This is what I've been looking for.

This is what you deserve, Erica.

This is what we deserve.

This is true love.

Because I finally feel that when I'm with you.

Or when we are hanging out in the park and you lauhh at the clumsy kids running and stubborn moderns screaming. Or when we are at my apartment watching some vintage scary movie you have already decorated each line of, but pretends to be scared only so you can snuggled into my arms to be safe. Or when I'm your bags' man while you shop, carrying your stuff and giving away a hundred compliments whenever you try an outfit on.

Life with you turned easy, Erica. It turned light, soft, and somehow free as I've never experienced before.

And you...you are just as I imagined you to be. You are not a disappointment, or someone who frustrates me after we finally get together as the others were.

No, you are different.

And you are mine.

So when I look into your eyes, I can see a future. I can see us growing up together, with a daughter, maybe even a dog if you want, watching the sunset together, wrinkled and rotting in chairs side by side as the wind breeze shakes your already white hair while I smile as the first time I saw you.

Because my love for you will never change.

It feels like I fall ever moment, every minute when we're together or apart. When I listen to your laugh, or when you glance at me, or when we love each other all night long.

I can never get tired of it.

And I like this, I like this comfort, this peace, of you, with your head on my lap, lied on the floor, as we read poet to each other at the basement of Monney's, inside the glass box you always make fun of. Everything's natural with you. There's no wrong in your eyes, there's no flaws in our love, there's just...

Her phone started to ring loudly. She glanced at Joe for a minute, exchanging a knowing stare, as he sighed and groaned frustrated.

-Hey Maggie. She picked up the phone.

There's just your obnoxious friend, Maggie.

Erica continued to talk on the phone for at least 30 minutes straight until she turned it off.

She was fast today.- Joe joked sarcastically. -She usually takes 1 hour to tell the early morning gossip. What were the news this time?"

Erica chuckled and kissed his cheek, as she looked up at him and sighed.

-I'm sorry...it's just that...she's really lonely now that her boryfriend broke up with her.

Right, high testosterone jocker broke up with Maggie just when Erica and I started dating. It couldn't have been a worse timing.

Now there we are, with her calling, meeting, and interrupting us every moment.

-Maybe we should find her another boyfriend- Joe suggested as Erica laughed.

-I tried, but she seems to be enjoying her single era.- She rolled her eyes.

-Her single era...and are you enjoying it?

Erica squeezed his cheek and scrunched her nose at his comment:

-You know I don't. -She smiled. -But what can I do? She's my friend I need to support her.

-Maybe you'd support her more by letting her be independent.

-And maybe...-She sat up and leaned closer, staring into his beautiful brown eyes. -...you're jealous.

His cheeks blushed lightly but he didn't deny it, she could see through him, maybe, she was getting to know him better at each second.

-I just wish she wouldn't interrupt us all the time.-He admitted with an innocent boyish face.

-Aww..-She pouted her lips mocking and pkanted a soft kiss on the tip of his nose, making him giggle for a moment. - It's just a phase, I'm sure she'll be over it soon. -She guaranteed him.- While you....-She sat above his lap, wrapping her legs around his waist and looking passionately in his eyes.- ...will have me forever.

-Oh really?-He lifted one eyebrow and smirked.

-Really really.-She chuckled and closed the gap between them, savoring and sealing that promise in a kiss to make him breathless, steaning the cold glass as his gripped onto her body and explored her curves.- This is soundproof right? -She whispered as he gave her a devilish smile in response. -Lock the door.

-As you wish, darling.

...

I love this. I love to see you, at my living room, smilling and eating whatever snack you found in the cabinet, wearing my T-Shirt and smilling at me, while we cuddle on the sofa.

Every minute is precious, it just never enough for me.

I want you, all of you.

Ebery moment, every second.

I want everything.

Forever.

-What do you think about going to that new museum you saw on Instagram?-Joe suggested as he looked at his gilfriend.

She looked up at him, a smile across her face, showing her dimples, and bright eyes.

-How did you know that?

-Just a...boyfriend's guess.

Or stalking all your recent likes and accessing your socials.

-Well... I'd love that.-She chuckled. -When?

-Hm...what about Saturday?

She squinted her eyes and clenched her jaw at his response.

-That's...not going to possible.

-Are you busy?

-Maggie wants to shop with me.

Didn't they shop together 2 days ago?

-Oh...-He blinked -Okay then um...what about sunday?

-Maggie and I will be studying for a test on tuesday.

Maggie doesn't even go well on tests anyway.

-Next week?

-We've gor an assignment,

You allways do assignment in your own, Erica!

-What about the next weekend?

-It's her birthday.

-Her birthday?

-Yeah.

-And do you really need to go?

She chuckled at him.

-Of course, Joe.-She rolled her eyes. -I'm like...her main guest, I was the first to be invited!

Yeah, I figured it.

That doesn't mean i like this.

-So when will you ever be free?-He said a bit impatiently.

Erica sighed, noticing the frustration in his voice and his frowned puppy eyebrows. She cupped his cheeks with tender eyes.

-I'm sorry...I...I just wish she could understand but...-She purses her lips-She always makes plans and I...I...I feel like she needs me, I can't say no.

-But you need to, Erica.-He looked now fiercely into her eyes. -If you continue like this, Maggie will take over your ife, you'll live for her only.- He seemed deadly serious. -We barely see each other anymore, she's always with you.

-Joe, please...-

-No, Joe please.-His face turned into stone. -You need to speak to her. Enough is enough.

Erica made a disapproval face, she didn't like receiviblng orders, even if they were from him.

I screwed up.

-I say when it's enough.-Hes eyes turned into an icy, gelid aspect that he has never seen before. They were terrifying, chilly and decided. -You say Maggie is trying to take over my life, but what about you? Isn't deciding what I have to do the same?

-Erica that's not what I meant...

-Enough is enough, Joe.-She got up from the sofa.

Fuck fuck, no. This can't be happening

-Erica wait, wait, listen to me.-She grabbed her purse and walked towards the door, her smile was long gone, with bloodshot and cold eyes. -Erica please.

And then she just walked through the door and closed it fastly behind her. He was left there, paralyzed, the fists slowly closing.

I see.

Maggie has really became a problem between us.

Not for too long.

...

It is horrible to fight with you Erica, and then have to see you at work, where you keep avoiding me.

But I know you miss me too. I know that from your discrete stares and by hiw you act nervous when next to me.

I know that deep down you know I'm right, but you're too stubborn, a too loyal friend to listen.

But maybe you'll notice this mistake. If not, I'll help you notice.

-ERICSSSSS!!!- The annoying and loud friend showed up suddenly through the book shop glass door's. -Erics erics! -Maggie jumped.

A loud person in a bookshop. What can go wrong?

Multiples "Shhh" followed as Maggie hushed over Erica and grabbed her arm. The dark haired one widened her eyes at her appearence.

-Oh Maggie...you didn't tell me you'd be here.-She forced a smile.

-Decided to make a surpriiiise!-She chuckled.

-I can see that...haha....-She looked at hee while trying to attend a client. -Can you wait a second? As you can see the shop is a bit crowded today...

-Oh sure. -She relied on a bookshelf just by Erica's side. The client made a face.- Go on.

Erica looked at her speechless.

-Um...this might take some time, Maggie.- Erica glanced at her.

-Okay.

Erica blinked still surprised. She couldn't believe in Maggie's behavior.

-Uh...Maggie I'm working, I can't talk to you now.

-I know! Keep working, I'll just stay here.

Erica made a face, maybe not very happy with the sutuation, but tried to ignore the blone and continue helping her client.

She was helping a man with his 6 year kld daughter pick up a book when the silence was disrupted once again.

-So, Claire just came to me the other day and said "bitch you better be joking" and I said "Bitch I'm not!" -The client covered fastly his daughter's ear, Erica's eyes widened at Maggie's comment.- Can you believe she hooked up with Michael? The fucking slut slept with him, her friend's boyfriend! Okay it was an open relationship, but still.

-Maggie...-Erica tried to speak, watching as all the clients turned to her, some started to leave.

-Do you think she gives him a blowjob better than her?

-MAGGIE!- Erica suddenly shouted, the whole library turbed silent. Erica's expression was raging, furious as never before, Joe has never seen something like it. It was almost as a side she had always managed to keep it as a secret.

Now...what is that?

Seems like you finally reached your limit.

-Erics-

-Don't you have fucking sense?!-Erica yelled. -I'm working! I have a life, Maggie! Unlike you!-She pointed to her face, Maggie widened her eyes. -You just disturb, annoy, interrupt me. For God's sake you became impossible to deal with!

Maggie's posture turned intk a fragile little girl's ones, her pinks flushed and heated as the other clients' eyes turned to her.

I should get popcorn to watch this.

-I-I thought you were my frie-

-You are a selfish brat!-Erica yelled again. -You just care about yourself, I'm tired! I'm fuckking tired of your futile stories, of your stilupid friends and your asshole  e, boyfriend who clearly liked the gym more than you!

Ouch.

Maggie clenched her jaw, a tear rolled down her eye but she tried to remain strong.

-I don't understand...why are you acting like this, I thought....you called me...-She stuttered.

-Leave.-She pointed to the door. Maggie looked at her shocked. -LEAVE!

The blonde's full lips trembled in an attempt to say something, as her heart shatteredin a million pieces.

-You're a fucking psycho, Erica Souza.-Maggie shaked her head sourly and walked towards the door. She never looked back.

...

It's been 1 week since your show with Maggie at Mooney's, you didn't talk much with me. Maybe only about work.

I don't think you broke up with me though.

You just needed time.

And I was certain of that, once you knocked on my door that day.

-Hi.-Erica appeared with all her beauty as usual, in some jeans a shirt to see him, as a lost puppy in the rain.

-Hi.-Joe Goldberg muttered back a bit surprised.

-Can I...?- She didn't even need to finish the sentence, hence he made way for her to enter.

Erica entered his apartment cautiously, almost as if that was her first time. It is correct to say that she seemed embarrassed, in sone way, Joe was right about his assumption, so their fight was her fault, and it was such a stupid decision to fight with him.

-I know...it's been a while but I wanted to speak to you.-She turned to him, her eyes shining at his figure.  -I'm sorry. About that day....I....I wanted to defend Maggie but I should...-She sighed. -I should have defended you instead...defended us. -That sentence sent shivers down his spine. He continued with a neutral expression. -She is...all you've said...and more. You were honest with me, but I didn't want to see the truth.- She slowly walked towards him abd hesited just for a moment to cup his face with her hands. The soft and warm touch made him feel alive again. -If you can...forgive me, I.. -She sighed. -All I want is you, Joe.

And all I want is you, Erica.

-So are you...still friends wigh Maggie?-He asked before replying to her statement. Erica avoided his gaze, something about it seemed scared. And that worried him. -What happened?

-I...I tried to back away from her but...-Erica's hands tfembled above his cheek. He held one of them and turned her face to him again, so their eyes could meet intensely, intimately.

-What happened?

Erica took in a deep, tortuous breath.

-She...she doesn't let me go, Joe.-She whispered. -She calls me, texts me follows me. She finds me anywhere, she's like...-She tried to find word. -Like a creepy stalker.

Creepy stalker indeed.

But how did I let that pass by?

Texts? Calls? Maybe there was a connection problem between our phones.

-Erica...-He widended his eyes-That is horrible...have...have yout told the police maybe?

-It won't work, she has connections with authorities, her father is a politician.-Erica shaked her head.- It'll never end.

-No, don't say that...-He said softly.

-As long as she lives...as long as she breaths....she will be there.-Erica looked at him, and that glance gave him all the answered he needed. -Maybe I should...become friends with her again? Try to get her to be good again? But still..

Joe pulled her into his arms, the warnness of his body transmitted to hers as Erica began to cry softly on his chest, holding tight to him for her own sake.

-Shhh...it's okay.... we'll find a way together.-He whispered and kissed softly her head. -You are not alone.-Erica nodded at his words, her head still buried on his chest.-I'm here for you, love. I'll always be here for you, whenever you need.

Whenever you need.

At any cost.

At any limit.

Nothing will hold us back.

...

-Hello?-Maggie turned around as she walked down the empty street in a late night. She had just got out of a club, still in a shine sequin dress and fragile heels when she heard something.

She tried to deceive the bad sensation and continue walking forward. The uber wouldn't be far, she thought, maybe, with some more minutes, he'd be there soon. But meantime, she needed to be careful.

Robbers, perverts, there are many evil creatures in the dark.

Just as...justicers.

Another sound echoed behind her, but this time, as her hair glistened to the yellow and weak street lights, as she turned her neck to face it, her mouth opened in  a gaso, and almost a scream.

-What are you- AAHHH!

...

This is what I've been looking for.

This is what you deserve, Erica.

This is what we deserve.

This is true love.

Because I finally feel that when I'm with you.

When I get back, in the middle of the night, silent into my apartment. When I clean and wash the scarlet red in my hands and watch the water disappeat through the pipes. When I remember the screams, and the local where I buried her. And when I see you in bed, wrapped in the sheets, sleeping peacefully, as I lay down by your side again, almost as if I've never left at all.

You will believe I've never left at all.

But the truth is, I was just takinh care of us.

All your worries...I killed them.

Now there's just you and me.

Just our love.

And I'll make sure it'll remain that way.