If you wore more than Jeans and a Hoodie

......................... We got home both my little brothers were waiting with Jordan you could see that they had been told I’d been hurt because they looked at me and saw the marks Jamie got upset and ran for his room and Gage followed me everywhere I went like a shadow. Wes brought me homework from school when Dad finally made him go Dad and Jordan had changed shifts so I was never left alone and it was really starting to bug me like crazy. Most night The guys came round and spent all night especially when winter break started Eli was the only one that was missing Wes told me he was a different guy at the moment he was beating himself up over what he’d said and done. I walked down the stairs.

“Where you going” Sean asked looking up and seeing me with my jacket on “Wes she’s going somewhere” he shouted.

“I’m going on the porch I need some fresh air” I groaned as Wes walked out of the kitchen stuffing his face with a sandwich. “Just let me have 10 minutes to myself” I put my boots on and grabbed my gloves and scarf and stepped out into the icy air the wind whipped my hair round my face, I pulled my phone from my pocket and started to text as I saw the Mailman put the mail in the box at the end of the drive. I stepped off the porch and headed down the drive to get it.

*** You not my friend anymore????*** 12.06pm

I hit send to Eli I got to the mail box and opened it inside was the usual bills and Christmas cards and there was a parcel I looked at it, it was addressed to me in Eli’s writing I headed for the barn as my phone vibrated I looked at it.

*** New Message *** Eli *** I am, I’m busy really busy *** 12.08pm.

I opened the door to the barn and sat on my snowmobile and started to text back.

*** Bull, you’re avoiding me, I need to see you *** 12.10pm

I hesitated before I sent it I took a deep breath and hit send I put the phone down on the seat next to me and pulled open the package I pulled out a scarf the same grey blue as my eyes in soft cotton it was just pretty that was the only way I could describe it I looked in the envelope and pulled out a note as the phone buzzed I picked it up and read.

*** New Message *** Eli *** I hurt you it’s hard *** 12.20 pm.

I started to type I was getting angry with him now.

*** U didn’t try to rape me, U didn’t drug me, U didn’t choke me, U found me when I needed U *** 12.30pm

I hit send as I opened the note and read.

I guess you could call this an early Christmas present.

I saw it and the only thing I could think of was your eyes and the way I loved the look in them when you laughed and when you danced with my at the formal.

I don’t know if I said it but you looked amazing that night the thing that pissed me off the most was you weren’t my date.

But I think you look amazing every time I see you.

XXX Eli XXX

I looked at the date stamp and it was the day before how come he could write this and then avoid me like the plague I rubbed my hand over my head my phone rang. I looked at it hoping it was Eli and groaned when it was Wes.

Me * what.

Wes * 10 minutes are up you okay

Me * I’m fine, I got a gift in the mail from Eli.

Wes * really.

Me * why won’t he see me.

Wes * hang on I’m coming down to the barn

I hung up the phone and pulled off my other scarf and put on the one Eli sent me it actually smelled the same as he had the night of the dance the door to the barn opened and Wes walked in.

“You okay sis” he asked sitting opposite me on his snowmobile.

“No” I handed him the note

“Wow finally he grew balls enough to tell you how he feels. Thank God” he said handing me the note back “I thought we were going to have to lock you both in a room together”

“What”.

“He’s hooked on you and has been for while but never knew how to tell you” Wes shrugged “and then the night Sam attacked you he blames himself like you know he thinks you did it to get back at him from not making a move on you at the dance”

“I need to go see him if he won’t come to me I’ll go to him” I said getting up and handing Wes all the mail “I’m scared to go out and see new people but I know who I’m safe with and I know who won’t hurt me” Wes nodded “I need him Wes like I need you guys”

“Tell him not me” He said kissing my head “I’ll take these to the house while you two talk” he turned me round as he walked toward the barn door, Eli was standing leaning on the door frame, Wes high fived him on the way past closing the door behind him………………………..