Paper Lanterns

Chapter 22 Φ

Chapter 22 Φ

Eric was Mr. Steve, the one who had sent her those letters. He was the same person she had confided with for years. Anna trusted him with her life worth of secrets, dreams, and even her wishful thinking.

And yet, when they'd first met, Eric had denied knowing her. When she came to New Waulds City to find the return address of the letters and had coincidentally met him again, Eric had also denied any form of connection with the man she desperately wanted to see.

It wasn't only absurd, but it was one selfish decision he had made. Eric had kept Mr. Steve from her for the sake of his mother, who was now residing in a nursing home, and he also kept Anna close for his own.

He couldn't help it, not when she was finally here. There was something about her that made Eric want to keep her by his side. He liked her to the point that it was the only thing he knew.

For after knowing her, Eric started to look forward to each day. That indescribable want for a certain hour to never pass, Eric finally knew what it was all about whenever she was near.

And right now, he couldn't have been more aware of the fact that tomorrow might never really come. As the clock ticked on, Eric took in every second—everything that would remind him of the last time that he would see her. For in a while, Eric knew that she would be gone. It was driving him mad that he was about to lose her and there was nothing he could do to change it.

"Tell me you're joking," Anna uttered with disdain, forcing back the tears. "I might even laugh."

"Anna..." he said her name, completely helpless.

"I can't believe that you are really..." she paused, falling weak in the knees. Eric held her shoulders to help her regain back balance, but she winced with his slightest touch.

"Sorry," Eric hurriedly apologized, letting go.

"Why?" Anna asked him, her breathing turning shallow.

"Anna, look at me." Eric gently turned her around so that she would be facing him.

"No." She apprehensively shook her head, forcefully closing her eyes, like she was shutting everything out. This had torn his heart to pieces even more.

"Please," he asked her.

"Why did you have to do that to me?" She finally lifted her head to face him.

"I'm sorry, Anna." Eric pulled her into his arms, wrapping her in a tight embrace. At first, she struggled and yanked him away.

"You have played me for a fool," Anna accused him, as she continued struggling in his arms. Eric let her hurt him without letting her go. After a minute, she calmed down, and he heard her soft cries instead. It was the most painful thing in the world—hearing her cries again. Her sobs became quiet, as if she was holding it all in. But then as she trembled and caught her breath, they'd found their way out. And when they did, she couldn't stop them.

"I'm sorry," Eric kept on whispering the words in her ear.

"Why did you..." she continued, gasping for air. "All this time... you've been lying... to me."

"I'm sorry," he apologized once more.

"Did you like it?" she asked. Eric shook his head firmly, still holding her in his arms. Anna kept on asking, "So did I put on a great show? Did I act well on being clueless?"

"It was all my fault. I'm so sorry for making you go through all this, Anna," Eric answered instead.

"And Natalie? Aunt Coral? They all went along with your plans?"