Thirst No. 2 by Christopher Pike Read Free Book Online

learned to talk."
    "Why didn't you go straight to college?"
    "I wanted to travel a little, work a little. I spent the summer in Europe. Spent a month in the Greek islands alone. You ever been there?"
    I nod as I sip my coffee. "Yes. Did you visit Delos?"
    "The island with all the ruins?"
    "Yes. It's supposed to be the most sacred island in the Aegean Sea. Apol lo was born there." I lower my voice. "At least, that's what the stories say."
    "Yeah, I was there. When were you there?"
    "A few years back." I pause and catch his eye, and hate myself for the blatant manipulation. "I'm glad I went to the park today."
    He smiles shyly and stares down at his hamburger. "Yeah. When I saw you sitting there all by yourself—I don't know—I just felt like I had to talk to you." He adds, "I don't usually go around hitting on girls."
    "I know, Eric."
    We chat a while longer and he finishes his food, and then glances at his watch. "Boy, I better get going. My dad's expecting me at his office. I help out there Tuesday and Thursday afternoons."
    I feel a moment of panic. I cannot imagine returning to Kalika's screams empty-handed.
    Reaching across the table, I touch his hand. "Could you do me a quick favor?"
    "Sure. What is it?"
    "It's kind of embarrassing to explain. You see, I have this ex-boyfriend who is sort of stalking me. He's not violent or anything like that, but if he sees me return home he immediately jumps out of his car and runs over and starts hassling me." I pause. "Could you follow me home in your car? Just to make sure I get in OK." I add, "I don't live far from here."
    "You don't live with your parents?"
    "No. Both my parents are dead. I live alone."
    Eric is troubled. "Sure, I can come. But I won't be able to stay."
    "I understand. If you can just walk me to my door."
    Eric is agreeable, although his reluctance remains. As a human, I'm not the actress I used to be. He likes me, but he is slightly suspicious of me. I have to wonder exactly what I'm going to do with him once he's in my house.
    To my immense bad luck, Paula is standing on my front porch as I drive up and park.
    Waving to her, I quickly run back to Eric's car, which is in the middle of the block. I ask if

    Create PDF files without this message by purchasing novaPDF printer (http://www.novapdf.com) he can wait a minute, but he's anxious to get to his father's office.
    "He loses his temper if I'm even ten minutes late," he explains.
    "I'm grateful you followed me this far," I say. "But I'm still worried my ex is around. He could even be in the house."
    Eric nods to Paula, who waits patiently for me. "Who is she?"
    I snort, and feel another layer of guilt. "She's just this pregnant girl who stops by from time to time looking for money. I have to get rid of her, or she'll stay all afternoon." I touch his arm. "Please stay. Give me two minutes."
    Eric hesitates. "OK."
    Paula flashes me a warm smile as I hurry toward her. "What are you doing here?" I ask.
    "I was worried about you. I haven't heard from you in so long." Paula studies me, and I know how perceptive she is. "Have you been sick? You look pale."
    "I've had a bad flu. Look, I can't talk right now. That guy in the car—he's my boyfriend's brother, and he's in deep trouble that I can't go into right now. He needs my help."
    Paula is hesitant. "Fine, I can go. I was just out for a walk." She glances at Eric. "Are you sure you're all right?"
    "Yeah, no problem." I gesture to her swollen belly. "It won't be long now."
    Paula is radiant. "No. Another three weeks is all."
    "That's great." I nod to my door. "Did you knock? Did you talk to Ray?"
    "I knocked but no one answered."
    "Oh." That's strange. Ray is almost always at home. He would have to be at home, with Kalika and all. I can't imagine him taking her out. But perhaps our daughter is the reason he didn't answer. I cannot hear either of them inside. I add, "I'll talk to you soon, Paula. I promise, we'll have lunch."
    Paula is gracious as she carefully moves