Cursed

Chapter Twenty-Nine

When I woke up Monday morning, I was in pure ecstasy. My body was oozing euphoria. I rolled over on my side and grabbed my phone. Still no text back from Daniel, but that was okay. I was going to corner him at school and tell him we needed to talk. I was more determined than ever. I think most of that was due to what had transpired between Erik and me. 

Friends with benefits, something I never thought I would have. Especially with a guy like Erik. Although, Erik was the kind of guy you had benefits with. He really didn't come across as a guy who wanted to date. That was why this felt so effortless. Plus the benefits were proving to be pretty beneficial. 

"Good morning," Erik stretched, next to me. I set my phone down and faced him. He reached for me, pulling me towards him. I giggled, then he closed in for a kiss. I let him, reminding myself that this was okay. His lips taste sweet. I swear he doesn't get morning breath. 

One thing about Erik was that one kiss was never one kiss. They always led to make outs, but I wasn't complaining. His hands were warm against my body, moving up and down. He made it impossible to get out of bed. My fingers tangled in his hair, twisting him closer. I was starting to get out of breath, but his lips persisted. 

Then, my alarm went off. 

That time, I woke up for real. I rubbed my eyes, gasping at my own dream. Even though I knew he hadn't spent the night, I still looked for him next to me. The space was empty and tucked in. The truth was that I missed him and wished my dream were true. 

I groaned, grabbed my phone off my nightstand to stop the alarm. One thing that was true from my dream was that Daniel still hadn't text me back. Saturday and Sunday I had texted him, telling him we needed to talk -- that it was Witch related. I think he saw through me. Oh well, I wasn't giving up that easy.

Trudging to the bathroom to take a shower, I reminisced over this weekend. It had been a great one. We pretty much celebrated Erik's birthday for three days. Erik and I had walked around most of Friday night until we both were sober. He drove me home and was a perfect gentleman. He didn't ask me again if I wanted to be friends with benefits and I didn't even answer him.

Saturday morning I went over to Addie's, ready to tell her about everything. But I chickened out, then Erik showed up and we watched all his favorite movies. He finally got his popcorn. That had taken up most of Saturday and I didn't go home until after one-thirty. Erik had shown up at my window and I let him inside. 

Nothing happened. He was still waiting for me to make the next move. Friday I had been so fearless and sure of myself, then I let myself overthink it. I know Erik said this was what he wanted, but I worried. I worried about hurting him and getting hurt. No, I needed to think about it more. There were too many variables. 

There was no going back once we cross that line. 

Yesterday, everyone came over to my house and Gran made a big dinner for Erik. It was sweet and a nice calming end to an interesting weekend. 

Now, it was Monday and I was not looking forward to that. Everything was complicated -- again. 

Once I got out of the shower, I threw on some clothes. It was still cold out, so I grabbed another oversized sweater and some leggings. I didn't even bother with makeup. Today was going to be a day. I could feel it. When I walked downstairs my mom was watching the news. She held her cup of coffee up to her lips but didn't take a sip. She was too engaged with the TV.

"Hey mom," I said deadpanned. I should grab some breakfast, but I was going to be late again if I didn't leave now.

"Cornelia, wait." She urged. Why did she sound so panicked? I stopped and walked over to her.