Eddie's song for this chapter Evan and Jason - Crazy For This Girl and Arctic Monkeys - I Want To Be Yours

Chrissy's song One Republic - Feel Again

Chapter 6 – Video Therapy

Now that the sun had risen properly across the horizon it was looking like it was going to be a stunning March day.

Since they had left the supermarket Chrissy had fallen asleep again and every so often Eddie would glance over to make sure was ok.

On the tape player the Bon Jovi album was playing out in the van and Eddie prayed that was enough to keep the monster coming for Chrissy in her dreams.

Seeing the familiar scenery around Eddie knew it wouldn't be much longer until they reached Reefer Ricks and now the coffee was draining from his system he really could do with sleep.

Off the top of his head he had been awake for well over 24 hours now.

Even if his aching body felt ready for sleep Eddie's amped up brain kept replying his kiss with Chrissy over and over again on a loop!

As he had confessed to Chrissy in the van earlier he had imagined his first kiss with her in hundreds of ways.

However all those fantasies of his hadn't even come close to what it actually felt like to kiss Chrissy Cunningham, but now he had experienced the real thing Eddie only craved more!

The sensation of Chrissy's lips brushing against his, or the way she gasped in surprised when he finally kissed her back was something Eddie felt like he would never forget for as long as he lived.

When they arrived at his friends Eddie could delve deeper into learning why Chrissy had felt compelled to kiss him.

Was it all part of her ruse to sell the fact they were a couple in case anyone saw them together on camera?

Or had she done it just to tease him a bit in the moment because she had playfully hurt his feelings?

Finally and this was the one he was hoping might be the case Chrissy wasn't actually happy with Jason and for whatever reason she felt like their could be something with Eddie!

They were about ten minutes out from their destination when Chrissy woke up with a startled whimper.

Once Chrissy had taken in the sight of Eddie beside her and the familiar sight of his van her heart rate instantly began to settle.

Even though she had slept safely her mind was still traumatised from last night events and just for a second she had felt the indescribable fear of not knowing where she was for a moment.

"It's ok Chrissy…we are almost there… you are safe, its fine."
Eddie said softly reassuring her while he leant over to give her hand a reassuring squeeze.

Chrissy just threw a small thankful smile his way before she laid her head back on the head rest and began to take a few deep breaths in and out.

Most mornings Chrissy was greeted with the normal view of her lilac picture perfect bedroom as she awoke but this was certainly a different environment to wake up in.

Just like all areas of her life her mother carefully controlled her room environment and had to ok everything that Chrissy had in her room.

Even though Chrissy was very proud of all her cheerleading trophies Laura Cunningham had insisted they always needed to be on display like some shrine.

Her mother cleaned her room religiously everyday and would often shriek at Chrissy if she would leave anything in a mess or things a little out of place.

Due to all of that even her room at home felt like it wasn't hers, however everything about their house was like living in a showroom.

Most of her clothes in her wardrobe were all handpicked or agreed for purchase by her mother. Everything about Chrissy's life was being moulded by her mother and Chrissy had always felt like she was drowning under the weight of her own soul.

It was so desperately trying to reach the surface so that Chrissy could discover her own self identity and just be her own person!

Yes she knew there were so many more people out there much worse off then her struggling in their lives.

As her family had lots of money life was simple in that regard but she would trade that all in a heartbeat if it meant she could be free to live her own life.

To have the freedom of listening or watching whatever she wanted, to eat what she liked without being made to feel like a failure and the choice on wearing whatever clothes she desired.

Even in the short time she had spent in Eddie's trailer it was clear to see how much of a home that trailer was for Wayne and him.

More than the Cunningham's house had ever been for her family!

Along the next road Chrissy spotted a video store coming up with a movie poster of Legend, the Tom Cruise movie that had come out last year.

Chrissy had gone to see the movie with her brother Alexander when it had first been released.

It was a rare weekend where her mother had gone out of town and buried under his workload her father had begged Chrissy to take her brother out of the house for the day.

That day out with her brother had been one of the best days they had ever spent together in recent years and they had a blast doing various things.

Firstly they had gone to the arcade and then to the local roller skate place.

After that Alexander was hungry and had been begging for a McDonald's.

That was the only stressful part of the day as Chrissy stressed back and fourth about what she could actually eat without too much guilt.

In the end she choose chicken nuggets for the higher protein content and they super sized her brother fries so Chrissy could nick a few.

Once they had eaten they had wondered past the cinema and her brother had spotted a few movie posters for Legend.

There was no hesitation from Chrissy as she was a fan of Tom Cruise and he was definitely a actor of the times.

Alexander had been intrigued by the figure of the trolls and the scary looking devil figure on the poster.

This was definitely a movie her mother would never have let them see together but then again she wasn't here.

In that moment the siblings shared a knowing grin of agreement and they had gone to buy tickets for the film.

The movie was actually better then she expected, full of love ,fantasy and magic.

Now that she saw it in the store part of Chrissy saw it as a sign that by watching Legend again it might bring her some comfort through all of this.

Chrissy missed her brother terribly and she was worried that now she wasn't home perhaps her mother's moods might be hurled upon her brother instead!

Chewing her lip slightly Chrissy turned round to Eddie who was watching her with curious interest from the fact she was so silent since she had woken up.

" I, I know this will sound a little odd but is it possible we can stop at this video shop and just rent a movie Eddie?"

"That one advertised on the front please?… I've seen it before but id love to see it again."

" Sure thing sweetheart, I cant say I've seen it but if Chrissy Cunningham wants to rent it out then I'm sure that can be arranged."

"Let's rent out a few anyways, as we might be a few days and well if you are anything like me movies are a great way to distract you from the daily grinds of life Chrissy."

"Sounds like a plan and thank you again Eddie just for being so calm with everything… in a weird way going to you for drugs is the best choice I've made in so long !"

"It all sounds crazy right?… I'm crazy."

By this point Chrissy had thrown her face between her hands in embarrassment and Eddie was chuckling at her a little before he replied.

"Not even a little crazy after all we been through together now but asking me to stop for a movie is no big deal its all cool."

"Thanks Eddie and well with Jason it's a big ask sometimes for him to even want to drop me at a friends after a game so,I'm just not good with feeling confident to ask for little things like this."

Chrissy swore that Eddie muttered douche under his breath when he heard what Jason was like before he focused on parking at the front .

"All parked angel, you all good to go in?"

"Yes I'm all set Eddie "

Chrissy reached for Eddie's hand that was already outstretched towards her as they walked into the video shop together.

Rows and rows of movies greeted them and Chrissy felt a little overwhelmed by the sheer volume of movies on offers.

At least the Legend videos were right at the front so that was an easy one to pick up.

"Normally I'm more of a horror and science fiction kind of guy but that might be a little heavy given the recent circumstances."

"I guess the fantasy section might be our best bet at the moment in terms of lighthearted movies to pick."

"What do you normally like to watch Chrissy?"

"To be honest mum or dad choose the movies for us to watch at home."

"They need to be age appropriate for my brother and even then my mum hardly lets us watch anything out there."

"Occasionally if I'm with friends in the cinema or at a sleepover then I can see something a bit more my age but I'm limited to what they pick."

"The girls normally pick romcoms and Jason normally likes comedy."

"Half the time Jason just likes to talk over it and its actually rather annoying as I want to actually finish watching, but then again as my mother says its never fitting to moan for a lady."

"Jesus Chrissy that honestly sounds so rough, firstly you have the patience of a saint and I promise when we watch anything together I will do my best to be a better movie viewing partner."

"My lips will be as sealed as you want them to be and they always are at your service!"

As Eddie said those words he winked at her and Chrissy felt her cheeks begin to turn scarlet.

Honestly this boy in front of her needed to come with a health warning!

Now that Chrissy was flushed from his words Eddie definitely had noticed that and the smile on his face has stretched further.

"If you keep this up Eddie I wont be able to find anything…you really know how to tease a girl."

"I would say that you know all about teasing too after the supermarket stunt but at the moment there is only one girl I'm interested in teasing trust me!"

When Eddie said that sentence he leant in closer placing his hand against Chrissy cheek before tilting her head upwards and closer to his.

Then he ran his mouth slowly across her cheeks and placed it against her earlobe before he whispered.

"I have a feeling from the way the video clerk is watching us we will be thrown out if we do something like earlier so, I will swear to behave for the time being at least."

Even though all of Eddie's words had been filled with confidence it gave Chrissy some satisfaction to see at least that Eddie was clearly just as affected by the attraction they seemed to share as she was.

His breathing was definitely struggling to stay under control and well in all honesty Chrissy was a bit of a mess on that front also.

The video clerk locked eyes with them as he cleared his throat and Eddie just pulled Chrissy along down the next aisle before the boy could say anything.

After a few more aisles they found the fantasy section.

Eddie walked round and grinned like a complete idiot when he found ET and presented it out in front of Chrissy .

"There is no way we cant get this one after it came up in the supermarket chat earlier… it's a classic Eddie."

Chrissy laughed as she extended the basket towards him and the VHS landed with a gentle thud beside the other tape.

In the shop Chrissy looked around but she didn't recall seeing a lot of the films before, yet they all certainly looked interesting enough from the front covers.

Standing a few feet in front of her Eddie was like a child in a candy shop who was grabbing movies every now and then with pure happiness.

One moment later he came back to show her his offerings.

"Right what about the Star Wars trilogy Chrissy ?… Please tell me you have seen this masterpiece of cinema?"

Poor Eddie's face looked crushed when Chrissy had to shake her head.

"Im your father…. I mean you must have had that line before Chrissy?"

All Chrissy could do was smile apologetically when she stood there blankly at the reference.

"I'm sorry I really haven't … if you say they are good I trust you though.. I also liked Harrison Ford though since the first Indiana Jones movie."

"Ok Star Wars is a must now and I've grabbed Never Ending story as well but somehow I sense you haven't come across that one either."

"Stick with me Chrissy and you wont be deprived of the greats anymore."

Finally Chrissy spotted a movie she recognised and loved as she grabbed Back To The Future.

It was definitely one of the best movies that was released last year.

Once Eddie saw the cover as well it was clear he approved of her choice.

"Good choice queen… I mean that guitar scene at the high school dance is a classic."

"I actually know how to play that song so I can give you a live performance alongside Marty Mcfly!"

"That should be enough for a few days and Im sure there are a few more tapes up at the house."

They went to pay for the movies now but they run into a little hitch when the clerk tried to get one of them to sign up for a store card.

Which meant they would have to show some ID and just in case the cops started looking for either of them they didn't want anything on record of where they had been.

Thankfully Eddie once again was quick to come up with a solution that might work to help them out.

"I understand that is your policy but Im just on a week trip with the girlfriend and she will kill me if I don't get some fun movies for us to watch."

"We live states over so, this trip here would just be a one off…I don't really want to have to take out a loyalty store card just to rent some movies for a one time thing."

"I mean the poor girl has never seen Star Wars and I need to write this wrong desperately."

"What do you say help a brother out?…If I pay you double what each movie costs to rent and I give you my oath I shall return them back in good faith."

"At least with double if I wasn't good for my word you have the money to replace them at no extra cost."

Taking a moment to take that all in the store clerk pondered on the issue but he began to respond.

"Mmm… I don't know I mean the renting policy really is that you need a card… but I mean never seeing Star Wars that is something."

Chrissy sensing how torn the guy was slowly lent in and focussed on giving her best puppy dog smile before she spoke to him .

"It would honestly mean a lot to me…its my own fault that I forgot to pack some videos for the trip."

"I just wanted this trip to be perfect and my boyfriend he loves his movie nights so much."

Poor guy Eddie thought, he knew what it was like to have Chrissy full focus on you and even though she didn't mean to do it really her smile had such an effect on people.

It made you want to jump through hoops just to make her happy.

That was the power of Chrissy though and it had seemed to do the job for the clerk as well.

" Fine then it's a deal… but double and only because this lady here well she has a trustworthy face."

Eddie took no offence as he smirked at Chrissy who was clapping her hands with glee before she hugged Eddie in excitement.

"Ive never been able to pick anything to rent before Eddie, its rather exciting."

Once those words were uttered Eddie held Chrissy even more tightly against him.

Those words hit him deep and he felt sad that something so small as having a choice what movies to rent seemed like such a gift to Chrissy.

In that moment Eddie vowed then for as long Chrissy was in his life he would give her whatever damn freedom she needed to make any choice she wanted!

After Eddie paid thy drove the short ten minute drive to Rick's house.

Getting out the van Chrissy held the door as she looked over the house and Lovers Lake.

The house was massive and nothing like Chrissy had expected just to be sitting in the middle of nowhere .

" Are you sure its ok to stay here Eddie?"

" How do you know this Rick?.. You must be good friends if you are able to stay when he isn't here."

"I mean this is a nicer set up then I had been imagining, its so beautiful and I love how quiet it is."

Eddie was smiling as he watched Chrissy take in the view and their surroundings.

I mean Chrissy must have been to a ton of nicer places then this to stay away from home but she generally seemed really glad to be in a quiet place like this to hideout.

"To be honest and I'd never lie to you anyways but Rick is a drug dealer contact of mine."

As Eddie had been expecting Chrissy eyes rose up in alarm from that little nugget of information.

"It's fine we are safe here Chrissy, Rick is currently doing time and he left me keys."

"Just to check on the place from time to time and also its nice every now and then to just get away for the weekend.

"I love Wayne I really do he is the only parent I have really but sometimes I just need a change of scene and well the trailer isn't exactly large so, sometimes I feel a bit suffocated!"

Even though Chrissy was still a little shocked to learn the facts she was thankful Eddie had been honest and with the last sentence she could relate.

"It's fine I completely get that, trust me more then you would think…but I'm glad you have this place Eddie."

After their chat Eddie began to unload the van before opening the door to dump their items in to the hallway.

Quickly they began to unpack the food shopping and even though it was a mundane task Chrissy actually found it really fun just chatting to Eddie about everyday things.

Even though he was trying really hard to hide his tiredness from her Chrissy could sense how sleep deprived Eddie was.

The man was literally covering his mouth every few seconds trying to stifle his yawns and he had been looking after her all of last night and this morning.

"Its fine Eddie you need to sleep, no point hiding it."

"We both knew you would need to sleep at some point when I'm awake and I got my walkman stash now and my album to listen to so I will be fine."

Chrissy wrapped her arms around her body hoping she would appear more confident than she actually felt.

"Ok well if you insist I can sleep on the sofa Chrissy and well we shall set up the bedroom later for you to stay in tonight."

"Eddie don't be silly we can share a bed, firstly sleeping on the sofa for days is no fun and secondly I really don't want to be alone when I sleep after what happened."

"Ok well I wont lie angel it wont be hard wanting to agree to that, especially as now its not really a secret that I think you are pretty damn special Chrissy."

"Im doing to do everything to look after you during this so I suppose that means I need to sleep sometimes then."

Eddie let out a huff of defeat from needing to go to bed before he stretched out his arms for Chrissy to come into for a hug.

Taking a moment to just feel some of the relief and safety that came with being in Eddie arms Chrissy leaned her head up to look at him now.

"Eddie so much is going on but one thing I'm glad about is that is that I have you here."

"I don't know what that exactly means yet.. its complicated but just bear with me ok?"

"With Jason things haven't been as perfect as they appeared for some time."

"I don't want to hurt him, I don't want to hurt you but I haven't felt like I love him for a little while!"

"Honestly I don't know what to think but I do know when I kissed you that is the first time I've felt like myself in so long."

"I really do think you are special Eddie."

Without even realising it a few stray tears had fallen from her eyes and Eddie leant in to brush them away before he placed a swift kiss across Chrissy forehead.

Slowly their foreheads came to rest against one another and all Eddie could do was hold Chrissy close while she clang to him.

It took Eddie a few moments to even think about what he should say back to Chrissy after something like that.

If there was one time he really didn't want to mess up his words it was now.

Before he started he cradled Chrissy face in his palms and made sure she was looking up at him before he started talking.

"Well you already know what flattery does to me sweetheart… keep that up and we will just have to see what will happen wont we angel."

' In all seriousness I mean Chrissy you are a literal walking dream, and I think now you know know that I got a thing for this cheerleader."

"Which means heck yeah I'm on board to try and see whether this might be something."

"I assure you there ain't anything that special about me but I can promise that I'd treat you right and let you make all your own choices in everything. "

"You don't need to be perfect around me Chrissy I just want you to know that ok!"

"Thank you Eddie that honestly means …more then I can ever say , give me a second and I will change for bed."

"Where is the bathroom?…I will take my walkman with me so I will be safe when I'm changing alone.

Pointing to the door on the left past the living room Eddie showed her where to go and told her he would come and check on her in a little bit.

Chrissy found the bag with new clothes and she managed to find a nightie she had got from Walmart, once she had closed the door.

It was pale beige colour and it was nothing special but it was better then nothing.

Plus after a really long day and night it would be nice to just get out of her cheer outfit.

The uniform fell to the floor around her feet in a gentle thud.

What Chrissy felt she really needed was a long hot shower and after all this she wanted just to feel clean and refreshed.

"All ok in there?" Eddie voice suddenly rung out from the door outside.

"Yes I'm all good Eddie but now I see the shower in here I just am so tempted to shower….mmm is it ok if you come in and just stay here while I am behind the shower curtain?"

Damn this girl was really tempting him in the hardest ways but he knew it must have been important if she was asking.

"Fine give me a second I will get some towels, to be honest I need a shower as well sweetheart… its been over a day since I washed now."

"Eddie?"

Chrissy voice sounded hesitant and unsure as she said his name and Eddie just realised how his words might have come across.

"Oh crap I didn't mean like that.. I just meant you know that if you shower first and get changed then I can pop in after you and do the same.

"Oh that is all fine then Eddie, thank you so much."

Chrissy hoped that she hadn't managed to insult Eddie with asking for clarity on the shower situation.

Even if they had been intimate it like that would take Chrissy a long time to feel confident to show her body off like that.

If she ever did work up the courage to ever do that.

All the time she had dated Jason he had never properly seen her naked unless it was in the dark.

They certainly had never showered together and the few times they had been swimming Chrissy just wore swimsuits that covered more skin than most of the others her friends wore.

Eddie got the towels in record time and when he knocked on the door he could already hear the shower running.

The walkman was on the side of the basin and Chrissy had turned the volume up so high that the music could be heard even though she wasn't wearing it.

Once Chrissy was done she darted her head from behind the shower curtain to smile at Eddie and to take the towel.

"You are a super star Eddie I'm almost done and honestly the shower felt like heaven."

After Chrissy had secured the towel around her body she carefully got out and stepped on the bath mat.

As soon as she looked up Chrissy could swear that she could almost feel the inferno of heat upon her flesh that was coming from Eddie's heated stare .

I mean the poor guy was trying to be polite but she was standing in front of him, water dripping down her body and there wasn't really anywhere else for him to look unless he turned round to face the door.

Both of Eddie's fist were clenched and he looked like he was having a hard time to even remember to breath.

Now Chrissy was one hundred percent that even when she had been with Jason he had not even looked at her once like how Eddie was glancing at her.

It was pretty clear that whatever this could be Chrissy was in way over her head, that was equal parts exciting and terrifying!

The sound of the running shower echoed around them as both of them just stood there.

If they kept this up all the hot water would go Chrissy thought to herself.

"Mmm I suppose I better move from the mat before all the hot water goes…otherwise it be a cold shower for you Eddie."

"Honestly Chrissy I swear now I don't know if you are trying to tease me on purpose now or not?"

Eddie let out a low deep groan and Chrissy swore he said he felt like he bloody needed a cold shower under his breath.

"I really am not doing it on purpose Eddie… I didn't even think of it like that until I said it."

"Trust me I promise Im not trying to tease you , I'm really not that cruel promise."

Chrissy giggled slightly as Eddie stuck his tongue out playfully and at least it meant all was forgiven on that front anyways.

"Fine I suppose I will forgive you then for the slip up, now its your turn to behave…turn round while I shed myself of my clothes."

Following his instructions Chrissy turned round and she broke into laughter when a pile of Eddie's clothes landed at her feet.

Yes she knew she didn't have to but she had covered her hands with her fingers to stop the urge of wanting to peak as Eddie got in the shower!

Chrissy chuckled as Eddie began signing some songs in the shower.

Whatever the song was she didn't know it but his voice actually was really good and it helped keep her mind wondering off to more worrying things.

When Eddie asked Chrissy threw him a towel and now it was her turn to feel her heart rate go through the roof as she turned round once Eddie had got out.

Water was running down his long lean frame and now Chrissy could see some of the tattoos he mentioned having in the clearing .

It appeared like he had a spider and a skull on his upper chest and Chrissy finally understood the appeal of tattoos in that moment.

Yes she definitely was staring without any shame and Chrissy felt her teeth press into her bottom lip as she tried to stifle a moan that escaped when Eddies eyes found hers.

" Sweetheart I'm trying really hard to be good here but you need to stop looking at me like that or all my resolve will go out the window!"

" What happened to that promise when you said you were not trying to tease me on purpose because it's a little hard to buy it when you are looking at me like that."

"Mmm sorry I just wasn't expecting the tattoo's…I … I really like them and I wasn't expecting that."

Now she must sound like a rambling fool after this exchange.

When Eddie had been showering Chrissy has slipped on the night dress and suddenly she felt a little anxious standing there in front of Eddie.

What if he thought she was fat or just not as perfect as he envisioned?

For a boy who had only known her again for one day properly he could certainly read her insecurities like a book.

"Hey hey stop that Chrissy don't you hide yourself from me, you are beautiful…there is no need to worry about how I see you, none at all."

"I…just hate that people have made you feel this way."

"Jason clearly has been failing you as a boyfriend if he hasn't made you realise how lucky anyone would be to have you in their life."

"Then again knowing Jason that really doesn't surprise me… even for a normal jock type he definitely is even more self centred then most of them.

"We are both tired and need some rest ok but we are going to talk about this another time."

Chrissy nodded in agreement and her brain was too scattered to even try and reply with any more words.

After they left the bathroom Eddie got dressed in a loose fitting Corroded Coffin tee shirt and some tracksuits that he had packed.

Together in a very domesticated job they put fresh sheets down on the bed before they both got into bed.

There was still a chilly March feel in the air and naturally their bodies sought to get closer for heat.

Chrissy thought it was true what people had said men were naturally always warmer and the cold chill that had seeped into her body was slowly ebbing away.

Eddie's hair was spread out on the pillow and Chrissy couldn't help but run her fingers gently through it as he smiled up gently at her.

Within a few minutes of trying to hold off sleep Eddie finally succumbed to it and drifted off.

It was just after 10 am and Chrissy promised she would wake Eddie up around 4pm.

Which left her with about 6 hours to kill.

Placing her walkman headphones on her ears Chrissy pressed played and then she found the book Eddie had dug out for her.

Chrissy had never even heard of The Fellowship Of The Rings but it was better then nothing.

Also she completely trusted Eddies assurances that it would at least entertain her a bit and actually it was one of his favourite books he said.

Which meant the least she could do was give it a go.

The hours slipped by as Chrissy watched Eddie sleep peacefully beside her.

Actually the Lord Of The Rings was a better read than Chrissy had been expecting and already she had found that her heart loved most of the characters she had come across so far.

Her favourite so far definitely was SamWise Gamgee just because he seemed so loyal and a warm hearted person.

Chrissy also liked the character of Aragon who had just appeared in the last few chapters.
It was clear he was meant to be one of the centre heros for the story and for some reason with the description of the longer haired warrior Chrissy was picturing him looking like Eddie in the story.

During some point in his sleep Eddie rolled on his side and his arm naturally went to settle around Chrissy's body as he snuggled closer against her.

Once again this caused a fluttering of unexplained feelings inside Chrissy and even though she could have moved his arm away she didn't want to.

In her mind their was no future for her and Jason so as soon as she saw him again she would let him know that they were over.

Perhaps they would stay friends, perhaps they wouldn't but quite frankly that was the least of her worries.

Also Chrissy could easily imagine what her mother might say about her wanton behaviour of sharing a bed with another men that wasn't her boyfriend at the current time.

Then after the events of the last day Chrissy was starting to care less about what others wanted and more about what she wanted!

If things did take a turn for the worse and something happened to her she was done doing what others told her.

If this was it and today was all she had then so be it, right now all she wanted was to scoot closer to Eddie.

Shifting slightly in bed Chrissy was now on her side and her back was resting against Eddie chest, while her head rested against his shoulder and the side of his neck.

Part of his hair was ticking her face but Chrissy rather liked the feel of it against her skin as she read on with the music playing in her ears.

Meanwhile Dustin was on the way to try and find Lucas at the Tigers clubhouse on the outskirts of town.

If Mike had been around Dustin would have gone straight to his first but he had gone to visit Will and Elle for spring break.

Dustin had woken up early and decided that he was going to check in with Eddie to see if he could go to band practise with them.

Lucas was probably going to be busy with the basketball team like he was most weekends now.

When he had rung Eddie's home line Wayne picked up sounding rather grumpy at having been woken up by Dustin ringing repeatedly until the phone had been answered on the third try.

Wayne had then told him that Eddie had decided to skip town to visit a friend for spring break and he had no idea where his nephew actually was.
It was clear from Wayne's tone he certainly didn't sound too pleased but he did say that Eddie was an adult and every so often he did things like that.

Then he hung up and Dustin was left very confused indeed.

His next port of call was then to try ringing Garth and Jeff.

I mean if Eddie was skipping town he must have told his best friends.

Garth and Jeff had no idea what was going on but they didn't seem that worried that Eddie left with little notice.

Every now and then Eddie had a reputation for just leaving suddenly for a weekend or so.

For whatever reason though Dustin felt like there was a bit more then met the eye.

Firstly Eddie and him had made a few plans to hang out over the week when he wasn't busy with Steve or on the odd day Lucas.
Dustin knew Eddie could be scattered but he knew Eddie would have at least let him know before skipping town that plans would have to change.

Eddie knew how much Dustin looked forward to them hanging out so, he wouldn't have left him hanging like this surely?

Yes he knew it was a long shot but perhaps Lucas was free and wanted to hang out so, Dustin decided to get his bike and to try and find him.

Honestly he had tried his best to find a way to move the D and D game night.

Still he was super happy that Lucas had found something he was so passionate about and after the messy break up with Max it was something at least.

Once Dustin was greeted with the Tigers hideout door that was when his jangled nerves really

began to kick in.

Most of the team were horrible to Dustin as well just because he was part of the HellClub.
The term freak was not only for Eddie but unlike Eddie Dustin certainly didn't have that confident bravado to retaliate!

Placing the bike on the side of the building Dustin placed his sweaty hands on the door knocking a few times.

Finally after a few moments someone came to the door.
Thankfully even though Dustin didn't know the boy name it was one of the nicer people from the team that he recognised.

" Hey… Um is Lucas Sinclair here?…sorry to bother you but I was just looking for him as Erica his sister needs him for something."

"Umm Yeah Lucas is around somewhere.. he a little worse for wear but that is normal after a game night."

"Who should I say is calling though?… I know you are a part of Eddie's the freak group but I don't know your name dude."

Dustin quickly ruffled with his hat nervously as he answered the jock .

"Just say that it's Dustin and mention that Erica asked me to come."

That was the best reason Dustin could think of to ask for Lucas.

It definitely seemed like from past interactions Lucas was keen to downplay his connection to Dustin and Will.

Heck it was already hard enough that Will and Elle had to move away and Dustin didn't want to lose any more of the small friendship cycle that he had.

After a few moments a very hungover looking Lucas came to the door.

Dustin felt his stomach heave slightly when he could smell the vomit odour coming from his friend.

Without even needing to say anything Dustin handed him a stick of chewing gum and Lucas left the door a little ajar as they went outside.

"What's up with Erica dude?…I thought she was meant to be spending the day with friends… is she ok?"

"Erica is totally fine, sorry but it was the best way I could think to get you to the door quickly and to have a reason to ask for you."

"I just wondered whether you might want to hang out today?"

Firstly I feel sorry about missing the game I really do and well Mike is out of town and it's the first day of the spring break."

"I really don't want to be that kid spending his first day of spring break alone, Steve is always working on Saturdays as well."

"Then I tried contacting Eddie as well but Wayne said he was out of town, which is weird man he didn't mention anything,"

"Wayne his uncle just said he skipped town to spend spring break with a friend suddenly. "

Lucas shifted around on his feet as he heard Dustin talking.

Honestly his brains and body was so hungover but spending the day with Dustin might be a nice change.'

Yes it did hurt him more than he could say that they didn't come to the game last night but he missed hanging with Dustin so much.

All Lucas felt he had known since he joined the Tigers was pressure to look and act a certain way.

Yes he had wanted to be more popular and find his own path especially after the pain of losing Max was still so raw.

Still he hadn't actually meant for them all to drift apart so much!

Before Lucas got a chance to reply to Dustin Jason from the team was charging towards Dustin looking enraged and furious for some reason.

Lucas didn't know whether he was having some strange nightmare now or something as Justin had pulled up Dustin by the scruff of his neck and had cornered him against the wall.

" What the hell did you just say freak?"

"Did I hear correctly that Eddie is suddenly skipped town and meant to be spending spring break with someone out of the blue?"

Dustin was struggling to breath a little now as he was literally frozen in shock at the last crazy few seconds!

Trying to do anything to help Lucas went up to Jason to try and calm him down but Jason swatted him away causing Lucas to lose his balance and fall to the ground.

"This is the last warning Henderson… either you tell me where Eddie could have gone or I'm going to beat your arse to the ground where you stand."

"I don't understand what Eddie has to do with anything man…. I just let me go!"

"Yes… please Jason let Dustin go… What an earth has Eddie done to get you worked up like this dude?"

Thankfully Lucas pleas at least seemed to be reaching Jason on some level.

It took a few seconds but finally Jason let Dustin land in a heap on the floor.

Poor Dustin was rubbing his neck and trying to get his breathing under control.

Jason paced back and fourth before pointing angrily at Henderson.

"That freak your leader just decides to skip town with a friend the same day Chrissy apparently goes out of town to suddenly spend time with a friend for spring break."

"I been to all her friends and not one has heard from her or has any idea who this mystery friend is."

"Then I drive to come and ask the boys for help to aid me in my search and then I hear that Eddie the Freak Munson is away for spring break suddenly."

"I swear to god if that freak has hurt her I'm going to kill him… Chrissy would never ever be seen with that freak!"

"They never even spoken a word to one another that I've seen… this shit don't add up."

"I read what these devil freaks are like with young girls, he probably has kidnapped her for some ritual sacrifice!"

Lucas and Dustin still couldn't quite believe what they were witnessing and Lucas raised his hands towards Jason trying to diffuse the situation slightly before speaking.

"Come on Jason think about what you are saying… I know you don't like Eddie… but honestly the devil stuff is just insane gossip."

" It's spring break lots of people go away, it just must be some coincidence."

"Chrissy is in a different world to him and Ive never even seen Eddie with Chrissy at school."

" I'm sure the whole team will help you look for Chrissy but really the idea of Eddie taking her is a little crazy!"

"Don't tell me that I'm crazy, don't you dare Sinclair…I know I feel it in my bones Eddie has done something with her.'

"Chrissy is a good girl she wouldn't leave me to go with a friend without telling me first, she wouldn't leave her home like that.. she just wouldn't."

"Eddie isn't like that man… he is a good guy, stop trying to make him out as a monster!"

Dustin found some inner confidence to yell back at Jason and he hated seeing Eddie being spoken about like this .

There had to be some mix up, Eddie had never once mentioned Chrissy to any of the Hellclub group in all the time he had known Eddie.

I mean Eddie hanging out with a cheerleader was crazy, let alone leaving to spend spring back with one.

That just was beyond the realms of possibility.

Dustin felt himself shriek as Jason enraged with the fact he had argued back was getting ready to charge at Dustin.

Thankfully even with a hungover Lucas was quick enough to push Dustin past him and Lucas extended his hands out slowly to Jason as he stood between them.

''Move Sinclair now or I will have to take you down as well, not that I want that."

Jason shouted before he spat at the ground with pure venom.

"If Dustin doesn't want to tell me where Eddie is likely to be…I'm just going to have to beat it out of him."

"Chrissy needs help I know she does and nothing will get in my way."

"Jason please just leave him alone he doesn't know anything I swear."

"Im sure Chrissy is fine and like I said Eddie probably just randomly went away with a friend at the same time"

In his tone Lucas could clearly hear his desperation but all he cared about was looking after Dustin. Seeing how worked up Jason was Lucas felt that whatever they would say wouldn't be enough to stop Jason going on this rampage.

"I'm just wasting time when anything could be happening to my girlfriend there is no choice I'm going to find that freaks family and I'm getting some answers.

"My boys and I always known he is trailer trash and there is only one place where trailer trash live in this town."

"Then I'm going to the police to report Chrissy missing and then finally Eddie is going to get what is coming to him."

"The only place he will be graduating to will be a jail cell, I swear it!"

Jason turned on his heels running to the car in a manic frenzied speed.

Lucas was trying to catch Jason down to see if he could calm him down.

"Just wait Jason, lets talk this through…you are not safe to drive like this."

Unfortunately his words fell on deaf ears as Jason had already stared the engine and was speeding past the lights to get his way to the trailer park.

Lucas and Dustin just watched in open mouthed as they watched Jason speeding in the distance.

"Do you think we should go to the trailer park after him Lucas?"

"Nah I never seen Jason like that Dustin, I think we should give him time to cool off."

"I mean I don't know Eddie as well as you do but I know he is an ok guy, there just has to be a mix up."

"Let's just go to yours man and see if we can figure out what is best to do next."

Dustin agreed hesitantly even though that really didn't sit well with him to just leave things like this.

"Fine I'm sure it will blow over once Jason realise Eddie couldn't possibly have done anything to Chrissy!"
"Let's just go home and see how we can find a way to contact Eddie."

"I mean just in case things go wrong we should be around to wam him that Jason might be starting a man hurt or something crazy like that for Eddie."

"If that is Jason acts just with a hunch then perhaps its not so hard to see why Chrissy wanted to leave and why she didn't tell him."

Dustin finished talking as he quickly went to grab his bike and they headed home.

Notes:

Hello my dear readers I hope you are all well.
Sorry for the delay in posting.
Unfortunately I ended up in hospital and needed surgery so this month has been a little crazy.
Finally I felt strong enough to write another chapter.
Honestly if you are reading this and you enjoyed the chapter by the end I'd love to read any comments.