Work in Progress

Chapter 54: Adjustment

*SAM'S POV*

I couldn't wait until third period was over. Eli and I didn't share it either but I was sort of glad for that. Some of my classmates were being rowdy and saying things they knew nothing about. They kept spreading assumptions about that day in the abandoned building and how they heard Eli was part of a gang and she lured that guy to get revenge for stealing her girlfriend.

Ok yeah, Eli was part of a gang. Keyword: was. They think she still is. And Eli was the one being lured! Ugh!! I was about to put them in their place when I realized that I might just make things worse for Eli. But it really took a lot for me not to snap at their faces.

When the period ended, I packed my things quickly and headed to the cafeteria. The rumors were starting to get worse and some didn't even bother whispering anymore. I burst into the cafeteria and scan my eyes along the tables hoping to find Eli fast. I don't know how she's taking all these. Finally, my eyes met a pair of brown ones and relief quickly washed through me.

Before Eli even reaches me, I run up to her and tackle her into a hug. "H-hey, are you ok?" She chuckles awkwardly but wraps her arms around me still.

"What do you mean am I ok? Are you ok?" I pull away and search her eyes for any sign of discomfort.

"Of course." She shrugs. "I mean except for the ridiculous rumors like how I'm the daughter of a mafia boss who had to take out a spy that was onto me. I mean if anything I should be the spy." She gives me her signature smirk. I just shake my head. How is she taking this so lightly?

"Why don't we find a spot outside to eat?" She smiles at me softly and takes my hand to lead us outside, but not before I see a glimpse of worry flash across her eyes as she sees the students watching us that I just now notice also. I mentally facepalm myself. So much for not making Eli uncomfortable.

We make it outside and take a seat under the tree Eli used to hang from. I blush at the memory of her asking for a Spider-man kiss. She brings out a bowl of what looked like porridge and some fruits. "I'm sorry. I forgot to ask if you packed lunch. You can have my fruits if you'd like or we can go back inside to buy you some."

"No, it's fine. I did pack my lunch." I smile at her and bring out a sandwich and two bottles of strawberry milk. I laugh at her looking intently at the milk. "Here," I say while handing her one. She grins at me and takes it, immediately taking a sip. We eat in silence for a while, just listening to the distant noise of the cafeteria and the birds chirping.

"Hey, Sam..."

"Yeah?" I look up at Eli. I was now sitting beside her with my head resting on her shoulder.

"Umm... w-what--" She clears her throat. I've never seen Eli this nervous before so I sit up and try to give her an encouraging smile but I was nervous myself. "What did you think of my gift?"

I smile at her genuinely this time. "I love it. But I don't think it matches the one I'm currently wearing." My hand instinctively goes to the necklace I'm wearing, its band was silver to match the ring hanging from it.

"Yeah, umm... I was thinking it's time for us to take it off." I watch stunned as Eli unclasps her necklace and holds it in her hands. She must've seen the look on my face because she quickly added, "No, no, not like that! I'm so sorry, I didn't mean it like that! I meant take it off as a necklace and wear the rings on our fingers if, of course, you'd still have me? Please don't cry." She wipes the tears that were now falling down my cheeks.

"Don't e-ever scare me like t-that!" I hiccup.

"I won't, I promise. I love you Sam. I'm sorry for how I've been acting lately, for pushing you away, for getting you in danger. I promise I'll do my best to keep you safe and protect you from any harm. I know I can't one hundred percent protect you but I'll try my best. I care about you so much. So I'm done being afraid. I want you. Now and forever."

I feel the tears rushing from my eyes from all the emotions running through my body. My heart feels like it's about to overflow with content and love. Love for this amazing, and brave, and beautiful being right in front of me.

"I want you too." I gasp through my tears.

"You do?" Eli asks with tears in her eyes too.

I nod and take off my necklace. Eli takes the ring from it and places it at the tip of my finger. She looks up at me and I smile at her and nod before she slides it on. I take her ring in my hand and smile at my name etched inside the band then slide it onto her ring finger as well.

"I love you." I tell her, putting all the meaning I could muster into those three words.

"I love you too."

We were both grinning at each other and I couldn't care less that the bell rang a minute ago already. I glance at Eli's lips and start to lean forward but before I could kiss her she puts a hand over her mouth. I look at her hurt.

"I'm sorry. My aunt put a lot of garlic in my lunch and I want our first kiss to be perfect."

I laugh at her. "But we already kissed before!"

"Yeah but not as girlfriends. You are my girlfriend now, right?" I swear can she get any cuter? I think I can get used to this shy Eli.

"Yes, I'm your girlfriend. And you're mine. So you better prepare yourself once your breath is minty fresh." I give a quick kiss to her cheek and stand up making sure to sway my hips at her as I walk away. I see her gulp but quickly recover and run to my side, holding my hand and giving me a smirk.

"Oh you bet I'll be ready."

A/N: Finally, they're official. Someone find me a girlfriend too please hahahuhu