Damien and I hung out several more times within the past month or so. We've been getting along and I like him a lot.

I think he likes me too.

We were downstairs eating popcorn in the livingroom, watching some disney movie because he's a total teddy bear. My heart is fully invested in this man. I know I'm young and shouldn't, but I can't keep myself from his green eyes and black hair.

He's irresistible.

He pauses the movie and looks at me.

"...what? What is it?" I ask.

"I have something to tell you. And don't feel bad if it's not mutual."

He took a deep breath.

"Ilikeyoualotandwaswonderingifyouwouldliketogooutonadate?"

I blink at him.

"Slow down cowboy, what are you trying to say?"
He takes another deep breath.

"I like you. A lot. I was wondering if you would like to go out on a date with me next weekend?" He said, face flushed.

I sat there, smiling the biggest smile.
I leaned in and we kissed. His lips were soft and our breathing was calm.

"Of course." I said.
We cuddled and finished the movie, as I fell asleep in his arms.

I woke up the next day with a warm blanket on me, damien gone, and a note on the table.

"Hey, I didn't want to wake you up, you looked so peaceful, and I had to get home. Sorry I just kind of left, I wanted to let you sleep. Text me whenever!

Love, Damien."

I sigh and sit up to see Tyler sitting at the other sofa next to mine. He sat there, sipping his what I assume to be coffee. He gave me a look.

"I trust this boy, he seems sweet, but the minute he hurts you he's out a here, understand?" He said sternly.

I nod my head and yawn, got up and ate breakfast. I went about my day as usual, eating, doing chores, talking to Damien, etc.

One week later

Damien and I packed our swimsuits and met up at a nearby beach. His parents dropped him off and Tyler, Josh, and Jenna stayed at a distance.

"Hey cutie" he said, packing me on the lips.

"Hey, ready to go swimming?"

"Yep! Got your suit?"

I held up my one piece swimsuit with a pair of long basketball shorts and a long sleeve shirt.

"Yeah!"

Damien gave me a puzzled look.

"Why do you need all that? Just wear your normal suit babe. You're beautiful." He said, holding my hands.
I was nervous. He doesn't know about my self harm. He's gonna worry when he sees them.

"It's just that I have these sc-" he put a finger to my lips.

"Shush. You're beautiful. I'm going to go get changed and I'll meet you by the water." He said, kissing my forehead and heading to the bathrooms.

I went and got changed, but before I left I looked in the mirror.

Everyone is going to stare.

"I'm gonna have to get used to that at some point." I said to myself, looking at the purple-red bump scars on my thighs and mostly arms. I took a deep breath, and walked out.

Little girls pointed, adults stared, and people whispered. It was horrible.

"Damien will make me feel better."

I walk up behind Damien who is standing right before the water. He turns around and smiles.

"Hey ready to-" then he stops. His smile disappears.

"-swim..." I look at him in fear and confusion.

"What are those?" Damien asked angrily.