Admitting the Truth- Chapter 2

We sat in silence for almost an hour in the bar. With Math chaperoning us we sat around a table in silence waiting to hear what the verdict was. I prayed that Cate and Baze will understand our situation and take it easy on Eric. I love him, more than I thought was possible to love anyone, he understands me, and he gets me. By the simple fact that I don't hear police sirens or see police cars we all can breathe a little easier knowing they haven't taken that step.

When we hear someone coming down the stairs we lift our heads towards the sound, its Ryan, they sent him down to retrieve us. Feeling as though we're walking to the electric chair we make our way upstairs. Eric grabs my hand and holds on, knowing that we'll need whatever comfort we can get.

We stop to stand in front of the table where Baze and Cate are sitting, waiting for our sentence. Ryan and Math standing on either side of Eric and I.

"We're not going to turn you in," Cate begins to say and I let out a sigh of relief, "oh thank GOD!" I'm so happy; I turn and wrap my arms around Eric. I'm slightly shocked when he doesn't respond to my hug. Understanding that he's waiting for the rest I remove myself from his arms and turn back to the table.
"Lux, we are NOT ok with this, this relationship is NOT OK!" Cate says sternly. She turns her head to Eric and continues, "You, you are going to quit your job."

"Cate, Wait!"

"No Lux, he is going to quit his job and find a new one somewhere else. I don't feel comfortable with him teaching you." I look over at Eric and he nods in response to Cate, "Ok."
"Good." I look at Cate, the look in her eyes has now changed, instead of anger I see something else, something I don't recognize.

"Lux, I know you were forced into growing up and… and being this adult that had to fend for herself but that's not the case anymore. Now, now we're here and it's our job take care of you and to protect you." Cate takes a deep breath before continuing, I'm praying shes not going to say what I think she's going to say. "This relationship between you two has to end. NOW! It's what's best for you." I grip onto Eric's hand, we knew this might come but I still hadn't fully prepared myself. I look at Eric, tears now escaping my eyes, he lets go of my hand and turns to me wiping my tears away.

Taking my face into the comfort of his large hands he looks me in the eyes, "We knew this was going to happen Lux, we knew that this was a possibility." Eric says quietly, "we both knew that we had to say something and face the music. I love you Lux, but you also know that I want the best thing for you, and right now the best thing for you is for me to go." Eric's last words break my heart,I don't want him to go, I don't want to lose him. Right now all I want to do is turn back time and stop our decision to tell my parents. "No, No"I plead shaking my head at him. "don't go" I put my arms around him hugging him to me. I don't want to lose him, of all of the reasons that make Eric Daniels the 'wrong guy' there are a thousand more that make him the 'right guy' too.
Clinging to him I turn my head to Cate and Baze, "Please," I plead "Don't do this, don't make him leave. He's done so much for me; he's the one that figured out that there's something wrong with me!" Eric tightens his hold on me, "Lux, it's going to be ok" he whispers.
I'm not sure if my mind is playing tricks on me or not but I swear that I see a tear slide down Cate's cheek; she turns to Baze "I want to talk to you for a minute." Baze nods and they walk off to his room.

Eric pulls away from me, "I think it's best if I leave" he says solemnly "I don't want you to get into anymore trouble." He leans forward and kisses my head; I close my eyes wanting to savor and remember the feel of his lips, committing this memory so I'll always remember it.
Baze's yelling interrupts our goodbye, "YOU CAN'T BE SERIOUS!" echos thought the small apartment. Eric and I turn our heads towards Baze's room; Ryan quickly moves past us and goes into the room. I wish I could be in there, I want to know what their saying about us. Eric pulls out of my arms and turns to Math, "I'm sorry man, I didn't want things to turn out like this" he extends his hand and Math accepts it.

"I know you didn't plan this and the situation sucks. I wish there was something I could do. Good luck man." Math says sincerely.

Eric looks at me tears pouring down his cheeks, and pulls me into his arms one last time resting our forehands together, "I. Love. You. Eeyore." he says slowing emphasizing each word, I'm so lost in our togetherness that I didn't notice Cate, Baze and Ryan open the door and are now back in the living room. "I love you too Minnesota." I raise my hand and put it into his Hair pulling his face closer to me, "I love you too." I kiss lips softly savoring the feel.

Baze clearing his throat makes us pull away from each other. Eric turns to them, "I'm sorry for everything. I know I can't undo what I've done" Baze raises his hand to stop him from speaking. Carefully and slowly looking between the two of us, "Do you really love my daughter?"

Eric's demeanor changes, suddenly very serious; "I do." He looks Baze in the eye, "I'd do anything for her." My heart feels a sense of security in hearing Eric admit this, he's already risking his life, future, and career by being with me.

"Anything?" Baze asks, raising an eyebrow almost as if he's daring Eric. I'm suddenly very afraid of where this conversation is going to go.