Eric's Mess 4

Soon after my mother arrived and told me of her day at the boat yard. Since she had become a supervisor her hours had shifted to leave her coming home much later than before.

I was finishing my chemistry homework when she came in. For some reason I had an unjustifiable urge to keep the day's stories about Eric all to myself. It wasn't long after that that I fell asleep. I had eaten while working.

“Delanie...” The voice called close to me. I could almost feel the breath on my skin as my name resounded. “Delanie, look at me.”

The face that matched the voice appeared before me in a flash and smiled graciously. I stared at the enigma before me, basking in all of the emotions surrounding me.

He came towards me in such a sudden motion that if I had blinked, I might have missed it. I didn't want to miss anything.

A hand hovered over my cheek, less then an inch away, and with that a coy shiver ran quick up my spine. I smiled back and reached to take the hand in my own. As soon as my skin touched his though, he whipped it away. A grim look took over the smile that I had found so comforting and found myself backing away. Something was compelling me to back up, turn around, or in any other way find myself farther away from the body before me.

It was then that he gripped me by the shoulders and thrust me towards himself. I couldn't escape him.

“What the hell was that?” The radio on my alarm clock was playing loud and crystal clear. So, I shut it off. I got up and threw my blankets back on my bed. Somehow they had made it to the floor during my restless sleep. “What a weird dream.”

In the bathroom, I did my business, brushed my teeth and then my hair, placing it in a messy bun. “What to wear, what to wear?” I sang as I stepped up to my closet. A pair of dark jeans and a short sleeved gray v-neck would suit me fine today.

With my bag packed from last night I headed out to the kitchen. That's funny. I thought. Mom's car is still here. Or maybe that wasn't Mom's car. Uh-oh. I had totally forgotten about Eric picking me up this morning.

I ran out to the car after grabbing a bagel to stuff in my bag. As I opened the door a blast of alternative rock flowed out. Eric turned it down as I took a step inside the car and threw by bag to my feet. “Sorry about that.” I breathed.

“No worries, I'm early.” He tapped the green numbers on the clock that read 7:23. I just shrugged it off and put on my seat belt.

Eric started the car right off and headed out of my driveway. “So how do you like your new house?” Eric had told me we were living in the same town but I wasn't sure what house he was in. There were plenty for sale.

He glanced over at me. “It's nice. I'm on Willy District Road; the white house with black trim.”

“Wow, Nice place.” I had passed by that place many times but had never been in. Three stories of absolute beauty. And only a street over from me.

We made a turn onto the main road and Eric sped up. He turned up the music just a notch and sang along very quietly. By the volume of his voice I wasn't sure if he really wanted me to hear him; but I did. His voice sounded absolutely beautiful and I kept perfectly silent throughout the song to make sure I didn't miss a single note.

Suddenly, he stopped and looked over at me looking a little embarrassed. “What?”

Oh God, I was staring again! Damn it! “Your voice...” I was looking for a way to compliment him without sounding cheesy. “It's just amazing.” Okay I fail, but at least I didn't swoon or make it sound any more girlie than it came out.

“Thanks.” It was a sincere 'Thanks' but he was definitely dropping the subject of his ability to sing better than any top artist out on the charts.

Time for a subject change. I told myself. “So, how do you like the rest of your classes?”

A new air filled around Eric then and he was off and running. “Well, study hall was pretty boring yesterday considering I had no work or had anyone to really talk to. So, I just doodled most of the class.”

“I'll have to give a visit today.” I interrupted.

“Do you skip class often?” Eric inquired. He knew exactly what I was talking about.

I smirked and explained that I tended to miss a chunk of the classes that I knew I had no possibility of getting a B in. I'm no straight A student, but in certain areas, such a science, it was like the information was embedded into my DNA. “Drake and Leslee are also in that class you know.”

“I thought they had looked familiar by last block.” Boy, if Eric wanted someone to talk to first block, I knew Leslee would be first in line.

He gave me another one of those gorgeous half-smiles again. “It's a shame you are not in all of my classes though. You sure do a better job of introducing me to everyone better than I do.”

I do believe I blushed then. “I'll take that as a compliment.” My voice had suddenly become quiet and Eric choked out a laugh in response as he pulled into the school driveway.

We drove around back passed the senior parking lot and parked very close to where he had been yesterday. The pavement was dispersed with random clusters of cars and people when we got out of the car. A number of them looked out way as we walked up to the school.

I had some trouble focusing on the question that had been on hand with all the eyes looking our way- or rather Eric's way. “So, the rest of you classes are good too?” I finally spit out.

“Yeah. I have studio art second block which I absolutely love. And my teacher is nuts.” Mr. Asalton was one of the favorite teachers throughout the school, nominated for his laid back attitude and hilarious actions within the classroom.

Eric continued on as we made our way into the building. We headed for the lockers. “Then I have anatomy and physiology. I like science too.” And he winked at me.

That caused a chain reaction that started with a giggle from me. I just thought it was too cute that he had winked. And so did the rest of the school. We came to my locker first were the stares began to increase. Like I said: small school. Lots of gossip was conducted and overheard from my locker to his ranging between the subjects of Eric being new, Eric being hot, and me dating. I had snickered at that one.

He chose to walk me to class and stopped me before I could say bye. “So, I will see you sometime this block?”

“Probably most of the second half. I do try to put up with some of the boredom.” I waved a very small wave and headed into the room to take my seat. And there were some stares to endure here too.