19. Rebecca

19

Rebecca

Matthew turned three months old yesterday, and my heart was so full. I couldn't imagine the pain my parents felt, knowing Mary and the boys were going to be shot and murdered. I would do anything to save my baby, even if it meant taking a life. When Bishop came by, I shared my thoughts with him.

"Are you getting too much of Maverick's influence?" he asked with a teasing smile.

"No, it's just that my love for him is so strong. Do you think God will punish me for thinking like that?"

"No, God doesn't punish you for your thoughts. God doesn't punish you at all. I know how you feel. I love my son the same way. I couldn't just stand by and let someone kill him without fighting back. And yet, here I am, still standing and talking to you. Just don't share those thoughts with others in the community," he said gently.

When Maverick walked into the kitchen, I felt the urge to cry. I didn't want him to leave, even though he was only going two states away to help a woman find her missing father.

"Thanks for driving me to the airport, Michael. I don't want to leave Rebecca and Matthew without a vehicle in case of an emergency. Could you put my bag in the truck while I say goodbye to my wife and baby?" Maverick asked.

"Of course. I'll give you two some privacy, and I'll keep an eye on Rebecca while you're gone," Michael replied.

"Thank you. Kevin will be here soon, getting ready for planting." Maverick picked up a laughing Matthew. "Daddy's going to miss you so much." He pulled me into his arms, hugging us both.

"We'll miss you too. Find her father quickly and come home," I said, my voice soft.

"I will, sweetheart. Please, take care of yourself and Matthew. Promise me you'll keep your phone charged so I can talk to you."

"I promise."

"I love you, and I hate leaving you alone. If you need anything, go to Daniel—he'll help."

"I'm going to miss you," I said, tears in my eyes as he kissed me goodbye, then kissed the baby.

"I shouldn't be gone for more than a week. Don't overdo it, okay? If you work in the garden, keep Matthew close."

"I'll take care of us both," I assured him. The skies had opened up, and rain was coming down in sheets. Maverick looked worried.

"I put enough wood on the porch to last a month, so you won't get cold. Stay in the downstairs bedroom and be careful."

I didn't mention that spring was here because I knew he was already concerned. The rain was heavy and relentless.

Kevin ran onto the porch, soaked, and I sent him home. The rain looked like it would last for days. By the third day, it was still pouring. My phone rang, and I rushed to the kitchen to answer it.

"Hey, sweetheart. I saw on the news that it's flooding where you are. How's it looking?"

"It hasn't stopped pouring since you left. Any luck finding Wanda's father?"

"Not yet, but we're getting leads. Listen, if the rain doesn't let up, I want you to go into town and rent a room. I don't want you stuck if it starts flooding."

"I talked to Daniel, and he said the community is already flooded. Most of them have moved upstairs in their homes. Do you think I'll be able to drive the truck out?"

"Try, but don't risk it. If the roads are too bad, move upstairs and wait it out. Hopefully, the rain will stop soon."

My voice shook as I spoke. "I remember when I was six and the house flooded. We ended up in the attic, and it was terrifying."

"Is there standing water now? How's the river?"

"I'll go check." I ran upstairs and looked out the window. My heart sank. The river had spilled over its banks. I didn't know how much time I had before the water reached the house.

"Rebecca, are you still there?"

"The river's flooding. I need to get Matthew and me out of here before it's too late. What should I do?"

"I'm leaving now. I'll be there in a few hours. Rebel can finish the job here. Stay upstairs, and I'll come get you. I love you."

"Maverick, I'm scared. Please be careful. I don't want anything to happen to you."

"Don't worry about me. Focus on you and Matthew. I'll be fine."

"I'll see you soon. If I have to leave the house, I'll call you."

"Stay in the attic if you can. I'll get to you."

"What if you can't get a plane because of the storm?"

"Move food and water upstairs. I'll find a way."

I prayed for hours, but I knew we'd have to leave. Rhonda kept watch by the window, and I worried about her and Chewy. Chewy wasn't as strong as Rhonda, but he was old. Could they swim if it came to that? I couldn't leave them behind.

I tried calling Maverick again, but his phone went to voicemail. "Maverick, I hope you're okay. The water's climbing the stairs. We can't stay here. I'm going to try to get us to the cave on the mountain. I'll keep Matthew safe."

I grabbed my father's old waterproof backpack, one he used for fishing, and carefully placed Matthew inside. I packed some dry clothes, water, jerky, and protein bars. I didn't even realize I was crying until I wiped my cheeks.

I kissed Matthew. "We're going on an adventure, baby. I'll keep you safe."

I opened the attic window and was shocked to see the water nearly level with the house. What am I going to do? How can I get out of here with my baby? Rhonda looked out the window, then jumped into the nearby tree. I clapped my hands.

Stay calm, Rebecca. You have to think of Matthew. Get out of the house and into the tree.

It took several tries, but I managed to climb into the tree. Once I was stable, I checked on Matthew. He was sleeping peacefully.

"Chewy, come on! Jump!" I called, urging him. Rhonda barked, trying to encourage him too. I scooted over and patted the branch next to me. Chewy jumped, but his legs slipped, and he fell into the water. My heart stopped as I watched him swim to the side of the mountain and bark from safety.

"Good boy, Chewy. Go get help!"

I looked around, trying to figure out how to get us to the mountain, but the tree wasn't close enough. I prayed something would float by that we could use.

I climbed higher and sat with Matthew as the rain kept pouring. "Thank you, God, for this tree. It's strong, and its branches shield us from the worst of the rain. Maybe we can wait here until help comes."

The current was too swift to swim in, especially while holding Matthew. I fed him dinner, ate some jerky, and shared a piece with Rhonda.

It would be dark soon. I prayed the tree would hold.

"Rhonda, what should I do?" I whispered.

She whimpered, then jumped into the water, swimming to the mountain. Once there, she barked and ran off. She was going to get help.

I checked my phone again, hoping for a message from Maverick, but there was nothing. I called him again, but it went straight to voicemail. "It's me again. We're in the tree next to the house. The house is underwater."

Suddenly, something hit the tree hard, and I clung to the branch with all my strength. Tears streamed down my face as I gripped the backpack tightly. I could hear Matthew's little babbling from inside.

I opened the bag and turned on the phone's light. He smiled up at me. I wanted to hold him, to comfort him, but I couldn't risk taking him out of the bag—it wasn't safe.