Rachel Adams

Her long honey blonde hair was caught back in a braid, a medium weight black jacket to keep the chill of the morning off of her arms, Rachel loaded up the rest of her belongings into the back of her 1970 Green hardtop Buick wildcat. Everything she considered important was in there. She didn't care about the furniture that was left in the small apartment. It wasn't hers anymore, she didn't want it. She had a falling out with her roommate, the wench deciding she wanted Rachel to leave, especially since her former best-friend wanted her boyfriend to move in.

Rachel looked towards the sky, the sun starting to rise up even more. She wanted to be out of there just after the first morning's light, it looked like she was going to make it. She took one more look about the apartment complex she had been in for 6 years. She looked up towards the apartment where she caught a glimpse of her room-mates boyfriend watching her. Shaking her head, Rachel shut the trunk,locked the two back doors of the car and climbed in the front. It was time to go, no looking back.

She pulled out of the apartment complex its once vibrant green lawns now to nothing, not even desert landscape but something that looked like a war zone. only little patches of grass which wouldn't give up growing inspite of the complexes efforts.

Her parents said she could come and stay with them until she got herself sorted,Rachel really didn't want to do that but she didn't have any choice. She didn't want to stay in Las Vegas anymore, there wasn't any room for her to move upwards in any type of job. Even her options of finding someone seemed next to nothing.

At least she was going to be home for Thanksgiving this time. Rachel turned on the radio tuned to an oldies station. The first song that came on was 'Leaving on a Jet Plane' she quickly changed the button not wanting to hear that, then realized she didn't want to hear anything more from any of the radio stations of this City.Instead she keyed in her MP3 player to travel music and headed out of town. On the highway she passed out of the Las vegas City limits towards Mesquite. After Mesquite it would be going through the Virgin River Gorge, something she never liked going through at night if she could help it. Her tank was full and she all ready had snacks packed plus sandwich makings in a cooler, no need to stop at Mesquite.

Rachel figured she'd travel for a few hours, then take a rest break to stretch her legs. One area she wanted to stop at was in Cedar City where she'd fuel up both car and herself then continue on down the road to where she'd stop for the night. With her travelling by herself, Rachel didn't feel like getting into a wreck. She arrived in Cedar City just after 1:00 pm she got gas and stopped to make a sandwich at the picnic area. Her cellphone rang and it was her mother.

"I take it you're on your way? I didn't hear any call from you as to letting me know you've left."

"Sorry Mom, I had an arguememt with Sasha and her boyfriend again and the only thought I had was to get out of town and well on down the road." Rachel replied. "I'll give you a call when I get to where I'll be stopping for the night." Rachel told her mother.

"Make certain you do other wise." her mother paused.

"Other wise you'll call your brother who is a highway patrol to call some of his buddies to look for me." Rachel finished her mother's sentence, then she laughed. "Thank you mom, I needed to hear that." she grinned her hazel eyes twinkling in amusement."

"Its good to hear you laugh again, Rachel. I'm looking forward to seeing you when you come home." her mom hung up and Rachel put the cellphone away.

Rachel pulled out a map and took a look where she'd be going to travel. The place where she would find a motel or just a place to pull over for the night would be Richfield, Utah she should be able to get there by nightfall. Rachel knowing that she'd be going into mountain territory, went and pulled out her heavier coat and put it in the front seat. She was going to be needing it in the higher elevations. Her resting period finished, Rachel was on her way once more. She had thought of just pulling over and sleeping in her car then continue in the morning but by the time she got into Richfield, seh was tired, it was cold and she wanted a bed to sleep on and she hadn't had much sleep the night before after battling it out with her former room mate.

Rachel, after getting a room at the Days Inn called her parents to let them know she was all right.

Her dad answered the phone and started quizzing her. "Did you get a room or did you decide to rough it in your car like last time."

"I got a room, Dad, its just a bit too cold to sleep in the car."

"Do you have enough money?"

"Yes, Dad, I have enough money , remember I have a savings account and have a bit of money saved up."

"Well just remember if you need some help its just a phone call away.I do have friend who lives near by. You know you could have stayed there." Rachel's dad commented.

"Dad, I didn't want to do that all right? I just want to get home as soon as I can. I'll stop by in the morning to give them your regards though. And yes I do have their address." Rachel said quickly preventing him from asking his questions.

Her mom got on the phone and talked with Rachel for a few until Rachel reminded her mother she needed to charge up her battery for the cellphone and get some sleep. The phone call ended, Rachel put the phone on the charger and went to sleep.

It was Sunday, Rachel was up before daybreak, a habit she had gotten into when working at the casino in the kitchen. She stretched and yawned, not wanting to get out of bed yet. Rachel was still tired, rolled over to her side to try to get a bit more sleep but after a few minutes she knew there wasn't any use of trying. She got out of bed, showered up and got dressed for the next bit of travel. Picking up her cellphone, packed up her travel back and she stepped out breathing in the cold crips morning air.When Rachel caught the scent of breakfast cooking, her stomach started rumbling yelling for some food. Rachel smiled, she was going to treat herself to some breakfast, a stack of buttermilk pancakes with blueberry syrup on top with bacon and an egg on the side. She was starving, and quickly demolished her food. Her phone rang and it was her mother,

"Good morning Rachel, are you on your way down the road yet?" her mother asked.

"Morning Mom, I'm not on the road yet, just got finished eating breakfast."

"All right, will you be dropping by our friends?"

Rachel chuckled. "Yes, Mama, I've not forgotten. I'll be doing so right after breakfast.I'll be a good little girl and go pay them a visit." She teased her mother.

"Good to hear, and of course you're my good little girl I never raised you differently." Her mother replied "When you get you home you'll get your favorite dessert."

Rachel laughed, "Mixed Berry Pie Ala Mode?"

"Yes, Mixed Berry Pie, Ala Mode." was the reply.

"I can hardly wait,I'm looking forward to having a slice." Rachel said. " I love you Mom and can hardly wait to see you and Dad again."

"Oh just to warn you, your three siblings all plan on coming in for a big family thanksgiving reunion. it will be sort of early but they want to make certain that they see you."

"Thank you for the warning Mom. Look I've got to get going visit your friends and get on my way. And I am looking forward to seeing the others as well."

She hung up and got back on the road, she dropped by to visit her father's friends spent about an hour there then continued on.She heard on the radio that there was a storm coming in and she decided to drive through Colorado and get closer to home. She pulled over some point in time to grab a couple of hours of sleep to make certain she wasn't too tired then continued on.

Monday morning found her just coming into Iowa, the radio turned on listening to a tune she liked. The song ended then the news came on.

"In world news, a new widespread illness was detected in Britain where there are more than ten thousand reported cases of odd flu like symptoms. British health officials have yet to release a statement."

A furrow developed in her brow when Rachel heard this news. That wasn't a good thing to hear about. Was this going to be another pandemic?

A few more hours go by when another piece of news came in.

"A public heath advisory has been issued in Des Moines and Iowa City Iowa. If you are suffering from flu like symptoms and migraine like headaches please report to your local public care clinic. Schools in the following counties are canceled for tomorrow. Des Moines County, Lee County....."

Rachel frowned hearing this, she wondered if her family was going to get hit with that. Rachel hoped not. Night fell and snow was starting to fall, Rachel pulled off the highway feeling like being around people and getting something to eat and drink. A white building caught her eye and she followed the road and pulled in. Finding a spot she parked her car, locked it up tight and headed towards the entrance and stepped inside...

Wednesday night Rachel arrived safely at her parents home, being met with open arms and a great deal of relief on her parents part.

"I'm glad you finally made it we were worried!" Rachel's mother exclaimed. "Where did you end up staying?"

Rachel's Father swept her into his arms in a nice bear hug. Then her brothers and sister came in and added to the hugs.

Rachel giggled. "Let me catch my breath."

"I hear you are coming home to stay with the folks?" Stephen asked.

"Only temporarily." Rachel stated.

"Sure, that's what they all say those who move back in with their parents. "Eric teased Rachel knowing full well she was intending on leaving the nest once more.

"Are the phones back up and running?" Rachel asked not answering the question as to where she stayed during the snow storm.

"Yes they are, they just got them back online before you arrived." Beth answered.

"Rachel you still haven't answered my question as to where you stayed until the snow storm ended." Her mother Nancy asked.

"Mom and Dad can we talk privately, I really need to talk with you about something." Rachel asked.

Her siblings looked at each other and raised an eyebrow.

Trent looked over at Nancy and they nodded motioning for Rachel to follow them into the den shutting the door behind them.

"All right honey, something wrong?" Nancy asked, as Trent took a seat in his chair to look at his daughter.

Rachel lightly bit her lip not exactly knowing just how to tell them then finally she said.

"Mom, Dad.. I'm not moving back home. I found another place I will be staying at."

Nancy raised her eyebrows at this, Trent looked at her and said,

"Oh? when did this occur? Last we heard you were leaving Las Vegas and needed a place to stay. What happened to change this?" Trent asked.

Rachel blushed, and Nancy took a better look at her daughter noticing that there was something different about her.

"Rachel what are you trying to tell us?" Nancy asked gently.

"Well.. I found someone I want to be with for the rest of my life." Rachel stated. "His name is Paul Kinset."

"Oh?" was all that her father would say.

Rachel looked over at her father feeling a bit nervous, then back to her mother.

"You asked me where I stayed at during the snowstorm well the answer is I stayed at his place. He's a wonderful man, loving, gentle, strong handsome."

"Okay how did you end up staying at his home, start from the beginning hon." her father spoke up seeing the shock on Nancy's face.

"Well I was getting tired, and I stopped for a bite to eat at small place the snow was picking up, I walked into a small bar and there was Paul in the midst of dealing with three men who were attacking him."

Before she could go on, Trent commented, "You stepped into help right?"

Rachel nodded. "Yes, you know how I am."

Trent nodded, "All right what happened next."

Rachel told them about what happened, leaving out certain details that her parents really didn't need to know.Then showed her parents a picture of Paul and Ann.

"I fell head over heels in love with him and Ann. It just feels so right. I have never felt like this towards anyone else Mom and Dad.

"He's a big guy." Trent said looking at his daughter and the light in her face and eyes.

Nancy noticed too.

"Well when do we get to talk to the man who obviously swept my little girl off her feet?" Trent said in subdued voice.

"I can call him right now, and we'll put it on speaker phone so both you and Mom can talk to him at the same time. Maybe you can even talk with Ann." Rachel replied all ready dialing Paul's phone number.

She would be letting him know that he'll be talking to her parents on speaker-phone.....

[Wednesday Late Evening]

Rachel sighed, she really didn't want to leave off talking to Paul but as Stephen had mentioned, he and the others did come to see her.

As soon as she stepped outside of the den,she was immediately grabbed by the hand by Stephen, asking questions,

"Who were you talking to? What is all the secrecy about? How are you doing? Why won't you be staying at mom and dad's place?"

Rachel laughed and only had one answer for him.

"I'll answer your questions when we get with the others."

Stephen nodded and when they were gathered about the table for a late dinner, Rachel looked about at the family she loved very much.

"I have an announcement to make, I've got someone in my life now, you don't need to worry about setting me up on dates anymore." an impish smile lighting up her face.

There was a dead silence as those at the table stared at Rachel, then..

"What?" you don't say! Congratulations!"

who is this guy and is he good enough for you?"

"When are you getting married?"

"When do we get to meet him?"

"Is he coming to meet the family?"

"I can't believe you were holding out on us!"

These questions and exclamations barraged Rachel, who ended up chuckling.

Trent put his fingers to his lips and whistled loudly to get the din and clamor to die down.

"All right, let Rachel have a chance to speak, but before she does, I've got one thing ta say. Your mom and me have talked to her beau and we're approving of him. Any of you get outta line where they are concerned you'll be talking with me do ya hear?" he said with a stern, but loving look in his eyes.

The others nodded, then Rachel answered their questions, and enjoyed having dinner with her family and getting to know her nieces and nephews. She caught them up on what was up since the last time they saw her. Dinner finished, things cleaned up, Rachel excused herself to go to her old room. She stopped to watch the news on the television, hearing the anchorman announce what Paul had mentioned to her what was going on in the world. Rachel could feel the chills go up and down her spine, this really didn't sound good at all.

Discussions and talks died down, Rachel went to her old room and fell asleep, exhausted her dreams filled with Paul and promises of a bright new future.

Thursday morning

Rachel actually slept in, She was so tired from the driving and the emotional rollercoaster she was on, that she slept past the usual time she got up.It was a beam of sunlight that finally woke her up, yawning she put on a bathrobe over her pajamas and made her way downstairs to the scent of breakfast.

"About time you woke up, you slept so soundly you could have slept through a nuclear bomb." her older brother, Eric, teased her.

"Where is everybody?" Rachel asked, ruffling her brother's hair.

"Oh some of them have gone outside to get some fresh air. Beth and her husband were up half the night with one of their young ones, little Kathy, she was feverish last night, Mom sat up the rest of the night so Beth and Richard could get some rest." he raised his finger towards the rockingchair where her mother was sound asleep holding the baby up against her.

Beth came walking out of the bedroom to check on her baby then frowned as she heard the baby coughing. "Mom, Kathy's temperature hasn't gone down yet."

Nancy's eyes fluttered open. "I know, I bathed her in lukewarm water, did all that you're supposed to do to alleviate the heat. I think you need to take her to Doctor Talbot, he's the only doctor I trust and you know how much I like doctors.I'd rather you see what he recommends, just in case this is more than teething time."

Beth looked at her mother, "Thank you, mom. And I think I'll have the doctor check me out while I'm there my throat is a little bit sore this morning."

"Did you gargle with cayenne water? That normally gets rid of the sore throat?" Nancy asked her daughter.

"Yes, and normally that helps out alot but this time, its not working." Beth replied her voice slightly hoarse.

Nancy got the flashlight and checked her daughter's throat. "You best get him to take a swab of your throat and find out if its something worse."

Beth nodded, left to get herself and Kathy ready to go. Her husband, Bill was all ready to take his wife. He also had his son with him as well."We'll see you later." they waved goodbye and headed down the road. Rachel gave them each a hug before they headed down the road. "Be careful."

Rachel was concerned, Kathy was such a pretty baby, a head full of blonde curls, the biggest blue eyes you could imagine on a baby. She loved her little niece very much, just as much as she loved her nephew Kevin. She looked at her exhausted mother.

"YOu get on back to bed now. I'll take care of breakfast all right?" Rachel shooing her mother off to bed.

Nancy nodded and went to bed without any arguement.

Rachel looked at her brother Eric, "It looks like its up to us to get breakfast done."

Eric nodded and the two of them worked to make the best breakfast possible. It had been a long time since she had made breakfast with Eric. Both of them went to culinary college, he went back East she went West.Now in someway, East Met West and she teased him about it.They kept their teasing to a dull roar, getting the table set up for those who felt like breakfast. Eric's wife, Susan came in along with their two boys. They were dressed for outdoors and had come back inside.

"We got the chores done outside." the two boys said putting down the fresh eggs they had gathered. "The goats have been milked too." motioning to the two buckets. The boys were twelve and all ready sprouting up. "Hello Aunt Rachel"

"Hello Ian and Jake, thanks for taking care of that for me. Now your dad and I made some of your favorites." Rachel said, giving them a hug.

Ian and Jake were quickly seated at the table and eating, their food.

"Where is Stephen?" Rachel asked.

"He took Elise for a craving run, she was craving something that mom didn't have so he took into town. Just think you'll get to look forward to that when you start having kids of your own. You do plan on having kids don't you?" Susan asked.

"I am wanting kids, yes, and definitely with Paul." Rachel replied, with a smile.

Rachel dished herself up some breakfast then they were joined by Trent, who informed them that Nancy was finally sound asleep. The rest of breakfast was filled by quiet chit chat catching up on news of family.

Thursday 12 Noon

Two hours after breakfast, the phone rang, Trent answered it then quietly hung it up after speaking in quiet tones. With a sigh he turned to those that were in the kitchen.

"That was Bill, little Kathy was admitted into the hospital and so was Beth, apparently Doctor Talbot felt it best for them, Kathy is currently in ICU. We're going to have to pace ourselves going there to make certain that we don't tucker Beth and Kathy out.Beth would like some visitors, she's not too happy and I don't blame her at all." Trent scratched the stubble on his jaw. "I'm going to let your mom get some more sleep and we'll go down and see them in couple of hours."

Susan got up from the table, "I'll go get somethings packed for Beth, just to keep her from going bonkers." she laughed, though her eyes showed a bit of worry.

"Mind if I tagalong?" Rachel asked.

Susan looked at her sister in law then said. "I don't mind at all,"

Just as they finished getting prepped for visiting the hospital, the phone rang. Rachel answered the phone this time.

"Hello?"

It was Bill on the other end, Rachel could barely make out his words, being distraught. Something about Kevin... Kevin was just admitted in the hospital and baby Kathy was getting worse. Rachel hung up the phone and went to her parents room.

"Mom, Dad, just got a call from Bill, Kevin's been admitted to the hospital and Kathy is getting worse." she reported.

Trent and Nancy got themselves ready and the whole family went to give Bill some moral support. He looked haggard and rather pale, his eyes red from crying.

"You best go say goodbye to Kathy, the doctor says she's not going to make it." Bill sobbed out sinking to the couch in the waiting room where he was to meet the family.

Rachel was stunned, no not the beautiful angel, Kathy. Her mom and dad went into say their goodbyes to the baby,two by two they were brought in, then Beth came in to hold her baby. She was insistent, Dr. Talbot got clearance. The door closed leaving father and mother to watch as their baby slipped away from them.

The family cried, Nancy was devastated sobbing in Trent's arms as tears poured poured down his face. Bill collapsed after his baby died and was put in the hospital, now one whole family was in there. Nancy begged Trent to take her home which he did.

Trent looked at Rachel, "Hon I need you to keep tabs here at the hospital, give me the updates then come on home all right?"

Rachel nodded, she took turns with the others to lend comfort to the rather sad family. It was about evening when Rachel dragged herself home to catch a nap. She was met at the door by Stephen, who looked like warmed over death.

"Dad wants you to see him." Stephen greeted her.

"Stephen, are you all right?" Rachel asked being rather concerned. she reached up and felt his temperature, he was running very hot.

"You better go laydown." helping him into his room.

Stephen didn't fight her and layed down next to his wife who was running a bit warm.

"You've got the flu." Rachel frowned, remembering what Paul had told her.

Stephen just coughed, and groaned feeling very awful.

Rachel went to go check on her father, she found him in the kitchen, making some tea and a pot set up cooking chicken noodle soup.

"Hey sis." Trent said to his daughter.

"Hey Dad, how is Mom doing?" she asked.

Trent shook his head, "She's got the flu, same as the rest of the household.

"You've got to be kidding me?" Rachel quietly exclaimed.

Trent shook his head, "I'm not kidding you." he replied. "You and I are on sick duty. Why don't you go grab yourself a couple hour nap then I'll wake you up.

Rachel nodded and went to bed.

Two hours later, Trent woke Rachel up and went to lay down next to Nancy. Two hours later, Rachel woke up Trent.

"I've got to go to the hospital, Beth needs me."

Trent nodded. "Just be careful, honey."

Rachel could not believe her eyes when she arrived at the hospital, the place was crawling with people all ill, there were tents set up as emergency shelters to house those that were coming in, all seeking help.There hadn't been this many people when they came earlier in the day to say goodbye to Kathy. Rachel could feel the tears coming to her once more and she fought them back. She couldn't do anymore crying, she needed to have a happy face when she went to go see Beth. When she neared the room where Beth was being cared for she was stopped from entering, her heart seemed to stop beating when she saw a gurney coming out from the room, on it was someone with a sheet covered from head to toe. Rachel's heart seemed to stop, as a sudden chill came over her.

"Please.. is that my sister? I've got to see if it is her!" Rachel gasped out.

"Are you Rachel Adams?" a doctor asked.

"Yes..Yes I am." Rachel answered, feeling her heart pounding.

"I'm sorry, your sister took a sudden turn for the worse. We couldn't save her." the doctor informed Rachel.

Rachel leaned against the wall... first baby Kathy, now Beth."I've got to go check on Bill, her husband and my nephew, Kevin."

Just then a nurse came up to the doctor and handed him something, he looked at Rachel his eyes misting over. He was choked up at having to deliver the next piece of news to this beautiful woman.

"I'm sorry to inform you but, your brother in law as well as your nephew, have passed away."

"No... NO! It can't be!" Rachel sobbed out. She was just coming to see them.

She got control of her tears and called her dad. "Dad, Beth and her family didn't make it." barely keeping her voice from cracking.

There was a moment of silence then Trent quietly said. "You best come home, I'm going to come get the family."

"All right dad, I'll be there very soon." Rachel hung up and headed for home.

When she got there, she saw her dad standing next to his truck.

"Dad, what are you doing?" she asked.

"I'm going to go get my babies." he said quietly, "And bring them home, they're going to get buried here, in the family plot."

"Dad, I don't think they are going to let you do that." Rachel replied.

"Sis, they're not going to stop me, I do have the right to bury my family upon my land and I'm going to do so."Trent replied.

"Okay Dad, I'm not going to try stopping you, I was just worried that they'll give you trouble." Rachel said.

"You know me better than that, Rachel." Trent said, then came over and gave his daughter a hug."Just hold on, and you've got a man who's waiting for you on a ranch. I'd suggest you call him but its a bit late make sure you give him a call tomorrow. Now, you head on inside and go check on the others, its the bucket watch we're on and they're miserable."

"Okay Dad, just be careful all right?" Rachel said through watery eyes.

Trent got into his pickup and headed into town on a gruesome errand, bringing his family home.

Rachel went inside and started tending to those that were ill. A spongebath to try to make them more comfortable,ice chips to quench a burning thirst, something that may or may not stay on the stomach.

Friday

Three AM

Rachel could hear the rumbling of her father's truck and the crunch of the gravel in the driveway. She heard the door of his truck slam shut and she went out to greet him.

"Were you able to get them?" she quietly asked.

Trent nodded. "Honey, help me out here and get them into the barn."

Rachel nodded silently climbing into the truck and they went to the barn, to put their loved ones there, until they could get their graves dug. Behind the barn fenced in by stone was the family plot. Trent's family had been buried there for centuries, and he planned on being buried there too. It was quiet as daughter and father carefully moved the bodies to the barn, and gently laid them down upon a bed of hay.

Rachel choked back sobs as she moved the still form of the bag which contained Kathy. Trent just put his hand on her shoulder. "I'm sorry you've got to do this honey, its something I wouldn't normally have you do but its necessary."

Rachel nodded, feeling herself start to go numb.When it was done,Trent moved his truck back near the house and stepped out.

"Lets go inside and check on the others." Trent said, placing an arm about his daughter's shoulder and they both walked inside.

Time wore on, Rachel's two nephews wanted alot of attention and she was more than happy to give it to them after checking on her other siblings. Their room was filled with steam from the vaporizer and Rachel pretended with them that they were in a magic kingdom and getting ready to slay a mighty dragon. She tried not to make them laugh too much as the laughter made them start coughing very badly.

Out in the kitchen, Trent called Dr. Talbot to see if he could come out and check on the ill people, all he was able to get was the answering machine.He stepped to the door where the twins and Rachel were at "I'm going to go see if I can get the doc to come check on everyone here."

"Okay, I'm going to be here with the boys, the others are asleep so maybe they will recover from this flu." she said her voice full of hope.

Trent nodded, "Be seeing you in a few." then he disappeared from the doorway and left.

The house was silent, except for the murmurs of the boys who were calling for Rachel to tell them another story.

"Auntie Rachel, got another story to tell us?" then the boys started coughing some more.

"Yes, I've got a story about a red bearded knight who slew dragons and rode on a black charger. Or do you want to hear about a cowboy who was strong enough to wrestle a steer to the ground?" Rachel asked.

"How about the red bearded knight?" Ian asked,

"I want to hear about the cowboy who wrestled cows to the ground." Jake requested then started coughing.

"How about I tell you both stories then" Rachel replied.

"Okay" the two boys said. "And we get a snuggle."

Rachel laughed. "Aren't you two a bit too old for that?" she teased them.

"Nope, Mom and Dad can't so your elected." Ian replied.

"All right" Rachel said and so she climbed into the bed with the two boys, Ian on the right and Jake on the left. She put her arm about each of the boys then told the story about the red bearded knight who slew an evil dragon which had four heads that looked like a coyote along with his faithful hounds.

The next story she told was of the strong cowboy who had come into a town which was being terrorized by a giant steer, "He leaped off his horse grabbing the steer by its long horns and twisting them just so pulled the steer to the ground. There was alot of cheering when he accomplished this and tied the legs of the steer to keep it from moving. Then the cowboy rode off into the sunset without asking for a reward the end." Rachel finished the story and noticed that the boys fell asleep.

Rachel tried to move but the boys started whimpering, so she stayed. her arms still about them. Rachel eventually fell asleep, it was a couple of hours that she woke up and was able to extricate herself from the boys and go check on the others. All were sleeping soundly, things were quiet but her dad wasn't home yet.

Stretching and yawning, Rachel went into the kitchen, to get herself something to eat and make a cup of tea. She felt dead tired, tearing up as she caught sight of a picture her nephew Kevin had drawn of her dad and him fishing. It was titled "Me and Grandpa." in Kevin's scrawling handwriting.

Her hands started shaking and the tea spilled out of her cup. She needed to hear Paul's voice to see that he was all right and the same for Ann.

Pulling out her cellphone, Rachel dialed his number.

"Oh please be all right" she breathed out.

Paul was sitting in his basement flipping through the channels, and stopped when he saw a show about the oilfield and said. "Well I'll be dammed."

After a few minutes of watching he was really getting into it. The crew was tripping pipe with a brandnew hand. Every time the driller pulled on the makeup tongs the worm's tongs slipped. Paul yelled at the TV. "Make em bite wormmy."

The chain hand threw off his hardhat and started yelling at the worm. "Boy you're bleep ing me to tears. Make thoes bleep bleep bleep ing tongs bite."

Paul just laughed harder. But stopped when his phone rang. Seeing who it was in the caller id he flipped it open and said "Hi baby."

Rachel heard his voice and almost lost it right then and there, she was quiet then asked, "Are things all right there?" her voice sounding rather strange.

"We've got sick people here, my mom, my siblings..their family...people are dying...people at the hospital they have tents set up. Me and dad are the only ones who aren't sick. I wish I was there with you."

Rachel stifled a sob, "I miss you."

Paul sat up in his seat when he heard her tone, and became more than worried when he heard what she said. "Yeah baby, we're fine here, but lots of folk in the city are sick or dead. Did you say your moms gone? I miss you too. I want ya to come on back. But reckon ya need to be there."

"Thankfully, Mom's not gone, but..but my baby niece is dead- my sister Beth, her husband Bill and my nephew, Kevin..They, they died yesterday." The emotions swelled up and she couldn't speak for a few moments, then she continued, "The rest of the family is ill. I'm so glad you and Ann are all right, I don't know what I'd do if...if.. something happened to you. Dad told me to hang on to that thought that you're waiting for me. I've got to help Dad, he can't take care of those that are ill." her voice seemed to gather strength. In fact she was just hearing Paul's voice, was helping her out.

Paul's words caught in his throat. He knew exactly how it felt to suddenly loose someone close. But he pushed past the lump in his throat and said. "Baby. I, Im sorry. And don't worry bout us. We're bred from a hearty lot. Matter of fact neither Ann or me ever been sick. Not even as a baby. I wish I could be there to help ya out. Im sorry that I can't. But we will be right here waiting on ya when ya come home."

"Paul, its all right, I know you'd love to be here. just hearing your voice, though is helping me out immensely.I'm glad you and Ann are in good health." her voice became a bit stronger. "Thank you, you are just what the doctor ordered." she chuckled." And I'm looking forward to seeing you and being in your arms once more. I just hope I don't knock you flat to the ground when I leap into your arms." she said teasingly. "Think you'll be up for my enthusiastic hello?"

Paul chuckeled and said. "Oh I don't know baby. I reckon an enthusiastic beautiful woman could put me down though no man ever else could."

Rachel laughed, "Thanks I needed that. I love you very much Paul and I'll have to tell you the stories I told my two nephews. You're the hero in both of them. Speaking of my nephews I had better go check on them, they are probably wondering where their aunt Rachel is at. And I've got the rounds to make to check on the others. Just be careful my love. And soon I'll be home with you and Ann. And maybe you can fix me up a good dinner in the style you like to cook."

She grinned even though he couldn't see her face, but it showed in her voice.

"I love you too baby." He said with a smile. "Really? Telling stories abou tme already? Ok, you go deal with yours I'll talk to you later."

"Yup, I'm telling stories about you, I'll call you later. I love you." Rachel hung up rather reluctantly.

[Friday]

Rachel heard her father's truck drive up, the door close then he walked into the kitchen, his steps slow and deliberate.

"Were you able to get hold of Dr. Talbot?" she asked, then her heart sank when she saw the expression in his eyes.

"Doc Talbot is dead." Trent didn't try to sugar-coat it for his daughter."I found him lying on the kitchen floor, dead."

Rachel paled, "I didn't know he was sick." she put her hand up to her face. "This doesn't look too good." she said.

Trent shook his head. "No sis,it doesn't. How's your mother doing?"

"She's doing all right, I was just getting ready to go check on the twins." Rachel said giving her dad a hug.

She walked in and went to the bed to check on the boys. She reached out to check on their temperature and smiled, feeling that they had cooled off.

What luck, they were going to survive." Rachel thought to herself as she went to tuck the covers up around them.

She bent down to give them a kiss on the forehead, that was when she discovered something that made her blood turn cold. Their flesh had cooled down too much, their faces were pale not one iota of color. She felt for some breath.. There was none, she stifled a sob and went out to go see her dad,feeling like her knees were about to buckle.

"Rachel? Are you okay?" Trent asked going to his daughter's side.

"They're dead, Dad, the twins are dead." Rachel said woodenly.

Trent closed his eyes and held onto his daughter, feeling the burn of the tears.

"You go see your mom, I'll take care of them. She's been asking for you." Trent said.

Rachel nodded and went to go see her mother.

Nancy looked very pale, but she weakly moved her hand and motioned to Rachel to have a sit beside her.

"What's troubling you baby?" Nancy whispered.

"Mom.. the boys are.." Rachel burst into tears not being able to speak.

Nancy took her daughter's hand, "Oh Rachel, not the babies. Your dad told me about the others. This is terrible!" she tried to sit up but Rachel made her stay down on the bed.

"Mother, you are in no condition to go tend to the sick." Rachel said quietly.

"I have to do something." Nancy wept.

"No, you don't and you can't" Rachel said with a sob.

Nancy looked at her daughter. "Rachel, just in case I don't make it there are a couple of things I want you to do."

"Mom don't talk like that, you'll survive you don't normally get sick." Rachel said.

"Rachel my daughter. What I've got I think its very bad, I don't know if I'm going to make it. Promise me, to take care of your father all right?" Nancy was insistent.

Rachel nodded, "I will Mama."

"I've got somethings tucked away that I'd like for you to have and make certain that newest grandbaby, Ann get some of the things." Nancy said." I mean it.. I was prepared awhile ago just in case something really bad happened. You promise me you get married to that boyfriend of yours and have a happy life. Understood?"

Rachel nodded,

"And tell him that he better be good to you otherwise I'll come from the grave and go hunt him down." Nancy cracked a weak smile. "Now you go get your father, I need to have a talk with him understood?"

Rachel nodded, she could hear her mother's breathing abit ragged.

"I love you mama and I'm going to miss you if you die." Rachel said.

"Baby.. I am going to miss you too. Just be good to yourself and your father. Now go get him." Nancy said with a bit of a playful growl.

Rachel nodded, she went to get her father.

"Daddy, Mama wants you." Rachel started to tear up.

Trent took one look at his daughter and ran into the bedroom. He came out about ten minutes later carrying his wife in his arms all bundled up.

"Dad, Mom, where are you going to?" Rachel asked.

"Rachel, I want to go out in the sunshine for one last time." Her mother said holding out her arms towards her daughter.

Rachel went over and gave her a hug then kissed her mother. "Goodbye Mama, I love you." she gave her father a hug.

"You better come back, Daddy, you've got to." Rachel sobbed.

Trent nodded then went out the door with his sweet Nancy cradled in his strong arms. Rachel watched as he put Nancy into the truck and they pulled out of the driveway and disappeared from view. Rachel knew where they were going, it was on the edge of their property a place where her parents loved to watch the sunset and sunrise together in the mornings. Rachel couldn't take it anymore and ran into her parents room. She threw herself on the bed and sobbed into her mother's pillow, she lost her mama and was never going to see her alive again. She cried and cried then fell sound asleep, her mother's pillow wrapped up in her arms.

Trent came in a few hours later, his eyes red from crying, he had just wrapped his Nancy up in a blanket, her favorite quilt and placed her beside the rest of the family. He was a heartbroken man, he lost his love. she made him promise he wouldn't do anything stupid but to take care of their daughter.He found Rachel sound asleep, sat down in Nancy's rocking chair and watched his daughter as she lay sleeping.

Rachel finally stirred, releasing her hold on her mother's pillow and looked over, feeling someone watching her. It was her dad.

"Hello Daddy, is she sleeping now?" Rachel asked quietly.

Trent nodded, "Yes she is, baby, yes she is."

"I fell asleep hadn't gotten the chance to check on the others yet." Rachel moved to get up and check on the others. Trent shook his head, stopping her.

"Ain't no use, baby, they're dead." Trent said.

"No.." Rachel could feel the tears well up then they stopped, it seemed that there wasn't any left.

"Tomorrow, we're going to bury them right and proper like, then you're going to your man's home, you hear me?" Trent said hoarsely.

Rachel nodded, "And you'll be going with me right? I know Paul will welcome you and be glad to see you."

Trent shook his head. "If I do it won't be until later.There are somthings I gotta take care of around here before I even consider that. you just need to make certain you get there safe and sound. Its time for some more shut eye, tomorrow is going to be a very long day."

Rachel nodded and headed up to her room, she didn't think she'd be able to sleep but after a shower, Rachel could feel the weariness hit her. She climbed into her bed and fell asleep.

[Saturday]

Rachel didn't remember much of the day, it was decided between her and her dad that they would have to bury the family together in one mass grave. They used a bulldozer to help dig the hole big enough then using shovels made it wide enough. Once that was done they carefully laid each beloved family member side by side, next to each other. There were a few words spoken over them then Trent covered them up with the dirt. It was almost sundown when they finished covering the burial site with rocks to mark the spot and make it pretty.

Trent looked at Rachel, " Now its time for you to get ready to leave tomorrow. Get cleaned up and we'll get some supper."

Rachel nodded, got cleaned up and made dinner. She gathered together what her mother had told her she had ready for her. Dinner was ready, Father and Daughter sat down and ate, not really tasting the food they were eating.

"Daddy, you ARE going to go with me in the morning aren't you?" Rachel asked.

"No, as I said, I've got somethings to take care of you will be going tomorrow like I had promised your man. Understood?"

"Yes Daddy." Rachel meekly answered.

Trent smiled at her, "I've got the trailer hitched to the car, you won't be going there empty handed, I'm sending with you your dowry."

"My dowry?" Rachel exclaimed.

"Its customary, you're mom had a hope chest made just for you and its full of thing she's been saving up for you. You'll see it, along with other things. Now lets get things started packing so you can be on your way to Paul."

Rachel nodded.

It was late in the evening when Rachel went to bed, exhausted, tomorrow was Sunday and the day she'll be going back to Paul.

[Sunday]

It wasn't until noon that Rachel and Trent finished loading up Battle Axe and the trailer. The car was gassed up and ready to roll.

Rachel looked at her dad. "Are you certain you don't want to come with me?"

Trent shook his head. "I still have things to take care of here, give Paul a call and let him know you are on your way."

Trent gave his daughter a very big hug. "Don't worry, I'll make my way down to the Ranch, eventually, I'll be all right."

Rachel nodded, fighting back tears, she didn't want to leave him, but she had to.

"I love you Daddy, I really do." With that Rachel climbed into her car and headed down the road.

She gave a quick call. "Paul, I'm coming home."