We sat in complete silence the entire ride.
I heard the tires crunch along the gravel as we pulled up to the huge mansion.
Eric escorted me up the cement stairs, and I allowed him to lead me through the door.
As he released my arm, I latched onto the railings that led to the second floor.
I took small steps down the corridor, running my fingers along the walls.
One door.
Two.
I pushed the third door open, ripping the bandages off from around my head, tossing them to the floor. An unknown anger bubbled inside of me, and I clenched my fists.
I buried my face into the pillow, sobbing my heart out. I didn't think it was possible for me to cry anymore. This was new. I felt so immature, so childish, but it felt good to cry. I hadn't cried since the accident. My eyes still had feeling in them, and they stung from the tears.
It felt like I was gaining my humanity back.
I heard a small rap on the door.
I inhaled sharply, clutching the pillow. "Yes?" I sniffled, sitting straight.
The door opened. Just as I expected, I heard Eric's low voice. "May I come in?"
I sighed, nodding.
I heard his footsteps leave the hallway, shut the door, and stride straight to the open window to my left.
"Did you need something?"
He was silent. I knew he heard me, so I waited.
"Would you be up for going out into the city tonight?"
"For what?" I wiped my cheek with my wrist.
"Nothing."
"With...?"
"Just me and you."
"Are you suggesting we go on a date?"
"Think of it as an...opportunity to escape from reality for a short while." I heard his lips crack into a smile.
"I suppose so," I shrugged.
"Perfect."
-------
"Ready?" Eric rapped his knuckles against my door an hour later.
"Well, kinda," I muttered.
"Like, kinda as in, not at all, or I'm struggling?"
"I'm struggling," I chuckled, shaking my head.
"Need help?"
"Help would be nice,"
The door clicked open, and he strode over my way, where I stood, trying to clip the back of my dress.
"Ah," his warm hands moved mine away, and he hooked the back together. "There we go,"
"Thank you," I gave my best attempt at a smile.
He practically carried me down the stairs, since I hadn't had any practice walking in heels for a couple years.
We drove straight into town, stopping at a small restaurant that Eric called, 'Louis Central'.
I was sat down at a small table, and served, of all things, pizza. Back at the mansion, all the chefs make are "hoity toity" foods, and pizza was definitely not in that category. Eric spoke more then usual, and we had a rather pleasant evening.
As soon as we got back, I thanked him, and headed straight for my bedroom.
Stopping halfway up the stairs, I chuckled to myself. "Eric,"
I heard his footsteps come to a halt. I pointed to the back of my dress.
I stood straight, and felt him unclip the back of my dress, letting it slide to my shoulders.
We stood, swallowed in silence. The only thing I could hear was my heart pounding rapidly in my ears.
"I'll go," he said under his breath, and he did. I head his footsteps retreat down the steps.
Continuing to my room, I felt warmth rise to my cheeks.
I refused to let my heart rule my brain. No, no, no.
