Artesia - Closed

[Zephreck]

Artesia​

Closed for Becca57

Vincent sat on his front porch and looked at his property. The property was just over 12 acres of farmland nestled in the foot of the mountains and surrounded by a forest that was a mixture of pine, maple, and oak trees. It was outside a little town and the only way to get to it was to travel down an old dusty road that sprayed sand and gravel as you drove down it. Artesia was named for natural Artesian wells that ran under the ground under many of the surrounding area. It was a small town that still had a main street. It was a small country town that still decorated the streets each season and most of the shops that ran down main street had vintage wooden siding. There were two country cafes that were owned by two sisters who each claimed to be the best cook the town had ever seen. There was not a great deal of crime and most people behaved for the most part. Years ago the town was a tourist trap. But a forest fire 7 years back had crippled the economy. Over time more and more left and now it resembled an old oil well town that once swept through East Texas.

His house was a sturdy one story wooden house with two bedrooms and had a large basement underneath. There were just enough animals on the property for it to be considered a farm. He looked at the chickens clucking and squawking as they picked at seeds and fought occasionally with the ducks that wandered too close. A couple of horses grazed on grass and old Bessie the cow would occasionally give him glances as she also wandered in the fenced in area. He had a few pigs that grunted as they rooted through the mud. Vincent chuckled and couldn't help grin when Shepherd his golden lab thumped his tail as he laid on his favorite rug besides him.

Several years back his parents had passed away in a car accident. On one hand Vincent was grateful that they both left the world together. The news had hit him harder than anything thus far in his life and sometimes he really missed them. They had left him this farm and he was grateful for it. They had a place just down the road a few miles away but he had not yet cleaned it out. He tried not to think about them too much but they seemed to cling to his mind and each time they arrived he was both happy and dreadfully sad at the same time. As he looked around and remembered his parents he thought about the recent news and was glad they would not have to deal with all the craziness in the world. You couldn’t turn the radio on without hearing about a sickness that seemed to be spreading everywhere. Some said it was a variation of covid, other conspiracy nuts claimed it was a virus unleashed by invading countries. Vincent just sighed and was grateful he lived a few miles outside of town. He was far enough from everyone and was grateful for his solitude.

For the first time in his life he felt like he was getting old. If his Dad was still alive he would laugh and say he was still a puppy. But having his fortieth birthday made him realize he was no longer as energetic as he used to be. Thankfully he was still strong and had great endurance. He looked down at his calloused hands and shook his head slightly and smiled. He remembered hating blisters as a kid. He stood up from the chair and stretched his back. Most people would consider himself unremarkable. He had allowed his black hair to grow long and it flowed down covering his neck and almost touched his wide shoulders. There were a few wisps of grey hair at his temples. They used to be red. Though he let his hair grow he hated the feeling of a beard so he shaved it religiously.

Being 5’ 9” tall no one would ever consider him tall. Years of work had built his body over the years and he felt he was not the ugliest person in the world. But he would never win any beauty contests. He was dressed in jeans and his solid boots. A sturdy belt with his favorite knife in a sheath and his trusty 9mm pistol adorned his other hip. He chuckled at thinking about beauty contests. Why anyone worried about them was pretty crazy. He looked down his left and said, “Come on old boy. Let’s go feed the critters.” Shepherd jumped up and licked his hand briefly and walked beside him. He reached down and patted Shepherd on his head and was grateful for his company. It took him a few hours to feed and tend to his animals. He felt the wind on his cheeks. There was a hint of coolness to it. The weather would be changing soon.

 

[Becaa57]

*Rachel *​

Thinking back on her life, what has brought her to this desolate stretch of road. Things were working out for the single 30 something year old woman. She was in her own apartment downtown. Working a job that may actually lead somewhere as long as she can avoid the grabbing hands of a certain co-worker.

Seeing on the news reports of a strange illness moving across the country, figuring it’s a long ways from here and the government will figure it out, so not worrying much about it. But still. Making sure her vaccinations are up to date.

Two days ago, everything changes. I got a call from my dad about the virus. He tells me that they are losing the battle with this, and as of now there is no chance of a vaccine. The society is collapsing, they are seeing rioting in the cities, the police being overwhelmed by both the virus, but the people desperate. More looking for food and supplies.

He tells me to load up the car with my camping supplies including my weapons, go to the cabin and stay there, he will try and contact me get to me.

So two days of now work, as I load the car, making sure I have fuel for the stove. Going to the store, the small market and being able to buy food and supplies. My friendship with the store owner paying off.

Everything went well and I was on the road, until I ran into trouble. First the flat tire, I was just finishing changing it, when the truck with the men pulled. Before I know it, they’ve ordered me to the side of the road finish the tire and drive off.

I fortunately had toss my go bag in the bushes when I started. Thanks, Dad, for that advice.

Slipping it on I start walking down the road, I still have to get to the cabin. It’s starting to get dark when I come across a what looks like unused or only slightly use dirt road. I know I at least need to get away from the highway so I start up it, hoping for an abandoned cabin.

 

[Zephreck]

As he walked towards the animals Shepherd darted back and forth and barked a few times. The other animals were used to his barks and just ignored him. Vincent made sure to brush the horses and checked their hooves for any rocks or built up dirt. His hands were careful as he cleaned each foot. Each horse nuzzled his hands as he leaned close to them and patted their head. He took time to comb their manes and then did a thorough brushing of their coats. He fed each animal and made sure they all had fresh water. The wind was picking up a bit and he was grateful that everyone was safe inside. Bessie let out a low moo as Shepherd paced outside her stall. After spending the time to take care of the animals he thought about his parents house. He needed to go gather as many supplies as he could from there. And he did not want to risk traveling through a storm. He looked at the sky and then glanced down at his watch. He sighed deeply and then whistled for Shepherd to follow him and he made his way towards his pickup truck.

His parents lived a few miles away. He told Shepherd to load up and the dog quickly jumped into the bed of his truck. His truck was not as comfortable as his Forester but it had some tools and more cargo space. He grabbed his rifle from the porch and slid it into his gun rack and started the truck.

As he drove to the edge of his property line he gazed ahead at the gate that led out of his property and he studied his fence line. A 10 foot cyclone fence surrounded his property but it would not keep out anyone that was determined to get in. He sighed and told himself that it was a problem that he would have to take care of and wondered again if this virus was as deadly as the news claimed. Living alone now he needed to be prepared. He could not think of anyone that he trusted to stay with him. He slowed his truck and ambled towards the gate to unlock it. It took him a few moments to get the truck through the gate and he made sure to lock and secure the gate before sliding back into his truck. He glanced back and wondered how long it would take for him to empty his parents house. He may not have time to completely gather everything. He could not remember the last time anyone had ever visited his house. People in town called his place the "Looney Boone place". They thought he was a little crazy and Vincent was glad. Maybe it would keep people from trying to visit.

He felt every bump of the road and wished his parents were still alive. Dad had always used a tractor to grade the road and without his care the road had became horrible. Vincent drove under 20 miles an hour and each bump shook his whole body. Maybe the bumps would keep pests out. He slowly drove down the winding road and glanced at his side mirror as torrents of dust and rocks created a trail behind him.

 

[Becaa57]

Just as a reach a locked gate, I can see a cabin off in the distance, looks empty, but not abandoned. I hear a vehicle coming up the road.
Standing by the gate with my hands in full view, the backpack on my back, the rifle leaning against the gate. I wait for it to get close,
Sounds like a truck and I hear a dog barking.

 

[Zephreck]

As I approach the gate that leads to my parents house I see a lady standing at the gate. She has a rifle and a backpack. My first thought is why is she standing at the gate? Though she has a rifle it does not look like she has tried to break the lock on their gate. My fear earlier was right. Someone was way out here down roads that are rarely used. I wonder if she is from town or someone posing to act as bait. My gaze sweeps the woods to either side of the road and I am unable to detect anyone that is hiding. I slowly approach her and bring my truck to a gentle stop. I get out of the truck and tell Shepherd to hush. "Hello.. my name is Vincent. This is my parent's place. Can I help you?"

 

[Becaa57]

He looks nice enough, but then so did the thief.

"Hi Vincent, I'm Rachel. I'm not trying to steal anything. I ran into some trouble up the road a few miles, and it left me on foot. I was just trying to find a safe place to spend the night. I don't know if you are aware about the virus sweeping the country, but things are disintegrating pretty rapidly with so many sick, and stores running out of food."
Thinking about it more

"To be honest I was heading out to my parents cabin, when I robbed, they got my vehicle and camping and food supplies."

Hoping he is an honest and kind man.

 

[Zephreck]

I am wary. She would be perfect bait... my father's image pops into my mind and I know he would not approve of me being rude.

"Okay ma'am it is nice to meet you Rachel. I am here to gather some supplies. If you are willing to help I will share some supplies with you".

I reach into the truck and grab a covid mask. I grab a second one and say "Here i have a spare mask. You can keep your rifle and pack. I am going to place this mask on the hood of the truck and step back".

I do exactly that. I place the mask on the hood of the truck and then slowly back away. I let my right hand settle onto the butt of the pistol that is at my side.

 

[Becaa57]

He is cautious and the Covid mask is a good idea, so many people had stopped using them.

Although wondering why he keeps supplies here, seems dangerous.

"Thanks I have my own mask in my backpack. You may want to hang onto yours, it's almost as valuable as food anymore"

"I am very willing to help you get supplies, but wondering if you have a spare tent I can borrow, I can camp out for the night. "

Seeing he seemed ok with my getting my mask. I carefully and slowly unzip the top of my backpack and put my mask on. Noting that his hand is very close to his pistol. Not wanting to alarm him at all.

"Cute dog! I love dogs, but wasn't able to have one in my apartment"

 

[Zephreck]

I can't help but laugh at her comment about dogs. "He is a good dog. I am going to put my mask on and unlock the gate".

I slowly put my mask on and move around the front of the truck and unlock the gate. As I step towards the gate she gives me space and steps to the side. I leave the gate unlocked and motion to Rachel to stand a bit further to the side and once again look around for any movement other than hers. "I am going to drive the truck through the gate. Please lock it once I am through. I will let you ride in the truck afterwards".

I watch you put on your mask and move further to the side and I notice that you seem to be judging me just as I am judging you. Your eyes keep and intense gaze on me as I drive through the gate. I reach out my hand through the drivers side window and snap my fingers. " Shepherd sit". The dog immediately sits and watches you but does not bark. Once the car clears the gate I stop and watch you closely.

 

[Becaa57]

As you drive in, I move both my backpack and my rifle inside the gate.

after you are clear. I pull the gate shut and lock it. Noting that it's a heavy duty lock.

Coming up to stand by your window

"Can I put my backpack and rifle in your truck bed?
I'd like to keep them close"

When you give me permission
I move to the back, putting them in, giving Shepherd a quick pet

Getting into the truck

"Thanks I do appreciate this"

 

[Zephreck]

I watch as she locks the gate and she looks at me and shakes the lock to prove to me that it is secure. I watch her move carefully to my window and I nod at her.
"No problem at all Rachel. I am sorry that you went through what you experienced today. My house is not far from here. After we gather this stuff I will show you it. I have a place where you can shower and you can stay in my barn. I think it will be a better place than a tent. I still have running water and you can get cleaned up there."

I let my eyes look down the road at my parents house. It is a log cabin that has a large garage to the right side of it. The garage is twice the size of the house. We will have to work quickly before the weather sets in. I hear a slight thunder off in the distance and I can smell moisture in the air.

"Dad was a carpenter and did auto repair for years. It will take us awhile to load the supplies. I appreciate your help".

 

[Becaa57]

"Thanks Vincent!
I appreciate this so much. A shower would be nice, especially after that walk, and I'm sure will work up a sweat helping you load.
The barn will work perfect for me"

"As far as what happened to me, I was lucky could have been a lot worse for me.
I wasn't hurt in any way"

"Just a sign of where the world is going with this virus!!! It's crazy
My dad said it's going to get worse before it gets better, he works in the CDC so I believe him"

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[Zephreck]

I unlock the house and motion for you to enter. The cabin is well made. The floors are pristine pine that has carefully been worked together. The walls have a mixture of paneling and little wooden shelves with countless nick-nacks that are carefully locked away behind glass doors. I quickly move past them and start opening kitchen cabinets which have a large amount of supplies. On the kitchen table is a large stack of boxes that we quickly fill and load into the back of the truck. Shepherd runs around the exterior of the house and seems to know we are bush. After all of the dry goods and canned foods are gathered I show you the guest bedroom. We fill a few more boxes with blankets and a couple of pillows. I also gather all of the medicine I can find and a large first aid kit.

After that I show you their bedroom and in one of the closets there is a false wall in the back. Behind it is an assortment of Dad's guns and several boxes of ammo. I allow you to pack the ammo into boxes and we quickly move everything into the back of the truck. We locked the house again and I gathered tools and supplies from his shed. It takes a couple of hours to gather everything and the sky is darkening and we can see strikes of lightning in the distance. We have to get home quickly. The last thing I grab from dad's shop is a tarp that we fasten over the back of the truck. Shepherd crawl into the cabin and sits between the two of us.

"My poor truck is completely full. I really appreciate your help Rachel." I refueled my truck and locked dad's garage. I spend a moment to make sure their house is locked and tell myself that I am an idiot for not doing this sooner. It was tough cleaning out their stuff. I will have to deal with the emotions of that later. I sigh again hearing a crack of thunder and we make our way back to my house.

The trip home is thankfully uneventful. I was grateful to get back on my property. We go through a fine drizzle of rain but nothing serious. We open the doors to the barn and I park my truck there. I showed you a small bedroom that had been built inside the barn. "This is a room our vet would stay in when we had more cattle and needed him. It has not been used in awhile. It should be safe for you Rachel".

 

[Becaa57]

By the time we are done, I'm actually exhausted. While I'm in shape I am not used to hard physical work.
I was glad that I kept up with you in the pantry with the dry goods and canned foods. We left quite a bit, making me wonder if you dad had been a prepper.
The garage was much harder for me, the tools heavier and some of them bulky. But we got most of them.

It's nice we manage to avoid most of the rain, would have been much worse working in rain.

When we get back to your place, another fairly secure and out of sight location. You show me the barn and the room I'll be sleeping in.

"Thanks!!! I am sure I'll sleep very well tonight"

"I know a bit out of place, but can I repay you by cooking us some dinner?"

 

[Zephreck]

"It has been a long time since someone has cooked for me. I can't do spicy foods or sour cream. But if you really want to cook you are welcome to come in and I will show you my kitchen."

I motioned towards my house. "We can unload the truck tomorrow. I don't think anything has to be unloaded right now. Why don't you take a few moments and settle into your room and take a shower. I will head to my house and take one as well. I probably smell as rank as poor Shepherd does." Shepherd hears his name and comes over to me rubbing my hand with his nose. I pat him on the head and walk out of the barn to give you some privacy. "Thank you again for your help. I really appreciate the help".

 

[Becaa57]

"I appreciate you letting me stay"
After you leave I put my backpack on the bed, pull out a change of clothes.
Go to the small bathroom and grab a quick shower
then go back and get dressed

Walking over to your house I knock on the door
hearing Shepherd barking
talking to him through the door while waiting

 

[Zephreck]

I open the door and Shepherd pushes his nose into your hand. He licks your hand over and over and pushes me out of the way so that he has full access to your hands.

"He can be a bit of a handful. Let me know if he gets too pushy. Please come in and be welcome. I have some steaks that are ready to be grilled and I started roasting some potatoes in the oven while i showered since they take so long. There are fresh vegetables in the fridge and all the stuff to make salads. My friend loves Ranch dressing. I can't stand it so it is all yours. I only eat French dressing."

 

[Becaa57]

I laugh at Shepherd and bend down to hug and cuddle him some
"It's ok I love dogs!!! And am very used to them"
after you tell me what there is

"Sounds like you have most of it ready to go"
"Where can I grill the steaks, and how do you like yours? I'm a rare girl"

"We won't have a problem with dressing if you have balsamic vinegar!"

 

[Zephreck]

"I have a grill out the side door if you want to make them on a gas grill or we can broil them in the oven. I prefer mine to be well done. I have balsamic vinegar here somewhere."
It takes me a few minutes but I eventually find the dressing you prefer. "There is butter and cheese in the fridge. I might have some sour cream in there. I don't prefer sour cream myself."

I whistle to Shepherd and escort him outside to allow you to cook.

 

[Becaa57]

"Gas grill would be good, if it's not propane, being as that will be in short supply, the potatoes will take a while to cook, so I think the grill"

"Butter and sour cream for my potato is good"
I gather up the steaks and start the grill, well done will take at least twice as long to cook as my rare steak will

I check on the potatoes and they are coming along fine

Half hour later, I call you both in for dinner

 

[Zephreck]

As you work in the kitchen preparing our meal I sit in my comfortable recliner in the living room to give you space. Shepherd keeps nudging my hand and licking it as if to say "Hey idiot... look at the attractive woman that is making us food." I almost chuckle at his insistence but I can't shake my fear that somehow this is a trap. He does not really know this woman that is cooking for him. What if she is is somehow spying for a group of people. In his mind he almost hears his father's voice in his head petitioning him for Rachel's side. "Why are you so worried? Look at all the work she has helped you do today? You need an ally. We are gone son". I can almost swear my father is sitting across from me and talking to him. I wonder not for the first time if it is a bad idea to have allowed you to be this close to me. I know that I am lonely and that I need companionship. But to allow that now... certainly with everything that is going on right now in our lives.. it seems foolish. I shake my head a moment as if to clear it and I contemplate on the situation for a moment.

I allow my ears to listen to you as you talk to yourself. I allow my eyes to watch you as you move. I notice the sway of your hips. I notice the strength in your arms. I watch your posture as you move and almost smile at your confidence. I notice the way your hair is pulled back out of your face as you work and wonder what your hair smells like. I hope that the shampoo and conditioner that was in the bathroom was to your liking. I do not allow myself to stare at the way your body moves but I would be lying if I did not admit to myself that I loved how you were made. You have a natural balance that is evident. Your soft curves are amplified by strong arms and legs. I tell myself to be careful but just as the aroma of the food has caused my mouth to water... deep within me there is a hunger for something else entirely awakening.

"Come on Shepherd boy let us not be rude." I say as I stand up and walk towards the kitchen table. "The food smells amazing. Thank you for preparing us this meal Rachel".

 

[Becaa57]

I smile as you both come in.

"You're very welcome, I owe you a lot for letting me stay!!"

"I found Shepherd's dish, and made him some too, ok if I give it to him?"

"As we all sit down the plates are already served"

"I hope your steak is done well enough, to be honest I've never cooked a well done steak. I was thinking what my dad would think. "

We start eating and I get a text.
Reading the text.
"It's from my dad"

I read it, and you can see shock, then sadness on my face.

"Uhmm here, this concerns you too"
Handing my phone to you you read

'Hi Baby Girl, I hope this finds you at the cabin. If you aren't there yet, find some place to hole up. The virus is spreading much faster our worse fears. It is definitely manmade. Extremely contagious, it is airborne, but only requires skin contact to infect. Has a 95% mortality rate and between 5 and 10% immunity rate.
It has a very short incubation time of maximum 4 hours after contact.'

'There are reports already of violence, rapes and murders. Because of the high number of people infected, especially 1st responders, that support is basically gone now. The Dr's here don't think they will be able to develop a vaccine anytime soon. I'm going to be heading to the cabin, I can do my work from there. We've had a couple of small outbreaks in the labs and only the necessary people are staying here.'

'This is along the lines of what I've been telling you for years now, be prepared, always armed. Don't trust anyone, stay away from everyone if possible, especially groups. The cabin is stocked up, you should be good for a couple years, if you careful. You will have to some hunting, but I know you're better at that then I am. I will be traveling in a few days, if I can get out of here safely.'

'Afraid I do have some bad news though, hope you're sitting down.
Your mother and her new husband both have died from it. I'm sorry baby girl I know you and your mom had made a lot of progress in your relationship.'

'Ok, I have to send this, if you replay just say ok. They're probably monitoring communications.

'I love you Rachel see you soon'

I watch you read the text from my dad

 

[Zephreck]

"Rachel I am so sorry. I don't know what to say... I hate to hear that your mom is gone. We will need to find a way to make it to your father's cabin. I am scared about traveling right now though. Let's try to eat and get rest tonight. "

Shepherd is oblivious to your news and is busy eating the food you gave him. I watch your face and see shock hit you. I quickly move around the table and place my hand on your back to give you support.

"Are you going to be ok?" I ask you and it is obvious that I am genuinely concerned.
"

 

[Becaa57]

"Thank you, but I can't ask you to leave here to go with me. I would like to digest this a bit more. Losing my mom was unexpected!!!! I thought she'd be in isolation my step-dad. it's crazy"

I lean against you momentarily as the knowledge that my dad told me sinks in, not only about my mom, but this virus spreading so quickly.

"I know enough about what he does, that it's worse then anyone would have guessed, and travel now is more dangerous then ever, not only the virus, but people as well. I'd only gotten a small taste when i was robed, but now I see I was also lucky they didn't try to rape me."

I push my plate away. "I've lost my appetite, Shepherd can have it."
Still leaning against you, I find that I'm telling you about my parents and my life

"Mom and dad met in college, typical science geek, and cheer leader, Their friends didn't understand things. They got married and moved around a lot because of Dad's jobs. I came along and mom wanted to settle down, raise me in a single neighborhood, the only time they seemed to fight was about me!! They ended up getting divorced, I stayed with mom for quite a while, not a good time for either of us.

Dad got on with the CDC and ended up settling close enough that I could spend time with him and mom. Even though he is a scientist, although by then had moved up the ladder out of research, he was a avid outdoorsman. Taught me to hunt, fight survive off the land. He is a prepper bought 1,000 acres of land up in the mountains, almost impossible to get too, when he had the cabin built they had to helicopter the materials in.

Mom ended up getting married again, the I still had a very rocky relationship with her. One night ohhh god about 3 years ago now, we ended up getting drunk together at a cousins wedding, god!!! A huge fight between us, yelling cursing"

Stopping to cry for a bit, before continuing

"Strangely enough it cleared the air between us, we had both been blaming each other for things, although we'll never be invited to a family get together again "

"I guess won't be anymore of those anyways. Sooo mom and I worked very hard to get a better mother/daughter relationship. A bit harder because her new husband is a asshole, but she loves loved him I guess."

"You may not have been able to tell, my dad never stopped loving mom"

As I talk to you, I trail off, sobbing on your table, totally overwhelmed

 

[Zephreck]

"It sounds like your father's place is where we need to go. Is the place sustainable? Does it have communication and any power? Fresh water? I have a lot of questions. I want to give you time to process this news. But if you want to figure out a way to get to your father's cabin I will help you get there".

Shepherd nuzzles your hand and walks with you as you walk away from the table. "I will clean up. Why don't you sit in the living room." I walk with you and make sure you find a spot on the couch. Shepherd lays his head on your lap to comfort you.

I give you time and space to process your thoughts and focus on cleaning the kitchen. I clean the kitchen and put away the food. I know that you will eventually be hungry. I wash dishes, scrub down the stove, sweep and mop the kitchen floor, and make sure the grill is clean as well. I go to my desk in the living room and open a drawer and take out a bottle of scotch and some dry erase markers.

I grab two solid whiskey glasses from the kitchen and pour you and I a glass and put it on the table in front of you. I go to the my office and roll out a dry erase board into the living room and clean it off.

On the board I start a list of everything we will need to do to prepare for the journey to your father's cabin.