Unknown Feelings (Fred Coury x Eric Brittingham)

22. Fred & Eric Kissing In A Tree

FRED'S POV:

Philadelphia, September 26, 1985

Today was band practice and I was excited and nervous.

Excited because I was going to see Eric again. The simple thought of seeing him again brings me joy. A kind of joy that is difficult to put into words.

I was honestly falling more and more in love with Eric with every second I spent with him.

I loved him.

I still questioned if it was too early to say that. To say that I love him. It could be but I just can't contain it. But one thing that I am sure about is that I want to save it for when the right time comes. Say it during a special moment.

I want to tell him that I love him but I'm scared I'll fuck things up. And I don't want to.

I mean, we have already gotten so far and I'd hate to ruin everything.

I guess I'll have to wait for the right moment to say it.

Besides that, my mom and dad want to meet Eric. Believe me, I want them to meet each other but not yet. I would like to make things official before introducing Eric to my mom.

Not that I doubt a relationship will not sprout but I mean, you just never know.

"He's here."

I looked up to see Tom looking out from the garage door.

Tom left the garage door open so we could enter the garage without going through the entire house.

I couldn't help but smile at the thought of Eric.

I just couldn't.

I noticed Jeff looking over at me.

"Someone's happy."

"Huh?"

"Happy to see, Eric, huh?"

"Uh, yeah."

"Any particular reason why?"

"Um, no. I'm just happy to see a friend again."

"Mhm."

He wiggled his eyebrows.

Was it obvious that we liked each other?

Shit.

We were hoping to keep it a secret until we knew where this would go and if it would even work out.

We didn't want to put the band at risk because of our selfishness, would it even be that?

Us being selfish? Maybe. I don't know.

But we were just hoping to tell the guys once we were ready, maybe they figured it out on their own.

I heard Tom's voice, which caused me to look over in his direction.

Eric walked in, wearing black skinny jeans, a black Batman sleeveless shirt, and white sneakers. And a cigarette in his hand.

He's told me it was a habit he picked up years ago, he still smokes but not as often anymore.

I watch as Tom and Eric shared a hug, they exchanged a few words before Eric turned his attention to Jeff.

"Hey, man."

Eric said as he greeted him with a quick handshake.

"Hey."

Jeff responded with a soft smile.

Then, Eric turned to look at me.

"Hey, Fred."

"Hey."