I can't sleep. Link has been up and down all night, being sick in the bathroom which has kept me up. But also, my mind can't rest thinking about the days passed. I thought I would feel safe sleeping next to Link, and I do. But I feel like I know that security and bond we have now, is going to be gone soon. Because of what Jessie shared publicly.

I feel Link get up off the bed for the 4th time but he doesn't rush to the bathroom like the few times before. I turn over in the bed on my side and see him standing by the window, his head leaning against the window panel as his breath creates small mists of condensation on the glass. I slowly sit up from the bed, trying not to make a noise as I walk over to the window. I join him but keep my eyes on the view outside, looking at the calm dimly lit streets and the huge trees that surround them.

"There's a chance I might lose my job." Link starts, breaking what was a comfortable silence. "Rhett will lose his too... and it's all my fault. My fault that his family will end up suffering and our crew will end up unemployed."

"...It's not really your fault though. I shouldn't have told Jessie. I shouldn't have gone near Rhett. I'm so sorry, for not listening. I guess that's what you get for dating a naïve kid, huh?" I let out a small forced laugh but quickly stop myself when he doesn't react.

"You couldn't have known Rhett would react that way. And Jessie still could have thought that something was happening between you two and would have gone on to post that video anyway. It's not your fault so stop telling yourself that." Link says, letting his head fall onto the window.

He sighs loudly then lifts his head, he takes a few steps back and sits himself down on the edge of the bed.

"It's not too late you know." I say quietly.

"Too late for what?"

"To break up–"

"Don't say that!" Link raises his head quickly.

"–Then no one else will find out and–"

"No!"

"– But then at least the video won't be linked to us. It could all blow over and you and Rhett won't lose your jobs–"

"That's not a solution!" Link stands up from the bed, staring down at me. "...Is that what you want?"

"No. Of course not." I whisper, shaking my head. "I just didn't realize how much trouble could be caused from just wanting to be with you. And I didn't think it would result in you losing your home and job. Rhett's on top of that. I don't want that."

"Hey, every relationship is hard to maintain. Ours might be slighter harder but that's because its a, unique relationship." Link says lightly, taking my hand softly in his.

"'Unique'? Maybe to you, but if others find out they're going to think this is messed up." I let go of his hand and collapse onto the bed.

"Do you feel safe with me?"

I lift my head up and see the worry spread across his face.

"Of course. Why would you ask that?"

"I worry that, maybe this isn't right. I'm the adult here. I worry that I've coerced you into a relationship you're not ready for... You're so young, Martha." His voice wobbles, afraid. 

I sit up, feeling that gnawing dread crawl from the pit of my stomach to my throat.

"Please don't say that. You can't say that now." I shake my head. "I've always liked you. I came to you. I want this, so, so bad. I want you."

He sighs, bringing his hand to my cheek and gently stroking my skin with the tip of his thumb.

"Maybe we should wait. Till you're 18."

"No, I don't want to wait that long."

"Me neither. But maybe some time apart could help. Wait till the dust settles."

I let out a deep sigh, feeling a sharp pang in my heart. I know he's right. I wish I never mentioned the idea of splitting up. I hold onto his hand that caresses my face and squeeze onto it tightly.

"Ok...How long for?"