CHAPTER THIRTEEN

Ethan had avoided his mother for two days, but his luck had just run out. He and Jared had been trying to gather survival gear and a few essential tools, which had taken him all over the farm and provided too many opportunities to cross paths with her. By the time he saw Vera approaching it was too late to turn and leave.

“Ethan, have you been avoiding me?”

He had never minced words with his mother or played games with her. He doubted they’d ever played games even when he was a baby since he was raised by Jared’s mother.

“Actually, yes, I have been avoiding you. Leah said you had something for me. I’m not stupid. Anything that comes by special courier can only be bad news.”

“You’re such a cynic. It’s probably that girl you’ve always hung around. If you were a daughter I would have forbidden you to associate with Rachel Ward’s daughtershe’s a malcontent. I’m sure Nyla will end up in the Facility just like her mother, but don’t worry, you’ll be long gone by then so you won’t have to see your little friend locked up.”

Ethan couldn’t believe how cold his mother had always treated him. He was never a son to herhe was simply free farm labor. He promised himself he would just ignore her, but she always seemed to goad him into responding.

“So, since I have no future in this society, you didn’t think it would matter if I hung around that ‘bad Ward girl’ and became corrupted by her rebellious ways?”

“Sometimes I wonder why I chose a male child when I could have had a daughter who wouldn’t question everything,” Vera stated, rolling her eyes. “But, no, I don’t worry about her corrupting you since you’re too stubborn to be influenced by anything or anyone.”

The statement brought a crooked smile to Ethan’s lips. His mother sounded resigned to the fact that Nyla was part of his life. It was a tiny victory, but still gave him a sense of triumph.

“You are so exasperating, but you’ve been a hard worker and have never gotten into any trouble with the authorities and I guess that’s all I could’ve hoped for in a male child.”

“Stop, Mother, you’re making me blush with all the flattery.”

She shook her head and sighed. “I don’t want to talk about Nyla or listen to your sass. I have good news. You’ve received your donation notice. At your age this is very flattering.”

“How can you say it’s good or flattering? I find this whole system disturbing.”

“The fact your genetics are in demand is a positive reflection on you as well as me, but I figured you would see this in a negative light. I actually don’t care how you feel about it. Just go to the clinic with this letter and fulfill your obligation. If you don’t show up, you’ll be leaving your little friend sooner than you anticipated.” Vera held the summons out toward him.

Ethan made no move toward it. He refused to make anything easy for her and couldn’t wait until she had to run this place without him. He didn’t flinch when Vera stuffed the paper in his front shirt pocket, he just glared at her until she turned and stomped away.

“Your attitude is so maddening. No wonder men’s status has sunk to such a low level. Soon science will eliminate the need for your kind altogether and that will be a glorious day.”

“What was that, Mother? Did you say you’ll miss me and all the hard work I do around here when the authorities ship me away?”

She stopped and turned around. Ethan could see he had pushed her further than he ever had before and he took great satisfaction in being the cause of her anger.

“Actually, as trying and infuriating as you can be, I was considering asking for an extension after you graduated in order to keep you on the farm a bit longer, but now I think I’ll just let you go and you’ll see how good you had it here once you reach your destiny.”

“Remember Jared isn’t far behind. Man, I’d actually play a mind-numbing video game for the chance to see one of my communal-sisters pull a pissed-off snake out of a pipe.”

Ethan watched her stomp away, thankful not all women had become so cold and heartless. He felt fortunate to know women like Nyla, Rachel, Ruby, Crystal, Claire and at times, even Leah. The kind and resourceful women in his life gave him a sliver of hope for a different future than the one planned for him by the authorities. He was more determined than ever to make sure Nyla and Claire were part of the future he craved—he would settle for nothing less.

“So, was it what we thought?” Jared asked, pointing to the letter in Ethan’s pocket.

“Yep. I’m supposed to report the day after tomorrow for my civic duty. Good thing we’ll be long gone by then. I do not intend to donate anything to this messed up society. Call me old fashioned, but if I ever decide to reproduce it will be the old-fashioned way. From what I understand it was a lot more interesting.”

Jared laughed. “Growing up we heard about having to donate and kind of feared the time when it would happen to one of us, but now that it has it just sounds ridiculous.”

“You think this is funny? I think it’s sick and I want no part of it.”

“I think your reaction is funny, but I’m just glad it’s you man, not me.” Jared slapped Ethan on the back. “Come on, Leah gave us a list of stuff to get from town. It’ll give us a chance to meet up with the girls and maybe we can slip in a few extra items at the store we might need.”

“Good. I want to make sure nothing gets in the way of our plan, like me being thrown in the Facility for accidentally hitting Vera with a shovel. If I have to see that woman who claims to be my mother again, I may do something out of character for our kinder and gentler society.”

Ethan crumpled the letter and tossed it in the nearest trashcan. He put an arm loosely around Jared’s shoulders and headed toward the truck, the thought of seeing Nyla and Claire instantly lifting his spirits.

“You drive.” Ethan tossed the keys at Jared.

“Probably best, as mad as you are I doubt your mind is on the road right now.”

Ethan grabbed the door handle and opened it. He loved the old truck. He liked the feel of still opening his own door and sliding a key into the ignition. He had no desire to have a conversation with his vehicle every time he wanted to go somewhere. If he was in a mood to mumble and grumble he didn’t want to be forced to enunciate just so some artificial intelligence chip could understand what it was supposed to do. The sensual aspects of day-to-day tasks had all but disappeared and he couldn’t wait to feel, hear and smell life, and live it on his own terms.

Jared gunned the motor and sent dust billowing into the sky as he fishtailed out of the drive. Ethan knew if Vera was still in sight they’d hear about it when they got back, but he didn’t care. Vera would think Jared’s driving was hard on the equipment and reminiscent of rebellious times that wouldn’t be tolerated under her regime.

“There may be hope for you after all,” Ethan howled as he slugged Jared on the arm.

Jared returned Ethan’s punch as they wove down the dirt track leading to the highway. Jared was at a disadvantage having only one hand to swing at his friend, but since they were only throwing mock punches, it didn’t really matter. What mattered was they were together and they planned to stay that way forever.