Let me show you what I'm made of.

Liliana Eloise Hartley. 23. Mother to Ella Grace Monroe Hartley. Charlotte Native. Owner of Diamond in the Rough Boutique. Animal lover. People lover. Llover of life.

[lilianahartley]

Sitting down at her desk Liliana pulled out a scrapbook and she smiled. She slowly began to flip through it just looking at her past. She found a few of her favorite photos of her and her father and she smiled. He truly was an amazing man. She hadn't heard from him in a few days so she made a mental note to call him later. Flipping through the photographs she found a few from her first job. It wasn't anything glamorous but it was fun. She worked at a gaming store. Some of the photos were of her and the friends she made and some were just her whenever her dad came in to 'spy' on her to make sure she still had the job.

Thinking back on the job she had to smile. It was definitely fun. While she went in knowing some about a few games it was definitely a learning experience. She had a lot of fun though. Learning had never been fun until she'd started working there. They showed her how to have fun learning and slowly she began applying the techniques she was learning at school and it helped improve her grades. Her three years working there were some of the best and worst experiences of her life. She met some really amazing people that she's still friends with today there. Continuing to look through those work photos she couldn't help but smile because they made her happy.

Thinking back to that she thought about the day she turned in her two weeks notice. They gave her someone to train and she had the girl trained in time that they let her leave early. She hated leaving that job but at the same time she knew it was time. She had some money saved up and she was more than willing to work somewhere else to make her way. That was one of the best experiences in  her life and she knew it. Thinking back on those experiences she knew she should really go back there and see how the place was. A small smile graced her lips at the thought. She missed that place, not enough to go back to work there but enough to see how it was holding up.

[lilianahartley]

Groaning softly Liliana Hartley turned over in bed and she picked up her phone. 2:43am. With a sigh she pushed the covers back and she sat up stretching slightly. She made her way to the nursery and she quickly picked up her baby girl. She changed her diaper then took her downstairs to get a bottle. It didn’t take long for the bottle to be ready and she headed back up to the nursery to feed and put her back to bed. As she sat in the very comfortable rocker feeding Ella she smiled down at her. She bit down on her lower lip as she watched her fall back asleep. She rocked her for a few more minutes. When she was sure she was asleep she slowly set the bottle down and got up. Kissing her head she put her in the crib and she tucked her in. 

When she was done she took the bottle back to the kitchen since she barely made it halfway. She washed her hands and she made it back upstairs. She checked to make sure she was still sleeping before heading back into her own room. She crawled back into bed and fell into a good slumber. She wasn’t sure how long she’d been asleep when she heard the cries on the monitor again. Rubbing her eyes she sat up and looked at the monitor. Her baby girl was definitely distressed. Getting up she made her way back to the nursery and she picked her up. She checked her diaper and she was a little relieved to find out that she had a clean diaper. She sat in the rocker with her for a few minutes. She rocked her and it seemed to work for a bit so she put her back in her crib.

Just as she was walking out of the nursery she heard her crying again. “Oh my god.” she whispered. She was definitely not getting any sleep and she had a few interviews and meetings for the boutique in a few hours. Picking her up she sighed.  "Stop waking me up in the middle of the night." she begged. She knew it was pointless but at this point in time she was desperate. She kissed her head. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean it.” she added almost as quickly as she’d said it. She held her close to her and she sang to her hoping that would help her truly get to sleep. Once she was positive she was sleeping she put her in the crib while still singing and it seemed to work. Finally she could go to sleep. That’s just what she did too. 

[lilianahartley]

Listen to this.

Better with you. - Jesse McCartney. 

Meant to be. - Bebe Rhexa and Florida Georgia Line.

Bon Jovi - You give love a bad name. 

Demi Lovato - Sorry Not Sorry. 

Machine Gun Kelly feat Hailee Steinfeld. - At my Best.

Cassadee Pope - Take you Home.

Lucy Hale - You Sound Good to me. 

Boyce Avenue/Fifth Harmony - Mirrors. 

Most of the songs on Lilia’s most played refer to a guy she’s currently interested in. Better with you and Mirrors specifically. A couple of songs refer to her past and what she doesn’t want to go back to. You give love a bad name and sorry not sorry to be specific. Then the rest are just songs she can’t get out of her head. 

[lilianahartley]

Worst date ever.

When it comes to dates Liliana Hartley doesn’t have much to compare really. She’s only been in one serious relationship and that one lasted for nearly five years so that said something right? Anyways back to this ‘worst’ date. Liliana was seventeen and it was during a break on her senior year of high school. She’d gotten asked out by a guy she’d known for a few years and she actually agreed to the date which was unusual. Most of the time when asked out she turned them down. She was kind of excited to see where the night would lead. 

The night came around and she’d found what she figured would be the perfect outfit. Her hair was pulled back and she thought everything was going her way. Just as she was ready she heard her father call her down. He’d arrived. By the time she’d made it downstairs he was talking to her father about something. Whatever it was had to be good because they both laughed. “Hi guys.” She stood at the bottom of the stairs as both of them turned to look at her. It was in that moment that she saw her father appear scared for the first time ever. 

After they left things seemed to get a little weird. This date that he’d said he’d planned turned out to be a sham. The whole car ride he ignored her which left Liliana wondering why he’d even asked her out. When they finally arrived at the park he got out and as he shut the door his phone lit up. “Did you dump miss goody two-shoes?” Reading that she growled. She couldn’t believe the one date she’d accepted ended up being a set up. Getting out of the car she gave him a look. “What are we doing here?” she asked. He shrugged. “I uh. I thought you’d like it here.” she gave him a look.

She could tell he was looking for an escape and luckily she saw his escape before he did. When he saw her, no them she pulled him aside so they didn’t see her but at the last second when they arrived she sighed. “Psst!” They caught his attention. “Uh look.. I’ll be right back.” He pulled away from her and ran over to them. Lilia knew that he wasn’t coming back but it didn’t matter. She found a bench and she sat down for a bit so that she didn’t arrive home too soon.  She didn’t want to upset her dad. About half an hour later she finally decided to walk home.

After leaving the park she sent him a text. “I hope you had a good night without me. Ps. I saw the text from your friend. You’re the one missing out.” After sending the text she continued on her walk home. By the time she made it home her dad was a little worried. “Where’s your date? Why didn’t he walk you to the door? Why are you home so early.” she shrugged him off. “Dad. Don’t worry about it. I’m going to bed.” She headed upstairs to her room and she changed into her pjs and just as she was climbing into her bed her phone went off. “So you know?” she read. “Duh. I thought you may change your mind and that’s why I stayed.” she sent. She wasn’t even sure it was him she was talking to. “Goodnight.” she sent before putting her phone on ‘DO NOT DISTURB’ and going to bed. 

[lilianahartley]

Dream Journal.

Sitting on her bed during Ella’s nap time Liliana sighed to herself. Liliana had kept a journal of her dreams for a long time. In fact the journal beside her bed wasn’t even the first journal. It was probably the fourth she’d kept so far. Staring over at it she quickly picked it up and began to flip through it. She wanted to see what she’d been dreaming about. She found a dream from right after she’d given birth to Ella and she read it.

January 3rd, 2018

Walking through the house I couldn’t help but get this feeling that something wasn’t right. Something was definitely wrong with Ella. I had actually used the baby pump that someone had given me and I managed to pump enough for two bottles. I had just put one away and I had another ready to go for her. I went back up to the bedroom and she wasn’t in the bassinet. The panic I felt was definitely surreal. I couldn’t find her no matter how hard I searched.

April 5th, 2018.

After hearing a knock on the door I went to see who it was and to my surprise it was none other than Jaxon Friar. A little surprised I opened the door and watched him interact with Ella before turning to talk to me. After talking in the doorway for a bit I finally let him in and we sat in the living room for a bit and I watched him play with Ella. It was actually kind of cute. He was really good with her and that’s a good thing I think. 

May 16th, 2017.

Walking into the house was the same as it always was. Making my way upstairs was simple enough. I’d planned on taking a hot shower and cuddling up to Liam for the night. It may seem a bit repetitive or dull but I liked nights like that, especially after a long day at work. I was walking past a guest room when I heard them. Only this time when I walked in she looked straight at me and I wanted to kill her. Instead everything for the next few moments was a blur and then I felt her choking me. She wanted me dead because I’d come in the way of her and Liam.. While she was sleeping with him in my house.

After reading that last entry she sighed and knew it was time to put the book away. She wiped her eyes and she closed the book but held it on her lap for a few moments. Finally she put the book away so she could focus on other things. 

[lilianahartley]

Sitting in a bar Liliana sighed to herself. She’d gotten in because it was ladies night and she had a kick ass fake id. Looking around the bar she shook her head lightly. “Can I buy you a drink?” Hearing a familiar voice she smirked before turning to face him. “Well hello.” sh smiled as her eyes trailed his body looking him over. “Is that a yes then?” he asked. Laughing to herself she nodded. “Yeah. That’s definitely a yes.” she smirked slightly. “What are you doing here?” she asked him curiously. It didn’t take much for him to sit down in the stool next to her. 

“I was kind of hoping you’d be here.” he admitted. Smiling to herself she nodded. “I see. Well here I am.” she grinned. “So is stalking me becoming a tradition for you?” she asked curiously. He arched a brow. “You could say that. No really I was just hoping that I could charm you into a date.” he admitted. She arched a brow as she stared at him. “Why don’t you buy me a Lucky Leprechaun and we’ll talk about it?” she asked with a smile. She’d heard of the drink from someone passing by and the truth is she was curious about it so she figured why the hell not. 

When he’d agreed she smirked. “By the way. I like that green tie.” she teased. She could see the smile curve at his lips as she said this. She looked around and she scowled as a woman came up to him. “Hey there handsome. Would you like to dance.” Without missing a beat she stood up and she crossed her arms. “You know. He was going to dance. With me.” she gave her a look. “Now I think we’ll sit it out and order a drink.” she sat back down shooting daggers at the brunette before giving him a look. “I’m sorry about that.” she looked down. “One Lucky Leprechaun with a pot of gold.” the bartender said sitting down a green drink with a gold straw. She smiled. “Thanks for the drink.” she gave him a look. 

[lilianahartley]

"Thanks Sara. No problem. Okay. So I booked what?" Liliana stood on her porch fumbling for her keys. Stopping she nearly froze. "Wait. Seriously? But that's in New York right?" She nearly dropped her phone. "Wow. Okay. Yeah. I want it. I'll start packing in the morning. When do we leave?" she asked. "Okay. Well I can't wait!" She smiled to herself. "Okay. I'll tell him you said hello." she found the key and was ready to put it in the door. "Okay. Bye Sara." She hung up with her manager and she smiled again. Turning the key she let herself into the house she shared with her fiance. It was later than she'd care to admit but she was doing inventory down at the boutique. Liliana knew she was lucky because she had a boutique that was doing amazingly and he also had a modeling career that was well off the ground.

Walking upstairs to the master bedroom she could hear sounds coming from down the hall. Making her way to the room she opened the door and she bit down on her lower lip. There in one of the guest bedrooms was her fiance with another woman. Both of them looked up at her and she felt frozen. "Lil.." He started. Just then the other woman kissed him. Feeling disgusted Liliana turned and walked out of the room. "What the hell is wrong with you?" she could hear him ask the other woman. "I wanted her to know you two were over. You told me you were so now she knows." She thought about locking herself in the master suite but then she thought better of it. She just walked in and grabbed a bag. Lennon was away so this was the best time to do it. She grabbed a duffel and she began to pack.

"Lili. What are you doing?" Hearing his voice made her mad. "Go away." She continued to pack. "Lils. Talk to me." She could hear him moving closer. Holding a hand up she continued to pack the bag with the other hand. "Don't you dare come any closer to me." She was fighting off tears now but it didn't seem like he cared. "Baby come on." She stood up. "Don't you 'baby' me. You're the one I found in OUR home with another woman." she paused to wipe the tears from her eyes. "So you were going to leave me for her?" she asked. "No. Wait. I don't want to know. I don't give a damn. The point is you fucked up. How long.. No. I don't want to know that either." She sat back down to continue packing. "I'm going to a hotel for the night and tomorrow I'm going to New York. The house is still in my name only." she paused.

"When I get home from New York next week I expect you and your shit to be gone." she warned him. When she was done packing she grabbed her laptop and her phone with both chargers and she looked at him. "If you trash this house or do anything like that I will have you arrested." She picked up the duffel and her bag and she moved past him. When he grabbed her arm she looked at him. "I do still love you." Hearing those words coming from his lips she felt sick. "No you don't. If you did you wouldn't have cheated on me and especially not here." She pulled her arm away and she walked out of her bedroom. "I mean it. I want you gone." She set her duffel down and she pulled the engagement ring off of her finger. She tossed it back at him. "Since you were going to end it with me you can give that to your little tramp." she sighed.

Making her way downstairs she could hear him following. "I know I messed up. Please let me explain.." Hearing him she couldn't take it. When she made it to the front door she turned around. "There's nothing to explain. Your little tramp is upstairs waiting and if I find out she stayed the night here I'll burn the house down. Now get her out of MY house and then get you and your shit out while your at it." she slammed the door and headed to her car. Once she was inside she locked all the doors and she sat there crying for a bit. He'd screwed her over and he thought he was getting away with it. Finally calm she pulled out her phone and texted her best friend. "Hey Len. I need to talk to you before you come home.." She sent the text and she sighed softly.

Finally she started the car and she headed to the nearest hotel. She didn't care what hotel it was or even how much it cost. It was one night before her flight the following afternoon. That was what was important. She could put some distance between her and this whole mess. After she was checked in she made it to her room and she called Sara. "Hey Sara. Can we move the flight from Sunday til tomorrow?" she asked. She listened and she sighed. "I just want to go a day early and possibly stay a few extra days." she admitted. "I just decided that this is coming at the best time because I need a change of scenery." she paused. "No. He's not going with me." she added. "No." she laughed a little. "I promise. I'll be fine." she smiled a little. "Love you too girly." she listened. "Okay. See you tomorrow." She hung up the phone and she laid back praying for sleep to take over.

[lilianahartley]

"Has the fact that you're completely psycho managed to escape your attention?" Liliana laughed and shook her head. "Has the fact that you're quoting my favorite movie escaped yours?" She stared the brunette down and laughed. "You know. We'd sit and watch this movie on loop and comment just how much like Kat I was even back then." she pointed out to her ex friend. Watching the girl roll her eyes she just grinned. "And as you can see it hasn't changed. Kat Stratford is me." she laughed. "Now get the hell out of my way or I will seriously put your ass on blast." she warned. The rather tall blonde stared down her former friend and she smiled. "And if you think you can go around me and I won't find out you'll be laying on that tiny little ass of yours before you can even bat an eyelash." Turning on her heel she smirked. "Have a good day now." Without another word she shut her locker and she headed down the hall meeting up with Lennon.

"What was that about?" Lennon asked. Liliana shrugged. "Just the past coming up to rear her ugly head." she smiled. "The true question is this. Will she give up or will she push my buttons?" She looked back to where the female was before she smiled. "I can tell by watching her that she's going to try to start something." She sighed softly. Lennon shrugged. "Let her. You know she won't get away with it." Lilia laughed and nodded as the two made their way down the hall. "That's true. Even if she thinks she will." Liliana wasn't exactly known as the resident mean girl but she sure as hell didn't take anyone's shit. She wasn't sure where she got that nature. It wasn't exactly like her dad and she didn't know her mother so she wasn't sure if she should say she got it from her or even if she wanted to know if she did.

"We've got company." she heard Lennon whisper. "If you think I'm just going to roll over and let you walk all over me you have another thing coming." Stopping she gave Lennon a look before facing the brunette. "Look. I gave you an out and you want to cause a scene so let's cause a scene. Two years ago. Halloween I think it was? I walked into a maze full of hay and found you having sex with my boyfriend. IN THE HAY. I caught you telling him that you were glad I finally knew the truth. And then a month later you tried to be my friend again when he dumped you for someone prettier." She paused for a moment. "You've done nothing but lie and manipulate everything so it seems like I was in the wrong when you're the one who screwed up. Own up to your wrong doings and stop trying to turn my life to hell because you can't keep yours together."  

She turned to look at Lennon who just stood there. "Remind me not to piss you off." She heard Lennon say. Laughing she nodded. "I think you know that already. Someone here needs a reminder though." She looked the girl over before turned to the audience they'd gathered. "There's nothing to see here." She turned on her heels and walked away. She looked over at Lennon and she smiled. "Is she still standing there with her mouth open?" she asked. Watching Lennon look back she smiled. "Yep." Lilia laughed again. "Well maybe now she's learned her lesson? You'd think after two years she would but I guess we'll see." she sighed. Making their way to the cafeteria she just hoped the girl wouldn't try to start another scene. One scene was enough to last a lifetime and she definitely knew it.

[lilianahartley]

Disappointment.

“Kae.. I need to talk to you.” Kaelyn looked up from the book she was reading. “What is it?” She made room for her father as he sat down on the edge of her bed. “Look. I know you said you didn’t want to find your mother and I know that was a lie so why don’t you talk to me about it?” he shifted his body so that he was facing his nearly seventeen year old daughter. “I know you think that you will end up hurting me if you find her or even if you have contact with her but you won’t. I promise.” He touched her knee. “Listen to me. She’s the one I feel sorry for. She didn’t get to raise you. She isn’t here. She doesn’t get to see what an amazing young woman you’ve grown into.” Kaelyn smiled at him.

“Thanks dad. I needed to hear that.” She bit down on her lower lip. “Look I have a surprise for you. You’re going to New York for a week with a few of your friends. This is my spring break gift to you, especially since you’ve made all A’s thus far.” Kae smiled again. “Thank you daddy. I’ll talk to Lennon today to see if she wants to go.” She leaned forward and she hugged her father before kissing his cheek. “You truly are the best dad in the world and I’m happy you’re mine.” she smirked before shooing him out of the room. “I need to make some calls and plans. I will be sure to give you the details you need so that I can go.” she promised as she ushered him out of the room. 

-- TWO WEEKS LATER -- 

“Can you believe it Len? We’re in New York City!” She smiled at the thought. “So where to first?” her best friend asked. Kae shrugged lightly. “It doesn’t matter. Let’s go check into the hotel my dad got us then go shopping?” Kaelyn suggested. Once in the hotel Kae had to do a double take. The hotel was so pretty and she loved how it looked. Once they’d checked in and freshened up the girls headed out with a map in one of their bags just so they could find their way back. Kaelyn had a secret that she needed to share with Lennon. First she hailed them a cab and after getting in she looked at her best friend. “I have something I need to tell you.” she looked down.

“What is it Kae? Is something wrong?” Lennon looked a little worried. Kaelyn handed her a photo she’d printed before leaving home. “We’re not going shopping.” She handed the driver an address. “Can we go here please?” She turned to look at her best friend. “Is that?” Kae nodded. “She lives here in New York and I’m going to go see her and you’re coming with me.” She could see the look of shock on Lennon’s face. “And I’m not taking no for an answer.” Hearing Lennon sigh she smiled as they arrived. Paying the cab driver she got out of the cab pulling Lennon along with her. “I need your support.” Lennon nodded. “Okay. You’ve got it.” 

Hugging her best friend she smiled. “Thanks Len. I love you!” When she pulled back from the hug she looked at the address again and she looked around. “Hey Kae. I think I found her. She’s not alone though.” Kaelyn turned around and looked. There she was. Her mother and she had a girl about three or so years younger than her and they looked extremely close. They made their way closer to them. “Oh thank you Mom! I love it so much!” They could see that the younger female was holding up a dress. Kaelyn looked at Lennon. “I have a sister?” she arched a brow then it hit her. Looking back at them some girls came up and the younger girl walked away.

“Now’s my chance. I’m going to see her. Come on.” Grabbing Lennon’s arm she pulled her along. “Maura Kent? Maura Montgomery?” she asked hoping that she’d answer. When she turned to face them the woman nearly dropped everything she was holding. “H-How did you find me?” she asked. “My name is Kaelyn.. Do you remember me?” Kaelyn stared at her hopefully. “Why did you come here? What do you want? Did Carrie see you?” Kae arched a brow. “That’s her name. Carrie?” she smiled a little. “I don’t think she saw me.” Maura nodded. “Good. She doesn’t know about you and neither does Connor.” Kae gave her a look. “Connor?” Maura nodded. “Her twin brother.” 

Kae bit down on her lower lip as she looked at her. “And their father doesn’t know either does he?” she asked. Maura shook her head no. “None of them know I was even married before I met Roy.” She looked at her. “So I take it I’m to call you Maura and not Mom?” Maura nodded. “That’s right. If we’re being honest here I never thought you’d even find me.” Kae could feel the tears well up in her eyes. “So you never even thought about me or Dad?” she asked. Watching Maura shake her head she looked down. “Coming here was a mistake.” Hearing Maura say those words Kae nodded. Maura was right.

“You’re right. I’m  sorry I bothered you. You don’t have to worry about me.” Maura stopped her. “If it’s any consolation you did turn out beautifully.” Kae shrugged. “It was only me and dad. He raised me on his own.” She shook her head. “For the longest time he had faith that you’d be back. Somehow I knew you wouldn’t but I still wanted to find you.” Kae sighed. “I wanted to find you so that I could ask you questions and get to know you.” she paused. “Look. I know you want nothing to do with me but can I at least get some medical information so that if I ever need it I have it?” Maura looked at her before nodding. “Where are you staying? I’ll have the information faxed to your hotel.” 

Kaelyn told her the name of the hotel and Maura smiled. “It really was nice to meet you Kaelyn. I’m glad your father did so well with you. I honestly thought he’d give you up or something.” Hearing those words Kae looked at her. “No. He loves me. He did what was best for me and he stayed even when it was hard. He stayed. Unlike you.” With those final words she walked away. She made her way to a Starbucks with Lennon in tow and she walked in and sat at a table in a corner. “You know what I like.” She went to hand Lennon the money but Lennon shook her head. “I got this.” Kae wiped tears from her eyes as she thought about her meeting with her mother.

While waiting for Lennon she spotted a cab outside. Running for the door she made him stop. “Wait! She held the door open and smiled as Lennon came out with their drinks. “Get in.” She climbed in first and took both drinks so that Lennon could get in herself. Biting down on her lower lip she sighed. Telling the driver what hotel to go to she sat back. “Can we just do the shopping thing tomorrow? I’m kind of drained.” Lennon nodded. “I’ll even order us some food when we get back.” Kae smiled. “Chocolate too please.” Kae replied softly. It didn’t take long to get to the hotel and after paying the driver the girls made it up to their room where Kae collapsed on her bed and just let the tears flow finally before she ended up crying herself to sleep. 

[lilianahartley]

Sitting down at the desk in her bedroom Kaelyn sighed softly. She had a letter she’d wanted to write for a long time and she wasn’t even sure how to truly begin it. She knew that no matter what she had to get it done but she wasn’t sure the best way to go about it. Leaning back in her chair she closed her eyes and she sighed once more. She could do this. She needed to do this more for herself than for anyone else.  Staring down at the paper before her she picked up a pen and held it against the paper. “I can do this.” she said to herself.

“Daddy dearest,

I bet you never saw this letter coming but I did. I saw it coming the day you handed over the check and the keys to the boutique. You know how much I love clothes so owning my own clothing store just seemed right to you. I admit that while it wasn’t what I saw myself doing you saw the potential in me and you saw what I could be when it came to owning Diamond in the Rough. I can’t thank you enough for that so let’s start with the rough beginning. The first six months I thought this place was going to flop. I thought for sure everything you helped me realize I wanted was going to fail but thankfully it picked up. 

In fact things are going so well now I kind of want to expand. I’m not sure that I will but that doesn’t matter. What matters is this letter. You. Thank you for believing in me. That’s the one thing you’ve always done. You’ve always believed in me and in my dreams. I love you for that daddy. Thank you again for this wonderful business opportunity. I wouldn’t be here today with this thriving business if it wasn’t for you. You’ve always had my back even when I didn’t think you did. If it wasn’t for your planning for my future I wouldn’t have the life that I have now. Thank you dad from the bottom of my heart for all that you’ve done to get me here. I can’t even begin to tell you how much I truly appreciate it.

Love you, Kae.

Taking the paper she folded it up and she picked up an envelope. She put the folded letter in the envelope and she sealed it. She set it on her desk and she leaned back trying to figure out if she was going to mail it or hand it to him in person. Picking the envelope up she leaned back in her seat and she played with the idea of mailing it. She wondered what his reaction would be. Then she thought about handing it to him in person and she knew then how he’d react. She smiled at the thought and she set it back down on her desk. She’d come back to it later if she had to. 

[lilianahartley]

“I’m outside waiting. Come on.” Reading the text from Hudson she smiled. Her father was god knows where. Maybe he was on another date. Grabbing her jacket a fifteen year old Kaelyn Montgomery made her way out and she ran up to the older male. “Took you long enough. Let’s get outta here.” he held open the car door and she slid into his car. Putting on her seat belt she watched as he climbed into the drivers seat. “Where are we going?” she asked curiously. It didn’t matter to her. This was their first date. Her first date ever and she was truly excited for it. “If I told you it would ruin the surprise.” he replied pulling away from the curb. 

Thinking about his words she smiled to herself. She’d spent hours picking out her outfit and she’d even sent a few options to Lennon for her input.  With the help of her best friend she came up with what she hoped would be the perfect outfit. “You know you look great tonight right?” Pulling her attention from the window she looked over at him and she smiled. “Thank you. I was hoping you’d think so.” Pushing back her long blonde locks she smiled again before turning her attention back to the window curious as to what he had planned for them. She knew not to ask again so all she could do was wait to see where he took them. 

When the car stopped she looked around confused. “What are we doing?” she asked as she got out of the car and looked around. “Do you trust me?” he asked. Nodding she looked at him. “I do. I thought you knew that already but I really do.” she sighed softly. She watched as he walked around the car to her. “I know I told you I had a surprise for you. The truth is I had no clue what to do tonight. I still don’t but I knew where I wanted to start.” He grabbed her hand and he pulled her towards the high school. He stopped. “We can’t go in but I wanted to bring you here because even though I can’t take you in this is where I first laid eyes on you. Where I knew I wanted to talk to you.” 

Kae looked around before looking up at him with the biggest smile.  “This is amazing. It’s not exactly what I had in mind but that’s great because it’s so much better. Honestly I didn’t know what to expect so this is actually perfect.” she smiled up at him. “Even if this is all we do tonight this is perfect.” she smiled again. Looking around them everything felt just right. It didn’t take long for him to lift her chin to look at him. “Thank you for agreeing to going out with me.” he smiled. “You’re welcome but there’s no need to thank me. I was surprised and I could have sworn I screamed yes so loud everyone could hear.” she laughed softly. 

Looking up at him she was caught off guard when he leaned down and kissed her. Kissing him back she blushed. She wasn’t sure what to do or say so finally she took a deep breath. “Thank you for that.” she whispered. She didn’t want to tell him that he was not only her first date but her first kiss too. She stepped back from him not wanting to seem to clingy but then he pulled her close wrapping both arms around her waist. Burying her face into him she smiled but jumped when she heard a guard. “What are you kids doing here?!” Without hesitation he pulled her hand and helped her get into the car before he got in and drove them out of the school parking lot. 

[lilianahartley]

Home sweet Home.

Kaelyn’s father bought her home for her when she agreed to stay in Charlotte. She didn’t like that he bought her a home but it was a done deal and in her own name. Her favorite room is the kitchen. It’s where the food is kept. She can most often be found by the pool most days. Heated for winter she uses that for exercise. She’s got the master bedroom and she’s set up a desk and all for a mini office in there and her bathroom is to die for. She’s come to realize she’s got a hard time keeping Lennon out of there. The two have a bit of an agreement. Lennon gets to use it whenever she wants and Kae doesn’t mind too much unless she needs it for something.