Chapter 22 Shopping

A few more weeks go by. It's now October. Elena knows that Eric's birthday is near. She is so happy. The last two months have been wonderful for her. She loves having him here. Near her. With her. They still haven't gone all the way. Elena is taking it slow. Building up to it. Doing her best not to push or hurt Eric. In any way. She wants to do something special for his birthday. She knows. Eric isn't the type to want much. But it's his 21st Birthday. They had to do something. She remembered his birthdays at Greenhaven. When her mother would through him big birthday bashes. Just like she would Elena. His father coming over and some of the hunters from the organization comeing to. Making his birthday Special. She wanted to do the same for him now.

"Eric I know your birthday is soon. I want to do something nice for you." Elena states. "I don't want anything. I don't like people or parties. You know that." Eric responds. "I do. But it's your 21st birthday. It's special. We have to do something. I will make it small. Please."Elena says flashing her eyelashes at him. "Really? You have to give me the lashes?" Eric says. Her bashing them more so at him now."Ok, whatever. Just please nothing big."Eric comments. "Ok. I promise. I can't wait." Elena says. Giving him a big hug. Eric just happy to see Elena interested in something. She is coming back more day by day. This gave her something to do. Something to look forward to. So, of course, Eric would say yes. Anything to make her happy.

Elena goes downstairs and talks to Berta about plans. Telling her the food, decorations, and cake to have. A list of people to invite. Which were a few small people. She knew. Eric didn't like anyone. So she wasn't going to go overboard. She wanted to invite her mother, father, Eric's father and the one who trained him.

Her and William were getting along better around each other lately. William trying to be there. Trying to do things with the child and Elena. Even spending time with Eric. The little girl loved it. When they were all together. William was trying to listen to Edward. He didn't want to lose Elena altogether. He wanted their family. In order to do that. He would have to except Eric. Which was hard. She was his wife. This was his family. Eric just came in and took over. Which William also knew deep down. It wasn't his fault. He stayed away all these years. It was William that called him. Asked him here. But he had no other choice and Eric would have to try to get along. If they wanted to live in the same house. William not sure how much longer he wanted Eric to stay. He Just knew if he asked him to leave. This would fall apart again. He was just ask stuck as they were.

Later in the day, Elena tells the car to get ready. That she will be going out. She grabs Eric and tells him. They have to go somewhere. Eric just goes. Knowing there is no use in fighting with her. The car goes to this fancy well put together men's clothing store. Both get out and go inside. Eric just looking all around. Everything in here was very expensive. Very well handmade items. Or imported from places all over the world. Things Eric only had as a child. That he never had or even thought he would as an adult living on his own. Just being in the store intimated him. Where Elena was in her element. If nothing else, William spoiled her. With all kinds of expensive things. From clothes to jewelry, to house goods. You name it. He bought it for her. He always gave her things. Wanting her to have. Treating her well. In that respect. Elena wanted more. She wanted his Honestly. She wanted him to tell her things to be open with her. He just couldn't. It was another thing that took its toll on their relationship. Material things to her were nothing. She had them growing up. She could get them herself. As she was rich in her own right. Not really needing Williams money.

"Madam What can I help you with?" The store clerk asks."First, I would like you to show him, your finest jeans you have." Elena states. "Sure Madam anything you ask. It's been such a long time. Since we have seen you." The store clerk says. "Yes. I am sure. You will be seeing a lot more of me now." Elena answers. The clerk bringing different washes of jeans to Eric. All the different styles. Eric never thought There were so many different versions of jeans. "Elena is this really necessary?" Eric asks. "Yes. You need some new stuff. Pick whatever you want. It's your birthday. I want you to have a brand new outfit. " Elena states. Eric just rolls his eyes. He picks a few pairs to try on. To see which fit him better. He goes into the changing room. To try them on. He never felt this kind of fabric on his skin before. They were lovely. Even if he had to admit it, there was a difference. Eri picks the dark wash jean tight fit. They hug every curve he owns and looks really good on him. He steps out of the changing room. In front of Elena. Who's eyes turn red for a minute before, she catches herself and returns to normal. But not fast enough that Eric didn't catch it.

"I saw that, "Eric says. "Sorry. I couldn't help myself. They look really nice on you." Elena says. Eric just smiles at her. Elena goes around the store picking out a soft cozy dark grey sweater. She hands it to Eric, he tries it on. Still not believing, how these clothes feel. The sweater feels like its just hugging him. It's lovely. Elena then hands him a black leather jacket to finish off the look. "So what do you think? Do you like it? Is there anything else you would like?" Elena asks. "I like it. Thank you. I think. I am fine. You didn't have to buy me all that." Eric states. "It was nothing. I want you to have. I also got you some super soft socks. I couldn't help it. You have to try them. " Elena responds. "if you say so."Eric replies. Eric didn't expect that to go as nicely as it did. He figured it wasn't a big deal. But the clothes were very nice. He looked really good in them. He knew. Elena was giving. She always was. It was her nature. It was making her happy. So it made him happy. To see her alive again. It was great.

They get back into the car heading back to the Manor. Elena just holding Eric's hand being extra close to him. He finally saw and knew. Just how much she cared for him. How him being around. Made her light up inside and out. He loved it. He even noticed. How William was trying. He just didn't know where this left him? William didn't look like he was giving her up in any way. Just trying to make her happy. LIke giving her a puppy to play with to keep her occupied. Where was this going? Was he going to send him home? Many thoughts ran this his mind. He knew once they made love. William was in trouble. But they haven't done anything yet. Just small things here and there. Even if they did and made the bond complete? Then what? This was turning out to be quite a mess.