Dead in the Water

“Good morning.” I cheerfully said to Patrick and Jenny who were the first to head downstairs this morning.

“Whoa, what are you doing up so early? We thought that since Pete isn’t a morning person, you wouldn’t be either.” Patrick replied grabbing a bag as I sipped my blood from a coffee mug, which prevents everyone from seeing it out of the bag.

“I did sleep but I don’t know. I wish I could go outside and run laps right now. I just feel energized.” I said.

“Tell Pete if we aren’t back yet that we went out to get more weapons and equipment.” Jenny said locking hands with Patrick.

“Ok. Oh, you two are just so cute together!” I exclaimed.

“Um, yeah, I think being around us has made you want to be around humans more.” Patrick said laughing; as I remembered how I was the first night, I met everyone.

“You want a hug now don’t you? See, I knew we would make you a hugger.” Jenny said hugging me and laughing.

“Yeah, I guess the whole I don’t do hugs thing has gone out the window.” I said smiling.

“Come on Jenny.” Patrick said eager to get out of the living quarters.

“Good morning, Joe. Oh, you don’t look so hot.” I said as Joe walked downstairs and joined me at the bar in the kitchen.

“It’s over.” Joe replied heading to the fridge for a beer.

“I didn’t know you drank.” I replied.

“I don’t unless on occasions. These are Andy’s.” He said slightly grinning at the thought of stealing one of Andy’s beers.

I watched as he flipped the top off it with a bottle opener and started to drink it. I could tell he did not sleep well. My heart was breaking for him and I did not know Joe that well. We sat there in silence for a few minutes, me with my blood and him with his beer.

“Joe, Nonnie is sleeping in my bed so I suppose that means Nonnie will be taking it over.” I said touching his arm.

“You guessed right. She made her decision last night. I gave her a choice and she pretty much chose Frank without even really saying it.” He sighed.

“I am sorry.” I replied.

“Don’t be. It isn’t your fault.” Joe smiled at me.

“How can you two still live here?” I asked. “I know it has to be awkward for you both.” I added.

“I don’t want her to move. She has nowhere else to go and I certainly would rather her be here than out living with Frank. I do not care if he his good Elissa. I do not trust him. He is the type that spells out trouble and I do not want to see Nonnie get hurt.” He replied.

“I understand.” I said touching his shoulder.

“I still love her and I can’t shut that off right now. I have to figure out a way to try to be friends with her. I would do anything for her and I will kill Frank if he ever lays a finger on her. Why would he wait so long to let her know he is alive? He has had too many chances and out of the blue, he decides to play hero. I do not know.” Joe said downing the rest of his beer.

“Well, drinking isn’t the answer my friend.” I replied.

“Good morning Amanda and…” Nonnie stopped as she entered the kitchen.

“It’s ok, Non. Good morning to you.” Joe said tapping his empty bottle on the counter and heading over to the couch to watch tv.

“He just needs some time and space.” I said as she acknowledged that Joe had been talking to me about last night.

“Sorry about taking your room.” Nonnie apologized.

“Eh, it’s ok. Pete would make me move in with him eventually and besides I still have my hotel room I pay for.” I said smiling.

“I do love Joe.” Nonnie sighed.

“I know you do. You just don’t love him like you do Frank.” I said.

“See that is the thing. Now that I know everything and as much as I go insane now with him back, I do not think I can be with Frank right now. I don’t want to hurt Joe even though our relationship is over.” Nonnie said.

“I understand that too. If Frank cares about you then he will understand how you feel and not rush into things. Just take things slow. Also, need I remind you that he is a vampire. Just be careful.” I replied.

“Frank will not hurt me. Why does everyone think that? I mean you and Pete are vampires.” Nonnie replied upset.

“Yes, but we are used to being around people far longer than Frank and have friends who watch our back to make sure we aren’t tempted to bite anyone. I don’t know Frank and I am not saying he isn’t a good guy, but to be on guard.” I said giving some warning advice.

“I think I need some fresh air. I am going for a morning jog.” Nonnie said getting a bottle of water from the fridge and heading for the door.

“Ok.” I said rinsing out my glass and heading upstairs to get my bag out of Nonnie’s new room. I needed to call my sis and see how her date went and my phone was in my bag anyways. I also wanted to go out slaying tonight to take my mind off things. Maybe Amanda and I could do some sisterly bonding over killing vampires tonight.