It had been a month that Erik and Ariana had lived together. The two were getting even closer to the other, but only in their hearts. Ever since that evening 2 weeks earlier, neither had really spoke to each other, nor mention what had occurred that evening. As each day passed, Erik found himself thinking about Christine less and less. Instead, images of Ariana filled his head every moment he had a stray thought or wasn't busy. Which, he found himself doing on many occasions. In his dreams he would dream of her smile, her laugh, and the glow she had whenever she would gracefully dance. This brought him joy and always made his heart flutter whenever he saw her. He tried to avoid her whenever he could, but after a while found that he couldn't help but be near her. With her he felt complete, like a normal man and not a monster. Ariana always found her thoughts wandering to him and her dreams revealing feelings that continued to grow fervently. Her heart would always fly whenever he was around or she could hear his voice. Sometimes she tried to avoid him since things had become awkward since that night. Both were enchanted from the other, but also scared from their feelings towards the other. Ariana feared that she was just the rebound girl, or that he would never get over Christine. Or worse yet compare her to Christine. Erik feared another rejection, that she had only kissed him back because she pitied him. He didn't want pity. He wanted love, love from her. He wanted someone who could look past his disfigurement and moody emotions.
Towards the end of the first week of the second month together there was a knock on the door. Running towards it Ariana called, "Coming! Hold on!!" Throwing open the door, Ariana saw a young man of about 6 feet 4 inches tall, with blonde shaggy hair and crystal blue eyes, smiling on the other side. "Oh! Who indeed are you?!!" Ariana muttered startled. Hat in hand the blonde man bowed graciously at an odd angle and introduced himself, "I am Hugo. Hugo Banesworth. I am your neighbor. I only live 5 miles down the road. I thought that I would stop by and welcome you to the neighborhood. May I come in?"
"Oh!" Ariana muttered taken aback by the man named Hugo's attitude, "Yes! Yes, of course! Come in! Come in!" Ariana finished backing out of the man's way to let him in. "Thank you. Thank you, so kindly." Hugo said extending his outstretched hand towards Ariana's. Again startled, Ariana let him capture her hand into a more then friendly hand shake that finally required her to take her other hand and pry the other from Hugo's grasp. Hugo smiled to her and beamed. Ariana smiled back weakly. This Hugo had a lot of energy that already was tiring her out. "How nice of you to come. I didn't know I had neighbors. Do you have a wife and kids?" Ariana asked curiously, wanting to know more of her curious visitor. Shaking his head he also confirmed verbally, "No. Not many women can seem to keep up with me. Also, some find my charm too charming." He grinned at this last part and laughed loudly. This brought Erik in from another part of the house. Looking puzzled he muttered, "Who are you?"
Ariana and Hugo both turned to Erik's voice. Ariana replied swiftly extending her hand to point, "Erik, this is Hugo. Hugo Banesworth." Then turning to Hugo she stated, "Hugo, this is Erik." Hugo extended his hand towards Erik's, "Nice to meet you, Erik. I just came over to welcome you to this area. I am your neighbor." Erik stared at Hugo's outstretched hand and hesitated. Till finally he also extended his hand and they both shook hands. Once done, Erik was loss for words. Luckily, Ariana broke the silence for an offer of tea and asked the men to sit down till she returned. After the two men were seated, Ariana went to the kitchen and started the kettle. Erik sat quietly, uncomfortable. Finally, Hugo broke the awkward silence, "Is she your wife?" Erik was taken aback for a moment. Wife? "Who are you talking about?" Erik asked confused. "Well the woman in the kitchen of course!" Hugo exclaimed. "Oh." Was all Erik could muster until he said, "Ariana? Oh no! We are just friends that live together. Why?" "Oh, no reason. Just was curious is all." Hugo replied.
Both started twiddling their thumbs waiting for Ariana to return from the kitchen. Like on command Ariana returned with tea tray in hand. She placed it on the coffee table in front of them. She then smiled and took the chair across from them. Starting the conversation Ariana said, "What occupation do you have Hugo?"
"I am in business. I own several businesses in Paris, Italy, Spain, and Russia. I'm filthy rich but I choose to live out here. I prefer to be as simple as I can. But if I could find a suitable woman then I would get fancy to appease her. Since women love that kind of thing." Hugo responded with solid confidence like he actually knew what he was talking about. Ariana and Erik tried not to punch the guy. To them he was someone they didn't want to get to know. Erik picking up what Ariana was feeling ushered Hugo out the door. After the door closed behind Hugo Ariana let out a breath of relief. Erik looked to Ariana, "I'm glad he's gone. And you?" Ariana nodded her head in agreement, "I sure am. Erik? Can I talk to you?" Erik puzzled, "Yeah, I guess so." He follows her into the next room. Ariana turns to him and pulls his head down into a quick kiss. Then she pulls back and steps back a few steps. "Sorry. But, I have wanted to do that for a while now. Ever since that first kiss I haven't been able to get my mind of f of you. I dream about you and I think about y" Ariana answer was interrupted when she found that Erik had closed the remaining distance between them and kissed her lips passionately. He finally pulled away and looked into her eyes, "Ariana? Did you really mean that?" Ariana met his gaze and responded with a confident smile, "Yes, Erik I did. And I also know that I am falling for you. My mistake I already have." Erik couldn't believe her words. They brought hope into his heart and were music to his battered soul. With that he claimed her lips and both knew true bliss.