Eli.

I'm out of rehab. I know I promised you we'd meet up. Want to come over? -Fi.

Eli had spent most of his time since school got out doing typical not-in-school-so-whatever things, like playing Xbox at Adam's, researching concert tickets, and he'd even had a couple coffee dates with Clare. But he would be lying if he said he wasn't anxious to have Fiona released from rehab. He was worried about her, but once she checked herself in, he knew she'd be okay. All the same, he had made her promise to see him after. Of course, they were still friends.

Sure. When would you like me?

He looked at himself in the mirror as he waited for her reply. His phone buzzed.

Let's have dinner. Be here around six-ish?

With a smile, he sent her his agreement. Checking the clock, he realized it was already five. He went downstairs, to where his mother was in the kitchen, no doubt starting dinner. She smiled when she saw him out of the corner of her eye. "Hello, Elijah."

"Hey mom." He walked over to the sink, grabbing a loose jar, and got himself a drink of water. "So, mom, Fiona asked me to have dinner with her tonight. She got out of rehab yesterday."

Cece turned to her son, clapping her hands together softly. "That's great, honey! I'm so proud of her, taking responsibility for herself like that."

Eli smirked. "She wants to be better."

"Sounds familiar." His mother laughed, poking his shoulder. "Have fun at dinner then, sweetie. Do you need transportation?"

He shook his head, putting the jar of water down on the counter. "No, I can walk. Thanks mom."

Eli went back upstairs to his room, wondering if he should change his clothes. Knowing Fiona, this dinner was going to be amazing and fancy and expensive in some way, shape, or form. He decided he should at least wear something clean, but then chose to throw a grey button-down shirt on over his black tee. Naturally, it was only buttoned halfway up, littered with wrinkles, and the sleeves were pulled up a bit, but he figured he could still get credit for trying.

Fiona.

Fiona smiled, pleased with herself, as she gazed at the dining table. A beautifully cooked meal, a delicious dessert, and even some candles. She wanted it to seem like an apology. She wanted to make it up to Eli; before she went into rehab, she's almost forgotten he existed. It had seemed like the world was falling completely apart, and so was she, and she kept telling herself she had no one to turn to. She couldn't believe, looking back on it now, that he had been misplaced in her mind, after how sweet he had been. He was her only friend in the whole school, and she had just brushed him off, probably when she had needed him most. Completely unaware of what kind of food he liked, she ordered steak and chicken. Then she smacked her own forehead, thinking, What if he's a vegetarian? Surely he would have mentioned that. Either way, there were two warm plates of delicious luxury dinners waiting for them, and a fantastic cake made with peaches and cream cheese frosting. She sighed a happy sigh, looking at the clock on her oven. It was 6:02.

There was a knock at her door. She nearly squealed with joy, rushing over to open it. As soon as she did, Eli observed her superfluous excitement, and smiled. He started to step inside, and Fiona grabbed him and pulled him into a hug. She closed her eyes, smiling brightly. "I'm so sorry, Eli! I'm so glad you're here. I missed you!"

Confused, but happy nonetheless, Eli returned Fiona's hug. "Sorry for what?"

With a sigh, Fiona grabbed his wrist and pulled him towards the kitchen. "Well, I guess before I went to rehab, I kind of neglected you. I was having a really, really hard time, and I didn't even think to call you. I needed someone and I didn't even give you a chance. It's just... you're such a good friend to me, Eli! And you were all I had, and I didn't even call you. So, I'm sorry."

Eli smiled, observing the dining table. It was more than he expected. "Fiona, even though I really do wish you would have given me the chance to help you, I'm glad you decided to help yourself. I'm just happy you're better."

Fiona hugged Eli one more time, and sighed. "Aw, you're so sweet."

He shrugged, and gazed at the food on the table. "Fiona, did you order two dinners?"

"Yeah," she said quickly, "I didn't know what you like, so I got you a prime rib au jus with garlic red-skinned potatoes and peas, and a grilled, seasoned chicken breast with whole-grain rice and green beans. I almost ordered you a lobster, but I wasn't... Seafood isn't really my favorite thing in the world, so I thought you might not–"

"Fiona!" Eli interrupted her, laughing. "It's okay. Honestly, I would have eaten whatever you put in front of me. You could have just ordered pizza."

Fiona chuckled. "Well, thank you."

"For what?"

"For not saying should have."