Another gust of wind swept across us, this one with even more of a chill, causing me to shiver and pull my jacket tighter around me. Eddie saw and pulled me to my feet with him, "it's getting colder out here, we should go," He said, rubbing his hands up and down my arms. It felt nice but provided little warmth. "You better direct us to wherever you're crashing. I'll just get us lost." I smirked at that, "well everyone is at Vicky's, which is like a 40 minute walk that way." I swung the flashlight into the trees. "Okay let's go." Eddie grabbed the other flash light. "Trailer park's 15 minutes that way," I pointed in the opposite direction, "I'd avoid the roads if I were you - Jason and his gang are probably looking for you. You'll get lost out here without me though." Eddie nodded along with me. A different feeling overtook my brain and mouth - bravery maybe - "we should go back to your place. My feet are actually killing me." Eddie's mouth opened, but no words came out, then he smiled and turned towards the direction I had pointed to.
During the walk back to his trailer, Eddie was unusually quiet, I'd expected more jokey comments about me going home with him. "Casa del Munson" Eddie waved his hands at his trailer. I did my best to be silent entering, aware that Eddie's uncle may be sleeping. Eddie on the other hand, bounded into the kitchen and started rattling around in cupboards. "Will - will your uncle be cool with me crashing here?" I asked suddenly feeling sheepish about being in Eddie Munson's trailer. His head popped round the door, "He works nights, doesn't get home til 6am." I nodded to myself and gazed around the trailer. I used to think these things were tiny, before Max moved into one and I saw how roomy they actually were. max - the kids - they're all at Max's right now. I internally debated whether to say goodnight to Eddie and head over there, or stay the rest of the night. Eddie was still rummaging through drawers in the kitchen as this mental battle continued. A clock on the wall told me it was getting close to 1:30am.
Eddie returned to the lounge area, arms full and face hidden by a box filled with medical supplies. He dropped the box on the couch and started grabbing things like gauze, alcohol strips, tape, and band aids. I coughed to get his attention, when he whipped his head my way, my decision was made. His features were softer than they had been in the moonlight, and he had a concentrated look on his face. I was staying. "Sit." He commanded gently. I sat on the couch, and he started wiping my cuts. "You don't have to - I can do this" I quietly said, reaching for the gauze. Eddie lightly smacked my hand away, "just let somebody take care of you for once, Wheeler." My insides melted, my skin continued to tingle as he covered the cuts on my knees and hands. I couldn't speak - literally feeling speechless. "Done, you'll live." He winked at me. The radio in my pocket suddenly started crackling. "Rain, you there?" Mike's voice carried through. I jumped up and held the radio to my mouth, "Yeah, we're safe. Could you let Robin know I'm crashing here?" Mike responded after a few seconds, "crashing where?" Before I could answer, Eddie took the walkie from me and spoke into it, "At my place mini Wheeler. They're making sure I don't die from concussion." He smiled at me when he said this.
I excused myself to the bathroom to check myself over and gather my thoughts. I had a crush on Eddie Munson. I was in Eddie's trailer - alone with him. Eddie pummeled the guy who made a sick joke about me. In the mirror I saw my buns were looking extremely ratty and pulled my hair free. I removed my big boots and took off my leather jacket. Now I felt almost naked and self conscious. "You alright in there?" Eddie was standing on the other side of the door. I shook myself and opened the door, coming face to face with him. "Yeah just uh, getting comfortable." I said. He had a bundle of clothes in his arms "well, you can put these on if you want." Eddie offered the black joggers and grey sweater to me. I nodded, truly thankful for the clothing and returned to the bathroom to change. Eddie was standing by the kitchen sink guzzling water when I came out. His clothes smelled clean - freshly washed, but still carrying Eddie's personal scent. I couldn't get enough of that smell.