Wild (Cherik Book One)

Way Home

"I am tired of this place, I hope people change."

_______________Erik_________________

        In order to get Erik's mind off whatever madness awaited him after Raven and Charlie talked, Emma had suggested several things. The couple had made a short list, mostly through the efforts of Emma, to decide from. Erik knew Emma had quickly noticed his anxious change in mood and had concluded that it had almost everything to do with Charlie. Emma didn't dare touch on the subject, not having known either boy long enough to interfere. Well, that and whenever she suggested they just drive over, Erik sputtered out a string of excuses that left her reeling. He felt bad being in a constant frail state of mind with Emma. But, he also knew that him worrying was justified and him being practically banned from the Xavier household was nothing short of precaution. Because Jack was there and as long as Erik was around, Charlie was in danger. So they had decided to keep their distance, save the occasional phone call. And even those were becoming more scarce. And this distance is proving harder than anything Erik had ever done.

    Erik stared at his phone for any notification from Raven. Any S.O.S or signal that things were going alright. He wanted to be optimistic but there was a piercing pain in his mind that just knew that it wasn't going to go well. Both because of how quickly the siblings can explode when provoked and because Charles had barely provided information on anything. Not that Erik could really blame him.

"Staring at it won't make her text back any faster," Emma commented as they sat on the curb of the gas station sidewalk. Erik huffed and pocketed his phone reluctantly, making sure the ring was on before doing so.

"Sorry, it's just a lot. Charlie does so much for everyone all the time and it's like if we can't all manage to take care of him what kind of friends are we?" Erik watched the summer sun cast shadows on the concrete as his thoughts swarmed with toxic thoughts. Thoughts telling him he isn't trying hard enough, he isn't doing enough, he is—

Emma cut off his thoughts with a kiss. The touch was enough to be a lifeline as he wondered back to earth.

"There he is," Emma teased and Erik blushed despite himself.

"Sorry," Erik apologized and Emma shook her head.

"Don't apologize, you're worried about your best friend. But, I know from experience that a watched pot never boils so...let's go do something," Emma pulled her phone out with purpose. Erik watched her fingers swipe on her screen before he decided something.

"The skatepark, I'll take you to the skatepark...if you want," Erik added at the end rather timidly. His stomach lurched as Emma smiled. There was a spark behind her eyes that made Erik's cheeks heat up.

"Yeah, totally," Emma stood up and extended her hand. The way the sun hit behind her head made it almost seem like a halo. The breeze brushing through her hair as she smiled softly. There was a cinematic value in the moment that beckoned Erik to just run towards her. Erik grabbed her hand and almost immediately he ran with it. She let out a small yelp of surprise before it quickly turned into a fit of laughter and tumbling footsteps.

"I assume you know where you're going?" Emma called as Erik rushed them down back alleyways and shortcuts previously known to only himself and Charlie. It felt strange bringing Emma this way, like he was violating some secret law but Erik tried not to think too deep into that. He's afraid if he does he might crumble back into a puddle of worry.

    Erik came to a halt as he emerged from the shadows with Emma. They both fought to bring air into their lungs as they observed what was happening around them. It was a familiar sight to Erik but it felt different. Like something was missing.