A/N: Hey, ya'll! Okay, so I'm back on my feet and feeling great! Thank you everyone for your regards! You have no idea how much your messages helped!

So, finally, I give you chapter 12. Sorry for the delay, again, but I'm also working on Timing is Everything. And I hate to start something else when I haven't even finished my first project, but I couldn't help myself; I started another story. But I'm not submitting yet! Not until I have enough chapters to satisfy everyone. It's my first attempt at a drama too, so it should be interesting.

Enjoy!

Chapter 12

The minutes felt like days and tiny movements felt like earthquakes.

Christine didn't seem real to him. Sure, they were kissing and she was in his lap making tiny noises, but to Erik it was all just a dream…too good to be true. It was when she broke for air that he came out of his reverie.

"Please say I'm not dreaming," she begged as she looked deep into his eyes.

"I can't entirely confirm that, love. I think I'm in one too." Christine's smile widened.

"Well if we're both in a dream then I hope we don't wake up for a while."

"I hope I'm in a coma," he teased.

They were just about to lean in once more when all of the sudden… Ring Ring.

"Ugh! Not now!" Christine reached into her chest, shocking Erik, and pulled out the buzzing, blasted interruption out of her bra.

"Hello?" Christine asked the contraption.

"Yeah, sorry, Erik and I went over to his house so we could practice some more."
…

"Okay, okay, I'm on my way."

"Like they'd really care that much."

"Fine! I'm Coming!"

"Who was it?" Erik asked with a smirk. He never saw her so aggravated and he couldn't deny that it made her look more than ravishing.

"My Dad. Apparently, I'm supposed to say goodbye to Grandmother and Grandfather like a proper child."

"You are most definitely NOT a child!" To emphasize his point, Erik dipped his mouth to her luscious neck and started to nibble on the pliable flesh beneath her ear.

"Erik…" she was having trouble finding words as she tilted her head back and closed her eyes. "As much as I love this… my dad might worry."

He only nibbled harder.

"Please…" she gasped.

"Please continue?" He was teasing her and it was driving her crazy. Erik did as he suggested and lowered his lips back to her neck. Mmmm… Yummy.

"Erik!" This time, she plucked up all of her control and pushed his shoulders back, causing him to lean back on the couch. His face looked disappointed, but she gave him one more satisfying kiss to drag that devilish smile back onto his face.

"Okay, time to go," Christine said as she slipped off of his lap. No! Don't leave me! This is much too delicious!

"Fine." Erik wasn't necessarily happy but he wasn't complaining either. He stood up next to her and grabbed her hand in his, intertwining their fingers into an impenetrable bond. Her blush only encouraged him to trace patterns over her skin with his thumb.

"Come, love, let's say goodbye to your evil grandparents."

"Goodnight, Grandmother, Grandfather," said the monotone voice of a very unhappy Christine.

Before she and Erik walked back into the house, they agreed to keep their situation secret for the time being.

Flashback…

"Listen, Erik, maybe we should lay low for awhile." Is she ashamed of me?

She immediately saw his downcast eyes and started to explain herself.

"Don't take it that way! I just meant to say that our age difference is scary for some people, and I think my dad is one of them. I'm most definitely not ashamed to be with you, there's nothing I want more!" They were at her front porch and her hands were still in his.

"I care for you, Erik… more than I thought I would. It's exciting and scary all at once." Her eyes searched his golden ones looking for some kind of answer to a silent question. Am I supposed to say something? What do I say to that? I'm not prepared for this!

"I think I know what you're saying. We can tell your father later if you wish." He held his breath for Christine's response.

"Thank you, Erik. It means a lot to me." Then she stood on her tiptoes and placed her lips on his. It took him a second to register that she was kissing him, but he quickly picked it up and returned with vigor.

"Let's go."

End Flashback…

"Oh my God, Christine! Is that a hickey?!"

"WHAT?!" everyone cried in unison. Everyone's eyes darted to Christine's neck at Olivia's outburst.

Thanks a lot, dear cousin.

She knew she was bound to get one from Erik's tedious work, but she hadn't been thinking that at the time. Before anyone had the chance to draw conclusions, however, Christine produced a beautiful lie.

"Oh, no, that's a rash from earlier today," she started. "When I was at the mall, I was trying on scarves and I guess I'm allergic to one of the fabrics."

Your acting will come in handy for your musical, my love. God, I thought we were dead for a minute there.

"Do you want some ice for it, Dear?" asked poor, naive Grammy.

"No, it doesn't itch anymore, just red." A blush started to creep in her cheeks and Erik couldn't help the male pride surge through his veins. It's my brand! She's mine now!

"Will you excuse us a minute?" Olivia asked everyone as she dragged Christine into the downstairs bathroom around the corner. Erik couldn't help but feel nervous.

"That is so not a rash!" challenged Christine once the door was closed behind them.

"Yes it is!" argued a very red Christine.

"Yeah, if it's a rash from the continuous rubbing of his lips. That is a full-on hickey! I've had enough of them to tell the difference. You can't fool an expert, Sweetie." Her smile scared the crap out of Christine.

"So what if it is?" She knew her efforts to hide from Olivia were impossible.

"Was it Erik?" she asked with a questionable emotion.

"Maybe."

"Christine, I have to congratulate you; not even I have been able to seduce an older man yet." Olivia's eyes danced.

"It's not like that, Olivia! I didn't seduce him!" How dare she think our relationship is something so dirty! "We have a mutual adoration for each other."

"Sure, an adoration to get in each other's pants, maybe."

"What are you talking about?!" She had crossed the line.

"All I'm saying is, there's only one reason older men go for inexperienced teenagers." Erik wouldn't do that…

"I'm not a teenager. If you took time to notice something other than your reflection, you'd realize I'm eighteen today."
"You're still young and inexperienced, Honey. He wants to get in your pants and have his way with you," she teased.

"Shut up, Olivia, you don't know him like I do. That's the last thing he would do."

"Yeah, and I'm a virgin."

"I've had enough." With a wave of the hand, Christine stormed out of the bathroom, bumping into Erik.

"Oh, look, the happy couple." Erik looked up to see the smirk on Olivia's face as she stood against the bathroom door. When he heard Christine's sniffle, he knew this devil woman had upset his love. That wouldn't do.

He gently pulled away from her and menacingly lunched toward a cringing Olivia. She shook just by the murderous look in his topaz orbs. His voice never touched Christine's ears, but the threat rung through Olivia's like an echo in a cave.

"Leave us alone! It's none of your business who Christine is with and it is none of your business to tell, either. If you so much think to tamper with lives other than your own, pray for some kind of protection, because I will lose control."

When she didn't respond, he took a step closer and spoke a little more forcefully, "Do you understand?"

"Yes, sir," Olivia squeaked, eyes watering.

"Stop crying. I know they're fake and it doesn't work with me." She quickly wiped her staged tears and stood up straighter. He was hard to beat.

"Now that we see eye to eye, I'd like you to leave Christine's home as soon as possible."

"Yes, sir."

"Thank you." Before turning around, Erik straightened his tie, cleared his throat, and nodded at Olivia. Christine just stood there shocked, mouth hanging open.

"Let's go say goodbye to your guests, Christine," he said as he offered her his arm.

"Okay." Taking his arm, she couldn't help to look back and sneer at her statuesque cousin.

"No one's stood up to her like that before." She looked up into his hard eyes.

"I'd do so much more to make you happy, Christine," he replied peering down at her.

Before she could say anything back to him, George walked up to them.

"Christine, the Crains are leaving. Go thank them."

After a few glares from Ralf and suggestive looks from 'Jan', Erik watched the Crains finally leave. What an obnoxious family! Americans can be so strange. (A/N: An English man told me that one time when I went to London. He said I was okay though )

"It's getting late, Joe, almost past your bedtime," Holly teased.

"Oh, fine, but not before a hug and a kiss from my grandchild." With a red face, Christine received one of Gramps legendary sloppy kisses on the cheek. Erik couldn't help but laugh at the sight.

"It was a pleasure to meet you, Erik. I hope to see more of you around." Grammy's face was full of understanding as she looked between him and Christine. He had the feeling she knew more than she was letting on, but her face held more blessing than scolding. Maybe it can work with her family…

With a wave goodbye, Grammy and Gramps retired for the evening and left the house.

"Mom, let's go!" hissed Olivia to Susan.

"Why the rush, sweetie?" she asked.

"I'm really tired." Erik was glad she had paid head to his warning.

"You weren't tired last week when you came home at three in the morning drunk off your ass!"

"Aunt Susan has colorful language," Christine whispered to a shocked Erik.

"I see," he whispered back enjoying Olivia's endless punishment.

"Ugh! I'm in the car if you need me!" she yelled in her mother's face. Before leaving, she went to say goodbye. "Happy Birthday, Christine. It was nice to meet you, Erik. And thank you for having us, Uncle George." The door slammed behind her with a resounding BAM!

"I'm so sorry about Olivia, I don't know what's gotten into her!"

"It's okay, Aunt Susan. I'm sure she's just stressed with school just around the corner and all," Christine assured.

"Well, I guess Frank and I should get going. Happy Birthday, Pumpkin Head!" Susan gave Christine a giant bear hug and dragged 'Frank' out the door while waving to George.

The entrance hall was quiet for a few moments.

"So where did Pumpkin Head come from?" Erik asked trying not to laugh.

"Oh, God! She didn't call me that did she?" Christine cried in mortification cradling her face in her hands.

"George, how did Christine obtain such an adorable nickname?" he continued to ask.

With an outburst of laughter, George told Erik the origins of the name. "Well, sweet Christine, here, was born with a perfectly round head and she got jaundice so she was this yellowish orange color. Hence, Pumpkin Head. The full nick name, though, is…"

"No, Dad! I beg you!" Christine screeched.

"Pumpkin Head Button Nose," he finished, ignoring his daughter's plea.

"Oh, no!" she whined.

"Hmmm… Well, Pumpkin Head Button Nose, this has been a delightful evening." His eyes were teasing with underlying meaning.

"I swear, Erik, if you start to call me that, I will hurt you!"

Oh, please! I beg you to punish me!

"This will be fun, George. Thank you for this most useful information!"

"No, problem!"

"I wasn't kidding when I said this was a delightful evening, but it is getting late. I wouldn't want to keep you up at this ungodly hour. Christine's voice needs rest."

"Well it was a pleasure to have you, son!" George exclaimed while shaking Erik's large hand.

"Not as much of a pleasure as being invited. It was truly an honor." He couldn't have been more sincere.

"I'll walk with you to your house. Is that okay, Dad?" Christine asked with pleading eyes. There was no way poor George could resist.

"Of course. If you're gone longer than ten minutes, though, I'll have to send the military," he joked.

"Ha-ha, Dad. I'll be back soon. Come on, Erik let's go!" She grabbed his hand and led him out the door. Erik waved goodbye, throwing in a 'thank you' as well.

When the door was shut, Christine held onto his hand as they walked back to his house.

"Well, Pumpkin Head," she shook her head in disbelief as he spoke, "this has been one of the greatest nights that I've experienced in a long time."

"Despite the name calling, this has been one of my favorite birthdays, much better than what I imagined." Erik saw her blush creep up her neck.

"Yes, the kissing was definitely not part of the agenda, but a very pleasant surprise." She only turned redder.

"Was it your first time?"

His question caught her slightly off guard.

"Yes," she squeaked, faintly embarrassed.

"If it makes you feel any better, it was my first as well." Now it was Erik's turn to flush.

"No it wasn't," she said disbelievingly.

"Truly, it was!" Her face let him know she was unconvinced.

"Believe what you want, but I have never kissed anyone but you."

"How is that possible? You're 26 right? How does that happen?" She didn't mean for her question to be condescending, but it sort of deflated Erik's ego. Now she thinks I'm some sort of loser.

"Not every girl finds me attractive. I never got a chance." His face fell a little. "There was Victoria, but before anything happened she saw me. I'm repulsive."

"SHUT UP!"

Erik jumped at Christine's boisterous explosion. The rage in her glowing green orbs burned hotter than hell itself.

"JUST SHUT UP! YOU'RE GOD DAMNED BEAUTIFUL! STOP TELLING YOURSELF OTHERWISE! I HATE IT WHEN YOU TALK LIKE THAT! YOU'RE A FUCKING GREEK GOD! I LOVE YOUR FACE! I LOVE THE WAY YOU LOOK! I LOVE IT! YOU ARE SO BEAUTIFUL THAT IT SHOCKS ME WHEN WE KISS! GOD! I SWEAR, IF YOU SAY ONE MORE NEGATIVE THING ABOUT YOURSELF, I'LL KICK THE LIVING SHIT OUT OF YOU!"

Her chest was heaving from her rant. The porch lights illuminated her red face and Erik could hear Caesar trotting to the front door to witness the battle.

Standing there with her hair a mess, her face and eyes burning, and her teeth baring, she looked ravishing. Oh, dear Lord, she's even more gorgeous all riled up! I want to take her right here and now! No, you can't do that, you wanker!

As he stood there staring, her words finally sunk in. She thought he was beautiful? She accepted his flaws? His eyes were then drawn to the locket around her neck. She's mine. That piece of jewelry hanging around her neck symbolized everything she just yelled at him. She's telling the truth? What am I doing just standing here like a fucking idiot?!

Not even bothering to respond with his voice, Erik slammed Christine up against his front door and pushed his lips eagerly to hers.

With all of the energy conducted from her tirade, she converted into the most passionate kiss they had ever experienced, more so than their first. She couldn't help but laugh internally at his pattern: he liked pushing her up against things. Wrapping her arms around his neck, she was committed to showing him just how much she meant to him.

He quickly moved to her neck, the opposite side of her hickey.

"You're incredible," he breathed against her neck.

"Not as incredible as you." She could hardly keep her head straight.

Suddenly, a car passed and they quickly jumped apart and composed themselves. Erik was having trouble covering up the front of his pants and Christine desperately tried to tame her hair.

"I should probably go before a get another one of these," she laughed as she pointed to her hickey.

"Sorry about that," Erik mumbled.

"Don't be. It's kind of cool. It's like your brand on me." She got a little nervous by what she just said, but Erik kissed it away.

"That was my intent," he said seductively as he pulled away.

"RUFF!"

"Hush, Caesar, I'm coming!" He looked apologetically at Christine. "He gets antsy when I'm gone too long."

"Oh, he's like your own little supervisor!" she teased.

"Yeah, yeah…" He opened the door and stuck half of his body through the opening to keep Caesar inside.

"I will see you tomorrow at seven, yes?" Erik asked hopefully.

"Yes, I'll be here."

"Goodnight, Christine." He pulled her head to his and softly kissed her. When he pulled away, he walked into his house and began to shut the door and he said his last goodbye. "See you tomorrow, Pumpkin Head!" Then, he quickly shut it before she could attack.

"That's not fair!" she yelled while stomping her foot.

"Fine, just you wait for my revenge! It will be so sweet!" With her final statement, she stomped back to her house.

Now, there was something Erik was not aware of. For the past week, Christine had noticed something while gazing longingly at his house: she had a perfect view of his bedroom and she could see him watching her.

Of course, this information never left her lips and she tried extremely hard not to look often in case Erik caught on. Ever since her discovery, she put thought into every movement around her room. She even created rules for herself:

No.1: Never walk around naked.

No.2: Keep the bathroom blinds closed.

No.3: Keep bedroom curtains open.

No.4: Read sophisticated novels only. If you want to read Twilight, do it in the bathroom.

No.5: Wear only cute pajamas.

No.6: Hide all embarrassing pictures.

No.7: No more dancing around the room like a monkey.

No.8: Do hair before bed.

No.9: Teddy is prohibited. For now.

No.10: Hide this list and guard like Fort Knox.

Yes, this was her clever little secret and now it was time to use it to her advantage…

Erik took his routine position on his bed to watch Christine, his favorite part of the day. She did what she always did, just went to the bathroom to change and fix herself up. However, when she walked out of that godforsaken bathroom, he almost had a cardiac arrest.

Christine was a simple girl. She never fussed over fashion or where her clothes came from and her pajamas were the same way: plain and flannel. Tonight, however, Christine had twisted her own reality. She strutted across the length of her room with a tiny, white nightie reaching down mid-thigh.

Erik's heart raced as he watched her. As slowly as possible, she turned down her bed and climbed in. It was pure torture, but nothing struck him more than her next move.

She looked directly at him.

No she didn't.

She waved.

She can't see me.

She blew a kiss.

Dear, God, I've been caught!

And she turned off the light.

I'm in trouble.

A/N: Hope you liked it! New chapter for Timing is Everything is coming soon and I'm currently working on a drama, so get ready! Love you guys! R&R!

Erik: Yes, the poor girl's been through pneumonia, SATs, and a vicious break up all in one month! Give her some joy! Review!

Me: Aww, thanks, Erik! That's so sweet!

Erik: Yeah, well when they review, you write, and then I continue to exist...

Me: Maybe I should just stop writing to spite you!

Erik: NO! Please, people for the sake of my existence, REVIEW!