Chapter 9:

Marie POV

It was the Thursday after Summer had given birth to Ella, and things couldn't be more hectic. At least things between Erin, Summer, and Raoul. The day Ella was born Summer, and Erin decided to be together so they could raise Ella. The problem that stood in their way was Meg, and Raoul. Or should I really just say Raoul. Erin did break up with Meg, but when he did there were no hard feelings left between the two. As for Raoul…. Well I can't say the same for him. When Summer left Raoul, she made sure to tell him the reason, and that reason was Erin. After Summer left him, Raoul went crazy with anger. He threatened Erin, and started stating that he was going to kill himself if he didn't get her back. Erin of course just pretended to not be bothered by Raoul's broken heart in hopes that it would blow over with no harm done. Summer however felt guilty, and Erin could see that. With everything going on with Raoul, it was hard for Summer, and Erin to be happy.

As for me, most of my nights lately consisted of dance, and comforting Raoul. I guess spending time with him actually calmed me down too. Almost everyone around me was content, and had someone. Me… I was just lonely. I developed feelings for Erin, and here I was sitting trying to help his relationship with Summer by comforting Raoul. At this point, I wasn't even sure I'd ever have someone.

"She's beautiful." I looked down at the small baby in my hands then glanced back up to smile at Summer.

"Thank you Marie! Well I have to run to the store to get some more food for Ella." Summer looked back at Erin who was standing in the back of the room. "Erin will you watch her?"

"Of course Summer!"

"Alright! I'll see you two later!" Summer smiled widely, and skipped out the door. The room fell silent as I handed Ella back to Erin, and headed for the door.

"Marie, why are in such a rush. What's wrong?" I turned around slowly to face him with a fake smile plastered on me.

"I'm fine."

"I know you better than that. What is it?"

"It's just, I feel alone. That's all." Erin took my arm to sit me down on the couch, and talk to him. "I don't want to ruin your happiness with my stupid problems."

"They're not stupid."

"It seems like almost every guy here is obsessed with Summer, or has some history with her." Maybe not every guy liked Summer, but it sure as hell felt like it.

"It's really complicated, but Marie I haven't even seen you show any interest in any guy around here."

"I have."

"Why haven't you told me who? I thought we were closer than this? I can set you up!" Erin smiled widely with excitement, but I just looked at him with a straight face. Then came my first bold moment in a while.

"I never told you because it is you."

"Me?" Erin stared at me with confusion written all over his face.

"Yes. I'm sorry I just ruined things. I know you're happy with Summer, and you have a baby. I'm just me. You barely know me, and I should have never expected anything to happen between us. You, and Summer have all this history together. I just couldn't help the way I fee-" The next thing I knew, I was cut off mid-sentence with Erin's lips. Of course I immediately kissed him back, I almost couldn't even help it. When reality kicked back, I pulled back to look him straight in the face. "What the hell was that?"

"I like you too." I stared at him in disbelief. Did he really just kiss me? What about Summer? What about Ella?

"Erin you're with Summer."

"I know, but I like you. I want to give us a shot. With everything going on with Raoul, I can't even be happy with Summer. I know she still loves him, and I want to fix things. If I break up with Summer then her, and Raoul can be happy together. Plus, I want to try a relationship with you." Erin smiled at me, and took my hands in his.

"If you break up with Summer, and everything works out.. then we can talk about us." I squeezed his hand, and smiled back at him.

"Deal."