Remnie's last story.

Where I Lay My Head

Remnie's face had drained of color. She felt as if she was sinking into the floor. Hunter had never spoken to her like that before. She was grateful for Jonas' timing. Alex stood stunned for a momment and then looked back at Remnie, before he could even become excited over her words he took in her face. He had never seen her look this fragile before. "Hunter, Dad can you guys give us a few minutes." Hunter looked agitated, but walked away with Jonas right behind him. Remnie couldn't believe Hunter had mentioned her last foster father. He knew she didn't speak about him to anybody. She didn't realize he was still blaming himself. Alex spoke softly, "Remnie it's cold do you want to get back in the blankets?" She slid back into the covers and asked timidly "Alex, can you get me a coke from the balcony? I left some outside to get cold. I don't want to go back in there, I hate seeing him upset like that." Alex agreed and headed to the balcony.

When Alex came into the living area Hunter jumped up. Alex put his hands up and said, "Look man she isn't doing so well right now. Are her medications even working? She's a mess, she's scared she's dreaming up the end of the world and all this s**t is in her head. She's in there questioning f*****g reality and then you come in there right as I calmed her down and she just looks..defeated man."

Hunter sighed, "They can take a couple weeks to really take effect. I think yesterday was the first time she even slept in three days. I was coming to visit anyways and then all this." "Dad, I gotta get back in there she asked me to get her a drink, can you warm her up some food? There's stew left over and some rolls and butter on our balcony in the box under the tarp. I want to get her to eat and take a sleeping pill. We'll help her get on a routine for a few days while we plan our next moves. We can't stay shut in here forever." "Of course son, I'll bring it to you when it's ready, get back to her."

Alex returned to her bedroom with a couple cokes and her cigarettes in his hand. He lit two and handed her one, she sat up and took the coke and cigarette and said "Thanks. That took you a little while, is he still upset?" "No, they are warming up some dinner. They are fine in there." Remnie pulled her hair into a messy bun and started to get up. "I should help them," She started, but Alex stood in front of her blocking her way. " You will lay down and let us help you." He said with some authority in his tone. "The world will still be falling apart tomorrow and the day after, you will rest and get strong enough to face it. We aren't debating this further, you got it?" She nodded and got back in the blankets, Alex climbed in next to her. "Are you sleeping any better sense you got back?" She looked down at her hands and took another drag from her cigarette before putting it out in the ash tray by the bed. "Yes and no. The medicine is very strong. Put me out for almost a whole day, before that I didn't sleep for two days though." Alex chuckled at her. "Rem, you were over tired and it shut you down, that doesn't mean if it's taken correctly it will do the same thing." She seemed reluctant, but agreed. "Okay, I'll try it again later, but Alex will you stay with me tonight? So if the dreams come..." She trailed off. She really seemed so vulnerable compared to his rough and tumble girlfriend. This was a part of her too, and he loved all of her. "Yes, I'll stay with you."

A knock came at the door, Jonas popped his head in and said "Hey guys! I have a little dinner here for you two." He held a tray out with two bowls of stew, two bottles of water, buttered buns and some sliced white cheddar. on the corner of the tray was a napkin with two pills and a note. "Remnie please take your anxiety pill and sleeping pill. I'm sorry for being such a jerk. Love you, Hunter." Remnie put the napkin on the bedside table and nibbled at her food. Her appetite felt off. Everything felt off. Alex ate his dinner and watched her. "Drink the water at least." She stared him down and chugged the bottle. This made him laugh and in turn she laughed with him. "I'm crazy, I'm not five." She said as she tore her bun to pieces. "No, I know that. We worry is all. Plus we really shouldn't waste the food if we can avoid it." "f**k, okay your right, I'll try." She ate a few bites and shook her head. "I just can't." Alex nodded and ate a bit of her stew. "Yea, stick a fork in me I'm full too." He grabbed the tray and headed to the kitchen where Hunter had already started washing up. "Alex, think you two will come out for the broadcast? It starts soon." Alex shook his head in the negative, no I don't think we will, unless she mentions it I'm not bringing it up. I think she should just relax. I might read aloud until it's time to take meds and sleep." Hunter nodded and continued to wash. Jonas set up the radio on the coffee table and sat down with some coffee.

Alex headed back to Remnie as he heard the broadcast begin. He crawled into bed next to her and asked softly, "Would you like to hear a story or play cards? Anything?" "It's to dark in here to read." She said a little sadly. "I could make something up if you want." "I want!" She said happily.

Meanwhile Hunter and Jonas listened to Edgar's evening broadcast. Edgar sounded tired as he relayed the evenings news. "Unfortunately I believe that wild storm will be one in a series of storms. I'm getting reports from north of us that a new system is coming through. Stay safe out there guys. Speaking of being out, we all need provisions. We are all trying to survive. Avoid looting residents guys. You never know when you'll need help. This is interesting hmm. Apparently older vehicles are still running. Be careful if you attempt travel. I wouldn't want to be to out in the open just yet! Well guys, I'm going to cut it short tonight. I'll be back on in the early AM and hope to have better news at that time." The broadcast went to static and Hunter realized Edgar had only stayed on for 20 minutes. Poor old guy stayed on for almost 24 hours the first day, he must be worn out.

Hunter grabbed Remnie's car keys to her 92 Volvo and headed to the parking garage with his flashlight, Jonas jumped up and said "I wanna see if that old metal box starts too, might be a saving grace later."

They made it to the garage some time later after going down several flights of stairs. Hunter saw it, Remnie's powder blue 92 Volvo sitting there surrounded by much newer, now useless vehicles. Hunter climbed in and turned the key. It started up like the beast it was and Jonas said "Yes! Shut her off, we don't want to draw attention to it." The two men felt a little victory had been won and climbed back up to the apartment quietly as not to bring attention to themselves. When they got half way back a roll of thunder sounded off that shook the whole building.

Alex had been holding Remnie and telling her a story about the beginning of time and a time keeper who happened to be a giant turtle when a roll of thunder rang out and shook the whole building. Remnie clung to Alex and he stroked her hair. "I got you baby, it's gonna be okay." The Thunder rolled in so close together, the storm was forming right on top of them. Jonas and Hunter made it back to the apartment and were out of breath, they swung the door open and Hunter exclaimed excitedly, "The Blue Beast, she lives!" Alex busted out laughing and said, "You gotta be shiting me, that old metal box is running?" Hunter smiled broadly "Hey I gave her that metal box. Safest beast on the road." Remnie smiled and laid her head back down on Alex's chest. "I'm glad she lives, I was hoping my car would survive this with us." Hunter and Jonas went back to the living room and did a couple shots of whiskey to celebrate.

Alex and Remnie continued to lay in bed. He told her stories as the candles burned low. "Remnie, it's getting late. Let's try to sleep now." She picked up her pills. Two little elephants sitting in the room for hours, she hesitated for a momment and took them. She curled back up against Alex and got comfortable. "You good baby?" He asked quietly. She smiled and said "Laying with you is like being home." Alex blew out the candles and listened to Remnie breathe in the dark, finally it evened out and she was sleeping deeply.