Sacrifice

Chapter 4

All three of us eat pizza we had delivered, and then Eric proposes an idea.

"So, Luna I was thinking since your birthday is in two days we should travel. Us three and Lenny, let's not forget about Ms. Workaholic. What do you think?" He taps the table with his fingertips a sign of him being nervous. Even when we were little he would do that. It was either because he was nervous or he was lying. At times, it can be both.

"I think that's a great idea! Luna needs some time to relax and enjoy her birthday." Amy agrees with Eric.

"It'll be fun! We can go to Hawaii or Korea, Anywhere you like." Something's off about Eric he is trying so hard to convince me. I faint smile form on my lips. I'm not going to leave this city if that's what I need to do.

"I don't know I'm not really fond of traveling. Besides, me and Lenny celebrate our birthday the same way every year. Snacks and movies, it's a tradition for us." I'm not sure where this is going but I need to stick with this until he tells me the real reason why I have to leave.

" Ummm, guys I would love to stay and chat but I have to get going my shift starts in half an hour. I'm glad you're okay Luna. Hopefully Eric convinces you to travel. I think it's a great opportunity." She comes around the table and gives me a hug. Then before I even had a chance to thank her she already left.

I look at Eric and I decide this is the right time to confront him about last night, or this morning rather. This is the only chance I think I have and there is not much time left. Eric stands up and I stand in front of him blocking his way.

"Luna, I have to-" he starts to speak but I cut him off.

"You" I point at his chest and push him back down to the chair. "Have to listen." I am so serious he knows there's no way out. I sit across the table and I stare at him examining each and every movement he does. We sit in silence and just when he thinks I'm done, I say four simple words.

"Explain everything to me." As I say this I am still looking at him making sure he knows I want the truth, I need the truth.

"I have no idea what you're talking about." He starts to tap on the table again, but he immediately stops when he notices me looking at his fingers.

" You're lying to me, how could you? We are best friends, actually we were bestfriends! Somehow that changed when you left to California. That finger tapping habit of yours, I know it. You would always do it at school when we had to present. So tell why you need to lie, tell me why are hiding things from me!" My voice is getting louder but I can't stay calm. How dare he lie right to my face. He's one of the closest people I have in my life and just ruins all those years because he won't tell me anything.

"L-l-luna I think you're still in shock. Maybe later I can bring you to a therapist, they'll be able to help you." He stutters, and doesn't make eye contact.

"Are you turning everything around? Oh Eric....." I trail off saying his name and then slam my clenched fists on the table.

" Enough of your pathetic excuses!!! First, traveling out of the country. Now, a therapist. What's next? Making up a lame story explaining how you happened to show up at that place at that time and look like you had nothing to do with it." I can feel my fingers shake and I lay my palms on the table. Eric justs looks at me astounded, and become my hero. He's at a loss for words.

"Luna, I'm not making up excuses. This is for your safety and I am doing everything I can to save your life!" He is worked up as well and we are both standing up on either side of the table.

" My life? MY LIFE?!?-" Just as I am about to contradict his reason, he cuts me off.

"Brandon is going to kill you! Don't you understand I am trying to take you away from him!" Lies. Pure lies. I switch topics hoping to retrieve anything new.

" What were you talking about this morning, right by the staircase? I heard Brandon there. Why would you let a killer into my house if you know he's going to kill me!" His eyes are wide open and he tries to conceal them by turning around.

"You thought I didn't know about that did you? Who's Nadine? Why does she want Brandon to take me? Tell me, are you an accomplice to kidnapping me?" All the questions I had I threw them all out. One after the other making sure I manipulated Eric into finally confessing the truth. He turns back around and lets out a deep sigh.