I swung around to see why people were making a fuss. I don’t know how he safely arrived in Bear Country without notice. He was dressed differently but he was standing right there. Sheriff Pete and his deputies surrounded him quickly with weapons drawn. He didn’t put up a fight. In fact, he just raised his hands in the air.
Casey apologized to everyone present. She said she had to invite him. The Hulk (Xavier) asked to step closer to his daughter. He kissed her on the forehead.
The Hulk looked at me and said he was alone. I scolded Casey and then demanded the Hulk leave. He wasn’t welcome in Bear country. Xavier (the Hulk) kissed his daughter one more time then Pete and his deputies escorted him out.
The ceremony continued with the rest of the blessings. Lisa sang, the Library Trio read poetry and we partied. Life is Bear Country was happy again.
Journal 32
Preparations for the festival continue. The backfield of Bear Country is a live with activity as the different gangs put up their booths. I am thinking that this year’s festival is going to be great especially after everything that has happened recently.
Hemy dropped by today to see Matt and she brought back the fuel that was stolen from us by the Hulk. She said she was trying to return everything that the Hulk and his goons stole from the other gangs. I tried to tell her that she doesn’t need to make amends for what the Hulk did. She said she did.
I invited Central to the festival. There isn’t a reason why they shouldn’t be able to attend. It is a little late to prepare a Central booth so I told Hemy to make sure everyone who wants to enjoy the festivities comes to the party.
Journal 33
I’m having one of those moments of thought when you wonder how you got where you are today. I don’t know the history of everyone that lives in Bear Country. We all have a past that we wish we could have back or one that we wished we could forget. I want mine back. I want the life I had before. I want my parents to help make my decisions. I want to look forward to going to college. There aren’t any colleges anymore. This is a depressing mood. I need to get out of this slump. Ok, what can I do to make myself cheerful? I have an idea. I will go and interrupt the make-out session that Matt and Hemy are having down the hall….and grab Tony and make them play spades with me.
Journal 34
Today is festival. I’m excited. Everyone is excited. People have been awake since dawn. Most people around here usually sleep until at least 10:00. Not today, today it was a race to see who could get to the showers first. I can already smell the food. It smells so good. The bands have already begun to play. I love hearing musicians play. Bear Country has several talented musicians and singers but so do several of the other gangs. I expect to hear a wide variety of music thru out the day. There will be many games to play. There will be several tournaments just pick your sport and somewhere on Lafayette Blvd. a game will be playing. It’s time to start my day. I love Festival.
Journal 35
I think most of Bear Country is still asleep even though it is almost noon. The festival was a great success. I had a wonderful time. I ate too much and stayed out too late. I watched Bear Country defeat the Dirt Bike Knights in a game of flag football. It was so very funny. Neither team had very athletic players. I think we won by accident. The Dirt Bike Knights have asked for a rematch next weekend. It should be an interesting game.
Sheriff Pete spent a couple of hours in the dunk your favorite deputy and sheriff booth. Casey was the local fortuneteller. She had a long line of people leading up to her tent. Lisa and her band spent most of the day singing. I think Matt and Jonas spent most of the day making-out with their girlfriends or any lonely girl they came across. Mostly Jonas, Matt was only making out with Hemy. The Library Trio had people oooohing and aaaahing at their science experiments. It’s actually kind of fun watching a volcano explode. I didn’t see much of Tony or the Runt until the evening hours. They said they had a good time.
When the sun went down the bands began to play slower romantic music. People began to slow dance on the football field. It was interesting to watch. Sometimes the oddest-looking couples hook up. I think I watched people dance for a couple of hours before Tony asked me to dance. It was a nice dance, unexpected. I never really realized how good he smells up close.
Journal 36
People come and go in Bear Country all the time, so I wasn't surprised when I saw someone new. Not surprised but interested. I found that new pair of shoes today and while I was shopping I ran across a couple of wagons and a team of horses hooked up to each of them. The old west had come to Bear Country. Who would have thought in this day and time that cowboys still roamed the plains or at least Lafayette Blvd? People dress how they feel around here. How you dress is part of your identity but it is a little odd, strange to see cowboy hats and boots. Curiosity was killing me so I introduced myself. His name was Joshua. He was tall and he wore a black hat.
Journal 37
Joshua and his friends were in Bear Country looking for supplies. They were just passing thru. Most of the people in his gang were setting up camp on the edge of town. It's somewhat weird. You don't see very many people dressed in western clothes and wearing guns. They were real guns. I asked if they had had much trouble along their way. Joshua smiled and simply said "Not Much". He changed the subject when I asked if everyone in his gang carried guns.
Journal 38
Casey, Lisa, Tony, Jonas and I walked out to the Spurs campsite to see Joshua to ask if they needed anything. Actually, curiosity was killing us. We heard they actually had a herd of cattle. They do have a herd and it's a very large herd. We weren't the only gang to come for a visit. Apparently, people have been dropping by all day. It was an interesting visit. As soon as we reached camp, we entered the 1800's all over again. There were cowboys and cowgirls everywhere. I don't think I have ever seen so many guns and rifles in one place before. It was actually a little scary. Joshua seems to be a very strong leader and I could tell that the people in his gang respect his authority. He was conducting business even as we talked. He invited us to look around but cautioned us to stay away from the herd.
Journal 39
Everyone seems to be fascinated with our new guests. Sheriff Pete, Casey and Tony have been spending a lot of time out at the Spurs campsite. Apparently, they are learning to rope and ride. They look like they have been eating a lot of dirt. With the exception of having several new bruises they all claim to be having a good time. Joshua stopped by to see me earlier. He wanted to thank me for my kindness and he invited me to dinner. I will not be the only one attending. The Spurs invited several people. Joshua said we would be eating well. I am thinking "steak". I don't remember the last time I sat down and had meat that wasn't a fish, squirrel or rabbit.
Journal 40
Joshua and his gang were wonderful hosts. The dinner was excellent. I am so glad I am not a vegetarian because that steak I ate was heaven. I don't even feel guilty about the cow that once was. Maybe a little guilty but not enough to want to save the next cow that might end up on my plate. The evening outdoors was also excellent. It was a perfect evening. The stars seemed so bright. Brighter than usual and the weather was gorgeous. People surrounded the campfires in groups of around twenty.
The Spurs have some very interesting stories to tell. Some of them were very funny. I like these people, they are polite and they make me laugh. They do talk a little funny but you get used to it. I am really hoping they stay around a while and it's not because I find Joshua cute and that he doesn't have a girl friend. (For a brief moment, I thought he had a girlfriend but it turned out to be his sister.) I actually don't think I have a chance. I can always hope.
I want the Spurs to hang around because they add something different to this community and they have a large supply of beef. I am not sure, how long they plan to stay or if they might decide to homestead here. Homestead is a funny word. The Spurs say many funny words. I find the way they talk appealing. I am not sure why. The night lasted into the early morning hours. Most people fell asleep where they were sitting. A few of them couldn't have walked home if they wanted to. The Spurs have a large supply of alcohol on hand. Joshua said it was for special occasions and last night was a special occasion.
CHAPTER 5
Journal 41
It's been a lazy day. Bear Country is quiet. It is probably because people are still hanging out at the Spurs campsite. I was going to go myself but decided to catch up on some missing sleep. I found an abandoned puppy today when I took out the garbage. She is so scrawny. I didn't see her mom anywhere. I am thinking that she has probably been gone a while because the puppy is nothing but skin and bones. At first, I was just going to leave her there next to the garbage. I really wasn't in the mood to take on another responsibility. She tried to follow me as I walked away. She has the most pitiful eyes. I tried to shoo her away but she wasn't listening. She just kept following me. I went back into the school and that scrawny little puppy started to cry. There is almost nothing worse than a crying puppy. I opened the back door and in she walked. In my most stern voice, I said, "You can't stay here." She wagged that little pitiful tail and looked at me with those pitiful eyes. It was sad. I picked her up into my arms. She smelled awful. It was bad. I couldn't send her out in public to find a new home smelling that way so I gave her a bath and a meal. It would have been rude of me to send her on her way without a full stomach. She looked as if she had eaten in a while. After her tummy was full, she fell asleep on the rug next to my bed. As soon as she is awake, I am going to find her a good home.
Journal 42
I was sitting in my chair, feet propped up on the windowsill, looking out my window watching the day go by when I saw something frightening. Gretchen, Marty and Cecelia were in the yard dressed in western clothing. They never leave the library. Ok, sometimes they leave but the library is their world. They read and do research. They’re smart and analytical. It's just weird. I know that trends come and go. I have noticed an increase of western clothes on Lafayette Blvd. The Spurs have become a big influence on the gangs that live in and around Bear Country. The Spurs are unique and different. I didn’t expect their influence to invade the sensibilities of the Library Trio.
Curiosity was killing me. I had to know what was going on in their minds. Perhaps a virus from the herd of cattle infected their brains. My friends obviously weren't thinking properly. I grabbed the puppy sleeping on my rug. (Technically, it's not my puppy; I just haven't found it a new home yet.) Any way, I followed the Library Trio to the edge of town, to the Spurs campsite. I almost had a heart attack. Music was playing, and people were dancing. People were Square Dancing. This just isn't normal. People in Bear Country don't square dance. They listen to heavy metal, rock and rap music.
I walked around, mostly in a daze. Gretchen, Marty and Cecilia joined a group of dancers. It wasn't long before several other members of my gang began to dance. The virus was obviously spreading and it was taking over my gang.
That’s when it happened. Joshua tapped me on the shoulder and asked me to dance. I stared at him for a moment. I tried to tell him that I don't square dance but he wouldn't let me say no. Before I knew what was happening we were Square Dancing.
Joshua invited me back tomorrow.
Journal 43
Sometimes we have to make hard decisions. I overheard Matt and Hemy arguing about their living arrangements. I wasn't trying to ease drop but their discussion wasn't a quiet one. Matt wants Hemy to move into Bear Country and Hemy wants Matt to move into Central. Hemy doesn't want to give up her position as gang leader. I don't blame her. I wouldn't want to give up being gang leader either. I am hoping they can come to some sort of neutral ground. They are the cutest couple and they seem so happy. At least they seemed happy before their loud discussion earlier.
I am going out on a date with Joshua. He promises this date won't involve square dancing or roping cattle. I don't have anything against those things but they are not in my top ten favorite things to do.
Speaking about roping cattle apparently Pete and Jonas are getting very good at it. Joshua said they are a quick study. They both have stopped falling off their horses. Both boys have cut their bruise count in half.
Journal 44
I woke up this morning looking forward to my date with Joshua. I was walking toward the showers when I heard Casey crying. She was sitting in her chair holding Aleece. For a moment, I thought something was terribly wrong with the baby. Lisa was already in the room trying to comfort Casey and asking her what was wrong. I went in and asked if there was something, I could do. Lisa looked a little confused herself. She shrugged her shoulders and said that Casey had been crying most of the morning. Poor Casey, I think today she was just a little overwhelmed with motherhood and raising a baby alone. Little Aleece was fine. I think that sometimes life seems too much. Yesterday and the day before Casey appeared fine. She was happy and enjoying life. I offered to watch Aleece for a couple of days so that Casey could get away and find herself. Lisa thought it was a good idea. She said she could help with the baby too. At first, Casey didn't want to go but we insisted. It's somewhat funny because I was complaining about having to take care of a puppy. The puppy cries endlessly if not allowed to sleep on my bed.
I am sure a baby is a little more complex and will require a lot more responsibility and attentiveness. I have decided to name the puppy “Lost". (It is not a dumb name for a dog) It perfectly describes her. Anyway, we helped Casey pack her things and sent her on her way. Aleece is sleeping and Lost is sleeping. Lisa has moved into my room to help during the night. Surely, the two of us can take care of a baby for a few days.
I almost forgot. I cancelled my date with Joshua. Oh well, perhaps we will go out another time.
Journal 45
Marty, Gretchen and Cecelia delivered a set of books on parenting to my room as soon as they heard I was going to be taking care of Casey's baby. It was a sweet gesture and I am thankful for their thoughtfulness. Although I am not sure if the Library intended for the books to help me with my endeavor of caring for Aleece or if they actually thought I was lacking in my parenting skills. Oh well, it turns out the books have a lot of good information. When the day started, I was sure that Lisa and I were up to the tasks, taking care of a baby as small as Aleece didn't really take a lot of effort. Currently, she eats, sleeps and poops.
Our first day actually went really well. Lisa and I prepared a schedule of the tasks that each of us would be responsible. Aleece seemed to be accepting the schedule well. We diapered, feed and rocked her to sleep. It was so easy until about 2 o’clock in the morning. We changed her, feed her and rocked her in the rocker. She cried and cried and cried some more. Therefore, we changed her diaper and tried to feed her another bottle. The crying escalated until we had just about everyone awake that was sleeping in the admin hallway. People can get so cranky. I tried to rock her, and then I walked around the room a good hundred times. Then Lisa tried. We were almost in tears because we were sure we broke this little baby. Tony entered my room and asked if he could help. I almost laughed. What could he do that we haven't already tried? Out of frustration and a deep sense of defeat, I handed over the crying baby. Tony made a quick check to make sure she was not wet and wasn't hungry. Lisa and I both rolled our eyes. There was no way a man was going to be able to do what we couldn't. Tony sat in the rocker; he unbuttoned his shirt and placed the baby’s tummy against his chest. He rocked Aleece in the rocker and sang a little song in some language I have never heard before. In moments, she was asleep. Lisa and I looked at Tony in amazement. Where did he get these parenting skills? I don't know but I am thankful and so is Lisa. The both of us fell onto our beds and went to sleep. I don't know when Tony left or when he laid the baby in her cradle but she woke Lisa and me up at around 8 o’clock this morning. She was happy again. My respect for Tony has increased to a new level.
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