Arlene Whitehall looked around the crowded lunch hall. Another day and no sign of that spoiled fat bitch Janine. She noticed her absence and her change of attitude last semester but brushed it off by her trying to be popular on her own. Eli Johnson has been disappearing also, the stupid jackass thinks with a bit more body weight and change in his looks he can strut around her like he owns the place. He was still a handout.

"What's wrong? Aren't you hungry?" her friend Breann asked while taking a bite of her salad. 

"Don't you think it's strange Janine and that white boy aren't around?" Arlene queried her friends at the table. The entire length of the table sat in silence and thought about it. One by one they gave their opinions and experiences of the two, over the last semester. It was January, a new school semester, and a few months away from entering senior year. 

"Trev says the white boy has a crush on Janine but I bet she won't stoop so low for some dick. Being with a white guy will ruin her family's image. The Carlisles are one of the few black families who are pure African American, no bad blood," she voiced. 

"She ain't stupid to do that. That's bad publicity," one said lowly in a disbelieving tone.

"Well, she did break up with Trevor. Publicly."

Arlene narrowed her eyes at Breann who turned her head in remorse. "It wasn't serious between them. He was using her," she said aloud. 

"Rightttttt" 

Before she can react, Trevor approached the table and took his waiting seat beside her. "What are y'all talking about?" he asked with a full mouth of pasta. Breann was about to answer but something better, yet, someone caught her eye. All of their eyes, the entire lunch hall was on two, not one, two persons who were slowly making their way to an empty table far away from the wide-eyed crowd. 

"Is she stupid?" one girl from their table shrieked. The once quiet murmurs were becoming louder, Arlene's eyes never left Eli and Janine. They sat with their backs towards the crowd and seem to be in their own world. Beside her, Trevor was simmering in anger and high humiliation, his fat bitch of an ex, though pretend, was being cozy with a broke white boy. Oh, he felt the inquisitive stares of most of the student body and his friends, it all made him even more pissed.  

"Are we even sure they are together, together? She is a student counselor," one of his friends said, trying to be the voice of reason.

"I think after an entire sophomore and half of junior year Eli Johnson is extremely settled into St. Lawrence Prep. The fucking nerd even has a fan club he doesn't even know exist. Anyone with eyes can see it way more than friendship. What a disgrace. She's such a fucking sell-out, Eli probably wants to latch on to her for benefits," another voiced.

"Maybe chocolate isn't for everyone. Vanilla is a classic, you know," one said with a laugh.

"Shut the fuck up," Trevor growled leaving the lunch table in a flash. Arlene watched him leave, her insecurities surfaced, manipulating her thoughts to jealousy. Trevor's misunderstanding of anger led her to believe that her boyfriend may have feelings for Janine. Turning back to the couple, she saw just in time Eli placing a kiss on Janine's temple as she leaned into him.  jealousy formed anger and that anger wanted comeuppance. 

                                                                                    *****

"Are you okay?" Eli asked softly.

Janine smiled up at him, they spoke of this over Christmas break via emails, making their relationship public after being in each other's space for months. School, home renovating projects, weekend dates, the two were inseparable. Over the months, Janine never told Eli about her parents or her home life. Being with him she didn't have to worry about them until school's over. She didn't tell him how secretive she had to live in her own home and be compliant so her mother can finally find her worthy enough of her time. She will always love her mother but her actions towards her are the ones that made Janine resent her. Janice was back home and have been causing hell on her. Her relationship with Eli was kept a secret, she allowed the fat jokes whenever they found her cooking and packing the two meals for lunch. Her new career choice and college options were all hidden, even the clothes she found more to her style. She was living a whole other life outside the walls of the Carlisle mansion and it was taking a toll on her. She didn't want to give up Eli, not now, not ever, agreeing to make their relationship public will only speed up the incoming shitstorm.

"Baby? Come on. Let's go somewhere quiet," he said packing up their lunch. Janine had a lost look on her face and it worried him greatly. Thankfully they both had scheduled study hall after lunch which gave him enough time to figure out what's wrong with his woman. She allowed him to hold her close with his arm around her shoulders as they made their way to the rooftop garden. 
Finding their spot was easy, helping her sit, he took the seat next to her and keep his arms around her for comfort. "J, talk to me." 

Janine heaved a heavy sigh after hearing the obvious concern in her boyfriend's voice. "Being with you is like a dream. I finally feel comfortable in my skin, my confidence is high, I see myself differently whenever you're around. Your words of care and adoration help me through the day, Eli. When we first met, I was this shy spineless girl who allowed people's judgment to form the vision of herself. But you... you looked at me like the most gorgeous woman  you ever met...."

"In my eyes, you are," he interjected.

"Always saying the perfect words," she whispered. Bringing her feet to the bench and wrapping her arms around them, she hid her face from him, not wanting him to see the tears that were forming in her eyes. 

"Those perfect words are the truth. Janine, what's wrong? Are you having second thoughts... about us? I-If you think it's too much we can.... we can... shit... I don't know what we can do."

"NO!" she shrieked, turning to face him. His distress faded away to concern when he saw her tears. "J," he whispered.

"I'm not perfect or beautiful or amazing even special to anyone but you. I'm a fucking mistake in the line of Carlisle women and I'm reminded of that every day. Having my own mind and sense of style is frowned upon and I'm sure who I chose to be with won't be accepted. I'm a failure at everything that pertains to being the perfect daughter," she said aloud, lost in her self-deprecating thoughts. 

"What do you mean?"

"My family doesn't like me and like the ass I am, I still put up with them. Also, I think your mother will quicker accept me as your girlfriend than my parents accepting you as my boyfriend. I don't want to let you go." The last part was whispered but he heard it, he heard it loud and clear. From her outburst, he deducted that his curvy queen had a very..... disillusioned family. How can anyone break down such a sweet, outgoing, loving girl? Pulling her into his lap, he held her as she sobbed into his chest. From the disbelieving stares and looks of disgust, Eli knew they had far to go in the public eye, her parents will be their first test. Maybe they should tackle his mother's acceptance first. 

"I'm not going anywhere," he said softly in her ear and also a promise in his heart.

                                                               **********

Two weeks later

Who said high school relationships were easy? They never had to date someone of another race during a time where racism still reigned and was taught in modern ways to be accepted. Janine and Eli didn't expect cheers of congratulations or worldwide acceptance but pettiness and cruel words could have eased up by now. He wasn't the only one being targeted this time, Janine was sent examples of their displeasure and very vocal disgust were thrown her way in her daily school life. It became so bad that she had to avoid her locker the majority of the time. Eli got into minor scuffles defending her which always sends her into worry mode. She didn't want him to lose his scholarship because of her but he was too dedicated to her to think of such things. In his eyes, she mattered the most. To help diffuse the situation, he moved her things to his locker where they were currently sharing and walked her to every class before rushing to his. Janine saw it as him tiring himself out, knowing he does a few hours at nearby job sites Randy had. As usual, he eased her worries and stayed by her side. Randomly he will ask about her home life in which he will get a generic response of 'fine'. 

During one of their lunch dates, he asked her to meet his family, another lunch date but the theme was meet the family. She was hesitant but agreed. 
So here he was, waiting on the subway platform for her drop-off to come to a halt. He offered to drive up to her end but she was excited to ride the subway train. He made sure the directions he gave her were clear and that she memorized them. It was her first time on the train and he couldn't take that away from her. 
Bundle up to battle the January weather, Eli leaned against one of the platform posts, keeping an eye on his surroundings and the subway that was now pulling in. The doors opened and out spilled the crowd while the platform crowd pushed their way in. He grinned when he spotted her. Dark eyes were wild with curiosity and excitement as she gave her last push out of the crowd and began looking for him. Chuckling at her animated smile, he casually walked towards her but Janine had other plans. He loved her enthusiasm when they were together. Not caring for the now thinning crowd, she ran towards him shouting his name with her beautiful smile, her neat dreadlocks bouncing against her back as they got closer. Stopping, he braced himself for her bodyweight, Janine jumped and wrapped her thick thighs around his slender waist. Locking her ankles and wrists behind him, Janine took what she craved the moment they parted at school the day before. Laughing against her lips, Eli gave her what she wanted, he lived to please this woman. Her kiss was heated, as usual, he smothered a moan that escaped her and shifted her slightly over the bulge she created in his jeans.

"That was a great welcome," he said against her lips before placing her on her feet. The adoration she had for him was clearly written on her face and he knew she can see the same on his. So many times he wanted to say those three words but they never came. When tonguetied he always places a slow consuming kiss on her full lips. He'll like to believe she knows through his kiss but he wanted to tell her in reality soon. Ending another kiss, he simply held her face, caressing her cheeks with his thumbs and simply allowing himself to fall deeper for her. "Let's go," he said softly then took her hand in his. Home was a few blocks away and Janine wanted to walk them all, taking in the neighborhood the good and the bad. She followed his lead in everything, learning the route to his home and his favorite spots. Nothing Eli Johnson tells her was wasted knowledge. 

Coming upon his block, they slowed their steps to compose themselves. Janine grew nervous. She began playing with his jacket zipper and began to mutter silly stuff about fabrics and a time period lounge she saw. Grinning at her antics, he stopped her cute ramblings with a firm kiss, she actually melted against him, sighing in relief and thanking him for helping her. "This is the easy part. The rest will be a struggle. Are you ready for that? We do have a long way to go," he said lowly. Wrapping her arms around his waist, she buried her face into the warmth of his jacket as he too held her, tighter. 

"Yes."

"I love you."

Janine's body tensed before she slowly stepped out of his hold. "Please be sure. You love me? Like love me as much Hades loved Persephone?" she asked incredulously. 

"Yes, Janine Carlisle. I love you as much as your greek mythology couples. I wanted to tell you weeks now but the moment wasn't right and my tongue never cooperated," he answered with a small smile on his face.

"Oh thank God because I love you just as much. That fear of rejection was crippling," she blurted out. Eli laughed heartily and pulled her back into his arms, god, he loved everything about her. "Let's go," he murmured leading her down the street. Janine wasn't nervous anymore, she felt like she was walking on air beside Eli, a large smile was on her face while he shared adoring glances with her. 

Her Eli.

Coming to a stop, she was practically bouncing on her toes, Janine took in everything and already spotted work done on the old home. It was charming and had great character, not the excuse most people give when they hated the place but she can see the years of kids playing, family gatherings, and just plain old love. She couldn't wait to see inside. 

"I love it already," she whispered.

Lowering his head next to hers, he whispered in her ear and pointed to the second-floor window. Seeing the two little girls pressing their faces against the window, she waved heartily to them laughing at the 'caught in the act' look before they disappeared. "That's Elise and Ellen," he informed her.

"They're adorable. Little sisters. Are they fun to have around?' she asked allowing him to lead her up the walkway and onto the small porch. "I think I'm lucky to have quiet ones," he joked. Giving her a quick glance he opened the door and let her enter first. Taking her backpack, he helped her out of her jacket and hat then led her to the family room. Eric was watching a tv series, glancing her way, he greeted her with genuine welcome before returning to his show. Loud whispers behind her made Janine turn around, the two girls from the window, now with a little boy with major similarities to Eli were peeking at her from behind the wall. Eli caught them and motioned for them to step forward. 

"These are Ellen, the future doctor. Elise, little Miss Sunshine and Eamon, the wild child." 

Janine couldn't help the grin on her face, they were all adorable and the way Eli introduced them, she knew he cared a lot for them. He was their father figure. "Ladies and superhero, meet my girlfriend, Janine," he continued.

"Hi. It's nice to meet you. Eli told me so much about you guys. I have some things for you but first I have to meet your mother. Will you wait for me?" she asked.

"Is it candy? I like skittles but Eli won't let me have any during the week," Eamon complained. The pout and the folded arms made Janine cave. "Awwwww," she cooed.

"J," Eli said sternly but she can hear the amusement. She straightened her shoulders and put on her stern look. Ellen and Elise giggled at her antics as she gave their big brother a sheepish grin. "I can't say yet but I promise it will be good," Janine said with a firm nod of her head. Eamon eyed her closely and returned her nod. "Okay, Jin. I'm going to play with my toys, hurry back, okay?" he said sternly. Again Janine wanted to just pinch his cheeks and smother him with cuddles but Eli cleared his throat to make her focus. He did warn her about the little boy's cuteness but this was too much. His brown hair was messy, framing his adorable face, his mixed green and hazel eyes shone with maturity, his little pink lips was pasted in a permanent little smirk making him look like a mischievous angel. God, he was going to be a heartbreaker when he gets older. 
She smiled at the name he called her, probably what he derived from Janine. 

"Okay," she returned. He turned sharply on his heels and left his siblings, the girls still stood by the entryway watching Janine with rapt attention. Eli tugged her along till she fell in step with him. Family pictures were on the wall, showing each milestone of all five kids, this was truly a home. Her family photos were mostly formal and were placed on the mantel as a showpiece. Janine frown in concentration, she wondered if she had any baby pictures, she never really asked to see them nor looked for family albums, someday she must do that. 
Walking into the kitchen, her stomach grumbled loudly, Eli laughed upon hearing the sound. "I'll feed you soon," he said to her tummy and not her precisely.

"Boy, stop playing," she tried to say sternly but with his playful eyes, it was hard to be serious. Whatever it was Mrs. Johnson was cooking, she was ready for a plate.
Looking around, the kitchen was incredibly welcoming, his mother was moving between the stove and the counter then she had to quickly move to a nearby cupboard for something. Eli probably knew what she was looking for and quickly went to her aid. The designer in Janine woke up and already she was re-designing this woman's kitchen for her to work easier in. She was probably lost in thought when she heard Eli calling her loudly. 

"Yeah? What did I miss?" she asked flustered, trying to compose herself. Janine saw the disapproving look on his mother's face and nervously looked at Eli. A soft smile was on his lips, he knew what was going on in her busy mind and shook his head in pure amazement.

"I know you're planning something in that brain of yours and we will talk about it later but now I want you to meet my mother, Emily Johnson," he said throwing his arm around the older woman.

"Hi. I'm Janine. It's really nice to meet you. Sorry back there, my mind has its own way sometimes," she said giving the woman a sincere smile. Emily eyed Janine's hand and turned away.
"Mom. Please don't do this," Eli said between gritted teeth. His cheeks were red in embarrassment and she began feeling self-conscious and uneasy. She began tugging at her clothes, nervously patting her hair, and stood in a posture that will make her own mother proud. Head up! Shoulders back! Confidence level high!

"She's not good enough for you. She's the reason why you ended up in the hospital yet you are trailing behind her like a puppy," his mother said harshly.

"No she wasn't..." Eli began.

"She was on that list. The kids you asked the principal to distance yourself from. That boy was her boyfriend and you had a crush on her, how is that not her fault," his mother argued. Eli looked her way but she gave him a tremulous smile, ignoring what he had to do to survive that year. 

"Because she's her own person. Why are you blaming her for this and not the idiot who did it? Please mom, can we forget this? I did. Janine is my girlfriend and she's going to be in my life a lot. I wanted her to meet you, my mother, the first lady in my life," he pleaded.

"It's not as easy ..."

"I'll go," Janine blurted out. She saw and heard very clearly how her presence was affecting the woman. Her son was ambushed in a place that was meant to be safe and she was probably the real reason why Trevor did what he did. What mother will forgive so easily.

"J. No," Eli said sharply. 

"It's okay. Thank you for allowing me this far into your home. Have a nice day Mrs. Johnson," Janine said trying her best not to let the break in her voice be heard. He heard. Eli heard. He rushed to her side just as she turned away from the woman. 

"You are not going anywhere. This is our weekend, remember," Eli pleaded with her as they walked away from the kitchen. 

"It doesn't feel right, I'm making her feel uncomfortable. I'm sorry, baby," she said softly.  His shoulders slumped in defeat, he knew she was right and he knew his woman, she will always do what's right and say what's right. "Stay here," he said firmly then returned to his mother. Not listening to him, she retraced her steps and got her backpack. She took out the five little gifts she purchased for the Johnson family after Eli described them all to her and placed them on the hallway end table. Taking her jacket and hat, she opened the door easily and slipped out of the house. Though she understood Mrs. Johnson's hostility, Janine began to overthink, her insecurities taking over. Maybe she really wasn't good enough for Eli, she was fat, not of his race nor his social standing, he was freaking brilliant and just a lost cause. He said he loved her and she believed but who was she to go between a man and his mother. She wasn't like that, destroying families. 

"I told you to stay one place, Janine Carlisle." The angry voice of Eli stopped her in her tracks. Turning around she was met with a very pissed off boyfriend.

"I...I... Maybe..."

"Don't! Don't you dare. We are not breaking up, that was a small hiccup and you ran away. The hell, Janine," he shouted. Guilt racked through her, in shame she lowered her head, he was right but this was different. "Your mother deserves comfort and respect in her home, Eli," she said.

"I understand that part, baby but this is us. You do understand why I stressed us right?" he countered. 

"Yes," she whispered.

"What was that?"

"Yes," she said louder.

"And why did I stress on it?"

Janine finally looked up and held Eli's intense gaze. "Because this relationship only has two people you and I. What we have is special and we'll make it, no matter what," she answered.

"No matter what, J, we'll always be there for each other and a couple."

"Even if we're miles apart for college?"

"Even then," he confirmed before placing a kiss on her lips. Eli gave her strength and confidence to be the woman she was growing to be. She was previously seconds away from, not only destroying him but herself. "I love you, J, and I'm so lucky to have you in my life," he whispered in her ear.

"I'm the lucky one," she muttered.

"We both are lucky. How about some lunch at my favorite spot?"

"I can do lunch."

Though the issue of his mother was there, she knew he was brushing it aside to make her feel better. Maybe they can talk about it soon.

                                                                               *******

"Eli Johnson, please check in at the administrator's office. Thank you."

It was another week at St. Lawrence and Janine was growing tired of the stares and gossips along with the hateful words thrown at her. After the near-disaster weekend, Eli and Janine became closer than ever. Every waking minute at school was spent with each other, they were practically joined at the hips, they didn't mind, their closeness was welcomed. The two knew that they were better together than apart, something was brewing and they couldn't put their finger on it.

Trevor was still his asshole self, throwing names and insults but his girlfriend was another story. Her hateful glare can be felt from afar and Janine gained a migraine wondering what was the girl's problem.

Walking towards Eli's locker, she heard the announcement, knowing he wasn't caught up in any fights or disagreement, she shrugged it off. Dropping her bag on the floor when she reached the locker, she heard him shouting from afar for someone to move out of the way. Looking down the hall, she spotted him running towards her, dodging students with this excited grin on his face, near her he held out his backpack. "Stay right here. I mean it, woman," he shouted. Dumbfoundedly she nodded yes and watched him go. "YOU LOOK GORGEOUS TODAY, BABY!" he shouted over his shoulder with that mischievous grin. Her cheeks heated up when all eyes turned to her. Feeling great about herself, she turned and changed both their books for the classes they had after lunch.
Walking down the hall, her mind raced with what they will do the coming weekend. Now that she understood the subway and was confident enough for taxis to take her further away from her comfort zone in New York, escaping home felt no longer like a dream.
Janine was lost in her own world with a smile on her face, oblivious to those around her. Nearing the stairs that led up to the third floor, she felt herself falling face-first into the concrete staircase. Placing her hands before her to break the fall, she fell harshly onto the surface with minor help from the backpacks she was holding. Laughter surrounded her while she tried to make sense of what happened. Pain resonated in her wrists, tears welled in her eyes as she gingerly righted herself.

"Did you see how she jiggled like jello?" A girl yelled.

"Swore the place trembled when she fell."

"Awwww she's crying. What's wrong with bubble butt? Need your vanilla ice cream to comfort you?"

"That... That makes no sense, you retard," Janine returned heatedly amidst her tears. Feeling the cool floors on her bare thigh, she quickly positioned herself, not wanting to show her undergarments. 

"Please do cover-up, no man wants to see what's under that skirt, porker. I believe longer ones are required for fat hogs like you."

All the confidence Eli helped her form was crumbling with each word Arlene and her friends threw at her. "Couldn't get one of your own to tolerate the look of you, so you went to the whites? What a fucking sellout!" one sneered. Whatever strength she had left, Janine got to her feet, cradling her hand, and pinned Arlene with an angry stare.

"Me wanting a man who treats me like a fucking person and doesn't hurt me is a perfect example of me selling out. I don't need your man. Yes, I knew I was being used while he was fucking around with you behind my back. FYI, you two need better acting lessons. I don't care what any of you people has to say. I'm black and my boyfriend is white, deal with it," Janine said firmly and loud enough for the spectators around her to hear. 

"Oh we will," Arlene sneered. A confused look crossed Janine's face but fear overturned that when she heard the frantic voice of Eli. He was so protective of her, he will flip if he knows she's hurt.  Placing her hands by her sides she feigned calm and waited for him to break into the circle.

"J? J, are you alright?" His worried eyes rested on her before sharply turning to the four girls who were standing at the forefront of the crowd.

"What did you do to her?" he asked through gritted teeth. Eli saw through his woman's facade, her wet cheeks and red eyes gave her away instantly.

"Told her the truth," one said stepping up to him.

"And what that might be?" he pressed. Janine knew these girls and they will do anything to make themselves the victim. "Baby. Forget these idiots, let's go have our lunch before the bell calls," she pleaded.

"The truth about her sorry ass and how pathetic it is that she switched sides after a little attention from a  broke-ass white boy," Arlene offered.

"I get it. I think we all get it since I came to St. Lawrence. I'm not as rich as you all, my education is given to me through a scholarship, I'm definitely not the same skin tone as you, and the girl I'm one hundred percent attracted to and love is black and richer than me by far. Thank you for keeping everyone up with the current events. Why don't you think for yourself and don't be a fucking sheep, following Trevor with his egotistical ways?  Fuck off. All of you." 

The hall was quiet, Eli scoffed the girls way before turning to Janine. His face went red when he saw the pure adoration in her eyes and on her face when she looked at him. He literally told the world that he loved her and stood up for her. "Let's go eat. I have a gift for you," he said for her ear only. That's when she noticed the tote bag in his hand with a familiar bookstore logo on it. He took hold of her hand, Janine cried out in pain, it was the hand she fell on and completely forgot about. 

"Babe?"

"It's nothing. I promise. I just... slipped," Janine lied, standing between him and the girls. 

"Janine...."

"Why don't you listen to your pet?" The voice of Trevor called out from the crowd. Janine wrapped her arms around Eli, she can feel the tension in his body and the racing of his heart, he was ready to defend her and himself if push comes to shove. Placing his arm around her shoulder and pressing her head against his chest, he softly murmured against her temple to get behind him. She shook her head in denial and felt his deep sigh. "What do you want, Norman? You don't need Janine any more. We stayed out of your way, not a bad word to say..."

"That rhymed," Janine muttered.

"Hush," Eli whispered trying to hold back his grin. The playful gleam in her eyes made it hard for him to be serious.  "So the only thing left to ask is what do you want?" he continued.

"You out of my school," Trevor stated clearly.

"You're seventeen, not a damn teacher or counselor. Your name is no way on the list of school founders nor on any particular room. Your family's name is definitely not on the list of sponsors who are helping me an education and you sure as hell, not the dean. As I told your girl, fuck off, "Eli replied.

Anger flared in Trevor's eyes, Eli knew the guy will come after him no matter what. Charging towards them, Eli placed Janine behind him and blocked his attacker's blow, retaliating with a punch of his own. Trevor went down in that one blow, Janine tugged at Eli's jacket, pulling him away from the guy and the crowd. He didn't turn his back on their attackers until they were a few feet in the clear. Taking the lead, Eli took her to the nurse's office and made sure her wrist was taken care of. Not having time to go to their spot, the two huddled in the waiting area of the nurse's office and shared the sandwiches, Eli made for them. "Are you in pain?" he asked softly.

"Not that much. Thank god it's my left wrist...."

"They're getting violent, J. We should report this. I know it will cause strife but they hurt you, J," he pressed. Her heart ached to see the worry and guilt on his face. Leaning forward, she brushed her lips against his and placed her forehead on his. "I'm a big girl, I can handle them. It's not your fault. We both decided to be together, we love each other and that's all that matters," she said softly.

"I love you so much. I always want to see you happy and cared for."

"You already do. I love you too," Janine said with a hitch in her voice.

Kissing her lips slowly, he broke apart from her hold and reached for the tote bag he collected, gently placing it onto her lap. "Every up and coming star interior designer needs her own on-the-go kit. That beautiful mind of yours is always working, even last weekend at my house. These are for you, baby, and no, I'm not taking them back. It's a gift from me to the woman I love with all my heart," he said sincerely. 
How can she refuse a gift with so much meaning from the man she loved?

"Thank you."

The tote bag was actually an all-natural hemp-based bag that can be reused for whatever one wanted. In the bag were notebooks with colorfully designed covers with titles such as IDEAS, CONTACTS, CLIENTS; seamstress and carpenter's tape, rulers that she can use on her work table at the Caydes, a pack of colorful pens, pencils, paint cards, everything an interior designer will need. The colors were bright and full of character just like her.  A package was wrapped in brown paper with feminine handwriting on the attached card. Taking it out of the most thoughtful and encouraging gift she ever received, Janine plucked the card from under the twine and read it. 

'I can never refuse my children anything especially Eli. He has been my strength for so long and it pained me to see him hurt. He confessed to me that you're his strength and he is yours, I can never come between that. Forgive an overprotective mother, Emily'

Janine's head shot up in shock only to be met with a soft smile on Eli's face. "I spoke to her after I returned home last Saturday. I told her everything. I told her how I felt about you, our relationship so far, the good the bad but most of all I told her how much we love each other. I know we're still juniors in high school but I see us beyond college. Do you feel the same, Janine?" he said softly.

"As always, I feel the same."

Putting her attention back to the package, she unwrapped the paper to find three books on interior design, not the old ones from the libraries but modern-day designs and guides from popular designers. "I love it," she whispered, hugging the books to her chest.

"I also told her about your brainwave. She wants to be your first official paying client," he announced.

"Wait. What? No. No. I can't accept your mother's money, I can do it as a gift. No, Eli," she said firmly.

"You two can come to an agreement on Sunday over lunch. Oh and the kids love their gifts, Eamon wants you to visit soon."

Tears filled her eyes by how easily Eli's family accepted her, the man before her, himself gave his heart freely to her, not afraid of future hurts or disappointments. He had faith in their relationship and they were only seventeen. She can see it in his eyes and hear it in his voice, he truly loved her and wanted a future with her. She wanted that too, a future with Eli Johnson. "You have such a wonderful family, baby. Thank you for all of this," she said placing a kiss on his cheek before wrapping her arms around him.

"Only you, Janine. Only you."

                                                                                        ********

What started at school with Arlene and Trevor, found its way home to the Carlisle Mansion. The smile that was on her face when she entered the foyer after her driver dropped her off disappeared when she heard her mother's cold voice. Thankfully her assigned driver worked as her babysitter also and her best friend, he opted to place her gift in her room to avoid the destruction it may result to. 

"Janine. Please join me in the sitting room," her mother called out. 

"Yes, mother," she returned. Handing the waiting-maid her backpack, she easily slipped off her shoes and donned the pair of soft slippers to enter her mother's white room. Walking with her head held high built her walls of confidence, whatever was left of it, and approached her mother. 

"Welcome home, darling. Come, sit and have tea with me," the woman said almost motherly. Janine's defensive walls came up, her mother never invited her to tea nor called her loving names most parents would. Nervously she sat beside Cora Carlisle who was impeccably dressed in a red perfectly tailored A-line dress with nude pumps on her feet. Only this woman wears heels at home in which her daughter Janice adopted but Janine hated. She preferred to feel the carpet and marble floors beneath her feet and simply be comfortable at home.

"Thank you, mother."

Cora gave her a small smile and motioned for the serving maid to begin sharing their afternoon tea. 

"Oh dear, what happened to your wrist?"

"I slipped on the stairs on my way to lunch today," Janine lied, placing her hand over the heart Eli drew on her bandage.

"You have to be careful, sweetie. So tell me about your day," she continued. Janine was a bit dumbfounded, her mother was actually paying attention to her, interested in her day, and wanted to spend time with her.

"What is it?"

"Ummm... It's just that... this is all..."

Cora smiled at her daughter and released a soft sigh. "I realized today while on brunch with the ladies that you're leaving for college soon. Though your college will be a simple plane ride, I will miss you so much."

Janine bit back the correction, the school she chose for her Design career will be right in New York, the college was the best and that was what she was aiming for. Tucking that little info to tell her parents along with everything else, she felt extremely emotional. Her mother actually liked her, she will miss her when she leaves. "I'll miss you too, mother."

The two ate in a somewhat strained but amicable afternoon tea with Janine telling her mother about her classes and after-school work with Allison Cayde. For some reason, she refrained to talk about Eli and the projects they were doing. When Cora mentioned Trevor she faked their friendship. To their parents, they were the perfect match for whatever future business that was of no interest to her. "Janine. I know I haven't been the best.... mother to you but all I've done for you is to make sure you get the best. I heard from your friends about a relationship you've started with a young man. They were worried about him taking advantage of you because of his background. After their call, I realized how I never prepared you for the real world. The leeches of this world prey on naivety and that's you, sweetheart. This..."

Janine raised her hand to stop her mother from continuing. "He isn't a leech and I am not naive. Eli is sweet and caring, he's bright and has such a bright future ahead of him. He may not be from our society but he's really a nice guy. He respects me and likes me for me," she cleared up.

"And the fact that he's white?"

"Shouldn't be an issue now or ever. He's really a good guy, he makes me happy, mother. I know I'm asking a lot since this is the first time we are doing this but I really like him and we both are in a relationship. I just want your support on this," Janine pleaded. Cora eyed her youngest daughter closely, with a slight nod, Janine got her answer, excitedly she hugged her mother, thanking her over and over. 

"Why don't you invite him over for dinner tomorrow? The last day of the school week."

"Thank you, mother. Thank you," she yelled happily. 

Too excited to stay with her mother, Janine bounded up the stairs, already preparing the email she had in her head to send to Eli. 

Things were finally looking up for them.