Dream On

Chapter 11

Somehow Eric knew, once again, to be there when I drive into our clearing. My intention is to keep it together, to tell him what happened rationally and calmly. But, that's not what happens... at all. One look into those eyes and tears stream from my own. It feels so natural and familiar to feel him hold me as I sob. I do manage to blubber out what are meant to be words but just come out as strange noises from the back of my throat. On and on I cry. The tears just keep coming. I don't even try to stop them, after so many times, Eric no longer cares that I've soaked his shoulder.

After who knows how long the sobs turn to just tears and I manage to look at him. I can tell by him face what he thinks I wrong. He thinks Rylan is dead. I manage to hold it together and spurt out

"He said he hates me."

"You know that's not true." he says stroking my messy hair.

"Mom said he was crying after I left. Eric what was he seeing in those few months?"

"I wish I knew. I do know one thing though. Nothing that coma did to him could ever come between you two."

"How do you know that?" I half yell. The anger is coming on now, its not aimed at Eric of course, but he might take it that way and at the moment I don't really care. "How do you know anything about us? He's never done anything like that before and especially not to me! Eric, the Rylan I knew is gone! He's gone and I don't know what to do without him!"

"You know you'll always have me. I'll always be here for you."

"It's you that's the problem though! He hates me because I love you!"

"Well I'm sorry. I...I never meant to... oh no." his voice starts at a normal volume but dies off into a whisper. He wears a look of pure hurt on his face.

"That's not what I meant. Eric, I love you but I just need some time to think." I turn away from him to catch my breath then turn back and plant one more little kiss on his lips. He takes my face in his hands and I feel that thing I felt on the overlook. The warmth that overtook me and made me want more. I have to urge myself to pull my lips from his. "I'll see you soon." I say but I honestly don't know when 'soon' is and to even more honest, I don't really want to leave. I want to stay and let him hold me and touch me and tell me everything is alright but I just can't stay, not when I'm so upset. Not now. But for the time being, I hop into my ATV and he gives me a half hearted wave as I drive away. The last thing I see when I look back is him looking down at the spot on his shirt wet with my tears. I'm not sure because the trees are getting too thick, but I think he might have added some of his own.