Part 3 Part 5
"Ashley! Hey babe, ready to go?"
She threw her bookbag in what passed for his backseat (a plank of wood that was covered by a blanket and pillows) and grinned up at him.
"I'll take that for a yes," he said, hopping in and starting it up.
"Where were you in first?" she asked as she settled in the passenger seat.
Eric shrugged. "Had some stuff to do. Miss me?"
"Of course," Ashley replied, giggling.
He popped in a new tape, something else she hadn't heard but very different from Bob Marley. It was a lot of guitars and drums, what she guessed would be heavy metal.
"Different," she said noncommitally.
Eric shrugged. "Yep. I like it, though. It has some good points."
He waited a few seconds, then abruptly pulled the tape out and thrust another in. "I hate the radio," he explained, "but I can't stand to be without my tunes. Since you're my guest and didn't seem to be enjoying that particular piece, how's this?"
"No, Eric, it's okay. I've never listened to heavy metal is all."
He considered. "Okay. If you want to borrow the tape, feel free."
Ashley looked at him. "You sure are a giving person."
Eric laughed. "Why shouldn't I be? I know where you live," he added, dropping his voice into a deep, evil bent and cackling maniacally.
She joined in with him; his overtly insane actions were too funny. After the fit of laughter had passed, she took the tape and put it in his jacket.
"What's the name of this band, again?"
"Manowar. Kings of Metal. They're in the Guiness Book for being the loudest band in the world."
She nodded, wondering if that was a distinction she would care to have. And then, before she knew it, they were at her house.
"End of the road, babe," Eric said as he pulled into her driveway.
Ashley nodded, then suddenly leaned over and pecked him on the cheek.
"Thanks, Eric. Third time's a charm."
He stiffened. "What do you mean by that?"
"Oh, you helped me out three times today. Isn't that how the saying goes?"
He nodded distantly, staring out the window to the rain-slicked street.
"Listen," he told her as she was leaning back to retrieve her bag, "if you ever need me for anything, and I mean anything at all, don't hesitate to call. Okay? Any time of day or night, it doesn't matter. I'll be here for you."
Ashley smiled sincerely. "Thanks again, Eric. That means a lot to me. Really."
When he smiled back, there was something in it that struck her as odd. It was hollow, almost, like he was really forcing it.
The girl had made it down her driveway and turned back to wave a final time. Eric returned it, grinning like normal.
With the windows up, she couldn't hear his cursing.
Part 3 Part 5