Clare

"So Clare what has you so terrified about the aspect of a relationship?"

"I don't know."

"You should know by now that 'I don't know' is not about acceptable answer. Talk to me…that's what I'm here for."

"I don't know what I'm supposed to do or how I'm supposed to act. What if I do something wrong?"

"That's part of being in a relationship Clare…making mistakes and taking chances."

"What if… I'm scared that I will disappoint him."

"Why?"

"I just will… I know it."

"Well I don't think you will disappoint him at all. Not one bit, at least not the way you think you will."

"It's just…everything seems like it's going a million miles per hour."

"Well then slow things down Clare. You have made a lot of progress in not that much time! You are doing great so if you feel you need to slow things down in that aspect of your life then do it."

"I don't want him to think I'm not interested though. I want him to know that I want him I just don't want to commit to too much too soon."

"Well tell him that Clare… I'm sure he will understand."

I bid Dr. Hunter goodbye for the week and I walked out into the lobby. I was her last patient and Eli was filing papers as usual. Work today kicked my butt so I was a little tired. I fell asleep on the comfy little loveseat. I woke up to Eli gently shaking me.

"Get up sleepy head. Time to go."

"Okay."

"So are you up for a bite to eat?"

"My treat?"

"No…mine…"

"Eli."

"If I don't pay my dad will kill me."

"Fine. Where to?"

"How about…waffles?"

"How did I know you'd say that?"

We went to the restaurant. I listened to Eli tell me about his day. I supposed times would get interesting working in a psychologist office. I was trying to find a way to word what I needed to say.

"Eli?"

"Huh?"

"I want to be with you but…"

"But what?"

"I think we should slow things down."

"How?"

"Like…I don't know we are just moving too fast."

He started moving in slow motion and pretending to talk in slow motion. I couldn't help but laugh at this silly scene he was making.

"Issss thisssss sloooow ennnooough fooor yooooou?"

"Eli stop it, people are starting to stare."

"Ha, are they? I understand what you mean, we can slow down but I'm not giving up my waffle dates with you."

"I wouldn't want you to Eli. I like our waffle outings."

"Not waffle outings…waffle dates."

"Waffle hang-outs."

"You can't say the word date."

"Oh look…the food is coming."

"You can't use that to get out of this…why won't you say 'date'?

"I don't know okay! I just…"

"Dr. Hunter will be hearing about this."

"That's cheating. I have to tell her stuff like that."

"Yeah I know."

"Eli just know that I only like eating waffles like this with you."

"Aww okay. So long as I'm the only guy you are eating waffles with you can call it whatever you want."

"Thank you."

"No problem. Hey, I have something for you."

"What?"

He pulled out a tiny box. It was wrapped in pink paper with a bow on top. I opened it carefully so that I wouldn't rip the beautiful paper. When I finally got it off there was only a black velvet box. I opened it up and inside there was s silver bracelet with a little turtle charm on it.

"What's this for?"

"Six months sober. I feel like that's something to celebrate."

"It's been that long?"
"Yes it has… I was thinking maybe for every two months I will add another charm…or just because. Do you like it?"

"I love it. How did you know I liked turtles?"

"When we were in school one day I heard you talking about turtles as you walked past me."

"Oh. Thank you Eli."

"Don't mention it Clare. Can I have a hug?"

"I guess you've earned a little hug."

I held onto him like there was no tomorrow. He smelled good as always…. He put the bracelet around my wrist and then we sat back down and started eating. While I stuffed my face with waffles I started to think. It has been six months since I started getting therapy and stopped doing the oxy. I guess maybe that is something to celebrate.

I finished eating before Eli surprisingly and I watched him as he focused on clearing his plate. I studied his face, his eyes, his mouth… He is a looker but even more than that he's sweet. I just want to be able to love him the way I feel he loves me. I don't want to be slacking while he doles out all the affection. I just need to figure out how to love Elijah Goldsworthy right…

I know its short. Sorry! Please leave a review. =)