Chapter 17: Struggling In the World of Fame and Gossip
After much discussion and what ifs, Eric and I decided that it was time to go out in the public eye once again. It has been a full month since the whole fiasco, and I was getting tired of being on house arrest. Eric came over almost everyday just to keep me company. He didn't say but I could tell he was getting bored of just staying in. I can't blame him, the walls of my room, though it looks very lively, seems to look like a cage to me. I needed to free my spirit and get some change.
My parents were okay with me going out again. My brothers, however, were a different case. No surprise there. I had to argue with them for a good measure of time while Eric looked back and forth. I could tell he was just amused with everything.
Ella and Gab visited often. Though both of them were very busy with their jobs, they managed to squeeze me in on their tight schedules. I was very thankful for that, because no matter how much I loved my family, I was getting kind of tired of seeing their faces 24/7. I wanted a change of scenery.
And today I was getting what I wanted. I changed my clothes as Eric waited, playing on the Xbox with my brothers. After a full month around them, he seemed pretty close with them now. They joked and talked like old friends. And it was very heartwarming that my boyfriend and my brothers got along well.
In the bathroom, I slipped on a pair of ripped denim shorts, a sarcastic off shoulder shirt that I got last Christmas, and some bangles. My hair was agreeable today, like it wanted to go out and was being good, too, so I let it down. I went back out, the sound of guns blaring from the TV. Heading to my dresser, I pulled out my make up kit. I left my face bare, not wanting to please anyone, even Eric. Once I was pleased, I put on my sandals. I pocketed my wallet and phone and was ready to go.
"We can go now, Eric."
Cole paused the game and did a guy handshake with Eric. Collin took his place and resumed the game. Connor looked up from his Sports Illustrated magazine and nodded at us. "Be careful, yeah?"
Eric nodded, me rolling my eyes. "She'll be safe, I promise." He took my hand and led me downstairs. He greeted my parents on the way out.
One hand on the doorknob, he turned back to me. "You ready for this?"
I rolled my eyes and pushed him aside. "Oh, let me. Too many theatrics." I pushed the door open, the sunlight bathing me almost instantly. I stepped out into the neat lawn, basking in the heat.
It felt so peaceful. Almost divine. I spread my arms, soaking everything up. I breathed the fresh air in and smiled. I was exhilarated, happy and carefree. A warm gush of wind greeted me, sweeping my hair back. It was a welcoming greeting. Like it was glad to see me back.
Suddenly, I felt the awareness of being watched. Looking over my shoulder I see Eric, holding up my camera to his face. I grin at him. "Objectifying me, I see?"
He walked gracefully towards me, out into the sunlight, and handed me the camera. I sling it on my neck. "I wouldn't use the word 'objectify'. It sounds too Christian Grey."
I gave him a dumbstruck look. I can't imagine him reading Fifty Shades. He rolls his eyes at my shocked expression. "I don't live under a rock, you know. It's quite taking bookstores by storm. For an author, it's hard to not notice."
I shrugged. Of course, I seem to always forget he was an author. I held out my hand. "Shall we?"
He beamed at me and took my hand. "We shall."
I unlatched the lock on the gate and closed it behind Eric. We walked down the sidewalk, just enjoying the peace.
"Do you have a place in mind?" he asked.
