My first crush (COMPLETED)√

Chapter 26: Stay with me Eric

I had nowhere else to go except Eric's place. He was my last option — the last person I could think of.

Standing outside his door, I hesitated before pressing the doorbell. Doubt crept in. Our last conversation hadn't ended well, and I wasn't sure how he would react to seeing me like this — unannounced, vulnerable, and desperate.

The door opened.

"Sharon?" His eyes widened in surprise. "What are you doing here this late?"

I swallowed my pride.
"Eric... please let me stay here for a while."

He didn't hesitate.
"No problem. Come in." He stepped aside, gesturing warmly.

Of all the places I could've gone, I ended up here — at Eric's house. The irony didn't escape me. Stephen had turned me away. I'd believed he loved me... and yet here I was.

"Make yourself comfortable," Eric said, leading me inside.

I gave a faint smile, but it didn't reach my eyes. My thoughts were still tangled in disappointment and hurt.

"Thanks... but what about your parents?" I asked, glancing around the quiet house.

"They're on a trip," he assured me. "You can stay as long as you want."

I nodded, though I had no intention of overstaying.
"Okay... so where will I sleep?"

"The guest room." He guided me down the hallway and opened the door.

"Thank you." I smiled softly.

I dropped my bag onto the bed, relief washing over me — until Eric gently grabbed my wrist.

"Sharon... tell me what happened." His voice was calm, concerned.

The dam broke.

"I left home," I said, my voice trembling. "I couldn't bear it anymore. My dad... he hates—"

The words dissolved into sobs.

Eric pulled me into a comforting embrace, his arms steady around me as I cried against his chest.

"I hate him," I whispered through tears. "They were never the parents I wanted."

"It's okay," he murmured, rubbing my back soothingly. "I'm here for you."

After a moment, I looked up at him, eyes still glassy.
"Thank you."

"For what?"

"For letting me stay."

He shrugged gently. "It's nothing. I'm sure Stephen would've let you stay. Wait... didn't he?"

I looked away.
"Long story."

He studied me for a second, then nodded.
"Alright. If you need anything, call me."

As he turned to leave, I reached for his hand — acting on impulse — and leaned forward to kiss him. It wasn't rushed or desperate, just soft, uncertain.

"Eric... I like you, but—"

"Please don't..." he interrupted quietly, stopping me before I could finish the sentence he didn't want to hear.

"Stay with me," I whispered instead. I didn't want to be alone. Not tonight.

He searched my face.
"You're sure?"

I nodded.

We lay down on the bed, the silence between us gentle rather than awkward. I rested my head against his chest, listening to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat.

"I just want one day with you," I murmured, "even if we're not together."

He sighed softly.
"You know... I wish this night never ends."

"Me too."

He placed a light kiss on my forehead, sending warmth through me. His presence was comforting — grounding. Wrapped in his warmth, the chaos of the day slowly faded, replaced by a fragile sense of peace.

We stayed there, close, letting the quiet night hold us.