I woke up the next morning after some birds had started chirping outside my bedroom window. I smiled to myself, knowing that last night had been a pretty good night. Eli's parents had embarrassed him somewhat, but he had been so adorable when his cheeks turned red. I still couldn't believe that he loved me. He was just so amazing; everything was starting to feel like a dream.
I didn't see Eli today because he was busy helping Adam with something. I figured that it had to do with Fiona. Adam liked her so much, but he was hiding behind Drew's spotlight. I kept telling him to tell her that he liked her, but he refused. Maybe he would listen to Eli. I didn't have much to do so after doing my homework I started to re-read Fortnight.
My mom had been really happy lately, and I wasn't really sure what was making her happy. I was starting to believe that maybe things were getting better. I knew there was no chance that my parents would get back together, but something inside me kept telling me that life was good.
I fell asleep that night with Eli's headphones on. I woke up Sunday morning smiling because I knew that Eli and I would be spending time with each other.
I headed downstairs to make some breakfast for myself and saw a note from my mother.
Clarebear, your father is at his condo if you need anything. I am meeting up with some friends this afternoon, so please don't wait up for me. Love, Mom
I wasn't surprised to find out that she wouldn't be home all day. When I had walked in last night I could hear her crying through the walls. I wanted to go in and make her feel better, but I just couldn't bring myself to it. I felt like ever since she told me about the divorce that we were all slowly drifting apart.
I reached into the cupboard to find a small bowl and filled it with some cereal and milk. While pouring myself a glass of orange juice, I heard my phone vibrate on the table. I brought my breakfast up to my room and grabbed my phone. I sat down on my bed before seeing who had texted me.
One new text message: Hey, beautiful… I smiled, realizing that I had the best boyfriend in the whole world. Before I could answer, my phone vibrated again.
Eli: What are you doing this fine morning?
Me: Eating breakfast… my mom went out for the day, so do you wanna hang out?
Eli: so does that mean that my girlfriend is lonely? ;) I could come over right now, so you wouldn't have to be alone. I didn't know what to say. Eli and I alone in my house? I knew nothing bad would happen; I was just slightly nervous.
Me: that could work. J
Eli: give me ten minutes… seeya soon, Edwards ;) love you
Me: byeee I love you, too.
I quickly jumped in the shower to clean myself up. As I was brushing my teeth, I heard a knock on the door. I ran downstairs, toothbrush in hand, and opened the door. Eli was leaning against the doorframe, dressed in black skinny jeans, a white v-neck, and a black vest. He was just so adorable. He smirked at me while motioning at my toothbrush. I must've turned red because he started to laugh at me. I ran upstairs to wash up and put the toothbrush down.
Before heading back downstairs, I looked at myself in the mirror. I was wearing a light purple v-neck with a white cami underneath it, dark-washed skinny jeans, and rainbow toesocks. I giggled at my toes, knowing that I'd be criticized for them in a matter of minutes.
Eli was already sitting on the couch with the remote in hand when I walked downstairs. He smirked at me, and I pulled him up off the couch. He wiggled his eyebrows at me before pulling me into a kiss. He slowly slid his arm around my waist, pulling me close, and my arms found their way around his neck. I could feel him smirk through the kiss as I felt his mouth start to open.
I slowly opened my mouth, letting our tongues play for a little while. After a few minutes I pulled away, breathing heavily after our heavy makeout session.
Eli smirked at me and said, "Clare, you're feisty today. I didn't even get to say hello." I blushed and looked down. He made me so nervous sometimes.
"Hi, Eli." We both started to laugh, and eventually, we sat down on the couch. Eli put his arm around me, and I rested my head on his shoulder.
"Where'd your mom go again? I'm surprised she left you alone, especially after that dinner where you made it seem like your boyfriend was big and scary." He chuckled, and I smacked his arm.
"Ouch!" He gave me a fake 'you hurt me' look. He still was joking with me about that dinner.
"I'm going to just forget that last part, Eli. She wrote me a note saying she was meeting with some friends. I feel like she's keeping something from me. It's been almost two months since the divorce, and she acts like my dad doesn't even exist." I was upset, and Eli looked into my eyes.
"I doubt that she thinks your dad doesn't exist, Clare. Don't put so much pressure on yourself. Do you think it's possible that she met someone?" Eli could be right. I couldn't imagine my mom with someone else, but it could happen. I didn't want to think about someone replacing my dad.
"I guess so, but I really don't want to think about it. Let's watch a movie or something." Eli's phone started to ring. He looked at it and showed me a text from Adam. Adam: Hey man… I need your and Clare's help. Fiona needs help setting up the dance for Valentine's Day, and I was hoping you two would help next Friday afternoon. Please? Eli sighed. He wasn't much for school dances, but I was still secretly hoping that he would take me.
"So, that ruined my plan." Plan? What was he talking about?
"Eli, what plan are you talking about?" He got up from the couch and went out to his car. Did he seriously just leave me again? I really didn't understand anything about this boy. Then, he opened my front door holding two tickets.
"Well, I was going to ask you to the dance, and it was going to be all romantic or whatever. Adam had to mention the dance, and now, everything is screwed up." He plopped himself onto the couch. I couldn't help but laugh, and Eli looked at me confusingly.
"Eli, what makes you think that Adam ruined your plan? Do you think that just because the dance was mentioned that I won't go with you." He kept staring at the floor, but he eventually brought his green eyes up to mine. He was actually upset about this. He really was too sweet.
"Eli, do you want to go to the dance with me?" He kept staring at me. I figured he was trying to come up with some witty comment.
"I don't know, Clare."
"Eli… please go to the dance with me?" He smirked at me. The butterflies started to flutter in my stomach.
"I'd love to, Clare, but only because you begged me. And because I love you." He winked at me. I couldn't help but giggle at him. He came over to me and kissed me. There was something different about this kiss. It wasn't heated or passionate, but it was one of those kisses where everything was perfect.