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All I want is You..by Sarah....the other half....*it's so good*

"Bye," Greta called out to Sami as she walked down her driveway. It was the next day and Sami and Greta had just finished decorating Greta's house. Garland was hanging from the mantle with four stockings tacked to it. A huge wreath was hung above the entrance with bright white light nestled inside. Now it was time for the tree, her favorite part. She had bought an artificial tree so she wouldn't have to go out every year to buy a new one, plus real ones didn't have the most pleasant scent.
She had bought some christmas balls and lights especially for the tree. She had silver tinsel and a beautiful angel to put on top. The balls were blue and silver, her favorite colors. She wrapped a long string of lights around the tree numerous times. They were also white. The angel was the last thing she put on the tree. It had flowing blond hair and a blue and white dress on and it was holding a candle. It was one of the most wonderful chrismtas trees she thought she had ever seen.
"I love it," she said, stepping back and clasping her hand together, "it's beautiful."
She gave a warm smile, but then she noticed something that made her smile fade.
"There's something missing," she said, "presents."
So she grabbed a few boxes she had thrown in her closet or discarded up in the attic and dusted them off. She wrapped them with colorful wrapping paper and placed them under the tree.
"Complete," she said and once again smiled, "perfect."
The snow was still falling outside and there was about two inches on the ground now. It covered her driveway and the streets like a blanket of white, you couldn't see the shining pavement underneath. She had decided to go ahead and do her christmas shopping and get it done. There was only a week and a few days until the day and she still hadn't gone yet. Since she had nothing else to do that day it was perfect. She still had about four hours until it got dark, so she quickly bundled up and grabbed her money.
Greta was quietly walking along Salem place. She had already bought gifts for everyone, except Eric. She didn't know what get him. If she gave his something expensive, it might hint towards her feelings. But she didn't want to get him something cheap, because she loved Eric too much to do that.
As she was passing by a store, she glanced inside the window. She immediately spotted the perfect gift for Eric. It was exactly what she had in mind, so she quickly went inside and purchased it. As she came out she noticed someone approaching her. It was Eric.
"Oh God," she said, shoving Eric's gift into another shopping bag.
"What are you doing out here?" he asked charmingly.
"Shopping, what about you?" she asked. She shifted her weight from one leg to another and changed her shopping bags to her left hand.
"Shopping, finishing up, might I add. So is there anything in that bag for me?" he asked, peering inside the bag.
"Maybe, maybe not," she said, clasping her hand over the bag and closing it shut.
"Come on, just a hint please," he begged with his puppy dog eyes and his lower lip stuck out. It was so hard to resist, but she had to. She hit him on the arm and said, "You can wait and find out like everyone else, whether you like it or not."
"Alright, I guess it would take all the fun out of it," he said.
They began to walk together, side by side, strolling through the small shopping center. The snow had stopped momentarily and the sun peeked out for almost a minute.
"Did you hear about the new ritual they're performing at the ball this year?" asked Eric quietly.
"No, not really. Marlena told me to take a few days off from my volunteer work, so I haven't heard about anything," she said.
"They're going to put a a bunch of numbers into a large basket. The numbers are going to be copied, and everyone draws a number. You get to have one dance with the person's number you match," he explained, "Bo thought of it."
"That sounds like something Bo would do. A good idea though, if I do say so myself. Very creative, very original," she said.
"Maybe I'll get your number," Eric said, glancing over at her.
"Possibly, we have a what, one in twenty chance?" she said, smiling. Eric couldn't keep his eyes off her lips. The way she smiled was magnificent. Greta blushed slightly, she could tell he was looking at her.
"So, um, Sami came over today," Greta said.
"I know, she told me, she helped you decorate right?" he asked, coughing into his hands.
"Yeah, it looks pretty nice. You want to come over and stay a minute?" she asked, biting her lower lip.
"I don't see why not," he said, trying to contain his excitement.
"Alright, alright, come on," she said, linking her arm in his and they started off for her house.

"Will nature make up it's mind? Snow or not to snow, that is the question," Eric said loudly as they stumbled through Greta's door. Eric took off his coat and gloves and Greta hung them up in the closet.
"Do you want something to eat or drink?" she asked.
Eric didn't answer, he was busy studying her decorations, her tree, how they were professionally hung.
"Huh?" he asked, snapping out of his daze.
"Do you want something to drink or eat?" she asked, "I have um, hot chocolate, eggnog, milk, pretty much anything."
"Hot chocolate?" he asked.
"Coming right up," she said, standing on her tip-toes and reaching into the cabinet to grab a glass. Eric walked into the kitchen with her and glanced at the wall. It had a dent in it and the wallpaper was stratched.
"What happened here?" he asked, pointing to the damaged spot on the wall.
"I accidently stratched it with a knife," she excused.
Pretty good she thought to herself. She hated lying to Eric, but if kept him from learning the truth, she had too.
"Here you go," she said, handing him the steaming hot coffee mug.
"Thanks," he said, blowing onto the liquid.
"Let's go in the living room," she said, walking past him. He followed obediently and sat beside her on the couch. She took a sip from her cup and curled her legs up under herself.
"Why don't you believe in wishes?" Eric asked suddenly.
"What?" she asked, had she told him that?
"Remember the other night in my car, you said you didn't believe in wishes and dreams because they never come true, why?"
"I guess it's because of my horrible past. I never really knew my mom. I have no parents, no family, nobody who can say 'I love you' to me."
"I love you," he said, " as a friend," he added quickly.
"Thanks for the support, but I'm not that helpless, I'll find the right man. Then he can say the words and I can say them back," she said dreamily.
"Yeah, I'm kind of looking for a woman like that. I'd drop everything for the woman I marry," he said, taking another sip.
"Everything? For the woman you marry?" she asked.
"Yeah, yes I would. You know, you make your choices. What's wrong with taking care of a woman? She takes care of you," he said.
"It's hard to find a woman like that these days," she said, lifting her cup to her lips.
"Shoot, you think so?" he asked.
"I know so," she said, "but you never know, lightning may strike."
Eric froze. Lighting may strike. Sami used those exact words last night. Lightning may strike. Coincidence maybe?
"What?" Greta asked, scared she had said something wrong, "was it something I said?"
"Yeah, actually. But it's so right it scares me," he admitted, scratching the top of his head.
"What's so right it scares you?" she asked, curious as to what she could of said to make him speechless and silent.
"Nothing, just forget about it," he said quickly, standing up.
"Leaving so soon?" she asked, standing up also.
"I have to, there's something I have to do," he said giving her a kiss on the cheek.
"See you later, thanks for the hospitality," he said, walking to the closet and grabbing his snow gear. Then, he left. He was gone.
"What are you hiding Eric Brady?" she asked, falling back onto the couch. She didn't know at the moment, but what he was hiding would change both of their futures forever.

Christmas Eve was tomorrow, which also meant that the Christmas Ball was tomorrow also. Greta was so excited about the Ball, she would be able to be with Eric. Ever since the incident at her house the other night, she hadn’t seen Eric that much. She got the feeling that he was avoiding her, but that was impossible, right? Eric Brady wouldn’t be that cruel, would he? She had shaken the thought and continued on with her daily routine. She had all her Christmas presents wrapped and tagged, she couldn’t wait to see Eric’s face when he saw what she had bought him. It was perfect for him. She had decided to pack her gifts in the trunk of her car and take them to the Christmas Ball, that way, when everyone was leaving, she could hand them out. She had picked out the perfect dress, the perfect shoes, and the perfect hair style. She just hoped that Eric would appreciate her choices. All together they had cost a wad of money, but if it meant looking good and possibly getting a kiss from Eric, then it was money well spent. She had debated whether or not to buy a stylish coat to go over it, but decided against it. It would be warm inside and that was where she would be all night. She was just praying that Eric would notice her attire, and maybe even give her a wonderful compliment. He probably would though. But, God’s greatest gifts are unanswered prayers, and she was definitely thankful for that.

Eric had been to the tailor and had a suit made for himself. It would be all black with a white undershirt and a white handkerchief in the pocket. He just hoped that the expensive prices and stunning suit would impress Greta. He was just trying to make her love him so much, but was he trying too hard? And what about Nicole? Nicole, was…. well, Nicole was Nicole. The same lying, conniving, person she had always been. Eric wasn’t about to go back to Nicole for anything, he couldn’t, not after what she had done to him. It still hurt to think about it, which he did often. Sometimes the pain left from those kinds of situations never wear off, but in this case it would. And he was going to make sure of it. And the solution… Greta.

Greta, now that brought up an interesting topic. The Christmas Ball being only a day away and the dance being only a day away. The numbers mixed up in a pot. He just hoped he got her number, that way he could tell her. Well, maybe he’d tell her. If he got the nerve. He probably wouldn’t even get her number, and she’d get some handsome citizen of Salem’s number and they’d fall in love and live happily ever after. You’ve got to stop thinking that way, Eric told himself over and over. I mean, haven’t you seen the way she looks at you? Wait a minute cowboy, does she even look at you in a special way? It doesn’t matter, I look at her, and that’s all that counts.

It was the night of the Christmas Ball and Greta walked through the Penthouse Grill’s front door. She was beautifully dressed in a red, spaghetti strap dress that came just below her knees. Her hair was put in a graceful french twist. Her red velvet shoes matched her dress, and so did her purse. She walked over to Bo and tapped him on the shoulder.

"Wow, you look wonderful tonight Greta," he said, taking a moment to look at her. He had never seen her this way, but he wasn’t about to tell her that.

"Thank you, and you look very handsome tonight also," she said.

"Well, thank you very much," he said, "have you heard about the dance?"

"Yeah, um, Eric told me about it the other day, it’s a great idea, I got to hand it to you Bo. It’s very, very, Christmasy," she said, trying to find the right words, but failing hopelessly.

"Speak of the devil, here he comes now," Bo said, looking past her and at the door. Greta turned around and saw Eric standing in the doorway. She almost melted at the way he looked. It was too much for her, he looked so handsome. He was tugging on his shirt sleeve, and wasn’t looking up. She slowly walked over to him and when Eric noticed a pair of red shoes step in front of him he looked up immediately. His heart pounded more quickly and he could have died on the spot. The way that dress fit the curves of her body made him gulp. She looks like an angel, he thought. I must have died and gone to heaven.

"You look very handsome tonight Eric," she said, hoping it wasn’t a little over the top.

"You look nice too," Eric responded. He was also hoping it wasn’t too little of a compliment. But he was also afraid that maybe he shouldn’t say anything too big.

"Oh, well, um, thanks," she said, shifting her weight. These heels were killing her and she was sure she’d have a blister by tomorrow morning, but maybe tomorrow morning she’d wake-up with…. Shake those voices, she told herself.

"Do you, um want something to eat?" he asked. Greta had thought he was going to say dance, so she breathed a sigh of relief.

"Sure," she said as they walked over to their table. John and Marlena were there also, along with Bo and Hope. Eric pulled her chair out for her and she quickly sat down, not wanting to attract any attention. Then, Eric sat down beside her.

"How have you been Eric? I haven’t seen you around much lately," Hope said, trying to make conversation.

"I’ve been great, and you?" he replied politely.

"Oh just wonderful. It’s so great to be back to my old life," she said, pushing her watch further up onto her wrist.

"And you Greta?" she asked.

"I’m fine thank you," she replied, laying her arms down on the table.

"How’s your new job at the P.D going?" Marlena asked with one of those heart-warming smiles. Greta smiled back.

"It’s going good. Abe has been a real friend, helping me get work. And so have all of you, thanks for helping me get my life back on track," she said.

"It’s been a rough year for all of us. But now a new year is approaching and I know that it will be the best one yet," John said. Everyone nodded their head in agreement. Greta glanced over at the doorway for a moment, then turned her head back. Lucas and Nicole had just arrived. She averted her gaze quickly, not wanting Eric to see them, but too late. He had already looked. You could see the loneliness in his eyes, the distant gaze he gave.

If only you’d let me help you not be lonely, Greta thought to herself. I could give you everything Nicole didn’t. Just open your heart to me and you’ll see. You’ll see.

Dinner was uneventful, all the talk about the same stuff you hear everyday. Greta was aching inside, dying to let herself go, but the way Eric kept glancing over at Nicole’s table gave her the hint to keep quiet. Why couldn’t he just accept the fact that Nicole is with Lucas? The answer lay mysteriously ahead…
Eric couldn’t help himself, but he just kept looking over at Nicole. Old emotions came rushing back in an instance, confusing him. Thoughts of Greta and Nicole swirled in his mind in a furious whirlwind. Why was getting over Nicole so hard to do?
"And now we will begin our dance partners for the night," said an echoing voice that interrupted Eric from his thoughts.
"All the ladies will line up over here, and the gentlemen over here," said Bo, motioning to the opposite sides of the table he was standing behind.
Everyone got up at once and excitedly made their way to their designated spot. Greta was beginning to develop butterflies in her stomach. What if she didn’t get Eric’s number? Would that be a sign they weren’t meant to be? She hoped not.
Her turn approached her, she dug her hand through the tiny whicker basket. She drew out a piece of paper and walked away, without opening it. Then, she flipped it open. 14. The number 14. Eric had to have 14.
She quickly spotted Eric on the other side of the room. She nervously made her way over to him.
"What’s your number?" she asked a little too jumpily.
"13," he replied slowly, " and yours?"
Eric could see Greta’s face immediately fall. It was as if she had just had a load of brick’s dumped on top of her.
" 14," she said, " maybe next year," and she walked away.
Greta silently cursed herself out. This night was not going the way she had planned. She thought she’d be in Eric’s arms all night. Maybe a good night kiss. But the possibilities of that occurring now were far beyond probable.
"And your number?" said Lucas as he looked at her blankly.
"14," she said.
"Well, looks like it’s your lucky night tonight," he said, flipping his piece of paper around so she could see. A big 14 was written on the other side.
Greta sighed. Great, she thought. I get to spend my night with Loser Lucas.
"Looks like Eric got his Christmas wish," Lucas said as he pulled Greta into his arms harshly, while keeping his eyes fixed on the corner. Greta turned around. Eric and Nicole had gotten the same number. The music began, they began dancing. It was almost unbearable watching them together. It drilled a hole into her soul as they danced. They weren’t talking, but their faces expressed what words could not.
"You know, I don’t know what Eric’s problem is. He knows the Nicole and I are together. Why can’t he just accept that?" Lucas asked hotly.
"I don’t know," said Greta softly.
Lucas was almost starting to feel sorry for Greta. Almost. But not quite.
"Hey Greta," said Lucas, " you don’t have a certain feeling for a certain someone do you?"
" Me? No, no, I don’t think so," she said.
" Well, you’d better think again. Cause I can see that you can’t take your eyes off of a certain pair of old lovers that are dancing right now," he said.
Greta quickly turned back embarrassed.
"You love Eric don’t you?" Lucas asked seriously. Greta could hear the sincerity in his voice.
"Eric loves Nicole," she said sadly.
"Don’t avoid the question," said Lucas firmly.
"Yes, yes, I love Eric. But don’t go spreading it around," she said.
Lucas just nodded his head in recognition of her statement. Then, all of a sudden, he dropped his arms from around Greta.
"What?" Greta asked confused.
"Son of a…" but he drifted off. Greta followed his gaze.
Eric and Nicole, kissing in the corner. Her whole world crumbled to her feet and vaporized into a million particles. She could feel her chest tightening, gripping at her every emotion.
Lucas walked over to the newly found couple and pulled Nicole away.
" Listen Eric, I don’t what you think you’re doing making the moves on my wife, but I swear to God if you do it again I’ll hurt you," he said.
"What’s it to you?" Eric said fiercely.
"It means a lot, but I know it means more to someone else," he said.
"Who?" Nicole asked for him.
"Greta," said Lucas.
Eric immediately closed his eyes. I’m such an idiot. "Where is Greta?" he asked.
"I don’t know, you tell me," Lucas said, looking around the room, "I don’t see her anywhere."
Eric gave them one last look, then took off to find her. His only chance of having her was probably slipping away through his fingers right this moment and there was no way to stop the inevitable.