That was probably the best sleep I've ever had. I felt so safe. So content. So happy. I woke up before Chase. His arm was around my waist and he was fast asleep. I forgot everything. School. My parents. The way they didn't want us together. The fight. Everything.

And I was truly happy.

"Chase," I said softly, touching his arm. He mumbled something, but didn't open his eyes. "Chase. Come on. Wake up," Still nothing.

"Fine," I said. Then I leaned over and kissed him. That got him up. He immediately starting kissing back, so I pulled away and laughed. "Are you up now?"

He groaned and sat up. "Fine, you win. I'm up."

"Good," I said, pulling him out of bed. "Now come one. We have to get ready for school," He laughed and went to the closet to pick something out. And suddenly I remembered.

"Oh, crud," I said, glancing down at Chase's shirt. I couldn't wear this to school.

"What?" Chase asked, turning around.

I glanced at him. "I didn't bring any clothes."

He gave me a smile. "You could go with no clothes."

I glared at him. "Not even funny," He laughed. "Chase, I'm serious! What am I going to do?"

He looked at me for a minute, as if thinking. "We can sneak into your house."

I thought about it. "Okay. Fine."

We walked out of the house and ran towards mine, but once we got closer we saw police cars surrounding my house.

"No," I breathed, running faster.

I saw my parents standing on the front porch talking to some cops. "Mom! Dad!" I yelled coming closer. They all turned, and my parents ran to me and hugged me.

"Oh, Mary, thank goodness your safe! We were so worried about you!" my mom said.

"Where were you?" My dad asked angrily.

"I was with Chase," I said, stepping back as Chase put his arm around my waist protectively. I knew it was a bad idea to sneak over here. No, actually, I knew it was a bad idea to spend the night. Yes, I loved every minute of it. But when he kisses me…all of my common sense just flies out the door!

"That's it. Come in side. Chase," my mom said grabbing my hand. "Go home."

"Mom. No," I breathed as she dragged me away. Away from Chase.

"It's okay. I'll see you tomorrow," Chase said, kissing my cheek quickly before I was dragged to the house.

"Yeah, I don't think so," my mom said smugly, pulling me inside.

"What? Mom! What are you saying?" I asked her as the cops starting leaving. I glanced out the window one last time and Chase was nowhere in sight.

"I'm saying you can never see that boy again," she said simply.

"What? Why! Mom this is so unfair! I lo-" I protested.

"You love him, yes honey. I know," she said. "But we were worried sick. You were gone all night, and I don't want to have you coming to me in a couple of months telling me your pregnant."

I nearly fell over. "Mom. You have got to be kidding. You've known me my whole life! You know that I never do something like that."

"No. I'm not. That boy is dangerous," she explained, trying to look motherly. "You are both so different. Your dreams, goals, clothes, grades, morals, everything!" She lowered her voice and said. "He even has tattoos!"

I rolled my eyes. "Lots of people have tattoos mom! It's a choice not a disease!" I paused, knowing my heart was breaking. Never see him again? I've known him my whole life! Taking Chase away is like taking away air!

"Besides," I argued. "Us being different is what makes us the perfect couple!" I looked at my mom. She didn't seem to be budging on her new decree. "I promise you, though. Last night nothing happened! I wouldn't let anything happen. I promise."

"I used to believe that. But you've started to change ever since you started dating him," she said, heading to the kitchen. "Now get ready for school."

Just like that. Conversation over. "I can't believe you're doing this," I said, angry and hurt. Doesn't she ever remember what it was like? To be so in love you can barely see anything but that one person?

"Oh, and I think this goes without saying, but I'll say it anyway. You're grounded," she said, not even looking at me.

"You can't do this," I muttered. I felt as if the whole world was against me. She can't take him away from me! She just can't!

She almost laughed at my threat. "Yes. I can. Go get ready for school."

I can't ever remember being this angry. And when I got to school, it was worse. She had called our principal and made sure he wouldn't let us be together. Not in the hallways or the cafeteria. But the worst part was…I was starting to forget his face.

It went on like that for days. Mom would pick me up from school so I wouldn't sneak out with him. And she made sure she was with me at all times, except for when I used the bathroom. But I have a feeling she was right outside the door.

It was driving me crazy. It had been almost a week. I couldn't stand it. And, of course, she took my phone and laptop away. And I was only allowed to use the landline if she was listening on the other end.

And sure, my dad was angry I had sneaked out. But I knew he didn't think I should be punished this much. But he would never say that to mom's face. Ever. I couldn't really blame him. She could make a lion run for cover.

Finally the day came. The day when everything would drastically change. I was in Algebra 2 and as I opened my textbook, a note slipped out. Curious, I picked it up, immediately recognizing the handwriting.

Hey! Tell your teacher you have to go to the bathroom at 11:30. Love, Chase

So, at 11:30, I raised my hand and asked to go to the bathroom. I waited there for about two minutes, when Chase burst through the door.

"I can't take it," was the first thing he said.

It was the first I had seen him since that tragic morning. He looked tired and sad. Exactly how I felt inside.

"Me either," I whispered.

He hugged me. "We have to do something."

"But what? I'm surprised my teacher even let me come to the bathroom! He gave me a curious look, like he didn't trust me. There's no way that we can see each other."

I didn't want to have to say the words. But I knew they had to be said. We both knew.

"I don't think we can be together anymore."

Chase looked away, upset and hurt. He knew I was right. It didn't seem like we had anything other choice. "There has to be a way," He grabbed my hands. "I'll find a way," he leaned close. "Please don't give up."

But what could I do? I loved him, but I knew that there was no way we could make this work.

He leaned against the bathroom wall, and I washed my hands. The air felt tense and I felt nervous someone would walk in. I mean, he is in the girls bathroom. And by now, the whole school knows about us. As I was drying my hands he leaped up and grabbed my arm.

"I know what we can do," He said, looking happy. "But you may not be up for it."

"I'll do anything," I said honestly.

"We have to runaway." He said, with so much honesty and love behind his eyes.

"What?" I breathed. Had I heard him right? That was unbelievably dangerous. No. Not possible.

"Please? My aunt lives in New York City. We could stay with her for a while," He said.

"I don't know. Its...this...I mean...this is all so much! I couldn't leave my family. And imagine how much trouble we would be in when we got back! The police would probably find us in a heartbeat," I said. But the idea did intrigue me. We would be able to be together. But what about the consequences? Like I said, I hated getting in trouble and this had trouble written all over it. Figures, though, this was Chase's idea.

"Please," He said, moving closer and whispering in my ear. "Please runaway with me."

I sighed. He knew that when he whispered in my ear I gave in to anything.

Help!