Today was the day. I was actually going on a date. I don't remember the last time I was on a date, had I ever been on a date before?
Of course I have, except it was back when my beatings were every other week, not every day. I've had a boyfriend too, two. One was back in elementary school which I guess doesn't count but I sure thought I loved the booger eater, gross.
And my second boyfriend was in high school, freshman year. It was all very rushed and messy and I thought I loved him and needed him, turns out I didn't know what I needed and my dad made sure to show me later on when he found me kissing in the garage.
"You look pretty." Eli comments from behind causing me to jump slightly, I turn to him, letting out a breath.
"It's just a little cover up, not trying to scare him." I mutter, I had managed to cover half of the discoloration of my face but the bruises were still there, you could still see them in plain sight, they were just toned down, thankfully.
"Your pretty with the marks, Nellie." Eli says and I give him a small smile, scratching the back of my head.
"I'm glad you think so, how was school?" I ask trying to take the attention off of me, I didn't want Eli to even consider me, it was all about him, I only cared for him.
"It was school, Miranda moved her seat so she sits at my group now." He says and I whistle at him, he blushes.
"Moving fast, huh?" I joke and he shrugs, his cheeks a deep red. He was so adorable and growing up way too fast for me, I hated it.
"What time are you coming home tonight?" He asks and I shrug, it was a school night for Eli and I wasn't planning on staying out all night, I worked regardless.
"9ish, no later, but that's why Janie is coming over tonight so you can be able to sleep in your bed just in case I won't come home in time, okay?" I telll him and just as I stand from my desk chair, the doorbell rings.
Eli walks out in front of me and I follow him, he walks towards the door, standing on the side because he knew I didn't want him opening the door, ever.
I open it and see Janie, her big bag under her arm. I smile at her, letting her come inside from the chilly air.
"Thanks for watching him, Janie." I tell her as she walks in, Eli hugs her.
"No worries, I love this guy." She says just as I shut the door, I walk towards the kitchen, Janie following.
"I made spaghetti already for him so eat, he can have it in half an hour because he hasn't finished all of his homework yet. After dinner he can watch TV for an hour and then he needs to brush his teeth, shower and get in be-"
"Noelle, I got it, you always tell me the same thing but I already know." She chuckles softly, her hand on my shoulder.
I look at her, letting out a breath. "I know I just want to make sure were on the same page."
She chuckles, putting her bag on one of the table chairs. "Oh don't worry were on the same page, same line number and same sentence." She jokes and I laugh.
"Good. I shouldn't be out too late, if for some reason I am, I'll call you. Please call me if you or Eli needs any-"
The bell rings and Janie fist bumps the air in front of her. She starts to push me towards the door, she grabs my bag and pushes it to my chest.
