Eric smiled. "It's okay that you're just staying with your sister for now. I mean, I'm taking a gap year too before college."
Sadia laughed awkwardly. "Yeah...that...that's what I'm doing..." Her mind flashed to fighting Ian, learning how to use her powers, and helping them. "Heh... Definitely..."
"What do you think you're going to do?" Eric asked.
Sadia began running her fingers through her hair nervously. "Me? Oh, um... Still thinking about it."
"How's your volunteer work going?" Eric asked.
"It's going good... Yeah..." Sadia nodded. "Uh...you?"
Eric smiled then shook his head. "You're adorable. Always so shy when it comes to talking about yourself..." He took her hand and smiled, looking in her eyes. "You don't have to be shy, Sadia."
Sadia's eyes widened then she gently pulled her hand away. "Listen, Eric-"
"I know," Eric smiled, looking up. "The stars are beautiful tonight."
"What?" Sadia blinked. "No, that's not what I- Nevermind. Yes..." She looked up. "They are."
"Are you sure you're not cold?" Eric asked.
"No, I'm okay," Sadia shook her head. "Thanks."
"Oh! Look at the moon. Isn't it beautiful?" Eric pointed.
Sadia laughed. "Yeah, it is, but don't tell Kamara I said tha- um...oops..."
"Who's Kamara?" Eric asked.
"I work with her sometimes...when...I volunteer..." Sadia said slowly.
"Ooh, okay. And why-?" Eric began.
Sadia sighed and stood. "Listen, Eric, you're nice and everything, but I don't want to answer a million questions on my day off. I'm going to go back inside."
She started to leave when Eric grabbed her hand. Sadia sighed and turned to look at him.
"Sadia... I'm sorry. Ever since we were little, I've always liked you. It just...it feels like you've been distant from me lately... Especially since you started volunteering... And especially these past few months... And... I don't want us to end. You've always been so special to me... You're so kind, and you stood up for what you believed in and for others... I am so glad I got the chance to grow up with you... And I don't want to lose you... Sadia... Sadia, I love you," Eric said, looking at her with a smile.
Sadia blinked several times, frozen.
"Sadia?" Eric asked, frowning.
"Uhhhhhh...um..." Sadia stuttered, completely unsure how to respond.
Eric sighed and lowered his head. "I'm so sorry, I just-"
"No, it's okay!" He smiled hopefully and she smiled sheepishly back. "I mean, it's just... I don't know what to say, Eric... That's really sweet of you... But... I-I think I'm going to have to get back to you on an answer... In fact, I think I need to go now... But um...thanks...uh...Merry Christmas?"
She ran off.
Eric smiled. "I made her speechless... Nice! Merry Christmas to you too, Sadia."
He smiled and walked back inside.
