Beyond(2)

“It doesn’t have to change anything for you Dane,” the other man replies, and I instantly stiffen.

I don’t hear his reply because they continue down the corridor. It doesn’t have to change anything for him? What does that mean? He’s going to continue taking the most dangerous trips, out of the safety of our home? I wouldn’t expect him to stop. He’s going to sleep with other women? That might be an issue. From the sounds of things, he’s no stranger to sex with different women. Would he expect me to be okay with that?

I walk briskly to my father’s room, and knock twice.

“What are you doing here?” he says angrily, opening the door for me to enter.

“You never came to see me,” I say, placing my hands behind my back.

“How am I supposed to command a group of men when my daughter won’t even listen to me,” he mutters, something he’s said many times before.

“Is that why you want me to marry? So I’m not your problem anymore?” I ask, unable to keep the anger out of my tone.

“It’s time for you Olivia,” is all he says. It’s been five years since we were attacked. We’ve restored what we can, but most of the population perished-that we know of, and most of the country was destroyed. I can step outside of the castle, because it is surrounded by high stone walls. I can’t go beyond those walls. They protect everyone inside, all one hundred of us, and keep unwanted people and things out. I know what my father is really telling me: We need to rebuild our population. Since I can’t fight, (that he knows of) and I’m not allowed out of these walls, I guess that’s all he thinks I’m good for. My father was a Sargent in the army, now, he’s a different kind of leader, but people look up to him all the same. If it wasn’t for his knowledge and ideas, who knows if we would have survived.

“I think we should choose someone else,” I announce.

My father turns to me, his expression unreadable. “It’s too late. All is settled, and you’re to be married in two weeks.”

“But--” I object, but he cuts me off.

“You wanted this, now you have it. Go and help the women,” he commands, turning away from me. So this is it then? I guess I made my bed and now I’m going to have to lie in it.

Literally.

“Okay,” I say, exiting the room and heading back to the women’s rooms. We have three separate living areas. Single males, single females, and a separate one for couples and or families. It’s not strict, or anything like that. You can stay wherever you feel comfortable. Except for me of course, my father banned me from going near the male living areas. Maybe once I’m married, I will have some freedom, especially since my soon-to-be husband doesn’t give one shit about me. Maybe this could be a good thing? Change is good, right? It has to beat living like this. The women act like I think I’m better than them. I don’t. I would give anything to be free, to do whatever I feel like doing.

To be like them.

“Hi Olivia,” Regan says, smiling up at me with his dimpled smile.

“Hey buddy,” I say, leaning down and kissing him on his head. Regan is seven years old, and Tessa’s son. Tessa helps in the kitchens, getting the meals ready for everyone. Regan took a liking to me straight away, and hangs out with me while his mother is busy working.

“You want to play a board game with me?” he asks, a hopeful look on his face.

“Sure, I’d love to,” I tell him.

Anything to get my mind off Dane.





Chapter Two





When I walk into the hall for dinner, I catch a glimpse of him. Jet black hair--up to his shoulders, sharp hazel eyes and broad shoulders, tapering into lean hips. He walks confidently, his presence commanding. I sit down at the table where I sit every day, next to my father. Dane doesn’t even look my way, like I don’t even warrant a thought in his mind. I sigh, and look down at my food. Not feeling hungry, but not wanting to take the food for granted because I know what it’s like to go without.

“We’ll be going out on a hunt tomorrow, so be ready when we return, just in case,” my father says. A ‘hunt’ means they are going beyond the safety of these walls, in search of food, supplies and weapons. Some of the men will go fishing and catch as much as they can. The fish help us a lot, because we know they are safe and uncontaminated. There is also an endless supply, so we rely heavily on them for our diet.

To be useful, I help out whenever Dr. James needs assistance, or if someone needs stitches or a dressing. The doctor and the nurse, Lona, are training me, so I can be of assistance when I can.

“Yes, sir,” I reply quietly. I take a spoonful of canned corn and chew on it slowly. I look up to see Dane watching me. His stare makes me feel unnerved, and I shift on my seat. His expression gives away nothing, and it makes me feel uncomfortable. I’m the first to look away. I finish my meal, forcing myself to eat.

“May I be excused?” I ask.

“Olivia…”

“Yes?”

He sighs. “Goodnight love.”

“Night,” I say, kissing him on the cheek, standing up and walking out the door. I can feel everyone’s eyes on me, but I ignore them, walking with my shoulders back and my chin up.

“Olivia!” someone calls and I jump.