Flashbacks

Vera and I were laughing hysterically as Dan kept muttering curses under his breath. At first, I thought it was just Dan and I who were going to hang out but he ended up bringing his (beautiful) girlfriend. It was a bit awkward and uncomfortable at first, but then we ended up warming up to each other quickly.

I also felt the need to explain things to her - things about Dan and I’s friendship and such. Obviously Dan already told her that we’re only friends, but I still wanted to let her know that I wasn’t interested in Dan like that and he wasn’t into me like that either. She understood everything, thankfully.

“So, what do you do for a living?” I asked her once things became more calm.

“I’m a veterinarian,” she answered, her eyes lighting up. “I love animals and taking care of them. I can’t wait to get a pet of my own, too! They’ll be my first little baby.”

I chuckled at her eagerness. “When I was younger, I was terrified of animals. But now I ask myself what I was so scared of,” I joked.

She laughed. “I promise you, they’re harmless little things.”

“What kind of pet do you want?” I asked.

“She wants a chihuahua,” Dan cut in, “but those dogs are evil.”

Vera and I laughed at his serious tone. “I’m sure when you get one you won’t think that anymore.”

He shrugs his shoulders and we continue eating. It was relaxing and peaceful. Not once did I feel like I didn’t belong there. And, despite knowing my messed up past, Vera didn’t look at me how someone else would. She treated me like I was normal. Admittedly, I felt as though I made a new friend.

“We should hang out later,” Vera said, “just me and you.”

I smiled. “Sure, that’d be fun. Give me your phone number so we can stay in contact?” I asked. We both exchanged phone numbers quickly whilst Dan was smiling at us. I also noticed the time and shot Noah a text, telling him to pick me up. He went somewhere nearby since 1) he didn’t want to intrude and 2) he didn’t want to go home without me.

“It was really nice hanging out with you guys but I have to go now,” I announced. Vera quickly gave me a hug.

“I can’t wait to hang out again!” she whisper-squealed into my ear. I smiled.

Dan also got up and gave me a quick hug. “I’m proud of you, Elle,” he said.

I furrowed my brows together, confused. “Why?” I asked awkwardly.

“For getting better.”

I was speechless for a moment, but I found myself agreeing with him almost. I should also be proud of myself because this is a step forward. At last, I’m getting better.

I gave each of them one more hug before I left the cafe, smiling to myself. I saw the car parked nearby so I went to see Noah waiting for me. I quickly got in, my smile not disappearing just yet.

“How was your lunch date with your friends?” he asked as he began driving us back home.

“It was fun. I think we’re gonna hang out again soon.”

The car quickly grew quiet, but thankfully it didn’t take long for us to arrive home. We walked to the porch at a steady pace, not too fast but also not too slow. He then unlocked and opened the door for me and I was immediately greeted by Celeste and Arthur.

“Hi, sweetie! How was your day?” Celeste asked.

“My day went well,” I answered. “How about you?”

“Everything went well.”

“How was your meeting with Dan?” Arthur asked.

They - he and his girlfriend - were

sweetie. My wife and I are going to go out today. We called for a babysitter, they should be arriving in about 30 minutes. Can you or Noah open

can watch Norma and Cominic while you guys are out,”

okay. Norma and Cominic can be

must think I’m not capable of

care of them. It’s the least

to! I’ll call the babysitter and cancel. Their

there anything else I should be on the lookout for?” I

them candy,” Arthur cut in. “They won’t be able

“Got it!”

it. We’ll see you later tonight

“Okay.”

the way, they’re in the living room watching TV. We already kissed them goodbye,” Celeste said. I nodded before they both left, shutting the door behind them. Turning around, I walked to the living room to see both Dominic and Norma

asked, sitting on the couch in between

“Mulan,” came Norma’s reply.

“What is it about?”

a war. She pretends to be a

to say. “Your parents are out and I wanted to bond

both turned their heads towards me. “Do you want to play a game with me?”

happily. “What

want to

“Why not?”

games are so

asked Norma before looking at a pissed off Dominic. He did look adorable though, and I ended

each other

fun,” I responded. “What do you think,

He shrugged. “I guess…”

in a circle. I’ll go get some

and began my search for snacks. As I was looking through the cabinets, Noah walked in with grey sweatpants and a

away from him to pick out

you to get those?”

coming - I’m the

time. I like the sound

I chuckled. “Me, too.”

other for what seemed like forever but was actually just a few seconds. When I was beginning to feel a bit hot, I cleared my throat. “Well, I’m gonna go back now. Can’t keel them waiting.” He blushed but

in front of them and told them to

candy?”

I answered, causing him to

“Promise?” Norma asked.

“I promise.”

wants to go first?” the young girl asked, looking

will!” Dominic answered before turning to me.

“20,” I answered.

“Favorite color?” Norma asked.

“Definitely blue.”