And he doesn't even know...

I ended up leaving there feeling a little bit different than when I walked in. Like a whole new person and I wasn't sure what it was, but I liked it.

And on Friday I was going on a date.

I ran a comb through my hair the next day. It was Friday and I was tired. I ended up working two shifts because someone didn't show. I was dead tired, but I hoped it wouldn't show. I grabbed my keys and stepped out of the apartment before lighting up a smoke. I needed something to calm my nerves. I was shaking like a leaf on dadgum tree.

I was getting ready to go and Dad was standing by ready to meet this guy. I hadn't moved out yet because I was putting aside for it but not only that but I hadn't really found anywhere to go either.

"You sure you'll be okay?"

"I'm sure, Daddy."

He smiled, "Do I need to put a tracking device in his underwear?"

I gaped, "Uh... no." I wasn't sure if he was joking or not.

I pulled into the driveway about thirty minutes later. I hoped I had followed the directions correctly. Otherwise, I might get shot or something. I got out and walked to the door, knocking on it three times. The worst part, was that even if this was the right house, her dad might try to kill me.

I let Dad answer the door and he stood there, tall with a tooth pick in his mouth even though I wasn't sure why he added that kind of effect.

"Can I help you?" He asked.

Okay, I was pretty tall, but this guy towered over me. "Yes sir, are you Miss Lauree Karson's father?" I gulped. The way he was chomping on that toothpick was kind of intimidating... like he'd just finished snacking on the last prospective boyfriend.

"Yes, and you may call me Mr. Karson until further directed." He said, but at least he was trying to be friendly. Before we could go anywhere Dad invited him into the house and closed the door behind.

"Take a seat, Lauree will be down in a moment."

"Yes sir." I did as I was told and sat in the most uncomfortable of the chairs. I didn't want to take anyone's seat and that left... this one. Her mother was sitting in a recliner two times too big for her.

I knew that Daddy was going to interrogate him but I felt better this way. I didn't bring my first boyfriend home and I ended up in a bad situation.

This left me at peace.

Daddy asked him a lot of questions and I began to wonder if we'd ever go out to dinner or not when he cleared his throat and said, "Alright, well, you don't want to be late for your supper."

I smiled. "Y-Yes sir, but Miss Karson isn't here yet. We can go to an open late restaurant if we have to, or I can just take her out tomorrow. There's no rush."

A man's number one rule which he must follow: Never rush a lady.

"That's not a problem." Daddy didn't tell him I was ready long ago so I just came from around the corner and smiled.

"Let's go." I said softly.

She startled me... and she looked amazing. I stood immediately when I saw he. "Oh uh uhm... yeah." I looked to her parents and gave them both a slight nod. "Thank you for letting me take your daughter out tonight."

"You're welcome but it's on one condition and that's if she comes into this house in tears you leave this house in pain and I mean it."

Daddy wasn't goofing around. He'd never murder anyone but I knew he would probably smack him around a little. >.>

"Yes sir! This will be the best date she's ever had!" I said quickly. "I won't bring her back crying!"

Dad nodded but he still looked concerned and he had every reason to be. After we left I walked down with Drew, still calling him Williams because I was kind of nervous still.

"I can explain that..."

"Explain what? That rabbit-shaped gum spot back there one the sidewalk? I was wondering about it..."

"Why my dad interrogates people like a cop interrogates a criminal." I said as we got into the car.

"Ah.." I let her get her feet in before shutting the door for her. I then walked around the car and took a seat on the driver's side. "Why is that?"

I was being really open for the first time in a long time, I rubbed my arms where scars were laced and bit my lip.

"My first boyfriend abused me." I said shakily.

I'm glad I hadn't started driving yet... because I couldn't seem to move now. "How?" I asked softly. I didn't know this girl very well at all, but I really liked her.

"Physically." I said, "It's a really long story but I'm not sure I want to focus on it tonight... it just explains why Daddy is so protective."

"Oh, well... no worries here. I won't lay a hand on you unless you want me to." I smiled. "But first things first, lets eat!" And off we went! For food!

I felt relieved that he didn't delve further into what would be a long and gruesome story about my close meet with death itself.

Food sounded nice though. <3

"So where are we going?"

"Olive Garden!" The most expensive restaurant I could afford. It wasn't much, but it was nice... and it was a sit-down. "Unless of course, you don't like Olive Garden. Then we can find someplace else to go!"

"No, no! Olive Garden is wonderful." I replied, laying my hands in my lap and thanking God for the peace I had about this date.