40
Suzie, Connor and Mike went back to their quarters a few days later. Katey told them to rest for another week before coming back to the kitchen.
Colleen and I went down to see if she needed any help.
"No Ladies. The wolves are out feeding in the nice weather. I am just making preserves."
"Oh? What kind of preserves?" Colleen asked curiously.
"Some apple chutney and pumpkin sauce."
"Pumpkin sauce?" Colleen said. "I have never heard of that."
"It is what I call it. I put it in my breads."
"I see. All right seeing that you do not need us. We will see you later."
"All right."
We left the kitchen and went back to Colleen's quarters. As soon as we entered Colleen asked me. "Did any of those scents smell like apple and pumpkin?"
"No. It was more like boiled meat." I said.
"That is it." She nodded. "I wonder why she lied?"
I shrugged my shoulders. "I do not know."
"I will not be trying any of those preserves."
We made a soup and a stew for our dinner. John came in and sat down.
"Have you been down to the kitchen recently?" He asked.
We nodded. "Did you smell what Miss Katey was cooking?"
"Yes she told us it was apple chutney.'
"That was no apple chutney. She was cooking some kind of meat." He said with disgust. "I wonder what it is for?"
"I guess we will find out eventually." I said. I looked at John. His eyes were a darker blue. "How was your day John?"
"It was all right I guess. I felt restless all day."
"Oh?" Colleen turned to John. She was stirring the soup. "How restless do you feel John?"
"I feel like I want to run and not stop."
"That sounds like fun." She said. "Excuse me for a moment." Colleen went into her bedroom then came back out a few moments later. "The men will be back for their dinner shortly."
"I will help you set the table Colleen."
"Thank you Kylie." We glanced at John. He was rocking back and forth with his eyes closed. Colleen quickly signed to me 'that she had contacted Paddy and Shaun and they are on their way.' I nodded. We finished preparing dinner.
John stayed in his chair.
Paddy, Shaun and Quinn walked in. "Mm. It smells good in here." Shaun said kissing Colleen's cheek.
Quinn and Paddy sat beside John.
"How are you doing Son?" Paddy asked gently.
"I am feeling very confused Dad." He whispered.
"That happens."
"It does." John looked at Paddy. His eyes were jet black.
"I know what you are going through." Quinn said.
"You do."
"Yes I do. It is called 'hell.'" Quinn told him.
"Good name. That is certainly how I feel right now."
"Do not worry we will take care of you."
"Thank you Quinn."
Paddy turned to his father. "Where do we take him?" Shaun thought for a moment. "There is an abandon village just North of us."
"Oh yes I know where it is." Paddy nodded.
"It is far enough away to be away from everyone but close enough to us if you need help." Shaun nodded towards John.
"I am hoping that does not happen again."
"Me too." I said.
"Go get ready. We will watch him." Shaun told us.
Paddy, Quinn and I went to our quarters to pack. "Let me know if you need anything. I will come and bring it to you."
"All right Son."
We hugged him good bye then went back to Shaun's quarters to pick up John.
We left by the main entrance then we ran North to the village. We arrived a half an hour later. John still wanted to run. I found a hut to store our things in. I watched John go through his wild run. Paddy was right behind him.
He came to the hut a day later totally exhausted. They ate then fell asleep. This went on for a week. Paddy would eat and rest while John slept.
Quinn brought us some food two weeks later. He looked so tired.
"How are you doing?" I asked.
"I am doing all right. I have been keeping busy with patrols and sitting with Missy. Suzie and I have been taking turns."
"That is good."
"You were right. She did come around. She thinks it is her fault Missy has not woken up yet. I do not have the heart to tell her that it probably is. Wanting to fight an immortal." Quinn shook his head and was quiet for a while.
"It is becoming colder. The snows will becoming soon."
"I keep a fire going for them when they come in to rest."
"How is John doing?" He asked.
"Not bad. Your Dad says he is going through fast enough but not as fast as you and Cassie."
He nodded. "Ramon, Constantine and Mariela should be going through it soon."
"Maybe." I poured some tea for him.
Paddy and John came walking into the firelight.
"Hey Quinn." John said happily. "How are you doing?" He sounded like he was not too sure who he was.
"Your brother John has been exploring the countryside." Paddy told Quinn.
"Brother." John whispered to himself. "Cassie. Sister." John looked at us. "Mother. Father." I smiled and nodded. He smiled back.
"Quinn, your brother, has brought us some food while we are away from home."
John looked at Quinn, he was deciding on the right response. "Good." He shook his head. "Thank you." He whispered. "Thank you." He said louder.
"You are welcome John."
Quinn signed 'Memory lapse.' We nodded.
John's sleep cycle changed instead of sleeping one day out of ten. He was sleeping three days out of five.
Quinn stayed with us while John slept.
"Did I sleep that much Dad?"
"No. Your Aunt and Uncle did not either. Come to think of it neither did Cassie."
"Amazing. I wonder what it would be like to sleep that long?" Quinn wondered.
"You know I have never slept that long either. Well at least I do not remember if I did." Paddy said.
"Mom you have. What does it feel like?"
"Whenever I slept I was either with child or healing. I did not find it very restful."
"I see." Quinn looked at John sleeping peacefully. "I do not think he would remember if I asked him."
"No not yet." Paddy said.
"Well I better be going back Grandpa will think there is something wrong." He stood up. "I will be back in two weeks with more food."
"All right." We hugged him goodbye.
"I like this part I get to run for a while." He smiled then dashed off. We laughed.
