TITLE: DAYS Fairy Tale: Eric & Greta: Chapters 96-100
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 96
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Eric reached over and took Greta's hand next to him, his fingers automatically going to the ring on her finger. She turned and smiled at him, he smiled at her and then turned back to the road. "Excited to get home and tell everyone?" He asked her.
"I can't wait."
"Do you want to go home first or where?"
"Let's go to your mom's and my dad's."
He laughed, "You know how funny that sounds?"
"Yeah I know, but I think I'm getting used to it. I think I did decide something though."
"What's that."
"My maid of honor."
He laughed, "Wow, you are thinking about this."
She looked worried, "Does that bother you?"
He brought her hand to his lips and kissed it, "No, I think it's wonderful. Who do you want for maid of honor?"
"Someone important to both of us, Belle."
He smiled, "Yeah, she is a sister to both of us. I like that."
"Well of course Sami would be a bride's maid, and Hope." Eric smiled at her as she continued, "Oh, maybe we could get Chole to sing at the wedding."
"Okay well let's see. Who would I pick for best man?" Eric thought for awhile, "My Dad."
Greta smiled, "Yeah. And of course mine will give me away."
Eric pulled into the parking garage and parked the Jeep. He turned towards her, "Do you have any idea how happy I am and how much I love you?"
She smiled and leaned in, "I think I do." She kissed him deeply, and then said, "I love you too, and I am unbelievably happy!" She squealed her eyes lighting up like a little kid at christmas. Eric laughed, and they both got out of the Jeep and made their way up to the penthouse.
Greta knocked on the door, and a minute later Marlena was opening it. She saw the two, and her eyes got wide, "Well?" She asked.
Greta giggled and held up her hand, and Marlena with tears in her eyes, hugged them tight. Belle came down the stairs hearing the commotion. Then she screamed when she saw them, "So?"
Eric just smiled, "She said yes."
"Well duh!" Belle said as she hugged Greta tightly and then Eric. "Dad!" Belle yelled.
John came out to the balcony from upstairs, "So should I guess from the squealing and yelling that it's good news?"
Greta smiled and ran up the steps, and flew into his arms. John hugged her tight, and looked down at her, "So when do I get to give you away?"
She smiled, "No date yet, but I'll let you know." The two hugged again and then walked down the stairs.
"So how was Paris?" Belle asked. They all set down on the couch.
"Wonderful," Greta said sitting next to Eric, he put his arm around her.
"Yeah John, thanks for letting us borrow the jet."
"No problem."
"So Eric, how did you propose?"
Eric smiled. "You know what Belle, ask Greta all about it, and I think she may have something to tell you. And I need to talk to mom for awhile."
Eric patted Greta's leg and then stood up and him and Marlena went to the other side of the room.
"Is everything okay?" Marlena asked him worried.
"Oh no, everything is fantastic, better even. I just wanted to ask you if you could help Greta with everything, well me too. I want a part of it, but I know Greta will want to do most of it. You know what I like and what she likes, and you have helped out with so many weddings. And also, well, it's usually a thing a mother does with her daughter..."
Marlena understood, "And since Gina is dead, Greta needs a mother to help her." He nodded, "I'd love to be there for her, heck I am her stepmother too."
Eric laughed, "That's true." They then walked back to the others.
Greta was still talking, "And then there we were on the Eiffel tower, and he got on one knee, it was so romantic."
Belle was completely engrossed in what she was saying. "Sounds perfect."
"It was," She looked over at Eric as he set down, "Absolutely perfect." He kissed her lightly. Greta grinned at him, and then back at Belle. "I do have something to ask you though."
"What?" Belle asked. Marlena and John looked at each other with a smile.
"Well I would like to ask you to be my maid of honor."
Belle's eyes went wide and she screamed and got up and hugged Greta tight. "Oh my God, Yes!" She hugged her again, and then Eric, and then Greta again. Everyone was laughing. "We have so much to do!"
"Hold on," Eric told her. "We still have to set a date."
"Well then hurry up and set one!"
Everyone laughed, and they continued talking about the wedding.
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Chapter 97
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After about a week, they finally picked a date for the wedding. They decided on March 10th, it would be perfect. The church was luckily free, and it was set right at the beginning of Greta's Spring Break. She would have a week off for the wedding and honeymoon, and not have to miss classes. Not only that, it gave everyone enough time to get everything together, and not in a last minute rush like so many weddings in Salem.
Even though Greta still had over three months to plan, she still felt like she was running around with her head cut off. She had to figure out invitations, decorations, bride's maid dresses, flower arrangements, a photographer, reception menu, and she still had to find her dress. But besides all that, finals were starting in a little over a week.
Greta took another sip of coffee as she looked at the different samples in front of her. "Now this one is simple but elegant." Marlena said showing her a piece of off white paper with two wedding bells.
Greta looked at her watch, and rubbed her head, she had a slight headache, "No, I don't really like the bells, and the color is a little dark."
Marlena leaned over and patted her back, "What's wrong? You don't look too happy."
She sighed, "There is so much to do, I don't think I can get everything done."
"Oh that's right, finals are coming up." Greta nodded, "Well, you know, you will have winter break for about a month, we can get most of it done then. This all can wait."
"Are you sure?" Greta asked hopefully.
Marlena smiled, "How many weddings have I helped plan in less than a week?" Greta laughed. "I think we can handle putting this off of a little bit. Besides, it should be fun. It shouldn't give you a headache."
Greta jumped at the feeling of two hands on her shoulders. She turned around in a start and then smile, then playfully hit Eric on the chest. "Don't do that."
"Sorry, just saw you and thought I would come over and see how everything is going, and if I can help." He sat down in the chair next to her, and nodded at the waitress to bring him a cup of coffee as well.
"Actually we decided to postpone most of the decisions for about a week and a half." Greta replied.
Eric smiled and then looked at his mom, "Thank you, I have been trying to tell her it could wait. She wouldn't believe me."
"You're a guy." Greta rebutted and Marlena just smiled. She gathered up the samples.
"Well I'll take these and look for lighter colors and no bells, and when you have time, we can look at them. Then I'll leave you two alone for awhile."
"Thank you Marlena." Greta said with a smile.
"It's no problem." With that and a few hugs she was on her way.
Eric leaned over and took her hand, and she smiled. "Worried about exams, huh?" She nodded yes. "Maybe you and your friends can get together and study some. It would be good for you." She agreed, and soon they finished their coffee and they went back to the apartment.
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Eric sighed as he walked off the elevator, *Finally the last christmas shoot was done.* He thought to himself, Christmas was still almost 3 weeks away, and he was getting sick of the lights already. That was the only thing bad about being a photographer, he had to experience the holidays more than a month in advance. But he didn't really mind to much, he knew he would be back in the christmas spirit as soon as he saw Greta's smile, with the christmas tree lights behind her, the colors reflecting in her eyes. He smiled at the thought. They had already bought a tree and decorated it, thankfully it was much smaller then the one the year before and actually fit through the door.
He unlocked the door, and a tinge of uneasiness or something washed through him. Greta looked up and smiled at him, then turned back to the pad of paper she was looking at. Daniel was right next to her, writing on the paper, explaining something to her on it. He looked up and smiled, and then went back to it. Eric smiled at the the two of them, took of his coat, laid it on the chair and went in the kitchen for something to drink. He shook his head slightly, as he poured a glass of water. He turned, leaning on the counter, and looked at the two of them. He could see Greta trying to figure out what he was saying, but, there was something in Daniel's body language that was bothering him. *Eric, calm down. He's probably attracted to her, that's all. Heck, who wouldn't be?* He smiled slightly at that. *They are just friends, and that's it.*
He poured out the rest of the water in the sink, and went back to his bedroom, to get out of his work clothes. He pulled on a pair of sweats and a sweatshirt, and then went back out into the family room. He heard a sneeze, and knew immediately it was Greta. Then there was another one as he walked out. "Bless you," he said, and then he froze again. *His hand is on her shoulder, it's slightly rubbing her shoulder.*
"Are you okay?" Daniel asked her. She tried to answer, and then she sneezed again.
Eric shook it off, "They seem to always come in three's." He got a kleenex from the counter, and brought it over.
She looked up and smiled at him as she took it. "Thank you." Daniel's hand moved from her shoulder, and then he picked up the pen again.
"So do you think you have it now?" He asked her.
She nodded yes, "Thanks for coming over and explaining it. You could have over the phone."
"No, something's you just have to see, otherwise it doesn't make as much sense." He straightened up, "Okay, I'm going to get going. Have a little more research to do in the Library." He picked up his stuff, and soon he was out the door.
Eric sat on the couch and watched him go. Greta said good bye, shut the door, and then straightened up the papers on the coffee table. She then sat down next to Eric, "He was so nice. He has a huge paper due in two days, and he came over to explain some Economics principles I was having trouble with. He took the class last semester."
Eric nodded, the idea making the feeling his his stomach grow. "So does Daniel have anyone special yet?"
Greta looked up at him with a weird look on her face. "Not that I know of, why?"
"Just curious."
"No, that wasn't a curious sound in your voice."
"Well, it just seems like he is willing to do an awful lot for you."
"He's a nice guy." Eric just nodded. "What?" Then she smiled, and curled up next to him, "Oh come on, don't tell me you are jealous of him? I love you, and Daniel is absolutely harmless."
"You're right, you're right. I just, I don't know, it was weird to come up and see the two of you alone, is all, I guess."
Greta leaned against him, putting her head against his chest, her hand coming to the side of his face, "Just remember, we are getting married in about three months." Her smile was huge, and it instantly made him feel better. He leaned in, his hand coming to cup the back of her head, and he kissed her, making the other thoughts rush out of his head.
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Chapter 98
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A few more days had passed, and Greta was studying like crazy. Eric was helping as much as he could, if not by helping her study, but by making dinner, cleaning, and washing clothes. Not that he didn't do that before, but he was taking the job completely for the time being. He also gave her impromptu neck and shoulder massages. Which was nice, because he was always thanked with a large, passionate kiss. That was when she was around though, most of the time she was at the library, Trisha's, or Jenny's, all of them studying together.
Eric honestly couldn't wait for the semester to be over. Yes it would be mean that Greta would have more time, and they could start really planning the wedding, but mostly, it was because of Daniel. Him and Greta wouldn't have any classes together next semester, which meant one less reason for him to be around her. He didn't say anything to Greta, he knew what she would say. He didn't want to make it seem like he didn't like Greta having male friends, that wasn't a problem at all. He just didn't like Daniel, there was just something about him that he didn't like, and he decided to keep his eyes open.
Eric noticed that he would do what ever he could to be close to her, he was the one that wanted to explain things to Greta, and do anything he could to touch her. The thing that really bothered Eric, was he did it, when he was actually around. *Maybe he is just oblivious to it.* Eric tried to tell himself, but his gut told him it was something else, that there was something that he just couldn't trust about him. He sighed, at least usually they were always with other people, unless they were at the apartment. But, as Eric made it a habit as of lately, they were never sure when he would be home. *Keep him on his toes.* He sighed to himself. *Maybe I am just jealous, pre wedding jitters or something like that.* He shook his head, *It's just the idea of wedding's in Salem. The fact that they barely ever happen. Well this one will happen!* He told himself, he was going to make sure of it, he just needed to stop seeing things were there was nothing there.
Eric finished making dinner, and was setting out the plates when Greta walked in. "Smells great." She said walking over to him, and giving him a hug. He put the food on the plates, and Greta got two cans of pop out of the refrigerator. They went over and sat on the couch.
"So how was your day dear?" Eric asked with a smile.
She grinned, "Same, study, study, study." She took a bite and then continued, "At least it will be all done in a few days."
"So where did you study today?"
Greta looked at him curious, "Why?"
"Just wondering."
"We went to Dot.com. And if the next question is, who is we, it was me, Jenny and yes, Daniel."
"Okay," Eric replied and then took another bite.
"I saw that." She said.
"Saw what?" He asked.
"That look."
"What look?"
"When I said his name, that look you got on your face."
"I didn't do anything."
Greta sighed, "What is wrong with Daniel? He's a nice guy."
"Yes, Greta, he is absolutely wonderful to you."
"What is that supposed to mean?"
"Don't you see it? Can't you tell that he is attracted to you?"
"No he's not."
"Yes he is."
She sat the plate on the coffee table and turned to him, "Fine, so what if he is?"
Eric put his plate down as well. "He's trying to do anything he can to be near you, to do anything he can to get you to like him."
"I do like him... as a friend."
"That's not what I mean and you know it."
"Okay, so what? So what if he is attracted to me, and he want's to be with me. Does that mean that he will be? Does that mean, that I will just give in to him or something?"
"Greta, that's not what I mean. He just spends a lot of time with you, a lot of time alone with you. I don't like it, I just don't trust him."
Greta stood up, "No, you don't trust me."
"What?" Eric stood up and walked towards her.
Greta shook her head, "Do you even realize what you are saying? We have had this conversation before, only now the roles are reversed, and I never slept with or dated Daniel!"
Eric took a step back, feeling like he had almost been slapped. "Don't bring Nicole into this."
"Why? When you went back to work for Titan and her, I had a problem with it, and you told me that you could handle her, that the problem was I didn't trust you. Well, now you are saying you don't trust me."
"This is entirely different!"
"Yes it is, that was much worse. You two had a history, me and him are just friends! At that point, we were just dating, now we are engaged. Are you going to be like this when we get married?"
"Greta, I do trust you. I know you would never do anything to hurt me, but.."
"But what? Worried, that he will drug me, and make you see us in bed together?"
He sighed, "You had to bring that up, didn't you? Do you still blame me for that?"
"Well, if you hadn't been around her, it wouldn't have happened."
"Do you see how ridicules that sounds?" Their voices we becoming louder, shouting at each other.
"Yeah, I do. Do you see how ridiculous you are sounding?"
"It doesn't matter, in a week it will be over with anyway."
Greta looked at him, questioning, "What do you mean?"
"The semester will be over, you won't have classes with him anymore."
"So what are you saying?"
"Then there's no reason to see him anymore."
"Excuse me, he happens to be a friend of mine. I'll see him whenever I want too. Besides I already invited him to the wedding."
"You did what?" Eric asked in shock, "Oh no, he is not going to be there, and you aren't seeing him after this semester."
"Excuse me?!?" Greta yelled at him, her temper was flaring. "Are you telling me who I can and cannot see?"
"No, I'm just telling you, you are not going to see him."
Greta shook her head, "Boy am I glad I saw this side of you now."
"What is that supposed to mean?"
"I'm not marrying someone who tells me whom I can and cannot see, and someone who doesn't trust me. This is not the middle ages!" With that she took off her ring, took his hand, and put it in his palm. "You can have it." She looked at her watch. "Now if you will excuse me, I have to go study." She grabbed her coat, and put it on.
Eric stood their in shock, over what had just happened. "Where are you going? We need to talk."
"No, there is nothing to talk about. I'm going over to study at my good friend Daniel's apartment." Eric's eyes widened. "Jenny and Trisha are also going to be there. See you don't trust me." She grabbed her book bag and keys. She opened the door, "Maybe Nicole was right to never actually say yes to you." And with that she was out the door.
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Chapter 99
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Eric looked at the slammed door in shock, his feet were glued to the floor. *What just happened?* He asked himself. Then the feeling of the diamond ring in his palm, made him remember. Feeling his legs start to give, he sat down quickly on the couch. "Why the hell did I do that?" He yelled at himself. "I have no right telling her that." He understood why Greta was angry at him, but he had no clue that she would actually be this angry at him. He tried telling himself that they were just both angry, and that when they both cooled down, and he apologized, everything would be fine, and the ring would be back on her finger. He kept telling himself that, but it wasn't doing any good.
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Greta was fuming, she was surprised that she was wasn't crying, but she supposed she was just to angry to let herself. "Who does he think he is?" She asked herself as she continued driving. "Stop it! Just stop. You will think about this later, not now. She was so angry she almost missed Daniel's apartment. She hurried and parked, took a deep breath trying to calm herself, and then grabbed her stuff to go inside.
She made her way up the stairs and knocked on the door. Daniel opened it, "Hi Greta, glad you could make it."
"I'm sorry I'm late." She said looking at her watch.
"It's okay, so is everyone else. Jenny said she would be by in about an hour. And Trisha called and said that she would be over as soon as she was done with her paper."
Greta nodded, trying to smile but it just wouldn't happen.
"What's wrong?" He asked looking at her.
She shook her head, and waved her hand, "Don't want to talk about it."
Daniel reached out and took her hand, and turned it, "Where's your ring? Did you lose it, is that why you are upset?"
Greta looked at his face, *See, he's concerned. He's being nice.* "No, I gave it back to him." She sat down on the couch, and he sat down next to her.
"Why?"
"We had a huge argument, he was being... just not himself. I told him if he was going to act like that, I wasn't going to marry him."
"It was just a fight, though, right?"
"I'm not so sure, we both said some things, I said some things especially. I'm still so angry with him. I don't really want to talk about it, can we start studying?"
"Sure, sure. Let me get us something to eat and drink," he said as he stood up from the couch with a large smile on his face.
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Eric sat on the couch, the phone at his ear, "Oh Sami, what have I done?" He asked talking to his twin. "I was such a jerk, I can't believe I actually told her that."
{{Eric, it's not that bad. Just wait till she calms down, and then apologize. I can tell by your voice that you really mean it, so will she. I know Greta, and so do you, you know she is understanding.}}
"Yeah, but I don't even know why I said what I said."
{{What do you mean?}}
"Well I know I said it, because I don't trust him. But I should have made it clearer, or maybe I should just trust her judgment. It's just that she is too.."
{{Trusting?}}
"Yeah, I worry about that. She doesn't see all the bad that is out there, you know?"
{{Is he really that bad?}}
"I don't know. I know he likes her, and would love to be with her. But, I don't think he has really tried anything." He sighed loudly.
{{You are just worried, that someone is going to try and take her away from you, like Lucas took Nicole.}}
"Yeah, but I'm glad Lucas took her."
{{You weren't at the time, you were heartbroken. Mom would tell you the same thing, just stop worrying, and trust her.}}
"You are right, hopefully when and if she comes home tonight, we will both be cool enough to talk this through. Thanks, for talking."
{{No problem, I've got to go tuck Will in. Tell me how it goes, and I'm always here.}} They said their good-byes, and soon Eric was alone again, trying to figure out how to exactly make it up to her.
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Greta was looking through her book, looking for the answer to the review sheet, and then she winced. "What's wrong?" He asked her moving closer.
She reached back to her neck, and moved it, "I can't stay hunched over like this all the time, my neck is cramping."
"Here let me." He said and moved over, his hands moving over her shoulders and neck, working out the knot.
Greta straightened up in her chair in an instant, Eric's words coming back to her, then she dismissed it. *He's just being nice, Greta, that's all.* She then relaxed, and let his fingers work out the knot, it did help a lot.
Her eyes looked up at the clock, "Well I guess Jenny is really late, thought she was going to be here in an hour. It's been two."
"Her other study group must have went long."
"Trisha's paper must be going bad, she's been working on it on and off for the last week."
"Yeah, I heard she was on page twenty."
"Wow." She moved her neck, "Thanks, that feels better."
"No problem," he slowly took his hands from her shoulders. "I see you are out of soda, want some more?"
"No, I'm all soda'd out. But I am thirsty."
He smiled at her, "Well I can see what else I have."
Daniel went back into the kitchen, and opened his refrigerator. He saw the milk, and juice, and looked around. "Well, I have soda, and... water... and..." He moved the stuff around in the fridge, and then took something out. "And a bottle of wine." He turned it around "It's Merlot."
Greta thought for a minute, "Hmmm hard decision, water or Merlot?" She laughed, "I could actually use a drink."
"Wine it is," He said and took out two wine glasses from the cupboard. He opened the bottle, poured the wine, and brought it back over to Greta.
"Thank you." She said as she took the glass, and then a drink. "Mmm, good." She then went back and started reading through her notes again.
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Eric flipped through the channels, as he kept glancing at the clock. He jumped slightly when he heard a knock at the door. He jumped up and ran to the door. "Jenny? What are you doing here?"
"I came over to give Greta back her book. She let me borrow it earlier, and I knew she needed it to study."
Eric looked at her weird, "Why don't you just give it to her at the study group?"
"Study group? What study group?"
"You aren't going to the study group at Daniel's tonight?"
"No, I have a huge final tomorrow to study for."
"Oh, well Greta and Trisha are there studying. She told me you were too."
"She must have forgot about my test tomorrow." Jenny then cocked her head to the side, "Trisha's going? She must really be worried about those tests then, because when I saw her earlier, she was sicker than a dog. She said she was going home and going to bed."
Eric felt like his stomach had just hit the floor. "Jenny, do you have Daniel's phone number?"
"Yeah, it's 555-0258."
Eric wrote it down. "And where is his apartment?"
"Apt. 412, Salem Springs Apartments."
"Thanks Jenny."
"No problem, I need to get going." Jenny left, and Eric shut the door and immediately ran to the phone. "Okay, 555-0258," he said as he dialed the number.
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Greta jumped when the phone rang. Daniel got up and answered the phone. "Hello?"
{{Is Greta there?}}
Daniel smiled, "Ummm, no. I think you have a wrong number." He said as he hung up.
"Wrong number, huh?" Greta asked.
"Yep." He said sitting back down next to her, his leg rubbing against Greta's slightly. He reached out for the bottle of wine. "Want some more?"
"Sure," she said as she gave him her glass. He poured her another large glass, and then sat the bottle down.
"How about we take a little break, we have been studying for about two hours." Greta nodded. "Do you want to talk about it yet?"
"No, I'm still angry with him."
"Thinking about a way to get back at him?"
"Get back at him?" She asked questioning.
"Cause I think I know of a way." He said, putting his hand on her knee.
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Eric stared at the phone in his hand, the feel he had was growing, and he was actually starting to panic. "That's it, I'm going over there." He grabbed his coat, wallet and keys and was out the door, running down the stairs and to his Jeep.
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Chapter 100
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Eric started the Jeep, and pulled out of the parking spot. He was praying that he was wrong, he was hoping that the terrible thoughts in his head were all wrong, but he just knew they weren't. He cursed to himself, *Of course he would have to live all the way on the other side of town.* He knew he was going fast, way over the speed limit, but he didn't care. If he got pulled over, he would only stop once he got to the apartment.
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"Daniel, what are you doing?" Greta asked looking at his hand on her knee.
"Come on Greta think about it, this is the perfect way to get back at him." His hand started to move up her leg. Greta grabbed his hand, and tried to pry it off her, but he grabbed her arm with his other hand.
"Daniel, stop it! Now."
"Greta, come on. He doesn't deserve you, I do. You know I would do anything for you, obviously he won't"
"Stop, now!" She said, she brought her other arm up, to pull herself away. He took his hand from her leg, and grabbed her arm tightly.
"Ohh, I see, you like it rough." He said and pushed her back onto the couch.
"Daniel, stop now, you are supposed to be my friend." She yelled at him.
"Yes, your friend, and so much more." He said trying to kiss her.
She brought her knee up and kicked him firmly in the groin. He moaned, and slapped her across the face, "Bitch." She was shocked by the hit, and she stilled for a minute. He brought her hands over her head, and got both of her wrists in one hand.
In that instant she realized he now had a free hand, and she didn't. She struggled and pushed, trying to find any leverage that she could. And wound up rolling off the couch, only problem is he rolled with her, and she ended up flat on her back. He struggled with her legs, and finally got between them.
"Like the floor better huh? Good, gives us more room." He said.
She was scared beyond belief, he had a crazy look in his eyes. "Stop it!" She yelled at him.
His hands were at her shirt, groping her. She was screaming for him to stop, for help. Hoping someone in a near bye apartment would help her. But the thought that a lot of students were either out partying or studying, didn't help.
She tried to struggle out of his grip, but it wouldn't work. He was just way to strong for her, she cursed herself for not taking self defense like she wanted to this semester. His hands started on the buttons on her shirt. And the tears started to run down her face, *I should have listened to Eric.* She thought as she continued to struggle and scream.
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Eric found a parking spot, and soon he was out of the jeep and running up the stairs. He quickly made it to the fourth floor. He ran down the hall, and then he heard a scream. "Greta." He said and ran in the direction. He found the apartment and the screams. He tried the door, it was locked. "Greta!" He yelled, and started to hit the door, trying to get in.
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Greta screamed, and then she heard Eric outside. "Eric! Help!" She screamed. Daniel looked up at the door.
"Well I guess we don't have a much time as I would like." He said, and quickly undid her jeans, pulling them down roughly.
She screamed louder, "Stop it!" She screamed.
He started to pull down his own pants, when she saw an opening and kicked him in the groin again.
He screamed in pain, "Will you stop that!" he yelled at her, and the next thing she knew his fist was coming for her face, and then there was blackness.
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Eric could here her screaming inside, as he continued hitting the door with his shoulder. It was starting to loosed, but it was taking way to long. Then he heard him yell, and then she was quite. The fear raised further in him, and he started to kick the door. On the third kick, the door flew open. He ran inside, and grabbed Daniel by the shoulders. Eric's fist then made contact with his face, as did the next, and next. Daniel fought back, his own fist, hitting Eric squarely in the jaw. But with a hard upper cut, and a jab to the ribs, Daniel was down on the floor unconscious.
Eric then ran over to Greta, and dropped down next to her. She was unconscious, a large bruise over her eye, her shirt wide open, her pants down to her knees. He pulled her into his arms and rocked her. He looked her over, seeing her underwear still on, and then he looked at him. So was Daniel's. *Thank God.* He said to himself, and then took out his cell phone from his pocket, and dialed 911.
He talked to the dispatcher, told them everything, and they were sending the police over.
Eric hung up, then called John, telling him to meet him at the hospital and to call his mom and dad as well. Eric then put his phone back in his coat. He pulled Greta's pants back up over her hips carefully, then tried to put her shirt back together, but she was missing a lot of buttons. He took off his coat and put it around her.
He rocked her slowly, and then he heard the police running down the hallway. "In here!" He yelled. The cops looked around, Abe followed them in.
"Eric.." he said then saw Greta. "Oh God."
Eric stood up slowly with Greta in his arms, "I got to get her to the hospital, I just didn't want him getting away."
"We'll take care of him, and take your statements later." Abe said as Eric carried her out of the apartment.
He put her in the Jeep, and quickly drove to the hospital. He soon arrived at the Emergency room. He carried her in, and John, Marlena, and Roman were waiting, and all gasped as they saw her in his arms.
Craig rushed out, and motioning for exam room 1. "What the hell happened?" He said as they all rushed into the room.
"Daniel tried to rape her."
Craig looked up, "Tried?"
"Luckily I got there in time."
Craig nodded, and looked at the others over her shoulder. "I need you all out of here. Eric you can stay, and help me with her. Nurse." He said looking over her shoulder, "Would you get Dr. Carver in here please."
"Yes sir," she said rushing out.
"I shouldn't have let her go, I knew he was no good."
"Don't blame yourself Eric. Just tell me you got this bastard."
"Last I knew the cops had him unconscious in handcuffs."
"Good. Remember, you got there in time."
"Yeah, but none of this should have happened.
Lexi came rushing in, and started to help Craig examine her.
Greta's eyes started to flutter open. "Greta?" Lexi said softly, "Can you hear me?"
She sat up quickly looking around, scared, "Eric?"
He ran over to her side, "I'm right here. " She threw herself into his arms, hugging him tightly. "It's okay, it's okay." He said trying to comfort her.
"What happened?" She asked looking at him worried. "Did he? Did he.."
He shook his head no, "No, you both were still partially clothed." She shook in his arms, as a sob of relief went through her.
"Greta?" Craig said softly, and they turned to look at him. "I think you are going to be okay, just some bruises and scratches. I'm going to let Lexi do the rest of the check up, I think you would be more comfortable with that right now. Eric and I will go out and talk to the police and family, is that okay?"
Greta looked up at Eric, "I'll be right back in a few minutes," he told her and kissed the top of her head.
She nodded okay, and he slowly pulled away, and him and Craig walked out of the room.
Greta turned to Lexi, and Lexi spoke, "Do you want to tell me what happened? Or talk about anything?" She said as she started to work on the rest of the examination.
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They walked over to the others, Abe was already there. "How is she?" John asked.
"Well, she's okay. Some bruising and scratches, she should be okay physically in about a week. But emotionally..."
"Emotionally, she is going to need some time." Marlena chimed in.
"Exactly, thankfully, the guy couldn't accomplish his task, thanks to Eric." Craig said patting Eric on the back. "But, it's still going to be a problem. I wish I could stay, but I have a surgery to get to. Lexi will finish up." Craig looked at Abe. "You know where to find me for my statement. Also, if you need any pictures..."
Abe nodded, "Some pictures of the injuries, would be helpful for court."
"No problem, I'll let Lexi know." And with that he walked out of the way.
Abe moved to Eric, and Roman stood next to him, putting his arm around him, and moving him to the chairs. "Eric we need to ask you some questions."
"I know." And soon he was telling them everything that had happened.
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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 96
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Eric reached over and took Greta's hand next to him, his fingers automatically going to the ring on her finger. She turned and smiled at him, he smiled at her and then turned back to the road. "Excited to get home and tell everyone?" He asked her.
"I can't wait."
"Do you want to go home first or where?"
"Let's go to your mom's and my dad's."
He laughed, "You know how funny that sounds?"
"Yeah I know, but I think I'm getting used to it. I think I did decide something though."
"What's that."
"My maid of honor."
He laughed, "Wow, you are thinking about this."
She looked worried, "Does that bother you?"
He brought her hand to his lips and kissed it, "No, I think it's wonderful. Who do you want for maid of honor?"
"Someone important to both of us, Belle."
He smiled, "Yeah, she is a sister to both of us. I like that."
"Well of course Sami would be a bride's maid, and Hope." Eric smiled at her as she continued, "Oh, maybe we could get Chole to sing at the wedding."
"Okay well let's see. Who would I pick for best man?" Eric thought for awhile, "My Dad."
Greta smiled, "Yeah. And of course mine will give me away."
Eric pulled into the parking garage and parked the Jeep. He turned towards her, "Do you have any idea how happy I am and how much I love you?"
She smiled and leaned in, "I think I do." She kissed him deeply, and then said, "I love you too, and I am unbelievably happy!" She squealed her eyes lighting up like a little kid at christmas. Eric laughed, and they both got out of the Jeep and made their way up to the penthouse.
Greta knocked on the door, and a minute later Marlena was opening it. She saw the two, and her eyes got wide, "Well?" She asked.
Greta giggled and held up her hand, and Marlena with tears in her eyes, hugged them tight. Belle came down the stairs hearing the commotion. Then she screamed when she saw them, "So?"
Eric just smiled, "She said yes."
"Well duh!" Belle said as she hugged Greta tightly and then Eric. "Dad!" Belle yelled.
John came out to the balcony from upstairs, "So should I guess from the squealing and yelling that it's good news?"
Greta smiled and ran up the steps, and flew into his arms. John hugged her tight, and looked down at her, "So when do I get to give you away?"
She smiled, "No date yet, but I'll let you know." The two hugged again and then walked down the stairs.
"So how was Paris?" Belle asked. They all set down on the couch.
"Wonderful," Greta said sitting next to Eric, he put his arm around her.
"Yeah John, thanks for letting us borrow the jet."
"No problem."
"So Eric, how did you propose?"
Eric smiled. "You know what Belle, ask Greta all about it, and I think she may have something to tell you. And I need to talk to mom for awhile."
Eric patted Greta's leg and then stood up and him and Marlena went to the other side of the room.
"Is everything okay?" Marlena asked him worried.
"Oh no, everything is fantastic, better even. I just wanted to ask you if you could help Greta with everything, well me too. I want a part of it, but I know Greta will want to do most of it. You know what I like and what she likes, and you have helped out with so many weddings. And also, well, it's usually a thing a mother does with her daughter..."
Marlena understood, "And since Gina is dead, Greta needs a mother to help her." He nodded, "I'd love to be there for her, heck I am her stepmother too."
Eric laughed, "That's true." They then walked back to the others.
Greta was still talking, "And then there we were on the Eiffel tower, and he got on one knee, it was so romantic."
Belle was completely engrossed in what she was saying. "Sounds perfect."
"It was," She looked over at Eric as he set down, "Absolutely perfect." He kissed her lightly. Greta grinned at him, and then back at Belle. "I do have something to ask you though."
"What?" Belle asked. Marlena and John looked at each other with a smile.
"Well I would like to ask you to be my maid of honor."
Belle's eyes went wide and she screamed and got up and hugged Greta tight. "Oh my God, Yes!" She hugged her again, and then Eric, and then Greta again. Everyone was laughing. "We have so much to do!"
"Hold on," Eric told her. "We still have to set a date."
"Well then hurry up and set one!"
Everyone laughed, and they continued talking about the wedding.
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Chapter 97
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After about a week, they finally picked a date for the wedding. They decided on March 10th, it would be perfect. The church was luckily free, and it was set right at the beginning of Greta's Spring Break. She would have a week off for the wedding and honeymoon, and not have to miss classes. Not only that, it gave everyone enough time to get everything together, and not in a last minute rush like so many weddings in Salem.
Even though Greta still had over three months to plan, she still felt like she was running around with her head cut off. She had to figure out invitations, decorations, bride's maid dresses, flower arrangements, a photographer, reception menu, and she still had to find her dress. But besides all that, finals were starting in a little over a week.
Greta took another sip of coffee as she looked at the different samples in front of her. "Now this one is simple but elegant." Marlena said showing her a piece of off white paper with two wedding bells.
Greta looked at her watch, and rubbed her head, she had a slight headache, "No, I don't really like the bells, and the color is a little dark."
Marlena leaned over and patted her back, "What's wrong? You don't look too happy."
She sighed, "There is so much to do, I don't think I can get everything done."
"Oh that's right, finals are coming up." Greta nodded, "Well, you know, you will have winter break for about a month, we can get most of it done then. This all can wait."
"Are you sure?" Greta asked hopefully.
Marlena smiled, "How many weddings have I helped plan in less than a week?" Greta laughed. "I think we can handle putting this off of a little bit. Besides, it should be fun. It shouldn't give you a headache."
Greta jumped at the feeling of two hands on her shoulders. She turned around in a start and then smile, then playfully hit Eric on the chest. "Don't do that."
"Sorry, just saw you and thought I would come over and see how everything is going, and if I can help." He sat down in the chair next to her, and nodded at the waitress to bring him a cup of coffee as well.
"Actually we decided to postpone most of the decisions for about a week and a half." Greta replied.
Eric smiled and then looked at his mom, "Thank you, I have been trying to tell her it could wait. She wouldn't believe me."
"You're a guy." Greta rebutted and Marlena just smiled. She gathered up the samples.
"Well I'll take these and look for lighter colors and no bells, and when you have time, we can look at them. Then I'll leave you two alone for awhile."
"Thank you Marlena." Greta said with a smile.
"It's no problem." With that and a few hugs she was on her way.
Eric leaned over and took her hand, and she smiled. "Worried about exams, huh?" She nodded yes. "Maybe you and your friends can get together and study some. It would be good for you." She agreed, and soon they finished their coffee and they went back to the apartment.
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Eric sighed as he walked off the elevator, *Finally the last christmas shoot was done.* He thought to himself, Christmas was still almost 3 weeks away, and he was getting sick of the lights already. That was the only thing bad about being a photographer, he had to experience the holidays more than a month in advance. But he didn't really mind to much, he knew he would be back in the christmas spirit as soon as he saw Greta's smile, with the christmas tree lights behind her, the colors reflecting in her eyes. He smiled at the thought. They had already bought a tree and decorated it, thankfully it was much smaller then the one the year before and actually fit through the door.
He unlocked the door, and a tinge of uneasiness or something washed through him. Greta looked up and smiled at him, then turned back to the pad of paper she was looking at. Daniel was right next to her, writing on the paper, explaining something to her on it. He looked up and smiled, and then went back to it. Eric smiled at the the two of them, took of his coat, laid it on the chair and went in the kitchen for something to drink. He shook his head slightly, as he poured a glass of water. He turned, leaning on the counter, and looked at the two of them. He could see Greta trying to figure out what he was saying, but, there was something in Daniel's body language that was bothering him. *Eric, calm down. He's probably attracted to her, that's all. Heck, who wouldn't be?* He smiled slightly at that. *They are just friends, and that's it.*
He poured out the rest of the water in the sink, and went back to his bedroom, to get out of his work clothes. He pulled on a pair of sweats and a sweatshirt, and then went back out into the family room. He heard a sneeze, and knew immediately it was Greta. Then there was another one as he walked out. "Bless you," he said, and then he froze again. *His hand is on her shoulder, it's slightly rubbing her shoulder.*
"Are you okay?" Daniel asked her. She tried to answer, and then she sneezed again.
Eric shook it off, "They seem to always come in three's." He got a kleenex from the counter, and brought it over.
She looked up and smiled at him as she took it. "Thank you." Daniel's hand moved from her shoulder, and then he picked up the pen again.
"So do you think you have it now?" He asked her.
She nodded yes, "Thanks for coming over and explaining it. You could have over the phone."
"No, something's you just have to see, otherwise it doesn't make as much sense." He straightened up, "Okay, I'm going to get going. Have a little more research to do in the Library." He picked up his stuff, and soon he was out the door.
Eric sat on the couch and watched him go. Greta said good bye, shut the door, and then straightened up the papers on the coffee table. She then sat down next to Eric, "He was so nice. He has a huge paper due in two days, and he came over to explain some Economics principles I was having trouble with. He took the class last semester."
Eric nodded, the idea making the feeling his his stomach grow. "So does Daniel have anyone special yet?"
Greta looked up at him with a weird look on her face. "Not that I know of, why?"
"Just curious."
"No, that wasn't a curious sound in your voice."
"Well, it just seems like he is willing to do an awful lot for you."
"He's a nice guy." Eric just nodded. "What?" Then she smiled, and curled up next to him, "Oh come on, don't tell me you are jealous of him? I love you, and Daniel is absolutely harmless."
"You're right, you're right. I just, I don't know, it was weird to come up and see the two of you alone, is all, I guess."
Greta leaned against him, putting her head against his chest, her hand coming to the side of his face, "Just remember, we are getting married in about three months." Her smile was huge, and it instantly made him feel better. He leaned in, his hand coming to cup the back of her head, and he kissed her, making the other thoughts rush out of his head.
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Chapter 98
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A few more days had passed, and Greta was studying like crazy. Eric was helping as much as he could, if not by helping her study, but by making dinner, cleaning, and washing clothes. Not that he didn't do that before, but he was taking the job completely for the time being. He also gave her impromptu neck and shoulder massages. Which was nice, because he was always thanked with a large, passionate kiss. That was when she was around though, most of the time she was at the library, Trisha's, or Jenny's, all of them studying together.
Eric honestly couldn't wait for the semester to be over. Yes it would be mean that Greta would have more time, and they could start really planning the wedding, but mostly, it was because of Daniel. Him and Greta wouldn't have any classes together next semester, which meant one less reason for him to be around her. He didn't say anything to Greta, he knew what she would say. He didn't want to make it seem like he didn't like Greta having male friends, that wasn't a problem at all. He just didn't like Daniel, there was just something about him that he didn't like, and he decided to keep his eyes open.
Eric noticed that he would do what ever he could to be close to her, he was the one that wanted to explain things to Greta, and do anything he could to touch her. The thing that really bothered Eric, was he did it, when he was actually around. *Maybe he is just oblivious to it.* Eric tried to tell himself, but his gut told him it was something else, that there was something that he just couldn't trust about him. He sighed, at least usually they were always with other people, unless they were at the apartment. But, as Eric made it a habit as of lately, they were never sure when he would be home. *Keep him on his toes.* He sighed to himself. *Maybe I am just jealous, pre wedding jitters or something like that.* He shook his head, *It's just the idea of wedding's in Salem. The fact that they barely ever happen. Well this one will happen!* He told himself, he was going to make sure of it, he just needed to stop seeing things were there was nothing there.
Eric finished making dinner, and was setting out the plates when Greta walked in. "Smells great." She said walking over to him, and giving him a hug. He put the food on the plates, and Greta got two cans of pop out of the refrigerator. They went over and sat on the couch.
"So how was your day dear?" Eric asked with a smile.
She grinned, "Same, study, study, study." She took a bite and then continued, "At least it will be all done in a few days."
"So where did you study today?"
Greta looked at him curious, "Why?"
"Just wondering."
"We went to Dot.com. And if the next question is, who is we, it was me, Jenny and yes, Daniel."
"Okay," Eric replied and then took another bite.
"I saw that." She said.
"Saw what?" He asked.
"That look."
"What look?"
"When I said his name, that look you got on your face."
"I didn't do anything."
Greta sighed, "What is wrong with Daniel? He's a nice guy."
"Yes, Greta, he is absolutely wonderful to you."
"What is that supposed to mean?"
"Don't you see it? Can't you tell that he is attracted to you?"
"No he's not."
"Yes he is."
She sat the plate on the coffee table and turned to him, "Fine, so what if he is?"
Eric put his plate down as well. "He's trying to do anything he can to be near you, to do anything he can to get you to like him."
"I do like him... as a friend."
"That's not what I mean and you know it."
"Okay, so what? So what if he is attracted to me, and he want's to be with me. Does that mean that he will be? Does that mean, that I will just give in to him or something?"
"Greta, that's not what I mean. He just spends a lot of time with you, a lot of time alone with you. I don't like it, I just don't trust him."
Greta stood up, "No, you don't trust me."
"What?" Eric stood up and walked towards her.
Greta shook her head, "Do you even realize what you are saying? We have had this conversation before, only now the roles are reversed, and I never slept with or dated Daniel!"
Eric took a step back, feeling like he had almost been slapped. "Don't bring Nicole into this."
"Why? When you went back to work for Titan and her, I had a problem with it, and you told me that you could handle her, that the problem was I didn't trust you. Well, now you are saying you don't trust me."
"This is entirely different!"
"Yes it is, that was much worse. You two had a history, me and him are just friends! At that point, we were just dating, now we are engaged. Are you going to be like this when we get married?"
"Greta, I do trust you. I know you would never do anything to hurt me, but.."
"But what? Worried, that he will drug me, and make you see us in bed together?"
He sighed, "You had to bring that up, didn't you? Do you still blame me for that?"
"Well, if you hadn't been around her, it wouldn't have happened."
"Do you see how ridicules that sounds?" Their voices we becoming louder, shouting at each other.
"Yeah, I do. Do you see how ridiculous you are sounding?"
"It doesn't matter, in a week it will be over with anyway."
Greta looked at him, questioning, "What do you mean?"
"The semester will be over, you won't have classes with him anymore."
"So what are you saying?"
"Then there's no reason to see him anymore."
"Excuse me, he happens to be a friend of mine. I'll see him whenever I want too. Besides I already invited him to the wedding."
"You did what?" Eric asked in shock, "Oh no, he is not going to be there, and you aren't seeing him after this semester."
"Excuse me?!?" Greta yelled at him, her temper was flaring. "Are you telling me who I can and cannot see?"
"No, I'm just telling you, you are not going to see him."
Greta shook her head, "Boy am I glad I saw this side of you now."
"What is that supposed to mean?"
"I'm not marrying someone who tells me whom I can and cannot see, and someone who doesn't trust me. This is not the middle ages!" With that she took off her ring, took his hand, and put it in his palm. "You can have it." She looked at her watch. "Now if you will excuse me, I have to go study." She grabbed her coat, and put it on.
Eric stood their in shock, over what had just happened. "Where are you going? We need to talk."
"No, there is nothing to talk about. I'm going over to study at my good friend Daniel's apartment." Eric's eyes widened. "Jenny and Trisha are also going to be there. See you don't trust me." She grabbed her book bag and keys. She opened the door, "Maybe Nicole was right to never actually say yes to you." And with that she was out the door.
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Chapter 99
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Eric looked at the slammed door in shock, his feet were glued to the floor. *What just happened?* He asked himself. Then the feeling of the diamond ring in his palm, made him remember. Feeling his legs start to give, he sat down quickly on the couch. "Why the hell did I do that?" He yelled at himself. "I have no right telling her that." He understood why Greta was angry at him, but he had no clue that she would actually be this angry at him. He tried telling himself that they were just both angry, and that when they both cooled down, and he apologized, everything would be fine, and the ring would be back on her finger. He kept telling himself that, but it wasn't doing any good.
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Greta was fuming, she was surprised that she was wasn't crying, but she supposed she was just to angry to let herself. "Who does he think he is?" She asked herself as she continued driving. "Stop it! Just stop. You will think about this later, not now. She was so angry she almost missed Daniel's apartment. She hurried and parked, took a deep breath trying to calm herself, and then grabbed her stuff to go inside.
She made her way up the stairs and knocked on the door. Daniel opened it, "Hi Greta, glad you could make it."
"I'm sorry I'm late." She said looking at her watch.
"It's okay, so is everyone else. Jenny said she would be by in about an hour. And Trisha called and said that she would be over as soon as she was done with her paper."
Greta nodded, trying to smile but it just wouldn't happen.
"What's wrong?" He asked looking at her.
She shook her head, and waved her hand, "Don't want to talk about it."
Daniel reached out and took her hand, and turned it, "Where's your ring? Did you lose it, is that why you are upset?"
Greta looked at his face, *See, he's concerned. He's being nice.* "No, I gave it back to him." She sat down on the couch, and he sat down next to her.
"Why?"
"We had a huge argument, he was being... just not himself. I told him if he was going to act like that, I wasn't going to marry him."
"It was just a fight, though, right?"
"I'm not so sure, we both said some things, I said some things especially. I'm still so angry with him. I don't really want to talk about it, can we start studying?"
"Sure, sure. Let me get us something to eat and drink," he said as he stood up from the couch with a large smile on his face.
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Eric sat on the couch, the phone at his ear, "Oh Sami, what have I done?" He asked talking to his twin. "I was such a jerk, I can't believe I actually told her that."
{{Eric, it's not that bad. Just wait till she calms down, and then apologize. I can tell by your voice that you really mean it, so will she. I know Greta, and so do you, you know she is understanding.}}
"Yeah, but I don't even know why I said what I said."
{{What do you mean?}}
"Well I know I said it, because I don't trust him. But I should have made it clearer, or maybe I should just trust her judgment. It's just that she is too.."
{{Trusting?}}
"Yeah, I worry about that. She doesn't see all the bad that is out there, you know?"
{{Is he really that bad?}}
"I don't know. I know he likes her, and would love to be with her. But, I don't think he has really tried anything." He sighed loudly.
{{You are just worried, that someone is going to try and take her away from you, like Lucas took Nicole.}}
"Yeah, but I'm glad Lucas took her."
{{You weren't at the time, you were heartbroken. Mom would tell you the same thing, just stop worrying, and trust her.}}
"You are right, hopefully when and if she comes home tonight, we will both be cool enough to talk this through. Thanks, for talking."
{{No problem, I've got to go tuck Will in. Tell me how it goes, and I'm always here.}} They said their good-byes, and soon Eric was alone again, trying to figure out how to exactly make it up to her.
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Greta was looking through her book, looking for the answer to the review sheet, and then she winced. "What's wrong?" He asked her moving closer.
She reached back to her neck, and moved it, "I can't stay hunched over like this all the time, my neck is cramping."
"Here let me." He said and moved over, his hands moving over her shoulders and neck, working out the knot.
Greta straightened up in her chair in an instant, Eric's words coming back to her, then she dismissed it. *He's just being nice, Greta, that's all.* She then relaxed, and let his fingers work out the knot, it did help a lot.
Her eyes looked up at the clock, "Well I guess Jenny is really late, thought she was going to be here in an hour. It's been two."
"Her other study group must have went long."
"Trisha's paper must be going bad, she's been working on it on and off for the last week."
"Yeah, I heard she was on page twenty."
"Wow." She moved her neck, "Thanks, that feels better."
"No problem," he slowly took his hands from her shoulders. "I see you are out of soda, want some more?"
"No, I'm all soda'd out. But I am thirsty."
He smiled at her, "Well I can see what else I have."
Daniel went back into the kitchen, and opened his refrigerator. He saw the milk, and juice, and looked around. "Well, I have soda, and... water... and..." He moved the stuff around in the fridge, and then took something out. "And a bottle of wine." He turned it around "It's Merlot."
Greta thought for a minute, "Hmmm hard decision, water or Merlot?" She laughed, "I could actually use a drink."
"Wine it is," He said and took out two wine glasses from the cupboard. He opened the bottle, poured the wine, and brought it back over to Greta.
"Thank you." She said as she took the glass, and then a drink. "Mmm, good." She then went back and started reading through her notes again.
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Eric flipped through the channels, as he kept glancing at the clock. He jumped slightly when he heard a knock at the door. He jumped up and ran to the door. "Jenny? What are you doing here?"
"I came over to give Greta back her book. She let me borrow it earlier, and I knew she needed it to study."
Eric looked at her weird, "Why don't you just give it to her at the study group?"
"Study group? What study group?"
"You aren't going to the study group at Daniel's tonight?"
"No, I have a huge final tomorrow to study for."
"Oh, well Greta and Trisha are there studying. She told me you were too."
"She must have forgot about my test tomorrow." Jenny then cocked her head to the side, "Trisha's going? She must really be worried about those tests then, because when I saw her earlier, she was sicker than a dog. She said she was going home and going to bed."
Eric felt like his stomach had just hit the floor. "Jenny, do you have Daniel's phone number?"
"Yeah, it's 555-0258."
Eric wrote it down. "And where is his apartment?"
"Apt. 412, Salem Springs Apartments."
"Thanks Jenny."
"No problem, I need to get going." Jenny left, and Eric shut the door and immediately ran to the phone. "Okay, 555-0258," he said as he dialed the number.
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Greta jumped when the phone rang. Daniel got up and answered the phone. "Hello?"
{{Is Greta there?}}
Daniel smiled, "Ummm, no. I think you have a wrong number." He said as he hung up.
"Wrong number, huh?" Greta asked.
"Yep." He said sitting back down next to her, his leg rubbing against Greta's slightly. He reached out for the bottle of wine. "Want some more?"
"Sure," she said as she gave him her glass. He poured her another large glass, and then sat the bottle down.
"How about we take a little break, we have been studying for about two hours." Greta nodded. "Do you want to talk about it yet?"
"No, I'm still angry with him."
"Thinking about a way to get back at him?"
"Get back at him?" She asked questioning.
"Cause I think I know of a way." He said, putting his hand on her knee.
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Eric stared at the phone in his hand, the feel he had was growing, and he was actually starting to panic. "That's it, I'm going over there." He grabbed his coat, wallet and keys and was out the door, running down the stairs and to his Jeep.
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Chapter 100
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Eric started the Jeep, and pulled out of the parking spot. He was praying that he was wrong, he was hoping that the terrible thoughts in his head were all wrong, but he just knew they weren't. He cursed to himself, *Of course he would have to live all the way on the other side of town.* He knew he was going fast, way over the speed limit, but he didn't care. If he got pulled over, he would only stop once he got to the apartment.
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"Daniel, what are you doing?" Greta asked looking at his hand on her knee.
"Come on Greta think about it, this is the perfect way to get back at him." His hand started to move up her leg. Greta grabbed his hand, and tried to pry it off her, but he grabbed her arm with his other hand.
"Daniel, stop it! Now."
"Greta, come on. He doesn't deserve you, I do. You know I would do anything for you, obviously he won't"
"Stop, now!" She said, she brought her other arm up, to pull herself away. He took his hand from her leg, and grabbed her arm tightly.
"Ohh, I see, you like it rough." He said and pushed her back onto the couch.
"Daniel, stop now, you are supposed to be my friend." She yelled at him.
"Yes, your friend, and so much more." He said trying to kiss her.
She brought her knee up and kicked him firmly in the groin. He moaned, and slapped her across the face, "Bitch." She was shocked by the hit, and she stilled for a minute. He brought her hands over her head, and got both of her wrists in one hand.
In that instant she realized he now had a free hand, and she didn't. She struggled and pushed, trying to find any leverage that she could. And wound up rolling off the couch, only problem is he rolled with her, and she ended up flat on her back. He struggled with her legs, and finally got between them.
"Like the floor better huh? Good, gives us more room." He said.
She was scared beyond belief, he had a crazy look in his eyes. "Stop it!" She yelled at him.
His hands were at her shirt, groping her. She was screaming for him to stop, for help. Hoping someone in a near bye apartment would help her. But the thought that a lot of students were either out partying or studying, didn't help.
She tried to struggle out of his grip, but it wouldn't work. He was just way to strong for her, she cursed herself for not taking self defense like she wanted to this semester. His hands started on the buttons on her shirt. And the tears started to run down her face, *I should have listened to Eric.* She thought as she continued to struggle and scream.
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Eric found a parking spot, and soon he was out of the jeep and running up the stairs. He quickly made it to the fourth floor. He ran down the hall, and then he heard a scream. "Greta." He said and ran in the direction. He found the apartment and the screams. He tried the door, it was locked. "Greta!" He yelled, and started to hit the door, trying to get in.
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Greta screamed, and then she heard Eric outside. "Eric! Help!" She screamed. Daniel looked up at the door.
"Well I guess we don't have a much time as I would like." He said, and quickly undid her jeans, pulling them down roughly.
She screamed louder, "Stop it!" She screamed.
He started to pull down his own pants, when she saw an opening and kicked him in the groin again.
He screamed in pain, "Will you stop that!" he yelled at her, and the next thing she knew his fist was coming for her face, and then there was blackness.
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Eric could here her screaming inside, as he continued hitting the door with his shoulder. It was starting to loosed, but it was taking way to long. Then he heard him yell, and then she was quite. The fear raised further in him, and he started to kick the door. On the third kick, the door flew open. He ran inside, and grabbed Daniel by the shoulders. Eric's fist then made contact with his face, as did the next, and next. Daniel fought back, his own fist, hitting Eric squarely in the jaw. But with a hard upper cut, and a jab to the ribs, Daniel was down on the floor unconscious.
Eric then ran over to Greta, and dropped down next to her. She was unconscious, a large bruise over her eye, her shirt wide open, her pants down to her knees. He pulled her into his arms and rocked her. He looked her over, seeing her underwear still on, and then he looked at him. So was Daniel's. *Thank God.* He said to himself, and then took out his cell phone from his pocket, and dialed 911.
He talked to the dispatcher, told them everything, and they were sending the police over.
Eric hung up, then called John, telling him to meet him at the hospital and to call his mom and dad as well. Eric then put his phone back in his coat. He pulled Greta's pants back up over her hips carefully, then tried to put her shirt back together, but she was missing a lot of buttons. He took off his coat and put it around her.
He rocked her slowly, and then he heard the police running down the hallway. "In here!" He yelled. The cops looked around, Abe followed them in.
"Eric.." he said then saw Greta. "Oh God."
Eric stood up slowly with Greta in his arms, "I got to get her to the hospital, I just didn't want him getting away."
"We'll take care of him, and take your statements later." Abe said as Eric carried her out of the apartment.
He put her in the Jeep, and quickly drove to the hospital. He soon arrived at the Emergency room. He carried her in, and John, Marlena, and Roman were waiting, and all gasped as they saw her in his arms.
Craig rushed out, and motioning for exam room 1. "What the hell happened?" He said as they all rushed into the room.
"Daniel tried to rape her."
Craig looked up, "Tried?"
"Luckily I got there in time."
Craig nodded, and looked at the others over her shoulder. "I need you all out of here. Eric you can stay, and help me with her. Nurse." He said looking over her shoulder, "Would you get Dr. Carver in here please."
"Yes sir," she said rushing out.
"I shouldn't have let her go, I knew he was no good."
"Don't blame yourself Eric. Just tell me you got this bastard."
"Last I knew the cops had him unconscious in handcuffs."
"Good. Remember, you got there in time."
"Yeah, but none of this should have happened.
Lexi came rushing in, and started to help Craig examine her.
Greta's eyes started to flutter open. "Greta?" Lexi said softly, "Can you hear me?"
She sat up quickly looking around, scared, "Eric?"
He ran over to her side, "I'm right here. " She threw herself into his arms, hugging him tightly. "It's okay, it's okay." He said trying to comfort her.
"What happened?" She asked looking at him worried. "Did he? Did he.."
He shook his head no, "No, you both were still partially clothed." She shook in his arms, as a sob of relief went through her.
"Greta?" Craig said softly, and they turned to look at him. "I think you are going to be okay, just some bruises and scratches. I'm going to let Lexi do the rest of the check up, I think you would be more comfortable with that right now. Eric and I will go out and talk to the police and family, is that okay?"
Greta looked up at Eric, "I'll be right back in a few minutes," he told her and kissed the top of her head.
She nodded okay, and he slowly pulled away, and him and Craig walked out of the room.
Greta turned to Lexi, and Lexi spoke, "Do you want to tell me what happened? Or talk about anything?" She said as she started to work on the rest of the examination.
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They walked over to the others, Abe was already there. "How is she?" John asked.
"Well, she's okay. Some bruising and scratches, she should be okay physically in about a week. But emotionally..."
"Emotionally, she is going to need some time." Marlena chimed in.
"Exactly, thankfully, the guy couldn't accomplish his task, thanks to Eric." Craig said patting Eric on the back. "But, it's still going to be a problem. I wish I could stay, but I have a surgery to get to. Lexi will finish up." Craig looked at Abe. "You know where to find me for my statement. Also, if you need any pictures..."
Abe nodded, "Some pictures of the injuries, would be helpful for court."
"No problem, I'll let Lexi know." And with that he walked out of the way.
Abe moved to Eric, and Roman stood next to him, putting his arm around him, and moving him to the chairs. "Eric we need to ask you some questions."
"I know." And soon he was telling them everything that had happened.
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To Be Continued