Roomies Book Two: Quarantine (PolyLove)

Chapter Twelve: Lockdown Conversations and More

Chapter Twelve: Lockdown Conversations and More

A few days later they sat around the TV, streaming the governor's address.

"Newsom is a little hot for an old guy," Nate murmured as Gavin came to the podium and took off his mask slowly, speaking directly to the cameras.

Diego scoffed. "Hardly. Skinny, elitist, white, slicked back hair. No thanks." But his eyes were glued to the governor all the while, regardless of his level of attractiveness.

"There's Miranda," Cameron said quietly, as the camera panned to the staff nearby. The others nodded, proud of their friend. She was achieving her lifelong dream of public service.  But despite their friend's moment, they were scared nonetheless as Newsom spoke candidly about the pandemic, the full hospital beds, the numbers infected and dead. He explained the critical need to support hospitals by staying at home, completely isolating, in order to stop the infection so that hospitals were not overrun and personal protective equipment could be manufactured and supplied. He announced the cancellation of all in person schools and promised to support educators transitioning to an online format. They heard the phrases social distancing, droplets, Dr. Fauci for the first time. They were silent as he asked California citizens to be patient and understanding. And wished them safety and good health.

Diego turned off the TV. The four men looked at each other for a long long moment. No one spoke a word. Until finally Ryan broke the silence. Grabbed a pad of paper and pen, sat on the carpeted floor, leaning against the coffee table and started to write a list.

"Ok, so that's that. We knew it was going to happen. We're here. We're isolated. We have lots of food in the freezers and in the pantry. The supply cupboard is full of toilet paper, paper towels, tissues. We have running water, electricity, heat and amazing wifi. We have a backup generator. Two working cars. A garden running fallow that we can replant. We have our cells, our laptops, and a landline. There's a first aid kit in the garage and in the kitchen. Decent amount in our savings. What else?"

Cameron hugged his husband, leaning down from his place on the couch, kissing behind his ear. Loved how organized and methodical he was.

"Well, we have a grocery store and hospital nearby," Nate added, pulling Cameron back into his arms. "We have neighbors along this road. An older man, around sixty or so, who lives with his daughter. A couple in their forties who live with their kids. And another couple, a little older who live alone. The rest are usually empty, vacation homes. I have their numbers."

"I think you should call them, and let them know that we're here," Cameron suggested, snuggling back into Nate's chest, as Diego put his striped sock covered feet on Cameron's lap. He started rubbing them absently. "Maybe we should set up a group chat, in case of an emergency."

"That's a good idea, babe." Ryan started a new list, headed To Do.

"We need to get in touch with our jobs, and see what the plan is. If there's a plan." Diego said. "Miranda said it would be like a Face Time or video conference app thing. Start thinking about how we can work online like that, what we might need." He closed his eyes, loving Cameron's hands on him, but thinking of how to get art supplies to his students isolated at home.

"We need masks, sanitizer and cleaning wipes. Right?" Ryan added them to the list. "Anything else, covid wise?"

"Gloves?" Diego said, shrugging his shoulders. "Maybe?"

"We need to regularly check in with Flavio, Rosa and Jesus, Jess, Mike and John, Krista and Sam. Miranda and Debra. Chris. Anyone else?" Ryan wrote the names quickly in his tiny perfect printing.