Those who could adapt and improvise wouldn’t have to digress to unthinkable actions to live.
Ethan planned to adapt and improvise.
The meek might inherit the Earth, but it was the strong who survived, and Ethan planned on surviving.
The night wore on, the constellations dimmed and brightened with the ebb and flow of the clouds.
Life went on. It always does.
Chapter 26
In the morning Becca felt well enough to walk after two doses of antibiotics. Kinsey and Tyler were ready to go, so they hoisted their meager belongings over their shoulders and followed Ethan, who took the lead to meet up with Joe’s group.
They navigated the hallway littered with the debris of a once bustling and successful venue. The stadium was part of a cluster of venues known as NRG Park, including the stadium, the center, arena, the Astrodome, and other outdoor spaces. The venues hosted a variety of events including the annual and much-anticipated rodeo, college graduations, oil and gas conferences, a trucking show, Home and Garden show, concerts, and a plethora of other events. Nearly every week was booked.
The past success was a memory now, a fleeting summer breeze swallowed up and destroyed by a massive hurricane, hitting it with an obliterating force.
The stress of the situation manifested in the haggard appearance of the group of survivors, yet when they met, hearty hellos were exchanged along with meaningful hugs.
Oscar barked his approval, and thumped his tail.
“Is everybody ready to go?” Joe asked.
His question was met with a chorus of positive answers.
“Great. I want to let you know I’m proud of everyone here. Each one of you has stepped up to the plate and hit a homerun. Not everyone survived, but we will. We have a long walk in front of us and with luck, we’ll be home by midnight. If we need to stop and rest, then we’ll make a camp and sleep on the road. Let’s say goodbye and good riddance to this place.”
“I second that!” Tyler said. “It’s about time we blow this place. I’m starting to smell like a dead fish.”
“I could use a long, hot bath.” Kinsey ran her fingers through her hair to untangle it. “And a shampoo. Clean clothes and something good to eat. I think I’ll burn these jeans.”
Joe led the way out of the stadium and into the parking lot. “Before we go any further, I promised a woman I met yesterday something. It’ll only take a few minutes for me to find her car then we can be on our way. Is everyone okay with that?”
“I’ll stay here and rest my leg,” Becca said. “It’s already starting to hurt.”
Becca hobbled over to an empty car and sat in the back seat. The group huddled near her and talked among themselves.
“Lexi,” Joe said, “if you’re up to it, will you walk with me?”
“Sure.”
When they were out of earshot of the others, Joe asked, “How are you feeling?”
“Besides my massive hangover, I’ve got a throbbing headache. My mouth is sore too.” Lexi massaged her temples using her index fingers and thumbs.
“That’s to be expected.”
“I need a strong cup of coffee.”
“I’ll stop by Starbucks and get one for you.” Joe gently bumped his elbow against hers.
“I wish.” Lexi took a big breath and let it out.
“Do you remember anything about getting your tooth pulled?”
Lexi thought a moment. “Not really, other than it hurting like hell. I guess I passed out.”
“You did.”
“Why do you ask? Did I say or do anything stupid?”
Joe chuckled. “You did.”
“What?” Lexi furrowed her brow. “Tell me.”
“Never mind. It’s in the past. I shouldn’t have said anything.” Joe diverted his eyes from Lexi so she couldn’t see the side of his mouth curling into a grin.
“Tell me,” Lexi demanded. “You can’t leave me hanging. I’ll wonder about it forever.”
“You were really wasted.”
“And…what?” Lexi’s anxiety rose, and the uncomfortable revelation worried her.
“I had to hold you down.”
“Why?”
“Hannah didn’t want you to thrash around.”
“What did I say?” Lexi glanced at Joe, waiting for his answer.
“I had to straddle you while you were on the table. The things that came out of your mouth were so funny.”
“Like what?”
“You said, hey big boy. Whatcha doin’?”
“Oh.” Lexi put her hand to her mouth, horrified. “Anything else?”
“Something about being a strong woman.”
“That’s not too bad,” Lexi said. “I am a strong woman.”
Joe’s attempt at stifling a laugh got Lexi’s attention.
“What, Joe? What else did I say?” Lexi’s tone of voice got Joe’s attention.
“You said—” Before Joe could answer the question, a woman ran up to him, crying.
“Joe, is that you? Do you remember me?”
“Of course I remember you, Caroline.” The elderly woman smashed into Joe, hugging him. “Did you find anything for my husband?” she pleaded.
Surprised by the overly friendly gesture, Joe only said, “I did.” He reached into his backpack and retrieved a bottle of aspirin and a package of Pepto Bismol.
“Bless you!” Caroline clasped her hands over her bosom. “Thank you, thank you. I think he’s got a bad case of indigestion. I told him not to eat the chili/cheese dog and popcorn. Not to mention the beer he drank and woofing down two large chocolate bars. He’s been good sticking to his diet until lately.”
“I’ll say,” Joe muttered.
“I can’t thank you and your wife enough for this.”
“Oh, uh, we aren’t married.” A rosy color of embarrassment crept up from Lexi’s neck to her face.
“Well, you should be,” Caroline teased. “You’d make a lovely couple.”
“Thank you, ma’am. Take care and good luck to you and your husband,” said Joe.
“Bye now!” Caroline waved to Joe and Lexi as they walked away.
For a few moments Lexi and Joe walked in silence, their shoes scratching against
