12 /CLAUSTROPHOBIA/

Gathering up my stuff before leaving, I decide romance movies and novels is my go to solution to this problem.

Or maybe actual dating.

I brush the thought from my mind. How stupid is that, me dating.

" Hey L"

Looking up to a rather beaming Erick.

Okay here goes awkward.

" Hey Erick, how are you?"

He just keeps on smiling , showing off his perfect whites.

He could be cute, if I cared.

" I was wondering if you would love to see a movie later.."

Still looking at him, trying to figure out what he just said. Is he asking me out?

Did he just ask me out to a movie?

" Thanks Erick, but I don't really fancy movies"

Liar.

His face visibly drops, I almost feel bad for him.

" I promise it's a good one" he insists.

I've Never been to a date with a guy before, considering I have nothing to do later anyways.

Jane's advise floats in my head. Maybe I could give him a chance. He's not half that bad, I guess.

"Okay, if you insist"

He's smiling again, well maybe it's time to loosen up and have fun.

"Pick you up at 7"

" Okay, Erick. Till 7 " I tell him

Leaving , that's a sealed date. I hope I don't regret.

Finishing the last popcorn from my plastic cup, I notice Erick's watery eyes. This guy is just too emotional.

Maybe it's nice.

He's been crying through out the whole movie.

As we walk out of the theatre, we pass by a flower shop and he gets me a beautiful rose bouquet " thanks" I tell him surprised.

Walking across the parking lot, we stop by his fancy car.

"After you my lady" he's mannered after all.

"Thanks" getting inside the door he's opened for me.

I don't know how to feel about cars. I hate the small space inside them, it gets me anxious.

Driving through the now calm city, he finally breaks the silence in the car.

" So , I take it you aren't seeing anyone?"

How straight forward is that?

" I don't date" hopefully he'll take it as a hint.

" And why is that L?"

" I just have a lot right now"

Perfect excuse.

Hoping he won't push the matter.

He looks at me and smiles slightly for a minute, then returns his eyes on the road.

Curious as to what he's thinking

"Why are you smiling? Did I humour you?"

He stops and looks back at me

" I just can't help but notice how strikingly beautiful you are"

This time he looks at me differently, noticing his now intense blue eyes.

I avert my eyes and stare down the street.

The entire ride back is quiet. We arrive at my house and I don't wait for him to open my door for me.

Enough courtesy for tonight.

The air outside is chilly compared to the heated car.

He gets out the same time and makes his fast strides to me.

" You shouldn't have..."

"It's okay, I am used to doing it myself"

I am not a doll.

Walking me up my doorstep, " did you enjoy the movie"

Not glancing his way, " yes I did, thank you again"

Reaching for my keys, I feel him moving close to me.

"Let me help you with that"

Still fumbling with my keys between our hands " no it's okay, you don't have to.."

And the keys fall down from both our hands.

Perfect!

Persistent Erick, I don't like.

Crouching down to pick them up, he also does the same. But instead, he just stares at me. Seriously looks at me.

I do the same.

In the middle of the night, crouching outside my locked door with Erick.

Just staring at me.

What's his deal?

I wanted to ask but at that same moment, he removed a lock of hair from my face.

Okay, this is totally not what I planned for tonight.

"Another date?" He asks me.

I need him to leave, he's all over my space.

Shaking my head, agreeing just to send him off already.

" You already know I am dying to kiss those lips"

His voice gravely low.

Standing as fast and leaving him crouching, with his fingers still held out " Goodnight Erick, it was fun"

He also stands and gives me a weak smile. Ushering me inside my house " please it has been my pleasure"

Getting inside my door, I give him one last glance . His smiling face is the last thing I see before shutting the door on his face.

Phew!

That was a chore.