Chapter Seven

LIAM BENJAMIN

After a long time of waiting and anticipation, when I will be able to approach and talk to the woman that I dreamed of, finally! I'm deeply grateful to Wendy. If it weren't for her, I might still dream of being close to Erie. I'm taking back what I said bad to her before, and I'm really going to treat her to an expensive restaurant because of helping me.

I secretly smiled because of the overflowing joy I'm feeling now. Finally... finally! I can approach her again, can talk to her, I can finally lay my hands on her freely, stare at her without hindering between us. It's just the two of us in this room, like before. Even just the two of us together was enough for us. We don't need anyone or anything, as long as we see and feel each other, we have nothing else to ask for...

"W-will you just stand there?"

I was a little taken aback, I look back at Erie's behavior and seemed to have been waiting for me to move. How can I make a move right away? I'm still over the moon now!

"You can sit so you know. Aren't you torpefied? You've been standing there since you came here." I can't describe if she was smiling.

Yeah, that sounds pretty crap to me, I feel my feet glued on the floor, that's why I can't do anything but to stand here. But, where will I sit? Next to her? Maybe she will slap me if I do that, maybe she will think that I'm feeling close? Although, we were really close then. Not only close, our intestines stick together. Whatever she feels is the same way for me. And I guess, we are destined to share our breathing with each other.

I want to sit right next to her, I want to see her face up close like I always do before. Even though I was hesitant to ask, I still asked her, "u-uh can... c-can I sit right b-beside you?"

Say yes, please, please, please... I cross my fingers as she opens her mouth and utter her answer.

"Y-yeah, s-sure."

I feel like I have lost all the weight that has been placed on me, and I am floating with joy. I could feel the trembling of my feet with excitement. I move my feet to move closer to her but she speaks again. "I'm s-stinky. I haven't taken a bath yet, it's embarrassing for you," she reasoned and pout her lips.

God, I haven't seen that in a long time, Erie. She's too adorable when she does that! I miss her pouting every time she was shy. Even though she didn't take a bath then, she hugged me, so it was okay with me. I'm used to her lovely smell.

"It's fine. I can take a bath with you--I-I mean, I'm not going to judge your smell."

Shit, Liam!

What am I saying? She might take back what she said and let me out of this room. I know, I'm just too happy in this situation but please, please calm your balls, self. This is not the right time to show her your perverted side again.

I hope she didn't hear what I said first, I hope not really because she might stay away from me even more. No, please!

"I-is it okay with you?"

I didn't notice my exhalation. Good, she didn't hear! It's perfect! Thank you to the saints listening to my prayers today! "Of course! It's fine with me," I hugely smiled at her. Though still embarrassed, she moved a little to give me space and sit next to her.

I wasted no more time and sat down next to Erie. Shit! Shit! Shit! It makes me feel very familiar now... This is how I felt the first time we met. I couldn't breathe, my chest was pounding, and I was feeling very nervous.

Even though high-voltage twitter was creeping through my system, I still looked at her... And our eyes met exactly when I turned my gaze to her. I don't know, but this is really familiar. The first time our eyes met... and in just look of hers, I feel thrilled, and I can't make just a single move.

"You know, staring is really your hobby?" her laugh was soft, like classic music coming from a vintage phonograph.

Here I am again and stunned by her stares. There was never really a chance that I wasn't obsessed with her chinita-gray eyes. What charm did this woman do to me and that's how she hit me?

She stopped laughing because I wasn't moving. "A-are you alright? Hey..." She asked as she waved her right hand over my face. But I'm still here, and I can't answer, I've been stoned forever because I'm amused by her beauty again.

"So beautiful..."

"Huh? B-beautiful?"

Huh? Beautiful? Put yourself together, Liam! There's no room for praising her lovely face now! Remember your reason for coming here. Don't waste Wendy's effort to get Martin out of here. Don't waste time, either! Jeez, what am I going to excuse for what I said? Shit Liam, think of your excuse!

"Uh, this bed looks nice. I-it's... Too comfy! Can you feel it?"

Really, Liam?! There are so many things here in her room, is that her bed that I really saw? I almost crouched to control my nervousness, just don't let her notice my stupidity.

She nodded while frowning, then she looked away from me. "O-okay." She didn't seem to believe my excuse. I was considered a smart guy at school, but when it comes to thinking of excuses I am so stupid!

We never met our gazes again after that. She seemed awkward at what I said. No, she doesn't want to talk to me anymore! I'm so stupid! What will I do? Maybe she won't mind me if I initiate a conversation? Maybe she will let me out of here. What will I do to my plan now?

"Ahm, why didn't you come with Wendy?" Erie was the one who broke the silence between us. It was as if I had lost my grip when I heard her voice. She still talked to me!

I'm scratching my cheek because here I am again, I need to think about what alibi might I say? I can't say that, "because I want to take Martin out of your life, so we can be together again". She might be mad at me because she knows Martin is, well... Her most beloved man.

"T-they can handle it. They're adults," that's all I could say. "Besides, no one will watch over you here if I go with them, too."

"Is that so?"

"Yeah... That's.. right."

Silence prevailed again between us. Why does it seem so awkward here now? Does she feel awkward in my presence? Doesn't she want me here, that's why she asked that? Does she prefer Martin to be with her instead of me?

"You really want to take care of me?"

I stopped overthinking because of her question and I looked at her. She's still looking at the other direction of this room.

"Hm, yes," I said.

I saw her smile, but just a weak smile. Why? Doesn't she want me to take care of her? Does she prefer Martin to take care of her?

"Why?" She asked while still not looking on me.

"Because you're my... Best friend." And not just best friend. You are the person that I want to live with. My best half. You're the matter who fulfills the space of my heart, a missing piece to my neglected soul.

Her head slowly turn on my direction and there is a slight astonishment on her face. "Wendy said that too but," she was stunned for a moment and seemed to be worried, "Martin said... h-he's just been my best friend."

Martin is her best friend? That asshole ?! How did she become the best friend of that boy stealer? They only met four months ago! That idiot seems to be reversing what happened before. I will not allow him to destroy everything forever. I'm the real best friend of Erie, just me.

Even though I was starting to get fumed because of what she said, I calmed myself down and smiled at her. "It's true what Wendy said. We're best friends, and we're not just best friends."

She looks surprised even more by my answer, she stared at me for a moment and a smile flashed on her lips. "Really? Are you saying that w-we have met before? I've known you for a long time? H-how? How did we become best friends?" She asked incredulously.

This is it. This is the time for her to know who I really am in her life, this is the time for me to get back what is mine. I will do everything to make Erie remember me. I'll never let go of her again this time. I'll put aside my plans for her birthday first, that can wait.

I give her a beautiful warm smile and said, "do you want to hear a story?"

-AndyThoughts-