Chapter 2

Their home was massive; there was plenty of room for everyone to have comfortable space. That was what Cory, Shawn, Topanga, and Angela had in mind when they bought it. They all knew that Eric would be back eventually at the time they paid for the home. There had to be plenty of room. After that concert was over, they all decided to head back to the house. Physical declarations of love were made through the evening, and all were in their respective slumbers. All were asleep, except for Eric; he'd awoken in the middle of the night. It had become a routine of his, originating from his travels. He'd wake up in the middle of night, no matter where he was, in order to work out. He went downstairs to do his routine. Push-ups, crunches, sit-ups, and a few laps around whatever building he came across. After he'd done his routine, he went to his secret storage. He grabbed his prized possession, a double chocolate cake. He went to the fridge and grabbed the milk that was in there; he picked out a big glass, poured the milk, and sat at the table. He cut a nice slice of it and placed it on the plate. The first taste was euphoric; it literally melted in his mouth, always good to indulge after a good workout. He sat there, contemplating his happiness, still in disbelief he was able to have it. Something he thought was impossible, considering his lot in life. He'd always figured he'd be the one to bring happiness, not receive it himself. All of it filled him with a good feeling, especially since no one brought up the depression he went through. Luckily he'd finally made peace with all that madness. He sat there, enjoying his cake, thinking about the new trip, stuck in his thoughts.

Angela: What are you doing up so late?

Eric: Hey Angela. Nothing much just got through with my workout. (In his childish accent) Would you like a slice of my cakey?

Angela: Where'd you get that?

Eric (normal voice): You think I don't know about my brother's addiction? Couple that with Shawn, and I have no cake.

Angela: You ain't lyin' there.

She took a seat next to Eric; he cut a slice and gave it to her. She took a bite and was enthralled, it was delicious. Eric went to cupboard and grabbed another glass, filled it with milk, and handed it to Angela. She got up from her spot, walked over to Eric, and gave him a soft kiss on his cheek. She went back to her seat, and took a sip of her milk.

Eric (surprised): It was just a slice of cake, nothing special.

Angela: You ever pull a stunt like that again, I'll kill you. The kiss was to thank you for watching out for me, and convincing me to go and be with Shawn.

Eric: Don't worry about that. I won't be doing anything like that again. Also, don't mention it, I was just being a friend.

Angela: Friends are important; but no one, I know, would do anything you do. When did you decide to travel to Europe anyway?

Eric: You really wanna know?

Angela: Yeah, what made you want to go out there?

Eric: When you left.

Angela: Really?

Eric: When you walked out that door, and looked at Shawn. The way I saw his heart breaking, it was bad. But the nail in the coffin for me, was when he said goodbye.

Angela: I secretly said it too, after I lost track of him.

Eric: That wasn't good for either of you; I knew it was true. That was nothing more than a wrench in its clock. I knew, somehow, someway, I'd find a way to get you two back together. Even if it took years (funny voice) I'm obsessive like that.

Angela: But why? You weren't that close to me.

Eric: I said you were my favorite, didn't I?

Angela got up once again, walked over to Eric, and held him tightly as she cried, she gave him soft kiss on his cheek.

Angela: Thank you Eric. Thank you so much.

Eric (softly): I was just looking out for the people I love.

A word did not pass between either of them; they just held each other for another minute. Finally, Angela let go and sat down. They were sitting at the table, eating their massive slices of cake, when Eric stopped; he'd realized his grievous error.

Eric: We must have-a the ice cream

Topanga: Good idea.

Eric turned around and looked at Topanga, big mischievous smile on his face.

Eric (eyebrow raised): Opangatay, want a slice of the cakey?

She sat at the table, and began to slice a big piece of the cake Eric had; she left a spot on the table for the ice cream. Her and Angela sat at the table, talking about a lot of unimportant stuff; Eric rifled through the freezer until he found what he was looking for;

Eric: Hope you guys like Rocky Road.

Topanga: It's my favorite, now start scooping! Pregnant here.

Eric scooped out good portions for the three of them. Then he sat down and ate with them. After a few bites, Topanga broke the inane chatter.

Topanga: How come you didn't call us?

Eric: What?

Topanga: You heard me. I know you and Cory are okay now, but you're my friend too. I was extremely worried about you. No call, not even a letter Eric. It's not the hormones talking either. You could have let me know what was going on, I would've understood.

Eric: Oh yeah. "Hey Topan1ga, I'm feeling extremely depressed, and I was wondering if you'd take time out of your complicated life, to listen to me whine."

Topanga: I would have Eric, but you never gave me that chance. Why not Eric? I got Cory to understand you!

Eric: I know, trust me I do know. I was in a really bad place; I just didn't know how to handle it. I didn't want anyone to worry about me.

Eric got up from his place, walked over to Topanga, and gave her a kiss on the cheek.

Eric: I won't make you worry about me again.

Topanga: I'll always worry about you Eric; just talk to me when something's wrong okay?

Eric: I won't, got too much to do, you know?

Rachel walked in on the unsuspecting group, looking on at Eric, Topanga, and Angela; she spoke up.

Rachel: What's going on? I heard you all talking.

Angela: So you came to see if anyone was takin' yo man?

Rachel: Normally I'd say no but, Eric, you're not wearing a shirt; also you're only wearing shorts.

Eric didn't even realize it, he'd been working out, he doesn't wear much when he excursuses.

Eric: I just wanted some of this uber awesome cake.

Rachel: I know, I was just yanking ya. Jack come back yet?

Eric: I doubt it, he's probably still with Corinna. They hit it off nicely when they net.

Everyone except Eric was shocked; they'd had no idea.

Angela: Wow I thought she was into you.

Eric: That was a very long time ago, and I shot her down. I knew I wasn't what she wanted. In fact that song, I wrote, had a triple meaning.

Topanga: Don't you mean double meaning?

Eric: Nope. It was about our time together, and then Rachel and I; the last part was dedicated to her, forgiving the way I handled things so long ago. Life you know?

Rachel: That explains it.

They sat at the table enjoying cake and ice cream, talking about the impending dates headed their way. All was well for now, and that was what counted.

Shawn and Cory: Hey!

Shawn (pointing around the room): How dare you! All of you!

Topanga: Honey, don't go crazy, it's not what you think.

Cory: So you're all not sitting here, feasting upon the divinity, that is double chocolate cake!

Shawn: And ice cream? I can't breathe.

Everyone looked over at the two of them, clearly upset. Eric knew just what to do.

Eric: You guys wanna sit down, and enjoya slices of the cakey, with a bit of the ice cream?

Cory and Shawn: Sure!

They sat with the rest of the group, eating their desserts; everyone was content. For now, this was nice for everyone.

Cory: Eric, why are you half-naked?