Different

Chapter 1

CHAPTER 1
Blood! I smell blood. Pull it together Thea.
Thea says to herself as she gets out of bed.
It can't be. I'm too far away. It smells so good I could taste it. No, I can do this. Food will distract me.
Thea walks into the kitchen opening the fridge and cabinets.
Damn it! I'm out of everything! I'm getting weaker, I need blood! No, I can do this. More blood means I'll be more powerful. I don't need my powers to start getting out of control. I want to live here for a bit. I just drank four days ago; I don't want to harm anyone in this town. I'll just go get a burger, a big juicy burger. Please let the diner be opened this early.
Thea looks on her phone while pacing back and forth in a panic. She checks the hours of the diner because it was only 7:15 am.
"Yes, it's opened!"
She shouts as she ran out of the house.
Crap, I left the keys in the house. Oh well, there's no time, the smell is getting closer.
She uses her powers to turn on the car, gets in and drives off as fast as she can.
I'm far from the town, how can this be? Who comes out this way? I just have to think about a big juicy burger.
Thea finally arrives at the diner and parks the car.
Please let it be too early for no more than a couple of customers.
Thea looks over at the diner's windows.
Yes, only an old man.
As she walks to the diner from her car, she saw a couple of guys on the corner scoping the diner out suspiciously.
"More people need to hurry up and come fill up that cash register so we can rob this place and leave."
One of the guys said as Thea read his mind.
"Burger please!"
Thea says to the waitress as she walks in.
"Sorry, it's breakfast time."
"Please lady I just want a burger, I'll even pay double for it. I'm begging you."
"Are you okay?"
"Please?"
"Okay, let me ask the chef."
I'm so weak. This isn't the right way for me to live. I could just drink from the bad guys on the corner that are waiting to rob this diner? That's heroic in a way, I guess. I can read minds for a reason, and that's my reason. There. Done. I'm drinking.
"Here's your burger, and no need to pay double. I see your having a rough morning, just enjoy."
"Thank you!"
Yup I'm definitely having a rough morning. That lady sure is nice. Maybe I'll break my rule and get myself a friend?
Thea starts to eat her burger and ends up finishing it fast.
"That burger was so good, thanks again Ann."
"How do you know my name?"
Crap that's why I don't have friends, and the downside to reading minds. Now to find the answer to her question. Think Thea.
"I heard one of the employees say it."
"Oh. I don't remember anyone saying my name, but maybe I just didn't hear them. Are you feeling better now?"
"Yes."
"You're not from here are you?"
"I just moved here actually."
"By yourself? You look like a teenager."
"I'm seventeen and I live with my grandma, just a couple of miles from here."
"Oh okay, well here's your bill and I hope to see you again soon."
Thea pays the bill and starts to walk toward the door.
"Okay bye."
Thea tells Ann with a big smile on her face as she walked out of the diner. She then gets into her car and drives away.
It felt good to talk to someone. Maybe I can have one friend. Wait, that's not a good idea. Well, maybe it will be good for me. I'll just think it over after I get some blood into my system.
Thea arrived back at her house. It was small and made from wood. She then walks into the house.
I have to pull myself together. It doesn't mean I'm evil if I drink blood from bad guys, they will end up committing crimes and going to jail anyways. Perfect. I feel better about it now. No, I don't want to hurt anyone in this town. I don't want to leave any evidence that a vampire is here, but I feel myself weakening. I need blood.
Thea starts to pace back and forth.
I need to restock on food, drinks and then prepare for those guys at the diner. Let's see.
Thea looks on her phone.
Bob's mini market is the closest.
She then walks out of her house and gets into her car once again. As she's driving to the mini market, she is still contemplating if she should drink blood from those guys. She finally arrived at the market and parks.
Please have control and not kill anyone in there.
She gets out of the car and walks into the market.
Let's see, cereal, cookies, eggs, pizza, where's the milk?
As she turns around to look for the milk she bumps into a boy.
"I'm so sorry. Are you okay?"
The boy asks.
"I bumped into you, so no need for you to say sorry. I'm just looking for the milk."
"Oh, it's in the back and to the right. I'm Axl. Do you live around here? I never seen you before?"
"Yes, I live a couple of miles out with my grandma. I just moved here"
"Then you must go to my school."
"No, I'm home schooled because I have to take care of her. Well I have to hurry; I can't leave her by herself for too long."
"Yeah of course, hopefully I will see you again."
"Okay bye."
Thea says then walks over toward the milk and tries to read Axl's mind, but she can't. Axl pays for his chips and soda, then walks out of the store. He gets into his friend's truck and looks through the store's windows to wave bye to Thea. She waves back.
Try not to freak out, but he's so handsome, tall, caramel skin, wavy black hair, juicy lips, great smile, and muscles. I didn't even have an urge to drink blood from him. Wait a minute. I can read everyone's mind, and I want to drink practically everyone's blood, which only means, he's a werewolf! I can't read his mind because I'm not in his pack. Duh! Finally, someone like me, I haven't been around anyone like me in so long. Maybe he can also be my friend? Wait, nope that can't happen. Why do I always forget that part about myself sometimes? What am I supposed to say?
"Hi Axl, I know you despise vampires and want to kill them, but how would you feel if I was only half vampire, but my other half is werewolf?"
I don't think he would care that I'm only half vampire. Vampire is vampire. Well that blows.
"This girl is nuts, hot, but nuts."
Thea read the cashiers mind and rolls her eyes. She pays for her groceries and walks outside. While she is walking, she hears crying, an animal crying. She drops her groceries and runs toward the cry. She sees a dog who is stuck trying to get through a fence. She then bends down and pulls the dog out.
"Hey fella, are you okay? You have no collar. I'll take u home and give you a bath, then we will find your owner. So, follow me."
Thea tells the dog. She picks up the dropped groceries and they both get into the car and drive to her house.
When they get to the house, the dog jumps out of the car window and runs to the front door. Thea hurries out of the car.
"You sure are excited boy."
Thea opens the door and puts the groceries away. She then puts the dog in the bath. He was extremely dirty.
"You must be some kind of mix, a good mix though, nice shinny brown coat and big brown eyes. You can't be more than two years old."
The dog starts licking Thea all over her face, and she starts laughing.
"It would be nice to talk to someone other than myself all of the time. Okay you can stay here, but as soon as I see a missing dog poster with your picture on it you must go home. Got it? In the meantime, I'll call you, Buddy? Norman? Henry? Chance?"
The dog doesn't look pleased.
"How about Kai?"
The dog barks.
"Kai it is."
Kai jumps out of the bath and shakes the water off him getting water all over the bathroom. Thea laughs and starts to dry him with a towel.
"All done boy."
Thea goes into the kitchen to cook up some eggs. When she's finished, she puts the eggs in a bowl on the ground for Kai, along with some water next to his food. Kai starts to eat the eggs right away.
"Well Kai I have to go and take care of some business you don't need to see, and I'll be back soon."
Thea walks out the front door, gets into the car and drives to the diner.
When she gets there, she parks a good distance from the entrance to scope out the bad guys she saw earlier.
So, there's one, two, where's the third guy? Oh, there he is bringing the guns. He swears no one is going to see the guns under his jacket. Amateur. They are bad guys Thea. Drink, kill, dispose. They are not even from here. This is just a pit stop for them. No one will know they are missing.
Thea gets out of the car and walks toward the men who are on the side of the diner.
"Hey fellas what are you doing? Oh wait, I already know. It's not nice to rob innocent people. Now I have to do this."
Thea's fangs come out of her gums, her eyes get bright red, she makes a growl like a wolf, and her hands become claws. The men make a run for it. As they are running, they try and shoot Thea, but they miss. Thea kills all three men within minutes with bites to their necks, and their blood drained. Her thirst was finally fulfilled. Now she had to get rid of the bodies before they get discovered. She picks them up one by one and drops their bodies in the trunk of her car. Then she drives into the woods. Once she's there, she drops the bodies on the ground, grow's out her claws again and starts to dig. Then she buries all three bodies.
They were bad guys anyways.
She gets back into her car and starts to drive.
Damn, I didn't think it through. Someone must have heard the gun shots. I better go check.
Thea hurry's and drives back to the diner. She parks and cleans herself up looking in the car mirror. Once she's done making herself presentable, she takes a deep breath and gets out of the car and walks into the diner. The first person she sees is Ann.
"Hi again Ann."
"Hey, wow two times in one day and I never even got your name?"
"My name is Thea."
"Unique name, I like it. What can I get you?"
"Just a chocolate shake and a steak plate to go please."
"Coming right up."
Kai must be hungry he's only had some eggs. I don't hear anyone talking about gun shots. That's a relief.
Thea starts to drink her shake and see's Ann answer her phone. She hears Ann's voice start to brake.
"It will be fine honey, just light the candles. My shift will be over soon, and I'll come straight home."
Ann hangs up the phone.
I wonder what's wrong? Come on Ann, say it.
"Where am I going to find $77 to pay my electric bill? Why is this happening to me?"
Thea read Ann's mind.
"Here you go, enjoy your steak and here's the bill."
Ann told Thea.
"Thank you."
Thea looks at the bill. She leaves $100 cash and walks out of the diner.
"Wait! You forgot your change!"
Ann shouted as she ran outside to catch up to Thea.
"No, I didn't. I left the payment for the shake, food and your tip. Have a good night."
Ann has tears going down her face because now she has enough money to pay for her electric bill. Thea smiles and drives home.
My thirst is fulfilled. I did something nice for someone. I got a dog. Today was a good day.
She arrives at her house and sees Kai waiting for her at the window.
It's nice to have someone to come home too.
She then walks in the house and into the kitchen.
"Here Kai, a nice lovely steak."
She places the steak plate on the floor. Kai starts to eat it. Thea sits down on the floor next to him.
"Besides you I met another friend today, her name is Ann. She seems really nice. I got rid of some bad guys today too. It feels good to be heroic. I know I can't be heroic all the time, I'll get noticed, tracked down and then, never mind Kai, I don't want to scare you. You see, I'm very different and some people are afraid of different. Let's not get into this right now. Anyways, I don't have a dog bed, so you can have the couch. I'm going to go let my body reboot because I just had some fuel. I'll explain later."
Thea goes and lays down on her bed. Kai then jumps onto the bed with her.
"Hey! Down! I said the couch Kai!"
Kai lays down next to Thea.
"Fine, but just this once."
All night Kai takes up the whole bed and moves around in different positions.
Morning came.
"Kai I'm so tired. You moved around so much last night."
Thea gets out of bed and walks into the kitchen with Kai following her. She turns on all the lights in the house and the radio with her powers. She starts to cook eggs for her and Kai. As Kai eats, Thea starts to rearrange the living room using her powers again. She moves the television and sofas in different positions.
"There! Look Kai, the couch is by the window so you can relax and look out into the yard. So, no more of my bed okay?"
Kai looks displeased.
"What now Kai? You don't like the couch? Ugh fine, we will go to the local pet shop and get you a dog bed for you to sleep on. Oh, and dog food. Do you eat that junk? Or people food? Anyways listen, if you're going to live with me you must understand that we will not be going into town that much. I can't be around too many people. I could hurt them. We are only going because I drank yesterday, and I think I'll be fine if we go today. Okay?"
Kai barks. Thea gets into the shower, washes up, then gets out and gets ready.
"Come on boy, let's go. We have to hurry before a ton of people decide to go to the same pet shop we go to."
Thea and Kai get into the car and start to drive to the pet shop. Thea rolls down all the windows. Kai's head is out the window, his tongue is out and enjoying the wind hitting his face. Thea smiles.
It feels so nice to have company.
They finally arrive at the pet shop which was in the middle of the shopping center.
"I don't know about this Kai, there's going to be a lot of people here soon, it's almost noon. Let's hurry, I can do this."
Thea rolls up the windows, gets out of the car and walks around to Kai's side to open his door. As soon as Thea opens the door, Kai jumps out and runs past the pet store. Thea runs after him.
"Kai get back here! Kai!"
As Thea is running, she bumps into the back of a boy talking to his friends.
"Sorry."
Thea says as she stops running.
The boy turns around.
"Hey I know you. From the store, right?"
"Oh. Hi. Yup that's me, and your Axl right?"
"Yeah that's me."
As Axl and Thea were talking, Kai jumps up onto Thea.
"Finally Kai, you can't just run off like that."
"That's your dog?"
"Yeah I just got him. I'm about to go buy him a bed at the pet store, and dog food."
"I know the manager at the store. I'll go inside with you and have him help you out."
"Ummmm sure."
They both walk inside the store together with Kai.
"Hey, you never told me your name."
"It's Thea."
"Never heard of that name before. Well nice to officially meet you Thea."
Thea smiles.
"There he is. Pete!"
Pete, who is the store manager walks over.
"What's up Axl!"
"My friend Thea here needs a dog bed for her dog. I was wondering if you can show her the good stuff?"
"And dog food also."
Thea adds.
Pete looks at Thea and is infatuated with her beauty.
Please stop thinking about how it would be to kiss me.
Thea read Pete's mind.
"Yes of course, it's this way."
Thea, Pete, Axl and Kai walk over to where the beds are. As Thea and Kai look more closely at each bed, Pete and Axl stand behind them to give them space to look.
"So Axl, how did you meet this pretty girl? I haven't seen her at school."
"I met her at Bobs store. She just moved here and said she was homeschooled."
Axl looks at Thea with flirtatious eyes.
"You lucky son of a gun. Most popular and gets all the hot chicks."
Pete says and Axl laughs. Thea can overhear their conversation. She then walks over to them.
"So, I think we might get that dark blue bed set."
Pete looks over at the bed Thea is referring to.
"I think that bed is too big for him, he's not that big of a dog."
"I'm positive that's the bed he will like."
"Okay then. I'll go grab that, the dog food and go ring you up at the register."
"Thanks."
Pete walks away to get Kai's things. Axl, Thea and Kai walk over to the register. There was an awkward silence between them as they waited for Pete. He finally arrives with Kai's things. Thea pays for the bed and food. As she pays for the items, Kai runs over to the small rubber toys. He grabs one toy with his mouth and brings it to Thea.
"Really Kai? Fine. This bright green gecko toy too please."
Pete rings it up.
"Nice pick Kai."
Axl says while holding the toy. He then throws it and Kai runs after it as Axl follows him.
"Thank you for shopping here at PETS. Let me know when you get tired of that hunk over there so you and I can go out."
Thea giggles.
"Yes of course I will let you know. Thanks for helping with the bed and food."
Thea grabs the items in each arm. Pete looks at her in disbelief because the items were both very heavy, and Thea is holding them without a problem. He had to use a cart to push them to the register.
"You need any help?"
Axl asks as he sees her carrying the bed and food.
"No, I'm good."
As Thea, Axl and Kai walk out together, Thea heard girls across the street talking about her.
"Why is that weirdo with Axl? She better not be asking him to the winter dance, he's mine."
One of the girls said to her friends. This girl was tall with long blonde hair and the perfect body. Then all the girls started walking toward Axl and Thea.
Really? Are all the girls in this town this possessive? Oh no, their smell. It's so strong. My throat. I must get out of here fast.
"Is everything okay? You seem tense."
"Ummm no, I think I left the oven on. I have to go, bye!"
Thea starts running to her car. Kai sees her running and drops his toy in his mouth to go catch up to Thea. They hurry into the car and drive off. Axl looks down and sees Kai's toy on the floor.
"Thea! Kai's toy!"
Axl yelled so loud that he didn't realize that the tall blonde girl was standing next to him.
"Ouch! That's so loud Axl!"
She yells covering her ear with her hand, acting as if her ear is in severe pain.
"Sorry Gia. Are you okay?"
Axl puts his hand on Gia's ear.
"I am now."
Gia says as she looks into Axl's eyes and smiles.
"That's great. I have to go."
Axl says as he walks to the shoe store where his friends are.
"What in the hell just happened? He did not just walk away from me! Who the hell is that girl?"
Gia yelled to her friends.
"Come on Kai, let's get into the house and put this dog bed together."
Thea and Kai head into the house.
"Listen Kai, we have everything we need for a couple of weeks. No more town visits until then, okay? I almost lost control."
Thea starts to put Kai's bed together by the window. When she finishes, she puts a frozen pizza in the oven and pours wine into a glass. When the pizza is done, she takes it out of the oven and puts it on top of the stove. She cuts slices for her and Kai.
"Dang it! I forgot I bought you dog food. Oh well. Enjoy boy."
Thea says to Kai as she hands him the slice of pizza. Then suddenly the doorbell rings. Kai starts barking frantically at the door. Thea's eyes become red, her claws come out as she walks toward the door, preparing to attack the intruder.
"Who is it?"
"Hey it's Axl."
Thea's eyes turn back to normal, her claws go away.
"What the heck is he doing here Kai? Crap! I just need to get rid of him. I'll see what he wants then send him off. Everything is going to be fine."
Thea opens the door and sees Axl with his hands behind his back.
"Hey what's up? How did you find out where I live?"
"I just asked around."
I know he's lying. He's a werewolf. He tracked me.
"Are you stalking me Axl?"
Thea says sarcastically.
"Ha, no! Kai dropped this when you guys ran off."
Axl shows her the green gecko and Kai jumps up onto Axl and takes the toy away.
"I didn't even realize he left it, thank you."
"Yeah no problem. It smells good in there, like pizza?"
"Yes, I made some pizza."
"Well since I'm already all the way out here, do you want to share some of that pizza and hang out for a bit?"
I never had anyone over before. What do I do? What will I say? What if he figures out what I am?
"Ummm sure, come in."
"Wait, I'm so sorry. I totally forgot about your grandma. I don't want to disturb her."
Damn it, what do I say now?
"It's fine. She accidentally fell earlier. They are holding her at the hospital for a few days to make sure everything's okay."
"Oh, okay then, well lead the way."
Thea walks toward the kitchen with Axl following her. As they are walking, Axl notices that the lights are on, but the light switches are flipped off. He thinks it's odd, but he didn't want to say anything. Instead, he flicks the light switch in the kitchen to see if that makes the lights turn off. The lights stayed on.
Dang it! My lights are on, but the switches are turned off. He's going to realize that I have powers. I have to think of something to say.
"My lights glitch all of the time. Sometimes the switches are flipped off, but the light will stay on. It's weird, but I'm not complaining because I got a great deal on this house. I mean, my grandma got a great deal on this house."
"How did you find this place anyways? I lived here my whole life and I didn't even know this place existed."
"Some guy built it and decided to sell it, I guess. I found it listed on a website. I don't remember the guy's name. Anyways, my grandma owns it now. All luck really."
Axl starts eating a slice of pizza.
That was the most stupid story. I should have thought of a better lie than that.
"Wine?"
Axl ask's in a surprised voice.
"Yeah I drink some from time to time. Do you want some? I have soda and water also. Let me see what else I have. Sorry, I don't really have people over. Well, I never have anyone over. You're the first person I ever had over."
"Wow I feel very special. I think I'll have some wine so we can celebrate your first house guest."
They both laugh and Thea pours Axl some wine. They start to drink.
"So, let me guess, you're the most popular guy at your school, you get all the pretty girls, and you're the star at some sport."
Axl laughs.
"Well that's how people portray me, but I'm just a regular kid going to school. I'm just a friendly guy who has lots of friends. As the sports go, I did play football my freshman and sophomore year, but I hurt my shoulder. I had to get surgery and was told I could never play again. So, after I healed up, I have just been a student assistant coach. My team and coach still wanted me around."
Nice cover up. He didn't want to risk accidentally showing his werewolf strength and get discovered by humans, so he fakes an injury. When will he tell me that he's a werewolf? Is he ever going tell me?
"So, my turn now. Let me guess, your antisocial, so to avoid people you use the excuse that you're the only person in this entire world that can take care of your grandma. Which I don't understand because your beautiful and should be out having fun like a normal teenager. We are not all bad guys. You can trust me."
Wow. Almost correct, but very twisted in my world. Should I just tell him that I don't have a grandma?
"My parents died when I was little. I basically raised myself since I was 11, and I never had a place to call home for more than a couple of weeks or months."
Thea takes a sip from her wine glass.
"My life is complicated. I'm a complete mess, so you should just walk away now."
"I'm so sorry about your parents. My mom died when I was a baby. My dad raised me. And why would I walk away? Everyone has problems, everyone struggles, it's called life T."
He just gave me his own nickname, T. I mean it's not the greatest. Should I trust him? But how can I if he is hiding who he really is? I'm doing the same thing, so does it really matter?
Axl stands straight up from leaning on the kitchen counter and walks toward Thea. He puts a piece of Thea's hair behind her ear. He leans closer toward her for a kiss. Then Thea drops her wine glass and it brakes with wine spilling everywhere. Thea moves away from Axl.
"Damn it."
Thea says as she grabs the broom and starts sweeping up the glass. Axl grabs paper towels and starts to clean up the wine. Thea bends down to pick up a piece of glass she can't get with the broom, then her and Axl stand back up at the same time, bumping their heads together. They both start laughing and sit on the floor.
"Why am I always bumping into you! You're like a magnet!"
Thea shouted.
"I don't know, but one of these days you're going to really knock me down."
They both start laughing again. Then Thea gets a vision that Ann is upset and begging for something, but Thea can't see who or what it is.
Why am I getting visions of Ann? I must figure out a way to get to her without just throwing out Axl. I don't need him suspecting anything. I have to get to her; I have to help her. Why is it that I feel like I have an obligation toward her? As if I have some sort of connection. I'll just use my powers to make my phone beep.
After her phone beeps, Thea stands up and walks over to her phone that's on top of the counter.
"It's a message from my friend who works at the diner. She needs my help. I'm sorry, but I have to go. Kai let's go."
"I'll come with you and help."
"No, it's okay. You should just go home, it's getting late."
Thea grabs her bag, then her and Kai walk out the door with Axl right behind them.
"Damn it my keys."
"I have my keys, so just get in my car and I'll drive you."
"Okay fine."
They all get into Axl's car and drive off.
The drive was quiet. They arrive at the diner and see Ann talking to a tow truck driver. He was about to load up Ann's car onto his truck. Thea jumps out of the car and runs toward Ann.
"Is everything okay?"
"No, my failed payments on my car have finally caught up with me."
Ann said with tears in her eyes.
"I don't know what I'm going to do without a car."
"Don't worry about it, everything is going to be okay. How much does she owe sir?"
"$713."
The man said irritably.
"Give me one second."
Thea says as she pulls out cash from her bag.
"Here and keep the change."
The man took the money without hesitation. He then counts it and realized that Thea gave him $800.
"Thanks ma'am."
The man left as quick as he could just in case Thea wanted some of her money back.
"I don't know what to say. I'm lost for words."
Ann said with tears rolling down her cheeks. She hugged Thea.
I haven't felt a hug in 35 years. This feels nice.
"You shouldn't be walking around with that amount of money. Someone could rob you!"
"Ha! No one will ever have the guts to try and rob me."
Axl and Kai then walk over to them.
"Hi I'm Axl, Thea's friend."
Axl introduces himself to Ann and they shake hands.
"I promise I'll pay you back! Payments once a month or every two weeks, whatever you want!"
"No, don't worry about it."
"That's not the amount of money you just hand out, you have a future ahead of you."
Little does she know I'm 204 years old. There's no future for me. I'll always be running. I'll always be hunted.
"Don't worry, my future will be fine."
"Hey, if your borrowing your grandma's money I have to pay you back."
"No, it's mine. My parents died when I was little, and they left me a good amount of money."
At least that lie is believable. This is why I don't make friends. There's so much lying. Should I just tell her about the big bank I robbed a few years back because I was bored. I wish I had someone to tell my stories too.
"Please, I have to repay you somehow. I'll buy both of your dinner at the diner."
"We ate already, don't worry about the money Ann."
"I make the best apple pie. Please follow me to my home and I'll bake one for all of us. You both can meet my son. He loves dogs too."
"Ummmm okay, but only if Axl agrees because he drove us."
Please Axl say no. I'm not sure if being around Ann and her son will cause me to want blood.
"That sounds amazing."
Axl said.
Damn it.
"Great, follow me to my home."
Everyone gets in their cars and start to drive to Ann's house.
"I have never seen anyone do that big of a favor for someone before. That was huge. You're an amazing person Thea."
Why is this happening to me again? This time I won't make the same mistake. I wish these feelings will go away. I don't want to hurt him.
They finally arrive at Ann's house. It was a small blue house with a white fence around it on a quiet street.
"Come in."
Ann said.
They all walk inside the house and are greeted by a young boy.
"Cody, these are my new friends Thea, Axl and Kai. I invited them over for pie."
Kai runs and jumps onto Cody, licking him on the face.
"Kai get down, that's rude! I'm so sorry, he just gets really excited."
Cody was laughing as Kai was licking him. Kai gets down and starts sniffing around the house.
"Are you okay?"
"Yes, I'm fine."
Cody says. Axl looks over and sees a game system hooked up to the tv in the living room.
"Hey Cody, want to play a game."
Axl asked excitedly.
"Yeah sure. I know the perfect game where we can fight each other!"
Cody was so excited to have a friend to play with. Ann and Thea walk over to the kitchen. Ann starts to cut apples for the apple pie.
"He seems like such a great and happy kid. He doesn't look like you very much, well just the smile."
"Thank you. I know, I don't see very much of me in him. I couldn't tell you if he looks like his father because I don't remember what he looks like, and I don't remember his name. I feel so horrible saying that, but it's true. It's just so weird. I have like a blurry vision of him. I believe we were happy. I think. I really don't remember much. It's so embarrassing. You must think awful of me. But I swear it's like my memory of him just disappeared."
"Of course I don't think that of you! You're a great mother and person. You're doing an amazing job."
"If you didn't help me out, I would have been a failure. So, thank you once again."
"No, don't say that! Everyone always needs a little help."
Thea could read Ann's mind and Ann was feeling so embarrassed and ashamed about everything she just told Thea.
"I'm going to go check on the boys."
I need to give her some space.
Thea walked over to the boys in the living room.
"Hey fellas, what are you playing?"
"A guy game you girls wouldn't understand."
Axl said jokingly.
"Ha, ha, ha, very funny."
Thea said sarcastically.
He's a very lonely 10-year-old kid. He hardly has any friends, kids at his school think he's weird, he feels so alone, especially since Ann works all the time. This is the reading mind part that I hate. Knowing the persons sadness.
"Hey Cody, what are you doing tomorrow? I need someone to help me take Kai to the park. He seems to really like you and I'm pretty sure he will have more fun if you were there."
"Heck yeah I'll come! Is Axl coming too?"
"He's probably busy."
"Of course! What time should I pick you guys up?"
Axl said quickly.
"Ummm around noon I guess, you just have to ask your mom Cody."
"I don't think she will let me go, she's like super protective, it's annoying."
"I'll convince her. Watch me work my magic."
Axl said as he stood up from the couch and started walking toward Ann.
"What do you think he is going to say? Let's play the game you and Axl were playing so we can distract ourselves from the mess Axl is about to make."
Cody and Thea start to laugh.
"Hey Ann, that smells fantastic."
Axl said with a huge smile on his face.
"Thank you Axl. Is there anything I can get you? Water, soda?"
"No thank you. I was just wondering if Cody can come with Thea and I to take Kai to the park tomorrow?"
Ann stops what she was doing and thought about it.
"Okay that sounds like fun, he can go."
Ann said in an uncertain voice.
"Great! Thanks! He's a really good kid. He told me that he didn't have many friends, so I'm glad I met him and now we can be his friends."
"I'm glad he has both of you as his friends."
"It's crazy how everything works out you know. I would have never met him if you didn't message Thea tonight."
Ann looked confused.
"I didn't message Thea. I don't even have her phone number. Which reminds me, I need to get it for tomorrow."
Ann put the pie in the oven and then walked over to Thea and Cody playing the game. Axl stood in the kitchen confused about the phone situation. Thea overhears Ann and Axl's conversation and starts to panic.
Damn it. Axl is going to figure it out.
"Hey Thea, can I have your number for tomorrow?"
"Yes of course."
Thea grabbed Ann's phone and put her number in it.
"What time will you guys be leaving to the park?"
Ann asks.
"Around noon. Will you be ready Cody?"
"Yeah I'll be ready!"
Thea could read Cody's mind and he was so excited to have new friends.
"I'll watch you guys play until the pie is done." Ann said with a smile on her face. Thea and Cody continued playing while Axl stayed in the kitchen, still confused about Thea lying to him.
He's going to figure out what I am. He's been in the kitchen way too long. I'm surprised he hasn't confronted me already. If he didn't figure it out yet, maybe I should just confess?
"Pie is done! I'll cut it."
Ann said then went into the kitchen.
"Are you okay Axl?"
Ann asked.
"Ummmm yeah I'm fine. I'm just ready for some pie."
Axl said. Ann then cut a piece of pie for everyone.
"Let's eat!"
Ann shouted and everyone started to eat their piece of pie.
"Well it's getting late so see you tomorrow Cody, and the pie was fantastic Ann."
Axl said.
"Awww thank you."
"Yes, it was so good. Thank you Ann."
Thea said.
That's it. My cover so blown. Axl wants to leave already and in a rush. Damn it.
Thea, Axl and Kai start to walk toward the door.
"Bye guys!"
Thea said as everyone waved bye to each other. Thea, Axl and Kai get in the car and start driving to Theas house.
"Hey if you have plans with your friend's tomorrow, I totally understand, and I can take Cody and Kai to the park by myself."
"No, it's not a problem. I rather hang out with you guys anyways."
Axl was still skeptical about Thea and wanted to find out more about her. They finally arrive at her house.
"Well thanks for tonight. I had a great time. So, see you tomorrow?"
Thea asks.
"I had a great time too. Yeah see you tomorrow. I'll pick you guys up around noon, then we will head to get Cody."
"Okay, drive safe. Bye."
Axl waves bye and drives off while Kai and Thea enter the house.
"Come on Kai let's get ready for bed, I'm so tired and thirsty. I'm getting weak. I've used a lot of my powers today. Wait a minute, how did I not want to kill Cody and Ann? It doesn't make sense. They are both human, but I didn't crave their blood. Maybe I'm getting stronger with this self-control? They couldn't be anything more than human, right? I'm overthinking. I just need sleep. Goodnight Kai."
Kai jumped onto Theas bed.
"Seriously! I'm too tired to argue with you. GOODNIGHT!"
The next morning Thea and Kai wake up, ate breakfast and then sat out on the porch while Thea drank her coffee.
"Should I tell Axl what I am? What if he hates me after? What if he tells someone, then word gets around and I have to run again? I like it here. I made friends for the first time in 35 years. I'm controlling my thirst, sort of. If only you can talk back to me Kai. I need your advice."
Thea finishes her coffee.
"Let's go get ready for our park day boy."
They go inside the house and Thea gets into the shower while Kai lays down on the bed waiting for her. She then gets out of the shower and gets ready. After she's done getting ready, she looks at the bathroom mirror.
Thea you can do this. You have self-control. There will be people around you, but you will not want to drink from them. Self-control. Self-control. Self-control.
She then hears Axl honk his car horn outside and Kai runs to the front door barking.
Okay you can do this.
Thea takes a deep breath and walks out the door, then her and Kai get into Axl's car.
"Hey what's up guys."
Axl said.
"Hey."
Thea said with a nervous voice.
"Well let's go get Cody."
Axl said as he drove off. He puts music on and started singing making Thea laugh.
I hate that he does this. How he makes me smile and laugh when we are together. I wish he wouldn't do this to me. I wish I could be able to tell him everything, and then just maybe we could be something more than friends.
They park in front of Cody's house and notice he's already outside waiting for them. Thea read his mind and Cody was so excited.
Wow he hasn't hung out with friends for a very long time. I hope I can be strong enough to last awhile at the park, before I have to make an excuse to leave because of my thirst.
Cody gets into the car.
"What's up little man!"
Axl shouts.
"Nothing, just excited to hang out with you guys."
"Where's your mom?"
Thea asks.
"At work."
"Okay well let's go before it gets crowded, I don't know how Kai will do around too many people yet."
That's a good excuse in case I lose control.
Axl drives off. The drive was quite with some small talk. They finally arrive at the park. It was a big green opened area with some swings and a slide with a beautiful ocean view. Cody and Kai run out of the car.
"Wow this place is beautiful. I don't remember it being this beautiful."
"You have been here before?"
Axl asks confused.
Crap. Should I just tell him that I have been here before, 35 years ago? I was here with my last friend that I had before something terrible happened, and I had to go on the run again.
"No. I never have. I don't know why I said that. I meant I don't remember reading about a park that was here that was this beautiful."
"Oh okay, yeah this is one of my favorite places. I like to come here and think sometimes. I look at the beautiful view and just think."
"That sounds amazing."
Axl then gets out a small ball from the car and throws it. Kai runs after it. Kai picked it up with his mouth and brought it back to Axl. Axl then gives the ball to Cody. Cody threw the ball. Thea looked around and saw not very many people there. She could read their minds, and everyone wanted to know who she was. As people walked by, they all stopped to say hi to Axl and looked at Thea like if she didn't belong with him. Then, Cody threw the ball, and as he threw it a woman was walking and texting on her phone. The ball was about to hit her face when Cody extended his arm and yelled,
"stop!"
The ball stopped in midair and dropped to the floor. Cody looked confused and looked at his hands. Axl and Thea looked at each other.
"Axl do a perimeter run now!"
Thea yelled.
"What are you talking about?"
"I know what you are Axl, please make sure no one suspicious is coming, you know what I'm referring to. Hurry! I'll grab Cody and Kai and meet you in the car!"
Thea saw everyone looking at her and Cody. Cody had panic in his eyes, he didn't understand what just happened.
"What's happening Thea?"
"Run to the car Cody."
Cody and Kai run to the car. Thea follows behind them to ensure no one was running after them. They get inside the car and Axl meets them. Axl was reaching in his pockets to grab the car keys, but Thea used her powers to turn the car on. Cody and Axl looked at Thea confused.
"DRIVE! Drive as fast as you can!"
Thea shouted.
"Where am I driving too?"
"My house, it will be safe there."
"Safe from who Thea? I'm scared."
Cody said frightened.
"Vampires."