Craving Forgiveness

6

You sat on the couch for an hour still in shock of what happened.
He wanted the kiss, didn't he? He leaned in. He kissed you first. You were certain of it.
You gave up thinking and sadly dragged yourself up the stairs to go to bed.

The next morning you did your best to avoid Erik at all costs.

Every time you heard him close his door you would peak out to make sure he was in his room before you grabbed some food or a book.

A few hours went by before you decided not to hide anymore.
You walked downstairs turned on the television and sat watching the news.
President Johnson was in town for a few days. You thought about calling to schedule a meeting with him when you heard a noise.
Erik.
You laid flat on the couch to hide.
"I know you're there Ms. Kennedy."
You sighed, sat up and rolled your eyes at him," I really wish you'd call me Atarah like everyone else."

"That would imply that we're friends."

You gave a slow and hurt nod,"Right. And we wouldn't want that now would we?"

He turned to leave. "What's your deal Mr. Lensherr?" You asked using formalities to spite him. "You had me feeling like such an idiot."

You stood up and walked over to him to stand directly in front of him," I mean I know you haven't the slightest clue on what it's like to be a gentleman but come on! You can't just kiss a woman and then call it a mistake then ignore her."
"Funny. I thought you were ignoring me." He butt in.

Your eyes narrowed," not the point. I felt like an idiot. Like I did something wrong. But it wasn't me it was you and I'm done feeling like things are my fault. I am careful and I am to be respected and if you can't do that Mr. Lensherr." You jabbed a finger into his chest," then I suggest you tell me because I refuse," you said the last word louder than the rest to add emphasis," I refuse to feel like any less than a human being anymore. Do you understand me?" You demanded.

He had a surprised and almost bewildered look on his face. "I understand loud and clear Ms. Kennedy. My statement however remains unchanged. That kiss was a mistake." He took your hand off of his chest and let it fall to your side before turning and leaving.

Great. Point not taken.

You stood there for a second before deciding to follow him.

"I wasn't done talking!" You shouted after him.

He turned on his heels to face you and you stopped abruptly.

You crossed your arms and gave him a very matter of fact look." Apologize." You demanded.

He tried to hide the smile creeping into his face," excuse me?"

"I said. Apologize."

"For?"

"For being rude."

"Oh. Does the princess not like that way she's being treated?" He asked rhetorically before leaving again.

"No I dont,"you began to follow him again.

"Hey! I am not a princess. Now," you jumped in front of his door blocking him from getting in. "Apologize."

"Move before I move you myself." He said amusingly.

"Erik. I'm serious."

He rolled his eyes," I'm sorry that you took offense to my words and/or actions."

You sighed," that's as good as it's gonna get huh?"

"Yes."

"Ugh fine." You groaned stepping away from the door.

He looked at you before going in, "Goodnight Ms. Kennedy."

You rolled your eyes and turned around, " sleep tight Mr. Lensherr." You said while walking to your room.

The next morning you woke up to the sound of people talking outside of your door.

You hopped out of bed to see who was out there.

"Oh im sorry Atarah." Hank said.

"We didn't mean to wake you." Charles added.

You gave a wide smile and hugged them excitedly. "I'm so glad you guys are back!"

"Oh are you now?" Hank said surprisingly.

"Yes! It's not fun without you two." You added.

"I especially missed your cooking Hank."

"How does breakfast sound?"

"Oh my gosh I'd love some breakfast."

"I'm on it." He said walking off.

Charles stayed behind chatting with you a bit.

"Did something happen when we were gone?"

Your eyes narrowed." No? What do you mean?"

"I mean with you and Erik. Something is different."

You slumped against the wall before sliding down it to sit on the floor. "I uh. Well he actually... We kissed."

He raised an eyebrow," can't say I didn't see that one coming."

"Don't get too excited. He regretted it instantly. Called it a mistake."

"Saw that coming too." He added.

"I like Erik." You cocked your head to the side," well, sort of." You paused to think. "There's something to him. I guess I'm just so used to being treated a certain way that it's enticing to be treated differently. I know he's a sweet guy but he doesn't want to be. Why?"

Charles looked around as if to make sure no one was around to hear. "You cannot tell anyone I told you this. He's this way because of his fiancé."