I smile brightly at the two standing at the door. "See you two later!"

Allison grins back, tugging on her five-inch heel. She and Nadir are getting ready to go on their fancy dinner date. And I really do mean fancy. I've never seen them all dressed up. Allison and I will definitely be talking about this later tonight.

Erik is...somewhere... Tonight we decided to stay in and have a home-cooked meal. I worked really hard on it, hoping to make something so delectable that his tastebuds explode.

As a result, my masterpiece is eggplant parmesan. One of my favorites.

"Yep." Allison gives me a small hug. Pulling back, she winks, "Have fun." I grimace at her indication. I don't know why she said or did that-there is nothing to 'indicate' and she knows it.

"See you, Erik," Nadir cries out, waving his hand. He nods to me, giving a dazzling smile.

Nadir seems to give those more when Allison is around. I like that she makes him do that.

Erik, out of thin air, appears next to me, making me jump. "Leave already, Persian….and lady."

His voice grows softer when addressing Allison.

Nadir smirks, letting Allison exit first. Before closing the door, he points one final finger at us, "Behave, you two. I'm sure Allison will agree with me when I say we don't want to come home to see two bare butts raised high in the air."

Erik and I were at a loss for words. Nadir slams the door shut, Allison's boisterous laughter can be heard bouncing off the walls.

Erik and I are both turn red in the face. We sneak a flashing glance at one another, giggling nervously.

"They are too much alike," I mumble, still heated.

"It's a hazard," Erik admits.

"A crime."

"They can't be stopped."

"And neither will we by their comments. I still plan to have a wonderful, hearty night; we won't let there actions spoil it. Are you hungry? Dinner is ready whenever you are." I walk into the kitchen, holding my grumbling stomach.

"I'm ready to eat. What did you make exactly?" Erik stands behind me, peeking over my shoulder.

I pull the dish from the oven, setting it on top of the stove.

Lola is gone for the evening...for the entire night, actually. She's at a friend's for a sleepover. Can you believe it?! I couldn't. Allison and I, originally, wouldn't be this open to letting her stay at someone's home, but we know this family and their daughter very well. We knew they could be trusted. And better yet, Lola trusted them, which made us feel even better.

Lola's been living with us ever since she became an orphan. She's been adjusting well to it, I think. Yet I can sense a fear of abandonment in her eyes, so she's been surrounding herself with friends she trusts. Despite her fear, I can also see a sparkle in her eyes that looks like genuine happiness. I believe she's finally happy.

Erik, Nadir, Allison, and I, even Rebecca at times, try to stay close to Lola and keep her company. It's brought us all closer to each other emotionally. Sometimes I even mistake them for kin, especially on nights where all of us are congregated together and laughing and playing.

"Eggplant parmesan," I answer him.

"Huh. Sounds interesting." Erik leans his head down and sniffs. His eyes pop. "Wow. That smells amazing!"

I smile, pleased at his praise. "Then I hope you enjoy it."

In less than five minutes, our food-filled plates are resting atop the dining table. Erik really enjoyed the dish, which I was more than pleased about. We mainly talked about his work. He's been working on this opera for the past several months; he is now trying to have it published and, hopefully, convince a company to perform it. He won't tell me what it's about yet (he won't even give me a hint on what genre it is), but he says I'll be the first to know when casting auditions begin.

I desperately wish to see his opera.

Erik and I eventually grow cozy on the couch, holding hands and savor each others company. We talk about school and work and Lola and everything else in the world, which includes

politics. It's not my favorite subject, but Erik likes giving his opinion on it, so I give him the satisfaction. Besides that one topic, our conversations never get old or boring. Under his request I tell him some of my childhood.

I tell him a mixture of stories, including dramatic moments, sad moments, scary moments, happy

moments, and so on. He was pleased with most of them; he laughed at the funny stories, got jealous with others (like when I mentioned a few of my past crushes), and angry at the ones that were scary.

Glad to know he finds my life entertaining.

I fiercely want to ask about his past, but was scared that it would put a damper on our evening. I know that his past was a battlefield, but did I want to raise the gun first, or should I allow him that liberty? I decide that I would let him come out with it first, unless he takes too long to do so, otherwise, I would ask him.

My pregnancy is still a secret...for now. I will tell soon. Promise. I have to-that bump is growing more and more noticeable.

"Hey." I poke his side. "When your opera comes out, will you take me to see it?"

Erik seems surprised I asked, "Of course! No doubt about it. I'll need the support."

"I'm looking forward to it." I lean onto his shoulder, digging my nose into his shirt. "You smell good."

Erik chuckles. "That's off-topic."

"It was random," I concede.

Erik kisses the side of my head. "So, is that the end of your life story or is there more I need to be

made aware of?"

"No, that's pretty much it," I state quietly. Not even close. "Did you like it?" I ask. "My life story?"

"I found it to be quite the adventure," Erik responds.

You have no idea. "I'm sure yours is more of one."

"Mine's the path of Hell-it's thrilling," he states, sarcastically.

I rub his chest, enjoying every ripple of muscle I feel.

"I love it when you do that," he mumbles. His eyes flutter close.

"When I rub my hand along your chest?" I ask.

He groans lightly. "Yeah. It makes me feel special; loved. And it feels superb."

You are loved, Erik. I just haven't told you yet.

It was a spontaneous decision: I open my mouth, deciding to confide in him my true feelings… but the doorbell rings before I could utter a syllable.

Erik and I look at each other, confused.

"Who can that be?" I ask, frustrated at the interruption.

Erik sighs, appearing to share my feelings. "Can't be our two love-birds-they have keys. And it

can't be Lola, she would call us first." Erik stands up, stretching. "Amy, I'm going to go to

the restroom real quick, okay?"

I nod, watching him disappear around the corner.

Sighing, I go to the door and open it. I gawk, feeling the blood leave my head. My hand covers

my mouth, my heart speeding to an impossible rate.

"Mom! Dad!" I gasp out.

My parents, without my knowledge or any regard to my privacy, made a surprise visit.

Oh no…