Under One Condition || Eddie Munson

chapter four

"So, spill." Steve demanded once the police left. I sighed looking at both Steve and Eddie, "what's there to tell? They've always bullied me and they took it too far one day." I didn't understand what the big deal was, this happened over 6 months ago.

I could see Steve visibly shaking, tears welling up in his eyes. "Aspen, you could've died. Do you know how worried I was when you went missing? And for you to protect those assholes feels like a slap in the face." Steve wasn't one to show his emotions to anyone, it shocked me to see a tear roll down his face.

Eddie looked upset, but he hadn't said anything yet. "Look, Steve, I'm sorry! I was embarrassed and scared. I sat in a dumpster for two days; Tommy and Carol knew what could've happened to me, yet they still did it. I didn't know what else they would've done if I had told anyone." I forced myself to continue looking both of them in the eyes. I wanted to be back in my room, ignoring all the bad shit that has happened.

Eddie opened his mouth to speak, but closed it, looking conflicted. "I'm sorry to you too, Eddie. I should've taken you up on that ride home," I said, finally looking down. I didn't want him to blame himself for this, I insisted that I wanted to walk home.

Eddie shook his head and reached for my hand, "no need to be sorry. You didn't know that was going to happen. I'm upset that you didn't tell the police sooner." He looked down at me with disappointment.

I could feel tears prick my eyes. Steve noticed and pulled me into a hug. All of this was bringing up bad memories. I felt Eddie squeeze my hand tighter as I let out a sob. "I'm so sorry," I repeated a few times.

"Let's get you home," Steve said pulling back. I knew if we went home I'd have to deal with my mom. No doubt that she's already heard about this. I shook my head no, "mom." Steve gave me an understanding look, "it's okay, she can't stay mad at you forever."

"I just don't want to deal with it tonight, please Steve, maybe I can stay at Robin's," I practically begged. Steve bit his lip, thinking, "let me use the diner phone and see what I can do."

When Steve walked off I noticed Eddie was still holding my hand. I stared at our hands for a long second and then interlaced our fingers, "Eddie, I really am sorry." He nodded his head in response. He looked tired, I could see the guilt on his face.

Eddie pulled my arm behind him and let go of my hand to wrap me in a hug. I felt him rest his chin on top of my head, "I can't stand to see you cry." I buried my face further into his chest.

We stood in our silent hug, for what felt like forever. Eddie continued to rub my back, occasionally lightly kissing the top of my head. I didn't want to let go, he was so warm and smelled like a mixture of the forest and fresh rain.

"Alright Aspen, I just talked to mom and Robin, you're good to stay at Robin's tonight but mom wants you to call her when you get there." Steve said while walking towards us.

I felt Eddie slowly unwrap his arms around me to face Steve, "I could take her to Robin's, if you'd like." Steve seemed to be thinking it over, "yeah man, I'd appreciate that. Aspen, can I get your keys?"

I reached in my bag and passed my keys over to Steve, "be careful with my baby." Steve gave a small, but sad smile. I could tell that this was effecting him more than he was telling me.

I reached out to pull my twin into a hug. Steve buried his head into my shoulder and I could feel his tears soaking my shirt. "I can't lose you," Steve said quietly. I nodded slowly, "you never will."

When Steve pulled away, you couldn't tell he had let any tears fall. He smiled softly, "let me know when you get to Robin's." I nodded and walked out of the diner to gather my school stuff out of my car.

I looked towards where Steve and Eddie were standing and saw them in deep conversation. Their expressions were light so I knew it wasn't anything bad. Eddie noticed me staring and nodded towards me. Steve shook his head no and they both made their way over to me.

"Conspiring against me?" I questioned with my eyebrows raised. They both chuckled and nodded their heads "yes". Rolling my eyes I looked at Eddie, "ready to go?"

Eddie nodded and walked towards the passenger door of his van. He opened the door and held out his hand, "after you, m'lady." I gave Steve a quick hug and hopped in the van. Eddie closed the door and ran around to the driver's side.

"So, tell me where we're going." Eddie said starting up the van.

-

"Thanks for the ride," I said as Eddie opened my door. He hummed in response. He had been quiet the whole ride, only nodding when necessary. I knew he was still upset over the whole situation.

"I'll pick you up tomorrow morning before school," Eddie stated. He didn't seem like he'd take no for an answer. I nodded and headed towards Robin's house. I noticed Eddie walking close behind me.

Robin immediately opened the door after the first knock, "Asp— oh, hey Eddie." Robin gave a small wave.

"Hey Robin, I'm going to pick up Aspen in the morning. Have fun you guys," Eddie responded, backing away slowly. I gave him a small smile and walked into Robin's house.

Robin turned to me after she closed the door, "first call your brother, then you're going to tell me what the hell is going on." I sighed and headed to use the phone.

"Hello, Harrington Residence," my mom's voice came through the phone.

"Hi mom, I made it to Robin's," I responded. I closed my eyes and leaned my head against the wall. I know she's going to be upset with me.

"I'm glad you made it safely Aspen. Your brother explained everything to me. I wanted to let you know that I'm not mad at you, I understand why you didn't tell anyone." my mom's voice was soft, I could tell she was being honest.

I felt tears spring back to my eyes, "thank you mom, I don't want to cry anymore today."

"I know Honey, I'll be here to talk to you when you get home tomorrow." I heard shuffling as my mom spoke, "oh, your brother wants to talk to you."

"Hey sis, if you need clothes for tomorrow let me know now." I heard Steve's voice say.

"I have clothes that I set out already, they should
be on my bed," I replied, remembering that I set them out before I left my room.

"Sounds good, I'll drop them off with Eddie in the morning," Steve said. I furrowed my eyebrows. He knew Eddie was picking me up? I decided to just ask about it tomorrow, I knew Robin was waiting for me.

"Um, yeah. That sounds good," I said in response, "I gotta go now though, Robin is waiting for me."

"Alright Ash," Steve said, using my childhood nickname. We couldn't say Aspen when we were younger so it turned into Ash. "I love you."

"I love you too, Stevie." I heard the phone click and let out a sigh. Robin was sitting at the table, waiting for me to finish.

"Alright so, tell me why you're staying here tonight and why Eddie Munson dropped you off."

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I'm honestly surprised I've been able to keep up with updating everyday.

Eddie seems like he'd be so protective, I love it.

Alrightyyy, until tomorrow you guys.

Let me know what you think