Chapter 22
----------------

Everyone is out doing something. Everyone does after diner. I go back to the dormitory and sit on my bed. For some reason I just sing. When Im done singing, theres clapping in the doorway that startles me. I see Eric and my heart races. Im still messed up by that simulation.

"Can we talk?" he asks. I nod my head.

"Come over to my place. You dont have to stay, but its easier if we talk there." he leaves. I sigh. What the hell have I gotten myself into? I get down from my bed and walk slowly to his apartment. I knock on his door and come in. Hes lying on his bed staring at the ceiling.

"Eric?" I ask. He gets up but doesnt come over to me. Like he did with kissing, hes letting me decide. I sit on the bed next to him.

"Be honest. Do you think I would ever do that to you?" he asks. I dont answer because Im really not sure. His arm goes behind my waist, almost wrapping his arm around it, but he pulls back. He knows Im still scared. I know that he doesnt want to do anything with me without my permission. So why am I doubting that? If he waited for me to decide when it was right to kiss him, something like sex, he would definitely not do without me agreeing. And I like that. He respects my wishes and thats all I really want. I lean my head on his shoulder.

"Im sorry. Its just a stupid simulation. I was afraid of what you did to me. I knew it was gonna be there, but the simulation purposely put you there to scare me more. I know you would never do that to me." I say.

"Yeah." he pauses. "Were you always afraid of that happening or was it just because of Troy." he spits out his name like it poison in his mouth.

"Troy." I simply say. I sigh because I dont even know why, and fall back on the bed. Its squishy and soft. Soon he too falls next to me. I turn my head and smile at him. He grins. I prop myself on one elbow, lean in, and kiss him. He puts one hand on the back of my neck making me fall closer to him. I smile but continue to kiss him. His other hand holds my waist but I flinch. That gives it away. That Im still a little bit nervous. He draws back and sighs.

"Your still scared."

"No. Your hands were just cold."

"You're wearing a jacket over a shirt."

"I wasnt expecting it."

"Sure." he says grinning. I roll my eyes at him.

"Im sleeping here." I say.

"I thought you s-,"

"I know. I dont care." I say. I go into the bathroom and take off my jacket and shirt, leaving me in my undershirt. I leave my pants on so I can go back to the dormitory and get shorts for night time. Thats the only thing I dont have here. I tell Eric where Im going and leave. I hear the faint noise of people talking and walk quicker to the dormitory. I quickly grab my shorts and run back to his apartment. I stand infront of the door breathing heavily.

"You ok?" he asks.

"No. Im dying. I've just been stabbed." I say sarcastically. He smiles.

"Turn around and close your eyes." I say.

"Why."
"So I can get changed."

"Ok." he faces the other way. I take off my pants and slip on my shorts. I run on the bed and start jumping.

"How old are you?" he asks.

"16." I say. "Why? How old are you?" I ask. We both know the answers to those questions.

"17 and only little kids jump on the bed."

"I am a little kid."

"Your 16."

"So what?" I say still jumping. He smirks.

"Why what do you want to do wrestle?" Right after I ask that, I already know the answer.