The Clan

By Walt Fergus

Teacher sent word out to all the clan: a meeting was to be held and all Elders would attend. The Elders of the Clan had gathered, waiting for Teacher to arrive and tell them what she saw. Teacher arrived and after all the formalities were completed, Teacher declared: Time has arrived when a new teacher is to be born. Elders, you will find a suitable human male, do the necessary adjustments. It is the Clans responsibility to identify the male that will select the waif. Guardian will watch over and protect them and all their offspring. The young man will meet a waif whom he will feed, clothe and shelter. They will bond, and the results of their bonding will be the birth of a teacher that will guide the Clan for the next thousand years.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Jun 20, 2011
• ISBN: 9781463411565

Walt Fergus

Retired US Army as a Sergeant Major WALTER FERGUS joined the Army Air Corp during WWII, awarded the Purple Heart for gun short wounds received in a mission over Greece. Shot down over Norther Italy captured and spent three months as a guest of the German government. Discharged at the end of WWII.Enlisted in the Regular Army any became a world raveler. He and his Wife of 66 years and three children retired in 1970 in Alaska. He enrolled at the local college and took a course in electronics. After few years of gainful employment retired from paying jobs and became a volunteer at Alaska Stat Park, Glennallen Alaska for four years. Presently volunteer three days a week at the MatSu Regional Hospital, and one day a week for the Wasilla Alaska Chamber of Commerce. Began writing fiction as a hobby, this is the second book to be published.

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© 2011 by Walt Fergus. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

First published by AuthorHouse 05/26/2011

ISBN: 978-1-4634-1158-9 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4634-1156-5 (ebk)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2011909136

Printed in the United States of America

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Teacher sent word out to all the clan: a meeting was to be held and all Elders would attend. The Elders of the Clan had gathered, waiting for Teacher to arrive and tell them what she saw. Teacher arrived and after all the formalities were completed, Teacher declared: Time has arrived when a new teacher is to be born. Elders, you will find a suitable human male, do the necessary adjustments. It is the Clan’s responsibility to identify the male that will select the waif. Guardian will watch over and protect them and all their offspring. The young man will meet a waif whom he will feed, clothe and shelter. They will bond, and the results of their bonding will be the birth of a teacher that will guide the Clan for the next thousand years.

*    *    *

John had a hard day at the office, and he had not slept well for the last two nights. As team leader, his section had two hard deadlines to meet in a very short time. Now his section had all the necessary data; it only needed to be put in the right form before they could leave. It was late when they finished the two projects; John sent the crew home while he submitted the required information.

Despite his fatigue, as he left the building he thought how fortunate he was. He was living a good life; he was a college graduate, he had a good job, his house was small and paid for. He had inherited it along with enough cash, stocks and bonds that he could live very comfortably and never have to work. The only thing missing in his life now were his parents. A couple of young women in the company had tried to get him interested in them, but he had not found anyone that interested him enough to marry.

It was raining out, and it felt cool and good on his face as he walked briskly toward his car. He remembered he was trying to slow down, and eased his stride accordingly. He took a deep breath of the fresh night air and thought: I need to get outside more. Then he let himself linger, by his small silver Honda, and enjoy the tranquility of the now-quiet city block before he slipped into his seat and pulled out onto the empty street.

When he arrived for work the next day, John was called by Ms. Anderson, head of personnel, who told him that there was a meeting in the boardroom at one o’clock and that he was required to attend.

John was surprised that all the directors, department heads, section chiefs, and team leaders were present. The meeting concerned reorganization. Some of the departments were being phased out, and there were some new departments being formed.

Mr. Morgan, CEO of the company, called the meeting to order, standing at the head of the boardroom’s long table. Gentlemen and ladies, there is no intention to eliminate any of you at this time, he began, his voice matter-of-fact but not unfriendly. Still, John could see the stress on the older man’s face and gauged the situation was somewhat serious. However, some of you will be moved, the CEO continued. Effective Monday reassignments will start. If you are comfortable with your new assignment, let personnel know and you will be interviewed to insure that you are assigned to a position that you are qualified for and are comfortable in. If for any reason you would not be happy with the assignment, let Ms. Anderson in personnel know, and we will have a personal interview and try to find you a suitable assignment. All directors have been briefed and are responsible to conduct department changes. If you have questions that your director can’t answer, check with personnel and they will direct you to a person who can answer your question. Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. This meeting is over. Thank you again. All personnel return to your department or section.

John wondered how much this reorganization was going to affect him. If the worst came and he was moved to a position that he would not want, he knew that with his education and work history he could find other employment without too much trouble, but he liked working for this company.

A short time later, the director for his division had all the section chiefs in for a meeting. Like the morning meeting, this one did not last very long. Then the section chief for John’s section called everyone together. When all the people were present he announced, I have good news. Our section will remain the same with only a few personnel changes. Those people involved will be notified by personnel in due time. Until then everything is the same, so back to work. John, I know that the notification will not be out until Monday, but the director told me that I could tell you. You are being promoted into my job. I have a much better offer, so I am leaving the company. I recommended and you have been selected to be the new section chief, if you want it.

John considered the offer as he returned to his desk. Did he want the extra responsibility? It did come with a lot more responsibility and a very healthy raise in salary.

John was promoted to section chief and found that he enjoyed it, except when the section received two projects with short deadlines. One project was on John’s desk just before quitting time, so he stayed to finish and sign off on it.

As John left the office it was misting and looking like it was going to rain. Since it was late, he decided instead of going home he would eat at the local restaurant. He had eaten at this restaurant before, knew the food was good, knew the owner, and most of the help. He picked a booth that was close to the front window, so he could watch the people hurrying by. He enjoyed being inside out of the rain; it was much nicer than standing outside in the rain waiting for a bus.

After he had ordered and was waiting for his food, he noticed a young woman wearing what appeared to be only a light dress with no coat, standing in the doorway out of the rain. A waiter came up to her and told her to move on. She nodded and moved out into the rain and stopped. She looked in the window, as the waitress put John’s food on the table. She was hungry, cold and wet. John noticed her as she started to move on, and for some reason his heart went out to her. He had to do something, knew he needed to look after her.

John went to the door and shouted to get the woman’s attention. When she looked back, John waved for her to come in. She shook her head, but he insisted, and her hunger won out. When she started through the door, a waitress started towards her. The waitress could see that the girl obviously didn’t have any money, and the manager insisted that his restaurant was no place for people to loiter.

John saw what was about to happen and interceded with the waitress, telling the waitress that he had called the young girl to his table. As the young girl approached the table it was obvious that all she had on was a very light dress. John stood up and handed the girl his coat. Here, put this on, it will help you get warm. Where are your folks? John asked her.

She shook her head.

Are you hungry?

She nodded.

You’re homeless and living on the street?

Again she nodded.

When did you eat last? John asked.

Two days ago, she told him, and John wondered if that had been out of a dumpster.

Go to the women’s room, wash your hands and face, and then come right back, and we will eat, John told her. She sat very still for a bit, but when he pointed to the restroom she went, very slowly, watching him, making sure he was not going to leave her. She was not gone long before she was back.

John had ordered a bowl of soup for her, and when it came she eyed it hungrily. Eat, he told her. She looked at him, and when he nodded she started eating. She ate the soup, and looked longingly at the few scraps left on John’s plate. Do you want more? he asked, then ordered two more hamburgers with fries.

She was scared and trusted no one. She didn’t want to tell him that she was only sixteen years old with no formal education. She had been only six years old when her parents were killed. She had lived with a relative who had died when she was only ten. She had been put in an orphanage. The abuse and the rapes were finally more than she could stand, so she had run away. She had been on the street four days and not had anything to eat for two days.

What’s your name? John asked.

Susan, she replied.

Susan, I have a warm house, an extra bed and a safe place out of the rain for you to stay tonight, John told her.

Susan was scared as she looked out at the rain. She was still cold, even after being in a warm room for a while. She knew what it was going to cost her, but could it be any worse than what she had already been through? She had a very small feeling that she could trust him.

John normally walked home, but because Susan was already cold and wet they would take a taxi. John gave Susan his jacket, but she was still shivering. They would be in the taxi before they got too wet.

John flagged a taxi and opened the door for Susan. She slid across the seat taking hold of the door latch so she could escape if it was necessary, while John sat as far way as he could, trying not to scare her. When they arrived at the house, John paid the driver, opened the door and ran to the house. Susan followed.

John gave her one of his large tee shirts and a pair of jeans that were too small for him. Then he showed her where the bathroom was. There is a lock on the door. Use it, John told her.

While Susan was in the bathroom John called his neighbor, Helen. He explained that he had picked up a starved, homeless girl. She looks about the same size as your daughter. Could I borrow some of Sam’s clothes until I can get her some? Do you mind bringing them over? This young lady is really scared.

I’ll get some clothes together and bring Sam over to talk to her, Helen told him.

When Helen arrived she talked to Susan through the door, explaining that she had brought some of her daughter’s clothes for her to wear. My daughter is on her way over, so you will have someone near your age to talk to.

The door opened just a crack. Susan looked out and reached for the clothes that Helen was holding. When you’re dressed come out and let’s talk. I will try to answer any questions you have, Helen told her.

After dressing, Susan opened the door and peeked out. Seeing only a woman and a girl probably not much older than she was, she came out. Sam finally convinced Susan that she would be safe if she would stay, at least over night. Then they could go from there tomorrow. John made some hot chocolate and the four of them sat down to talk.

They explained to Susan that they wanted her to stay the night, and she did not have to sleep with anyone. She would have a room and bed all by herself. The room was warm and dry, the door had a lock, and she could put a chair under the door knob so the door could not be opened until she was ready to open it.

It had been scary and cold sleeping on the street in a cardboard box, and now it was raining. At least she had something to eat, and this would be warm, dry and reasonably safe. John had not made any demands on her, so Susan decided to stay the night.

After Susan agreed to stay the night she was told that John would be gone to work, but Sam would come over before he left and would stay with her until Sam’s mother could take time to take Susan shopping for clothes.

I don’t have any money! Susan said.

Do not worry about money while you are staying here. If you want to leave, you need different clothes than if you stay here. Think about it, and let Helen know in the morning, and she will get what you need, John told her.

What difference does it make if I stay or leave? Susan asked.

"Well, if you stay you will get several complete outfits, dresses, underwear, slacks, shoes, whatever you need or want. If you want to leave, then you will need real warm clothes, heavy-duty shoes, and a warm coat only because you will not be able to carry and keep safe many clothes. Besides, if you stay you can have more than one pair of shoes.

If you want to sleep in tomorrow it will be all right. Before I leave for work Sam will come over and fix you something to eat when you get up. If you have made up your mind what you want to do tell Helen, then she will take you shopping.

At bedtime, Sam showed Susan how to set the chair so the door could not be opened from the outside, then rejoined her mother.

John and Helen discussed the shopping for tomorrow. John gave Helen what he hoped would be enough money to pay for everything, but said not to worry; if the bill ran over he would get the money for her. They discussed what to get if she wanted to stay. John insisted that she have several different outfits, plenty of underwear, stockings, shoes and whatever else women wore. Take her by the beauty parlor, get her hair fixed, and a very lovely outfit to wear to church. If she decides not to stay, get her warm clothes and a good pair of heavy shoes, he said.

In the morning John was up shaved, showered and fixing breakfast when he heard Susan come out of the bedroom and go to the bathroom. John was drinking his coffee when Susan came to kitchen. Breakfast is on the stove; everything else is in the refrigerator, John told her. Susan helped herself and sat down on the other side of the table from John. Did you sleep well? John asked.

Yes.

Have you decided what you want to do? You’re welcome to stay here as long as you want, and it will not cost you anything. Helen also told me that you asked her if you had to sleep with me if you stayed. That is definitely not a requirement, no matter how long you stay, John told her.

Susan jumped up and ran back to the bedroom, closing the door. John could hear her crying.

John told Sam what had happened before he left for work. After John left, Susan came out of the bedroom. Sam asked her if she was all right, and Susan nodded.

The phone rang. Sam answered, and then handed the phone to Susan. Mom wants to talk to you. Helen asked Susan whether she wanted to stay with John or did she want to go back out on the street. Susan told her that she would stay at least for a while. Helen told Susan that she would be over and take her shopping.

*    *    *

Helen and Susan had returned from shopping when John got home from work. So how was shopping? Did you get everything that you need? he asked Susan.

Susan just nodded her head. Helen made me pick up so many things that I don’t need.

John, would you believe this woman has never shopped before, and many of the basic wardrobe items she had never seen before? I may have to have Sam come over and show her how to dress, or do you want that privilege? Helen asked, smiling.

John looked shocked. What do you mean show her how to dress? I told you that I was not going to advantage of her.

John, this girl has no idea how to wear a bra, she has never worn hose, and has no idea how to put them on without causing a run. The only thing this girl has ever worn is a dress, Helen told him.

Better send Sam over to instruct her on what and how to wear. Even around the house I would say at least a bra, panties and a dress or shorts, shoes or slippers.

Helen smiled. Don’t think she would run around the house nude, but I see your point. Think I will send Mike over to talk to you, though. Would you like to see where your money went? She has four new dresses, with one dress for church, three skirts with four different blouses, three bras, seven pairs of panties, dozen nylons, four pairs of shoes, a light coat and a heavy one for cold weather, and two robes. I asked her which she preferred, nightgowns or PJ’s. She didn’t know what they were for, so we decided gowns. We got four. If she needs anything else she can get it later as she needs it. I took her to my hairdresser and had her haircut and styled. I hope you like it?

Thanks, Helen. Yes, I like the hair, John told her.

"Susan, why don’t you