Hey baby. Are you almost ready for school?
"Yeah. I'll be down in like a minute. I'll see you outside." I quickly hung the phone up and I grabbed my vans before bounding down the stairs and out the door.
I smiled at Joe through the window of his car.
"Hey babe." He mumbled against my lips.
"Hey baby." I said, kissing him once more.
"Ready?" He asked, resting his hand on my thigh.
"Mhmm." I said, playing with his fingers and humming along to the music that was coming through the speakers.
We quietly drove to school and once we got there we kissed goodbye as we went to our separate classes.
_______________
As I walked to the lunchroom, I was stopped by a group of girls.
"Hey fattie." One of them said, pushing me into a locker.
"What do you want?" I scoffed.
"Just trying to get around you. I mean you take up the whole hallway." She said, causing the other girls to snicker.
"Just leave her alone, alright?" Joe's voice boomed through the empty hallway.
The girls glared at me one last time before walking away.
"Babe, don't listen to them. You're per-"
"I think I'm just going to go home. I'm not feeling too well. I'll talk to you later." I said, kissing him quickly.
"I love you." He said, taking me by surprise. I mean, we had never said those words before.
"I love you too." I said, kissing his cheek.
____________
"Hey. Is Ella here?" I barely heard Joe's voice over the sound of my tv.
"Oh. Yeah she's in her room." My sister answered.
I heard his footsteps coming up the stairs and a few moments later there was a knock at my door.
"Ella?" My door creaked open.
"What?" I buried my head into my pillows.
"Oh baby. What's wrong?" I felt the bed dip down beside me.
"Nothing." I pulled the blanket over my head. "Just please leave."
"I'm not leaving until you tell me what's wrong."
"Sorry to interrupt but Ella, mom brought home pizza. How many slices do you want?"
"I'm not hungry." I said, muffling my voice with the pillow.
"Annie, could you excuse us?" Joe politely asked her.
I heard her feet shuffle across the floor and the door quietly close.
"I think I know what this is about." He said, laying beside me.
"What is it then?" I asked, turning my head so I was looking at him.
"Those girls at school." He said and I turned my head the opposite way. "None of that stuff is true. You know that."
"How do you know that?" I asked, wiping my eyes.
"You actually believe any of that? Babe, you're perfect. In every way possible." He said, rubbing my back.
"Nooo," I said, laughing.
"Tell my why you believe that." He said, scooping me into his arms.
"Because it's true. I mean, Joe, look at me. My stomach hangs over my waistband. I'm nothing compared to them. They all have perfect bodies, and pretty faces and rich parents. What do I have? A boyfriend who deserves much better than me? I mean, look at you. You could have any girl you want, but you chose me. I don't understand."
"You're an idiot." He said, grinning at me like a madman.
I gave him a confused look.
"I don't want anyone but you. You're perfect in my eyes. You don't even try, and you are still the most beautiful girl in the world." He said, kissing me sweetly.
I smiled up at him. "Now, promise me you will eat." He said, looking down at me sternly.
"I promise."
