Chapter 9 (Andrew’s POV)
What is happening to me? Why does everything go wrong in my life just when it is going right? Jessica sprang me with the biggest news a guy could ever get in his life and Erica doesn’t even want to talk to me anymore. 12 hours really does change someone’s life. I’ve gone from the happiest person to the most depressed person in a span of a day. I needed to talk to the gents and pick up my mom from the airport. Jessica was staying with me and I haven’t been able to get away from her. She picked up the phone when Erica called a few minutes ago and now Erica won’t talk to me. When Jessica finally fell asleep, I called the guys. I knew they were all together because we were supposed to be having a rehearsal in 15 minutes.
“Hello,” It was Jason. He must have Alex’s phone.
“Where’s Alex?” I asked.
“He’s getting some water? Why aren’t you here yet man?” Jason asked suspiciously. “You are supposed to be here already.”
“Something came up and I need to talk to you. Is everyone there now?”
“Yeah, we’re here. What’s up man?” Mike responded. Jason must have put me on speaker phone already.
“So what happened last night, dude?” Alex asked. “Lindsay when out and said goodbye to you and then you and Erica disappeared.”
“We were talking the whole time. It was amazing. She is the perfect girl, but I’ve screwed it up.”
“Already?! How did you do that, it’s only been a little over 12 hours. Did Jessica come back in your life or something?” Mike asked jokingly.
“Uhhh…” It was the only way I could respond. He meant it as a joke, but it was true. She was back in my life. I didn’t like it but I guess I had to deal with it.
“WHAT?” They all screamed simultaneously.
“How the hell” “What happened” “WHAT?” Alex, Jason, and Mike were all speaking at the same time.
“SHUT UP!” I screamed into the phone. That seemed to make them be quiet. “She’s pregnant.”
“How can she be pregnant, we never cross that line man. That’s part of our Gentleman’s code.” Jason responded matter-of-factly.
“Do I really have to go through all of this now?”
“You bet you do, explain yourself.”
“Ugh, okay. I know you guys didn’t like Jessica,” a huge no crap came from the other end, Michael most likely. “but I had fallen in love with her. Right before she left me, we had one night together. I didn’t think anything of it because I used protection, but I guess it didn’t work.”
“How do you know you’re the father? Everyone but you thought she was a whore.” Alex said.
“I don’t know right now, but I believe her that she hasn’t been with anyone else except me.” I was getting angry. “If you aren’t going to be here to support me through this then fine, I’ll be on my way and you can find a new bassist. Go call Garbowsky or something he said he wanted to be in a band.” I didn’t mean to say that but that’s how I felt. If they couldn’t support me even though they didn’t like Jessica, I didn’t want them in my life anymore. I thought we were all best friends.
“Dude, we’re sorry if it came off that we aren’t going to be there for you. We’re your best friends. We wouldn’t be anywhere but by your side during all of this.” Jason responded slowly. I could tell that he was trying to make sure his words came out right. I needed to tell them about my mom coming back into town as well.
“Thanks. I have other interesting news as well. My mom is coming home tonight. I actually need to leave and go pick her up from La Guardia. She called me the other day and told me that she wanted to come home and sober up. So with Jessica, my mom, and the crap going down with Erica, I need you guys here if I fall apart.”
“We’ll be here Andrew.” They said that simultaneously and the load that was on my shoulder felt like it was lifted off.
“Alright, well I am going to go. I NEED to get a hold of Erica and explain things to her.”
“Good luck man, don’t worry about rehearsal today. We’ll fill you in with what you miss.”
“Thanks guys, I love you all.” I didn’t want to be so sentimental, but they really are my family and I don’t know what I’d do without those guys.
“Love you too man, see ya tomorrow.” I hang up the phone and try and call Erica. I just want her to pick up the phone. I need to explain to her everything that happened. The phone rings and she finally picks up.
“Hello,” she said. Her voice sounded like she had been crying for a long time. I feel horrible. I hope I can make things up to her. I need to tell her about Jessica.
“Hey, how are you?” I responded. I spoke slowly trying to not get her upset.
“Why are you calling me? I don’t want to talk to you anymore.” She said. I thought she was going to hang up the phone.
“Please don’t hang up, I really need to talk to you about some stuff.” I begged, almost pleaded from Erica.
“Okay, 5 minutes, what do you want?” I could tell she was crying because I heard the sniffling coming from her end of the phone.
“I need to tell you who Jessica is. I couldn’t tell you earlier but I need to explain myself now.”
“Okay, go ahead.” I could tell she was going to listen so I took a deep breath and went into explaining how Jessica and I had dated a few months back and the night before she abandoned me we slept with each other. I hadn’t seen her until last night when she was on my doorstep. She was pregnant and I was pretty sure it was mine. Silence was on the other end.
“Erica, are you there?”
“I don’t know what to say to you.” She huffed into the phone.
“I’m sorry. I am going to be there because I’m the father, but you are the one I want, not her. I want to be with you.”
“I don’t think that can happen anymore. “
“Why not?”
“Well…. Something just happened to me.”
“What? Are you okay? Are you moving?”
“Well, I was angry with you and had a guy I just met come over. And well, he sort of attacked me and took advantage of me. It was a Landon repeat.” She sighed loudly and I could hear her breaking down. She was crying very hard, but trying to cover it up.
“WHAT?” I was angry. Infuriated was probably the better word for what I was feeling at the moment. “What is his name? I am going to kick his ass. He deserves hell.”
“It is nothing now Andrew. Just leave it alone.”
“You aren’t going to report him. ERICA. You were just effing raped and you aren’t going to report him for it. Come on Erica, protect yourself. What if he comes back into your life somehow?” I was worried for her. I wish she would tell me his name. I wanted to kill the guy.
“I can’t. Not right now, please understand. I just need some time to myself.”
“Fine, okay. I am coming over to your house tomorrow morning. I have some things I need to take care of tonight. I never told you, but my mom is coming back into town.”
“Oh no, Andrew. I am so sorry. Are you going to be okay?”
“I’m fine, you should be worrying for yourself not me. I have to go. I will call you tomorrow about more details.”
“Alright bye.” I hang up and run to get to the subway. I needed to meet up with my mom in 30 minutes. I knew this was going to be interesting. It has been 7 years and I honestly can’t remember what exactly she looks like. She was a wreck when she abandoned me. Knots began to form in my stomach. I wasn’t ready for this. I felt like I was going to barf and throw chunks everywhere. I get to the subway and see an older lady sitting on the steps. She seemed to look like my mom. I walked up behind her.
“Mom?” I asked hesitantly
“Andrew..” She looked like she had been crying. She grabbed me and pulled into a hug. “I can’t believe it’s been 7 years.”
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Chapter 8
Chapter 8 (Erica’s POV)
I did not get home until about 2 in the morning. I could not stop smiling. I had one of the best nights of my life. Andrew’s band Honor Society were wonderful. I really enjoyed their music. After the show is what made the night. Andrew and I talked for hours and we kissed. I ended up telling him about Landon and everything that happened, but he took it really well. He is wonderful. I will always be worried that something bad will happen between us, but right now I’m just going to keep on smiling and think about our kiss. I have never had one like that. It sent fireworks through my body. I ended up falling asleep with a smile on my face.
I woke up around 1pm and called Sarah right away. It was 11 in Albuquerque and I hope she was awake.
“Hello,” a groggy voice said.
“Oh my gosh! Sarah I’m so sorry, I figured you would be awake by now.”
“No it’s okay, I need to wake up anyways, what’s up?” I needed to tell her about Andrew and everything and I figured a phone call would be better than an IM conversation.
“Well, Last night I went out with Andrew.”
“What? Seriously. Details now!” You could tell that woke her up.
“Well, he invited me to see his band at a local pizza place. I ended up bringing my friend Lindsay from school. Their show was really good and afterwards Andrew and I ended up talking for hours.”
“That’s awesome, did he kiss you?” Of course, she thinks about me kissing him. That’s always the first thing on her mind!
“Well yes he did. It was wonderful. I can’t even begin to describe how I felt afterwards.”
“Awwww. Wait, have you told him about what happened with Landon?” Her excitement dropped drastically when she asked the question.
“Yes I did. It was hard for me to get through, but he seemed to handle it very well. He comforted me and said he wouldn’t judge me because of what happened in my past. “
“See, I told you once you find someone who is perfect for you, he wouldn’t care about it.”
“Yeah I know. He is wonderful Sarah. I barely know him, and I’m falling for him. I love this feeling.”
“Good! Well I am sorry to cut this short, but I need to get ready for the day. I love you girl and keep me updated on you two.”
“I will, don’t worry!”
Sarah and I hang up and I begin to get ready for the day. I need to go out and find a job because I am lacking in the money department. About an hour later, I take the subway and end up in Times Square. This is my first time walking around New York since I’ve moved here. The hustle and bustle of the city is amazing. My mom is supposed to be on Broadway for rehearsals. She ended up getting a spot in the show Curtains. She’s just an understudy and part of the basic cast, but it is something. I’m proud of her for it, even if she did make me move. I see a NOW HIRING sign in the Abercrombie and Fitch store in NYC. I walk in and talk to the manager. I get an application, fill it out there, and turn it in. He ended up doing an interview there and said he’d call me in a few hours after he talks to my references. I decided to walk around the city a little more. I see Nokia Theatre and wonder if Honor Society will perform there. That’d be pretty amazing. I was getting a little bored, so I decided to call Andrew.
“Hello.” It was Andrew who picked up the phone; it was another lady’s voice. My heart starts pumping and I try to figure out who could pick up the phone. Andrew told me that his mom doesn’t live with him and his grandmother is never around anymore.
“Uh.. who is this?”
“I’m Jessica.” Jessica, who is Jessica? I started to get infuriated. It hasn’t even been 24 hours and he is already with another girl. I couldn’t believe it. I thought we had something special last night. I guess not. I hear Andrew in the background.
“Jess, who is that?”
“I don’t know, some girl.”
“Jess, give me that phone, NOW!” I hear him yell.
“Okay, Okay, sorry I was just trying to be helpful.
“Don’t ever do that again. Hello, Erica. Are you there?”
“Andrew, who was that?”
“No one, just someone I know. I’m sorry what’s up?”
“I tell you all about Landon and you can’t tell me who that girl is and why the hell is she picking up her phone.” I started to get mad at him.
“Erica, it’s a complicated situation, I can’t talk about it right now.”
“YOU CAN’T TALK ABOUT IT RIGHT NOW. I TELL YOU HOW A JERK RUINED MY LIFE AND YOU CAN’T TALK ABOUT SOMETHING SMALL. SCREW YOU.” I hung up the phone. In 12 hours, I went from the happiest girl alive to crushed. My phone went off again. I looked down at it. It was Andrew. I didn’t want to talk to him, so I ignored the call. Throughout the rest of the day, he kept on calling but I didn’t want to talk to him. I finally got a call from the manager.
“Hello”
“Hello Erica, this is Ned from Abercrombie and Fitch. I would like to offer you a position at A&F. You can start tomorrow. Are you still in the city?”
“Yes, Yes I am definitely. I am actually only a few blocks from the store. Do you want me to stop by?”
“Yes, please. I need to get you to sign some forms. I look forward to seeing you again and Congratulations.”
“Thank you so much.” We hang up the phone and I head towards the store. Everything that needed to be done there took about 3 hours. Afterwards, I head back to the subway. Ned ended up giving me his personal number and I gave him mine. He was pretty cute. I started thinking about cute, then starting thinking about Andrew. Even if he was being a jackass, I couldn’t get him out of my mind. He just seemed to implant himself on my brain. I shook my head trying to get him out of it and decided to text Ned.
Hey.
Hey. What’s up? He responded.
I was just thinking about you. What are you up to tonight?
Nothing. I get off work at 7. I’d love to spend some time with you and get to know you. Where do you live?
I’m actually from Queens.
Oh.. Well I could come and hang out at your house.
That’d be amazing. My mom isn’t home since she has a show tonight.
Cool. I can probably be there by 8. Is that okay?
That’s perfect.
Well, I hope Andrew calls me while Ned is at my house tonight. I’ll pick up the phone and let him see that I’ve moved on too. I get back to the apartment and start cleaning up. Ned calls and asks for directions. I give them to him and wait for him to get here. He finally shows up.
(Ned’s POV)
When I saw Erica walk into the store today, I knew I was going to hire her. She is gorgeous. I didn’t think I’d find a girl so attractive right away, but I did. After her training and orientation today, I gave her my personal number. I wanted to hang out with her more. She texted me and now we’re hanging out. I can’t wait. I showed up around 8:15. She looked amazing. I couldn’t help myself. I kissed her. She kissed back at first, but then started to pull away. I didn’t want to stop so I held on to her tighter. I started to push her back towards her couch. I heard her moaning. Maybe she liked it more than she put on. I stopped kissing her for a moment.
“Ned, Stop. Get off me.”
“I thought you liked it beautiful.”
“Get Off me NOW.”
“Oh come on, this is fine.”
I pushed further and ended up winning the wrestle.
I did not get home until about 2 in the morning. I could not stop smiling. I had one of the best nights of my life. Andrew’s band Honor Society were wonderful. I really enjoyed their music. After the show is what made the night. Andrew and I talked for hours and we kissed. I ended up telling him about Landon and everything that happened, but he took it really well. He is wonderful. I will always be worried that something bad will happen between us, but right now I’m just going to keep on smiling and think about our kiss. I have never had one like that. It sent fireworks through my body. I ended up falling asleep with a smile on my face.
I woke up around 1pm and called Sarah right away. It was 11 in Albuquerque and I hope she was awake.
“Hello,” a groggy voice said.
“Oh my gosh! Sarah I’m so sorry, I figured you would be awake by now.”
“No it’s okay, I need to wake up anyways, what’s up?” I needed to tell her about Andrew and everything and I figured a phone call would be better than an IM conversation.
“Well, Last night I went out with Andrew.”
“What? Seriously. Details now!” You could tell that woke her up.
“Well, he invited me to see his band at a local pizza place. I ended up bringing my friend Lindsay from school. Their show was really good and afterwards Andrew and I ended up talking for hours.”
“That’s awesome, did he kiss you?” Of course, she thinks about me kissing him. That’s always the first thing on her mind!
“Well yes he did. It was wonderful. I can’t even begin to describe how I felt afterwards.”
“Awwww. Wait, have you told him about what happened with Landon?” Her excitement dropped drastically when she asked the question.
“Yes I did. It was hard for me to get through, but he seemed to handle it very well. He comforted me and said he wouldn’t judge me because of what happened in my past. “
“See, I told you once you find someone who is perfect for you, he wouldn’t care about it.”
“Yeah I know. He is wonderful Sarah. I barely know him, and I’m falling for him. I love this feeling.”
“Good! Well I am sorry to cut this short, but I need to get ready for the day. I love you girl and keep me updated on you two.”
“I will, don’t worry!”
Sarah and I hang up and I begin to get ready for the day. I need to go out and find a job because I am lacking in the money department. About an hour later, I take the subway and end up in Times Square. This is my first time walking around New York since I’ve moved here. The hustle and bustle of the city is amazing. My mom is supposed to be on Broadway for rehearsals. She ended up getting a spot in the show Curtains. She’s just an understudy and part of the basic cast, but it is something. I’m proud of her for it, even if she did make me move. I see a NOW HIRING sign in the Abercrombie and Fitch store in NYC. I walk in and talk to the manager. I get an application, fill it out there, and turn it in. He ended up doing an interview there and said he’d call me in a few hours after he talks to my references. I decided to walk around the city a little more. I see Nokia Theatre and wonder if Honor Society will perform there. That’d be pretty amazing. I was getting a little bored, so I decided to call Andrew.
“Hello.” It was Andrew who picked up the phone; it was another lady’s voice. My heart starts pumping and I try to figure out who could pick up the phone. Andrew told me that his mom doesn’t live with him and his grandmother is never around anymore.
“Uh.. who is this?”
“I’m Jessica.” Jessica, who is Jessica? I started to get infuriated. It hasn’t even been 24 hours and he is already with another girl. I couldn’t believe it. I thought we had something special last night. I guess not. I hear Andrew in the background.
“Jess, who is that?”
“I don’t know, some girl.”
“Jess, give me that phone, NOW!” I hear him yell.
“Okay, Okay, sorry I was just trying to be helpful.
“Don’t ever do that again. Hello, Erica. Are you there?”
“Andrew, who was that?”
“No one, just someone I know. I’m sorry what’s up?”
“I tell you all about Landon and you can’t tell me who that girl is and why the hell is she picking up her phone.” I started to get mad at him.
“Erica, it’s a complicated situation, I can’t talk about it right now.”
“YOU CAN’T TALK ABOUT IT RIGHT NOW. I TELL YOU HOW A JERK RUINED MY LIFE AND YOU CAN’T TALK ABOUT SOMETHING SMALL. SCREW YOU.” I hung up the phone. In 12 hours, I went from the happiest girl alive to crushed. My phone went off again. I looked down at it. It was Andrew. I didn’t want to talk to him, so I ignored the call. Throughout the rest of the day, he kept on calling but I didn’t want to talk to him. I finally got a call from the manager.
“Hello”
“Hello Erica, this is Ned from Abercrombie and Fitch. I would like to offer you a position at A&F. You can start tomorrow. Are you still in the city?”
“Yes, Yes I am definitely. I am actually only a few blocks from the store. Do you want me to stop by?”
“Yes, please. I need to get you to sign some forms. I look forward to seeing you again and Congratulations.”
“Thank you so much.” We hang up the phone and I head towards the store. Everything that needed to be done there took about 3 hours. Afterwards, I head back to the subway. Ned ended up giving me his personal number and I gave him mine. He was pretty cute. I started thinking about cute, then starting thinking about Andrew. Even if he was being a jackass, I couldn’t get him out of my mind. He just seemed to implant himself on my brain. I shook my head trying to get him out of it and decided to text Ned.
Hey.
Hey. What’s up? He responded.
I was just thinking about you. What are you up to tonight?
Nothing. I get off work at 7. I’d love to spend some time with you and get to know you. Where do you live?
I’m actually from Queens.
Oh.. Well I could come and hang out at your house.
That’d be amazing. My mom isn’t home since she has a show tonight.
Cool. I can probably be there by 8. Is that okay?
That’s perfect.
Well, I hope Andrew calls me while Ned is at my house tonight. I’ll pick up the phone and let him see that I’ve moved on too. I get back to the apartment and start cleaning up. Ned calls and asks for directions. I give them to him and wait for him to get here. He finally shows up.
(Ned’s POV)
When I saw Erica walk into the store today, I knew I was going to hire her. She is gorgeous. I didn’t think I’d find a girl so attractive right away, but I did. After her training and orientation today, I gave her my personal number. I wanted to hang out with her more. She texted me and now we’re hanging out. I can’t wait. I showed up around 8:15. She looked amazing. I couldn’t help myself. I kissed her. She kissed back at first, but then started to pull away. I didn’t want to stop so I held on to her tighter. I started to push her back towards her couch. I heard her moaning. Maybe she liked it more than she put on. I stopped kissing her for a moment.
“Ned, Stop. Get off me.”
“I thought you liked it beautiful.”
“Get Off me NOW.”
“Oh come on, this is fine.”
I pushed further and ended up winning the wrestle.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Chapter 7-- Warning.. this chapter has some intense scenes
Chapter 7 (Andrew’s POV)
That was the most amazing kiss that I have ever experienced. It was not have been a full out tongue in the mouth type kiss, it was much better. Our lips had barely touched but the energy the flowed through my veins afterwards was indescribable. I knew after that kiss that Erica was a special girl. When she pulled away, my heart fluttered as I looked into her eyes, but that feeling faded away quickly. She had a face of pure horror. She told me that she needed to talk to me.
“What’s wrong? Did I do something wrong?”
“No, it’s not you at all. You are wonderful. But my past always comes to haunt me. It is happening right now.”
“How is your past haunting you now? Your past should never dictate who you are.”
“I understand that Andrew, but you just don’t know what happened to me and what is happening to me.” She began to walk away from me. I saw one tear drop roll down her face. She was trying to hold back the tears but couldn’t. I grabbed her and pulled her into my chest. She pushed back.
“No, Andrew. You would never want to do that to me if you realized what has happened and what I have done.”
“Erica, talk to me. I want to know more about you.”
“I know about the game you play. All the girls at our school have seen the way you act around me. They’ve warned me about you.”
“Are you really going to trust a bunch of girls over me, Erica?”
“I don’t know who or what to trust anymore. It seems like what they say is true. Every girl, besides Lindsay, has told me what you do. You sweet talk a girl for a few days, kiss her, spoil her, make her fall in love with you, then when you get tired of her, you just dump her. Throw her to the side like she’s worth nothing. I don’t need that in my life Andrew.”
“I am not like that. Have I done that to a few girls? I will not lie, yes I have. But I know you are different. Please trust me. Tell me what’s wrong. I’m not going to leave you, not going to hurt you.” I was practically begging. I turned her around and looked into her eyes. I could tell that she wanted to tell me but was scared to. I didn’t know what to do. What the girls had told her was true. I was like that. That was my past now. All I wanted was Erica. It might have only been a few days but I could tell this was going to be a relationship that I will remember and will impact me for the rest of my life. I saw Erica take a deep breath.
“You are going to want to sit down Andrew.”
“Okay….” I said confused. I walked over to a nearby bench, sat down, and waited for her to begin.
“As I told you before, I live with my mom in Queens. I never told you what happened to my dad. My dad passed away when I was 5 in a severe car crash. He was driving around when we used to live in L.A. and was hit head on by a paparazzi person. The paparazzi person was chasing around Michael Douglass and wasn’t paying attention that he had crossed the median. He hit my dad head on at 60 mph. My dad was pronounced dead at the scene…”
I interrupted her. “Is that all that’s bothering you? Oh Erica, my dad has passed away as well. I understand the hurt that you feel.”
“There’s more to it than that. I am giving you the whole background. Please don’t interrupt me again.”
“I’m sorry Erica, I just thought...”
“Shut up! This is hard enough to tell you, I don’t need you to be making comments.” I sat up straight and prepared myself to just listen. “My mom was crushed and left her job and move to Albuquerque. While there I moved about 6 times because my mom could not decide on job that didn’t remind her of dad. About 3 years ago, my mom met a man named Landon. He seemed nice at first and my mom and he ended up getting married 6 months after meeting. I wasn’t too happy about this, but he made my mom happy so I just had to deal. About 3 months into their marriage, I noticed that Landon would always make comments about the way I looked. Just sly little comments like, ‘You’re looking good,’ and ‘hot damn Erica.’ I was a little uncomfortable but never said anything to my mom. It kept on getting worse. He would walk into the bathroom while I was taking a shower, or he’d always come into my room while I was getting dressed. It was like he was trying to find any way to see me without my clothes. One weekend, while my mom was away with some friends, Landon came on to me. Full force. Landon was about as tall as you and about 50 more pounds so I trying to fight him was useless. I lost the fight and ended up with bruises on my face and arms. The whole time all I wanted to do was scream but I was so horrified I couldn’t. When my mom came home, I couldn’t tell her. I was disgusted. I could not be in the house with Landon for more than 5 minutes. I ended up only sleeping at my house. I went over my friend Sarah’s for everything else. About a month later, I realized changes happening in my body and I was always getting sick. I called my doctor explained to him what was wrong and he scheduled the appointment. My mom took me because I wasn’t able to drive yet. Within minutes the doctor knew what was wrong. I was pregnant. My mom was disgusted with me. She thought I was sleeping around. I was hurt that my mom didn’t believe me when I told her. I cried the whole 9 months of the pregnancy. Once my little girl, Faith, was born I couldn’t give her up, but Landon forced me to. About 2 months after giving birth, Landon ended up attacking my mom. My mom kicked him out. About a year and a half later, we moved to NYC, and I met you.”
I couldn’t say anything. Erica allowed me to sit there in silence for a few minutes. I felt anger towards this Landon dude. How dare he do something like that to Erica and her mom. He deserved to have his balls cut off. A man like that doesn’t deserve to live. I felt sympathy for Erica. She had to give up a child. She created a connection with a small human being, and had to give her up. I don’t know if I’d be able to handle that.
“Erica, I’m so sorry.”
“I understand if you don’t want to talk to me anymore. I’m tainted, abused. I don’t deserve anything like you.”
“Erica. I would never judge you for what happened. That guy is an ass and that should not reflect who you are. You are beautiful, wonderful, and your personality always shines through your eyes. Don’t let him change your views of guys. I understand your hesitancy when it comes to getting close. I’ll respect that but please don’t shut me out completely.” Those were the best words that could come to my mind. I just sat there waiting for her reaction.
Erica didn’t respond with any words but with a kiss. Just another soft peck, but it sent fireworks through my body. She really was a lot different than any other girl I have ever dated. I checked my watch and saw that it was 12:30 in the morning.
“Oh crap, I have to go. It’s 12:30 in the morning.”
“Oh yeah, me too.”
“Erica, I just want to thank you for coming to my show and for opening up to me like that. We’ve barely known each other. You could have shut me out, but you didn’t. Thanks!”
“Yeah, I know. There is just something different about you. I will still constantly worry that you will leave me, not going to lie, but I will try my best to not ruin things.”
I gave her another kiss goodbye and ran to the subway. I do not think that smile would ever be able to leave my face. I was falling for someone that I had only met 5 days ago. What was wrong with me? I need to talk to the guys about this. I need their opinion.
It was about 1 when I was almost to my house. I saw someone on my porch just waiting for me.
“Hey Andy, what’s up?”
“Jessica, what are you doing here?”
“Nothing, just here.. to talk.” Not again, I don’t need anyone more big information.
“Well I’m kind of tired and have a big day ahead of me tomorrow, so can it be quick.”
“Andy, I’m pregnant.”
That was the most amazing kiss that I have ever experienced. It was not have been a full out tongue in the mouth type kiss, it was much better. Our lips had barely touched but the energy the flowed through my veins afterwards was indescribable. I knew after that kiss that Erica was a special girl. When she pulled away, my heart fluttered as I looked into her eyes, but that feeling faded away quickly. She had a face of pure horror. She told me that she needed to talk to me.
“What’s wrong? Did I do something wrong?”
“No, it’s not you at all. You are wonderful. But my past always comes to haunt me. It is happening right now.”
“How is your past haunting you now? Your past should never dictate who you are.”
“I understand that Andrew, but you just don’t know what happened to me and what is happening to me.” She began to walk away from me. I saw one tear drop roll down her face. She was trying to hold back the tears but couldn’t. I grabbed her and pulled her into my chest. She pushed back.
“No, Andrew. You would never want to do that to me if you realized what has happened and what I have done.”
“Erica, talk to me. I want to know more about you.”
“I know about the game you play. All the girls at our school have seen the way you act around me. They’ve warned me about you.”
“Are you really going to trust a bunch of girls over me, Erica?”
“I don’t know who or what to trust anymore. It seems like what they say is true. Every girl, besides Lindsay, has told me what you do. You sweet talk a girl for a few days, kiss her, spoil her, make her fall in love with you, then when you get tired of her, you just dump her. Throw her to the side like she’s worth nothing. I don’t need that in my life Andrew.”
“I am not like that. Have I done that to a few girls? I will not lie, yes I have. But I know you are different. Please trust me. Tell me what’s wrong. I’m not going to leave you, not going to hurt you.” I was practically begging. I turned her around and looked into her eyes. I could tell that she wanted to tell me but was scared to. I didn’t know what to do. What the girls had told her was true. I was like that. That was my past now. All I wanted was Erica. It might have only been a few days but I could tell this was going to be a relationship that I will remember and will impact me for the rest of my life. I saw Erica take a deep breath.
“You are going to want to sit down Andrew.”
“Okay….” I said confused. I walked over to a nearby bench, sat down, and waited for her to begin.
“As I told you before, I live with my mom in Queens. I never told you what happened to my dad. My dad passed away when I was 5 in a severe car crash. He was driving around when we used to live in L.A. and was hit head on by a paparazzi person. The paparazzi person was chasing around Michael Douglass and wasn’t paying attention that he had crossed the median. He hit my dad head on at 60 mph. My dad was pronounced dead at the scene…”
I interrupted her. “Is that all that’s bothering you? Oh Erica, my dad has passed away as well. I understand the hurt that you feel.”
“There’s more to it than that. I am giving you the whole background. Please don’t interrupt me again.”
“I’m sorry Erica, I just thought...”
“Shut up! This is hard enough to tell you, I don’t need you to be making comments.” I sat up straight and prepared myself to just listen. “My mom was crushed and left her job and move to Albuquerque. While there I moved about 6 times because my mom could not decide on job that didn’t remind her of dad. About 3 years ago, my mom met a man named Landon. He seemed nice at first and my mom and he ended up getting married 6 months after meeting. I wasn’t too happy about this, but he made my mom happy so I just had to deal. About 3 months into their marriage, I noticed that Landon would always make comments about the way I looked. Just sly little comments like, ‘You’re looking good,’ and ‘hot damn Erica.’ I was a little uncomfortable but never said anything to my mom. It kept on getting worse. He would walk into the bathroom while I was taking a shower, or he’d always come into my room while I was getting dressed. It was like he was trying to find any way to see me without my clothes. One weekend, while my mom was away with some friends, Landon came on to me. Full force. Landon was about as tall as you and about 50 more pounds so I trying to fight him was useless. I lost the fight and ended up with bruises on my face and arms. The whole time all I wanted to do was scream but I was so horrified I couldn’t. When my mom came home, I couldn’t tell her. I was disgusted. I could not be in the house with Landon for more than 5 minutes. I ended up only sleeping at my house. I went over my friend Sarah’s for everything else. About a month later, I realized changes happening in my body and I was always getting sick. I called my doctor explained to him what was wrong and he scheduled the appointment. My mom took me because I wasn’t able to drive yet. Within minutes the doctor knew what was wrong. I was pregnant. My mom was disgusted with me. She thought I was sleeping around. I was hurt that my mom didn’t believe me when I told her. I cried the whole 9 months of the pregnancy. Once my little girl, Faith, was born I couldn’t give her up, but Landon forced me to. About 2 months after giving birth, Landon ended up attacking my mom. My mom kicked him out. About a year and a half later, we moved to NYC, and I met you.”
I couldn’t say anything. Erica allowed me to sit there in silence for a few minutes. I felt anger towards this Landon dude. How dare he do something like that to Erica and her mom. He deserved to have his balls cut off. A man like that doesn’t deserve to live. I felt sympathy for Erica. She had to give up a child. She created a connection with a small human being, and had to give her up. I don’t know if I’d be able to handle that.
“Erica, I’m so sorry.”
“I understand if you don’t want to talk to me anymore. I’m tainted, abused. I don’t deserve anything like you.”
“Erica. I would never judge you for what happened. That guy is an ass and that should not reflect who you are. You are beautiful, wonderful, and your personality always shines through your eyes. Don’t let him change your views of guys. I understand your hesitancy when it comes to getting close. I’ll respect that but please don’t shut me out completely.” Those were the best words that could come to my mind. I just sat there waiting for her reaction.
Erica didn’t respond with any words but with a kiss. Just another soft peck, but it sent fireworks through my body. She really was a lot different than any other girl I have ever dated. I checked my watch and saw that it was 12:30 in the morning.
“Oh crap, I have to go. It’s 12:30 in the morning.”
“Oh yeah, me too.”
“Erica, I just want to thank you for coming to my show and for opening up to me like that. We’ve barely known each other. You could have shut me out, but you didn’t. Thanks!”
“Yeah, I know. There is just something different about you. I will still constantly worry that you will leave me, not going to lie, but I will try my best to not ruin things.”
I gave her another kiss goodbye and ran to the subway. I do not think that smile would ever be able to leave my face. I was falling for someone that I had only met 5 days ago. What was wrong with me? I need to talk to the guys about this. I need their opinion.
It was about 1 when I was almost to my house. I saw someone on my porch just waiting for me.
“Hey Andy, what’s up?”
“Jessica, what are you doing here?”
“Nothing, just here.. to talk.” Not again, I don’t need anyone more big information.
“Well I’m kind of tired and have a big day ahead of me tomorrow, so can it be quick.”
“Andy, I’m pregnant.”
Monday, March 1, 2010
Chapter 6
Chapter 6 (Erica’s POV)
Well today was Friday and I have to say I was very excited about it. Andrew had invited to his band’s gig and I wanted to go but I just needed to find someone who wanted to go with me. I was planning on asking this girl Lindsay, who I sat next to in my English class. We seemed to get along well and I hoped she wanted to go with me. Today was also the Geometry test and I was nervous for myself and for Andrew. I wanted him to do well and I could tell from yesterday that something else was distracting him. I would make an effort to try and talk to him after the test. The bell ringing distracted my thoughts and I headed to 1st period.
I walked into class and saw Andrew sitting in his seat. Butterflies began to develop in my stomach and all I can do was take a deep breath and walk to my seat.
“Hey.” Andrew said nervously. He was already breaking into a sweat and the class hadn’t even started yet.
“Deep breath Andrew, deep breath.”
“I’m trying to but I feel like there is too much information that I don’t know that’ll be on the test.”
“During our review yesterday you did wonderfully. You’ll be fine today. Have confidence in yourself. Think about this: Once your done with this test, your gig is the next big thing that you have!”
“Are you coming?” Andrew said a little bit too excited. I might have only known him for a few days but I could tell that he gets excited about everything.
“I have to ask a friend but then I’ll let you know. I am hoping I can come yes.”
“Sweet!” As Andrew responded the bell rang and Mr. Opaque started the class and passed out the test.
Throughout the test, I kept on watching Andy to see what he was doing. I could tell he was stressing but I had confidence that he would do well.
The bell rang showing the end of the period. Andy walks me to my English class.
“How do you think you did?”
“I can honestly say that I think this will be the first time I get above a C on a math test. Thanks so much Erica.” Andy gave me a huge hug and I didn’t want him to let go. I really enjoyed being in his arms.
“No problem. Well, I probably should go so I’m not late.” I said breathlessly. I knew it would take me awhile to catch my breath after that hug. We said goodbye and I walked into my English class. Lindsay was already there and I was excited to ask her if she wanted to go.
Lindsay seemed to be a nice girl. She had brown hair and was quiet when I first came into class. We started to talk more and I could tell if we continued to sit next to each other we were going to be good friends. I had asked her about Andrew right after he asked me to tutor and she seemed to think that he was okay. She had started here in the beginning of the year so she was also a newer student. We seemed to have a lot in common and I was excited to be able to get to know her outside of school.
“Hey Lindsay!”
“Hey Erica, how was your test this morning?” I knew she was really asking how I thought Andrew did.
“I did well and He seemed okay. I could tell he was nervous but afterwards he said he thinks this is will be the first time he will do better than a C.”
“That’s amazing!”
“Thanks. So I have a question. You doing anything tonight?”
“No and I hate it. I hate being bored on Friday nights.”
“Want to go to a concert with me tonight?”
“Are you serious? Absolutely YES! I love concerts. I will go to any of them! Who’s the band?”
“Honor Society. Andrew is in it. He invited me to go yesterday. I want to go just not by myself you know.”
“I totally understand. Yes I will go. I have heard some of my other friends talk about the concert I just never thought about going to it. Where is it?”
“Uh I forget the name of the restaurant, but some place around here I think.”
“Is it Pizza Amore?”
“I think that’s the name yeah.”
“Oh yeah that’s a little pizza place. A lot of high school bands play there. It’s cool. What time do you want to get there?”
“Well the gig starts at 7, so how about 6:30?”
“That sounds good. I’ll meet you there at 6:30!”
I was excited. I get to be out in New York for the first time, I get to see Andrew outside of school, and I get to hang out with Lindsay. I could tell this was going to be a good weekend.
The rest of the day sort of went by in a blur. I didn’t see Andrew for the rest of the day so it was going to be a surprise that I was going to be at the show. Before I knew it, it was 5:45 and I needed to leave so I wouldn’t be late meeting Lindsay. I arrived right around 6:30 and Lindsay was outside the restaurant waiting for me.
“Hey. I put our name down and requested a table near the stage. They said it should be about 15 minutes.”
“Okay cool. Is it crowded in there?”
“There are a lot of people from school but besides that not really. There are definitely a lot of girls in there”
“Oh wonderful! Andrew told me about how everyone calls them the Gentlemen and the reputation that they’ve gotten.”
“Yeah. Girls like to fawn over them that’s for sure. I sort of think Alex is cute but so does every other girl.
“I understand. I think this will be harder to be here than I thought. Oh well, Andrew and I are just friends right?”
“Of course you are.” Lindsay rolled her eyes as she said that. I saw it and was about to respond but the hostess called our name and we headed to our table. We were literally right next to the stage and near Andrew as well. He told me he’s always to the right of Mike and that’s where we were. I started to get excited again. Before I knew it, the gig had begun and was over. It was amazing. They did so well. I was not sitting at the table for long. I was up and dancing with Lindsay and the other girls right in front of the guys. I could tell that they were ready for this show. During their last song, I looked around and saw smiles on everyone’s faces. I saw a guy wearing a business suit and writing down some notes. He didn’t seem to quite fit but I just ignored it. After the set was over, the guys came out. All the girls ran over to them telling them how amazing they were. Mike, Alex, and Jason seemed to love the attention but Andrew looked a bit distracted. I caught his eye, a smile spread on his face and he practically ran over to me and enthralled me in one of those hugs again.
“You came! Did you like it? What did you think? Were we good?”
“Slow down cowboy. You guys were wonderful. I really enjoyed it. I’m glad I could come. By the way, this is my friend Lindsay. Lindsay, this is Andrew.”
“Nice to meet you.”
“Nice to meet you as well.”
“Did you enjoy the show?”
“I liked it a lot. I have to say Alex goes a little crazy sometimes. His leg up in the air and everything. I couldn’t help but laugh.” Lindsay said continuing the conversation
“That’s Alex for you. Let me get him and you can tell him yourself.” Andrew called Alex over and before I knew it, they were in deep conversation and Alex was showing Lindsay how to get your leg up like he did while playing the drums.
“Want to go for a walk?” Andrew asked. He was looking deep in my eyes. I couldn’t say anything but just nod my head.
“So you really did enjoy the show?”
“Yes Andrew I did. It was really good. I enjoyed that one song No Win Situation. It had a catchy beat.”
“Yeah that is a good one. My favorite is See U in the Dark. We have a dance that goes with it. Want to learn what it is?”
Before I knew it, I was learning what he calls the ‘Honor Roll’ and we were dancing and laughing in the middle of a New York sidewalk. We ended up talking for almost an hour and I didn’t even realize it. Lindsay came out and said she needed to leave and I gave her a hug and said I’ll see her on Monday. I didn’t want to leave quite yet so I spent some more time with Andrew. We talked for about another hour and I could tell that Andrew was getting antsy for something. All I wanted to do was give him a kiss. Andrew started to lean in. I began to close my eyes and lean in as well. Before I knew it, our lips had touched. It was just a quick peck but the feeling that ran through my body was something I never felt before. I should have been happy but all I could feel was guilt
“Wow, that was amazing.”
“Andrew, that shouldn’t have happened.”
“Don’t you like me Erica?”
“I do, but that just shouldn’t have happened.”
“Why? I don’t understand.”
“Andrew, there is something I need to tell you.”
Well today was Friday and I have to say I was very excited about it. Andrew had invited to his band’s gig and I wanted to go but I just needed to find someone who wanted to go with me. I was planning on asking this girl Lindsay, who I sat next to in my English class. We seemed to get along well and I hoped she wanted to go with me. Today was also the Geometry test and I was nervous for myself and for Andrew. I wanted him to do well and I could tell from yesterday that something else was distracting him. I would make an effort to try and talk to him after the test. The bell ringing distracted my thoughts and I headed to 1st period.
I walked into class and saw Andrew sitting in his seat. Butterflies began to develop in my stomach and all I can do was take a deep breath and walk to my seat.
“Hey.” Andrew said nervously. He was already breaking into a sweat and the class hadn’t even started yet.
“Deep breath Andrew, deep breath.”
“I’m trying to but I feel like there is too much information that I don’t know that’ll be on the test.”
“During our review yesterday you did wonderfully. You’ll be fine today. Have confidence in yourself. Think about this: Once your done with this test, your gig is the next big thing that you have!”
“Are you coming?” Andrew said a little bit too excited. I might have only known him for a few days but I could tell that he gets excited about everything.
“I have to ask a friend but then I’ll let you know. I am hoping I can come yes.”
“Sweet!” As Andrew responded the bell rang and Mr. Opaque started the class and passed out the test.
Throughout the test, I kept on watching Andy to see what he was doing. I could tell he was stressing but I had confidence that he would do well.
The bell rang showing the end of the period. Andy walks me to my English class.
“How do you think you did?”
“I can honestly say that I think this will be the first time I get above a C on a math test. Thanks so much Erica.” Andy gave me a huge hug and I didn’t want him to let go. I really enjoyed being in his arms.
“No problem. Well, I probably should go so I’m not late.” I said breathlessly. I knew it would take me awhile to catch my breath after that hug. We said goodbye and I walked into my English class. Lindsay was already there and I was excited to ask her if she wanted to go.
Lindsay seemed to be a nice girl. She had brown hair and was quiet when I first came into class. We started to talk more and I could tell if we continued to sit next to each other we were going to be good friends. I had asked her about Andrew right after he asked me to tutor and she seemed to think that he was okay. She had started here in the beginning of the year so she was also a newer student. We seemed to have a lot in common and I was excited to be able to get to know her outside of school.
“Hey Lindsay!”
“Hey Erica, how was your test this morning?” I knew she was really asking how I thought Andrew did.
“I did well and He seemed okay. I could tell he was nervous but afterwards he said he thinks this is will be the first time he will do better than a C.”
“That’s amazing!”
“Thanks. So I have a question. You doing anything tonight?”
“No and I hate it. I hate being bored on Friday nights.”
“Want to go to a concert with me tonight?”
“Are you serious? Absolutely YES! I love concerts. I will go to any of them! Who’s the band?”
“Honor Society. Andrew is in it. He invited me to go yesterday. I want to go just not by myself you know.”
“I totally understand. Yes I will go. I have heard some of my other friends talk about the concert I just never thought about going to it. Where is it?”
“Uh I forget the name of the restaurant, but some place around here I think.”
“Is it Pizza Amore?”
“I think that’s the name yeah.”
“Oh yeah that’s a little pizza place. A lot of high school bands play there. It’s cool. What time do you want to get there?”
“Well the gig starts at 7, so how about 6:30?”
“That sounds good. I’ll meet you there at 6:30!”
I was excited. I get to be out in New York for the first time, I get to see Andrew outside of school, and I get to hang out with Lindsay. I could tell this was going to be a good weekend.
The rest of the day sort of went by in a blur. I didn’t see Andrew for the rest of the day so it was going to be a surprise that I was going to be at the show. Before I knew it, it was 5:45 and I needed to leave so I wouldn’t be late meeting Lindsay. I arrived right around 6:30 and Lindsay was outside the restaurant waiting for me.
“Hey. I put our name down and requested a table near the stage. They said it should be about 15 minutes.”
“Okay cool. Is it crowded in there?”
“There are a lot of people from school but besides that not really. There are definitely a lot of girls in there”
“Oh wonderful! Andrew told me about how everyone calls them the Gentlemen and the reputation that they’ve gotten.”
“Yeah. Girls like to fawn over them that’s for sure. I sort of think Alex is cute but so does every other girl.
“I understand. I think this will be harder to be here than I thought. Oh well, Andrew and I are just friends right?”
“Of course you are.” Lindsay rolled her eyes as she said that. I saw it and was about to respond but the hostess called our name and we headed to our table. We were literally right next to the stage and near Andrew as well. He told me he’s always to the right of Mike and that’s where we were. I started to get excited again. Before I knew it, the gig had begun and was over. It was amazing. They did so well. I was not sitting at the table for long. I was up and dancing with Lindsay and the other girls right in front of the guys. I could tell that they were ready for this show. During their last song, I looked around and saw smiles on everyone’s faces. I saw a guy wearing a business suit and writing down some notes. He didn’t seem to quite fit but I just ignored it. After the set was over, the guys came out. All the girls ran over to them telling them how amazing they were. Mike, Alex, and Jason seemed to love the attention but Andrew looked a bit distracted. I caught his eye, a smile spread on his face and he practically ran over to me and enthralled me in one of those hugs again.
“You came! Did you like it? What did you think? Were we good?”
“Slow down cowboy. You guys were wonderful. I really enjoyed it. I’m glad I could come. By the way, this is my friend Lindsay. Lindsay, this is Andrew.”
“Nice to meet you.”
“Nice to meet you as well.”
“Did you enjoy the show?”
“I liked it a lot. I have to say Alex goes a little crazy sometimes. His leg up in the air and everything. I couldn’t help but laugh.” Lindsay said continuing the conversation
“That’s Alex for you. Let me get him and you can tell him yourself.” Andrew called Alex over and before I knew it, they were in deep conversation and Alex was showing Lindsay how to get your leg up like he did while playing the drums.
“Want to go for a walk?” Andrew asked. He was looking deep in my eyes. I couldn’t say anything but just nod my head.
“So you really did enjoy the show?”
“Yes Andrew I did. It was really good. I enjoyed that one song No Win Situation. It had a catchy beat.”
“Yeah that is a good one. My favorite is See U in the Dark. We have a dance that goes with it. Want to learn what it is?”
Before I knew it, I was learning what he calls the ‘Honor Roll’ and we were dancing and laughing in the middle of a New York sidewalk. We ended up talking for almost an hour and I didn’t even realize it. Lindsay came out and said she needed to leave and I gave her a hug and said I’ll see her on Monday. I didn’t want to leave quite yet so I spent some more time with Andrew. We talked for about another hour and I could tell that Andrew was getting antsy for something. All I wanted to do was give him a kiss. Andrew started to lean in. I began to close my eyes and lean in as well. Before I knew it, our lips had touched. It was just a quick peck but the feeling that ran through my body was something I never felt before. I should have been happy but all I could feel was guilt
“Wow, that was amazing.”
“Andrew, that shouldn’t have happened.”
“Don’t you like me Erica?”
“I do, but that just shouldn’t have happened.”
“Why? I don’t understand.”
“Andrew, there is something I need to tell you.”
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