Blue Bird

Chapter Ten

The blue bird got accustomed to its surroundings now with new friends, they would flew far away but always come back to what they now call their home.

The big day has arrived for Joe. She is meeting Eric's good friends.

Overthinking about what she should be dressed as...she ended up with a casual pair of jeans and her favorite shirt from a well-known TV show.

Knock...Knock...

All nervous and fidgeting Joe kept thinking maybe this was a bad idea, especially since she is still unaccustomed to talking to a lot of strangers. Joe knew Eric's friends, he talked about them a lot. She knew their likes and dislikes.

-Hello! You must be the famous JOANNA! Said Khalid approaching for a hug.

- Hi...Hello...ha-ha...

And they hugged very awkwardly alas. Joe is still unfamiliar with how she should act around others. She barely is going out of her shell.

Eric rushed in, grabbed her hand and took her away to his bedroom.

-I am terribly sorry...Khalid is always overly friendly...I forgot to mention it. I hope you are, okay?

-Ah...Don't worry...I was taken aback but I am okay.

Joe looked at all the pile of books Eric had in his room.

-Oh, so you are a reader? How come you never mentioned that?

-I do not know, I guess...the opportunity never rose.

-You also have a whole collection of movies? NICE!!

-It is an old hobby of mine...

Eric felt very nervous having Joanna in his room, looking around.

-Should we go back? The boys ended up inviting two more girls...I hope you do not mind?

-Oh no not at all. It is even better...I was slightly nervous to be with four men alone to be honest...

-Let's go!

Joanna did not feel uncomfortable at the slightest. She was fitting in easily. They talked about all various topics yet she could keep up with no trouble whatsoever.

She kept thinking though...was there a reason for bringing two girls...were they trying to match make or something...she kept thinking.

Olive and Elizabeth were their names. Joe hit it off with Elizabeth and they became close as if they knew each other since long ago. Joe was so happy she made a female friend other than Louise.

Olive on the other hand...kept gazing at Joe strangely...

-So, Joe how did you meet Eric? Said Olive with a slight snicker.

-We met at our favorite coffeeshop ...and no we will not expose its name. It is ours, alone. Declared Eric.

-She can speak for herself, right? You've been talking to Elizabeth and the boys; I am sure you can answer me yourself.

Olive was the reincarnation of the queen of bitches.

The group grew silent after Olive's declaration.

-So, we the boys shall prepare the drinks! Come on let's go! Said Khalid trying to make an escape with the guys.

Olive of course completely ignored Elizabeth and Joe got up and followed Eric and started clinging onto him.

Joe was completely unbothered and kept focusing on her new found friendship with Elizabeth. Elizabeth was wearing the most gorgeous dress ever and her blonde long hair was overflowing. If Joe was a boy, she would definitely fall for Elizabeth.

Eric unfazed by Olive kept helping the boys with the drinks.

-So, Eric are you seeing someone? If not, we totally should hang out sometime.

Eric grabbed Olive dragging her across the kitchen away from everyone and said carefully

-Look, Olive you are a charming lady, you really are. But I am not interested. And will never be, so just give up, okay?

Olive felt the embarrassment rushing in, she suddenly poured her drink at Eric, grabbed her bag and left in a hurry.

Joe saw the whole thing unintentionally; she went to grab her phone from her coat that she forgot to bring over.

-Are you okay? I did not mean to eavesdrop; I was grabbing my phone...

-It is okay...I deserved that...

-No, you most definitely do not deserve that. You were honest with her. I have always admired how frank you are with everyone.

Joe and Eric went onto his bedroom again. She grabbed the nearest towel and dried him. He took off his shirt yet Joe unfazed did not mind at all. Joe has become too familiar to be uncomfortable around him even when he is half naked.

-I really hope the drink will not stain your shirt...it was one of my favorites...

-Eric while laughing said, really? Well, if it leaves a stain, I will get another one.

And so, they sat beside each other in the bed, staring at each other comfortably, till they were called for dinner.

They have become too close. Way too close.