I. I always show up to meetings early just so I can watch her work. She gives me a knowing smile after I decline her offer to help. There is a picture in Jake's room of her in overalls shoving a pill down a badger's through – he says it is so he can always think of her. I prefer my way.
II. After missions she feels so guilty. I am tired and distraught and only have on bike shorts, but walk with her back to the barn, anyway. She looks up at the sky and says it is beautiful as I squeeze her hand.
III. We are almost the same height. She laughs as I kiss her eyelashes and cheeks. She says Jake is too tall. I tell her not to talk about him.
IV. We are supposed to interact in school – it might arouse suspicion. I lightly touch her arm as we pass in the hallway. I smile at her from across the lunchroom. I purposely sit behind her in English – and not just to cheat off of.
V. When Ax is out, she comes to the scoop; I sit with my arms around her. She comments on the quality of television shows these days. I kiss her on the forehead to make her blush. Then I kiss her lips and hold her closer. We don't watch the television.
VI. We sit below the night sky and look at stars that are no longer just burning white dots but entire civilizations. I grab her hand and intertwine my fingers with hers. She says something about the Yeerks but I tell her not to worry. And softly into her ear, my breath hot and heavy, I whisper, "Cassie, I will always keep you safe." And we both know I mean it.