The Only Exception

three

"And that was the day that I promised that I'd never sing of love if it did not exist, but darlin' you are the only exception."

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"Are you ready for Junior high kiddo?"

"No. I'm terrified Dad. I really don't want to go. What if they won't like me?"

"Darling if they don't like you, then I think they're pretty dumb."

"Dad."

"Doll, you are amazing. What could go wrong?"

"I could fall in front of them."

"Oh Ellie, you're gonna kill me, everything is gonna be just fine, I promise." He held out his pinkie and I smiled.

"Promise?"

"Promise."

"Thanks, dad!" I hugged him and told him to get out so I can get ready. I just turned 11 and I'm going into 6th grade and to say I'm scared would be an understatement. I'm terrified, mainly because I don't like meeting new people. I ran a brush through my dark brown hair as fast as I could without hurting myself too bad. I grabbed a new outfit that I laid out the night before and put it on. It consisted of a white and black tee-shirt and dark jeans, as well as my black shoes. It was a simple outfit that hopefully wouldn't bring much attention to me. I ran down the stairs and grabbed the black and white polka dot bag that was waiting for me at the end of the hallway. Dad smiled at me and waved me over to the table. I sat down as he pushed a plate of eggs, bacon, and toast my way. I quickly finished them and drank the milk he had set out for me. He rinsed the dishes and loaded up the washer, before coming to the living room. He smiled and opened the door for me. I buckled myself in and thought about what all could happen today as we drove to school.
"Alright kiddo, we're here."

"I love you, dad!"

"I love you too baby."

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I walked up to the big building and I looked around. Dad was wrong. This wasn't going to be ok. I was already overwhelmed. I took a deep breath and walked inside, looking at the crumpled paper in my hand showed my classes. I walked to the locker that was assumed to be mine due to the information and the sheet. I put in the lock code and opened it to get a hold on how things were. I set a few things I had brought inside on the shelf, such as a few pencils and pens, notebooks, and chapstick. I walked to the second floor and found Mrs. Walkers room. When I walked in, she saw me and told me to sit where ever I'd like. I sat towards the back away from people. The seats began to quickly fill and soon a boy walked in looking for a seat. The ones by me were the last. He smiled at me and said on my right side. 

He was taller than me by a few inches, easily. His eyes were the same dark brown his hair, which consisted of messy dark brown curls that made him look...

cute. 

He was really cute. And of course, he had to sit by me.

"Hey, what's your name?"

"Oh, um- I'm Ellison, but you most people call me Ellie."

"Ellison, it's cute, definitely different, but very cute.¨"He smiled. Genuinely smiled, "I'm Dallas, Dallas Thompson."

"It's nice to meet you Dallas."

"I can say the same for you darlin'"

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Dallas decided that he wanted to get to know me more. We've hung out at school, but he wants to meet my dad. Dal had said he has already talked to his parents and they are ok with him coming over after school, I'm nervous though. The bell rang and I grabbed my bag going to my locker. Like always Dallas was there waiting for me. 

"I'm so glad I get to finally meet your dad today!"

"I'm nervous." I laughed a little but it was true. This is basically my only friend and if Dad doesn't like him then I'm screwed.

"Everbody loves me El, don't worry." As we walked outside, Dallas held onto my hand. We walked in silence as we approached my house. I opened the door and called for my dad.

"In here doll!" We walked into the kitchen where he was cooking. He smiled at me and noticed Dallas.

"Dad, this is Dallas. Dal this is my dad."  Dad stopped what he was doing and walked over to Dallas. 

"Hello, sir," Dal said while shaking my dad's hand. 

"So, when did you start talking to my daughter?"

"First day of school sir. She was sitting by herself and I just couldn't let her sit alone. She did, however, yell at me because I called her doll." Dallas laughed at the memory like it was yesterday. My dad shook his head and laughed.

"Don't worry pal. She yells at me too. Are you staying for dinner?"

"I'm sure my mother wouldn't mind too much. I can call and let her know that I'll be here because I'd love to."

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Ever since Dad met Dallas, every Friday he comes over and watches a movie with us. I've grown quite fond of Dal. I think my dad knows it as well, he hasn't said anything though. Tonight I was going over to Dallas' to meet his parents and have dinner with them. Before I walked into the living room, I heard dad talking to Dal.

"Take care of her Dallas. I can tell she likes you."

"I doubt that but I will take care of her. I always do." I saw my dad smile and pull him into a hug.

The things I would do for him. If only he would believe it.

posted; 10-10-2019