Amber Rain

By Celesta Thiessen

Sixteen-year-old Ellie Lauder doesn’t belong. Although she has grown up in the underground shelter with the descendants of those who survived the amber rain, their rejection drives her to a dangerous course of action. She flees outside to a vast wilderness that, according to what she’s been taught, shouldn’t even exist.

A young adult, post-apocalyptic science fiction adventure, Amber Rain is a story about having the courage to forgive the past and find love in an unstable world.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Celesta Thiessen
• Release date: Feb 3, 2014
• ISBN: 9781310401947

Celesta Thiessen

I live in Steinbach, Manitoba, Canada with my husband and two young daughters. We're homeschoolers and entrepreneurs. My husband and I make iOS apps and I write stories. Being a writer is magical - spinning nothing into stories - stories that can light the way to a different world.You can connect with me on Faceboook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorCelesta

Book preview

AMBER RAIN

Celesta Thiessen

Alyssa Thiessen

Published by Celesta Thiessen at Smashwords

Copyright 2014 Celesta & Alyssa Thiessen

Smashwords Edition

Dedicated to our family, and especially to our Mom, who showed us how to love.

Chapter 1 - Ellie

The city was on fire. Downtown buildings burned. Amber showered the streets. Panicked screams filled the night air. People ran for safety, cowered behind parked cars or banged on the windows and doors of the buildings left standing, seeking some kind of refuge. A couple stood in an embrace under the tattered overhang of the darkened door of Stan’s Pizzeria. His hand was resting lightly on her red hair. Her face was buried in the front of his thin jean jacket. Her shoulders shook. She was obviously crying. His lips were moving, as if he were trying to comfort her. In the restaurant behind them, people huddled together looking out the window. A young woman on the street outside, holding the hand of a little girl, suddenly stopped and looked straight up. In an instant, she was draped over her daughter, and then the two were gone, along with most of the Pizzeria. Flames engulfed everything for a moment, and the camera, already shaking and unsteady, fell, turning the world sideways. The reporter's rapid voice, which had been more or less indistinguishable from the noise around him, fell suddenly silent. Another impact, and then - snow.

After that, as if the world hadn’t suffered enough, the sickness came. A high pitched, nasal voice broke into the silence of the aftermath, a pale, red-lipped woman appearing on screen in front of a black backdrop. Elisabeth Lauder shifted in her seat, trying to pull her chair forward to avoid the steady rhythm on her chair from the feet behind her. Not that she really needed to pay attention; she’d seen this video three times before. The announcer was Mrs. Smith, who used to live next door. She was the voice in most of the high school history films, which had been, in Ellie’s opinion, an unfortunate choice. She had died three years ago, though. Most of the Originals were gone by now.

Suddenly, Ellie felt something small and wet hit the back of her neck. Fighting the urge to turn around, she pretended to be riveted by the film instead. Another spitball hit her in the ear, and she blinked rapidly, fighting tears. ...Attacked the brain, quickly. By the time anyone figured out what was happening, they simply couldn’t do anything about it. Only those who were prepared for a disaster of this magnitude survived.

Lucky me, she thought, and then instantly felt ashamed of herself. She knew she should be grateful that her parents had been among the most wealthy and the most paranoid in the United States. She should be happy to be down here, surviving - thriving even. As the film ended and the lights in the small classroom came on, her hand shot up. She could feel Ryan’s eyes on the back of her head.

Yes, Elisabeth? Mr. Adelson barely glanced up as he began to write the review instructions on his tablet, sending the notes wirelessly to the large screen at the front of the class. The students were supposed to be typing them up, but most had closed and unplugged their laptops already and were watching the clock.

Can I go to the washroom?

He nodded a response as he began his list, and Ellie grabbed her books and stepped towards the door quickly. Class was almost over; she just wanted to get out before they did. She was so intent on her exit that she didn’t see the foot shoot out from the aisle. Her books skidded across the floor as she stumbled forwards, hands shooting out automatically to break her fall. She heard the people closest to her snicker. Mr. Adelson paused to look at her, eyebrows raised.

Sorry. Tripped, she said. He looked back to the board, expressionless, and continued writing. She scrambled for her texts and walked out the classroom door. The bell sounded as she reached the corridor. She just wanted to get home.

Hey, Ellie, wait up, her brother’s high-pitched voice called from behind her. A year and a half younger than she was, at fourteen, Paul’s voice was just beginning to change. She slowed her step, allowing him to catch up. His long legs matching her stride now, she could see him looking at her face as they walked. What was going on in there? Of course, Paul had noticed. The most perceptive of her three brothers, Paul rarely missed the classroom subtext.

Nothing. I’m just not feeling so hot today. Paul had already been in enough trouble for fighting. If he knew how miserable Lisa, Ryan and the others had been making her, he’d defend her – and be suspended for sure. And Mom would cry, as usual.

Really? His voice was tight. He didn’t believe her.

Yeah. I’m going to ask Mom if I can stay home tomorrow. That much was true, anyway. She’d been sick a lot these days. But things were just getting worse.

You’re planning to stay home? The history test’s tomorrow. Adelson will never excuse you.

She sighed. Of course he wouldn’t. She got the distinct impression that Mr. Adelson didn’t like her, or her brothers. Right. Guess I won’t ask.

She didn’t look at her brother as they walked down the long corridor, but she knew he was frowning at her again. As they reached their apartment, she paused, looking at him. Paul, promise me you won’t say anything about today, okay?

What, that you’re not feeling well? His voice had an edge to it, and his freckled face was redder than usual.

Exactly.

Fine. He pushed past her and opened the heavy metal door. Of course he was angry.

Paul…

Hey, you two, how was school? Steven Lauder’s warm voice melted the tension in Ellie’s shoulders instantly. He had been working nights, and having him home when she walked in was exactly what she needed.

Paul grunted, walking past him to his room, but Ellie smiled into his blue eyes. Good, Dad. Good now, anyway. She moved to the cabinets to set the table. She worked carefully – they’d broken a dish last week and didn’t have an extra one now. Supper wouldn’t be ready for an hour, but she liked the routine.

Ready for your history test? he asked, settling back into a kitchen chair.

Of course.

Not surprised. Top of the class. You take after your mother. She tried not to laugh, as she carefully arranged the forks and knives around the plates. If she had inherited her quick mind from her mother, that was about the only way she resembled either of her parents. Both of them were fair-haired and pale. She and her siblings looked nothing like them – or each other, really. Paul was the only red-head she’d ever seen. Her own black hair and dark brown eyes looked out of place within the family and the community.

We watched that video again today. The one about the amber and the sickness. I wish I could have seen what it was like up there, before.

Yeah, me too.

Grandma and Grandpa used to talk about it all the time.

I remember. The world was a lot bigger for them than it is for us.

I know. Her voice must have sounded sad, because his eyebrows shot up.

You doing okay, Ellie?

Thankfully, the door swung open. Jakob and Scott entered together, noisily. They were breathing hard. There’s no WAY you beat me! I was at least two steps in front of you! Jakob’s loud voice filled the small kitchen.

Uh-uh! Scott, less than a foot from Jakob, out-shouted him. I touched the door first!

No way!

Hey, guys, Ellie said, attempting to interrupt their argument. Ignoring her, they continued arguing their way to the room they shared with Paul. Ellie was lucky to be the only girl, and the oldest. She had her own room, while the triplets shared one. She thought again how dissimilar they looked, especially for triplets. The other twins in the community didn’t look identical either, but they had the same eyes. Although Scott and Jakob both had an olive completion, their physical features were clearly at odds – Jakob, with his broad shoulders, square chin and prominent forehead, and Scott, with his small, thin nose and birdlike frame. Ellie was pretty sure she would have noticed on her own, even if their distinctive differences hadn’t been pointed out by well-intentioned neighbors and unkind classmates over the years. Everyone else in the family ignored it but it bothered Ellie.

Through their door, she could hear Paul’s voice rise above the din of disagreement, and she grinned across the table at her dad.

He’s probably trying to study. You know he wants to catch up to you, he said.

Never going to happen. She stood up, pushing in her chair. Speaking of which, I should go study. Just in case.

Her dad nodded, and Ellie grabbed her laptop and disappeared into her room. Putting it on her nightstand, she flopped down on her bed and stared up at the ceiling. She didn’t actually need to study. She had left before Mr. Adelson had finished writing the review anyway, and she knew the stuff cold. Her father wasn’t exaggerating; she was at the top of her class. Not that it won her any friends. Not that anything would. Why do they hate me so much? she wondered. Lisa’s porcelain skin and crystal blue eyes appeared in her thoughts. Lisa was laughing. Always laughing. Her full lips were turned up into a mean grin. Ellie wished for a moment that Lisa had gotten the sickness. Of course, she hadn’t even been around then, and there was no way up now, but if there were – if there were, she’d wish it on Lisa. She felt a quick pang of guilt, and took it back. She’d seen the video – she didn’t actually wish it on anyone. When her grandmother was nearing the end of her life, she began to forget things; people, places – even how to use the simplest of technology. She’d often be confused or suspicious. Doctor Rawlings said it was common for a woman of her age to be forgetful. Ellie remembered, though, how, in a single moment of clarity, she’d commented that this was how her neighbors must have felt as the sickness was taking its toll. Ellie had been surprised to hear her mention them in that context, because Grandma never talked about the sickness, only about the parties and restaurants and galas.

Ellie had known what the sickness did for as long as she could remember. That’s why the world up there was still uninhabitable. The sickness was devastating. It made you forget, not only who you were, but also how to function cognitively above the most basic level. It was no wonder it had destroyed the majority of the population so swiftly. But to hear her grandmother comment so directly about it, and relate it to her former neighbors, had driven the horror of it home for Ellie. She couldn’t imagine losing anyone like that. Or losing herself like that, for that matter. Losing Lisa, though, wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world.

***

Please pass the potatoes. Stacie Lauder’s polite request was answered with a muffled grunt as Jakob pushed the chipped green dish across the table. Thank you. She received a quick nod of acknowledgment from Jakob as he shoved another forkful into his already full mouth. The table had been alive with conversation a moment ago but, as soon as her dad set down the food, the boys were consumed with eating. Even Paul, usually social, became solely focused on his plate.

How was your day, Mom? Ellie asked, mostly just to fill the silence. Her mother never really talked about it.

Good. How about you? Learn anything new today? It was her typical question. She often said that, once a person learned something new, they were done for the day.

Nothing today. Oh – The Sheretons are expecting. Her dad’s head shot up, and Mom’s fork froze, poised over her lentils.

Expecting?

Yeah. You know – pregnant.

I know – it’s just – are you sure? Her youngest is your age!

Yeah. I heard Lisa telling people about it. She’s pretty excited.

Steven glanced at his wife. They have four already, don’t they? The question made sense. Nobody in the community seemed to have more than four – most stopped at two or three. Things were already pretty full. Ellie was starting to wonder what would happen when the children in her class started getting married and having kids. Could they build more space down here? Where would they all live? Most of the extra storage space had already been converted into living areas.

Yes. The word was clipped, and Ellie wished she hadn’t mentioned anything.

Hey, speaking of Lisa Shereton… Paul’s plate was empty now. Ellie shot him a look, but he avoided her eyes. She tripped Ellie in class today. Ellie had thought he hadn’t noticed.

Accidentally, she said.

Not accidentally, Paul shot back quickly. Her other two brothers finally stopped eating to look at them. They probably sensed an argument. She knew they wouldn’t weigh in. Things weren’t great for them, either, but they could hold their own. They were athletic in their own ways, and the girls were starting to notice them, which didn’t hurt.

Her mom sighed. Did Mr. Adelson notice?

No, Ellie said.

Yes, Paul corrected her. But he pretended not to, and Ellie didn’t say anything.

Ellie ignored the look her parents exchanged. I’ll talk to Mr. Adelson, her father said finally.

Please don’t, Dad, Ellie begged. She knew it would only make things worse for her at school. Her parents had been talking to her teachers about her social situation for years.

Mr. Adelson tries his best to be fair, her father replied. Ellie noticed the look on her mother’s face as he spoke. He’ll deal with the situation.

That’s what I’m afraid of! He’ll make some sort of half-hearted attempt at defending me, and it will just make everyone worse!

Then I’ll call Lisa’s parents. I’ll call Mrs. Shereton’s intercom tonight, her mother said.

Yeah, and tell her congratulations while you’re at it, Ellie said sarcastically, pushing her plate away. Excuse me. I’m not hungry. She pushed her chair back and stood up abruptly. Paul called her name,