Hey, it's me! I'm sorry for the delay about updating. It's just been really, really busy lately. And on top of that is a serious case of writer's block. Anyways, on with the show!
Chapter 8
Later on in the late afternoon, Christine and Erik sat together on his sofa while watching a movie on Netflix since the cable was down. They got the news about the weather from the internet, so far, it was pretty bad. Lot's of traffic were stuck on the highway and roads due to the storm and snow buildup. There had been some crashes as well due to black ice. "It looks pretty serious..." Christine murmured as she checked her iPhone again as she had been doing for the past forty minutes. Erik pulled the dark, soft, red fleece blanket around them tighter, wanting to feel her warmth. "Yeah... Do you think you should leave tonight?" He asked rather slowly, not wanting her to know that he secretly wanted her to stay with him, but not for just the night. Possibly forever.
She sat there, staring down at the glass panel of her iPhone as it glowed and went to sleep. "I... I'm not sure... Hm... Well, I guess one more night wouldn't hurt..." She murmured as she looked back up to the screen as the movie "Ratatouille" played. Erik's heart fluttered and started to rapidly beat. 'Maybe I do have a chance... Maybe-Maybe I can actually do this. And this time I won't let her go.' The thought crossed his mind as he nervously glanced over at her face, radiant with a kind of happiness, that would make people jealous over. She was perfect to him. And that's all that mattered right? He bit his lip before looking down at his hands. They were so big compared to hers... But whenever they held hands when they were younger, it always felt right. There was nothing awkward between them ever, even when he started to fall for her.
It physically hurt him to love her. The ache was so strong that it just hurt, it kept him awake most nights. But since she has been staying with him, that ache seemed to dull slightly, because she was with him. As long as she was near, he would be content. A small smile graced his lips as he thought of that small promise that they had made so long ago, his mind drifted back to that place.
Erik had just recently been beaten by his father, but since he was about fourteen now he could get out of the house without anyone knowing. He was running through the streets clinging to the shadows at a very late hour. And before he knew it he found himself in front of Christine's house. Quickly and quietly he climbedd the large oak tree that was just outside Christine's window and gently knocked on the glass pane. After waiting for a few minutes perched atop a thick branch, Erik waited as he saw a little but of movement from within, then a very tired wide-eyed ten year-old Christine opened the window. But the fear that was in her eyes soon vanished as she saw who is was. "Erik! What are you doing here?" She whispered, frantically motioning for him to come in.
With cautious and quiet actions he climbed through her open window and sat down on her carpeted floor. "I just thought I would come and stop by." He replied as he gently plucked at the carpet. But Christine wasn't going to buy it, "Is it your dad again?" She asked, her voice sharp but questioning. Erik hesitated for a second before nodding. "Erik! Why don't you report him? Or at least do something about it?!" She said, her voice rising before she clapped a hand over her mouth. "Who is going to believe me?! No one. My dad is so loved by everyone it sickens me." Erik replied bitterly, gently rubbing the harsh welts the belt made on his back.
"Let me see Erik." Christine asked moving closer to him. "No, really I'm fine Chrissy..." He said, but her eyes narrowed and for a ten year old girl, she really seemed like she was a lot older. "Let me see them Erik." She demanded, her voice slow but firm. His walls crumbling, Erik turned around and lifted up his shirt, only to clench his eyes shut when he heard the soft gasp that emitted from her mouth. "He... He did this to you? What... What a monster." She said as she gently traced them lightly with her fingertips.
"I'm the monster..." He said through gritted teeth as he seethed cold hatred for his father. "No your not Erik! Don't even say that! You're not a monster! He is the monster for doing this! It's not your fault it never was!" She said as he put his shirt back down. Even though she coudlnt' see his face, she knew that he was close to tears. "Oh... But it is my fault... I... I hurt her..." He murmured. "Who have you hurt?! You are not the kind of person to hurt someone." She said surprised. Erik's shoulder's slumped down as he hung his head, "I killed her." He whispered, the guilt and sadness and hate welling up inside him, he felt like he was going to burst any second.
"Who?! Erik!" Christine asked coming around to face him. He shook, "My mother." That was the only answer that he could say. "Erik! That was not your fault! It was just her time, it was not your fault. You did not kill her and your dad has no right to blame you for that. Things happen, it's life. It's not your fault whatsoever." Christine said, moving a little bit closer as Erik buried his face into his hands. "I feel like I'm so alone..." He sobbed. Of course he would never cry in front of anyone else but Christine because he trusted her. He didn't lift his head up until he felt a pair of arms gently wrap around his shoulders.
He opened his eyes to see that Christine was hugging him, her chin resting on his shoulder. "Erik... Your not alone. You're never alone. I'm here. You have me." She whispered into his ear. He sniffed, "But... I'm sorry to say... But you are going to leave me... Like everyone..." He murmured as he buried his face into her chocolate curls. Christine gently patted his back, "You are so silly Erik. I will never leave you. Ever. And that is a promise." She whispered before pulling back and looking into his eyes. "You... Promise?" He asked quizically. She smiled at him, "Yes. I pinky swear. And I never break pinky swear promises." She said before offering her pinky out. Erik eyed it, before linking his pinky with hers.
That memory was so bittersweet, but he cherished it, because he knew that she really meant that promise. And he would always be there for her, no matter what. "What are you smiling about?" Came her sweet voice. He blinked, coming out of his reverie before looking over at a Christine who was giving him a weird look. "Nothing my dear. Just... A sweet memory." He replied before she put her hand over his and squeezed it. "Well, I bet it must have been a good memory then." She said before giggling slightly.
"Yeah. It was." He said while she rested her head on his shoulder and continued to watch their movie. But a few minutes later, she was moving slightly and he looked down only to find that she was fallen asleep. 'Oh my darling Christine... As radiant as the sun...' He thought as he looked down at her sleeping face.
Hey there guys! I am so sorry that I haven't updated in a very long time! I feel like such a jerk! But now I am on Summer vacation and I have time to write more. But just to let you guys know, next chapter is going to be... Well, I'll leave that for you guys to decide. Lyricalmiracle134 OUT!