It's a Love Story

She finished her icecream cone by the time they'd arrived, and wiped her mouth on her sleeve, smiling as she looked around. "This is beautiful," she whispered, not wanting to disturb anything.

He nodded. "It is." he said, looking at her.

She smiled and took her shoes off, wading into the river up to her knees. She didn't care if her sundress was getting wet. It was dirty and old anyway, and didn't fit as it was.

He smiled and sat down on a rock, starting to make a rouch sketch of her.

Ren didn't even notice as she smiled at the quiet stillness of the quiet river flowing around her.

Jon drew her, getting a pretty good rough sketch of her so he could finish it later. He rolled up his pants, took his shoes off and after making sure that his sketches wern't going to get wet, waded into the water with her.

She heard the water ripple behind her and smiled back at him, holding out her hand shyly.

He smiled and took the offered hand, holding it tightly.

She smiled up at him. Her heart was content. She was surrounded by nature with this gorgeous boy who liked her. How could she get any happier?

He smiled at her, "Having fun?"

"I am. More than I ever have. Thank you," she told him wholeheartedly.

"I'll take you here whenever you want. If you're having a bad day or whatever, call me. I'll pick you up and take you here." he told her, meaning every word. It was good to see her smile.

She smiled warmly. "I'd like that," she murmured softly.

He nodded, smiling and blushing slightly. "Good."

She chuckled. "I think that would mean we'd be here all the time. I'm sure you'd like some time to paint," she smiled.

He smiled. "I'm sure I'd find a way to fit my art in." he shruggged.

She looked out at the river, her toes playing in the clay bottom. "Should I give my parents up," she asked him quietly. "I'm not sure if I'll regret it later or not..."

"Uhm. I'm not sure I'm the right person to ask. I like you, a lot. And the way my dad has raised me means that I want everyone to be safe. So, I'd say yes even when I don't know the whole situation."

"They'd never hit me," she shook her head. "Or at least they haven't yet. I just never see them sober... I'm not sure they realize they have a daughter most of the time."

"Well, then... Maybe you should leave." he said softly. "I'm not really sure."

"Should we ask your parents," she asked, looking up at him. "Or would that be too drastic...?"

"Ask my parents what?" he asked slowly. "For advice or if you can stay?"

"For advice," she specified.

"Oh." he let out a breath of relief. He liked her but wasn't ready for anything drasitc. "I'm sure my parents will give you lots of advice on anything."

"They won't freak out and reach for the phone, will they," she asked, wanting to think hard about her decision before she made it. She didn't want to regret anything.