Chapter 7
Plans and Promises

"Hello Erik," Corrine said as she felt his presence in the room.

She finished tying Alec's shoes for the billionth time that day. It has been three months since she first met Erik. His presence, and her brother's friendship with him didn't bother her nearly as much now. Erik never talked about his past in front of her, but Alec was a different story. He promised to never tell Erik's past. In spite of that, Erik had become a trusted friend and a frequent visitor. Not a day went by that he didn't visit his new friends.

"Erik," Alec shouted excitedly as he ran to give him a hug.
"May, I go with Erik?"
"Go ahead, have fun," Corrine said as she stood up and stretched.
"You are welcome to come with us," Erik said as he headed toward the door.
"Yes, I know, and I do appreciate the offer. I just have so many party invitations to send my regrets to." Corrine sighed.
"Why don't you accept, and go to one of those parties?" Alec asked.
"Because, little brother, most of those people are boring snobs."
Erik nodded in agreement "I'll make sure he's back in time for dinner."
"That would be fine Erik," Corrine said as she turned back to the piles of party invitations.

They walked down the corridor, and as customary, Alec walked tiptoe past his parents room. Their voices made him stop mid step.
"Richard, she's to old to be spending so much time taking care of that thing. She needs to be around young people her own age. It's unhealthy."
Alec put his ear to the door to hear better.
"Now Martha, you know as well as I do that she won't leave that boy for anything. Even for a couple hours at a party."
"Well, I guess we'll have to make her. Besides, once she's married, we'll have to put that thing in an institution anyway."

Chills ran down Alec's back.
"What WILL happen to me when Cori gets married?" He thought as tears ran down his cheeks.

Erik felt rather than heard Alec stop behind him. He turned around and saw Alec standing as still as a statue and crying. Erik opened his mouth to speak, but before he could, Alec turned and ran back to Corrine.

Erik was puzzled and clearly concerned. "What happened? Did I do something to upset him?" Erik walked back to Corrine's room extremely upset. He stopped at the door and listened.

"Cori, what's going to happen to me when you get married?"
The look on her brother's face made Corrine realize that this was really worrying him."IF, not when, but IF I get married, I would NEVER marry a man that wouldn't accept you. You'll come with us, and since it looks like it won't happen, then it's safe to say we'll always be together."

Out of habit, Alec stuck his thumb into his mouth. It was something he only did when he was deep in thought.
"All right Alec, out with it. What are you thinking about?"
Alec took the thumb out of his mouth "I think you need to marry Erik."
Corrine, shocked at her brother's boldness, gasped. At the same time Erik turned and ran back to his home.

Corrine calmed herself. "What makes you say that?"
"Erik's sad."
"How do you know that?"
"He told me. He loved someone once, and she left him. Christine married a guy that Erik didn't like. I can't tell you anymore, I promised Erik that I wouldn't," Alec said as his hands went into fists. The thought of anyone hurting Erik that way made him mad.

"If you promised Erik that you wouldn't, then you must keep that promise."

"Oh, no. I have to go. Left Erik by himself," Alec said in alarm as he jumped out of the chair and ran out the door.
"Yes, Alec. You better find Erik, I'm sure he'll get lost." Corrine laughed while standing in the empty room.