Simple Complexity

Part 6

Erin nodded, 'I love what I do. I love it. You need to understand that, and what I've been though, to finally be at this point, this point in my life.'

Josh nodded, 'I know it's important to you. I know that. So is my work.'

'Yeah, but you weren't bullied for most of your life Josh, called names, picked on.' Erin sighed, her free hand reaching up to touch her necklace, 'I'm in a happy place now, I'm working with women just like me.'

Her voice softened, 'We're the same, we're equal. We understand each other. We don't even have to speak half the time, we just do, it just happens, it all comes together. I don't have to worry about being judged, being laughed at. I can be me.' Erin paused, and she smiled to herself, 'She just accepts me no matter what. She says the right things. She knows what to say, what to do. We just fit; we are just right together. She's perfect.'

He had registered what she had said, knowing Erin hadn't. He nodded again, creasing his brow leaning in and kissing her cheek.

'It's just fun Erin,' Josh said with a soft smile, looking back up, 'like we can watch movies, go out dancing, go to the theatre, maybe even go away for a weekend.'

'Oh,' Erin said quickly, 'I can't, I don't think...I can't go away.'

'I'm not asking you now,' he said with a small laugh, 'I just mean I'd like to spend more time with you, I like waking up with you.'

'I do too,' Erin replied flatly, not looking at him, it was just a response though, automated, because her mind had already wandered, she was already thinking about the last time she had been to a theatre show and if Holtzmann would want to join her.

Holtzmann was sprawled on the couch, blanket over her when the Firehouse door opened, Erin walking inside and she stopped as she noticed the woman on the sofa, letting the door close behind her. Holtz sat up a little straighter as their eyes locked.

'Jill?' Erin's voice was soft, only above a whisper.

'You okay Er?' Holtzmann said, automatically sliding to one side of the couch.

'Yeah.'

'Good night?'

'Yeah, we had a good time.'

The Firehouse was dark besides the glow of the television, it's volume low and Erin remained standing at the door. It was already cold on the lower floor and Erin welcomed it, letting the icy air surround her, envelope her body. She needed the ice of the air to cool her, ice the fire burning in her chest, smoulder the burn of emotions.

'What are you watching?'

'Just a series, that new one.'

'Oh,' Erin nodded and bent down, taking off her shoes, leaving them by the door, walking over to the couch, sitting next to Holtz and rubbing her feet on the rug.

Holtzmann wanted to ask her again, why she was here but she didn't. Each time she turned up the blonde felt some sort of relief, and there had been plenty of times where she opened her mouth to ask Erin why she was walking through the door. She wanted to know the answer but at the same time didn't. Her pulse beginning to rise as the brunette reached for some of the blanket, her arm brushing Holtz's. She then she leaned into her, the blonde surprised as the woman cuddled into her and she sat up more, letting Erin sink into her arms.

'Er?'

'Just...just...hold me?'

Holtzmann nodded, slipping her arms around her, she suddenly felt every nerve in her body ignite, goose bumps flooded her body, and her heart began to race. Erin curled herself into her, resting her head on her chest. Holtz leaned her cheek against Erin's head, Harvest Moon emanating from her, and she felt her eyes begin to well with tears. Holtz closed them briefly, letting a few trickle down her cheeks and she sat up a little moving quickly to wipe them, covering the motion up with a blanket adjustment.