My Spring Break Fiasco

Chapter Sixteen - The Unthinkable (EDITED)

"When you cry

I see the whole world in your eyes.

And when you laugh.

I know everything's all right.

Take my hand.

Come on, let's fly."

-From "Fly" 

Originally performed by Kyle King.

--

            The next afternoon passed by slower than frozen molasses. All I could think about was the choice set before me.

            Eric or Levi?

            Levi or Eric?

            The question swirled through my consciousness over and over like a never-ending carousel of self-torment. I suspected that Grandpa could tell that something was going on. He’d repeatedly tried to corner me in the hallway, had offered to buy me an ice cream cone three times, and had even coaxed Lois into coming to say hello.

            None of it had helped.

            With a pounding headache, I packed up my stuff after dinner and grabbed my sweater off of the recliner by Gramma’s bed. She was sleeping again, so I kissed her cheek lightly and tiptoed from the room.

            Halfway down the hall leading towards the reception area, I noticed a familiar figure hunched over in a small and windowless receiving nook, his head in his hands.

            “Eric?” I asked in surprise.

            His head rose very slowly, and he looked at me with such anguish on his face it took my breath away.

            “Oh my word, Eric, what is it?” I gasped, hurrying towards him. “Are you all right?”

            I sat down beside him and tried to make eye contact but he wouldn’t look at me directly.

            “Emma…” he whispered. “Have you ever had a secret that you really wanted to tell but couldn’t for whatever reason?”

            “I guess.” I shrugged. “Why?” Gears were beginning to click in my brain. Was this the moment I’d been waiting for? Was he finally going to tell me his big secret?

            “Emma, I have to tell you something pretty bad, and I’ll understand if you don’t want to talk to me again afterwards.”

            “Just tell me, Eric.” I pressed. “I won’t be angry.”

            He sighed deeply and finally looked over.

            “I’m not who you think I am, Emma. My name is Eric Kyle Stevens, also known as Kyle King, and I am an internationally renowned musician.”

            The words hit me like a brick wall, even though I’d expected they were coming. So I had been right, after all.

            “I suspected as much.” I whispered, trying not to sound shocked.

            “Let me explain.” He raked his fingers through his hair with anxious concern. “I—You knew?” He breathed, visibly stunned. “For how long?”

            “Since the first day we met.” I replied. “Although I had my doubts up until the day we went to see James and Mary Lee called you Mr. King.”