In the end it was agreed that the group would officially decide on what to do after supper. For now, a couple of volunteers were going to head up to the Bentley’s bedroom and clean up the mess and wrap the corpse in some sheets.
Joe piped up one more time before the group disbanded. “Guys, there is one more thing that we need to do.” The group looked at the big man as he got up from his seat and walked over to Craig.
“I was thinking about what Melissa said yesterday. We’re supposed to come forward and announce ourselves as candidates, to be the leader.” Jack saw several people’s faces drop, expecting the blow hard to nominate himself. What he said next, surprised the whole group though.
“There is only one clear leader here. And that is Craig. He is always first in coming up with ideas, and I witnessed him being first in protecting ... his tribe.” He said the last with a smile, liking the way the word sounded.
“I know not everybody is here. But I think that I know how everybody feels... Can we just vote now?” He didn’t wait for an answer. “All in favor of Craig being our leader.” Joe raised his hand. Every hand shot up. It was unanimous.
AFTER BRUNCH, JACK put his name down on the lookout list. He noted with some pride that all the lists were being populated. He watched as several people went about their business, clearing up the garbage and dishes. He was on his way to the library to help do some research on solar panels when a thought occurred to him.
He changed his course and walked to the kitchen.
“Hey mom, Ethan.” He said as he walked in. His mom was loading the dishes into the dishwasher, while Ethan was tying up a garbage bag. They both stopped what they were doing and looked up.
“What do we do with the garbage? How do we get rid of it?”
Ethan responded. “Well, we don’t have a lot of garbage.” He hefted the industrial sized garbage bag in his hands. “I think we only got a couple bags’ worth... I didn’t really think about what to do with it. Slip it out the door?” He frowned as he considered it. “What about if we toss it off the roof? Or leave it on the roof?”
Nancy had retuned from cleaning the tables. She walked in with a bucket and cloth, and unceremoniously dumped the water down the oversized sink. “It’s a good question, Jack. We should put it as far away from the school as possible.” She said.
Jack left the kitchen, promising to mention it to his dad.
The group met that evening after supper. John limped into the cafeteria, assisted by Melissa and even Rosa attended, assisted by the ever-present Shelley. Rosa’s face was so swollen that it was hard to see any emotion on her face.
The group started out with an impromptu applause for their official leader. Craig looked embarrassed by it. He stated to the group that he didn’t expect things to change.
“We’re still a democracy, guys.” He said. “We might not all agree on every decision, but I promise that we will make these decisions together.”
He looked from person to person, including Joe and Nat. “Everybody will have a voice.”
That done, he turned to the business at hand. “Ok. We need to decide on what to do with Patrick’s body. We also need to figure out how to get rid of our garbage.” He said with a quick look at Jack.
Ern stated his opinion first. “I think that we should give Patrick a proper burial. I also think that we should bury our garbage. He said, crossing his arms and looking around himself sternly.
Several people mumbled. Not one to hold back her thoughts, Rachel spoke up. “I’m not sure if I agree, Ern. First of all, it’s risky to go outside. You might get seen or draw attention to us. Also don’t forget that there might still be one of those things inside the fence.”
Joe agreed with his wife. “Why should we put ourselves at risk? Can’t we throw our garbage off the roof or toss it out a window?”
“Is that what my husband is to you now, Joe? Garbage?” Rosa spoke haltingly but her anger was clear.
Joe put up his hands defensively. “I’m sorry Rosa – I mean no disrespect! I wasn’t talking about Patrick. To be honest, I’m not sure what to do... I just don’t want us to put ourselves at risk.” He hesitated, trying to find the right words to say. There were no right words.
“I’ll do it.” Nat said simply.
“Me too. It’s the right thing to do.” Ern added with a stern glance at Rachel and Joe. “There are several shovels in the maintenance room downstairs that we can use.”
Emily was next to speak. “Count me in.” Keith and Melissa agreed to help as well.
Joe cut in before anybody else could volunteer. “Hey hold on! Shouldn’t we vote on this, first?”
“Fair enough. Joe is right.” Craig said. “Ok folks, hands up if you are in favor of burying Patrick’s body, as well as digging a hole outside for our garbage.” Most of the hands shot up in the air. It was clear that Rachel and Joe were outvoted.
“Ok, Joe?” Craig looked at Joe, who nodded, knowing he had been beaten.
“All right. Any more volunteers?”
“Actually, Craig, I think five people should be adequate.” Melissa suggested. “Maybe a couple of folks to help keep watch...” Jack immediately volunteered to man the door as he had done before. Ethan and Maria were quick to volunteer as lookouts.
It looked like the group had reached a quorum. Rachel wasn’t quite ready to let it go though.
“I understand what y’all are doing, and, while I don’t agree, I also understand why you think that it’s the right thing to do.” She hesitated, glancing at Rosa as she spoke again. “But can’t we
