(A/N: This story is slowly sinking into an abyss of absolute trash but here's chapter three.)

Y/N slowly got up, careful not to wake up her sisters. Her arm still hurt, but she couldn't think about that now. She grabbed a book and an apple that were sitting on the table. She shrugged on her old worn coat, and rushed out of the tiny apartment.

Thankfully, that day was a half day for work. Y/N worked as hard as she could that day. But since it took her twice as long to do everything, Mrs. Robinson only paid her half as much.

Y/N parked herself on a park bench and ravenously ate the apple, starving for her first food of the day. She started reading the book, scribbling down notes in the margins. Ever since her mother got sick, the two oldest girls had to stop going to school. Now Y/N read every chance she got, not wanting to fall behind in her studies.

"H-hi," a voice said, causing her to jump. She looked up and smiled at the person. "Hi Davey!" She slid over, giving him space to sit down. He sat down next to her, and Y/N could feel her heart beat faster.

"How's y-your arm?" he asked. She stared into his eyes and-oh no. Was she falling for him? No way, nope, nay, she thought, shaking herself. "Uh, it's fine. Still hurts a little, but it's fine...how's your eye?" "It's fine. I actually forgot about until you brought it up," he said, chuckling.

They fell into an awkward silence, desperately trying to think of something to say. As much as Y/N liked Davey, she couldn't think of anything interesting to say. "So...what are you reading?" he asked. Y/N felt the feeling of relief wash over her. "Oh, uh, it's The
Merchant of Venice. By Shakespeare. Have you ever read it?"

"Actually, I did read it a few months ago. It's pretty good," he said. Y/N pretended to look shocked. "Pretty good? Pretty good! Did you even read Portia's speech? That's where I am now, and let me tell you, she is absolutely amazing," Y/N retorted. "And don't get me even started on how deep a character Shylock is. You, Davey, may not recognize the mammoth amount of genius it takes to create such a complex character."

Y/N bit her lip and said, "Okay, the insulting you was a little too much, but still! It's a really, really good play." He smiled at this remark, and shook his head, quietly laughing. "No, it's fine. I like your passion in defending it. It's nice to find someone else who enjoys reading."

Y/N smiled at him and felt her heart slowly melt. Wait, no, she told herself. Stop. You just met this kid, don't fall for him. Focus on something else...

"Hey, where's Les?" she asked, looking around. Davey sat up and frantically looked around. "Oh no, oh no no no. He was right next to me! How did I lose him? Ugh, mom and dad are going to kill me!" He stood up to go search for his little brother.

"Wait, Davey, I'll help you look," Y/N said, collecting her possessions. "You don't have to," he said, nervously wringing his hands. "No. it's fine. I want to. Just give me a second..." she tucked her book into her coat and pulled it tighter around herself. "Ok, lets go."

Davey and Y/N both walked around the square, searching for Les. Davey anxiously ran his hand through his hair and said, "Boy, he's probably getting himself into so much trouble right no-" "Boo!" somebody yelled from behind them.

They both jumped, and Y/N instinctually grabbed Davey's arm. She immediately let go, her face flushing pink. "Ha, I really got you!" said Les, laughing his head off. The two turned around, Davey relieved that he found his little brother. "You can't just run off like that! Do you know-" he paused after hearing a loud noise. "Les, why did your coat just croak?"

The little boy pulled out an impressively large amphibian. "Meet my new friend, Toad!" It was Y/N and Davey's turn to laugh now.

"That's-that's great, Les, but you have to put him back. We need to head home," said Davey, in between laughs. Y/N laughed one more time, then nodded her head. "Yeah, I better get going too. It was nice seeing you two again!" And with that, she rushed away.

Trying to walk normally, her face twitched with excitement. Okay, she really, really liked this boy. That would have to stay on hold for now, though.

She had bigger things to worry about.

(A/N: Y'all catch that super smooth Tuck Everlasting reference? Oh yes, I am the best.)