Clare's POV

There aren't any easy ways to tell Eli what my dad did to me and the fact that my mom is giving him a second chance.

It's so difficult because I'm used to keeping things bottled up inside. I've never needed anyone to help me through these types of problems because I usually try and deal on my own.

I'm afraid once I open up to somebody, that person won't want to be my 'shoulder to cry on' at all. I'm afraid I'll just scare them away with my problems.

"The first time I snuck over a few days ago, do you remember me telling you about my parents' taking a break?" I asked surprisingly calm.

"Yes." Eli responded, nodding his head for me to continue.

"Something happened after I left that night; something happened with my dad. I don't think I told you this, but he was staying at a motel until things cooled down between him and my mom. So when I got to my street, I noticed that his car was parked in the driveway. I thought he forgot something when he went back to the motel and I knew at the sight of his car that I was completely busted. But I didn't really think much of it since, well… You know what happened with us. I walked in the door and of course, they looked pissed off. My mom asked me to explain myself and before I could even start, my dad yanked me over to his side and screamed at me to tell the truth."

"What did you tell him?" questioned Eli as he interlaced his fingers with mine.

"I told him I was taking a walk. He knew I was lying and then he..." The words failed to come out of my mouth. I could feel the tears coming on.

"He hit me. My mom yelled at him and he told her she "wasn't being the mother she was supposed to be" and blamed everything on her. I couldn't stand it anymore. So I told him that he was the one who left us and what he's best at is running away from his problems… He hit me again and pushed me. I stumbled over a bottle of vodka he was drinking when he came to the house. When I reached for it to see what it was at the time, he took it from under me and threw it at the wall…"

At that point, the tears were pouring out like rain. I buried my face in my hands.

Eli sat there silently and I awaited his reaction.

Eli's POV

A million thoughts were running through my mind at once.

I just wanted to get up and punch something; beat it in until my hand breaks.

I wouldn't give a shit. I got up and started pacing. That usually helps a little bit when I'm upset.

"Clare, why didn't you tell me all this before?" when I asked her this, there was no hiding the rage in my voice.

"I… I didn't know how to. I didn't want to annoy you with my problems." Clare said crying a little more now.

I toned it down and went back to her side. I touched her cheek gently before turning her head so she was looking at me. I wiped the tears from her eyes with my thumb.

"That would never happen. I promise. You can always talk to me and I'll be there for you without a second thought." I told her soothingly.

"Thanks Eli." Clare said. She even smiled a little and then I pulled her closer and hugged her.

"I wish things would always be like this." She said after a few minutes.

"Like what?" I asked.

"Me being in your arms; that's when I feel the safest." Clare said softly.

I looked at her for a moment. "I'll always protect you." I whispered.

Clare stared at me with sad eyes. "There's only one thing you can't protect me from."

"What do you mean?" I question.

"My dad. Mom's giving him a second chance…"

"I don't understand. Why?" This began to frustrate me.

"She told me he never would have done that if he was sober. But what's gonna happen next time he decides to go drink his problems away? Mom said that herself right after he left. She told me she didn't want to stick around to find out and now she's giving him another chance!" There was hurt and anger in Clare's voice.

I flinched at the thought of Clare getting abused by her father again. If it did happen again, what if it was worse?

This all struck me hard. I know how she feels; from personal experience.

I wouldn't wish it on anybody especially the girl I love.

"I know how that goes…" I finally said.

Clare had a confused expression on her face.

"2 years ago, my mom would come home wasted and beat the living hell out of me. It went on for about a week before I could finally tell my dad. She did jail time and proved she's changed. She's also a recovered alcoholic. It's just an unpredictable thing because she could go back to her old ways at any time."

"Blue Eyes, whatever you do, promise me that if it happens again you'll tell me? I… I don't want you to have to go through what I did." My voice cracked and I think I actually felt myself tear up.

You're supposed to be helping her, not breaking down in front of her! What girl wants a guy that does that?

"Eli… I had no idea… I- I'm so sorry…" she said.

"The past is the past right? But please, please tell me if it ever happens again. I swear to God..."

Clare kissed my forehead and then my lips. "I will, I promise." She whispered.

She rested her forehead on mine as we sat in silence.

"I love you so much." managed to escape my lips.

"I love you too. Thank you." Clare said in a sweet voice.

"For?" I whisper, our faces almost touching.

"Everything. Tonight, and letting me know that you'll always be here to protect me. I've never had someone who was willing to do that for me." she said as a smile came across her face.

"Anything for you, Clare." I smiled and then pulled her closer as her lips collided with mine.

Clare's POV

I always love kissing Eli. The part I hate is when one of us pulls away.

The only reason I did this time is because I knew I should be going home right about now seeing as its 3:21 in the morning.

"I hate to cut this short, but I think I better start walking home." I said barely whispering.

"Let me drive you, Clare." Eli offered.

I agreed and told him to drop me off at the end of my street so we wouldn't look suspicious. Most of the ride was silent but I didn't mind. It gave me a chance to think about tonight.

We soon arrived on my street and Eli and I kissed goodbye.

"I love you, Eli; so much." I told him sincerely.

"I love you too, Blue Eyes." He replied with my favorite crooked, but attractive smile.

Before I got out of Morty, Eli pulled me back for one last kiss.

As I watched him drive off, butterflies were still filling my stomach.

I ran the rest of the way back to my house but made sure to tone down the excitement before entering.

I entered with no problems whatsoever and then quietly walked back to my room.

Being careless, I put on the same PJs I had on the night before and flopped onto my bed feeling like the luckiest girl in the world.

Thank you all so much for the lovely reviews, favorites, etc. It means a lot to me. When I wrote my first 3 chapters or so, I didn't think you all would like the story so much and I didn't think it would grow on me that much either! It's your guys' reviews that keep me going and inspire me to write more.

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