Dear Amy my love,

I promise I'll be back as soon as the war is over. I miss you so much. I miss your smile. I miss your touch on my skin. I miss your lips on mine. I miss your body fitting perfectly in my arms. I miss the feel of your hair. I miss the whispers of love you would say in my ear. I miss your hand in mine. I miss the way I felt whenever we were together.

But most of all I miss you, my love. Everything here is miserable. We are always in the trenches. The sounds of explosions are always ringing in my ears. I can't wait to see you again. Everyone here is homesick. We all miss our families. I can't tell you how many dead I see everyday. War certainly does not come from God. We weren't supposed to suffer like this. I can't wait to come home to you. Please don't worry too much, Amy. I love you.

Your one and only,

Jonathan

January 2nd 1915

I've probably read this love letter at least hundred times. All of the letters we found in the box were extremely old; they were yellowed and almost crumbled in my hands. The yellow tape didn't stick anymore and the ribbon that held it closed was hard and frayed. It is my favorite out of all the letters Jaxe and I found in the lover's box last year. Last year I lost my friend to the Hunger Games, but I found love in Jaxe. Lily's dying words were to Chace, the boy tribute from our district, to win for her. He did and when he finally came back to District Four, I got to thank him for what he did. Chace became one of my best friends after that, and Jaxe and I regularly visit him in the Victors Village. Chace may not of had scars on his body anymore, but he did have them on his heart and mind. He missed Lily as much as I did. And killing people and watching people dying haunted him. I imagined that was how Jonathan in the letter was; he had to watch people all around him die in the war.

I carefully set the letter down on my nightstand and got out of bed. Today Jaxe was going to take me fishing. I got dressed in black shorts and a thin white shirt with black sneakers. I braided my long wavy hair, letting the short strands around my face to fall out.

I debated with myself a few months ago, if I should keep wearing the silver trident necklace, or if I should put away somewhere safe to protect the two lover's memory. I couldn't get myself to let go of it. It was a part of Jaxe and me as well. Like a family heirloom; being past down from lovers to lovers. I smiled as I picked it up in my hand and put it around my neck. I didn't hide it in my shirt this time, Titan would not bother me again; and I didn't need to worry about anyone else. I would be with Jaxe; we could protect each other. I let it hang down in front of my shirt. I hurried downstairs and grabbed my jacket.

"Bye! Going fishing with Jaxe! See you later!" I shouted over my shoulder to Dad and my little brother Willy as I ran out of the backdoor.

I walked over to Sea Shell Diner, our favorite place to meet and have breakfast. It was right on the water in the harbor; all of the food was fresh. I sat at our table and waited. I was watching the ridiculous-looking announcers from the Capitol debate about the weather on the diner's little television, when I smelled something sweet. It was not anything like the food aroma in the air. It was different, sweeter, more like my mom's perfume that I keep for special occasions. I looked down and saw a hand holding a red rose in front of me.

I smiled, my cheeks feeling warm. I took the rose, careful of the thorns and said, "Jaxe. I know it's you." He stepped out from behind me and smiled.

"How could you tell?" He teased as he sat down in front of me.

"Not many guys give me roses." I replied, putting the delicate flower to my nose. I inhaled the sweet aroma.

"There are others that do?" He pretended to look jealous.

I laughed from behind the rose.

"So, what are we going to try for breakfast today?" I asked. We started the tradition a few months ago, of trying a new dish every week. If we liked it we would have it every day of that week.

"Hm." He said and looked at the menu. "How about the Razor Clams and Eggs?"

I set the rose down and looked at the menu.

Razor Clams and Eggs

Razor clams chunks breaded and quickly fried, served with two eggs, home fried potatoes, and an English muffin.

I shrugged. "We can try it."

A few minutes later, a waitress came by and took our order. I also ordered a glass of milk and Jaxe ordered Orange Juice.

"So, we are still going fishing right?" I asked.

"Of course." He said. "I wouldn't miss watching you catch your first fish for anything in the world."

I laughed. "Jaxe, you do realize my dad is a fisherman right? I've gone fishing with him more times then I can remember. I bet I'll catch a bigger fish then you!"

"Oh, you're on! What are we wagering?"

I thought for a minute then smiled, "If I win, you have to got to the end of Misty Pier and jump off like the first time we met."

He laughed and my heart did a flip. He laugh was so perfect; it made me happier just hearing it. I wanted him to laugh all day. It made me feel amazing that I made him laugh.

"And if I win. You have to jump off with me!"

"Fine." I say and smile.

I turn my attention back to the television. A Capitol lady with red lips and eyelids, a burgundy wig dressed in a busy red dress is laughing with a man with turquoise hair, lips and eyelids and a white and green suit. They continue talking about a new building that is being constructed in the Capitol.

"How do they think all those bright colors are attractive?" Jaxe said, following my gaze.

I look at him and laugh. "I don't know. But I think the colors melted into their brains." I whisper so no one else can hear. Jaxe joins in with his perfect laugh.

The waitress comes with our food and we thank her.

I take a deep breath and say, "Ready?"

Jaxe nods. "Here goes nothing." He says and stabs a piece of the clam with his fork. He puts it in his mouth. I watch his face, trying to figure out if he likes it or not.

"And?" I whisper anxiously.

"It's actually really good." He smiles and I laugh.

We ate our breakfast, then walked down the harbor, hand in hand.

"Where's your boat?" I ask after we've been walking for at least fifteen minutes.

"Just a little bit farther."

"Where are your supplies?" I ask, realizing we didn't bring anything.

"My fishing rod and tackle box are in it already." He says.

"Oh." He stops. "What is it?" I ask, thinking he forgot something.

"Nothing." He chuckles. "We are here." He nods towards a small boat that is about twice the length of me. Its blue and white striped paint is faded and starting to peel. Jaxe helped me into the boat and I sit on the front bench, facing the back. I watch as Jaxe unties the boat from the harbor and jumps in. I smile at him as he sits down on the other bench and starts the little motor. After a few minutes we are out of the harbor and into the open ocean. I take a deep breath, loving the smell of the ocean. I couldn't imagine being away from it. It made me feel so relaxed and happy. I watched the water skim off the boat in waves and ripples, when I look up I see Jaxe looking at me.

"What?" I laughed, trying to cover my blush.

"Nothing." He mumbles. "I could watch you all day."

My cheek became warmer, he laughs. Jaxe steers the boat for about half an hour then stops and looks around.

"Best place to catch fish." Jaxe said as he stands up.

I watch him. "Are you sure? I've never been out here before."

"Exactly." He grins. I laugh and roll my eyes.

"Can you get up for a second?" He asks.

"Oh yeah. Sure." I stand up and he opens the bench. Jaxe takes out a tackle box, two fishing poles and a small ice chest.

"Lunch?" I ask and he nods. "You think of everything don't you?" I laugh. He shrugs and grins.

"That's why I love you." I whisper and push the bench back down, so I can sit down.

"Is that the only reason?" He teases as he puckers his lips.

"Jaxe! I could push you off the boat you know!" I shout.

He laughs and puts his hands up in a common motion of surrender.

He sits back down and gets the fishing poles ready. I curiously open his tackle box. Worms squirm around in a small container and a few plain metal hooks and a few rolls of extra fishing line litter the bottom of the box.

"You use live worms?" I ask shocked. All the fishermen I knew gave up on worms a long time ago, for better hooks and bait.

"Best bait there is." He laughs and opens the container. He takes out a fat worm and hook, then punctures the worm with hook and ties it on the line connected to the pole. I wince, but kept watching. He flicks it out into the water and smiles.

"And our day begins." He says.

I copy what he did and throw mine out on the opposite side of the boat.

"Is the bet still on?" Jaxe asks after a few minutes of relaxing silence.

"Of course! I wouldn't let you get off that easy."

I laugh and lay down on the bench, still holding the fishing pole. I look over at Jaxe, smiling. He stands up on the boat slowly and comes over and sits on the floor beside me, still holding his fishing pole also. I smile and touch his cheek softly with my free hand. He closes his eyes at my touch. I remember what Jonathan said in the letter. I miss your touch on my skin. I smile, gently running my fingers over his cheek.

After a few minutes Jaxe opens his eyes again and smiles. He leans down and gently kisses me. Something tugs at my fishing pole; I sit up quickly.

"I think I got a fish!" I laugh and start to reel it in.

"I thought I could distract you from catching anything." Jaxe says disappointed.

I laugh and keep reeling in the fish. "You didn't get that lucky, Jaxe."

The fish emerges from the water and dangles from the pole. I smile.

"I got the first catch!" I say as Jaxe takes out a net and holds it out over the water. I gently place the fish in.

He smiles. "Nice one." I stand beside him as he takes the hook out of the fish's mouth. It flops in his hands, but then finally stops. I get a better look at it and see that the fish is about one and a half the length of my hand.

After a few hours of fishing, Jaxe says, "I think it's time to eat."

I smile and nod, watching as he opens the ice chest. "Well, we have tuna sandwiches, Caesar salad, and veggie wraps. Courtesy of my mother, the cook." He laughs.

I laugh. "I'll try a veggie wrap, please."

"You got it! One veggie wrap coming right up!" He says making me giggle.

He takes it out and hands it to me, then takes another out for himself as he sits down on his bench.

"So what else is in that magic chest of yours?" I tease.

"Oh, right! I forgot drinks!"

I laugh and watch as he kneels back in front of the ice chest. I unwrap the plastic from around the wrap and take a bite. I can taste lettuce, avocado, tomatoes and cheese. My taste buds crave more, and I take another bite.

"mmm. This is good!" I say and smile at him.

"What did I tell you? My mom is a cook." He smiles, and then adds, "Ok we have water, pineapple juice and strawberry soda."

I smile; he didn't even have to ask. Jaxe takes out a bottle of strawberry soda and hands it to me; he already knows my favorite drink. I take it and gulp down half the bottle in less then thirty seconds. The sweet bubbly liquid filling my mouth and down my throat. I smile; Jaxe had introduced me to this drink the next day after he asked me to be his girlfriend. My first taste sold me for the rest of my life. The sweetness seemed to come straight from heaven.

After we ate, we tallied up how many fish each of us got. I caught five and Jaxe caught four.

"Now let's see who caught the biggest." Jaxe says and smiles.

I roll my eyes. Jaxe mind was only thinking of the bet. Boys and bets, I should of known better.

We each found the biggest fish we caught then put them next to each other. The dead fish in Jaxe's hand was about two inches larger then the one in my hand.

"I won!" He says. I wondered what he would of done if he had lost.

"Yes, I guess you did." I say and set the fish down.

"You know what that means?" He asks as I sit back down on my bench.

"I have to jump of Misty Pier with you?"

"Yes, but it also means-" He steps over the fish and stands right next to me. "-That I get to have a victory swim right now! And you are coming with me!" He quickly picks me up in his arms.

"Wait what? No!" I scream, but it's too late. He's already thrown me overboard.

The cold water swallowed me up as I suck fast, but I wasn't going to lose this battle. I knew how to swim. My dad taught me when I was only four. I swam up to the surface and filled my lungs with air.

"That was totally not fair!" I shouted, but when I looked into the boat, that floated about twenty feet away from me, Jaxe wasn't there. I looked around scared for a minute.

"Jaxe? Jaxe!" I shouted, emotions already gripping hold of me. I felt my throat start to close up with worry. I can't lose him; he's the only thing that makes me happy. If he's gone, what will happen to me?

Something underwater grabs my ankle. I scream. Is this what got Jaxe too? I try to swim away, but it held on tight. I try to kick the thing below me. The memory of the 'sea monster' when I was little, flashes in my mind. I squirm harder as I feel it pull me under. I take a deep breath as my head ducks below the waves. I can't see anything, the water is too dark below me and the salt water starts to sting my eyes. I feel arms wrap around me as a body presses up against my chest. I try to squirm, but I can't move. I feel lips press against mine, and I relax realizing it is Jaxe holding me. I am going to get him back for scaring me like that, but right now I was enjoying it. After a few seconds we swim up and gasp for air.

"You scared me!" I scream and punch his arm lightly.

He just laughs. "That's the idea. I wish I could have seen your face!" He says.

"Jaxe!" I try to squirm out of his strong arms, but he holds me tight.

"You're not going anywhere, Damera." He smiles.

I finally give up. I admit I like the feeling of being in his arms; I feel safe. I feel wanted and where I belong. Jaxe smiles and kisses my forehead.

"I love you." He whispers. I've probably heard that sentence over a thousand times over the past year, but I never get tired of hearing it.

"And I love you." I whisper back and smile.

After a few minutes of staring lovingly into each other's eyes, Jaxe looks up.

"It's almost five. Let's get back aboard and have dinner" He says and smiles.

"Okay." I nod and we swim back to the boat. He helps me get in then gets in.

"So, sandwiches?" I ask as I undo my braid and squeeze the water out of my hair.

"Sure." Jaxe smiles and opens the ice chest. He takes out to small plastic bags containing one sandwich each. He gives one to me and sits down.

"Thanks" I open mine and bite into the sandwich. The salty taste fills my mouth; I also taste watery lettuce and cheese. My mouth waters and I take another bite.

"What is this meat?" I ask, eating more.

"Beef, from District ten." Jaxe smiles and takes a bite of his. I've never had beef before. Only fish, clams, and once I had chicken on Christmas Day when I was eight, the day after Willy was born.

"It's good." I say and smile and he nods. I finish my beef sandwich quickly and Jaxe throws me a good water bottle. I swallow the cold liquid quickly also.

The cold water inside me, the swim with Jaxe in the cool ocean, and the coastal wind that was picking up caused me to shiver.

"Come here, Damera." Jaxe says as he leans down behind his bench and picks up a jacket. I stand up and go over, sitting beside him. He puts the jacket around me; I look down at it and realize it's the same jacket as the one he put around me the night Lily died. I blush and look up at him.

"Thanks." I say as my body starts to stop shivering. Jaxe sits beside me and wraps his arms around me. I lay my head on his shoulder and close my eyes. I add, "Thanks for today."

"Let's head home." He whispers and turns the motor on, steering us back towards shore.

The next morning I wake to the soft noise of rain on my bedroom window. It almost sounds like a lullaby, singing me to sleep. I open my eyes and look at my clock. 5:23. Way too early to get out of bed. I wasn't going to meet Jaxe until 8:00. Once every week, Jaxe and I take turns getting two fish and bringing them to Chace. I had started that tradition, the day Chace came back. I felt like I owed him something for winning for Lily.

I remember that day well. It was raining that day, like today, when he answered the door and I handed him my catch. I broke down in tears. His eyes were filled with tears as well; we just hugged and cried for a while. It felt so good to cry with someone that understood.

I stared at my ceiling for a few minutes, thinking about Lily. I couldn't go back to sleep, so I slowly got out of bed and stand up. I notice a lump under my sheets and pull my covers down; bundled up in a ball was Jaxe's jacket. I smile; he remembered how it had comforted me last year. I pick it up shake out the wrinkles.

I dress in jeans and a simple purple long sleeve shirt, and then slip into Jaxe's navy blue jacket. I smile as the warmth surrounds me and reminds me of last night. The box we found on the beach sits on my dresser, with the trident necklace laying over it. I take the necklace and put it on. I look back at the clock. 6:14. I have time to take a walk down the beach. I walk into the hallway and quietly open Willy's bedroom door. My little brother is sound asleep in his bed; I lean down and kiss his forehead.

"I'll be back later." I whisper and walk back out. My brother is used to waking up to an empty house. My dad leaves early every morning to catch fish and I usually go out with Jaxe. I quickly make two pieces of toast and eat them. They will hold me over until we go to Sea Shell Diner. I walk out the back door and look up at the sky; the rain has stopped for now. I walk down the street, towards the beach.

My watch says 6:54 as I take my shoes off and walk down the beach. Ocean water laps at my feet and I close my eyes remembering the day I found my trident necklace. The silver shining though the water as if it wanted me to find it and the way the cold silver felt against my chest made me relax. I remember being cornered by Titan and his friends, and then Jaxe shouting "Let her go!" He didn't even know me, yet he was willing to get beat up, just to save me. I remember my impulsive jump off Misty Pier when Titan accidentally let go of my necklace. Then when Jaxe jumped in after me, but I thought it was Titan. I smile as I remember all of this. I open my eyes, about two feet to my right is a beautiful Cowrie shell. I lean down and pick it up. The white shell is half the size of my palm. I slip it in my pocket and smile. Hope in a shell, I think as I keep walking. My mind wanders to Jaxe; he's probably out fishing right now to catch the two fish for Chace.

Light rain starts to fall and a cold wind picks up. I look up at the sky as black clouds roll in, making everything around me dark. I look at my watch again. 7:26. I didn't realize I was out so long! I turn around and run back towards town. My wet hair clings to my face as run. I stop at my house and quickly grab a towel from inside the door to dry off. I run upstairs and take a shower, then get dressed in jeans, a burgundy top and black rain boots. I put Jaxe's jacket through the dryer and put it back on. Before leaving the house again I grab an umbrella, since the rain hasn't stopped. The only way to get to the Victor's Village is through Town Square, so I head in that direction. I hear something snap as I turn the corner, the square is empty. My eyes fix on a Peacekeeper, he is standing over a guy. The guy is on his knees, with his head almost touching the muddy ground. His hands are tied to a pole by rope, and there are twenty-nine bloody lines on his back. He's being whipped. The Peacekeeper holds his hand back, letting the whip dangle behind him, ready to strike again.

My eyes widen, District four rarely has a whipping. I've heard the poor districts have them a lot, because food is hard to get there. Right before I am about to turn around, I catch the sight of wet brown hair on the guy's head as he breathes deeply, trying not to pass out.

"NO!" I scream "JAXE!"

The umbrella drops to the ground as I run towards the scene. The Peacekeeper turns around to face me.

"Go home, missy." He says, his deep voice rattling my bones.

"No!" I scream again. My voice seems to bring Jaxe back to earth. He mumbles something, but I can't make it out. Before I can try to stop him, the Peacekeeper slashes Jaxe's back again with the leather whip. Jaxe moans through clenched teeth. I cover my mouth to muffle my scream. Rain washes away the fresh red blood.

"I hope you learned you lesson, boy!" The Peacekeeper yells over the rain and walks away.

"Jaxe? JAXE!" I scream as I kneel beside him and start to untie the knots of the rope. He groans, barely conscious.

"NO! PLEASE STAY WITH ME!" I scream. "I can't lose you." Fear grips a hold of my throat. I can't loose him, he's the one I love. I finally get his hands free.

"Damera?" He mumbles, confused.

"Yes, it's me. Stay with me, Jaxe!" I whisper, my voice not working.

"Damera?" He repeats. "No, I-"

"I'm going to get you cleaned up, don't you worry." I get my shoulder under his arm and lift him up, holding his arm over my shoulders. I think fast; I can't make it back home with Jaxe, he's too heavy. The Victor's Village is only around the corner. I slowly walk forward, supporting Jaxe.

"Come on Jaxe. Hang in there for a few minutes. Walk. We will be there soon." I whisper. He seems to understand that, because he starts stumbling forward.

Tears don't fall until we reach Chace's house. Jaxe is about to pass out; I don't know how to help him. I knock on his door until Chace opens the door.

"What happened?" He asks, eyes wide.

"I don't know. He-" I choke up. "I found him getting whipped in Town Square-" The tears come out faster, but the rain washes them away. "-by a Peacekeeper."

My shoulder starts to go numb from supporting Jaxe. My left knee buckles and we almost fall into the mud, but I right myself in time.

"Here! Let me help. Let's get him inside." Chace says as he comes out and supports Jaxe on the other side. We slowly make it up the three steps and inside. I didn't realize how cold I was until the warm, sweet smelling air surrounded us.

"Let's get him into the extra room downstairs." Chace said and started walking down the hall. We walked into the room and carefully lay him down on the bed, on his chest. Jaxe is unconscious.

"I'll go get the doctor. You stay here." Chace says. I just nod, not trusting myself to speak without bursting into tears. Chace picks up a chair and sets in next to the bed.

"Sit down Damera, before you collapse, yourself." I sit down, battling tears.

"I'll be right back." Chace says. I don't take my eyes of Jaxe's face; even with his eyes closed I can tell he is in a lot of pain. "He's going to be alright." He adds, and then walks out.

I take a shaky breath and gently take his hand in mine. "What happened? Why did he whip you?" I ask, even though I know he can't hear me. "Jaxe. You can't leave me! I will not let you!" I try to scream, but all I manage is a whisper. I bury my face in the covers next to his our hands, letting tears come.

"Damera?" I feel a hand on my shoulder. I sit up and open my eyes. I'd fallen asleep; I didn't realize how exhausted I was until I rested my head on the bed. I blink and see that Chace is beside me.

"The doctor is here to look at Jaxe." He says in a comforting voice. I nod. My head is pounding and my face feels hot and wet. I look down at my hand and realize I'm still holding Jaxe's.

"It's okay now." He adds as he stands beside me, his arm over the back of my chair. "Jaxe will be fine. I'm here if you need me." I nod and stare at our hands. My body feels numb. I can't cry anymore, I can't feel anything.

"Doctor? You can come in now!" Chace shouts out the door. I watch as a short chubby man with a small crown of gray hair walks in holding a black bag. He sets the bag down at the foot of the bed.

"What happened to this young man?" The doctor asks.

"He was whipped by a Peacemaker." Chace says.

"A whipping?" he looks at me, then Chace. "And why would he of been whipped?"

"We don't know yet." I answer, my voice cracks and I focus on Jaxe's hand in mine again to calm myself down.

"I've only treats a few whip marks in all of the fifty years of my practice!" The doctor explains. "Lets see one was for stealing a ring from a store. I can't remember what store. I think it was the-"

"Can you please just heal Jaxe?!" I shout, louder then I expected. I look down, guilty. "Sorry." I mumble. Chace squeezes my shoulder gently.

"It's alright. You are under a lot of stress, Damera."

"Right! Of course! Sorry." The doctor utters and opens his bag.

"Take a deep breath." Chace whispers. I do as he says, letting the cold air enter my body. I look up at the doctor, who is taking a few bottles and bandages out of his bag.

"Young lady." He looks at me. "I recommend you leave the room. It won't be pretty."

"No! I'm not leaving him!" I shout.

"Maybe it's a good idea-" Chace whispers.

"No! Jaxe needs me here!" I shake my head.

Chace kneels beside me and looks into my eyes. "You are with him. Always. He knows that. Just for a few minutes, it would be a good idea to go into the next room. So the doctor can take care of him. Okay?"

I look at Jaxe's hands as I think. I want to be there for him, so he knows he's not alone. But I get queasy at the sight of blood and the thought of watching the doctor clean out his wounds makes my stomach turn, and I don't know what I'd do if Jaxe started screaming in pain.

I slowly pull my hand out of his. The effect makes my head spin. I stand up; my legs shake and Chace wraps his arms around me and helps me walk out of the room. He closes the door when we get out. I take a deep breath and relax a little.

"Where's the restroom?" I whisper, my stomach does flips and starts to feel like it coming up to my mouth. The room starts to spin and my body feels like it's being held over a fire.

"Over here." He quickly leads me to the bathroom and helps me sit down in front of the toilet. Once I empty myself of everything that was in my stomach, I feel a lot better. Chace gets me a tall glass of water and I down it instantly. He wets a cloth with cold water and dabs my face. I close my eyes letting everything fade except the coolness on my face. I am jerked back to reality when I hear Jaxe scream in pain.

"It's okay Damera. The doctor is just cleaning out his wounds." He whispered. I closed my eyes tight, trying to block out his screams. Chace sits beside me on the floor and rubs my back. I bury my head in his shoulder and cry.

After what seems like hours, Jace's screams stop. I open my eyes slowly. Chace looks down at me.

"I think we can go back in now.," he says and I nod. "Are you done squeezing my hand off?"

I look down at my hand and realize I'm holding Chace's hand so tight that my knuckles are white.

"Sorry." I whisper and loosen my grip on his hand.

He smiles and stands up, helping me up. "Come on." I follow him back to the room. We wait outside for a few minutes, until the doctor comes out. He's cleaning his hand on a blood-splattered towel. I hide my face in Chace's shoulder, feeling weak when I see the blood.

"How is he?" I hear Chace ask.

"I gave him Morphing, a pain drug. He is sleeping right now. You can go in and see him, but let him rest." The doctor replied. At the last sentence I ran past the doctor and into the room. Jaxe was still lying on his stomach. His whole torso was wrapped in clean white bandages. I sit in the chair watching him sleep. He finally looked relaxed. I can finally relax.

I hear the doctor and Chace talking, but I ignore them. I gently sit beside him on the wide bed. I gently lie down next to him and slide my hand into his hand.

"I won't leave you again." I whisper and watch his face. He stays asleep. My eyelids feel heavy and I close my eyes.

"Damera?" I hear as something brushes my face. I open my eyes to see Jaxe looking at me from the other side of the pillow.

"Jaxe." I smile. He pushes another loose strand out of my face.

"Are you okay?"

"I'm fine. How are you feeling?" I ask, remembering what happened.

"I don't feel anything." He whispers and his face twists into a frown. "What happened?"

"I found you in Town Square. A Peacekeeper was whipping you," I say, barely audible.

Jaxe looks down at our hands, to avoid my eyes. "I'm sorry."

"What happened?"

"I-" He stops and intertwines our fingers.

"Jaxe. It's okay. Just tell me."

"I got caught stealing fish from a fisherman." He whispers. I don't say anything for a minute. Why would he steal a fish? He knows how to fish.

"Why?" I whisper.

"It was just this time! I woke up late and didn't have time to go out fishing. So I thought I could get away with it, this time."

"You didn't get away with it, Jaxe. I was so scared. I thought you going to die on me! I thought-" I swallow hard. "I thought I was going to lose you."

"You can't lose me that easily, Damera." Jaxe whispers and squeezes my hand.

"Jaxe…"

"It's going to be okay. I'm so sorry for what happened. I promise you it won't happen again."

"It better not." I whisper and bury my face in his chest. He strokes my hair gently as I cry.

"How are you doing?" I hear Chace ask as he walks in.

I raise my head and look at him. I can read on his face that Jaxe already told him what happened.

"I feel better." Jaxe says.

I look out the only window in the room. It's gray outside; rain is coming down hard. The glass must be too thick for us to hear the rain, but it's quiet in the room.

"How long have I slept?" I ask.

"About seventeen hours." Chace says as he sits on the chair.

Seventeen hours? I have never slept that long in my life.

"Jaxe it's time for more Morphing." Chace says as he picks up a needle full of liquid. I wince and look back at Jaxe.

"It's ok, Damera. Why don't you go wash up while I give it to him?"

I hesitate, not wanting to leave him again. Jaxe nods, telling me it's okay. I sit up and Chace helps me stand.

"I'll be right back." I say as I walk out. I walk to the bathroom and looks at myself in the mirror. My hair is tangled and messy from not brushing it after the rain. My face is a little red and my eyes are puffy from crying. I turn on the cold water and wash my hands then splash my face several times. After minutes of deep breath, I head back to the room. I knock and hear Chace say it's okay for me to come in. I open the door and walk in. Jaxe is sitting up, elbows on his knees so he's leaning forward. The bandages are a little bloodied, so I look at Jaxe's face instead.

He must of seem the worry on my face, because he says, "I'm fine, Damera." He pats on the bed next to him.

I sit down and kiss his cheek. He smiles and takes my hand in his. He traces patterns on it and I smile.

"I'm sorry again. It was stupid." He mumbles, staring at my hand.

"It was." I whisper. "But I forgive you Jaxe. I can't be mad at you." I push brown hair off his forehead and smile.

Chace stands up from the chair. "My mom is making breakfast. I'll go check on it." He says, knowing we want to be alone. He walks out and closes the door. Jaxe keeps playing with my hand, not wanting to look me in the eyes.

"Jaxe." I whisper, soothingly. "I was just so worried."

"I know. I vaguely remember what happened in the Square. You were brave."

"I was terrified."

"You were brave." He repeats placing his other hand on my cheek. I smile relaxing a little. I close my eyes; finally able to relax, because I know Jaxe will be okay.

Jaxe gently holds the back of my neck and kisses me. We stay connected to each other for a few minutes, and then he pulls away and says, "Chace said that the doctor said I can go back home tomorrow." I smile then he adds, "But my mom is too busy with her restaurant, so Chace said I could stay here. The doctor has to visit everyday for a while."

I nod. "It's probably better then you stay here."

Jaxe smiles. Chace comes in holding two bowls. "Breakfast time." He says as he hands them to us.

Chace has to keep refilling our bowls, because we eat the oatmeal in minutes. When we finally are full we had eaten seven bowls each. We both hadn't had breakfast, lunch or dinner yesterday and were starving.

The next few days went by slowly. I spent most of my time at Chace's house taking care of Jaxe. He still couldn't get out of bed; his back was sore. He slept most of the time sleeping, we only woke him so he could eat and get some more Morphing in him. The days turned into two weeks, and finally the doctor said his back had healed enough that we could take walks outside. Then the days turned spending most of our time walking along the beach and town; we would never let go of each other's hands.