I Woke Up in a Car

Rachel stood at the door dressed in her professional best. I was a little surprised, as was she. I could feel her eyes looking me over as I stood there in Eric's clothes. I was slightly embarrassed though I had nothing to be ashamed of.

She wrinkled her nose as her head was held high in the air, “Is Eric here?” She asked, a hurried tone to her voice. “We need to talk.” She said.

My brows raised, I could only wonder what she was talking about, “No. He's out.” I said, “Have you tried texting him?” I asked, smiling. I figured killing her with kindness would be the next best thing instead of slamming the door in her face.

Rachel nodded, “Well, why else would I be here if he answered his texts. We have to leave to the airport and I'm here to get him!” She said hurriedly, crossing her arms, “The car is downstairs waiting.” She said impatiently tapping her feet.

I rolled my eyes, “I told you he's not here. Maybe he's meeting you there because none of his things are here.” I lied. I wasn't proud to do it. Obviously Eric wasn't here for a reason, a damn good reason, and I suspected that a lot of it had to do with Rachel.

She leaned up to try to peer over me and I pulled the door closer to me so she couldn't see in the room, “So why are you wearing his clothes?” She asked, sizing me up.

My brows furrowed, “Why is it any of your business?” I said, getting a little defensive, what was it any of her business? “Honestly, you're not his mother, brother, or sister so it's really no concern of yours as to what Eric and I are.” I paused briefly, “You need to leave.” I said, shutting the door.

Rachel put her hand on the door, preventing me from closing it, “This isn't over. You think you can waltz in and then just waltz out any time you want. Let's get one thing straight.” He raised her hand and pointed her index finger at me, “I have spent every day for the last month and more with Eric, making sure he gets what he needs and gets to where he needs to go. Nothing is going to keep me from him, do you understand me, Not even a little slut like you is going to keep me from getting what I want.” Her eyes narrowed as she looked at me.

And then like that she was gone. Just as room service showed up. I was so caught off-guard by the whole thing that I nearly forgot to tip the service boy. I was so shaken I didn't even eat anything I had ordered, instead, I texted Eric. “Rachel was just here looking for you.”

I turned on the TV, sitting on the bed as I waited for Eric's reply. I was impatient but I couldn't help it. After a tense few minutes Eric replied back, “What did she want?”

I sighed and put my hand over my face, “You are going to miss your flight if you don't get back here and pack.”

“I'm not flying out. I'm staying here. She can manage without me for a few days.”

I couldn't help but look around the room at his unpacked things and then smile as I read his text, “Really? You're going to stay?!... Hey where are you?” I text back.

“;) Shopping” Eric replied.

I sighed and then put my phone down. I looked in the mirror and grimaced at myself. I washed my face and changed back in to the dress I wore the night before, I decided I needed to at least go home and get a change of clothes, hopefully before Eric got back from shopping.

My head was still swirling from Rachel's visit and her words, Nothing is going to keep me from him. What did that even mean? Was she going to attempt to push me off a cliff or run me over with a car? I didn't get it. It was making me over-think things and, well, it made me nervous.

Once in the house, my mom peppered me with questions, none of which I answered, with just a simple. “Out.” As I showered upstairs I couldn't help but wonder if my mother was trying to make up for lost time with the smattering of questions. Part of me couldn't really blame her. She missed out on two-years of my life.

As I exited the shower I realized that I missed being out on my own. Not just with Eric, but not having to hear a bunch of questions about where I was, who I was with, if I used.. well, if I was safe. I changed into a pair of jeans and a t-shirt and then tossed on my sweatshirt. “I'm going out again. Going to Eric's hotel.”

My mother came running out of the kitchen, her apron covered in flour, “Baby, you didn't tell me Eric was in town. Is that who you were with last night? Oh honey, he is such a nice boy.” She said softly, “You should bring him by for dinner with us tonight.”

I shrugged, “I'll ask him if he wants to come by mom but I won't promise anything.” I said, slinging my purse over my shoulder, “I'll make sure to bring him by before he leaves though.” and I leave with him. I wasn't about to break it to my mom that I was leaving

There was something about traveling and being with Eric and in good company. It's not that this wasn't Home, but being on the road felt like Home too and I was getting bored just being here alone. Not that I wasn't enjoying Danielle and playing with her and getting to know her, but, this life, this place.. this wasn't for me. At least not right now.

I showed up back at Eric's hotel room door, knocking. The subway ride and walk had cause me to mull things over. Eric answered the door, shirtless but with his jeans, his jax union pickaxe necklace, and his “support local skate” hat. Eric was smiling but his face changed as he looked me over, “What's wrong Ari?” He asked.

I looked up at the older man, biting my lip, “I want to come back. I don't want to stay anymore.” I said, “I want to come home.” I had never felt in my life like I had never fit in more than when I was with Eric and John and their friends.

I felt like I belonged with him more than I ever had felt anywhere else.