I woke up to the sound of Erika crying like usual she never failed.

"Morning Clare, need help" Eli said rubbing his groggy eyes

"What are you doing here I thought you left we have school today." I said as I left the room

"No worries I told my mom last night that I was staying here I was too afraid that when I'd move I'd wake you." Eli followed

I then picked up Erika and changed her diaper. Eli stood in the doorway I put her down after I changed her I made sure to keep my back towards Eli because I didn't want him to see the bruise on my face fearing that it was worse than last night.

"Eli, Eli, Eli" she called trying to run towards him.

"Oh you stayed over" my mom said when she noticed Eli

"You're not mad mom?" I asked as I turned around

"Mad? No I'm furious, but I remember what I did to you last night plus I woke up late last night and looked in your room. I saw you two sleeping, Clare you two looked so happy in your sleep and if he makes you feel safe until I get better as long as nothing happens between you I'll be fine."

"Mom something did happen between Eli and I" I stated

"Oh and what would that be?"

"We're dating" I said

"Oh, Clare you know what I mean"

My mom then walked away.

"Eli do you mind playing with Erika while I get dressed?" I asked him

"No I don't mind, but the bruise got worse." he said while ribbing my face with one hand and holding Erika in the other.

I then made my way into my bathroom with my clothes and then I heard a knock at the door as I got dressed.

"Eli, door" I heard my mom yell.

I finished getting dressed, then I put on my make up to cover the bruise, after that and went down stairs. I had seen Eli at the door holding Erika and talking to someone that seemed like his mom. I watched him put Erika down as he took a plastic bag from her, Erika stood with Eli as she grabbed onto his leg holding tightly I just smiled and walked to get breakfast.

"Clare I made breakfast for everyone we're having scrambled eggs and sausage."

"Ok mom I hope you aren't expecting breakfast to be an apology I still have the bruise on my face"

I looked at the time it was only 6:00 which meant Erika had woken up early. I got her diaper bag ready as my mom made breakfast and I texted Emma asking if she can pick up Erika because there is no way I'm letting my mom drive with a hangover or let her be alone with Erika and she said she'll be over soon. Eli then closed the door.

"My mom dropped off clothes as well as deodorant, tooth paste, and a toothbrush" Eli said as he put down Erika "I'm gonna get ready for school"

"Ok" I said looking at Eli "Erika come eat before Emma comes"

Erika ran over to me.

"Emma's coming?" my mom asked

"Oh yea I forgot to tell you I texted Emma to come get Erika I'll be putting the car seat in Emma gets here, Eli's still driving me to school I'll be taking your keys, you have no say in the matter."

My mom was about to say something when Eli came down.

"Here Eli, have some breakfast" I said as I handed him a plate of scrambled eggs and sausage

He sat down and I put a glass of orange juice in front of him and kissed him as I put it in front of his plate, I smiled as I stood up Eli looked shocked, but didn't say anything. I then got Erika out of her high chair and told her to watch TV. I then got myself some breakfast, sat next to Eli, and smiled at him as I took a bite to eat, he smiled back then chuckled. Just then there was a knock at the door. It was 6:40.

"It's Emma" a voice called from behind the door.

"Come in" I yelled.

My mom went upstairs as Emma then came inside.

"Ready Erika I'm taking you to the zoo today"

"Here I'll get you her car seat" I said to Emma

"No need, Spinner and I went out yesterday and got one for her, maybe you two can use it." Emma said looking at me

I looked over to Eli

"Morty" we both said in unison

"Ready Erika" Emma said

Erika nodded

"Ok say your goodbyes"

"Bye bye Eli" Erika said as she gave Eli a hug goodbye

"Bye baby girl" Eli replied hugging back

"Bye bye Mommy" Erika said as she gave me a hug good bye.

"Bye sweetie" I said hugging her back

Emma then took her diaper bag I had sitting by the door and took Erika's hand.

"I'll see you later I love you both" Erika said as she walked out

"I love you too" Eli and I said in unison

The door then shut as we finished eating.

"I told my mom I'm staying here for a little and that you needed me." Eli said as we cleared the table.

"And"

"And she said she'll pack clothes for me while we're at school. I also told her your mom said it was ok."

"What about Erika?" I said as I was doing the dishes and Eli put them in the dishwasher

"She thinks she's your little sister, but I want to tell her she's yours soon if that's ok."

"What if she doesn't want you to see me because I have a kid?"

"Well she'll have to deal with it because I'm not leaving you."

I felt my face heat up as I blushed when Eli mentioned that he's not leaving me. I knew he seen me blush because I seen him smirk out of the corner of my eye as we finished the last of the dishes.

"Eli it's 7:15, why don't we put Erika's car seat in Morty and then relax for ten minutes?"

"Sounds good."

We then went out to hook up Erika's car seat. I noticed Eli climb in the back and move a spare tire, he then lifted a lever pulling up a back seat.

"I didn't know you had a back seat." I told Eli as we hooked up the car seat

"I didn't know till after I bought it." he chuckled "I rarely use it though"

Eli kissed me after that and I kissed him back, his tongue glided across my bottom lip looking for an entrance so I granted him permission. After what seemed like two minutes of making out I pulled away.

"Eli what time is it?" I asked

"Clare we have to get ready it's 7:27"

Eli and I then went inside to get our stuff I checked the fridge to see if my mom took anything and I noticed she was missing 4 bottles of Vodka. I then grabbed her car keys, and my book bag. Eli grabbed his book bag and we walked to Morty and drove off to school.