My first crush (COMPLETED)√

Chapter 19: Eric's confession

Sharon's POV

"Eric?" My voice trembled, half in shock, half in disbelief. This was surreal. I couldn't remember the last time Eric had shown up at my house—never, in fact.

"Sharon, hi. Can I come in?" His voice was calm, but there was a softness to it that made my chest tighten. I still wanted to pinch myself. Was this a dream? He was actually here.

"Sure..." I whispered, my hands fidgeting nervously. My mind was spinning. Why did he come here now?

He stepped inside and casually sat on the couch—exactly where Stephen was hiding.

Stephen's voice hissed from his spot. "Is that Eric? What the heck is he doing here?"

"You're surprised, right?" Eric asked, turning to me with a faint, knowing smile.

"Yeah... totally," I murmured, sinking into the nearest chair. My heart raced as I tried to process this chaotic scene.

"I know it's been a long time since we last spoke," he started, his tone gentle.

"So... what brings you here?" I asked, needing him to get straight to the point.

"I heard about what happened to you," he said softly.

"And?"

"I just... wanted to see how you're doing. I care about you."

I felt Stephen tense on the couch. He was mimicking Eric's words silently, and I caught the slight smirk.

"Stop it!" I snapped, more out of nerves than anger.

"Stop what?" Eric asked, tilting his head slightly.

"Uh... I mean... stop acting like you care. I know you don't." My voice was harsh, defensive.

"I do, Sharon. I just didn't know how to tell you my feelings before."

"That's a lie," I said sharply, my chest tightening.

"Sharon... I'm serious. I liked you back then, and I still do."

"No! Don't tell me that! You never did. You never once loved me!" My voice cracked, tears threatening to spill. Why now? Why was he saying this now, when my heart belonged to Stephen? It didn't make sense.

"Sharon," he said, reaching for me. I could feel his hands trying to soothe, but it only made my anger flare.

"Don't touch me! You hurt me! You loved Jane!" I pushed him away, my voice trembling with frustration and lingering pain.

"I know I did, and I'm sorry... but I realized it was you I truly love. It's always been you," he said, his eyes searching mine for an answer. His voice cracked slightly as he spoke the word love, and my heart jolted.

"You... love me?" I scoffed, shaking my head. The alcohol from earlier must be messing with my senses.

Stephen's tension was palpable. He wanted to jump out of his hiding spot, to confront the situation, but he paused, wanting to see how this would unfold.

"Yes, I do," Eric said, stepping closer. "Please... give me a chance. I heard about what happened between you and Stephen. Is it really true?" His gaze searched mine, intense and earnest.

I swallowed hard, my pulse racing. "...Yeah. It's true."

"Do you love him?" His voice softened, vulnerable now.

"Why do you care?" I asked sharply. It felt wrong that he had just appeared at my house and was questioning me like this.

"Because I love you, and he's no good for you," Eric said firmly. "He's a player. After he uses you, he'll just dump you."

I slapped him instinctively. The words stung more than I expected.

"I'm sorry! Don't—don't say things like that!" I cried, my hands shaking.

"I know you're hurt," he said softly, taking a careful step closer. "But I hope you think about it. I've been trying to reach you, but Bella wouldn't let me."

"Bella? Why would she do that?" I asked, confused.

"I don't know. When I saw you didn't come to school, I thought I should come here and talk to you."

"I... I don't know, Eric. I don't know," I admitted, my voice barely a whisper. I sank into the chair, overwhelmed.

"Give me a chance, Sharon," he pleaded, his eyes earnest and unwavering.

"I... I don't know what to say, Eric. I'm already in..." I trailed off, unsure how to finish the sentence.

"Already what?" He leaned closer, his eyes soft and pleading.

"It's... nothing," I said, moving slightly away, trying to put space between us.

"Talk to me, Sharon," he urged.

"Please... go. Just go," I whispered, shaking my head. I didn't want to revisit old feelings, not now.

"Sharon..."

"Go! Please! Just go!" My voice was stronger this time, desperate.

"Okay... I hope you think about it," he said softly before leaving.

I closed the door, my chest heaving as I sank back into the chair. My eyes immediately met Stephen's. He was sitting there, visibly seething with rage.

"Oh my gosh..." I muttered under my breath, feeling the chaos of emotions crashing over me.