You got to be strong,

No matter what.

No matter what life throws at you,

You'll get through it.

You'll get better.

--------------------------------

"Ellie, can I talk to you for a minute?" Austin asked.

"Sure," I said.

He took my hand and led me upstairs to my room.

I walked in first, then he walked in behind me, shutting the door behind him.

We sat down on the bed.

"Listen, I really like you. You're the prettiest, smartest, bravest girl I know," he said.

His words kind of shocked me. I was speechless.

"Austin...I'm none of those things. I know I'm not. No matter how many people say that I just won't believe it," I said.

"Well, try to."

"It's not that I don't want to believe it. It's that... I can't! It's like a demon is whispering in my ear things like 'You're ugly! You're fat! You will never be useful! You don't belong here! Just go kill yourself!' I don't want to be this girl, Austin. I want to be someone else, but I don't know who. I just don't want to be anymore, and I can't stop cutting myself!" I continued.

He looked so sad.

"Baby, don't cut." He said while holding my hand.

I didn't say anything, I just looked at the floor.

He moved his hand onto my thigh, which caused me to flinch. Ever since my brothers started to abuse me I've been scared and nervous.

"Listen, no matter how many times I have to say it for you to believe me, you're beautiful. You're smart. You're talented. You're amazing," he said.

I smiled. I don't know what made me smile so much when I'm around him.

He kissed my cheek. "Remember, you're beautiful. Every day, in every way."

I blushed.

He lightly chuckled. "You're so adorable when you blush," he said. Which caused me to blush more.

"So, there's a high school party on Monday, would you like to go with me? And I know it's weird that people are having a party on a Monday, but that's the day that their parents are out of town." He said.

I nodded. "I'd love to!"

He smiled. But, he also looked a little nervous. But, why?

Then, I heard the question...

"Ellie, will you be my girlfriend?" He asked.

"Yes!" I shouted, a little louder than I meant to.

We laughed.

Then, I looked into his brown orbs. My blue eyes went from his lips to his eyes.

A smirk was plastered on his face. Then, he started leaning in. I followed his lead and began leaning in as well.

Eventually, we pulled away.

We smiled at each other.

He pulled me closer and wrapped his arms around my waist. And he just held me, close to his chest.

I wish I could stay like this forever.