ᴛʜᴇ ᦓꫀꫀ᥅ // ₑddᵢₑ ₘᵤₙₛₒₙ

Chapter || oʍ⊥

    Things remained the same for some time, history repeating itself. It started to get chiller at night as the girl was forced to make camp under her own property just to escape. One of those chilly nights, the boy grew bold, sneaking out in the middle of the night, and offering her a blanket while she slept. He looked around the small place she encamped in, part of him hurting for the girl and the situation she was in. To make it worse she didn't talk to anybody at school, had no friends he knew of.

   She awoke confused with the blanket, thinking maybe her mother had decided to perform a kind act for once, but she had a feeling it wasn't. Her mother didn't know where she hid.. and if Gregg knew he'd have just made her come back inside.. She ignores it, going about her day. Luckily Gregg was gone for work so sneaking in that morning was much easier this time around. As she made her way for the bus stop someone called out for her, making her falter in her spot in befuddlement.

"Sorry, that is your name, isn't it? Erin? Erin Cross? We have Soc, and uh, and, and Biology together. History too!" The girl nods slowly as she examines the boy, always having found his long curly hair to be eye-catching.

"Yeah but, I mean, what? You don't normally ride the bus.." He was caught off guard, unable to respond at first.

"Oh I, my ride needs fixin', my uncle plans to check it over today. I just, I wanted to say hi." He could tell she was being cautious, almost thinking this was some trick. And she did, she thought he was going to make a play at something, the question was what? The jocks at school always mess with her, why wouldn't the outcasts too?

"I'm not.. Look, can we start over? I'm Eddie, Eddie Muson, and you are?" The girl pauses as he holds a hand out for her, just knowing it was a trick, everything in her wanted to believe it was, but a part of her also believed he wouldn't. That this was genuine. She gazes around, not sure if people were going to jump out and suddenly start mocking her or something as she dubiously grasps his hand. They were both surprised by the warmth of the other, wanting more of it instantly as they slowly shook hands, their eyes drawn to each other as they did so. She pulls away briskly, averting her eyes but finds herself repeatedly gazing back at him.

"I'm, Erin. Erin Cross." He beams at this, over the initial shock of the hand shake. On the bus he sits next to her, slowly trying to break past her walls. He doesn't get very far, but getting her name and sitting next to her were enough for the time being.

   As the cold began to roll around, Erin tried to stay indoors, being forced to endure her mother's boyfriend's abusive behavior, emotionally, verbally and more often times than not, physically too. Eddie notices this, watching as she comes to school miserable everyday. He tries to get closer, but he had to say, her wall was much thicker than he was anticipating. But still, slowly he chipped away at it. Trying to get closer to her and get her to talk more.

   There were moments she found herself comfortable with him, looking forward to the little greetings in the morning, or in the hall. She didn't like that he lived so close, it's not like this is new, but, talking to him, it made her more aware. But she liked being around him, she found herself wanting to smile whenever he was near.

   I made my way from the class as the final bell rang, hearing someone run out of the class after me over the sounds of the excitement from others as it meant going home and relaxing or being able to hang out with friends now.

"Hey, Erin! Wait up." I slowed in my pace as Eddie caught the door from closing and rushed to a halt before me, realizing I had actually stopped for him. He falters with his words, smiling goofishly before nodding himself too.