Rose tapped her fingers against the windowsill, eyes watching the rain pour down outside. Her phone buzzed, and she quickly unlocked it, smiling as Damian's message appeared.

Damian: "Meet me by the bleachers after school?"
Rose: "You sure it's safe?"
Damian: "No one will be there. Just us, like always."

She tucked her phone away, feeling the thrill of their secret affair. Damian was hers, and though their love had to stay in the shadows, it was exhilarating. She thought of the way he looked at her—like no one else existed.

Later, under the bleachers, Damian wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her close.

Damian: "I missed you."
Rose: "Then why do we have to keep hiding?"

He gave her a familiar answer, but his voice was smooth, comforting.

Damian: "You know why, Rose. But soon... soon we won't have to."

Rose's heart swelled with hope. She had no idea Lily was hearing the same promises.