“Would I like this boy?"I bit my lip to keep from smiling. "Yeah. I think so. He's nice.""So I imagine you'll need a dress?""Yeah, probably.""And I'll need a gun.""Dad!”

“Then like a bird, he gingerly landed on a protruding rock inside the monstrous cavern. I looked up at the wet walls teaming with sea life and reeled back feeling like I was going to lose my balance when I felt him reach around and carefully lift me off. He placed me so I could stand on the rock in front of him. His strong arms wrapped tightly around me so I wouldn’t fall. We stood in astonishment deafened by the noise of the waves hitting the reef all around us. The warmth of his chest radiated against me. I molded my body up against his, my heart erupting in a flutter that caused my legs to weaken.“What do you think?” he whispered into my ear. I felt his hot breath against the side of my neck, which caused me to be light-headed as my heart raced even harder.“Awesome,” I whispered, which was all I could get out as I slinked into his chest a little bit more.”

“Why did he have to be sensible? This maddened me. It was my body. I should be able to decide when and if I needed medical attention. I let out a determined huff. They could try to make me go, but I wouldn't be forced.”

“A crack of a tree limb and falling foliage forced me to open my eyes. A tree fell right above my head, frightened birds flew out of the leaves and a cackle of laughter echoed across the ravine – extreme happiness mingled with the loathing hate. Selfishly, I prayed the fight would end in my favor and quickly. But then suddenly I heard something that sounded like a sizzling firework and felt someone’s surprise turned into fear… then nothing. The evil vanished. I breathed a sigh of relief too soon as the branch shifted in the earth next to me.“Hurry!” I cried, but it was too late.I screamed as I fell, knowing I was about to die.”

“You love me?""Of course I do." My shoulders dropped. "I knew it the day I wanted to punch that idiot's face when he had his hands all over you.”

“The last thing I expected to happen was for him to jump over the cliff, carrying me with him in the process.”

“The sound of shuffling pages filled the room like a delicate rainstorm falling on dried leaves.”