Anthony Newman: American Survivor

“Cobie, these are packages of freeze-dried scrambled eggs for campers. Could you…” Joe said before Cobie gave him a big hug.

“Joe, I’d kill for some scrambled eggs. You are my hero. I’ll fix some to go with our fried rabbit.”

Joe took a can from the box, walked up behind Cobie, and said, “What would you do for some coffee?”

“I’d give a man a kiss for a good cup of coffee,” she said as she leaned into Joe and kissed him on the cheek and then whispered, “Joe, please stay with us for a while. Cloe needs you.”

Joe looked to see that Cloe had gone outside and said, “What about Cloe’s mom?”

“What about Cloe’s mom?” Cobie replied.

“Does Cloe’s mom miss me and want me around?”

“Cloe’s mom missed you even though you are the most frustrating man I have ever met. I do appreciate your apology you gave me when you left. I know I can also be difficult so I apologize for that. Let’s start over. Please stay with us,” Cobie said.

Joe pulled her to his chest and asked, “What will we be starting? I don’t want to misunderstand your meaning. I’m thinking about kissing you.”

Cobie felt wonderful in his arms but pulled away as she replied, “Joe I want to be your friend. I don’t know if I have more to offer right now. If you need a girlfriend, you might want to go down to the other cabin. Jane could be another Madison for you.”

“Cobie, let’s be friends and then worry about the other stuff later. You hate men, and I had a bad time with my fiancé, so I’m good with us being friends, for now. I missed you a lot and really missed talking with you,” Joe said.

“I missed your friendship and watching how you were so good to my daughter,” Cobie said.

“You are a strong woman but you don’t try to manipulate me, and you are always honest. I need that out of you. I will try not to be bossy and let you do your thing without trying to be too protective,” Joe said.

Cobie looked at him and replied, “Thanks for realizing that I need to be my own person. Now let’s cook some eggs, dick head.”

“So is that a promotion or demotion to the dick head status?”

“Promotion,” Cobie said as she laughed on the way to the kitchen.

Cloe had been standing just inside the door listening and said, “Joe, I don’t care what she calls you as long as she’s smiling and we are all back together. Let’s talk bunnies after breakfast.”

The eggs were powdered but were like a gourmet meal to the three who hadn’t seen a normal breakfast in months. The eggs tasted good but had a green tint to them and were a bit rubbery. They ate every morsel and then asked Cobie to prepare another batch. They laughed and joked around the table until Cloe asked him about his trip into the city.

“I spent most of the time resting during daytime hours and scavenging for food and supplies during the nights. I was able to gather a Jeep full of food, weapons, and other supplies,” Joe said.

“Are there many survivors?” Cloe asked.

“Yes, there are people all over the city hidden in basements and homes that are scared of the gangs. There are dozens of gang members that have taken charge of the city and kill anyone who doesn’t do what they are told. The crime is horrible. The captured survivors are slaves,” Joe said.

“Cloe, go outside and get your chores done so we can head down to the neighbors after Joe and I do the dishes,” Cobie said.

Cloe put on her boots, pistol belt, and coat before heading outside. Her mom watched her strap the 9mm to her hip and wondered if kids would ever be kids again. She was afraid they would become hardened to this new life as kids on the American frontier were back in the 1850s.

Joe gathered the plates and took them to the sink to help Cobie when Cobie said, “Joe I was just kidding about you helping me.”

“Cobie, we are in a new world where you will be helping me plow the ground, fight gangs, and well, just survive. The least I can do is help wash dishes and carry my own weight around the house. I don’t think there is a man or woman’s work anymore. We all work and do the best we can. Of course, there will be work that I can’t do, or you can’t do, but we’ll figure that out as time goes by,” Joe said as he watched Cobie’s expression.

“Joe, I totally agree. I do need you to teach me what you know about guns, traps, and any other survival skills. I also want one of those military-style weapons,” Cobie said but wondered how Joe would react.

“I had already planned on the training and have a couple of surprises for you. I brought back several toys to share with you and Cloe. I have an extra AR-15 for you and Cloe, and I’ll give Dan my Mini 14. I now have several ARs and two M4s plus several more 9mm pistols and a bunch of ammunition. We need to share with the neighbors, but our first concern is to protect ourselves,” Joe replied.

Cobie looked concerned and said, “My first reaction was that we are selfish, but now I know that you are right. My first concern is for Cloe’s safety then our’s before the others. Share what you can with them, and we’ll keep the rest and hide any weapons we don’t use right away. Oh, I forgot to tell you that Dan was once a policeman in his home city. He can help with the training.”

“So I’m a dick head but worth saving.”

“You’ll have to do until something better comes along,” Cobie pinched his side and laughed.

Joe didn’t even mention that what she said goes both ways since Cobie was in a good and playful mood. He cut his losses and said, “Cobie, my cabin is much larger and better equipped than this one. I have electricity and running water. I even have a hot water heater that works. I want you to move in with me. It would mean less firewood to cut and would save me travel time. I have two large bedrooms, you and Cloe can have one, and I’ll take the other. I’m not hitting on you just trying to be practical.”

“Oh, my God, we could take regular baths. I’ve been afraid that my smell would run you off,” Cobie said.

Joe pulled her close, moved his face close to hers, and breathed deeply. He then said, “You smell pretty good to me. So, what do you think?”

I agree on moving into your home. I’ll ask Cloe, and if she agrees, we’ll move. Oh, you’ll have to build another Bunny Ranch at your cabin. You know that Cloe loves you and really missed you while you were gone,” Cobie said.

“I missed both of you and thought a lot about you while I was gone. Cobie, promise me that If I do or say anything stupid that you will let me know. Don’t hold back,” Joe said.

She patted him on the back and said, “There’s hope for you yet.”

Cobie thought for a moment and asked, “Joe why did you go on the trip to town? It was very dangerous, and you could have been killed.”

“Hon, when I left, I really didn’t care about living or dying. You hated me. I lost Madison. Damn, I just felt powerless and wanted to take charge of my life. I ended up helping a bunch of survivors by teaching them how to steal food from the gangs.”

“What about Jane? She was worried sick about you and cares for you,” Cobie said as her voice trembled.

“Jane is a great woman but not the one I want,” Joe answered.

Cobie changed the subject and asked, “Did you kill enough men to make you feel better?”

“No, I only fought to protect myself. There are many thugs that need to be killed, but it was time to come home to you and Cloe. I was mad at you when I left but couldn’t hold it against her.”

“Are you still mad at me?”

I was for a while but couldn’t get my mind off you and my little Munchkin. Cobie I love you,” Joe said.

She pushed him away and said, “Later. We’ll discuss that when we get back.”