Breathing the Dead ~ H.S

Chapter Eight

CHAPTER EIGHT: STUCK WITH YOU

"Laura! Laura!" Eric came running up to me where I'd been practicing my aiming, "Laura, I've been doing cartwheels all day, and I'm getting really good! D'you wanna see?"

I smiled at him and lowered my archery bow. "Sure, buddy. Show me,"

Eric grinned and placed his hands on my hips to gently push me back. "I don't want to hurt you, so stand back, OK?"

I smiled again and nodded. "OK. I'll stay right here. I promise,"

Eric nodded back happily and ran forward a little; easily slipping into three cartwheels in a row as he did so. With a light chuckle, I clapped for him and let out a cheer.

"Well done!" I grinned, "You're already better than I'll ever be,"

Eric giggled. "You should show me your cartwheels, Laura!"

Biting my lip; I shook my head in embarrassment. "I can't, Eric. I, er...don't know how to cartwheel. I never learned,"

"Oh, I can teach you! Do you want me to teach you?"

I chuckled. "I think it's too late for that, zippy,"

"What are you doing, anyway?" He asked, running up to me and peering curiously at my bow.

"Practicing archery," I replied, "by the order of Mako,"

"Is it fun?" He pressed on, and I knew exactly where he was going with this.

"Oh no," I shook my head, "I don't think your mum & dad'll be very happy if I let you shoot an arrow,"

His face fell. "Why not?"

"Because you're still a bit young for archery, Eric," I sheathed the bow into its sleeve that was strapped to my back.

"OK," his head began to droop, and I could tell he was pretty bummed.

"I'm sorry, sweetie," I knelt down to his height and rubbed his back, "but I promise – if I get really good at archery, with your parents' permission I'll teach you when you're a little older,"

At my promise, he perked up immediately.

"Deal!" He said happily; throwing his arms around me in a hug. I chuckled and returned the gesture; patting his back as an affectionate smile spread across my face.

"Eric!" A new voice caused us to pull away, "Eric, I've been looking everywhere for you!"

"Sorry, dad," Eric said guiltily, "I just wanted to say hi to Laura,"

"Next time you should let me or your mother know before you wander off," Louis came over to us and knelt down beside his son.

Eric nodded. "I will,"

"Sorry, Lou," I said, "I should've asked him if you guys knew where he was,"

Louis looked up at me and gave me a faint smile. "Don't worry about it, Laura. Sometimes I feel as if he prefers to hang out with you instead of us,"

"Oh come on," I laughed, "I'm sure that's not true. His number one playmate is obviously Sid,"

Louis chuckled. "True," he smiled again, "thanks for looking after him," he put his hand on Eric's back and gave him a gentle push back towards the dorms, "come on, you. We need to leave Laura to practice,"

"OK," Eric said with a nod. He then turned to me and waved, "bye, Laura!"

I smiled at him and waved goodbye; staring after him with a tender smile on my face as he walked off with his dad.