TITLE: DAYS Fairy Tale: Eric & Greta: Chapters 51-55
WRITTEN BY: Heather Ferguson (fergus80)
EMAIL: hferguso@niu.edu
WEBSITE: http://eric_greta.tripod.com (from when Jensen was on days)
Rating: If you can watch DAYS, you can read this. If there is a rating change, a link to the chap. will be provided.
Disclaimer: Days of Our Lives and all of their characters are property of Corday Productions and NBC.
My Rant: Okay, I'm finally putting this up on FanFiction.net. Mostly to free up my website space. This was started way back in Oct. of 1999, and I haven't decided if it's finished yet or not. Reviews are always welcome!
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Chapter 51
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Eric and Greta looked at each other, they now knew that the snow was still unstable, and that that was probably the reason they hadn't been found yet.
They slowly moved back under the rock, and laid down next to each other. The small amount of light coming through the hole they just made was quickly vanishing as night approached. Finally Greta spoke quietly. "So how long will the snow stay unstable?" she asked.
"I have no idea." Eric told her, "It could be hours, or much longer." He turned to look into her eyes, but it was basically pitch black. "Well, we at least now have a fresh source of air, and even though that hole is giving us a small breeze, it is warm in here. We have water from all the snow. So we should be okay, even if it is a few days." Eric sat up and took off his coat, their body heat had really heated up the small area.
Greta decided to take hers off as well. She sat up, and then wished she hadn't.
She winced from the pain in her side, and Eric heard her. "What's wrong?" he asked, worry in his voice.
She slowly took off her coat and answered. "My side hurts, I think I hit something."
Eric found the keys in her pocket, turned on the small flashlight, and she helped him lift up her shirt. It didn't take any time to find out where it hurt, because there was a very large bruise on her side. Covering from the bottom of her rib cage to her hip. It wasn't a slight bruise either, part of it was a deep purple. Eric looked at it, and mentally winced, and another wave of fear washed through him. He knew it could be much more serious than a bruise. His hand went out and rested on her forehead, it was warm, but then again so was he in this small area.
He slowly laid her back down on her back, to try and get a better look. It was bad, he tried to keep the worried look off his face, but it was no use, she had already seen it.
"That bad?" she asked, already knowing it was, having seen it herself.
"It's just a really bad bruise," he lied to her and himself. At least he was hoping that's all it was.
She looked him in the eyes, "Liar."
He pulled her shirt back down, turned off the light, and put the keys back in her coat pocket. He laid down next to her, on her good side, and his hands slowly found the side of her face.
"It could just be a really bad bruise."
"Or it could be that and some major internal problems."
Eric shook his head, he didn't want to think about that. Because if that was true, the longer they spent out here... he stopped that thought.
"Greta, you'll be fine, they will find us soon, and everything will be okay." She nodded her head in agreement, and tried to be positive. "Now, we should get some sleep." He rolled both their coats into pillows, then wrapped one arm over her, making sure to stay away from the bruise. She fell asleep quickly, but sleep wouldn't claim him, as worry plagued his thoughts.
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Eric had finally fallen asleep some hours later, and had awoken some hours later. He could tell it was day time by the small amount of light coming from the hole. The light gave him just enough to slightly make out Greta's face next to him. She was still sleeping. He checked her pulse, and it was a little slow, and her forehead was still a little warm. He decided to let her sleep, since he couldn't do anything else for her. He sat with his thoughts for a few hours before she woke up.
"Eric?" asked a sleepy Greta.
He moved over to her, "Good morning, Sleeping Beauty," he said in reply and kissed her forehead. He looked into her eyes and smiled, as he also noticed how pale she looked.
She smiled slightly, moved to sit up, grimaced, and laid back down. "I was hoping it was all a nightmare."
"Me too," he said moving the coat into a better pillow for her. He then laid back down beside her, and they started to talk.
They talked about their childhood, caught up on things happening in salem, school, and work. And they mostly talked about what they were going to do when they got out of there.
"Let's see what else would I do?" he asked himself, but stopped when he noticed she was asleep next to him. He sighed, and closed his eyes. *Oh please God, get us out of here, and please take care of her.* He thought, and then curled up next to her.
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It had been two and half days already since they got caught in the avalanche. There was no sign of any rescue workers, and hope was quickly vanishing. Eric sat with his back to the wall, watching Greta sleeping. She was doing that mostly now. She would wake up for a couple hours then fall back to sleep. She was so pale, she was almost as white as the snow. The bruise was turning a black color, and Eric was sure she was now running, at the least a low grade fever. He sat there, trying not to fall asleep himself. Between his worrying, and the that fact that it seemed like his stomach was growling for the last two days, he was also very tired, and slightly light headed. If it wasn't for her waking up every few hours to talk to him, he knew he would go crazy.
The longer he waited, the less he believed they would be found. The longer he waited the more he was sure that in a short time he would be left alone. The longer he waited, the more he realized they were going to die like this.
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Chapter 52
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It was now 3 and 1/2 days since they were trapped. Eric woke up, and checked Greta's pulse, let out a sigh of relief. He did so every time he felt she still had one. Because he knew one of these times she probably wouldn't. He was about to sit up when he heard a small sound. He almost screamed that they were in there, when he realized it wasn't the sound of people, but of snow. The sound grew louder, "Oh God, no." He said out loud as he heard it get closer.
The sound woke Greta up, and she looked at Eric. "No..." she said quietly as the sound came closer.
They held onto each other as it moved over them, and their snow prison became dark once again. Once it was over, Eric got out the light, and moved over to the hole they had created in the snow. He used the ski poles again to try and make another hole. But this time, the pole's didn't break out the other side, the snow was too deep. They looked at each other, and realized they had finally lost. They no longer had the option of days, but of hours.
Greta couldn't help it as her last bit of hope ran down her face in a tear. Eric moved over to her, turned off the light, and they held onto each other, as they both cried.
Greta broke away, leaned her forehead on his, and cupped his face with her hands, "Dig."
"What?" he asked her.
"Dig, we have nothing to lose." He agreed, and went over to the wall of snow, and Greta turned on the light. He started to dig up, but quickly found the snow just coming and and making things worse. He then tried to tunnel out sideways at an angle. He didn't get more than two feet in when it collapsed on him. It was just making it their small space that much smaller. It was like there was a never ending pile of snow on top of them. It was no use, and Eric moved back over to Greta, laid down next to her, held her, and kissed her. "I'm sorry." he told her.
"For what?" she asked, slowly moving to her side to face him.
"There's nothing I can do, I can't get us out of here."
Tears ran down her face, "It's not your fault."
"Greta, I love you." he told her and kissed her, holding her tight.
She rested her head against his chest and then spoke. "Show me." she said softly.
He could barely hear her, "What?" he said looking down at her.
"Show me." she said again looking into his eyes, "Make love to me." she said.
"Greta..." he said questioning, trailing off.
"Eric, don't question this anymore, don't fight it. There cannot be a better time to show each other how we feel than right now. And we won't get another opportunity." She said then kissed him.
"But you're hurt." he said worrying, his hand lightly moving over her side.
"I don't care. Eric... I don't want to... die" she said, her voice cracking, "without having made love to you. I need you, we need this." She said to him, kissing him again. "Eric, I want you. Please, make love to me."
Eric leaned in and kissed her softly, yet passionately, his hands moving over her slowly. Starting in her hair, and moving down her back. He looked into her eyes, "I love you, so much." he said, the emotion catching in his throat.
She smiled, a tear running down her face, he kissed it away, "I love you too." she said and kissed him again......
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For NC-17 Part, Go Here: http://eric_greta.tripod.com/chap52NC17.htm
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Greta rested her head on his shoulder, Eric had his arms wrapped around her, holding her close, one hand lightly stroking her bare back.
She kissed his shoulder, looked up at him and smiled. He smiled back down at her. "We waited to long." She said to him.
"What?" he asked her.
"We should have done that a long time ago." He just smiled at her. "No, I'm serious. No wonder people talk about it all the time." He almost laughed. She kissed him, and then winced slightly from leaning up.
He turned serious quickly, "Are you okay?" he asked her.
"Yeah, just my side hurts." His hand lightly ran over the bruise, and he looked back up at her, and kissed her lightly.
They laid there a few more minutes, lightly touching each other, and being happy in the moment. But finally, they moved to put their clothes back on. They then laid back down, facing each other. They held onto each other, and kissed. After some time, the small flash light was starting to dim, as the batteries were finally giving in. They held onto each other, telling each other how much they loved each other. The air already starting to thin out. Greta's eyes were slowly closing, and she kissed him one more time before her eyes slipped close. His heart felt like it was breaking into a million pieces, as he watched her eyes close. He held onto her tight, rocking her slightly. Not to long after, his breathing started to became ragged once again, but this time from the lack of oxygen. *Please God, help us.* He thought as his eyes slowly closed, and he lost consciousness. The light danced and flickered over the couple, holding one another. It dimmed slowly, and with a last flicker the light was out.
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Chapter 53
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Greta slowly opened her eyes, and then quickly closed them, the light was so bright. She slowly opened them again, and the whiteness was blinding. *I'm dead,* she thought to herself, as she looked into the bright light.
"Greta?" asked a familiar voice to her side, her head was foggy and she tried to place it.
*Oh no, Eric, not you too.* She thought and tried to look towards the sound. A blurry figure was to her right, and it slowly came into focus, "Eric?" she said softly, her voice cracking.
She saw him smile, as relief washed over him, "Yeah, it's me." He said squeezing her hand.
She felt the slight pressure on her hand and looked down to see him holding on her hand. Her eyes sight started to clear, and realization of her surroundings were setting in. *I'm in a room.* She thought, she looked back over to Eric. "What happened? Where are we?"
He smiled again at her, "We are in the hospital, we are both going to be okay."
She smiled, "How?" She asked as a couple people walked into the room. A nurse began checking out her vital signs, and told her the doctor would be in shortly. Then she saw John and Marlena.
"Well, I'm not entirely sure. I know you passed out, and then I did. The next thing I knew I woke up here. But from what they told me, after that last avalanche, it was safe for the rescuers to start looking. It took them a few hours, but they found us, and some others."
"We weren't going to give up looking," Marlena said, a small tear running down her face.
"It's remarkable that you survived as long as you did." John told them.
Greta tried to sit up, but winced. "Don't move, you are going to be sore for awhile, and not just from the bruise." Eric told her.
"Why, what's wrong?" she asked looking at the three of them, not wanting to answer her.
Finally Eric spoke up. "When they got you to the hospital they rushed you into emergency surgery. Like our fears thought, it was much more than a bruise." He stopped, he didn't want to think about it. He remembered waking up to find out she was in surgery, and that they weren't sure if she was going to make it. He tried to decide whether to tell her the truth or not. But he decided she had to know. "While they were fixing some of the damage, you stopped breathing twice, and your heart stopped once. You have been unconscious, and out of surgery for three days. They weren't sure if you were going to wake up."
Greta was in shock, she couldn't believe it. That's when she realized Eric was in regular clothes. "How long has it been since we got trapped?" she asked him.
"Just about a week."
Her eyes widened in shock, and John spoke, "Don't start worrying that pretty little heard of yours. We notified your professors, and you will be able to make up the work. And they told me to tell you, to not rush things, and take it easy."
"Which reminds me, there are a number of people in Salem that want to know that you are okay." Marlena said.
"How about we go call, and leave them alone." John said motioning Marlena out of the room.
Once they were outside, Greta spoke up. "Eric..."
"Yes?" he asked.
"Could you hold me?" she asked.
He smiled, and stood up. He helped her move over slightly, and he crawled into bed next to her, wrapped his arms around her, and held her to him. She rested her head on his shoulder, as he stroked her hair. The knowledge that she was going to be okay a huge weight off his mind and heart.
"We're alive." she said softly.
"Yes we are." he replied. She hugged him tight, a huge feeling of happiness washed over her. "I love you," she said into his chest, and smiled.
He closed his eyes, "I love you too."
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The next day the doctor said that she was well enough to be taken back to Salem, but to be admitted into University Hospital.
John got the jet ready, and in no time they were wheeling the hospital cart onto the plane. With Greta protesting that she could just sit in a regular chair. But she wasn't listened to, as they secured the bed inside the plane.
"Now, you lay there, and be good." Eric told her, and kissed her forehead. She huffed and crossed her arms in front of her. He laughed, "You are so cure where you pout." He told her with a grin, then went to go help John with some luggage.
"Hey! If I should rest, so should you." She yelled after him, and then realized she shouldn't have as her side began to hurt.
Marlena came into the plane right behind her son. "She's right, now go sit down and relax. We have everything taken care of." Greta smiled in partial triumph and Marlena winked at her.
Eric walked over to the couch next to Greta and sat down. Greta grinned wider, "Now you know how it feels."
He gave her a dirty look, but then smiled. They soon were ready to go, and in no time they were in the air. A nurse kept making sure that Greta was okay, especially when some turbulence hit. Eric was also there, holding her hand as the plane rocked. She winced every time that it did. Finally the turbulence stopped, and soon they were landing at Salem Airport. They then transported her to University Hospital, and they had a room already for her.
Lexi came in as a nurse was hooking her up to some monitors. "Well I hear you both had a run in with some snow."
Eric smiled, "You could say that."
"I'm glad you both were all right. Everyone was really worried." Greta reached out and took Eric's hand. Lexi smiled and looked at Greta, "Now we just have to get you all better. Based on everything, I would say two more days here, and then a week of rest. Then with a few limitations, you should be back to our old self again." Lexi shooed Eric out of the room, as she began to check on Greta.
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Eric slowly walked back into her room, awhile later, trying not to wake her. He sat the vase of flowers on the stand, and then moved to sit in the chair. He gently picked up her hand and held it in his as he watched her sleep.
She looked so peaceful, and the color was starting to come back to her cheeks. Every time he looked at her now, he was reminded of what he could have lost. It terrified him. The absolute love he felt for her was so powerful, he couldn't even try to describe it. The simple word of love could not even begin to describe what he felt.
He leaned down and kissed her hand, then looked back up at her to see her eyes watching him, with a smile on her face.
He brought her hand up to his heart and spoke, "Do you have any idea how much I love you?" he asked her.
She smiled, "Well, if it is even a fraction of what I feel for you, then I know it's a lot."
He grinned and leaned up and kissed her. "Now that we are alone, back home, and everything is okay. We need to talk."
Greta knew that didn't sound good, "About?" she said, worry in her voice.
He kissed her hand again, "Nothing to worry about. Just about what happened."
She relaxed visibly, "Okay, about what exactly?"
"Well..." he didn't know how to ask it, how to approach the topic. But ever since she had woke up, and knew she would be okay, he had thought about it, and worried about it. She waited for him to go on, and he tired. "About... what happened... between us..."
Greta looked down, he watched her and then waited for what he feared she would say. But it didn't happen. He was surprised by what she said. "Do you regret it?" She asked quietly.
His eyes widened in shock, his hand came up to tilt her face to look at him. "No." he told her firmly. "I will never regret making love to you. I was afraid that maybe you had."
"Why?" she asked.
"I thought that maybe you had only agreed because you thought we weren't going to make it. And that now that we did..."
"Eric.. I don't regret it. It was probably more special then, then if we would have waited and planned it. Besides ..." She trailed off with a blush. "If you would have looked in my suit case you would have found silk lingerie... that I was going to wear... while we were in colorado."
"You mean..."
"I mean, I was looking to try and persuade you into it while we were there anyway."
Eric grinned, "You know, persuade isn't the right word. It was more of letting me know that you really meant it."
She smiled, and reached out and grabbed the front of his shirt and pulled him close to her.. She kissed him hard, "I don't regret it. Not one moment. And..." she said with a twinkle in her eyes, "I loved every second of it." Eric laughed, "Now, Brady, kiss me."
"Yes, Ma'am," he said and leaned in and kissed her. They broke apart, and Greta giggled.
Eric sat on the side of her bed, "What?"
"Nothing" she said with a large smile.
"Tell me," he requested again.
"Well..." she laughed, "I now know why Nicole kept bragging about sex with you."
Eric blushed, "She talked about it?"
"Yeah, I told you some of it. She was just trying to get to me."
"Well, I hope she doesn't get to you."
"Not anymore." She said with a large smile and pulled him in for another kiss.
They then heard someone clear their throat behind them. They turned to look to see Lexi. She smiled, "You know, visitor's hours are over."
"Lexi..." Eric trailed off whining.
"I'm kidding, I was just wondering if you wanted a pillow or blanket or something. Even though you should go home and get some sleep." She said with a slight scolding in her voice.
"Lexi, I don't need two mother's." He said. She laughed and got him a pillow and blanket, then she headed for home.
Greta watched as he tried to get comfortable in the chair, with a large smile.
"Eric, come up here with me. You are going to get a really stiff neck like that."
He stood up, and Greta moved over. He kicked off his shoes, then laid down on half of the bed. She then turned onto her side, and curled up next to him, resting her head on his chest. He wrapped his arms around her.
"You okay?" he asked her.
"Mmm hmm, and you?"
"Much better," he replied, and he kissed her forehead. They said their good nights, and love you's. And soon they were both asleep.
The nurse smiled when she came in the room later to check on Greta. She quietly checked the monitors and everything, and then left them alone. Like anyone else, she could tell how in love they were, and just how close their experience brought them together. She smiled as he shut the door, knowing that they would have many years of love ahead of them.
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Chapter 54
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A few days later Greta was released from the hospital, with strict orders. Lots of rest, no heavy lifting, and no strenuous activity. Eric and Greta had looked at each other and smiled when she said that. It meant they had to wait awhile before they could do what they had done under all that snow in colorado.
Eric had helped her home, and got her all settled in bed. She had refused to go to sleep, so he brought her all her books, notes, and homework for her to catch up on. She gave him a dirty look, but stated working. He brought her something to eat and drink, fluffed her pillows, and when he started to straighten the sheets she told him to go to work.
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A couple more days at home with rest, Lexi cleared Greta to go back to college. She made up an exam, and some other homework, and the next day she went to classes. The pain in her side was mostly gone, she just still felt weak from the whole ordeal. She had yelled at Eric, two nights previous, because he had been babying her again. Ever since the avalanche he had treated her like a porcelain doll, and she had had enough. She told him to stop, and after some arguing, he got the point. It resurfaced every so often, but a look form her stopped him usually.
They went out to dinner, movies, slow dancing, shopping, and anything they could think of. They were still in the state that they were happy to be alive. They were spending time with their families, well, Eric's family. Greta wasn't sure how much longer she could hold out from telling Eric who her father was. Every day they got closer, and she felt like she was lying to him.
She had been waiting to find out who Hope's baby's father was. But she wasn't sure she could wait those two months anymore. The whole experience had taught her, how important life is, and not to waste the time you do have. The only question, was how to tell Eric, and her father?
She laid on the couch contemplating what to do when Eric came home. "Honey, I'm home." He said with a laugh.
"Very funny," she said from the couch.
He walked over, picked up her feet, sat down, and put them on his lap. "So, what do you want to do tonight?" he asked her.
"Nothing," she said, "I want to relax, I'm sick of homework and tests. I'm exhausted."
"Okay, and evening inside then." He said with a smile. He looked over at her, "Just want time with you anyway." She smiled at him. He kicked off his shoes and crawled up beside her. She moved, allowing him to lay behind her, and wrap his arms around her. He kissed the side of her neck and sighed in contentment. After a little while, he spoke again, "What are you thinking about?"
"Huh..." she said coming out of her stupor.
"I was curious as to what you were thinking, you are really out of it."
"Oh, just of all the stuff I still have to do," she lied, well sort of, she did still have to tell them.
They had some dinner, and watched some TV. Just relaxing and enjoying each other's company. Greta had fallen asleep in his arms on the couch, and he carried her into her bedroom. He took off most of her clothes and put a T-shirt on her. He then laid her down, then changed himself. He then came back, crawled in bed with her, wrapped an arm around her and feel asleep himself.
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Things got busy again for Eric. Nicole had scheduled many photo shoots for him. Some re-shoots of what other photographers had done when he was gone, as well as others. He could have almost sworn she was deliberately keeping him away from Greta. But he didn't want to argue with her.
Greta met with Lexi, and Lexi gave her a clean bill of health, and told her she was as good as new. Greta loved the news, and couldn't wait to tell Eric that the physical limitations were finally lifted. But after learning what schedule Eric had for the next week and half they decided to wait. They had waited to be together again for almost two weeks, what was a little more? And eternity, at least to them.
They decided to wait and make it special. This time have dinner, wine, and most importantly a bed. Time seemed to be at a crawl. Eric just tried to get as much done as possible without dealing with Nicole. Greta tried to get as much studying and reading done as she could to keep herself occupied. But after one week, she had something else on her mind.
It was eating her up inside, and as each day passed, she got more and more worried. *Maybe tomorrow,* she told herself. Telling herself that everything would be okay.
Eric could tell something was wrong, but he had no idea what would be bothering her. Sometimes she would just stare off into space, he would ask her what was wrong. She would say nothing, and then forcefully be herself again.
Eric had actually gotten home early on Friday night, and found Greta sitting on the couch, book in her lap, but she was staring at the wall.
He walked over to her, sat down next to her, "Greta?" she looked at him, "What's wrong?"
"Noth..."
He interrupted her, "Don't tell me it's nothing. Something is eating you up in side, tell what it is."
She stood up and put the book on the table, and walked towards the kitchen. He followed her. He put his hand on her shoulder and turned her to look at him. She pulled away, not looking at him.
"Greta..., please."
"I just can't be." she said.
He looked at her, totally confused, "What?"
She shook her head, "Nothing."
She looked on the verge of tears, and he then knew something was seriously wrong. He put his hand on her shoulders, turned her to him, and made her look at him.
"Greta, what is wrong? Tell me, please."
She struggled with his plea. She didn't want to tell him, she didn't know what he would think. Heck, she didn't. She was scared out of her mind. She looked into his eyes, saw the pleading look. "Eric..." she started, her voice cracked. She didn't know if she could say it, if she could tell him what she feared.
He looked at her and softly spoke, "Please."
She took a deep breath, and in a soft voice, spoke "I'm late..."
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Chapter 55
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Eric looked at her confused, and was about to ask what she meant, when she continued. "I'm five days late." she told him, her voice shaky.
His eyes widened as realization of what she was saying was setting in. She continued, "Sure I've been one day later before, it happens, two days when I was younger. But never five, never five days." She was getting louder, more emotional.
"Greta..." Eric said in a calm voice.
She continued frantic, "I mean it was only once," she said holding up one finger. "We were only together once, under extreme conditions, it shouldn't happen."
If he wasn't sure before, he ws now. He reached out and pulled her to him, she had her head in his chest. He wasn't taking the potential news that bad. Not like she was. He stroked her hair, talked to her softly. Then asked a question, "Have you taken a pregnancy test yet?"
She shook her head no, "Why not?" he asked in in a soft, non questioning manner.
"I was hoping I wouldn't have too. And I don't want to have to take one. I also want to be for sure, I want accurate results. But I haven't worked up the courage to go to the doctor yet."
"Why didn't you tell me?" he asked her, pulling her chin up to look at him.
She looked up at him, tears running down her cheeks, he brushed them away with his finger tips, "Because... because... I didn't know how you would take it. I mean, I'm not exactly thrilled by the idea, I could only imagine what you would feel."
He smiled down at her, "How do I look like I'm taking it?"
She looked at him, "You are too calm," she hit his chest lightly, "Why are you so calm?" she said and walked away from him. He followed her, grabbing her around the waist, and pulled her back to him, he rested his chin on her shoulder, and his hands went to her abdomen.
"Because, the whole idea doesn't bother me. In fact... I kind of like it."
She turned around in his arms in shock, "What?" She moved back and sat in the chair, he sat on the coffee table in front of her, and put his hands on her knees.
"Greta... I love you. And..." He paused, "Yes this is a shock. And no, I am not exactly prepared for it, in fact most people, even when they plan on having kids are not prepared for it. But..." He smiled at her, "How can I be mad, or upset, or whatever? You might be having my baby."
Greta shook her head, and looked down, "But... it was only once Eric. And we aren't married, or even engaged! Heck... if we even did stay together, kids were years away."
He smiled, reached out, and had her look at him. "Great to see all the confidence you have in us." He said with a wink.
"You know what I mean."
"I know... but... this will just speed up the process a little bit is all."
Greta looked at him, "What are you saying?'
"Well... I have known for awhile, and thought about it for awhile. That eventually we would get married, this just speeds up the process."
Greta shook her head no, and stood up, moving away from him again. "Oh no we aren't."
Eric stood up, "What?"
"I am not going to marry you just because of a baby. I don't want you to marry be just because of it either."
"Greta..."
"No. I want, and wanted you to ask me because you were ready to ask, and that you wanted to. Not because you think that you have to or something."
"But Greta... I already told you, that we would have eventually anyway!" He moved into the kitchen with her. "And it has nothing to do with being ready to get married. I'm not someone afraid of commitment."
She looked at him, moving slowly back towards the bedroom. "Well maybe I am! I'm not ready for this. I am in college, I don't have time to be a wife right now, especially a mother! I'm just not ready, I can't handle this right now." She said throwing up her arms and running into her bedroom, and shutting the door behind her.
He watched as she shut her door, and stood there in shock. Then a thousand thoughts went through his head. *Why is she freaking out so bad about this? It's not the end of the world. Heck, it's OUR baby.* He leaned on the back of the couch. He was actually happy, and the more he thought about it, the happier it made him. He could see the three of them together. Because unlike the other person he had wanted to marry, he could actually see Greta in a house with a white picket fence, and kids running around. Heck, in Paris, that is what she had told him she wanted. That seemed like it was a long time ago. *No, neither of us planned this. But so?* He didn't like how much she was freaking out about this. And then fear washed through him, *Oh God.... What if?* He ran over to the door, "Greta?" He said. She didn't answer, "Greta please, let me in."
"It's open." Came a voice.
He tried the knob, and the door slowly opened. He found her laying on the bed, with her face in the pillow. He slowly walked over to her, and sat on the bed next to her. He knew he had to ask, but he feared the answer he would get. "Greta... I have to ask you something." He paused, and took a deep breath, and went on. "Are you going to keep it?"
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To Be Continued
WRITTEN BY: Heather Ferguson (fergus80)
EMAIL: hferguso@niu.edu
WEBSITE: http://eric_greta.tripod.com (from when Jensen was on days)
Rating: If you can watch DAYS, you can read this. If there is a rating change, a link to the chap. will be provided.
Disclaimer: Days of Our Lives and all of their characters are property of Corday Productions and NBC.
My Rant: Okay, I'm finally putting this up on FanFiction.net. Mostly to free up my website space. This was started way back in Oct. of 1999, and I haven't decided if it's finished yet or not. Reviews are always welcome!
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Chapter 51
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Eric and Greta looked at each other, they now knew that the snow was still unstable, and that that was probably the reason they hadn't been found yet.
They slowly moved back under the rock, and laid down next to each other. The small amount of light coming through the hole they just made was quickly vanishing as night approached. Finally Greta spoke quietly. "So how long will the snow stay unstable?" she asked.
"I have no idea." Eric told her, "It could be hours, or much longer." He turned to look into her eyes, but it was basically pitch black. "Well, we at least now have a fresh source of air, and even though that hole is giving us a small breeze, it is warm in here. We have water from all the snow. So we should be okay, even if it is a few days." Eric sat up and took off his coat, their body heat had really heated up the small area.
Greta decided to take hers off as well. She sat up, and then wished she hadn't.
She winced from the pain in her side, and Eric heard her. "What's wrong?" he asked, worry in his voice.
She slowly took off her coat and answered. "My side hurts, I think I hit something."
Eric found the keys in her pocket, turned on the small flashlight, and she helped him lift up her shirt. It didn't take any time to find out where it hurt, because there was a very large bruise on her side. Covering from the bottom of her rib cage to her hip. It wasn't a slight bruise either, part of it was a deep purple. Eric looked at it, and mentally winced, and another wave of fear washed through him. He knew it could be much more serious than a bruise. His hand went out and rested on her forehead, it was warm, but then again so was he in this small area.
He slowly laid her back down on her back, to try and get a better look. It was bad, he tried to keep the worried look off his face, but it was no use, she had already seen it.
"That bad?" she asked, already knowing it was, having seen it herself.
"It's just a really bad bruise," he lied to her and himself. At least he was hoping that's all it was.
She looked him in the eyes, "Liar."
He pulled her shirt back down, turned off the light, and put the keys back in her coat pocket. He laid down next to her, on her good side, and his hands slowly found the side of her face.
"It could just be a really bad bruise."
"Or it could be that and some major internal problems."
Eric shook his head, he didn't want to think about that. Because if that was true, the longer they spent out here... he stopped that thought.
"Greta, you'll be fine, they will find us soon, and everything will be okay." She nodded her head in agreement, and tried to be positive. "Now, we should get some sleep." He rolled both their coats into pillows, then wrapped one arm over her, making sure to stay away from the bruise. She fell asleep quickly, but sleep wouldn't claim him, as worry plagued his thoughts.
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Eric had finally fallen asleep some hours later, and had awoken some hours later. He could tell it was day time by the small amount of light coming from the hole. The light gave him just enough to slightly make out Greta's face next to him. She was still sleeping. He checked her pulse, and it was a little slow, and her forehead was still a little warm. He decided to let her sleep, since he couldn't do anything else for her. He sat with his thoughts for a few hours before she woke up.
"Eric?" asked a sleepy Greta.
He moved over to her, "Good morning, Sleeping Beauty," he said in reply and kissed her forehead. He looked into her eyes and smiled, as he also noticed how pale she looked.
She smiled slightly, moved to sit up, grimaced, and laid back down. "I was hoping it was all a nightmare."
"Me too," he said moving the coat into a better pillow for her. He then laid back down beside her, and they started to talk.
They talked about their childhood, caught up on things happening in salem, school, and work. And they mostly talked about what they were going to do when they got out of there.
"Let's see what else would I do?" he asked himself, but stopped when he noticed she was asleep next to him. He sighed, and closed his eyes. *Oh please God, get us out of here, and please take care of her.* He thought, and then curled up next to her.
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It had been two and half days already since they got caught in the avalanche. There was no sign of any rescue workers, and hope was quickly vanishing. Eric sat with his back to the wall, watching Greta sleeping. She was doing that mostly now. She would wake up for a couple hours then fall back to sleep. She was so pale, she was almost as white as the snow. The bruise was turning a black color, and Eric was sure she was now running, at the least a low grade fever. He sat there, trying not to fall asleep himself. Between his worrying, and the that fact that it seemed like his stomach was growling for the last two days, he was also very tired, and slightly light headed. If it wasn't for her waking up every few hours to talk to him, he knew he would go crazy.
The longer he waited, the less he believed they would be found. The longer he waited the more he was sure that in a short time he would be left alone. The longer he waited, the more he realized they were going to die like this.
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Chapter 52
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It was now 3 and 1/2 days since they were trapped. Eric woke up, and checked Greta's pulse, let out a sigh of relief. He did so every time he felt she still had one. Because he knew one of these times she probably wouldn't. He was about to sit up when he heard a small sound. He almost screamed that they were in there, when he realized it wasn't the sound of people, but of snow. The sound grew louder, "Oh God, no." He said out loud as he heard it get closer.
The sound woke Greta up, and she looked at Eric. "No..." she said quietly as the sound came closer.
They held onto each other as it moved over them, and their snow prison became dark once again. Once it was over, Eric got out the light, and moved over to the hole they had created in the snow. He used the ski poles again to try and make another hole. But this time, the pole's didn't break out the other side, the snow was too deep. They looked at each other, and realized they had finally lost. They no longer had the option of days, but of hours.
Greta couldn't help it as her last bit of hope ran down her face in a tear. Eric moved over to her, turned off the light, and they held onto each other, as they both cried.
Greta broke away, leaned her forehead on his, and cupped his face with her hands, "Dig."
"What?" he asked her.
"Dig, we have nothing to lose." He agreed, and went over to the wall of snow, and Greta turned on the light. He started to dig up, but quickly found the snow just coming and and making things worse. He then tried to tunnel out sideways at an angle. He didn't get more than two feet in when it collapsed on him. It was just making it their small space that much smaller. It was like there was a never ending pile of snow on top of them. It was no use, and Eric moved back over to Greta, laid down next to her, held her, and kissed her. "I'm sorry." he told her.
"For what?" she asked, slowly moving to her side to face him.
"There's nothing I can do, I can't get us out of here."
Tears ran down her face, "It's not your fault."
"Greta, I love you." he told her and kissed her, holding her tight.
She rested her head against his chest and then spoke. "Show me." she said softly.
He could barely hear her, "What?" he said looking down at her.
"Show me." she said again looking into his eyes, "Make love to me." she said.
"Greta..." he said questioning, trailing off.
"Eric, don't question this anymore, don't fight it. There cannot be a better time to show each other how we feel than right now. And we won't get another opportunity." She said then kissed him.
"But you're hurt." he said worrying, his hand lightly moving over her side.
"I don't care. Eric... I don't want to... die" she said, her voice cracking, "without having made love to you. I need you, we need this." She said to him, kissing him again. "Eric, I want you. Please, make love to me."
Eric leaned in and kissed her softly, yet passionately, his hands moving over her slowly. Starting in her hair, and moving down her back. He looked into her eyes, "I love you, so much." he said, the emotion catching in his throat.
She smiled, a tear running down her face, he kissed it away, "I love you too." she said and kissed him again......
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For NC-17 Part, Go Here: http://eric_greta.tripod.com/chap52NC17.htm
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Greta rested her head on his shoulder, Eric had his arms wrapped around her, holding her close, one hand lightly stroking her bare back.
She kissed his shoulder, looked up at him and smiled. He smiled back down at her. "We waited to long." She said to him.
"What?" he asked her.
"We should have done that a long time ago." He just smiled at her. "No, I'm serious. No wonder people talk about it all the time." He almost laughed. She kissed him, and then winced slightly from leaning up.
He turned serious quickly, "Are you okay?" he asked her.
"Yeah, just my side hurts." His hand lightly ran over the bruise, and he looked back up at her, and kissed her lightly.
They laid there a few more minutes, lightly touching each other, and being happy in the moment. But finally, they moved to put their clothes back on. They then laid back down, facing each other. They held onto each other, and kissed. After some time, the small flash light was starting to dim, as the batteries were finally giving in. They held onto each other, telling each other how much they loved each other. The air already starting to thin out. Greta's eyes were slowly closing, and she kissed him one more time before her eyes slipped close. His heart felt like it was breaking into a million pieces, as he watched her eyes close. He held onto her tight, rocking her slightly. Not to long after, his breathing started to became ragged once again, but this time from the lack of oxygen. *Please God, help us.* He thought as his eyes slowly closed, and he lost consciousness. The light danced and flickered over the couple, holding one another. It dimmed slowly, and with a last flicker the light was out.
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Chapter 53
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Greta slowly opened her eyes, and then quickly closed them, the light was so bright. She slowly opened them again, and the whiteness was blinding. *I'm dead,* she thought to herself, as she looked into the bright light.
"Greta?" asked a familiar voice to her side, her head was foggy and she tried to place it.
*Oh no, Eric, not you too.* She thought and tried to look towards the sound. A blurry figure was to her right, and it slowly came into focus, "Eric?" she said softly, her voice cracking.
She saw him smile, as relief washed over him, "Yeah, it's me." He said squeezing her hand.
She felt the slight pressure on her hand and looked down to see him holding on her hand. Her eyes sight started to clear, and realization of her surroundings were setting in. *I'm in a room.* She thought, she looked back over to Eric. "What happened? Where are we?"
He smiled again at her, "We are in the hospital, we are both going to be okay."
She smiled, "How?" She asked as a couple people walked into the room. A nurse began checking out her vital signs, and told her the doctor would be in shortly. Then she saw John and Marlena.
"Well, I'm not entirely sure. I know you passed out, and then I did. The next thing I knew I woke up here. But from what they told me, after that last avalanche, it was safe for the rescuers to start looking. It took them a few hours, but they found us, and some others."
"We weren't going to give up looking," Marlena said, a small tear running down her face.
"It's remarkable that you survived as long as you did." John told them.
Greta tried to sit up, but winced. "Don't move, you are going to be sore for awhile, and not just from the bruise." Eric told her.
"Why, what's wrong?" she asked looking at the three of them, not wanting to answer her.
Finally Eric spoke up. "When they got you to the hospital they rushed you into emergency surgery. Like our fears thought, it was much more than a bruise." He stopped, he didn't want to think about it. He remembered waking up to find out she was in surgery, and that they weren't sure if she was going to make it. He tried to decide whether to tell her the truth or not. But he decided she had to know. "While they were fixing some of the damage, you stopped breathing twice, and your heart stopped once. You have been unconscious, and out of surgery for three days. They weren't sure if you were going to wake up."
Greta was in shock, she couldn't believe it. That's when she realized Eric was in regular clothes. "How long has it been since we got trapped?" she asked him.
"Just about a week."
Her eyes widened in shock, and John spoke, "Don't start worrying that pretty little heard of yours. We notified your professors, and you will be able to make up the work. And they told me to tell you, to not rush things, and take it easy."
"Which reminds me, there are a number of people in Salem that want to know that you are okay." Marlena said.
"How about we go call, and leave them alone." John said motioning Marlena out of the room.
Once they were outside, Greta spoke up. "Eric..."
"Yes?" he asked.
"Could you hold me?" she asked.
He smiled, and stood up. He helped her move over slightly, and he crawled into bed next to her, wrapped his arms around her, and held her to him. She rested her head on his shoulder, as he stroked her hair. The knowledge that she was going to be okay a huge weight off his mind and heart.
"We're alive." she said softly.
"Yes we are." he replied. She hugged him tight, a huge feeling of happiness washed over her. "I love you," she said into his chest, and smiled.
He closed his eyes, "I love you too."
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The next day the doctor said that she was well enough to be taken back to Salem, but to be admitted into University Hospital.
John got the jet ready, and in no time they were wheeling the hospital cart onto the plane. With Greta protesting that she could just sit in a regular chair. But she wasn't listened to, as they secured the bed inside the plane.
"Now, you lay there, and be good." Eric told her, and kissed her forehead. She huffed and crossed her arms in front of her. He laughed, "You are so cure where you pout." He told her with a grin, then went to go help John with some luggage.
"Hey! If I should rest, so should you." She yelled after him, and then realized she shouldn't have as her side began to hurt.
Marlena came into the plane right behind her son. "She's right, now go sit down and relax. We have everything taken care of." Greta smiled in partial triumph and Marlena winked at her.
Eric walked over to the couch next to Greta and sat down. Greta grinned wider, "Now you know how it feels."
He gave her a dirty look, but then smiled. They soon were ready to go, and in no time they were in the air. A nurse kept making sure that Greta was okay, especially when some turbulence hit. Eric was also there, holding her hand as the plane rocked. She winced every time that it did. Finally the turbulence stopped, and soon they were landing at Salem Airport. They then transported her to University Hospital, and they had a room already for her.
Lexi came in as a nurse was hooking her up to some monitors. "Well I hear you both had a run in with some snow."
Eric smiled, "You could say that."
"I'm glad you both were all right. Everyone was really worried." Greta reached out and took Eric's hand. Lexi smiled and looked at Greta, "Now we just have to get you all better. Based on everything, I would say two more days here, and then a week of rest. Then with a few limitations, you should be back to our old self again." Lexi shooed Eric out of the room, as she began to check on Greta.
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Eric slowly walked back into her room, awhile later, trying not to wake her. He sat the vase of flowers on the stand, and then moved to sit in the chair. He gently picked up her hand and held it in his as he watched her sleep.
She looked so peaceful, and the color was starting to come back to her cheeks. Every time he looked at her now, he was reminded of what he could have lost. It terrified him. The absolute love he felt for her was so powerful, he couldn't even try to describe it. The simple word of love could not even begin to describe what he felt.
He leaned down and kissed her hand, then looked back up at her to see her eyes watching him, with a smile on her face.
He brought her hand up to his heart and spoke, "Do you have any idea how much I love you?" he asked her.
She smiled, "Well, if it is even a fraction of what I feel for you, then I know it's a lot."
He grinned and leaned up and kissed her. "Now that we are alone, back home, and everything is okay. We need to talk."
Greta knew that didn't sound good, "About?" she said, worry in her voice.
He kissed her hand again, "Nothing to worry about. Just about what happened."
She relaxed visibly, "Okay, about what exactly?"
"Well..." he didn't know how to ask it, how to approach the topic. But ever since she had woke up, and knew she would be okay, he had thought about it, and worried about it. She waited for him to go on, and he tired. "About... what happened... between us..."
Greta looked down, he watched her and then waited for what he feared she would say. But it didn't happen. He was surprised by what she said. "Do you regret it?" She asked quietly.
His eyes widened in shock, his hand came up to tilt her face to look at him. "No." he told her firmly. "I will never regret making love to you. I was afraid that maybe you had."
"Why?" she asked.
"I thought that maybe you had only agreed because you thought we weren't going to make it. And that now that we did..."
"Eric.. I don't regret it. It was probably more special then, then if we would have waited and planned it. Besides ..." She trailed off with a blush. "If you would have looked in my suit case you would have found silk lingerie... that I was going to wear... while we were in colorado."
"You mean..."
"I mean, I was looking to try and persuade you into it while we were there anyway."
Eric grinned, "You know, persuade isn't the right word. It was more of letting me know that you really meant it."
She smiled, and reached out and grabbed the front of his shirt and pulled him close to her.. She kissed him hard, "I don't regret it. Not one moment. And..." she said with a twinkle in her eyes, "I loved every second of it." Eric laughed, "Now, Brady, kiss me."
"Yes, Ma'am," he said and leaned in and kissed her. They broke apart, and Greta giggled.
Eric sat on the side of her bed, "What?"
"Nothing" she said with a large smile.
"Tell me," he requested again.
"Well..." she laughed, "I now know why Nicole kept bragging about sex with you."
Eric blushed, "She talked about it?"
"Yeah, I told you some of it. She was just trying to get to me."
"Well, I hope she doesn't get to you."
"Not anymore." She said with a large smile and pulled him in for another kiss.
They then heard someone clear their throat behind them. They turned to look to see Lexi. She smiled, "You know, visitor's hours are over."
"Lexi..." Eric trailed off whining.
"I'm kidding, I was just wondering if you wanted a pillow or blanket or something. Even though you should go home and get some sleep." She said with a slight scolding in her voice.
"Lexi, I don't need two mother's." He said. She laughed and got him a pillow and blanket, then she headed for home.
Greta watched as he tried to get comfortable in the chair, with a large smile.
"Eric, come up here with me. You are going to get a really stiff neck like that."
He stood up, and Greta moved over. He kicked off his shoes, then laid down on half of the bed. She then turned onto her side, and curled up next to him, resting her head on his chest. He wrapped his arms around her.
"You okay?" he asked her.
"Mmm hmm, and you?"
"Much better," he replied, and he kissed her forehead. They said their good nights, and love you's. And soon they were both asleep.
The nurse smiled when she came in the room later to check on Greta. She quietly checked the monitors and everything, and then left them alone. Like anyone else, she could tell how in love they were, and just how close their experience brought them together. She smiled as he shut the door, knowing that they would have many years of love ahead of them.
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Chapter 54
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A few days later Greta was released from the hospital, with strict orders. Lots of rest, no heavy lifting, and no strenuous activity. Eric and Greta had looked at each other and smiled when she said that. It meant they had to wait awhile before they could do what they had done under all that snow in colorado.
Eric had helped her home, and got her all settled in bed. She had refused to go to sleep, so he brought her all her books, notes, and homework for her to catch up on. She gave him a dirty look, but stated working. He brought her something to eat and drink, fluffed her pillows, and when he started to straighten the sheets she told him to go to work.
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A couple more days at home with rest, Lexi cleared Greta to go back to college. She made up an exam, and some other homework, and the next day she went to classes. The pain in her side was mostly gone, she just still felt weak from the whole ordeal. She had yelled at Eric, two nights previous, because he had been babying her again. Ever since the avalanche he had treated her like a porcelain doll, and she had had enough. She told him to stop, and after some arguing, he got the point. It resurfaced every so often, but a look form her stopped him usually.
They went out to dinner, movies, slow dancing, shopping, and anything they could think of. They were still in the state that they were happy to be alive. They were spending time with their families, well, Eric's family. Greta wasn't sure how much longer she could hold out from telling Eric who her father was. Every day they got closer, and she felt like she was lying to him.
She had been waiting to find out who Hope's baby's father was. But she wasn't sure she could wait those two months anymore. The whole experience had taught her, how important life is, and not to waste the time you do have. The only question, was how to tell Eric, and her father?
She laid on the couch contemplating what to do when Eric came home. "Honey, I'm home." He said with a laugh.
"Very funny," she said from the couch.
He walked over, picked up her feet, sat down, and put them on his lap. "So, what do you want to do tonight?" he asked her.
"Nothing," she said, "I want to relax, I'm sick of homework and tests. I'm exhausted."
"Okay, and evening inside then." He said with a smile. He looked over at her, "Just want time with you anyway." She smiled at him. He kicked off his shoes and crawled up beside her. She moved, allowing him to lay behind her, and wrap his arms around her. He kissed the side of her neck and sighed in contentment. After a little while, he spoke again, "What are you thinking about?"
"Huh..." she said coming out of her stupor.
"I was curious as to what you were thinking, you are really out of it."
"Oh, just of all the stuff I still have to do," she lied, well sort of, she did still have to tell them.
They had some dinner, and watched some TV. Just relaxing and enjoying each other's company. Greta had fallen asleep in his arms on the couch, and he carried her into her bedroom. He took off most of her clothes and put a T-shirt on her. He then laid her down, then changed himself. He then came back, crawled in bed with her, wrapped an arm around her and feel asleep himself.
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Things got busy again for Eric. Nicole had scheduled many photo shoots for him. Some re-shoots of what other photographers had done when he was gone, as well as others. He could have almost sworn she was deliberately keeping him away from Greta. But he didn't want to argue with her.
Greta met with Lexi, and Lexi gave her a clean bill of health, and told her she was as good as new. Greta loved the news, and couldn't wait to tell Eric that the physical limitations were finally lifted. But after learning what schedule Eric had for the next week and half they decided to wait. They had waited to be together again for almost two weeks, what was a little more? And eternity, at least to them.
They decided to wait and make it special. This time have dinner, wine, and most importantly a bed. Time seemed to be at a crawl. Eric just tried to get as much done as possible without dealing with Nicole. Greta tried to get as much studying and reading done as she could to keep herself occupied. But after one week, she had something else on her mind.
It was eating her up inside, and as each day passed, she got more and more worried. *Maybe tomorrow,* she told herself. Telling herself that everything would be okay.
Eric could tell something was wrong, but he had no idea what would be bothering her. Sometimes she would just stare off into space, he would ask her what was wrong. She would say nothing, and then forcefully be herself again.
Eric had actually gotten home early on Friday night, and found Greta sitting on the couch, book in her lap, but she was staring at the wall.
He walked over to her, sat down next to her, "Greta?" she looked at him, "What's wrong?"
"Noth..."
He interrupted her, "Don't tell me it's nothing. Something is eating you up in side, tell what it is."
She stood up and put the book on the table, and walked towards the kitchen. He followed her. He put his hand on her shoulder and turned her to look at him. She pulled away, not looking at him.
"Greta..., please."
"I just can't be." she said.
He looked at her, totally confused, "What?"
She shook her head, "Nothing."
She looked on the verge of tears, and he then knew something was seriously wrong. He put his hand on her shoulders, turned her to him, and made her look at him.
"Greta, what is wrong? Tell me, please."
She struggled with his plea. She didn't want to tell him, she didn't know what he would think. Heck, she didn't. She was scared out of her mind. She looked into his eyes, saw the pleading look. "Eric..." she started, her voice cracked. She didn't know if she could say it, if she could tell him what she feared.
He looked at her and softly spoke, "Please."
She took a deep breath, and in a soft voice, spoke "I'm late..."
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Chapter 55
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Eric looked at her confused, and was about to ask what she meant, when she continued. "I'm five days late." she told him, her voice shaky.
His eyes widened as realization of what she was saying was setting in. She continued, "Sure I've been one day later before, it happens, two days when I was younger. But never five, never five days." She was getting louder, more emotional.
"Greta..." Eric said in a calm voice.
She continued frantic, "I mean it was only once," she said holding up one finger. "We were only together once, under extreme conditions, it shouldn't happen."
If he wasn't sure before, he ws now. He reached out and pulled her to him, she had her head in his chest. He wasn't taking the potential news that bad. Not like she was. He stroked her hair, talked to her softly. Then asked a question, "Have you taken a pregnancy test yet?"
She shook her head no, "Why not?" he asked in in a soft, non questioning manner.
"I was hoping I wouldn't have too. And I don't want to have to take one. I also want to be for sure, I want accurate results. But I haven't worked up the courage to go to the doctor yet."
"Why didn't you tell me?" he asked her, pulling her chin up to look at him.
She looked up at him, tears running down her cheeks, he brushed them away with his finger tips, "Because... because... I didn't know how you would take it. I mean, I'm not exactly thrilled by the idea, I could only imagine what you would feel."
He smiled down at her, "How do I look like I'm taking it?"
She looked at him, "You are too calm," she hit his chest lightly, "Why are you so calm?" she said and walked away from him. He followed her, grabbing her around the waist, and pulled her back to him, he rested his chin on her shoulder, and his hands went to her abdomen.
"Because, the whole idea doesn't bother me. In fact... I kind of like it."
She turned around in his arms in shock, "What?" She moved back and sat in the chair, he sat on the coffee table in front of her, and put his hands on her knees.
"Greta... I love you. And..." He paused, "Yes this is a shock. And no, I am not exactly prepared for it, in fact most people, even when they plan on having kids are not prepared for it. But..." He smiled at her, "How can I be mad, or upset, or whatever? You might be having my baby."
Greta shook her head, and looked down, "But... it was only once Eric. And we aren't married, or even engaged! Heck... if we even did stay together, kids were years away."
He smiled, reached out, and had her look at him. "Great to see all the confidence you have in us." He said with a wink.
"You know what I mean."
"I know... but... this will just speed up the process a little bit is all."
Greta looked at him, "What are you saying?'
"Well... I have known for awhile, and thought about it for awhile. That eventually we would get married, this just speeds up the process."
Greta shook her head no, and stood up, moving away from him again. "Oh no we aren't."
Eric stood up, "What?"
"I am not going to marry you just because of a baby. I don't want you to marry be just because of it either."
"Greta..."
"No. I want, and wanted you to ask me because you were ready to ask, and that you wanted to. Not because you think that you have to or something."
"But Greta... I already told you, that we would have eventually anyway!" He moved into the kitchen with her. "And it has nothing to do with being ready to get married. I'm not someone afraid of commitment."
She looked at him, moving slowly back towards the bedroom. "Well maybe I am! I'm not ready for this. I am in college, I don't have time to be a wife right now, especially a mother! I'm just not ready, I can't handle this right now." She said throwing up her arms and running into her bedroom, and shutting the door behind her.
He watched as she shut her door, and stood there in shock. Then a thousand thoughts went through his head. *Why is she freaking out so bad about this? It's not the end of the world. Heck, it's OUR baby.* He leaned on the back of the couch. He was actually happy, and the more he thought about it, the happier it made him. He could see the three of them together. Because unlike the other person he had wanted to marry, he could actually see Greta in a house with a white picket fence, and kids running around. Heck, in Paris, that is what she had told him she wanted. That seemed like it was a long time ago. *No, neither of us planned this. But so?* He didn't like how much she was freaking out about this. And then fear washed through him, *Oh God.... What if?* He ran over to the door, "Greta?" He said. She didn't answer, "Greta please, let me in."
"It's open." Came a voice.
He tried the knob, and the door slowly opened. He found her laying on the bed, with her face in the pillow. He slowly walked over to her, and sat on the bed next to her. He knew he had to ask, but he feared the answer he would get. "Greta... I have to ask you something." He paused, and took a deep breath, and went on. "Are you going to keep it?"
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To Be Continued