Lovesick

12

A knock was heard before someone entered the room.

"Eric?" A gruff voice called out. The figure on the bed didn't respond, but it was obvious he was awake.

The man shook his head. "Eric, please. Do you think she'd want you to do this to yourself?"

"Don't talk as though you ever cared about her. Or me for that matter." Eric finally spoke. The man, his father let out a sigh in relief. "You must be delighted now that she's gone."

"Not like this Eric. Don't make me a monster. I never wanted this for anyone, least of all you."

"Where's mom?" He coughed. It has almost been a week since the accident and it's been awhile since he spoke.

His father's reaction wasn't even comforting. He could still feel the pain throughout his body.

It wasn't like the pain searing through his heart.

He couldn't believe that she was gone. It just wasn't possible.

After all, there was no body found.
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Eric remembered his family. Usually he had fond memories of his youth, but when it came to love....

....he'd rather have no memories of it.

It's not that he had no good relationships. Rather, his parents were very loving and he could see others be envious of his parents' love.

But....there were times, times he could vividly recall, when his father would have too much to drink and his mother would be screaming her anger out.

Him being the scapegoat.

It's funny how no matter what, you tend to always remember just those rare terrible moments in your life.

Why is this coming up now?

Oh right. He had been drinking last night....a lot. And now he has a major hangover but that blasted alarm just won't turn off.

Huh. The sound finally stopped. Slowly he opened his eyes and groaned. He dropped the alarm down. Why does he bother with these?

Oh right, mobiles break easily when shoved down. Well, there goes his money...to buy alarm clocks. Jeez.

What would his mother say? Okay, let's not go there. It would make things worse.

After all, the one time he needed her the most was the time she was not there.

She wasn't around during that accident. It was his alcoholic dad who actually came through and helped.

It's also time he listened to himself and stopped dwelling in the past and get a move on. He had a class to teach.

Wait.

HE HAD A CLASS TO TEACH!

The very thought made him spring to life and rush to the shower, adrenaline making him forget or get over his headache.

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"Oh hey Eric."

"Not now Olivia. I got to go to work."

"I just said hey. But alright Good morning!" Eric smiled sheepishly at that.

"Good morning to you too. And good bye." He responded as he locked his door and started to walk.

Olivia huffed at that, but did return him a smile and whistled as she went back inside her place.

Now Eric had a problem. He's like a cat and you know what they say about a cat. Curiosity killed it. And now he was curious why Olivia had come by, so he ended up ringing her doorbell. Damn his curious nature but he couldn't ignore it now.

"I swear if it's the newspa- Oh! Eric!"

"Yes me. Spill. What you wanted?"

Oliver frowned as though he was wasting her time but she replied, "Actually, just wanted to know if you were free, I mean less busy than usual this week? Nothing important really."

Eric raised an eyebrow at that. "Really? Why?"

"I felt like we got off the wrong foot. I mean so far all I've been doing is messing up your routine. First that awkward first meeting and then the broken roof and now....this."

"They say that third time's the lucky one."

"Huh?"

"Means you're lucky you haven't struck out yet. Tomorrow evening I think I'll be sort of free. Got anything in mind?"

At that Olivia go flashed him a relieved smile, her eyes shining with mirth, "Of course! Wear something casual. And make sure to bring along your appetite."

"That won't be a problem." Eric grinned.