Night time Paradise

Eric brushed his brother aside and ducked to get in the house's small doorway, shelly just held his hand tightly, her fingers red and numb, she was shivering, his mom stood up worriedly from the table and embraced both of them, pushing wet hair from her younger son's face gently.

" Shelly I already called your sister as soon as I heard the bike" Shelly just nodded, her entire body numb, unable to make thoughts or truly register what was happening other then Eric was beside her. Eric led her by her two fingers to his room down the carpeted hall, the hallway was decorate in yellow flowered wall paper, with family photos dressing the walls, Shelly just drooped her head, she had seen the pictures hundreds of times, there were some of Eric and Chris when they were younger before the animosity, some of Eric's father in uniform. He was in the army, that's all she knew and his name was Daniel or David or something like that. Eric opened the door, pushing clothing aside so they could walk in, he tossed her a long shirt that went down to her knees, she stood up and went to the washroom, her feet shuffling as she walked. She was just cold and miserable, and tired, and just wanted to curl up and sleep.

She changed out of the wet clothing, leaving a small wet pile on the bathroom floor, and knocked on the closed door " Eric..can I come in" she asked in almost a mumble, her voice soft, Eric opened the door " yeah sorry" he was wearing dry pyjama bottoms, she went and sat down on his bed, which was really a spread out futon and fell backwards onto the mattress...

The next morning, Shelly woke up to Eric stroking a small piece of her hair gently, she smiled and turned into him, so she was facing him instead of her back facing him, he held her tightly " see, whenever we get together we always end up in bed" he whispered teasingly, Shelly just smiled and nuzzled against him, warm and safe. By the silence in the house no one else was up, and likely she thought judging from what faint sunlight came in no one would be up for a few hours. Eric kissed her forehead, running his fingers up and down her arm and shoulder lightly, Shelly yawned feeling her eyes grow heavy again, and just feel asleep almost instantly. She woke up with a start was she heard loud music coming from the room beside them, Eric scowled and banged on the wall " SHUT IT CHRIS". The music just got louder, Shelly sighed and smiled " well I'm up, what time is it?" she asked curiously, Eric moved the picture frame blocking his clock " almost 9:30-10:00..ish" she nodded and kissed his cheek, before he could pull her back she got up and stuck her tongue out at him playfully, Eric laughed and shook his head " you're a nutter, you know that right?" he said laughing, she just grinned and hopped around the room some, Eric sighed " I should warn you, my dad is on leave today, for a few weeks so...he'll be home tonight" he warned...Shelly sighed " Meet dad night right.." Eric nodded slowly, she groaned and plunked down on the carpeted floor, rubbing her face some trying to figure out what she should do, Eric sighed and walked over, pulling her into a hug " don't worry, it'll be fine, I'm sure he'll love you and even if he doesn't I love you"he said softly kissing her forehead, she smiled and rested her head against him, and just nodded. She stood up pushing him off gently, and went for her now folded clothing, that was dry and went to the bathroom to change, she came out and went back into Eric's room, and sat down looking at him " explain everything I have to do tonight to make a good impression"..

Later that evening, Shelly arrived on the doorstep, her blonde hair was braided back, and she wore a red dress that fell to about her knees with red heels, she knew that when Eric's dad came home, dinner became a formal event, especially tonight...taking a deep breath, she knocked on the door. A tall light brown haired man answered, he wore a dress shirt with dress pants, she gulped and looking up smiling some.." you must be Shelly" he said coldly before she could say a word, Eric scowling, but said nothing and pushed his dad aside and kissed her cheek " you look beautiful" he said softly in her ear she smiled and went red, his dad let her in, she took off her shoes, Eric's dad looked at her up and down then scowled " only fast women wear red" Shelly forced on a smile, but it didn't reach her eyes and she clenched her fists " only arrogant people..." Eric quickly put a hand over her mouth, he knew how sharp his dad's tongue could be, and he knew how sharp Shelly's was, she just glared at the taller man without saying anything. His dad put a hand on Eric's shoulder " that's alright son. Let her say what she wants." Shelly smirked and then looked at him " as I was saying. Only arrogant, self absorbent people judge before they know." Eric just rolled his eyes and smacked his forehead with his hand, " this is going to be a disaster" he mumbled, His dad just scowled darkly, lines deepening on his face. His mom put dinner onto the kitchen table, Eric pulled out a chair for Shelly, " you don't have to" she mumbled quietly " I want to." came is his soft reply before he sat down beside her and put his hand on her knee, she put her hand over his and squeezed it gently. His mom served everyone, Potatoes, chicken, salad, sliced cheese and fresh tomatoes, Shelly smiled " thank you Mrs. Draven" she said politely, even though she adored Eric's mom, she knew it was best to remain as..non casual as possible with his dad sitting at the head of the table, Eric's dad scowled and looked at Eric up and down " you need a hair cut. And can't you wear more then black!" he criticised, Shelly quickly went down and grabbed Eric's hand before one of them said something they would regret. Eric sat there, his right eye twitching somewhat " if you say so" was all he said glaring down at his food, Chris smirked triumphantly, Shelly quickly kicked Chris in the shin hard, he let out a surprised look, their dad noticed and scowled " you alright Christopher?" Chris nodded and said with slight pain in his voice " a little cat just scratched me that's all" he scowling, Shelly just ate innocently, remembering all her manners, holding Eric's hand with the other hand. Dinner passed by slowly, and filled with tension, Eric and Shelly kept glancing at each others and then back at their now empty plates. His dad looked at Shelly " it's not an eating contest. A lady must always eat carefully, and next time take less. Portion control." Shelly's hands started to shake in anger, Eric tried to calm her down by rubbing his thumb against her palm, but it only slightly worked. She stood up quickly, and looked at Eric and whispered in his ear " I'm leaving before I say anything I'm gonna regret" she kissed his cheek gently " love you" she whispered softly, and smiled at Mrs. Draven " sorry ma'am, but I still need to walk home and it's getting late" his mom and nodded and smiled clearing her spot, she went to put her shoes on, Eric stood up and followed her to the entry way " want me to walk you home?" she smiled and touched his cheek gently " no thanks, I don't want to explode at you" she kissed his lips wrapping her arms around his neck then pulled away slowly, as his dad cleared his throat behind Eric. She twitched some and smiled at Eric before leaving. His dad scowled, she heard him on the steps as the windows were open. " what do you see in her. She's rude, impolite, and she's not at all lady like. Not to mention I'm sure she's just playing with you. You deserve someone whose better." she had stoped at the landing, tears forming in her eyes as she started to walk home, not hearing Eric's defence to his dad's cruel words, she kicked at random stones, tears pouring down her face silently as she walked in the darkness, only illuminated by street and car lights.