Chapter 5

Around 3 am I woke up due to the hot temperature in my room. I wiped my forehead and could feel it burning. I got up, went into my bathroom and looked in the mirror. My hair was matted, my head was bright-red, and my clothes were sticking to my body. I decided to take a quick shower to cool off. Once I got dressed in some new pajamas, I headed for Eric's room.

Opening the door quietly, I sneaked into his room. I guess he heard me because he turned his head in my direction.

"What are you doing?"

"I can't sleep. My room feels like It's 100 degrees in there. Can I stay in here?"

"Uhh, yeah. Hop on in," he said as he pulled the covers off and made room for me.

I climbed into his bed and cuddled up next to him. It was so nice and cool in here because of the ceiling-fan. He put his arms around me and I closed my eyes.

"Tiffany, you're burning up."

"I know, but it's okay. I'll cool down."

"Are you sure you're okay?"

"Yeah, I'm fine. Just go to sleep."

"Okay, goodnight," he said and kissed my forehead.

The hours went by in a blur and the next thing you know its 9:30 in the morning. I turned around, facing him to find him still sleeping. I caressed his cheek and then combed my fingers through his hair. I guess I woke him up because he opened his eyes.

"Hey. Did I wake you?"

"Hey, beautiful, and no, I was kind of awake. I was just closing my eyes."

"Oh. Did you have a good sleep?"

"Yep. Did you?"

"Mmhmm. Did you have any dreams?"

"I did, actually a couple but I forgot what they were about. What time is it?"

"It's past 9:30"

"Already?"

"Yeah, I know right? It seems like it was 3:00 a few minutes ago. Well, are you hungry? I can make you some pancakes or French toast. Maybe some waffles."

"No,no, no. If anyone's cooking breakfast it would be me. You just cooked yesterday. You can go back to sleep while I make some food."

"I'm not tired anymore. I'll go see if the others are awake and then come hang with you in the kitchen."

"Okay, what do you want?"

"Surprise me."

"Okay."

"See you downstairs." I kissed him on the cheek and then went to Jon's room. "Jon, are you awake? I'm coming in." I opened the door to see an empty bed. So I closed the door and went to Tory's room.

"Tory?" Can I come on in? It's Tiffany."

"Yeah, just give me a second," she said and then she opened the door and let me in.

"Jon you don't have to hide."

"What are you talking about?," Tory asked, confused.

"I know Jon's in here."

"Jon's not in here."

"Then why did you tell me to hold on a second?"

"Uhh, because I was throwing my dirty clothes in the hamper to tidy up my room."

"Mhmm."

The next thing you know Jon comes in the room. Tory gave me the "I told you so" look. In response I gave her an apologetic look.

Jon saw our expressions and asked, "Hey girls. What's going on?"

"Nothing. I just came to tell you that Eric's making breakfast."

"Oh, okay. I'll be down in a bit. Is it okay if I go take a shower?"

"Sure, Tory will help you. If you need me or Eric, we'll be downstairs."

"Okay, and I want to talk to you later."

"Alright. Breakfast should be done in about 30 minutes," I said as I walked downstairs to the kitchen.

"So what's for breakfast, cook?"

"Pancakes, eggs, and fruit."

"Do you need any help?"

"Nope."

"O-kay. Then I'm just going to sit and watch. You know what? I'll set the table and then sit and watch." I got the proper silverware, napkins, and cups and set them on the table. I then went to the fridge, got the gallon of milk and poured myself a glass. I put my glass on the counter and put the milk back. Then I sat on the counter. As I was admiring his many features, I took a sip of my milk and I could feel the new moustache that formed on my upper lip. Instead of wiping it I asked Chris, "Got milk?"

"Huh?" he asked as he turned around. He laughed once he saw my new moustache and set the spatula down. Then he came over with a napkin and gently wiped off my lip. I wrapped my legs around his waist and then wrapped my arms around his neck. I pulled his face closer and then kissed him. He kissed back while he put his arms around my waist.

"Eww. Guys, stop making out on the counter! And the pancakes are burning," Tory complained.

"Uhh, sorry Tory," Eric apologized and went back to cooking.

"It's okay. Hey, Tiff since your lips are free to talk now, can you come into the other room so we can talk?"

"Very, funny. And yes but make it quick," I replied as I hopped off the counter and followed her to the back yard.

"So why would you automatically assume that Jon was in my room?"

"I don't know, because he wasn't in his room. But I'm sorry. You seem really pissed, though."

"I'm not but you made it seem as though we slept together."

"Well, I did with Eric."

"You did WHAT?"

"Not like that. Oh, god no. I came into his room because my room was hot. He let me in, and we went to sleep. That's it."

"Oh, What if dad was over and saw you two in bed?"

"Uhh, well he said that he would be here in the afternoon. Can we please go back inside? I'm starving!"

"Yeah, I guess. Sorry I was being rude."

"No, it's okay. You had the right to. Plus, I should be apologizing for being nosey and getting into your business."

"Tiffany, it is fine! Come on, let's go eat."

"'Kay. Is Jon still in the shower?"

"I'm not sure. I guess I can check."

"I'll be in the kitchen."

"Please don't make me walk in on you guys making out again."

"You won't. I think we learned from that one," I replied as I walked in the kitchen.

"Hey, breakfast is ready," Eric said.

"Okay, I'll go and tell Jon," Tory answered and then went upstairs.

So, what did you two girls talk about?" he asked as he started to serve our plates.

"I'll tell you later. It was just something stupid I did. But it's okay, we were both over it."

"Here's your plate. Where are you sitting?"

"Where the purple glass is. Tory normally sits across from me but I don't know if she's sitting there. But, then again we can just ask when they get down."

"Ask you what?" Tory questioned as she entered the kitchen, holding Jon's hand.

"Where you guys going to sit. Pick your seat," I answered.

"Oh, umm it doesn't matter to me. Jon, you go ahead and pick a spot. But don't sit at the one facing the back yard, it is Tiffany's ever since we first moved in here."

"Yeah, I don't know why but it has been a thing and I get psyched out if I don't."

"I can understand why. The view is amazing," Eric added.

"Hmm..that could be a reason. I never thought of that before. Well before we have a huge discussion about it, why don't we eat breakfast?"

"Okay," Tory responded as she got in the spot to the left of mine. Jon then sat next to her, leaving the other spot next to mine for Eric.

"See, I knew you could cook," I said to Eric after eating some pancakes and eggs.

"Yeah, stop doubting yourself," Tory added.

"Hey, did I say anything?" Eric asked innocently.

"Not now, but the first day we met you did."

"Oh, but have I said anything since then?" he questioned.

"No, I guess you're right," I answered.

"So besides seeing our mom, what would you guys want to do?"

"It's really up to you guys. I don't care," Jon replied.

"Yeah, he's right. You guys know what's around here anyways."

"Why don't we go swimming? It looks like a nice day out for some H20 fun."

"Not a bad idea, sis. We should get in after we finish up here," she replied.

"Did you guys bring swim suits?" I asked the boys.

"To tell you the truth, I didn't bring any because I didn't know how long we would be staying or what we would be doing," Jon answered.

"Awesome because this gives us a chance to go shopping," Tory said excited.

"Sweet! I could use a new swimsuit" I added.

"And then we can go night swimming after we visit mom. Oh, we should go to Enterprise and rent a car while we're here."

"Oh, yeah. That would be good so we don't have to depend on taxis."

"Well, I better get ready. Thank you for breakfast, Eric. It was really good," Tory said, complimenting his food.

"Uhh, thanks."

As we watched Tory leave the room, a cell-phone went off. I guess it was Eric's because he went to go answer it. Around 5 minutes later, he came back, no expression on his face.

"Jon, can I talk to you in the other room for a minute?."

"Sure."

Jon followed Eric out into the living room and I got up to take care of the dishes. Before I removed Eric's and Jon's plate I went into the other room.

"Hey, are you guys finished?"

"Yeah," the both relied and I walked back into the kitchen. I continued cleaning the dishes and was interrupted when I felt Eric's arms around my waist.

"Hey can we talk?"

"Umm. Okay. Is everything alright?"

"It depends on who's looking at it."

"What do you mean?"

"I got an offer to be a part of UCLA's baseball team."

"That's great, Eric!"

"Practice starts in 2 days."

"So…?"

"It starts in two days. I have to leave tomorrow."

"Really? When will you be back?"

"I have practice until school starts."

"What?"

"Yeah. But we can make this work."

"How?"

"Maybe I can come down on the weekends."

"When is your flight?"

"11:35 am."

"Why so early?"

"I'm going to need a good night sleep. Practice starts at 6 in the morning."

"Wow. That's early!"

"Yeah, and I'm sorry this is all last minute."

"It's okay. I just don't know what I'm going to do without you. A month being away from you? That's really long!" I said and frowned. I didn't want to be in another state as him. And will the relationship last? It's long distance after all. Will baseball take over our relationship?"

"Like I said, we will make it work. Even if I would need to come up here."

"I know this sounds so selfish, but I don't want you to leave!"

"It's not selfish. I would be the same if it was vice versa."

I hugged him and sighed, sad that I have to say good-bye tomorrow. Tonight was going to be the last night I would be able to spend with him for a while.

"hey, don't think about it now. We still have today, tonight, and tomorrow morning to be with each other. Okay?"

I nodded and he kissed my forehead. I wish we could stay in this position forever. Because of the fact that I couldn't stop but think about him leaving, I started to shed some tears. He pulled back, looked into my eyes and then wiped my tears with his thumbs.

"Don't cry, Tiff. We'll figure it out."

"So I'm guessing Jon knows."

"Yeah."

"Is he going to leave with you?"

"No. He is staying with you two."

"Oh."

"Come on. Let's get ready and if we have time we can relax on the couch or something."

"'Kay," I replied as I let go of him and started walking to the stairs. I could overhear him sigh and then start to follow me upstairs.

In my room, I slowly got dressed and then went in my bathroom to brush my teeth, fix my hair, and do my make-up. After putting on the final touches, I turned off the lights and came downstairs. I guess I was the last one to finish up because they were all on the couch watching TV.

"Hey, what are you guys watching?"

"Oh, hey Tiff. It's about time you're done. We are watching Date Night," Tory responded.

"Sorry I didn't realize you were waiting for me. Are we all going to Enterprise now?"

"Actually, you and Eric are going to stay here while we go to Enterprise. I called dad and he's going to come home to make sandwiches. And then he's going to take you two to the hospital and meet us there."

"Oh, okay," I said a little surprised.

"Well, we better leave soon. Dad said he will leave the hospital once we arrive so it might not be for another hour or so. Call me if you need to get a hold of my or Jon," she added, getting off the couch.

"See you guys at the hospital," Eric said, standing up automatically and walking over to me. We watched as they went out through the front door.

"So, an hour?"

"Yup. What did you want to do?"

"I'm not sure. Hey why were you guys waiting on me if they were the only people going?"

"I'm guessing she just wanted to say it face to face."

"Hmmm..I guess I could help you pack."

"You're over me that quickly?"

"No, it's just that I want more time to spend with you before it gets late."

"I was just joking. And you won't have to worry about that because I am going to pack when you're asleep."

"But then you'll be tired."

"It's fine. It's completely worth it.

"I really don't mind."

"I know and thank you but I don't want you thinking about it tonight. Let's just pretend it's another day together."

"Okay, if you say so."

He chuckled and pulled me by the hand to the living room. I plopped on the couch and scooted next to him until there was no space between us. I laid my head in his lap, looking at him. He caressed my face and then gently pecked me on the lips.

"Do you want to watch TV?"

"Actually, no. I just want to lay here with you in this nice quiet room."

"Do you want me to turn off the TV then?"

"Yes please."

He turned off the TV and then leaned his head back on the couch. I closed my eyes and thought about this past, hectic week. I wish we didn't have to visit my mom for this reason. But, then again, I'm happy that she was able to meet Eric and Jon. Thinking of Eric made me open my eyes. Eric was sound asleep. He looked very adorable and it was cute how he was snoring quietly and gentle. I got up, looked at the time and decided to make some lunch. With the ingredients I had, I made two turkey and cheese sandwiches. I set the extra one in the fridge and began to eat mine. While I was eating, my dad entered through the garage door.

"Hey!" he said after the door shut.

"Shh. Eric's sleeping on the couch," I whispered.

"Oh, sorry. So what time did you want to leave?"

"I don't know. It's up to you. But later on we are going to go to Enterprise and then the mall to get some swimsuits."

"So you're going to come with me to the hospital. Then leave, go to Enterprise, and then the mall?"

"Yup."

"And how are you going to get to Enterprise?"

"By Taxi."

"Why don't we stop there on our way to the hospital? That way you don't have to keep using taxis wasting on money."

"And then we can just meet you at the hospital? That sounds way better!"

"So how was your sleep?"

"It was okay. I forgot how hot it gets at night. But I managed to fall back asleep," I answered not wanting to tell him the whole story.

"So are you and Eric doing okay? Isn't it kind of early to be dating him? I mean you just met him right?"

"We are okay, dad. Yes, we met the first day of last week but we have been hanging out every day since. But I bet you're going to happy to hear this."

"What?"

"Eric has to fly out tomorrow for baseball. He made the team."

"Is he coming back?"

"No, unfortunately not. Or not for a while at least."

"Oh," he replied trying not to show a smile.

"Dad, that's rude. You know that makes me a little sad that you obviously don't care about my feelings."

"I do too, Tiffany. Don't say that. It's absurd."

"Yeah, well it seems like it. You're smiling when you know that I'm sad."

"Tiffany, you met him a couple days ago!"

"Last week. But it's not like we are getting married or anything. He's just staying at the house with us. Do you want me to fly out with him and leave you guys?"

"No, Tiffany don't do that."

"Well then stop treating me like a baby. I'm an adult now. I can make my own decisions."

"Look, I'm sorry if I upset your feelings. It's just that you are my baby whether you want to or not. It's hard for me to grow on the fact that you are becoming mature enough to date, and someday get married and raise a family."

"I know, but you got to let go. And it's not like I won't ever see you again. I will visit when I can."

"O-kay. I'm sorry I was being stubborn. But you have to visit on Christmas, Easter, and on birthdays."

"I will daddy. I promise."

"Daddy? You haven't said that since you were younger."

"You will always be my daddy. Things will never change that."

"Aww Tiffany, I need a hug."

I got up off the chair and hugged him as I said, "I love you, dad."

"I love you too sweetheart."

We held onto the hug for a while and then I pulled back. I went to the table and took my plate to clean it. I mentioned to him that he could have the other sandwich, which he did take and start to eat. I then went to Eric and woke him up. I didn't want him to have a sore neck later and besides, we would probably be leaving in a few minutes anyway.

"Hey, I think we might be leaving in a few," I said to Eric, petting his hair after he opened his eyes.

"Oh, okay. Then I should go to the bathroom before we go. I'll be right back. Oh, hey Phil."

"Hi. Had a good nap?"

Eric chuckled and nodded then continued off to the bathroom. He came out in another minute later and we soon were on the road.

"I don't know if Tiffany told you, but we are going to stop at Enterprise so you guys don't need to waste money on another taxi."

"Oh, no she didn't. That's cool. Thank you for driving us to the hospital."

"Are you kidding? It's my pleasure. Besides, we get to "bond," my dad replied making quotations with his fingers.

Eric and I laughed and made conversation with my dad until we got to Enterprise. I drove the rental car while my dad took Eric in his car. He insisted on having "quality time" with Eric and I tried telling him that he didn't have to if he didn't want to but Eric said it was fine. I tried to imagine what they would be talking about but then I thought that maybe it is better I don't know. It took me about 15 minutes after I left Enterprise to get to the hospital. Once there, I went up to the waiting room and sat next to Eric.

"So how was the trip over here?" I asked.

"It was good. We bonded," my dad responded.

"Okay, what does that even mean?"

"We got to know each other better," he defined.

"Okay, I'm just going to forget I asked. I'll go up and tell mom, Tory and Jon we're here."

"Already did," my dad added.

"Alright, well then I'll them that I'm here. You guys can come up once they get back here."

"Tiff, can I speak with you for a second?"

"Sure."

"Can we go down the hall or something?"

"Yeah, lets go over here. I'll see you in a few, dad," I said and walked to a deserted hallway. Once we stopped walking, I turned around and asked, "What's wrong?"

"Nothing. It's just seems that you are ignoring me. Are you mad at me?"

"I'm sorry. I din't mean to make you feel ignored. But I'm not mad at you."

"Are you sure? Because you can tell me if you want to."

"I'm sure, Eric. I promise I'm not mad at you. Why would you even think I was ignoring you?"

"I thought that maybe you were upset that I went with your dad instead."

"Eric, I wouldn't be mad at you for that. I was actually happy because it gives him a chance to fully understand you and see what a good person you are."

"Oh, so it was about earlier?"

"Earlier?"

"When you were talking with your dad."

"Oh, you heard about that, huh?"

"Yeah, I mean I didn't mean to. I went back to sleep since I knew it was a private conversation."

"It's okay if you did. I'm not mad. And I'm sorry you him talking about you like that."

"It's fine. I know that your father would kind of be upset that you brought me here with you, but I think that's with any father."

"I'm happy you understand. And again, I'm not mad at you, okay?"

"O-kay."

"Now I'm going to my mom's room to tell her I'm here. I would have you come with me but I don't want my dad alone. I have no idea what he can do."

He laughed and replied, "Go ahead, Tiffany. I'll see you in a few." He put his hands on either side of my arms and kissed me on the cheek. Then he let go and was about to head off but I stopped him.

"Hey," I said as I reached for his arm and pulled him closer.

"What?"

"You forgot a couple of things?"

"What?"

"A hug, kiss, and maybe a few words."

"Oh, my bad," he said sarcastically. I rolled my eyes and pulled him into a hug for a few minutes. We stood there in the vacant hallway, probably looking weird. After that thought I pulled back and kissed him on the lips. We kissed for a few seconds but stopped shortly.

"There. We are all set."

"Not-uh. The three words mister."

"Oh, right. I am sorry."

"No. Try again. Good try though."

"Ummm. What else is there?"

"I.."

"You are beautiful."

"Close," I remarked sarcastically. I knew that he was playing dumb.

"Hmm. The only other thing I can think of is I like you."

"Very funny."

"You know I'm kidding. I. Love. You!"

"I love you too. Now hurry up and go back to my dad before he gets into trouble."

"That's all I get; a simple I love you too?"

"Yup. Now hurry!" I ordered, pushing him towards the waiting room.

I laughed as I watched him look at me with a puppy dace. Once he was out of my sight, I went over to my mom's room and said hi to everyone. After talking to them for a while, Tory and Jon left. My mom and I talked about the guys bonding and how weird that can be. Around 10 minutes later, the guys came back and we hung out. Once an hour passed of switching with Tory and Jon, we left to go bathing suit shopping. Tory and I got our swimsuits at Victoria's Secret in the mall while the guys got theirs at Kohls. When we were finished shopping, we ate at one of our all-time favorite restaurants: Rainforest Café. We immediately got into our swimming suits after we arrived home and went into the pool. We played chicken, Volleyball, and Water Polo. It was around 8 o'clock as soon as we got out of the pool, most energy drained from us. While Jon was in the shower, Tory, Eric, and I watched TV. Once we were all cleaned up we played Charades. The boys ended up winning by 5 points. Since they were being good sports about it Tory and I decided to make them dessert. Together we made my famous chocolate chip brownies. Then Tory scooped out some vanilla icecream and served it to them. Around ten, Tory went to bed and then Jon. At 10:30, I was exhausted so I headed up for bed. Eric came in, kissed me goodnight and then went in his room to start packing.