Her Escape, His Safe Haven

Chapter 17- That's Not Funny

Athena's POV

Shock. I think that's what this is. I don't know, all I know is that my 'father' is gone and I don't have to deal with him again. He left two weeks ago, without further incidents, to go see my mom wherever in the world she is right now, and he won't be back until after my birthday, which is next week. I will be moved out of the house by the time he comes back. I don't think it has really registered though, almost like I don't believe it's true. I know that even if he does come back early or for some reason I can't move out, Eli and his dad won't let me stay in that house. They really have saved me.

Eli and I haven't spoken to Mark and V about moving in yet, I think we may get a place just us two for now and see how that goes. Charlie is already on board and Deliah couldn't care less. We started looking at places the other day, but haven't found the one yet.

"Can we go shopping after school A? I wanna get a new swimsuit." Savannah said, breaking me out of my train of thoughts.

"You realize it's fall right?" I asked her.

"Yeah whatever there's a party at Jane's house tomorrow and she has a hot tub."

"Tomorrow? Tomorrow's Wednesday...?" I said in question.

"Yeah I know, her parents are out of town just for the one night so she's throwing a party. You're coming right?"

"Have you ever met me?!" I asked her incredulously.

"Pleeeaseee! You know Eli will want you to go. Him and Mark are going. C'mon, I need you I don't want to go alone." She begged.

"I'm really not into parties, V. You know that."

"I know I know, please! I really want to use this party to make my move in Mark, I need you as my wing woman. I need you to keep Eli distracted. I will buy you a swimsuit!" 

"You know my ribs are still broken."

"I know, but Eli won't let anything happen you know that, and besides it's going to be pretty relaxed, it shouldn't be crazy" I could tell she would never give up, she's very stubborn.

"You'll buy me a swimsuit?"

"And a dress!" 

"Fine, but only if we can skip the rest of the day, I really don't want to be here."

"Deal, let's go!" We got up from our lunch table and left the cafeteria. We waved a quick goodbye to the boys who were sitting with the rest of the football team. They looked confused and like they were about to get up and follow us, but I shook my head with a reassuring smile. They reluctantly sat down and we made it out of the cafeteria. When we got to her car I got in the passenger seat and her into the driver's. She cranked up the music and jammed out to whatever came on. 

"Where to first?" V asked when we got inside the mall.

"Uhm I don't care, where ever."

"Let's head to Sear's and see if we can find anything."

"Lead the way!" We chuckled and walked with our elbows linked.

"What's going on with you and Eli?" Vannah asked while we were walking to the store.

"He's been incredible lately. There's something I've been going through, and he sort of found out and he's been really helping me."

"What do you mean?"

"There's something I haven't told you. Not because I don't love you or trust you or anything, it's just hard." I told her. "This isn't quite a 'walk to the store two doors down' conversation. This is a 'you should sit down' conversation."