Perfectly Red

Can Never Be Too Careful.

(Lia's POV )

Before Eric moved in I made a few preparations. Thanks to that letter from Abe I now know that I do much more than take late night strolls in my sleep. I used egg cartons to help soundproof the bedroom, and I got some rope from the barn to tie myself to the bed at night.

Every night I shut my vent, and pray that I do not disturb Eric. I just have to make it to spring, and then I'll go wherever I need or want to next. Dodging his questions about me, and my 'uncle' Abner has been getting harder. I suppose that's what happens when you live with someone all winter long, eventually they want to get to know you better. I don't blame him for it... I just miss the way the old man would let me keep to myself. I never know what else to say.

Thankfully we were busy for the most of December while he moved in, and I helped donate Abner's things. On Christmas we ate dinner, and exchanged a few gifts. When Eric went outside to talk with his mother on the phone I just stayed in my room... Wondering what my mother was like. What kind of Christmases did I have growing up? I told him a half lie, and said my family was out of reach this holiday season. A vague answer, but it seemed to work.

Now it's February, and with spring around the corner I can do nothing but wait. It's morning, and I've just woken from another horrible nightmare. I lay there slightly sweaty trying to slow my heart rate as I stare out the small window still tied to the bed. With my free hand I get to work untying my other hand, and sit up in bed. Tying myself up like this has been giving me strange dreams. Hellish nightmares about being strung up, and carved. Is that how I got these scars? Did I deserve it? As I go to untie my legs my bedroom door pushes open, and the small lock I put at the top of the door goes flying off to the floor.

"Oops sorry, I thought the door was jammed agai-" Eric comes into the room with Fido. "Was machst du?!"

"No. What are YOU, doing in here," I say covering myself up.

He rushes over worriedly, and rips the covers from me.

"What are you, a werewolf?" He asks seeing all the egg cartons, and the rope. Thinking this is some sort of joke. Then his eyes land on my scars all over my legs, and his blue eyes soften with sadness."Sorry."

He places the cover back on me, turns his attention to the rope around my ankles. Without saying another word he reaches down, and unties them. It takes a moment as I tied it pretty good. Once my legs are free he just stands there silent for what seems like an eternity.

"A-Are you okay?" I speak softly.

"You do this to yourself, and you ask ME... you ask me if I'M okay?" He asks getting a little upset. He takes a deep breath before turning to look me in the eye. "You should be asking yourself that question... Here you've got mail."

He sets the envelope in his hand on the bed next to me before quickly turning on his heel.

"Wait, Eric I-."

"Viens Fido," he says patting his leg as he leaves out of the room.

Great now he thinks I'm some freak... well I kinda am, I suppose. I get up, and go into my bathroom. The blue walls bring a nice calmness to me as I stand at the sink contemplating what I'm going to say to the probably very uncomfortable feeling man downstairs.