Chapter 27: Handsome Friend

Ericka's POV

By now, I was feeling a bit tipsy from the drinks, but I appreciated the company and the distraction from Jared. As I prepared to leave, I turned to the guy and said, "Thanks for the chat and the company tonight Franco. I think I'm heading home now." I gave him a friendly smile.

He replied, "No worries, it was nice talking to you. I can give you a ride home if you'd like. It's kind of dangerous out there for a girl like you."

I chuckled and said, "Thanks for the offer but I think I can manage on my own."

But he insisted.

"Alright, Franco, I give up. You can take me home if you really want to. I'm not going to argue anymore." I chuckled.

As we walked towards Franco's car, I suddenly remembered my purse and said, "Hey, Franco, I think I forgot my purse inside. I'll just run back and grab it, and you can wait me here, alright?" He was cool with it and stayed put.

I dashed back inside to find my purse, thankfully still where I left it. I grabbed it and headed back.

After I returned to where Franco and his car were supposed to be, I couldn't find him or the car anywhere. I figured he might have left to take care of something important or maybe just couldn't wait anymore. I let out a sigh and decided to hop on a taxi to head home.

As I walked in the door, I found my grandma still awake, which wasn't unusual since she often stayed up waiting for me. I asked her, "Hey, Grandma, why are you still awake?" She replied with a warm smile, "I was waiting for you to come home." Her words touched my heart, and I went to her, giving her a hug.

"Thank you, Grandma," I said. "But you should go to sleep now because I'm home safely." She nodded, and made her way to her own room.

I strolled into the kitchen, feeling a bit tired and thirsty. As I reached for the water tap I sigh, Jared's presence was still on my mind. It was strange how he could stick with me even when the day was over.

Fuck that bastard.

He's messing with my brain.

Does this because he fucked me good?

Ugh!!!this is all making me go crazy!!

Or maybe I love him?

With a deep sigh, I decided to head to my room, climbed under the covers, ready to drift off to sleep, with a final thought of Jared, I closed my eyes and let the comfort of my bed envelop me. As the day's worries faded away, I slipped into a peaceful slumber.

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Author's POV

Ericka, in her deep slumber, remained oblivious to the chilling presence in her room. As the shadowy figure emerged and gently wrapped an arm around her, she continued to breathe softly and peacefully.

"You did so many sins already kitten,but don't worry the right time for your punishment is getting near" The voice, barely audible in her ear whispered.

Ericka's innocent sleep was now disturbed by the unseen presence, but she remained unaware of the danger lurking close to her.

Morning

Waking up, Ericka stretched and felt cozy. As she wriggled in bed, she noticed something odd - her bed felt warm on one side.

But, she quickly brushed it off , thinking maybe she was just all over the place while sleeping, and that's why her bed felt warm.

"Breakfast is ready!"

Hearing her grandma shout that breakfast was served, Ericka hopped outta bed and rushed downstairs. The yummy smell of bacon, eggs, and fried rice hit her nose, making her tummy rumble. She rushed into the dining area, eager to dig in.

But her eyes popped wide open when she saw Jared, sitting right on the table smiling innocently to her.

Ericka walked towards the table, her mind buzzing with questions.

"What are you doing in our house?" Ericka asked Jared with her eyebrows raised.

Her grandma chimed in, playfully saying, "Don't be rude to your handsome friend, Ericka." She wiggled her eyebrows.

Ericka couldn't help but give a "huh" face, feeling a bit puzzled by her grandma's reaction.

She heard Jared chuckle as she turned her head back towards him.

"I was just passing by, so I thought I could bring you and your grandma some fruits." He pointed towards the fruits on the kitchen counter.

"Suddenly? Do we look like we're sick?" I asked Jared, my tone a bit rude, as I couldn't help but remember his words from yesterday about being just addicted to my body.

Jared seemed to catch the change in my demeanor and tried to clarify, "No, not sick. I just thought you might enjoy some fresh fruits. I saw them at the store and thought of you both."

"Sweetie, stop with that attitude and introduce me to your friend." and I complied.

"Grandma, this is Jared and Jared this is my grandma " I said still a bit annoyed to Jared.

As we continued our breakfast, my grandma engaged Jared in conversation, asking him various questions. Jared answered them all with respect, as if he were her grandson. The two of them seemed to be oblivious to my presence, carrying on their conversation as if I wasn't there.

"So, how long have you been friends with my grandkid, Jared?" my grandma asked.

"It's been a couple of months now."

I chimed in, "Grandma, quit grilling him while he's trying to eat!"

My grandma looked at me and wiggled her eyebrows, saying, "And now you're worried about him?"

"Aisshh, stop your eyebrows from moving like that!" I laughed, as my grandma continued to give me a playful look.

As I looked at Jared, he was smiling back at us with a genuine smile, his eyes sparkling as if grandma is his own grandma. It was a heartwarming sight, but it also reminded me of the sad truth - he was an orphan. A pang of sadness washed over me, thinking about the challenges he must have faced in life.

After we finished our meal, I started to collect the dishes for washing. Jared offered to lend a hand, but I thought I could manage on my own. Still, he tagged along to the sink. Grandma noticed and said, "Let him, I'll just head up to the balcony and catch up on some news." She went upstairs, and Jared and I carried on working together.

As we were washing the dishes, I brought up the topic, "How did you know my address?" Jared replied casually, "You told me." His response made me question if I had indeed shared that information with him. My memory has been a bit hazy lately, so I couldn't be sure if I had mentioned it or if it was just my mind playing tricks on me.

"Ahh" nodding.

I took a bite of the apple Jared had brought, and as I chewed, I asked, "So, you're not busy today? That's why you had time to visit both me and Grandma?"

"Yeah, you know I'm still not going to work because of the news from the other day." He responded.

I recalled the recent events and replied, "Oh, right. I should definitely go see Jackson at the hospital and make sure if he's doing alright too."

"Your friend who got stabbed?" I gave a slight nod in confirmation. He continued, "I'd like to go with you to the hospital and offer some support by talking to him about what happened. However, I still have some tasks to complete." I found it a bit confusing, so I asked, "But you said you weren't busy earlier?" He explained, "I guess I just forgot about those earlier tasks."