February 2008 - Present
It was almost the end of February, and the town had already gotten nearly two feet of snow since the beginning of winter.
Eric was currently on a job with three other guys replacing the floors at The Gem which was the town's most popular bar. There was talk that they might get a contact and might actually start building condos at the beginning of the Spring. Eric was helping repair snowmobiles and snowplows from inside the garage since he had it heated. Milly as usual was always worried that he was working too hard, and had told him with what she made from her latest book, they were beyond set. Still, she knew that Eric actually liked working, especially with his hands. It was a way to soothe himself, and she knew even though he never led on, he had been worried about her and the baby during this whole pregnancy. She couldn't blame him with their history, but he promised even if the condo contract came through, he would take time off to be around for the baby. She knew he was terrified, as well as excited. He constantly fussed over Milly, and still took time to bring her to every weekly appointment. He would seem so tense until finally he heard the baby's heartbeat.
There he would relax, breath a deep sigh of relief, and ease up on how tightly he was squeezing her hand. As always he would sign for her to translate to Dr. Weaver, asking questions, and making sure both Milly and the baby were okay. He had been keeping an extra eye on her ever since Luis let it slip about her mother. Milly's stomach stuck out as a perfectly round bump. She found herself waddling more and more, and making love to Eric a little harder than usual. She continued not minding being on bedrest, since she knew she was keeping their son safe, but she did find herself a little lonely when Eric was at work, even though he always made sure he got home early, and would be waiting on her hand and foot, constantly fussing over her, and making her feel so much better. She would never say this aloud to him, but she felt sad whenever he wasn't home. In fact, she knew she had always felt this way when she wasn't around him during their relationship, but it really kicked in once they were married and moved in, she started to notice how empty and sad the house felt without him in it. As soon as she heard his keys jingling in the door downstairs, she would instantly find herself smiling. This had been the case throughout their marriage. Even though he barely spoke, he somehow filled the house with different kinds of noise. His footsteps, doors or cabinets opening and closing. The sounds of him cooking downstairs, or working in the driveway or garage. She felt it was the hormones, but ever since Luis told her about their mother, she felt more emotional than ever. She had been tempted to give her a call, and was debating it today.
Sure Eric had been wonderful, and so hadn't been her friends, especially Geneva who told her she was planning her baby shower for next month, just as she had planned hers, and had a ton of wonderful ideas. She was excited, but she began suffering from the same nightmares again. The same vivid ones that plagued her. Ones of Jet and Lucky.
Ones of Eric as well...
She knew not to let Eric know that these were happening, and the few times she did wake with a start in the middle of the night, Eric would instantly wake up, sleepy eyed, before fully snapping awake and looking worried. Here he would sit up, hair sticking up, before signing frantically, asking if she was okay? Milly would always smirk, and lie saying the baby was just kicking. He would frown, asking if she was sure? Milly would lay back and nod, before Eric would place a hand over her stomach, snuggle in close, and fall back asleep. She had been wanting to talk to Dr. Kelly, but her father had taken ill and was on leave for the time being. There had been another doctor to see Milly, but she didn't feel comfortable with her, so she had lied again to Eric claiming she was fine, and just wanted to focus on her bed rest. She had never been this dishonest to Eric in all the years they had been together, but she felt she was doing this so he wouldn't worry.
Tonight Eric was out in the garage. It was snowing again, and Eric was working on a snowblower that a neighbor had dropped off for him to repair. He had gone out there after dinner, leaving Milly upstairs while she read a book, with the weather playing silently. He had grabbed his jacket, pulling his boots on before signing that he would shovel the driveway after working on the snowblower for a while. Milly frowned, glancing out the window seeing it snowing even heavier out.
"Just be careful please, and don't take long. I get cold without you."
Eric smirked, before leaning over, giving her belly a gentle rub, before giving her a quick kiss and signing that he promised.
After about a half an hour, Milly glanced at the phone on the nightstand and knew she was just looking for trouble. Chewing on her lip, she picked the phone up without a second thought and dialed the number from memory. She waited a few minutes before she heard Garry's cheerful voice on the other end.
"Hello?"
Milly warmly smiled.
"Hi Garry, it's Milly."
"Milly! It's great to hear your voice! How are you and the baby doing? Luis said he saw you guys about two weeks ago!"
Milly smiled, looking down at her stomach and gently rubbing it feeling the baby kick inside of her.
"We're doing good. He's due in early April."
"A boy! Luis mentioned that! Oh Milly you are just going to have to let me meet that handsome fella once he decides to make his grand entrance! Eric must be thrilled!"
Milly smiled looking down at her stomach.
"He sure is. Say, is my mother around?"
"Your mother?"
Garry sounded surprised, before hesitating for a second.
"Um...yeah sure just hold on honey."
There was a pause, and Milly sat up in bed, nervously twirling her finger around the phone cord. After a second, she heard her mother's familiar voice, older sounding, and a little tired, but still the same voice she had known her whole life.
"Hello?"
Milly took a second, nervously chewing on her lip before taking a deep breath and speaking.
"Hi mom."
"Milly?"
Milly took a deep breath, sitting up straight, propped up against her many pillows. She stared ahead at the TV playing the weather, which was showing more snow was being predicted for the rest of the week. Just hearing her mother's voice gave her a strange mix of feelings. Part of her had missed her so badly, trying so hard to latch onto the good memories she had of her. She tried to block out how over time she began to disapprove of Milly's relationship with Eric. How it finally reached a head when Milly and him announced their engagement, and suddenly years of built up tension was finally released, and it truly just boiled down to that her mother didn't like that Milly was marrying somebody who had autism.
That was the final nail in the coffin, and that was that. Sitting there, her perfectly round pregnant stomach underneath her T-shirt. Feeling the baby Eric and Milly had wanted so badly for years. A baby she truly believed was going to be magical just like his father. Just wanting to put the past in the past, and maybe just maybe bury the hatchet. Marshall deserved grandparents, and seeing that Eric's family was all gone, she wanted to at least give this a chance. Feeling nervous flutters in her stomach as the baby decided to rest against her bladder, she finally sound the strength to open her mouth to speak.
"Hi mom...um...how are you?"
There was a pause on the other end. A very long one, that for an actual second she thought her mother had just hung up. Instead, finally her mother spoke, her voice flat sounding, with no emotion besides maybe sounding a little annoyed.
"I'm fine. Luis told me he went to see you. When is your due date?"
Milly shifted a little, feeling uncomfortable, before she spoke again.
"Um, early April. The 11th actually, but my doctor thinks it's going to be earlier than that."
"I see."
There was another long awkward pause, causing Milly to start to think maybe this had been a massive mistake. Nervously clearing her throat, she spoke again.
"Well um, I guess I wanted to just call and see how you were..."
"Milly, please."
Her mother coldly cut her off. Milly fell silent, before she heard her mother deeply sigh, and spoke even, sounding even colder than usual, her tone firm, and very annoyed.
"Milly, let's just pretend that we haven't spoken for years. You chose your life despite my concerns as a mother. I will admit I wasn't always fair when it came to your relationship with Eric, and Garry and your brother keep me updated with your success from your books...but it's just a prime example that your life is all about him."
Milly's eyes widened, unable to believe what she was hearing as her mother went on.
"I know you don't want to admit it, but from the moment we moved here your life has been all about him. You two spent every waking moment together, you became his caretaker and teacher, you almost risked giving up college, and an actual future for yourself just to be with him! Then you marry so young, and even your work which I know you have found great success with is a book series all about a character based off him! You make up this silly fantasy because you worship him and how many years have you put your body and mind through the trauma of countless miscarries and stillbirths?! Each time putting yourself at risk just so Eric could have a child?! You're nearly forty Milly! What is this baby is born retarded? Are you ready to take that on?! You know the chances are even higher because of Eric! Why would you want that? What if you lose this baby too? What if you lose it or it's stillborn?! It's no wonder you haven't lost..."
"SHUT UP!"
Milly roared, never feeling angrier before in her entire life. Her eyes bugged out, her face because flushed, as all of those years of disapproving looks, and remarks finally came to a head. Enough was enough, and she officially knew the cold dead woman on the other line was just a terrible truly awful person. She got up in a flash, for once not having to count to three due to her stomach which seemed to be getting bigger and bigger by the day. Standing, she held onto the phone hard enough to turn her knuckles bright white. Her eyes bugged out of her head, as she spoke sternly, her voice slowly raising into the receiver.
"You know what? I honestly don't know what I was thinking! I really believed that there was a tiny ounce of you that might want to patch things up and be part of your grandson's life. I know it drove you crazy that I married Eric...and I know the only reason was because he was autistic. Not because you wanted me to be my own person, not because you wanted me to be more independent...but because I married a man with autism. I can truly say now hearing yet again what you really think is that Luis and me lost the wrong parent. I know dad would have seen Eric for the amazing person that he is, and how much he loves his daughter."
"Your father took the coward's way out..."
Milly spoke over her again, boiling with anger.
"This is the last time my heart is breaking over you mom. Maybe after you die and go wherever people go when they die...maybe just maybe you'll see what a truly special person Eric is, and that never in twenty-one years I've known him did he never hurt me once. Not like you mother. Not like you."
With that Milly slammed the phone down with a loud clang, before standing there, her chest heaving as her head began to pound.
She stood beside her bed, so furious she thought she might scream.
That's when a horrible all too familiar cramp ripped through her, causing her to cry out.
It came out of no where, but was a cramp she had been expecting throughout this whole pregnancy, and was absolutely terrified of. She stood there swaying for a second, before another cramp came, deep inside of her. She cried out, before she felt it. She looked down, and at first couldn't see due to the swell of her stomach. She stood there, too terrified to move before another cramp came, even worse than the last. She slowly back up, before she saw it, dripping on the hardwood floor and collecting.
Blood.
She froze, her breath catching in her throat, before she eyed the window.
"Eric..."
She softly said, before another cramp hit her, causing her to double over, clutching her stomach and crying out.
Later...
It was still snowing, and Eric heard on the radio it was going to keep doing so for the remainder of the night. He figured he would just let it be, and clean the cars off, and the driveway early in the morning. He was finished with the snowplow, and figured he could bring it by sometime tomorrow. Besides, he was cold, and wanted to get inside and warm up with Milly. Walking to the back door, his boots crunched in the icy snow, before glancing up at the pinkish dark gray sky. Snow was still falling, and he smiled remembering the few times he actually flew during a snowstorm. It was absolutely freezing when he did it, of course worrying Milly who had only joined him once years ago. When they landed, there were icicles in their hair, and they're face chapped from the wind.
Smiling, he walked into the house, shutting the door behind him, before kicking his boots off near the umbrella stand, and unzipping his coat and hanging it up next to Milly's. He plucked his damp gloves off, putting them on the radiator to dry. He undid his scarf as well, and snowcap Milly insisted he wore. Cupping his pink cold hands, he blew into them, before eyeing the stove. He might make himself some instant coffee, and Milly some tea, but figured he would ask if she wanted it first. Heading up the stairs, he climbed them quickly, before going down the hallway, and pushing his bedroom door open. His hands all ready up to sign.
"Milly?"
He began when suddenly he froze in the doorway and looked down.
His eyes widened, as all of the color drained out of his face. Milly was collapsed on the floor right beside the bed. A small pool of blood beneath her, and the crotch of her sweats soaked. She was slumped over, and not moving. Eric instantly went into panic mode, sadly having gone through this a few times before with her. His first racing thought was that she was miscarrying, and that he needed to get her to the hospital. He let out a half terrified moan, almost mirroring the one he made years ago when he believed she had drowned at the pond. He reached over, going down and grabbing her, pulling her up against him.
Her eyes fluttered open weakly before she stared up at him.
"Eric...call 911..."
Eric pulled her up against him, cradling her against him, blood staining his own jeans, and long sleeve shirt. He was shaking all over, his eyes wide and terrified.
"M...M...M...Mill...Milly?!"
He choked out, stuttering worse than ever. Milly's eyes fluttered again, before closing. Eric saw more blood was soaking through her pants, and squeezed her up against him, as hot scared tears flowed out of his glassy eyes. This wasn't supposed to happen. She was due in a little over a month. They had been doing everything right. She was laying in bed when he went outside. Dr/ Weaver said everything was fine just a few days ago. Why was this happening? Why did he go outside? Terrified, he tried to speak again.
"M...M...M..."
He couldn't get her name out. Frustrated, he gave her a shake, and her eyes didn't open. He tried again, still crying completely frustrated. He thought of carrying her down to the cars. They did have snow tires, but there was so much blood, and the snow had really picked up outside. What if the roads were bad? He eyed the phone on the nightstand, right next to the framed photo of them on their wedding day. Scared out of his mind, he choked out a half helpless cry before knowing he had to try. Still clutching onto his wife who was losing all color., he blindly reached for the phone, before yanking it down. It clanged down, before he picked the phone up, and with shaking fumbling fingers he dialed 911. It rang for just a second, before the operator answered...
"911 what is your emergency?"
Eric's entire face scrunched up sweaty and flushed, tears still flowing down, as in one arm he held onto Milly as he took a deep breath, knowing if he ever needed to speak clearly...it was now or never. He snapped his eyes shut, before his lips went back and he spoke...
"M...M...My...Milly...sh...sh...sh..."
He snapped his eyes frustrated, hating himself, knowing he would die if he was the one responsible for help not coming.
October 1988
"Ugh this movie is disgusting!"
Geneva moaned from the front seat of Alex's car. Milly and Eric both in the middle of a pretty heavy makeup session, both froze, before looking up and out through the windshield. There Michael Myers was in the process of slaughtering a pretty blond wearing just a T-shirt. Alex chuckled, before he sighed shaking his head.
"Hey, it's perfect for this time on year! Besides how do you know it's gross Gen? You're been staring into my handsome face the whole night."
Geneva rolled her eyes as Milly, Eric, and Alex laughed. Geneva playfully hit Alex's arm, before sitting up straight and putting down the visor to look in the mirror to check her makeup. Alex still chucking, half turned, looking back at Eric and Milly who were both sitting up themselves, fixing and smoothing out their clothing.
"You guys going to Jeff's Halloween party tomorrow?"
Milly shrugged.
"I don't know..."
Geneva turned, shooting Milly a look.
"Oh come on Milly! You said he invited you and Eric! Me and Alex are going and we can all go together! Jeff lives in that creepy Victorian house on Willow Lane. His parents are super easy going and I guess are on vacation in the city. Jeff has the whole place to himself! I heard his cousin even scored some kegs!"
Milly made a face.
"Yeah because the last time I got drunk with you ended so perfectly."
Alex chuckled, before Geneva rolled her eyes again.
"You'll be fine! Just think of a costume quick for you two! I'm dressing up as Tiffany and Alex is going to be Cory Hart!"
Milly laughed shaking her head.
"They aren't a couple! That doesn't make sense!"
"It isn't like that Halloween dance at your school! Which by the way nobody since has beat the punk getup you and Eric did! That was amazing!"
Alex nodded looking back at them.
"I saw the photos. You guys looked wild! You should do that again!"
Milly eyed Eric and smirked before shrugging.
"Getting our hair to standup like that took way too long. Besides if my mother saw us leave like that she would freak. I already feel like I'm on thin ice with her lately."
Geneva waved her hand.
"Oh you'll think of something. Just remember, it's at eight! We'll all meet outside of my house and walk over."
Milly thought for a second, having already been thinking up a clever costume for Eric and her ever since she saw that Uncle Hugo had bought Eric a red bubble vest this fall to wear once the weather started to cool down. The trees lining her street were all currently red, gold, or brown. One of Milly's favorite times of day was walking with Eric and Luis down the sidewalks, looking at the falling leafs against the clear blue sky, passing porches that had pumpkins on them. This Fall had actually been going really good. School started off pretty overwhelming, but she got used to the schedule quickly and eased into it. Her teachers were all super nice, most of all her homeroom teacher Mr. Sterling who was super nice, and gave the coolest assignments. Her favorite classes right now was creative writing, history, and of course gym with Eric. Mrs. D of course knew that Milly worked with Eric, who was slowly getting out of his shell more and more. He didn't freeze up as much whenever there were too many people around, and whenever the gym did get too loud they had his earplugs. Eric only liked playing with Milly since he was the most comfortable. They had tried group games, But as always he would just stand there, staring blankly, arms dead at his sides refusing to play. So Milly played different one on one games with Eric. She had started to notice he really liked basketball, and Alex who was on the school's team had shown him some tricks. One of his favorite things to do was to roll the basketball back and forth to Milly, or attempt to dribble with it. He had just recently started trying to toss it into the net which was slightly lowered. Milly, who was absolutely terrible at basketball would run around and grab the ball if it rolled too far away.
She looked forward to seeing him, and during study hall she would practice writing and sign language with him which he was getting better and better at. During lunch, he would usually eat little, saving his appetite for after school where Milly, Luis, and him would have a snack. During lunch, he usually ate silently, picking at fruit, or nibbling on a sandwich he got from the lunch line. Milly would sit with him, chatting to him about his day, and making him sign to her whenever she asked questions, always thrilled whenever he did it smoothly, and without hesitating. When the weather was good, they were allowed to sit out in the schoolyard. Milly loved this since the weather had just begun to cool down, and everyone was always in different groups sitting around chatting, or tossing a football around. Alex usually sat with them, with his buddy George. He was also on the basketball team, and like Alex was super nice to Eric and actually treated him like a regular person. Milly had seen Larry and Keith around a few times, but ever since Alex and George started hanging out with them she hadn't seem them around school much, besides the opening prep rally the first Friday of the first school week. They glared at Milly and Eric, and as they passed them sitting on the bleachers, they mumbled names at them. Milly ignored them, but squeezed Eric's hand as he looked around at everything with wide eyes, his earplugs on. Still, they made her nervous. Alex had told her if they tried anything, he would make sure they were sorry. Milly, not wanting to make trouble since the clinic had eased up one the visits to Uncle Hugo's, just said if it continued she would let Mrs. Sherman know again. Now it was nearly Halloween, and Milly was gearing up to go for her license hopefully next month. Eric meanwhile was getting better and better with his private lessons with Garry, and Mrs. Sherman felt maybe by next summer, if she went with him he could probably at least get his permit. Milly felt he could do this sooner, knowing what he was capable of, but understood. Her mother had been pretty hot and cold lately, but she knew Garry was helping ease up the tension. Just recently she found out that her mother was beginning to go through the change of life, which might explain how she had been acting. Still, Milly kept up with her chores, and keeping an eye on Luis just to make sure it kept the peace.
Alex and Geneva had begun making out again, when Milly sighed, and rested her head on Eric's shoulder, watching this masked killer on the big screen chase a little girl around. She usually hated these types of movies, but enjoyed just spending time with her friends and boyfriend.
Besides...Eric and her had something special planned for after Alex dropped them off.
Later that night...
Milly holding onto Eric's hand, slowly floated in the air above the dark school roof, before both floated for a second, a cool autumn breeze blowing back their hair, as Milly laughed and looked at Eric's smiling face. After Alex dropped them off, they held hands climbing out of the car, Milly promising Geneva that they would indeed make it to the party tomorrow night. Both had mentioned they were going for a walk, so they continued down the sidewalk and into the darkness, heading towards the park. Milly wasn't due back home for another two hours, and usually Friday night was date night for her mom and Garry. Luis always spent the night with his friend Todd, so Milly was pumped when she asked Eric if they could go out flying that weekend? As always, Eric lit up, and nodded while smiling from ear to ear. Milly had noticed certain things really made Eric light up. Whenever they fed his bird Blizzard, making paper airplanes, whenever he signed correctly and she kissed him as a reward, reading about anything that could fly, sex, anything strawberry flavored, movies about flying, and yes...whenever she actually asked if they could fly together? She knew he did it from time to time. She would hear the wind chime late at night and always smile, comforted knowing he was somewhere up there looking out. He was always careful, and she knew it was his way of growing, and feeling free.
Tonight they reached a dark section of the park, making sure to look around to check if anyone was around, before Eric took her hand, nodded at her to see if she was ready, and up they would go. Tonight had been absolutely wonderful. They flew around for about a half an hour, feeling the cool autumn breeze against their faces, before Milly asked if he wanted to land on the school roof? Eric nodded, and led her across town, before they approached the dark still high school, and empty fields. They slowly landed onto the gravel roof, standing side by side. Milly, feeling giddy from the flight, laughing and pulling at his hand as they raced in circles, their sneakers crunching the gravel beneath them, as she laughed. Finally once they caught their breath, Milly stopped, and stared at Eric in the moonlight. Smirking, she stepped forward, playing with the zipper of his hoodie, before leaning in and deeply kissing him. Once the kiss broke, Milly smiled staring up into Eric's dark brown eyes.
Later...
It was about a half an hour later, and the two laid side by side on their backs looking up at the stairs. They had only made out for a while, before Milly could have sworn seeing a shooting star. Together, they laid there, cuddling close looking up at the sky.
"I had a dream before that the police chased us up on the roof during the school's fair, and you said my name, and I asked if you could really fly? We held hands, jumped off the roof, and flew over everyone. It was daylight and everyone saw us, even my mom. It was such a great feeling. Weird dream huh?" Eric had turned looking at her, before Milly faced him and smiled. "Don't worry. It was just a dream. I know we could never let anybody see you fly. They would really call the police, or the military, or NASA! Scientist would take you away and I might never see you again. I could never let that happen. Promise me you'll always be careful. Okay?"
Eric nodded, before Milly smiled and leaned in softly kissing him. She wanted him right now, but figured after the party tomorrow they would have plenty of time for that. Smiling, she stroked his hair, before sighing.
"I love you so much Eric Gibb."
Eric smiled before he lipped her name softly, before he signed perfectly...
"I...love...you."
Smiling, she snuggled in close as they continued looking up at the stairs.
The next morning...
Eric came over around nine since Milly had told him they were going to head on over to the Goodwill to finish their costumes for tonight. Garry had taken mom out to have brunch with friends, and Luis was still over his friend's house. Usually Eric would just "magically" appear sitting on her own windowsill, but lately if he was invited over he would just use the door since he had promised Milly to be more careful. mostly after last night when she told him about that strange dream she kept having.
Once the doorbell rang, Milly who was a complete wreck, sniffling, wearing jeans, and a baggy shirt ran to the door, yanking it open.
Eric stood there, wearing jeans and a blue hoodie. The second he saw that she was crying, his facial expression changed, as his brow wrinkled, and he frowned. His lip pouted out. before he hurried inside, gently holding onto the sides of her arms, before she threw herself against him, hugging him tighter than ever. Burying her face against his hoodie sobbing.
Later...
It was less than ten minutes later, but Eric had poured Milly a glass of chocolate milk from the fridge, while he used the mixture they kept in the cabinet, to mix himself a glass of strawberry. Once he sat down, pushing her glass gently towards her as she sat at the table, a few crumbled tissues scattered around her. Eric motioned to the glass, as Milly raised her bloodshot puffy eyes. She had woken up a little later than usual, around eight-thirty with a start. She shot up from bed sweating despite the nice cool Fall breeze coming in from her open window, which was making the curtains slowly blow back. She knew her mother got annoyed with her leaving her window open when the weather got cooler, but Milly had her heavy comforter on her bed now, and knew that Tilly her lovebird didn't mind. She always told Eric once November hit she would have to start closing it, but never locking it in case he needed to get in.
The night before, Eric and her landed in his backyard, right before her curfew. Milly had her arms loosely around Eric as they kissed goodnight, and she made him promise to come by around nine so they could head to the Goodwill. She had gotten home before Garry and her mom, and had gone inside, washed up, and went upstairs and listened to some music while she went through her closet, smiling, and pulling a few items out for tomorrow. She had glanced across the way, and saw Eric briefly cross the room in just his jeans, most likely going to feed Blizzard. She smiled, before changing for bed, and snapping her lights off. She thought she faintly heard Garry and her mom come home, and had her eyes closed when she heard her mom crack open the door to make sure she was in fact in bed. She didn't do this often, usually only when Garry and her now went out. Milly slipped into a nice sleep...and then the nightmare came.
She sniffled, telling Eric about the nightmare and how vivid and real it was.
"I dreamed that I woke up like any other regular day, and came downstairs for breakfast and my mom was downstairs, and asked why I wasn't dressed for the funeral? I asked who's funeral? My mom looked at me like I was crazy and she was in a black dress, and Garry was in the living room in a suit and so wasn't Luis and he was helping him with his tie. My mom looked at me and said 'Honey, Eric's.' My stomach dropped like I was on a rollercoaster. Remember how I told you how that felt, like when we drop from the clouds? I at first thought she was joking, then I saw how serious she was. I got scared and ran next door with her chasing after me. I ran to your house and yanked the door open and your uncle and aunts were all there in suits and black dresses. I started screaming your name and ran up to your bedroom but you weren't there. That's when my mother and your uncle came in and I kept screaming asking where you were, and they sat me down on your bed and told me that two days ago you jumped from the school roof pretending to fly and you fell and died...then I woke up and..."
She bowed her head, shoulders sagging as she began to sob. Eric, still frowning, took her by the shoulders firmly, making her look up as large fat tears rolled down her cheeks. He let go before firming signing...
"It. Was. Just. A Dream. I'm. Alive. I'm. Not. Going. Anywhere. I. Promise."
Milly sniffled, closely watching what he signed. She missed one word, but got what he was saying. He then wiped her tears away with his fingers gently, before pulling her in for a tight hug. She buried her face into his shoulder, slowly calming down as he gently rubbed her back. Finally, she pulled away, her face flushed, before she sniffled.
"I never want us going back on the school roof again okay?"
Eric nodded, before looking at her concerned. He leaned in, pressing his forehead against her clammy one, before he softly struggled to speak.
"M...M...Myy...My...M...Milly."
Milly smiled, sniffling one last time before nodding.
"That's right. Your Milly. Always your Milly...and your my Eric right?"
Eric smiled and nodded, before Milly tilted her head and deeply kissed him. Their lips smacked against each other, before she pulled back and smiled.
"Just a dream right?"
Eric nodded, before Milly smirked.
"Let's finish our milk and go find ourselves our Halloween costumes. Deal?"
Eric smiled, before Milly raised her glass and toasted with Eric.
That night...
Milly stood next to Eric, holding his hand as Geneva, wearing a red wig handed her and him two red cups of beer from the keg. Michael Jackson's Thriller was playing in the next room, and roughly about forty or so people all dressed in different costumes mingled around. The house had orange and black streamers hanging everywhere, along with fake spider webs. Across the room from them was a giant fake casket filled with popcorn, along with a punch bowl with dry ice causing it to make it look like fog was lifting out of it. Jeff was a super nice guy who had a few classes with Milly, and when he answered the door, holding a cup of beer himself, dressed as a zombie with fake blood dripping down his face, his eyes lit up when he saw Geneva, Alex, Milly, and Eric. "You guys made it! Come in!" Milly and Eric had dressed up as Marty McFly and Jennifer from Back To The Future. It was one of the VHS tapes she loved renting whenever she had to babysit Luis, and got the idea when she saw Eric's red bubble vest. The costumes themselves were simple, but had looked pretty cool after they picked up a few things from the Goodwill. Some of the costumes at the party were completely wild, and Milly was surprised how many people came running over hugging her, thrilled to see her and Eric actually at a "real" party. She still noticed a few looks from some of the regular mean girls. She saw them whispering, and looking them up and down, but Milly chose to ignore it. Besides, being in a group with Geneva and Alex helped things. Geneva knew most of the people there even though she went to a different school, and Milly did have to admit, Alex and her did look cute dressed up like that.
The music wasn't super loud, and Milly had Eric's earplugs in her pocket and she had already asked twice if he needed them. Eric was oddly calm, and just softly smiled and shook his head at her each time. Being handed the drinks, Milly made a face, before she watched Eric look down at his cup. It then hit Milly that he probably had never had beer before, even though he did live with Uncle Hugo. She was ready to say something, before Eric lifted the cup to his lips and took a sip. She had to bite the insides of her cheeks from laughing when she saw his face scrunch up for a second, looking as if he just tasted something bitter. Milly took a small sip herself, having tried tiny sips of her father's beer a few times growing up, and never liking it. Geneva and Alex drank without any issue, before Milly smirked and nudged Eric's arm with her arm.
"You like it?"
Eric lifted his eyebrows, looking down at his beer, and Milly laughed shaking her head. That's when Mona and Erin walked over, both looking like they were dressed like members of Motley Crue. They hurried over, looking already half drunk, before they pulled at Milly.
"Milly come quick!"
Milly eyed Eric before Geneva rolled her eyes.
"Boys, behave yourselfs. Girl talk."
She pulled Milly away from a surprised Eric before they crossed the room. Geneva, who really didn't like Mona and Erin, but Milly knew she had promised to keep an eye on her, and if people started being jerks Alex and her would step in. The girls looked a little surprised that Geneva followed, but blinked, and sipped their drinks. Milly glanced across the room at Eric standing next to Alex, taking another sip of his beer, and making the same digested face, as Alex talked to him and he listened looking around the room. Just then a few of Alex's buddies came over, one dressed as a werewolf, another dressed as Prince, and began talking to them. Eric simply stood holding his beer listening, but he seemed calm despite how many people were in here.
"You and Eric look adorable! He's Michael J Fox right? You're a valley girl?"
Erin guessed. Milly smirked and shook her head.
"No, I'm the girlfriend from the movie. Mine is harder to read I guess."
"I knew who you were right away."
Geneva said, causing Mona who was chewing gum loudly. She then looked across the room at the boys and smirked.
"That Eric sure does have a cute butt in those jeans. You are a lucky lady Milly."
Milly blushed a little, before Geneva rolled her eyes. Erin nodded in agreement.
"Yeah, he certainly has grown out of that awkward stage. He's a real cutie. Reminds me of C. Thomas Howell kinda."
Milly and Geneva exchanged a look, before Mona giggled.
"Look! He can't take his eyes off you!"
The girls all looked and sure enough across the room Eric was ignoring the other guys and simply just staring across at Milly. After the nightmare she had last night, looking at him looking at her felt like honestly the best thing in the world. She smiled softly, before Mona leaned in closer.
"So? Have you guys you know..."
Just then the song changed to The Police's Every Breath You Take. Just as Milly began to blush, Geneva grabbed her hand.
"Come on Milly! Let's dance! I love this song!"
She pulled her away from the girls, putting their beers down and led her towards the center of the room where a bunch of people were dancing. Milly looked at Geneva with thankful eyes.
"Oh my God thanks...they seem wasted..."
"They are dumb Barbies. Forget about them."
Just then a cute husky football player that Milly didn't know walked over and smiled at Geneva.
"Hey, I'm Andy. Wanna dance?"
Geneva looked him up and down, before making a face.
"I'm here with my boyfriend Alex York. Buzz off!"
Andy's face fell, before he quickly moved on. Milly chuckled, when suddenly she heard an all too familiar voice.
"Do you wanna dance?"
Milly raised an eyebrow before turning and saw Larry standing there, just in jeans and his letterman jacket. He was drunk, and stunk of beer. Milly felt her stomach drop, hating that this jerk had been invited. Shooting him a look, she turned away ignoring him. She tried to search for Eric and Alex, but the room was pretty crowded, and all she thought she could see was the tops of their heads.
"Geneva let's..."
"That's a nice costume. What are you? An ice queen from the valley?"
She felt Larry's hot beer smelling breath against her face as she cringed away, feeling uncomfortable. She didn't want to make a scene since she was at Jeff's party, but she knew Larry and Keith had it out for Eric and her. She knew Keith was sick since she had overheard somebody mention him in the hallways since they had to bring him all his missing work, even though he probably wouldn't do it. Still, Larry was here, drunk and of course starting trouble. He tried to pull at her arm, but she yanked it away. Geneva then shot him a look.
"Hey creep! Buzz off!"
"Shut up you fat pig."
Geneva's face fell, before Milly turned around furious. She glared up at him.
"Leave us alone damnit!"
Larry grinned before reaching forward and actually cupping Milly's left breast with his hand. Milly's eyes widened in shock as she jumped back. People around them had stopped dancing, and were looking. The music continued to play, but somehow nobody was stopping this. Larry gave a sloppy grin.
"Pretty small, but I guess they..."
Before he could say anything, Milly heard Eric right behind Larry.
"H...H...Hey!"
Larry froze, and just as he turned slowly around Milly saw Eric, and actually saw him looking furious. His face was scrunched up, his eyes glaring, and his nose wrinkled before he wound back a closed fist, and punched Larry straight in the face.
Milly figured it was because Larry was so drunk that this only even happened. Larry was massive compared to Eric, but it was a clean shot and Larry dropped to the floor knocked out with a heavy thud. Milly jumped back, just as Rockwell's Somebody Watching Me began to play. Milly lifted her eyes, and looked at Eric, chest heaving as he glared down at the bully that had been harassing them for the past few years. Seeing him knocked out, she remembered the time Keith and him got their asses kicked outside of Skips on Valentine's Day. Milly's jaw dropped, before she lifted her eyes and stared at Eric stunned. Just then Alex, who had been in the bathroom came hurrying over to a very upset Geneva asking what happened. Everyone looked down, before Jeff walked over, still holding his beer, before he nudged the knocked out Larry with his sneakered foot. He looked up just as surprised as Milly was, before he grinned and lifted his cup.
"All right Gibb!"
Everyone around them lifted their cups and began to chant Eric's name as he looked around puzzled. Milly stood back stunned, yet couldn't help but smile. Jeff, and a few others gathered around Eric trying to give him high-fives, or to nudge him and cheer.
He looked just as surprised as Milly did.
Later...
Two football players, including Andy had dragged Larry home, apologizing to Milly again that they were sorry they didn't stop him from being such a jerk. That if he tried to pull anything and get Eric in trouble there were plenty of people that saw what he had done to Milly while everyone was dancing. Milly thanked them, before she saw Eric was starting to look uncomfortable. Apologizing to Jeff, who said watching Eric punch a football star's lights out was going to make his party something of local legend. He playfully ruffled Eric's hair, telling Milly and him that they really needed to come to his next bash, which he promised would be Larry, Keith, or any other asshole free. Milly laughed rolling her eyes thanking him, before pulling Eric's hand and met a very upset Geneva and Alex outside. Alex frowned, apologizing to her again for being in the bathroom and not seeing what happened. Geneva sniffled, before she told Milly if Larry or that prick Keith tried anything, she would let her uncle down at the police station know about how they had been harassing them. Always thinking back to the clinic, Milly knew Eric would be eighteen soon, so it was only a month or so more of worrying about them hearing about any trouble and swooping in to take Eric away.
Sighing she explained everything calmly to Geneva, knowing she was upset, before looking at Eric's hand, and saw his knuckles were starting to swell up.
"I'm going to bring him home to put some ice on his mean right hook. Sorry about the party guys."
Alex waved his hand.
"Please, it was that drunk asshole who ruined everything. Besides, it was getting pretty sloppy in there. I'm gonna take Geneva for a ride. You sure you guys are okay?"
Milly smiled and nodded, before she reached forward and hugged Geneva, whispering to her not to listen to that jerk. Geneva nodded, still clearly bothered, before she held Eric's hand, and both started making their way down the sidewalk. The music from Jeff's seemed to be getting louder, and Milly had a feeling they had left just in time. With her luck if they stayed any longer the police would end up breaking the place up, and then Eric and her would be totally screwed. She did intend to let Mrs. Sherman about what happened, and make sure to leave out the fact that Eric and her happened to be drinking. Feeling much better just walking alone with Eric, feeling the cool crisp air hit her warm face, she glanced at Eric, before smirking looking him up and down.
"The girls at the party are right. Your butt does look cute in those jeans."
Eric looked at her surprised, before she hooked her arm into his tighter, laughing as they continued walking to his house.
Later...
Uncle Hugo was passed out in his chair downstairs, so Milly quietly filled one of the ice packs, before meeting Eric up in the attic. She snapped the Christmas lights on, before getting him to sit down. Carefully she put the ice down in his swelled up knuckles, hating that Eric hissed out slightly in pain.
"Does it hurt?"
Eric shrugged before he showed with his other hand that it did a little showing his fingers. Milly nodded, before she held up her other hand and wiggled her fingers, and flexed her fingers, before opening and closing her palm.
"Wiggle your fingers and open and close your hand. It's going to hurt and feel a little stiff. I just wanna check..."
Eric nodded, as she held up the icepack and watched. He wiggled his fingers, and opened and closed his hand with no problem. She nodded, before leaning down and gently kissing his swollen red knuckles. Smiling, she sat back up and placed the icepack carefully against his hand.
"I don't think it's broken. Man, that's the second time you've hit one of those jerks defending my honor. You need to be careful through. On one side you have another month or so before you turn eighteen. You don't want any excuse to get into trouble and have the state call the clinic. On the other side, you're legally an adult when you're eighteen, and jerks like Larry and Keith try to hide behind their parents when they get humiliated. I don't want you getting into trouble. Still, Jeff and plenty of other people including Alex and Geneva said they would say something if Larry tries anything. I'm gonna go to Mrs. Sherman again. They said if they continued they could get kicked off the team. God knows we don't wanna make those kinds of waves but I've had it. I do have to say...watching you deck that jerk was probably the most sexy thing I've ever seen."
Eric raised an eyebrow, before Milly laughed. She then watched him sign with his free hand.
"Nobody. Touches. My. Milly."
The signing was shaky, but Milly understood it perfectly. Smiling she nodded.
"That's right, and nobody touches my Eric."
Eric smirked, before Milly leaned forward, and softly began to kiss him, both smiling through their kisses. The icepack fell, forgotten between them as Eric wrapped his arms around her, and lowered her down towards the blankets.