Sneaking around never truly got any easier. The constant fight to avoid getting caught by either of your families was a difficult thing, and it drained you both.

As you sat on the bench in town, reading the newspaper, you suddenly saw somebody sit beside you. Looking up at him, you saw Javier, grinning back at you. He’d never pass up a chance to see you.

“Your pa around somewhere, or do I have a few minutes?” His voice was laced with playfulness. He gently took the newspaper from you.