I wake up earlier than I intend, but choose to get a move on anyway. I slip on more casual clothes than yesterday knowing that a uniform is waiting for me at work later. I figure some well worn jeans and a simple T-shirt will do. I can do this. I look out my bedroom window and notice that it's raining with a sigh. I grab my leather jacket with the knit hood and head for the kitchen.

I eat the leftovers my aunt put in the fridge last night, thoroughly enjoying the chicken pesto linguine and not caring for a moment that it's not exactly breakfast food. I can do this. I'm not going to let my past rule my life. It still hurts and it probably always will, but they would want me to be happy. What doesn't kill you makes you stronger, right? I swallow my pasta a little harder at that, briefly recalling how close to death I was. Everything happens for a reason. Maybe I should take up singing again, it always helped me deal with things before.

On a whim I start looking for my Ipod. When I find it stashed in a drawer in my room I skim through the play list before settling on an upbeat, but fitting Kelly Clarkson song. I feel the goosebumps raise on my skin as the music starts and the lyrics start coming back to me.

"You know the bed feels warmer
Sleeping here alone
You know I dream in colour
And do the things I want"

"You think you got the best of me
Think you had the last laugh
Bet you think that everything good is gone
Think you left me broken down
Think that I'd come running back
Baby you don't know me, cause you're dead wrong"

I feel my throat getting tighter knowing what comes next and I give it my all. "What doesn't kill you makes you stronger
Stand a little taller
Doesn't mean I'm lonely when I'm alone
What doesn't kill you makes a fighter
Footsteps even lighter
Doesn't mean I'm over cause you're gone" My voice cracks a bit, but I push through it, fighting through the tears that want to break free and start using my hands for emphasis. striving to pour my soul into every note.

"What doesn't kill you makes you stronger, stronger
Just me, myself and I
What doesn't kill you makes you stronger
Stand a little taller
Doesn't mean I'm lonely when I'm alone"

"You heard that I was starting over-"

The phone rings and I jump being brought back to earth. I rush over to the phone and answer it out of breath.

"Hello?"

"Hi. I, uh, It's Nathaniel. Listen, I didn't mean to interrupt, I mean I wouldn't normally do this, but- Well, I mean I never use people's files like this and It's sounds like your busy-"

My heart skips a beat. What? I quickly walk over to the door and look out the peep hole. My eyes widen. I hang up and open the door.

"What are you doing here?" My heart is beating too fast. "How long have you been standing there!?" So embarrassing.

He blushes and looks away as he rubs the back of his neck. He heard me didn't he? Oh my god...I probably sounded terrible. No one has ever heard me sing! So awkward."I, well... only a little while. Okay longer than a little. I was waiting outside, but then I thought you wouldn't see me. So I figured maybe I should come up and knock to let you know I was here, But then I figured maybe I should call fist. You know, in case you had other plans this morning. And then you started singing and I didn't want to interrupt, but then I thought maybe you wouldn't want me to hear and I was going to leave, but I called instead. Sorry."

I groan. "You heard?" He nods not looking at me. Great. My cheeks flush. "How do you even know where I live?"

"I looked it up in your file. I would normally never do that, but I thought maybe it would be best if we got your ID before school and I said that I would take you. I'm sorry. I went about this all wrong. It wont happen again."

I sigh. "I- Don't worry about it. Uh, but if you could keep the singing part to yourself..."

He looks at me shocked. "No! No, of course not. I won't say anything about this to anyone. I promise." He smiles at me weakly before shuffling his feet awkwardly as he looks down at them.

I hesitate for a moment, not really sure what I'm comfortable with before deciding to dive right in. "Uh, come in." I awkwardly open the door wider for him and step aside. "I just have to grab my things and we can go." I say shakily as he steps into my suit while I pick up things without looking, causing my self to stumble. I blush. Ooo, so awkward! Why do I have to be such a clutz sometimes... I put on my coat and grab my school bag off the floor. "Uh, let's go I guess." I motion to the door.

He looks me up and down and clears his throat. He looks like he's trying not to smile. "I think maybe you forgot a couple of things." He points to my feet.

I look down and realise I'm not wearing shoes. I blush again with an awkward laugh. "Oops. I guess that's kinda important huh?" I scratch my head and walk away into my room.

As I'm sliding open my mirrored closet I notice my reflection.

"Oh migod." I let out a whimper. "Really?" I whisper to my reflection as I try to comb my hair with my fingers. I don't even have makeup on. I probably look like death to him! I grab a brush only to realise I'm making it worse. I quickly tie my hair in a loose bun at the nape of my neck and plug in my straightener. It only takes a moment to heat up so I do make makeup as quickly as possible. I don't want to keep him waiting so I quickly dust my face with some mineral powder add some pink cheek stain to my lips, cheeks, and lids. It's hardly visible, but whatever. I put a little mascara on the tips of my lashes and forgo everything else. I Swipe my straightener over the fluffy pieces of hair in the front that are too short to reach the bun so it lies flat and frames my face semi flatteringly. I then realise I can't find my flats so I slip on a pair of old tennis shoes and leave my room all flustered from my haste.

"Sorry I took so long." I say quickly and out of breath. "I couldn't find my shoes and stuff." I avoid making eye contact as I pick up my school bag again and head for the door.

He smiles warmly at me from beside my kitchen counter where he took to leaning with his arms crossed. "Relax Laolanna, I'm fine. It was only a moment. I came by without being invited, so don't rush on account of me."

He's so nice. And that smile! "Yah, but still. I didn't want to be rude. I didn't have much left to do anyway." I smile back at him shyly, finally making eye contact.

Shouldn't have made eye contact. I look away blushing as my heart flutters around in my chest like a trapped bird. His eyes are so gorgeous. Why did I never notice them before? I look back into his eyes. A rich brown with brilliant flecks gold decorating the whole iris. Like the morning glow of the sun peaking through forest trees... I clear my throat and shake my head when I realise I'm openly gaping at him.

"Sorry. Your eyes. I didn't notice them before." My eyes widen. "I mean. I did. But I didn't really. I mean I didn't really look. They're very pretty." Wait what? Pretty? Really? Why did I have to say that? Why couldn't I say sorry, I spaced out or sorry I just remembered I forgot something... Hello me, please insert foot in mouth. Oh wait, there's already one in there!

He laughs at me like I'm an adorable fluffy animal doing dumb cute things. "Thank you." He keeps his charming smile but his ears are a bit pink. "I noticed your eyes seem darker today. But they're still beautiful."

I look up at him shocked as my whole face heats up. I try to smile at him in thanks but I end up looking away and biting my lip. Then I remember the bruise on my brow and the scar on my cheek and realise he's just repaying the compliment. "Thanks. They kinda change sometimes. Should we go?" I walk over to the door and open it for us to leave. He takes my lead and we head out for the dollar shop.

The whole drive over to the store, as short as it was, I rubbed my scar uncomfortably. I wouldn't mind telling him about what happened. Maybe not everything, but the brief version. Then again, that would probably put a dampener on the the day. It's not exactly a happy story. Plus I don't really know him. I don't want him to pity me and it's kinda a lot to lay on someone. Probably would be best to keep it to myself. For now.

It only takes a couple of minutes to get my ID taken care of and he has me keep the change which is ten dollars and insists that he pay my enrolment fee when we get to school. I tell him it's not necessary, but he won't have it any other way.

He eyes my scar a few times throughout the whole process but says nothing. When we get to school we gather all my paperwork together and put it in a file to give to the principle and I thank him for the thousandth time. Just before the bell rings he stops me before I leave.

He looks at me tenderly and I try very hard not to look away, but when he brings a hand to my face and gentle rubs his thumb by my bruise I give in and look down at his chest. I manage not to flinch, but my body still grows tense. His touch is as tender as his gaze, and his voice no different. "I'm so sorry. I'll do my best to make sure this doesn't happen again." He lets his hand fall back down to his side.

I look up at him, half missing his touch half glad he stopped. Maybe I really can do this. "Don- Thank you." I smile at him fondly. Truly thankful for all he's done
when he didn't need to do anything but at the most say sorry.

He still looks so guilty and I'm tempted to do something about it. Hug him maybe? Make a joke out of it? Ask him to coffee? Maybe just lay a hand on him...like his shoulder? But before I can come to a decision the bell rings and we go our separate ways.