I got to Eli's house and suddenly panicked. There wasn't a single light on at the front of the house. But I remembered Eli's bedroom being at the back. Feeling like some kind of creepy stalker, I walked around the house, praying that his parents didn't wake up and call the police.

I looked around, found a small rock, and, despite the pain in my ribs, tossed it at his window. About a minute, and three rocks, later, Eli came to the window and threw it open.

"Clare?" He shouted down.

"Can you let me in?" I asked. I felt so stupid. We weren't even friends. Yet here I was, at his house in the middle of the night begging to come in. He must think I'm crazy.

Yet he nodded and disappeared from the window. I went around front and waited on the front porch, biting my lip. Eventually Eli came down in just a pair of pajama bottoms. He just stared at me for a few moments.

He was probably cataloging the bruises on my face. Instead of saying anything, he just gestured for me to come in, and motioned me to be quiet as we headed up the stairs. Eli flicked on his light and sat down on the bed. I joined him, but didn't lift my eyes to his.

"Clare, what happened?" He asked softly.

I looked up at him finally. There was concern shinning in those green eyes of his. So much of it that I felt tears prickle my eyes.

I shook my head. I didn't want to talk about it. I didn't want him to judge me for all that's happened.

"Clare, you've got to learn to open up." He said, his tone changing from caring to angry. "You said you wouldn't ever let me kill myself, and I won't let you kill yourself."

"What?" I asked, finally speaking. "I'm not trying to kill myself."

"Not, but your letting yourself get hurt, which could lead to something worse." He said, his eyes hard, staring into mine.

"My mom left." I told him. "My dad hits her. And sometimes me. She thought if she was gone it would make him happy. Instead, he went ballistic and... attacked me. Worse than he ever has before."

"Claire, I-"

"Can I stay here tonight?" I asked. I didn't want to discuss my mom and dad anymore.

"Of course." He said. "But you're going to have to do something about this all eventually, Clare."

"I know just... not tonight. Please?"

Suddenly something slipped under Eli's door. We both looked at it, confused. I stood up, went to the door and picked it up.

It was a note. I read it out loud to Eli.

"Heard you had a friend over. Be safe!- Love mom." I read, and then flicked the attached condom at him. We both burst out laughing. Normally I would be uncomfortable about this kind of thing, really. But right now... it was just really funny.

"Your parents are... something, Eli." I said when I could finally catch my breath. "They're not even going to give you trouble for having a random girl in your room in the middle of the night?"

"First, you're not random. My mom met you, and she liked you. Second of all... I'm such a stud that they're pretty used to it." He said, giving me a cocky smirk.

I yawned. "I'm so sure, Eli." I said sarcastically. "Don't kill me if I keep it out of the essay, okay?"

"Tired?" He asked.

"A little." I said, and stifled another yawn.

"Do you want to sleep in here? I can go crash on the couch." He offered.

I bit my lip. I didn't want to kick him out of his own room... but I couldn't stay the night in bed with him. Right?

"Can't we both stay in here?" I asked. Then I silently cursed myself.

"Are you sure you're allowed to do that, Saint Clare?" He asked, amusement in his eyes.

No. "Yes." It's not like anything's going to happen...

"Alright." Eli said slowly. "Do you need pajamas to wear?"

"I have some, thank you." I told him. "Um, the bathroom is...?"

"Right at the end of the hall." He told me.

I nodded and went to change. I came back and the lights were off. I assumed Eli was already asleep and slowly made my way towards the bed. I felt awkward. I'd never shared a bed with a boy before. If my mom saw me now, she'd probably kill me...

I crawled into bed and rested my head on the pillow.

"Hey, Eli?" I asked softly.

"Mmm." He replied. I laughed. He was already half asleep.

"Thanks." I told him.

"No problem, Clare-bear."

And with that, we fell asleep.

Kind of short chapter, but the next one should be up pretty soon. REVIEW, PEOPLE! We're almost at twenty reviews now! Keep 'em coming, please! - C