Through the Swell

Chapter 10 - Joe Pilkin

*Joe's POV* #week 1

Its pretty quiet now Liv isn't here. Luke and I aren't talking, but then Luke doesn't talk to anyone now, he just comes in, sits in silence, does his job and goes home. He had a few days off, but that did no good at all.

He must be unhappy, he doesn't tell anyone why, just grunts and looks at the floor and then back out to sea. I hope he feels bad, I hope he feels awful for being party responsible for what happened to Liv. I shook myself out of my daydream as we stood in our morning meeting, Liv no where in sight.

"It's funny without Liv but we've got 3 weeks without her, so best get used to it boys" Haynes shrugged.

"Deano and Luke, North side, Joe and Jackson, tower duty, Kert, kiddies corner, the rest of you on patrol, it's an exceptionally hot day today lads a don't let your guard down, lost kids, parents, first aids, the lot, we good?"

"Yes sir" I shrugged, I guess tower duty wasn't too bad the way I felt, it had only been two days but even on a Wednesday it felt like Monday the time passed so slow. Monday was lonely, I was on kiddies alone where I was usually with Liv, and it took its tole.

One less pair of eyes for 2000 people was a tough one, especially on your own and I was in way too deep, eventually I caved and radioed for help. And as much as I LOVE the company of my favourite bro Harrison, it just wasn't quite the same as my sister Liv, I said I'd always look after her and I'd never go back on my word.

But she is so far away getting better right now I can't reach her, I can't get to her if she needs me, if she's in pain, if she struggling I can't help her or hold her.

Tuesday was the same as Monday, although it was H's birthday so we all celebrated that night. But the light in the room was out because Liv wasn't there, there was no bright spark, just a dull hum of celebration. I got home afterwards and just laid in bed and thought about Liv, she was my little sister and I hated how restricted from her I was, I'd take a bullet for that girl if it means saving her life. I know all those boys would.

Shame Luke wouldn't do the same

"Mate, Mate you okay?" Jackson shook me smiling before I snapped out of it. "You okay bud?" He raised his eyebrows whilst his right hand was on my shoulder.

"Yeah mate, I'm good, promise" I smiled and shrugged his hand off running my hand through my hair.

"You miss her huh?" He mumbled as he sat down and raised the binocs to His eyes.

"Yeah, just a little, there's no little bit of magic you know?" I sighed falling into my chair and grabbing my radio and bino's. "Do you like her Mate?" Jackson asked.

"No, as a sister, absolutely, as a lover, no" I stated firmly, glad I could finally clarify with someone before the rumours got out of hand. "Okay mate, just checking!!" Jackson laughed putting his hands up defensively.

"No need for that mate" I laughed with him leaning back in my seat.

"It's just a little quiet without her quirky and bubbly self around, I wonder if she'll be okay?"

"Of course she will" I hear from behind me, too deep to be Jackson. Luke. "Oh my word! He speaks!!" Jackson laughed but Luke just looked at him and scowled.

"You okay Luke?" I thought I'd take the nice approach

"I'd be better if we weren't talking".

"It literally costs $0.00 for you to be nice Luke, I was literally asking how you were" I hissed as I leant back in my seat, I could feel his eyes boring into the back of my head.