Wild (Cherik Book One)

The Good Side

"I got the Good Side of things...

My finger's danced,

then swayed in the breeze."

______________ERIK_____________

At first glance Jaybirds Diner was nothing special. Just another old twenty four hour in a run down town with authentic vintage décor. Something worthy of a photograph, but nothing extending that. But, to the locals? It was the only real place that held any interest. Sloan and Fred Marsh had inherited it from their parents continuing a tradition that went farther back than anyone was certain of. But, what everyone was certain of was the way it seemed to add some light to the dull town. The Marsh's seemed to be the only adults in town willing to let teenagers gather and celebrate. Small pieces of evidence made that clear. An old Peaches poster with a picture of Marina and Angel. A wall decorated ceiling to floor with polaroid's of customers long forgotten and teenagers lost to adulthood. Family portraits of the owners, it was a second home to the lost youth of the decaying town. A beacon of hope in the war at home.

Sloan and Fred have become accustomed to the drag of a particular teens shoes against the laminate flooring, oftentimes followed by lighter pitter patter from his dearest friend. But, today was different. That familiar scuff was followed by a new sound.  A pair of feet that didn't belong to Charles Xavier.

"Erik! It's been awhile sweetie," Sloan pokes her head out in curiosity causing Erik to smile. Her graying brown waves fall long and smooth down her back. Small tendrils falling in her face as she smiles. Erik always enjoyed her company. Her stories of times Erik could only experience through music were extraordinary. Her life was like a super cut of dreams before she took over Jaybirds.

"I know, sorry about that, a lot happened with the band and...stuff," Erik offered a crooked smile as she embraced him. She always smelled like sugar and lavender, even though she's in a diner all day.

"Who's this lovely lady?" Sloan motioned to Emma and Erik nearly forgot she was there.

"Oh! Sorry, yeah this is Emma she just moved here. She's getting her official tour today. Emma this is Miss Sloan Marsh she owns Jaybirds with her brother Freddie." Emma went to shake her hand but received a wholesome hug instead.

"We hug around here girl," Sloan giggled and let Emma go.

"So, where's Charles?" Fred walked up from the kitchen wiping his calloused hands on a stained cloth. He had a quirked brow and questioning look. Erik tried not to let his stomach lurch at the name as a smile crept up.

"He's at his house with Raven. He's sick," Erik lies swiftly and with very little conviction. Sloan knew he was lying but also knew that he was sparing details for a reason.

"Well, tell him we hope to see him soon. You two go find a seat now and Emma, don't let this one get you into too much trouble," Sloan teased.

"A little trouble isn't so bad," Emma nudged Erik playfully and a light shade of pink spread up Erik's neck in response. He liked that feeling. It felt like a stolen summer breeze on his chilled skin...he could get used to it.

Erik guided Emma to the booth he always sat in by the window. He was sure to stay ahead of her to avoid her realizing his rosiness. As they sat down there was a feeling of calm in Erik but also this sudden excitement. Emma studied the menu with critical eyes. She really was quite pretty, very mysterious in personality but wore her emotions on her sleeve.

"If it isn't my favorite little skater boy," Carmen walked up with a notepad and pen. Carmen was a girl a couple years older than Erik. She had jet black hair that stopped just above her shoulders and was almost always pinned back. Her dark eyes and speckled face had made her popular with the guys in high school but Erik never saw her that way. She was pretty, sure, but to him she was always the girl hanging around the skatepark. Sometimes skateboarding but most of the time she was just hanging with the guys. Her nature comes off a bit flirtatious but she's harmless and exceptionally kind.