Sentiment Is A Chemical Defect

Chapter 8

The butterflies were making me feel sick. This was worse than when I started school in London... I was about to meet Sherlock Holmes. Oh, God...

As Eron jogged up the steps and produced his keys from his pocket, I hesitated at the bottom, biting my lip anxiously.

When Eron glanced at me, I instantly stood straighter and followed him up. I didn't want him thinking I was weak.

Eron opened the door with a click of the lock and strode inside, leaving the door open behind him for me to come in.

Timidly, I took a step into the unfamiliar hallway and gently closed the door behind me. I caught a glimpse of Eron's feet walking upstairs before he turned.

Just as I was about to follow him, a voice of an old lady stopped me.

"Can I help you?" she asked politely.

The lady had short hair and a kind expression. In her wrinkled hands, she carried a silver tray with a pot of tea and cups sat on it.

"I'm with Eron," I told her, pointing upstairs to where he went, "You must be Mrs Hudson."

"Why yes, I am," Mrs Hudson smiled, "You read John's blogs?"

"Yes, I do. Would you like me to carry that upstairs for you?" I offered, seeing that her hands were shaking a little.

"Oh, yes please."

I carefully took the tray from her and gave her one last polite smile before slowly walking upstairs, being sure not to trip.

I followed the voice of Eron chatting to indicate where Sherlock's door was. The door was left ajar for me. I pushed it open with my back and two heads snapped to me.

"There she is!" The man Eron was talking to beamed.

After a double take, I realised it was John Watson.

"I see you met Mrs Hudson," Eron said, giving me a scowl, "Put the tea on the table there. Though, I don't know why she made tea..."

"Your father asked her to," John told him.

I placed the tray on the table Eron had directed me to and turned back to find John hold his hand out to me. I shook it (maybe too) eagerly and said, "Nice to meet you."

"She's nice," John commented, "How did you find her?" he questioned Eron with a chuckle.

Eron glowered at him slightly, cheeks turning slightly red, "The question is: How did I find her remotely interesting?"

I opened my mouth to retort a comeback but, John came to my aid instead.

"Oi, you! Be nice..." He warned the boy.

I gave Eron a victorious smirk which he ignored and sat on an armchair, crossing his leg over his thigh, "Where's my father?"

"You're asking me," John muttered under his breath.

I stood awkwardly as we waited for Sherlock to return. John occasionally shifted in his seat whereas, Eron stayed perfectly still, the only movement was his chest rising evenly.

Eventually, John cleared his throat, "So..." he said, filling the silence. He looked to me, "Where did you and Eron meet?"

Slightly taken aback by the random question, I replied, "School."

"And how long you two been... together?"

I exchanged a puzzled look with Eron, "Never..."

"Oh, I just thought..."