Their Violence, Your Silence.

I couldn't see my dad's face and right now I really hated it. His voice had been so monotone that I really couldn't tell what he thought about finding Caleb hugging me like this while he was siting on the kitchen counter.

Caleb wasn't making it easier by not letting go like I wanted. I'd expected him to jump away from me like he did that other time when the doorbell rang.

'Eh, hi dad? Caleb brought me chocolates,' I said trying to fill the awkward silence. I turned in my dad's direction and showed him the box I'd been holding.

Before my father could say anything though Caleb finally sprung into action again. He let go off me and jumped of the counter, turning to face my father.

'Mr. Ross, I'd like to ask your permission to take your daughter out on a date?' Caleb said, his voice suddenly incredibly formal.

I gasped, ask me out? A million thoughts racing through my head, one of them: Damn it the girls had been right! But mostly it was along the lines of: Oh my god! He's going to ask me out! Caleb Thornleigh wants to go on a date with me!

I could tell it had been the right way to approach my dad. The atmosphere in the room changed dramatically, no longer hostile.

'Suppose I can't stop the two of you even if I wanted...' said my dad gruffly. 'Fine... but you bring her home on time for her curfew and no funny business! Got that boy?'

I think my dad might have glared at Caleb's hand resting on the small of my back then but shortly after he turned on his heel and left the kitchen.

'So... Tomorrow round eight okay for you?' Caleb asked softly. He'd leaned down so his mouth was right next to my ear and his breath on my cheek sent shivers down my spine.

'I don't get a say in it? Who says I want to go out with you?' I asked, surprised by the teasing tone of my voice. A smile was already forming on my face, asking my dad for permission was rather old fashioned wasn't it?

It was quiet a moment and then Caleb stepped away from me, 'You're right, I'm sorry Winter. Will you go out with me tomorrow night?'

He was in front of me now and holding both my hands, it would have been incredibly weird if he'd gone down on one knee as well. Why was he being so formal?

I pulled him a little closer and tapped my chin with one finger, 'I don't know. I'll have to think about it...'

'Now who's playing coy? Come on Wins?' Caleb said grinning.

'Oh alright,' I smiled at him.

Suddenly the ground was swept out from underneath me when Caleb lifted me up bridal style. It surprised me none of my bruises hurt with the sudden movement but I guessed Caleb new exactly where they were located.

He carried me out of the kitchen and then set me down carefully back in my dad's favorite chair. The whole room fell silent at our entrance. It seemed like even more people had arrived during our short time in the kitchen.

Cassie, Katie and of course Shane were all there and they all surrounded me asking me all kinds of questions about what happened. They were talking all at the same time but that didn't really matter because I wasn't really listening anyway.

All I was thinking about now was that upcoming date with Caleb and his warm hand resting lightly on my shoulder as he sat beside me on the armrest of the chair.



The next morning my mom drove me to optician to pick op the new glasses. I was surprised at how fast my mom had been able to arrange for a new pair but I suppose the news of that cheque with that three thousand dollar changed a lot.

The new glasses looked a lot less geeky, the glasses not as thick as before because of the advancing technology.

I was incredibly relieved to be able to see properly again. Because not only did not wearing the glasses give me a headache, it made me feel more vulnerable then it felt to be beaten up by Marley and her gang.

After that my mom herself dropped me off at school and made sure I got a late pass before she left for work.

The whispers at school were annoying but nothing I wasn't used to by now. As soon as Caleb spotted me he didn't leave my side for more then a bathroom break and Cassie attached herself to my other arm whenever she had the opportunity.

I saw Damien only once.

It was during lunch and he didn't even come near me but I couldn't help but stiffen in my chair as I saw him enter the room and sit down next to Marley. Two of his own friends and a whole gaggle of Marley's followers surrounded them, a bit like they used to surround Caleb.

I felt satisfaction bubble in the pit of my stomach when I saw all the scratches and welts covering his underarms and face. It hadn't gone unnoticed to the rest of the school either and I'd heard enough whispers about his appearance and mine that I knew a lot of students had in fact put two and two together.

Damien glared long and hard in my direction and then his eyes shifted to Caleb right beside me. I quickly grabbed Caleb's hand, 'Just leave it alright? You'll just get in trouble yourself if you go over there now. Its not worth it.'

Caleb remained in his chair but it took a long time before he relaxed his stance.



Cas and Katie had picked me up from home just after dinner and driven me to Cassie's house. I'd never been there but it was a very pretty house with a white picket fence and flowers and everything. It looked like the perfect family home.

I suppressed the slight pang of jealousy and followed them inside, there I found out it wasn't exactly the perfect family. Cassie's parents were divorced and she hadn't seen her dad in at least four years. Cassie's mother was really nice though and she brought us cookies and lemonade in Cassie's room.

'Now let's get to business!' was all the warning I got from my two friends before they turned to Cassie's quite sizable closet to pick out what I should wear for my date.

I sat down on the white and pink comforter of Cassie's bed and watched them discus option after option. I just wanted it to be eight o'clock as soon as possible so that I could see Caleb's amazing green eyes again.