With You

Six

SAM:

"Hit me harder, I deserve that", I told Elliot as soon as Claire made her way into the coffee shop. I couldn't believe myself today.

With absolutely no hesitation, he turned around and punched my arm, hard. "Don't need to tell me twice", Elliot happily obliged. I still felt insanely stupid. "It really wasn't that bad. Relax...You know I really am enjoying myself today. I have never seen you fumble on your words like that," he continued amused.

I really really wanted to wipe that annoying grin off his stupid face. Choosing to ignore him, I instead focused on Claire. I saw her make her away to the table right next to the closest window, giving me perfect view from the car. I couldn't care less if it sounded a bit obsessive. Just looking at her made me feel content.

When Elliot called me last night asking to come over again, I couldn't be happier. I tried to contain my excitement but I honestly couldn't wait to get to their house. He told me to get there by 11:30. I was there by 9, brushing off his annoyance at me showing up so early by justifying that I didn't have anything better to do. I knew from the first time I heard her laugh that my life would never be the same from that moment on. For the first time in a long time I felt like I had a reason to get up in the morning and actually do something. Be someone.

Knowing that she was somewhere around the house, instantly made me feel better. So when she barged into the room, I finally exhaled a breath of relief, one that felt like I was holding in since the last time I saw her. Of course I tried my hardest not to laugh when she gave Elliot what I assumed to be the deadliest glare she could muster. With her cheeks flushed, she looked as dangerous as a chipmunk. I actually mentally awed. I had to slap my face to pull myself together. Luckily no one noticed.

All day today was full of new experiences. Even sitting in the car, waiting for her, I was completely at ease. I saw her animatedly explain something to her therapist and I couldn't help but smile. She just looked so adorable, so pure, and so bright, completely untouched by the bad of the world.

Distracting me from my thoughts, Elliot said, "how is it for you?"

"What do you mean?", I replied refusing to look away from her.

"This," he said and from the corner of my eyes I saw him gesturing around the car.

"Huh?", I continued with the weird conversation.

"I know I asked you to keep an eye but I know she's not your responsibility. I mean I don't expect you to do this on regular basis," he once again absentmindedly waved his hands around, "I just want her to get used to you."

"It's fine," I cut him off. "I honestly don't mind," I turned around looking right at him to let him know that I meant it.

Looking back at her table, I didn't see her anymore. I frantically looked around for her, finally seeing her walk out. I couldn't believe the hour passed by so quickly.

"All good?," Elliot asked as she settled in her seat.

"Yeah," she replied and passed him a brown bag. "Sorry they were all out of your favorite", she explained as I saw him huff and pout like a 3 year old.

She extended her arm again and another brown bag appeared. "I'm sorry. I don't know your preferences. I hope you're okay with this", she said bringing the bag closer to me, urging me to take it.

Opening the bag, I took out a huge warm chocolate chip cookie. I was completely melted just like the chocolate. Not only this is the most she had ever said in my presence, she also thought of me as she was buying for the man-child next to me. "Thank you sweetheart. This is perfect", I said, hoping to encourage her to be more comfortable around me. She just nodded and smiled back at me.