Eric's Mess 3

“Which way from here?”

I sighed again and set my head back against the headrest. “Left.”

Eric looked at me from the corner of his eye and let his smile fade. He turned up the road and slowed down with the speed. I was thankful, though the ride was nearing it's end.

“So, where does your dad work?” I lifted my head as I spoke and Eric's smile returned gracefully. His eyes glowed as he glanced at me once more.

“The Lab for now.” The Andrew Laboratory was employer to most of the adults in the area but spread out even past county lines. It was no surprise that anyone would apply there as soon as they reached the area, but usually it took some time before anyone was hired unless they were top notch.

“What about your mom?” Eric questioned with interest. “That's who you said you live with?”

My turn. “Yeah, she paints the stripes and names at Pipette Yachts.” It was just the two of us at the house but that was the way I liked it. I never knew my father because I was only three when they split up. And we never picked up from there.

“Does your brother go to school with us?”

Eric rolled his eyes. “Unfortunately, yes. He's a sophomore.” Eric and I were both juniors.

“I kind of get the impression you two don't get along.” It probably wasn't a good idea to bring stuff like this up so soon, but I just couldn't hold back my yearning to know about the both of them.

Eric chuckled a little at my remark and just shrugged. I guess that was a good sign that they didn't completely hate each other.

I glanced out the window to realize we were about to pass my house. “Oh, it's right there on the left with the gold mailbox.” I point over Eric through the windshield.

The car pulled into place so smoothly surprising me at its control. Eric turned off the car and just sat in place for a moment while I got my key out of my pocket. When I looked back up though, he was unbuckled and staring at me closer than before. Does he want to come in?Should I invite him?

“Would you like to come in for a drink or something?” I fumbled with my seatbelt unable unhook it or lose eye contact with Eric. Without loosing the same concentrated stare though, Eric suddenly leaned forward and unlatched the buckle. He reached over me to unwrap the belt from my body and place it against the door. To do so, he got so close to my face that I thought it impossible to even flinch without us ending up in a kiss.

Eric's eyes looked me over in our still very close pose while I held my breath. “Thank you Delanie, but I really should be getting home.” He backed away if only an inch. “Not good to be late coming home after the first day.”

I took a breath with the given space provided. “Yeah, maybe some other time then.”

“I'll take you up on that offer.” Eric smiled slyly and started the car back up breaking his gaze with me. I blinked a few times and reached for the door handle. Hesitation crept though my body. I made myself step out of the car though, and close the door, and open my own. I had to pry myself away from him like an addict.

I heard the car pull out of my driveway and I gave a heavy sigh. What was this boy doing to me?

I made my way to the bathroom and pulled my hair down from its ponytail. It was a little over shoulder length and dirty blond to match my deep blue eyes. I was 5'7” and well endowed. My skin was fair and smooth with a good complexion. And yet I didn't have a boyfriend. Not that I wasn't liked. But I was a picky girl myself. My friends always teased me for it saying I was untouchable. I wasn't though. I am touchable. I just hadn't found anyone that I wanted to touch me.

In my bedroom I changed from my jeans into bed shorts leaving on my graffiti t-shirt. I picked up a few things from my laundry basket to trow in the wash and then headed out to the kitchen. From there I turned on the radio and started the dishes. It was as the song was fading into another that I heard a car pull into the driveway. Mom is home early.

When I heard the knock though, I knew something wasn't right. I turned down the music and made my way to the door. The dark figure on the other side made my heart pound faster before I even got my hand on the knob.

“Are you taking up that offer so soon?” I tried to keep my heart from racing as I spoke as not to make my voice shaky. I was way too excited to see him again.

“Not quite yet.” Eric smiled and lifted up my backpack. “I think you might have forgotten something.”

I blushed and then took step forward to take it from him. “Thanks.”

Eric handed my bag to me and then let a very serious look take over his face as he looked my over again. “Do you want a ride to school tomorrow?”

“Are you sure?” Eric nodded completely. “Then, yeah. That would be nice. What time?”

A dreamy look took over the previous one as he spoke. “How about 7:30?”

“Perfect.” I put the bag over my shoulder to walk it down to my bedroom when Eric had left and flushed realizing that he had seen me as I was.