Ch 5: How to Deal with This?

I don't know how long I drink for, but he takes it like a champ. Then, he gently nudges me.

"Alright, that's enough for now, little one."

I let go. Little one, huh? That's what Marve always called me. That begs the question...

"Would it be impolite to ask how old you are?"

He wipes some extra blood off with a tissue and chuckles. "No, I think its a valid question. I've been on this Earth for 752 years as of last month."

"You still keep track of the months?"

Shrugging, he says "What can I say? Old habits die hard. And how old are you?"

I look down and think about how to best answer that question. Normally, I'd just blurt it out, unabashed by nicety. But now, it just doesn't feel right. "I just turned 24 a few days ago."

Luckily, I think he understands what I mean, and gets this dark look on his face. I didn't think anything could mar that face, but he looks very upset by the thought of what happened. I wonder why he cares so much. Then again, why do I care so much?

"Hey, do you think I could rest for a bit? I need to sort things out."

He looks back at me, somewhat startled. "Yes, of course. I took the liberty of unpacking your things. Clothes in the closet, phone and medication in the nightstand. Just yell if you need anything." With that he walks out of the room, closing the door behind him.

Oh, thank the gods my mother had the forethought to grab my meds! I open the top drawer and see everything neatly sorted. I grab the bottle of anxiety meds and pop one in my mouth, downing it with a glass of water. With that done, I go ahead and go through it all, grabbing the ones I've missed. If I've been conked out for three days, I'm way behind. That's the funny thing about mental health. If you don't take your meds consistently, they wont work. I take everything and lean back in the bed.

Should I text Mom? Let her know I'm okay? Eh, maybe later. I'm sure Dad is still throwing a fit. Marleen maybe? Come to think of it, if its been so long, she must be worried about me. Have they reached out to my parents yet? A tear slips from my eye. Then they start pouring out.

Jeez, I'm not usually like this. I like to think I handle things well but... This just changes so much! Yeah, the guy I'm living with is hot, but is that worth my whole life? I'm violently sobbing now. I grab a tissue from the box on the nightstand and wipe the snot from my nose. But it all just keeps coming out. Tears containing all my frustration, all my hopeless sorrow at the situation.

How am I going to live now? Am I just some random vampires pet now? I mean that might not be as bad as it sounds but... I miss my life already. It feels like just yesterday since I walked out of my house, annoyed with my parents.

But maybe this guy is right. I've heard of what happens when a young vamp gets loose from its creator. It turns into a blood bath. If I accidentally killed someone, I would hate myself for the rest of my life.

Ugh, the idea makes me feel like puking. I look around the room I'm in. Overall, there are 3 doors, which means one of them has to be a bathroom. I know he went out the one to the left of the bed, so I get up and go to one of the ones on the right. luckily the first one I open is the bathroom, because I'm dizzy and unsteady on my feet. I lean over the toilet and empty the contents of my stomach, which isn't a lot.

I spend who knows how long on the bathroom floor, just crying and trying to catch my breath. The cold tile feels good... After a while, I start to calm down. Just as I've caught my breath, there's a knock on the bedroom door. I ignore it. I don't really feel like talking right now. Besides, I'd die if he saw me like this.

But he doesn't let up. Through the door I hear, "Terra, are you okay?"

With a deep sigh, I respond. "To be honest, not really, Cam." That's all I remember of his name. I know it was as sweet as the voice that said it, but my mind is drawing a blank.

He takes a moment to respond. "Do you need anything?"

I'm about to say no, but then I think of how much I cried. "A bottle of water would be nice."

I don't know what his reaction was, but his voice sounds relieved. "I can do that. I'll be right back."

I almost wish he wouldn't, but I really need cold water right now. I flush the toilet, but stay where I'm at. I don't think I could if I tried, honestly. My body is still weak, I guess. As I think about it, I look down at my legs, and any exposed skin to see how I faired. No bruises that I can see, but my hips and back hurts. I wouldn't say it feels like I was hit by a car though. Oh joy to the wonders of vampire blood.

A few minutes later, another knock at the door. "I'm coming in" I sigh, wishing he wouldn't.

He opens the door and looks in. I don't think he can see into the bathroom from where he's at, because he doesn't say anything except "Are you okay?"

Am I? No. "I will be. Just not right now."

"Do you want me to bring this in? I know you're not feeling well but it's almost time for another blooding."

Again? Didn't I just do that? "How long has it been since the last?"

"It's been four hours."

Jeez, that's a long time. F**k. I really don't want to, but he knows better than I do. "Fine, come in."

He carefully walks in, not knowing what to expect I guess. He looks me up and down, then sits on the floor beside me, handing me the bottle of water. Its nice and cold.

Opening it right away, I take a long pull, downing about half the bottle. With a sigh I look at him. "Will it have to be this often for long?"

He shifts his weight. "For a while at least."

I look down, not knowing what to say. I know i should be grateful to him, he saved me afterall, but I have a sinking feeling that he isn't telling me everything. "Fine, let's get it over with"

I go to draw from his wrist, but it's awkward. I'd have to practically sit in his lap. After trying a few times I sigh and drop his arm.

This butthead busts out laughing. I stare at him until he laughs himself out. "Is something funny?" I'm only half serious, honestly.

"Yes, of course haha. If you're having trouble try a different angle. Keep in mind that I'm going to be providing you blood often. Just find what works best for you. Don't worry about me." I can tell he means it, even though he's chuckling still. I look him over for a moment, then just go with the first thought that comes to mind. Getting on my knees and leaning forward, I go for his neck.

He stiffens up, but oh well. Too late now. I bite into his neck right where it connects to his shoulder as softly as I can. He sits as stiff as possible, almost like a wooden post. Once I've had enough to last, I pull away and look at him to see what's wrong.

He's as red as a tomato, all the way to his ears. Its cute honestly, but I'm worried I did something wrong. "Are you okay?"

He takes a deep breath and nods. " I'm fine, my neck is just sensitive."

The way he says it doesn't sound right. "Should I not do that from now on?" I sit back on my knees.

He rushes to reassure me. "No, no! You're fine!" He says, holding his hands up defensively. "Dont worry about it, I simply need to get used to it." He stands. "I assume you'd like your privacy, so I'll leave you be for now."

As he walks away, he's stiff still. I'm honestly kind of worried, until something catches my eye. OH! So that's what he meant by his neck being sensitive. I admire his willpower if he still lets me do it. I guess both of us have things to adjust to. Blushing slightly, I take a sip of my water and go to get off the bathroom floor.