"So, are you enjoying your meal?" Sam asked Raegan as they sat at a seafood restaurant. He had made reservations for the best seafood place in town when he learned Rae loved seafood as much as him. It was a casual atmosphere where they could look nice and also comfortable as they ate. Rae smiled towards Sam as she finished her last shrimp.

"I love it. You chose the best spot, my parents would never come here."

"Why not?"

"My mom is allergic to seafood."

"Oh, I got you. My Dad and I love it. We eat it together whenever he's home." Sam picked up his cup and sipped on his tea.

"What do you mean whenever he's home?"

"He works a lot, a lot. He's home on Sunday's though. And we have dinner and watch football. I'm used to it. He's a good father."

"What about your mother? You've never mentioned her."

"She died when I was little." Sam said as he watched Rae's facial expression change to one of sadness and shocked. "It's fine don't worry about it. I didn't know her."

"Omg! Sam, I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to pry like that."

"No, it's fine. We're getting to know each other right?" Sam smiled as his dimples appeared on his face. His blue eyes were breath taking as they stared into each other's eyes.

"Right." Rae smiled.

"So tell me about you, how is it being a first daughter and all?" He smiled and laughed.

"Oh, you're funny. But it's cool. A lot of men in black suits around you constantly, Dad is over protective, Mom fixes scandal, and a house full of brothers and sisters. What is there to tell?" Rae smiled as she took a sip of her water.

"Okay, then." Sam laughed. "So did you ask your Dad how he knows my Dad?"

"Umm.. no. You ready to go?"

"Sure, let me pay for this food and we can go walk around the park. Is that fine?"

Raegan smiled and shook her head yes. She really didn't want to get into that conversation, especially having to tell Sam her parents didn't know where she was. They finally made their way to the park. The car ride was silent, not an awkward silence but more of a thinking of what to say next.

Sam finally broke their silence as they sat on the bench. "So, I'm guessing your parents don't know where you are? That's why you changed the subject so quickly in the restaurant right?"

"How did you..." Rae looked shocked.

"Come on Rae. I'm more than just good looks." Sam gave her one of his signature smiles and she melted. "Why didn't you tell them about us? I told my Dad I was out tonight but didn't say where. I'm basically grown now. But you're still young, I don't need your Dad to call the entire armed forces looking for us tonight." Sam laughed.

Rae laughed and shook her head. You have a way with words mister. And age is nothing but a number. I'm mature, probably more mature than you." Rae turned her head towards the water as she watched the waves in the lake grow and then come back down again.

"Look Rae, I didn't mean it like that. It's just I don't want to start US off on a lie. Hey Rae, look at me." Sam turned Rae's face around. "I like you, a lot. I don't care about who your parents are, your age, or race. When I see you, I only see you. A strong, smart, and brave woman. I want this to work. Do you?"

Raegan shook her head yes. Unable to speak words as his speech had taken her completely off guard. She had her eyes closed as she opened them to see his lips come down to hers. She moved her head.

"No. I can't." Rae said as she got up. "It's almost eleven. I told my sister I would be back by then. Can you?" As she pointed towards the car.

"I'm sorry."

"No, it's good."

They arrived at her sister's house. She turned towards Sam in the car. "I've never kissed a boy. I've never been with a guy before."

"I'll wait for you Rae. As long as you need." He pulled her hands towards his as he squeezed it and kissed the top of it. She felt a sense of relief that she'd gotten that off her chest.

"Thank you."

"I'll walk you to the door."

They had just exited the car when her sister's door opened. And it was not her sister who was waiting for her at the door.

"MOM?" What are you doing here?" She let go of Sam's hand and walked towards her mother.

"Rae, don't talk to me right now. I can't believe you lied to me." Olivia said.

"Mom, let me explain."

"Rae, get in the house now. We'll discuss this later."

Rae looked at her mom one last time as she ran towards the house and slammed the door. She came face to face with Karen.

"How could you Karen?" Rae screamed as tears ran down her face.

"Rae, I'm sorry but you don't understand the history there. I had to, I'm sorry." Karen went towards Rae but Raegan moved backwards.

"Get away from me. I hate you!" Rae ran towards the bathroom and locked the door.

"Ms. Pope, I'm sorry." Sam said. He was terrified being in her presence. He learned so much about the "Great Olivia Pope" in high school and from the internet and he knew she was the one not to be crossed.

"It's Mrs. Grant. Now, why are you with my daughter? Does your Dad know?"

"You know my Dad?" Sam asked shocked.

"Of course I know Jake Ballard. Now I ask again, why are you with my daughter?" Olivia had her arms folded as she stood outside in the cold awaiting his answer.