I woke to loud meowing right next to my ear. I shifted, and looked into the eyes of Oreo. I smiled as she began licking my nose, a sign that she was hungry. I sat up and glanced at my clock. I groaned when I realized it said 3:15 AM. Despite that, I slid out of bed and went over to the bag of cat food sitting on the floor a little ways from Oreo’s bowls. I opened it and scooped some into the bowl. I then dressed myself and left the room on a hunt for a pitcher to put water in to bring back and fill Oreo’s other bowl.
On the way, I accidentally bumped into someone and apologized, “I’m sorry, I just woke up.”
“No need to apologize. In fact I was just coming to make sure you were up.'' The voice was Caeden’s and as my vision cleared I saw it was, in fact, him. I smiled as I noticed he wore the special sunglasses I had given him.
“Why this early?” I raised an eyebrow at him.
“Well, Titania decided we all need to get up early and also said we were meeting another candidate, a friend of hers on the way to our next stop.”
“Hmm. Well, before we go, I have to get Oreo some water. I’m sure she’s already scarfed down her food.” I chuckled and set off down the corridor towards the kitchen.
By the time I had gotten back to my room, I was greeted by a meow from Oreo who sat in her little bed. I chuckled as she raced to her water bowl and watched as I poured water into it. She leaned over the edge of the bowl and began lapping up the water. I crossed the room to my bag and began packing my things. I also grabbed a box and began carefully arranging Oreo’s things inside it. She climbed onto my shoulder and licked my ear once. I smiled and picked everything up to head to the van.
“So where are we going?” Tia asked me as we waited for everyone else to get outside.
“No idea.” I replied, I turned as the door opened for Titania, “We can ask her.”
“Titania. Where are we going?” Tia turned towards Titania.
“And where’s our van?” I asked as soon as Tia finished talking.
“We are going to Nashville.” Titania responded and sighed, “and your van, well. It has been removed. My security team said they found something in it that would make it a hazard zone. They did not say what though. You can ride with me for now.”
“What?! Why didn’t they tell us?!” I screamed and Tia had to hold me back from leaping on Titania.
“I don’t know why but they only just told me yet they said they found it a few days ago.” Titania turned around and began heading towards a car.
“What do you want to bet it is completely destroyed now and not just cleaned or anything?” I growled as Caeden walked up and placed a hand on my shoulder.
“No bet. But it is likely.” Caeden said and added “I think I heard the candidates only go to Nashville when it has been decided on who will be governor.”
“Oh?” Tia raised one of her eyebrows.
“So I'm expecting to receive news on who is to be governor while we are in Nashville. But, Lyn, Tia. I don’t know if we should go with them.”
“Why do you think that?” I asked.
“Well, I’ve been getting a ton of messages and comments on posts. They have one thing in common: they are all asking us to quit and leave the campaign. And the most urgent messages are from..” Caeden trailed off leaving me to finish it.
“Our parents?” I sighed as Caeden nodded. “Well let’s go tell Titania. Hold on.”
“Answer.” I spoke, directing it towards my beeping ear cuff.
“You won’t believe what just happened.” Nick’s voice sounded grave.
“What happened?” I asked.
“Ms Titania Krina owns a sheep ranch. That sheep ranch had an outbreak today. Yet before it was scheduled to have occurred, everyone, including the sheep on the ranch, tested out clean. After that, there shouldn’t have been any exposure to Kellis Amberlee and all the sheep and people were healthy, and had been since they were born. Two of Titania’s four siblings died in the outbreak. ” Nick sighed and I stared in horror at my two companions then watched Titania get into her car. Oreo nuzzled my ear and meowed, sounding somewhat concerned.
“Disconnect.” I nearly fell to the ground but thankfully, Caeden and Tia caught me.
“What happened?” Tia asked.
“Well. let's tell Titania.” I stumbled toward Titania’s car just as her door closed. I knocked on the window and she rolled it down.
“Yes?” she asked. I assumed she hadn’t yet heard the news.
“Ma’am. You own a sheep ranch, correct? And all four siblings were staying there, right?” I asked hesitantly.
“Yes. what about them?”
I took a deep breath and said, “There was an outbreak at the ranch. Two of your siblings didn’t survive.”
“N-no. t-that’s not possible.” Titania stared at me, wide eyed.
“Sorry to say ma’am but it's true.” I stared back at her, my eyes full of concern. Oreo leaped off my shoulder and into Titania’s lap. Oreo began nuzzling and licking Titania’s hand. I know from experience that this helps calm people down.
“Wait…what did you say?” Tia stepped up beside me and stared at me in horror.
“You heard me. And I wish I hadn’t been the one to deliver the news. I’m very sorry, Titania.” I said to both Tia and Titania.
“Can you… can you three go to the ranch… and… try to figure out how it started? Please?” Titania asked, looking at Oreo, who licked Titania’s head once more before climbing out and back onto my shoulder.
“Of course ma’am.” Caeden spoke up softly from where he stood behind me. “Where is the ranch?”
“It's in Bartlett, Memphis.” Titania muttered.
“Alright ma’am. We’ll do our best to figure out what happened.” I promised her and began walking away. “Now, lets find a car shall we?”
“I think I saw some motorcycles in the garage where we originally parked the van. Will those work?” Tia informed me.
“If you two are willing to ride motorcycles until we find a better vehicle, yes.” I smiled at the thought of riding a motorcycle towards a ranch where an outbreak happened.
“I’m fine with it.” Caeden shrugged, Tia hesitated but nodded her agreement.
“Then let’s go.” I said cheerfully, heading for the garage.
A few moments later we were speeding down the highway in the direction of Memphis. Tia sat behind me on the motorcycle, her hands around my waist. She screamed continuously as I went faster and faster. I laughed and just kept driving. Oreo sat in my lap, squished slightly. She stared wide eyed all around as we raced across the empty highway.