"(your name)!" called (your mother's name). "The limo's here!"
"I'll be right there, mom!" (your name) called down. She gave herself a quick once-over in her full-length mirror. (your name) was dressed in black slacks, a plain white t-shirt, sparkly socks, and shiny black loafers. A black fedora was perched on her head.
"I look pretty good." (your name) said to herself as she slipped a glove onto her right hand. She sprinted downstairs.
"How do I look?" she asked.
"Stunning, girl." said (your mother's name). "Tell me all about it when you get home."
"Will do." (your name) replied as she walked out the front door. She smiled when she realized who was standing by the limo's back door.
"Bill!" she called out, waving.
"Hello, (your name)!" Bill called out, waving back as he opened the door. "Long time, no see."
"I know." (your name) said as she climbed in and fastened her seat belt. Bill shut the door, then climbed behind the steering wheel.
"How long has it been?" he asked, fastening his own seatbelt.
"Two years." (your name) replied as Bill started up the engine. As they pulled away, (your name)'s mind drifted back...
***
"Come on, (your name)." said Michael. "I'll take you home."
Hesitantly, (your name) said, "I don't want to be an imposition, Michael."
"You wouldn't be." said Michael. "It's the least I can do for a good fish like you."
"Oh, my." giggled (your name). She felt her cheeks get warm.
"I'm serious." said Michael. "You're beautiful, (your name). Inside and out." He stood up and held out his hand. Shyly, (your name) placed her hand in his, letting Michael pull her to her feet.
"You're sure you don't mind?" asked (your name).
"Not at all." replied Michael. "Let's get you home."
Turning to his bodyguard, he added, "Change of plans, Bill. Instead of going straight back to the hotel, we're gonna take (your name) home first."
"Ok, boss." replied Bill. "I'll have the driver set out two orange juices."
"Please do." said Michael. "Go on out to the car. We'll be right there."
As Bill walked away, (your name) said "I'm scared, Michael."
"Why, (your name)?" asked Michael.
"Self-harm has been the only coping mechanism I've ever known." said (your name). "It's a foreign concept to me, thinking I'm worth more than that."
"Well, you are." said Michael. "A girl as sweet as you is worth infinitely more." He giggled as (your name) blushed a deep red.
"And you promised." he added.
"Yes, I did." said (your name). "And I keep my promises. It's just... well, uncharted territory is all."
"I know." said Michael, tucking a finger under (your name)'s chin. "But you can do this. I believe in you. Believe in yourself." He gently kissed her forehead.
"Do it for me?" he added. Looking into Michael's big brown eyes, (your name)'s heart melted.
"All right, Michael." she said. "I'll do it for you."
