Mia’s Pov
The next morning I woke up feeling a little better but I wasn't able to sleep much. Every time I closed my eyes I was back where I was taken when I was kidnapped. I had breakfast with Claire and we had a chat. She said some very helpful things that will motivate me to keep going. She left around 20 minutes ago as we both have a shift today.
I stepped out of the shower wrapping a towel around me and walked over to the sink taking a look in the mirror. My eye was a little better today. The swelling has gone down so I grabbed my makeup and touched up my eyes and face. I was about to walk back into my room but I couldn’t help it. I went back over to the sink and washed my hands once again.
Leaving the bathroom I roamed back into my bedroom. I strolled over to my wardrobe and grabbed a black off shoulder shirt and a pair of jeans.
Once dressed I walked over to the mirror near the window. I remembered the words Claire said I should say to encourage myself each morning. So I took a deep breath and said, "I won't let anything get to me. I have direction and I am strong"
I grabbed my purse and phone making my way down the stairs. With everything that has happened I’m surprised that my morning sickness has gone. For sure I thought these events would have made it worse.
After Claire spoke with me it put a lot in perspective. I couldn’t starve myself, I can’t not in my current state. At first I couldn’t take it, I didn’t want to listen but after a painful argument mostly me yelling I gave in.

4 hours later
Being back at work has been a great distraction from everything that has happened. After everything, I couldn’t bare to face or talk to anyone so I am staying at the back of the kitchen doing dishes and helping the chef. Being in the kitchen around food is therapy for me. I have always loved cooking and one day hope to have a restaurant of my own.
I must say having Claire work a shift with me has helped a lot. If she wasn’t here I don’t think I could do this. After cooking with the chef for 2 hours straight I decided that I should start to clean the dishes because there is a stack of dishes piling up. I put my headphones on while pressing play on my music and started washing.
While listening to my music I couldn’t help but hum along. Listening to music has always helped me to relax. No matter what the situation is it always helps. It calms my nerves. After washing and scrubbing for what felt like another hour the pile of dishes were completely gone.
While I was washing Claire was out doing her rounds taking orders and serving all the customers. I know I should be out there helping her but I’m not in the right mind set.
Sighing in relief I wipe the droplets of sweat forming on my forehead. I was about to go see what the chef would like me to do next but I couldn’t help it. I pumped a couple of squirts of soap in my hands and frantically washed them once again. Finally feeling clean I dry my hands and that’s when I felt a hand on my shoulder.
"Ahhh!"
"Sorry Mia, I didn’t mean to scare you"
I placed my right hand on my chest trying to calm my heavy breathing. I know Claire didn't mean to scare me but after what happened I've been extremely jumpy.
"It's okay"
"Please I beg you to serve just one customer. For me"
Claire I love you but I don’t want to deal with all those rude people"
"Come on please? This customer isn’t rude at all"
"Please all these customers are rude"
Claire gently grabbed my hand leading me over to the window and pointed at the table at the back of the room.
"Is that Elijah?"
"Yep"
I turned to face Claire who was smiling at me.
"Did you ask him to come?"
"No I honestly didn’t"
"Then why is he here?"
"Did you ever think that he is here to see you? To see if you are ok?"
I shook my head as I turned back around peeking through the small window. I wanted to run out these doors and jump into his strong arms but I couldn’t move.
"Mia go out there and take his order"
"What’s he going to order? I lean in closer so no one would hear me, he’s a vampire remember?"
"Girl get your butt out there and just do it. Maybe he just wants to talk?"
"Fine," I threw my hands up in surrender. I know Claire means well but all I've wanted was to be left alone. But I could never refuse Claire.
I took a deep breath. I grab an apron off the wall and put it on. I made sure I had a pen and notepad in my front pocket. Walking out of the kitchen I cautiously made my way towards the back of the room near the entrance door.
Nervously I gaze around the room watching everyone watching their every move. Being out in the open with all eyes on me is making me very self conscious. I knew this was too early to be serving customers. I shook my head as I was about to turn around and make my way back to the kitchen.
But instead I lifted my head up and that's when my eyes landed on him. He has always been able to calm me down. Even if it was just as our eyes met, his stare is something that I could never describe. I kept my eyes on him as I made my way over to him. As I came to his table I pulled out my pen and notepad ready to take his order.
He didn't lift his hand but a smile formed on his mouth, "um, hello can I get…."
I let out a soft giggle and started to blush.
"I love hearing you laugh. It's great to hear after everything"
"Elijah, why are you here?" I asked in a low soft voice.
He raised his eyebrows and then spoke, "what can't I buy a drink?
"Yes you can but why here?"
"Fine, you got me. I wanted to check up on you"
"I am okay I don't need everyone checking up on me"
"I know but I wanted to see you"
"I appreciate the gesture. What drink would you like to order?"
"A glass of scotch please"
"Sure coming right up"
"Oh before you go can I ask you something?"
"Um sure"
“Can I take you out later?” Elijah asked.
“I..I don’t think I’m up to anything at the moment”
“That’s ok. I don’t want to pressure you into doing anything you don’t want to do. But I would love to walk with you on the beach. If that’s okay?”
I stood there stunned as he held my hand while striking it, I tried to understand if Elijah had just asked me out. I have always wanted to go out on a proper date with him. Usually I would be jumping out of my skin but I’m not. I do want to go out with him but am I ready for that? I want to do it. I want to walk down the beach with him even if it’s not a date. When I’m with Elijah I always feel safe so I took a breath then spoke.
“Yes”
“Yes?”
“My answer is yes I will go out with you”
I watched as a huge grin formed on his mouth. I could tell he was beyond thrilled. Smiling back I made my way back towards the kitchen into the bar area. I grabbed a glass and added a few ice cubes with scotch in.
Just as I was about to make my way back over to Elijah, Claire walked over to me. She didn't say a word, she just stood there smiling at me.
"Claire what's up"
"Oh um I noticed you smiling over here while pouring the drink. So how was Elijah?"
"He's good," I said as I couldn't wipe the smile off my face.
"Girl, you're blushing. Tell me what happened. What did he say?"
"Not much happened we talk, he asked me out and now I'm getting his drink ready"
"Wait! Hold up, go back. Did you say he asked you out?"
"Yeah"
Smiling I walked past Claire and made my way back over to Elijah with his drink in my hand then I placed it in front of him. I watched him as he noticed the smile on my face which made him smile as well. I don't know why but whenever I'm near him I always feel warm inside. Like my whole insides turn to jelly.
For the rest of my shift I couldn't stop thinking about Elijah. Why would he want to ask me out? I know we have had a special moment together in bed but other than that why? Why me? What does he see in me?
After a long shift I am heading home at 5 o’clock and I am excited and somewhat nervous to see Elijah again. After everything I’ve been through the past few days I don’t know if I understand Elijah’s intention’s.
It was Claire’s turn to lock up so I walked into the locker room and grabbed my things. I pulled my phone out of my bag and noticed Elijah sent a text. It read, see you at 5:30. I will come and pick you up. See you soon xoxo
I smiled as I read the text, what is it about Elijah that makes me burst with joy? Placing my phone in my front pocket and walking back out to Claire who was locking the register. I strolled over to her and said my goodbyes. Just as I was about to open the door to leave I heard Claire yell out to me.
"Have fun and you better tell me all the details tomorrow"
Smiling I turn around and respond, "I will I promise"
"Oh I will come over tomorrow morning around 6 then you better spill everything"
I had given Claire a spare key to my house when she had stayed over last night. I knew if I didn’t give her a key she would be on my case, I know she cares about me but sometimes she smothers me. She has always done that ever since we were kids. And I guess since I spilled my secret to her it’s got her more on edge. I love her but sometimes it can be too much to handle.

I had just finished having a shower that's when I heard music playing downstairs. I put on my bathrobe pulling my hair up in a bun and made my way to the side cupboard, grabbing a broom. Yes I know, it's a broom it isn't a weapon but it's all I've got. my heart beated rapidly as I cautiously made my way down the stairs turning the corner holding the broom that tightened my grip lifting it over my head as I'm about to hit the intruder. That's when I realised it was Claire. She turned around and saw the broom I held over my head.
"Mia! F*ck you scared the sh*t out of me"
"Sorry, '' I said as I lowered the broom and placed it beside the fridge. "I thought someone broke in"
"No it's ok," she said trying to catch her breath, "It was my fault. I.i should have called and said I was coming over"
"Why are you here?"
"I wanted to help you get ready for your date"
"Claire, it's not a date"
"If you say so. Anyway, what are you going to wear?"
"I have no idea. I do know it's warm outside so maybe a light flowy dress.
"Let's go see what dresses you have"
Claire grabbed my hand leading me back up into my room. She let go as we entered my room and made her way over to my wardrobe. I walked over to my bed and sat down as I watched as she opened the screen door and skimmed through all my dresses. When Claire puts her mind to something there's no getting her out of it. So I stayed quite waiting for Claire to choose a dress.
Soon I heard her say, "yep this is the dress"
She turned around holding a long dress with short sleeves. It was somewhat of a style of a princess dress. It was one of my favourites because it was casual and suitable for the beach. It was a beautiful blue and white dress with a slit down the leg, something very sexy but cute with delicate details on the chest part without having to show the bust so it's perfect.
That dress is something I bought a month ago when I hoped that someday I would have someone special or a special occasion. Tonight is the night I'm going to wear it for the first time.
Claire handed me the dress and gently pushed me towards the bathroom. I closed the door behind me and walked over to the mirror with the dress in my hand. I held the dress up and smiled. Why am I getting butterflies in my stomach? This isn't a date. Right?
I placed the dress on the hook on the door then turned back to the mirror. Looking at myself I noticed my eye was still bruised but the swelling was gone. Taking a breath I pump some soap in my hands and scrub my hands clean then I dry them.
Turning around I drop my robe down to the ground and reach for the dress. Within a few minutes I had the dress on. I couldn't help but look at myself in the mirror. Wow! I look beautiful.
I reach for the door handle walking out the door straight over to show Claire. As I made my way over to Claire her mouth dropped to the floor and a huge smile appeared on her face.
"Wow! Mia you look stunning"
"Thanks," I said as I looked down at the ground.
"Now what are we going to do with your hair?"
"I'm not sure. I was just going to keep it in a bun"
"Noooo. Definitely not. Hmm I know what to do. Where is your curling wand?"
"Um, top left draw in the bathroom"
Without responding Claire bolted into the bathroom grabbing the curling wand. While I waited for her to return I walked over to my study table and sat down. I scrolled through my social media while I waited. Claire walked back over and plugged the curling wand in and started doing my hair. She always loved doing my hair when we were kids. She is like a sister I never had.
Within 15 minutes my hair and make up was done. I looked at the time on my phone and it was 5:25pm. I realised that Elijah will be here in 5 minutes to pick me up.
I couldn’t help but smile as I thought about Elijah and what he is planning. I know he said it was just a walk on the beach but I feel like that’s not all. Standing up I walked over to my wardrobe, opened it and looked at all my options for shoes. Scanning through them my eyes landed upon one of my favourite sandals. I loved how they are simple and casual and I put them on.
As we made our way down stairs the doorbell rang. Excitement kicked in. My palms became sweaty and my breathing starts to fasten. I realise he is standing behind that door. I don't know why but staring at the door I couldn't move. I was frozen.
That is nothing more and nothing less than being in love and feeling that way is something very special more than going out with the person you love.. Wait, did I just say Love? I am in love with Elijah? No I can't be. Right?
I turned to Claire, " I need a minute, please"
Claire stepped closer to me and pulled me into a hug then pulled away. "Sure, take your time. I will invite Elijah in"
I smile at Claire and make my way up stairs to my room straight into my bathroom. My breathing was beating so fast that I couldn't hear myself think. Walking over to the sink I couldn’t help but wash my hands again.
Lately it seems I never feel clean, not after what I went through. After I finished I opened the bottom drawer and grabbed a hand sanitizer and placed it in my small bag.

Elijah’s Pov
I rang the doorbell and waited for it to open. For some reason I am feeling really nervous. I know we said it isn’t a date but why do I feel like it is?
After a minute or so the door opened, instead of meeting Mia it was Claire who answered the door.
"Elijah please come in"
"Thanks"
I walked inside straight over to the couch and Claire followed me and sat down.
"Elijah don’t you look casual"
"Hahaha yeah I guess"
"I’m use to seeing you in a suit everyday"
"I know. Where is Mia?"
"She needed a minute"
"Oh, is she okay?"
"Yeah she is fine. She should be down in a minute"
"Oh ok good"
"Elijah"
"Yes"
"Please be gentle with Mia"
"Of course I want no harm to come to her. I care too much"
I stood up walking over near the door. I do care so much about Mia I would never have wanted her to go through what she has. If I had a time machine I would have changed all this if I could but I can’t.
It pains me to see her hurt or upset. I was lost in my thoughts when I was interrupted by her standing at the top of the stairs. Seeing her at the top of the stairs I couldn’t stop smiling. If I had a heart, it would be thumping in my chest right now. Her hair was so beautiful and her dress so fresh and natural that it made her features look so beautiful.
I watched every step she took as I made my way over to the stairs. My eyes never left hers. I could not take my eyes off her even for a second as if it was a photographic memory. I photographed everything, every movement, every expression, every second of this moment.
I haven’t felt like this in soo long. Mia could be the one for me. I just know it. Her body was just beautiful, she looked fantastic and every detail drove me crazy. Seeing how her curves moved down the stairs made me breathe faster. How the hell was I breathing? I forgot but she is definitely the cause of my heart beating non-stop.
It's a feeling that in my eyes Mia is a princess and an angel. I slowly approached the bottom of the stairs as she made her way down them. I reach my hand out to help her off the stairs. I could tell she was nervous but she gave me a slight smile and placed her hand in mine.
Leaning forward I kissed her on the cheek and then I whispered into her ear.
“You look gorgeous”
I step back still holding her hand. I noticed her cheeks turn bright red as she looks down at the ground and smiled. I care deeply for Mia. She really doesn’t know how much of a hold she has over me. I wish I could spill all my feelings to her right now but it isn’t the right time.
“We should head out now”
“Okay” she said as she smiled softly at me.
We said our goodbyes to Claire and made our way down the driveway. I opened the passenger door for Mia then I closed it for her. While driving I noticed her looking out the window the whole ride and didn’t say a word. I know I’ve said it before but seeing her like this kills me inside. Yes I want to scoop her up hugging her so tightly that all the pain would just disappear.
10 minutes later
We arrived at the beach and parked the car. I got out first then made my way around the car and opened the door for Mia. I wanted to take her out to help her recover from the events that took place.
Strolling down the beach it was like we were in a fairytale. The birds were chirping and the sun was starting to set. As I gaze over at Mia her shine glowed as the light hit her face. After walking for a while we came to a stop watching the waves crash down while the breeze cuddled us. The sound of the sea calmed me.
I slowly reached my hand out grazing hers. I didn't want to forcefully grab her hand. I wanted to see what she would do. To my surprise she entwined her fingers in mine and then pulled me close to her.
I smiled as she held my hand then I spoke, "remember when we met?"
I remember meeting Mia like it was just yesterday.
