E R I C A

My body stiffed at his words.
And my brain went in a frenzy!
Sleep with him....like really!? Will I be able to take the torture he would unconsciously do to my little heart.

He is inviting me to fall, and when I do he will not be there to pick me up!

I stood up immediately.
No! I can't do that!
The massacre has already been done! Then why to spoil more!?

I came to the door and gently opened it to move out, and then suddenly his words rang in my ears, "Sleep with me Erica!"

I am being selfish! Even when I know how much he needs me, I don't have the courage to give him that. Why!? Just because this petty excuse of heart, which he already owns like his.
My body refused to move out of his room and before I know, I was getting on his bed, under his duvet.

His freshly showered hair had a beautiful smell lingering in the air. I maintained a decent distance between us and slept while tracing his facial curves with my eyes.

My eyes opened abruptly when I heard a loud crash!

"Eric!", His name was the first that came in my mind. I looked beside me only to find him covered in sweat, his head in his hands and knees bent painfully.

I sat up immediately, and hugged him, "Eric! What happened!?"
He didn't answer me. Instead he looked up at me with a baffled expression, "I_I had a nightmare!"

"Calm down!", I picked up the glass of water on my side of bed and gave him.
He gulped the water down as if he was in dire need of it. He was sweating profusely.

Giving me the glass, he suddenly removed the t-shirt he was wearing, leaving himself in nothing but a vest. His tattoos starting to tease me.

I looked up at his face like a decent girl should..

"Lie down Eric! Let me reduce the temperature!", I adjusted the air temperature and he laid down.
I lie beside him maintaining the same distance.
He looked at me as if trying to say something.

"What!?", I raised my eyebrow at him.
"What is the use of your sleeping with me when I still have nightmares!?"
It was my turn to be baffled, "Eric...how can I!?"
"Yes you can!"

The next thing I know is him shifting to my side, completely killing the space between us. He pulled me close and kissed my forehead before wrapping his arms around me, "Now it's fine."

Our heads were resting almost jointed, "What did you dream!?"
"Same old shit!", He closed his eyes.

My fascination finally overtook my decency and I turned in his arms, so I can look at his tattoos, shining in the moonlight.

I came face to face with a few set of numbers and ran my finger over it, "That is Eve's birthdate!"
And then my eyes trailed over to the big E written in the centre of his large tattoo.
"Your initial!", I pointed out.

"Hmm! All important people in my life have their initial as E!", I finger halted as my throat constrict.

All!? It's just Eve and him!? Was he mentioning...!?

"You and Eve.", I said before I could stop myself.
"Nonna's name is Evangeline!", He explained and my heart dropped.
I thought it is...
God Erica!? Help yourself!

"But now since you too have E as your initial, I would not have to get a tattoo of your name!", That shook me!
Oh damn! I think I will go insane soon.

"Why would you ink my name!? You should have David's name. He's your best friend. Your parents!"

He took hold of my finger and kept it above his heart, "You'll see a D and a J here! And why shouldn't I get a tattoo of your name? You're my best friend. You are annoying but I can take it."

That irked me. I punched him, "You are more annoying!"
In retaliation, I was pinched on my waist. And believe me that hurt like a bitch!

"I hate you asshole!", I hit him on his shoulder, only for him to take my arms and cage them between us.
He laughs loud enough to run a shiver down my system.
"You know what Erica!? You are the best thing that happened to me in the last ten years!"

E R I C

That was truth. I don't know what feeling everyone talks about. I can't interpret them.
LOVE is too big a word!
But I can't help but wish to have this woman by my side forever. Ofcourse it would take a hell lot of efforts, seeing the number of men ready to pounce on her the moment I step back.
But why in this fucking world, I would do that?
When I said she's mine, I meant it more than anything in this world.

*

The next day we were again free, but Erica was preparing my Monday's schedule. I sat across her as she furiously typed on her laptop. She was quite good at what she was doing, but I know that is not the field of her interest.
She did this, because she had to, not because she wants to.

"Erica! I have something for you!", I announced finally gathering the courage to do so.

She looked up at me, "What!?"

I stood up and went towards the drawers I have kept it in. Extracting the envelope out, I came back to where she was sitting on the loveseat. I don't expect a good reaction from her, that's why I settled on the armrest just beside her.

"Here.."
"What is this!?"
"Just open it.", I prompted.
She nodded, and gently opened the envelope. Pulling the papers out of it, she began looking through them.

"Austin Hills!!", I saw her eyes widen, "He is a judge to an American singing show! He makes beautiful songs! I have his new album! David brought me one, when I was back in Italy for two months."

Ok! That dickhead was involved a little in this gift. And I had to convince him to call Austin Hills to my birthday on a very short notice. This singer rose from the worst, and David knew him from the foster home he used to live.

The guy was 29, and thankfully very much married. His wife was also there at the party and I was glad that he seemed to be madly in love with his wife! I can trust this man!

"But why are you giving me this!?"

"Check the letter inside!", I said and she opened the neatly folded paper.

"Read it aloud!"

She nodded and proceeded.

"Dear Erica Miller,

This is to inform you that I Austin Hills, is deeply impressed with your singing talent. I don't know whether you realize it or not, but you have a very rare talent. Most probably you don't because you have never tried your hands on singing professionally.

It happened that I was invited to the birthday celebration of Mr. Eric Ashton, as I am very dear friend with David Wellington. And there I came across something as beautiful as your singing. I really want you to try and sing. You would not only benefit yourself, but we will have a new face in the music industry. A real talented one this time.

I know such decisions can be hard at times, because right now your life must be seemingly very comfortable for you. This must have been very overwhelming also, as I learnt this was your first experience of public singing.
So, I would request you to consider this choice of career. You will never regret this life!
May you don't make up your decision suddenly, as I realize it is one big thing. Therefore, I give you all the time in the life to think about it, and contact me whenever you decide.
Thank you.

Austin Hills."

This was it .
I had a prior intuition she would sing well. And my father ensured me that her talent is commendable. Just few cliché appreciative words for David, a little persuasion, and ofcourse her beautiful voice led to this.

"Eric! I can't do this!", She was like horrified. And this was the very thing I expected.
She stood up baffled, "Eric that was a one time thing! You see, I couldn't look away from you while singing. That how low my confidence is! And don't you it will be unfair for those who actually struggle. What if I didn't have you and David to support me!?"

"Erica! We are not supporting you. That Austin was swayed away by your talent! You deserve the appreciation! We just made it a little easier! Otherwise if not now, then later you would have found your way.", I explained.

She started thinking for few moments, and I swear I saw fear cross her eyes. Literal fear! But she covered it soon and sighed, "Eric! I love my life right now. I don't want to go anywhere other than the place I am now."

A smile graced my lips knowing she loves her life here. The life I am surely a big part of.

I held her hand and pulled her to me.
"I would never force you Erica! It's your choice. Why would I deliberately push you away, when I know I can't do a single thing without you? The offer is open for life. Just wait and make it out. Till then no one can save you from me!"

"Thank you Eric! I don't know whether I will consider this option or not. But I will always be thankful for you to think this about me."

I raised my eyebrow at her, "You know I don't believe in the word 'thank you'. Show me how thankful you are!"

She grinned, "Okay! I will make your favourite lasagna!"

She turned to go to the kitchen, when I pulled her again, "You know you can thank me in a better way!"

I pulled her in for a kiss, and I am sure she didn't expect that for her body froze at the contact of our lips.
I know all that shit about commitment, partner and celibacy is bothering her, but I can't help it when she looks so tempting. Soon after, she wrapped her arms around me and I sighed in relief.

I think this woman has occupied a forefront when it comes to my thoughts. Because currently my world is literally revolving around her.

*
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