Broken Submission

Party

"I don't know—shouldn't we be cautious right now? Now that we're actively working with the police to apprehend Garret?"

Derek nodded. "Of course we'll be cautious. But it's been a week since he left those flowers. Tracking down leads, trying to get in contact with his family, right now that's all we can do. So we're going to go to this party," he continued, taking her hands. "I'm going to let the guys know to be on the lookout for anything suspicious, and we're going to have a good time. Okay?"

She nodded, taking a fortifying breath. Offering him a small smile, she released his hands. "Okay. I'm just a little nervous about being around so many people."

He dropped a kiss on her lips, moving his mouth against hers until she relaxed, mouth opening against his gentle assault. "I believe in you," he murmured.

Pulling back just enough to rest his forehead against hers, he said, "And I'll be right there the whole time. If you get overwhelmed or want to go home, we can do that."

An impulse took hold of her, and she got up on her tiptoes to give his nose a quick peck with her lips. "I'd better get ready then."

She yelped when he laid a swat on her behind, his laughter chasing her into the bedroom.

. . .

Amelia smoothed down the fabric of her green sheath dress. A row of large buttons trailed up the front with a belt to cinch her waist. Her wardrobe was limited, but the sturdy, almost military style dress gave her a sense of confidence. She paired it with a pair of black ankle boots.

"You look beautiful."

Amelia turned to find Derek leaning against the doorframe. She glanced at her reflection in the mirror. "I, uh, I fill it out a little more than I used too—"

His arms wrapped around her waist, tugging her back against his body. "You know that that's a good thing, right?" He asked, frowning. "You look good—healthy."

"I know," she said quickly. "It's just..." she grimaced. "My body wasn't attractive when I was so small," she murmured. "But—it's also like I didn't have to worry. Does that make sense?" Her eyes darted to his, a little scared that she'd find judgement there.

He dropped a kiss on the top of her head. "It does. You've been programmed to fear even healthy weight." His hand drifted to her stomach, and she tried not to flinch. She didn't like her stomach touched at the best of times, and now that it wasn't quite as flat as it used to be...

"Amelia," he said, "I love your curves. You're so tiny anyway; now there's something for me to grab."

Her self-esteem plummeted. She didn't want to hear how much loose flesh she had for him to grab onto.

"Hey," he turned her to face him. "You are not fat. And even if you were? I wouldn't care. But if I catch you cutting back on your meals," he said, a hard glint in his eye, "I will paddle you like there is no tomorrow—you hear me?"

Her shoulders hunched. "Yes sir."

He sighed. "I'm doing this all wrong, aren't I? Shit." Running a hand through his hair, he glanced at the clock. "It's about time to go." He stroked her arm. "Do you still want to go? We can stay home, watch a movie or something."

She shook her head, forcing a smile onto her face. "I'm good. Let's head out. I'm done in here." Without waiting for a response, she pushed out the door. Ruthlessly, she blinked away the tears in her eyes.

                                . . .

Autumn really had only invited a small group of friends and family. She and Mark lived on the edge of town in the 'burbs, a small, white house with a couple trees and an artificial pond. Derek watched Amelia as she stuck to the sidelines, hugging the walls in between conversations.