15. where’s tay?

“Where’s Tay?”

I totally didn’t hear what Joanne or Thomas said. Running over to them all I noticed was why my brother wasn’t with them. Didn’t even notice Thomas was hurt. His leg was gashed. Some make shift bandage was wrapped around it. I think it was a towel. Of course I noticed this after my next observation.

“Where’s the car?”

Joanne’s very used to my behavior. She just shook her head. Probably rolled her eyes as well. Couldn’t see. She was under Thomas’s shoulder retying the bandage on his leg.

“Give me a hand.”

I took over as a human crutch. I wasn’t any better at it than Joanne. He’s one heavy fuck. Always knew he was a bit overweight, but had to try and carry him. That’s if you consider this carrying him. I swore I’d go to the gym after this. Man, how did Joanne manage this? At least I gave her a break. She crouched down to examine the wound. Rubbing her neck. Tough girl.

Thomas didn’t look so good. He was pale, wincing at every move. I wanted to ask how he was doing, but it was obvious. And more than likely he wasn’t going to answer. Joanne was talking to him but he hardly responded. Asking him if was too tight. If he could feel her holding his ankle. Wondering if she should clean the wound. Didn’t matter what she said. She had already resigned that Thomas would answer. His eyes just stared off, half opened. I could feel him shivering. Yet I could see sweat beading off his face. He was fevering bad. Then it hit me then. He could actually be dying.

“Thomas.”

She cupped his face in her hands.

“Look at me.”

Don’t think he looked. But I did. Her eyes were red. Under that strong stern voice of hers she was holding back the pain. I know she didn’t want to lose him. That’s how she managed to get this far. However far this must have been. Still didn’t know what had happened. But at least now I was considerate enough to shut the hell up.

“How are you feeling? Can you go further?”

Somehow she was able to reach down those eyes and get to Thomas. He nodded. And she took his other arm over her shoulder. Then we started to move on.

We moved faster than I thought we would. Almost a running pace. We basically carried Thomas if he didn’t put down foot every once in a while. Wasn’t sure how long I could keep this up. The terrain wasn’t ideal. Surprised we hadn’t tripped over anything. But if Joanne was determined to move at this speed, I wasn’t going to stop. Not sure if she had a plan. The river was in the opposite direction. Though they may have come from there. Running from whatever was chasing at them. If it were wolves, I’d be perplexed as to why they were running. Unless it wasn’t the one I saw. Though running at this pace, albeit fast, wasn’t going to outrun anything.

I glanced back. Just trees.

Wasn’t sure what I expected to see. Or wanted to see. Maybe that wolf. Some reason, seeing him would calm this uneasy feeling I had. Still had plenty of questions and no breath to ask them.

“Okay. Break time.”

Thank God!

We leaned Thomas against a tree. I settle into my usual out of shape posture. That involves me slouched over, both hands on bracing myself on my knees, and panting like a dog. Not sure how long we’ve been running. I felt like throwing up. And when I finally caught the scent coming from Thomas’ wound, I did.

“Are you okay?”

I looked up at Joanne.

Hardly tired. She must have stopped for me. Her hand was on my shoulder but her attention behind us. Scanning the forest for danger. I redirected my gaze to her body. She just had on her white t-shirt and sweatpants. Not those cotton ones, but those dryfit ones. Her shirt though, was cotton and was white and was wet. Not from sweat. Unless her sweat glands were all over. No, it was the river. They must have gone through it as well. Probably further downstream. She definitely was fit. Being the tomboy that she was, I wasn’t surprised. It’s just I never saw her in this light. I mean, I could see through her shirt. Even through the sports bra I hear she always wears. Somehow bras are uncomfortable for her. I don’t know. I just know I’m staring right at her nipples. They were erect as I was.

I let down an uncomfortable gulp.

I look back up at Joanne. She was glaring at me.

I let down another one and look away.

What the hell is wrong with me?

If I could erase this one moment from the history of Joanne and myself, it would do no good. There were plenty more. Come to think of it, I think this is the fundamental basis of our relationship. Just a series of awkward moments. Never was able to be normal around her. Even if I try and be helpful or preoccupy myself with some task. I only end up weirding her out. Why the hell am I so abnormal? Either I say something or do something that fucks up the vibe. At this point I don’t think we can simply be around each other. I mean, just the two of us. This was the perfect example. Me, her, and Thomas, who was here physically, but mentally, not really. And look at me. Already messing things up. She only puts up with it because she knows I’m Tay’s brother.

Speaking of which.