Hormones and Lies

III

Michael

Eric hesitantly responded to the hug. His arms snaked around my waist which made goosebumps appear on my skin. My heart was thumping wildly and I was aggressively trying to calm it down.

"Stop squirming." Eric said quietly.

Blushing slightly, I did as I was told. My stubborn heart continued to race, making my face heat up. I was positive Eric could hear the continuous thump thump thump thump. When Eric raised his head, our eyes connected and I smiled. Using the hand that was stroking his head, I brushed his fringe away from his face. Beautiful... I closed my eyes and leant down to rest my chin atop Eric's head. I could feel Eric's small, soft hands resting on my hips, sliding up my shirt. Goosebumps scattered across my skin as his fingers traced invisible patterns on my hip bones. A strange feeling was worming its way into my stomach and my pants felt oddly tight. It took a second for me to realise, but when I did, I hurriedly pushed Eric away from me.

"Michael-,"

"I'm sorry Eric. I just uh, started to feel awkward..?"

I slapped my forehead.

"That's not what it felt like."

It almost came out as an inaudible whisper. But I heard every word that passed through Eric's plump lips. What is wrong with me?! I sunk down against the concrete wall of the science building, holding my face in my hands.

"Michael?"

Eric was kneeling between my legs, tugging my wrists. I finally let him remove my hands, but before I could speak, his soft, ruby lips were pressed against mine. My eyes drifted closed on instinct, my hands gripping Eric's hips and lifting him onto my lap. When Eric was straddling me, he deepened the kiss. I swiped my tongue across Eric's bottom lip and as he moaned, I slipped my tongue into his mouth. Eric grinded down on me, making me groan and grip his hips tighter.

"Michael," Eric moaned breathlessly.

Then reality snapped back to me like a rubber band. I pushed Eric gently away, so that he sat on the concrete in front of me. He looked about as guilty and ashamed as I felt. I touched his hand but he pulled it away, using it to cover his face.

"Eric," I say softly, grabbing his wrist. "Please don't be upset."

"But I-I j-just-"

"Sh, sh, sh, stop right there. I enjoyed every minute of...that." I say gesturing to both of us.

Eric giggled and wiped away tears that had escaped his eyes. I pulled him in by the neck and placed a gentle peck on his lips. As I pulled away, the shrill sound of the third period bell echoed through my ears. I lifted my bag, throwing it over my shoulder before helping Eric up. As I headed toward the gym, I glanced over my shoulder and smiled when I saw Eric was tagging along. He looked up at me with big blue eyes and a smile that melted my heart.

Perhaps today won't be so bad after all.

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"Mom, I'm home!!"

"Why do you say it like that?"

"What? 'Mom'?"

"Yeah."

"Uh, I'm not sure."

Eric and I dumped our bags by the lounge room and headed into the kitchen. Gabrielle was sitting at the table, tapping a pencil against her book the the beat of the song she was listening to. She looked up and waved, slightly hesitating when she saw Eric but waving none the less. Eric was by the counter, grabbing cups; I'd told him I'd make him my delicious chocolate latte. I came up behind Eric and leant down to his ear.

"Wanna go up to my room?"

He turned to me, his face on fire. I smirked; I loved having this affect on him. But as I looked down, I realised he had an affect on me too. We abandoned the coffee and were about five stairs away from the landing, when my mother entered the house. With Joshua.

"Eric! So nice to see you dear! How have you been?"

"Good actually."

Eric descended the stairs and continued to chat with my mother. I jogged down the stairs and collected our bags. I'd made it up at least three steps before Eric finally spoke to me.

"Oh, Michael, I was thinking of heading home. My mother must be wondering where I am."

I tossed Eric his bag and continued up the stairs.

"Goodbye then?"

"Whatever."

Eric could act all chummy with my mom as much as he liked. No matter how much he affected me, no matter how we kissed, I didn't care. Besides, he was the new boy in town.

They never lasted long.

I tossed and turned that night. I hadn't eaten dinner; a regular occurrence for me. Empty stomach and a full head; the worst thing to happen before bed. I'd tried to distract myself but I couldn't. I kept replaying the day in my head, as if it were a broken record. I sighed as I flopped onto my back, lacing my fingers over my stomach. I lifted a hand to my lips, tracing their outline.

I swiped my tongue across Eric's bottom lip and as he moaned, I slipped my tongue into his mouth.

I shook my head and turned over so that I was facing the wall. My stubborn ass heart was racing again, smashing against my ribcage. I wanted to smash right back and tell it to shut up. A sigh left my lips as my door creaked open.

"Michael?"

"Gabby?"

"Uh, yeah."

"Flick the light on and shut the door."

Gabrielle did as asked and walked over to sit on my bed.

"What's up Grub?"

"I... I had a bad dream."

"Aw, Grub. Its ok, come here."

I tugged Gabrielle to my side, hugging her to calm her down. Ever since she was little, Gabby would have night terrors almost every night. That's why she stays up until dawn most nights. But on the odd night she does have a nightmare, she comes to me. Mom says she's too old for night terrors and refuses to take her to a doctor for sleeping pills. I comfort Gabrielle; heck, I do everything for Gabrielle. Her and I are best friends because let's face it: who else do we have? We've been as thick as thieves from the moment she could talk. Mom is a selfish cow who doesn't pay attention to anyone else but herself and Joshua. Joshua. The favourite. I shook my head, clearing my mind before I said or did something is regret.

"How you feeling Gab?"

"Better. Can I ask you something?"

"Sure."

"What's with you and Eric?"