Four weeks. One month. That was a long time, longer than she had ever stayed in one place. Then again, one of those weeks she had spent in the hospital, and the others just hanging out with Fritz. They had gone on quite a few dates and every time she had to resist falling head over heels for him. She was aware that he was everything she had ever wanted but the journey they had ahead was not going to be easy. There was a fifty percent chance one of them would die and she hated it. Hated it with her whole heart. Fritz really was perfect, he was kind, funny, he cared about her more than anyone and he had been there when she needed him. He hadn’t minded when she had been ill. Actually he had minded very much. Even though they hadn’t known each other for very long, he cared for her and made sure she healed. She loved him and there was no doubt about it. But she had loved others too. Many others and none of them had turned out. Her group was dead. So was her ex- boyfriend. She shuddered with a sigh. She had loved him, Kent. But he obviously hadn’t loved her. Every night he would take her on a sweet date, yes but he had hated her. That wasn’t his fault, she was ugly and she deserved him telling her over and over again. He only hit her sometimes, when she stood up for herself out of stupidity. But he said it was because he loved her, because he wanted to help her be beautiful. Her sister never found out about him and Esme being together, they had only dated in private. It didn’t matter anyway, Carne had never been the same after their brother had been killed. He was a bit younger than Carne and they had been best friends, all three of them. He was killed by wolves before Kent joined the group. She flinched as she thought of him again. Kent, she had loved him when she knew him but now that he was gone she never missed him and she hated herself for not. She forced her eyes to focus and looked into the mirror again with a scowl. The dress she was wearing for Fritz and her date was a pale pink, a color that Fritz said looked amazing on her. But no matter what he said she still looked ugly in it. That's what she was, ugly. Her eyes were too bright, Kent had said she looked like a robot, like a freak. And her fur was a horrible color, straw. Kent said it was horrifying that he wished her fur was as white as her sister’s. She tried to ignore the way that her ribs nearly shone through the dress. Ugly. She shrugged, adding a shawl on her shoulders before leaving quickly for Fritz’s room. Her frown was replaced by a smile when he opened the door. She smirked at him as he exited. He was wearing his usual clothing, boring but handsome. His eyes caught hers, a beautiful deep brown. “How are you?” he asked, pep in his voice.

“I’m great!” she said, her smile growing as she took his arm. They walked in silence a bit before Fritz spoke. “You look amazing.” he said, a note of awe in his voice. She flushed slightly, she had a strange feeling he was lying but she didn’t say anything. Last time she had protested with a laugh he had gotten concerned and confused. “Where are we going?” she teased, shoving him aside a little. He laughed. “It’s a surprise! Every time it’s been a surprise!’

“Okay…” She pretended to pout “Fine.”

He shook his head at her, still laughing. Man he was amazing. They walked for a bit before Fritz paused and pulled out a blindfold saying “Put this on please?” She smiled at him and nodded before he tied it over her eyes. “C’mon! Just tell meeeeeeeee” she wined as he led her along. “Nope!” he said, stopping abruptly. She bumped into him and started to fall, she let out a scream but he caught her before she hit the ground. “I’m fine.” she said, brushing herself off before he could ask. She heard him sigh in exasperation, he had said he liked her stubbornness but sometimes it was ridiculous. She laughed at a memory from their last date and he let out a snort also, as if he knew what she was thinking. “Okay, ready?” he asked her, placing his hands lightly in hers. She gripped them tightly, suddenly not wanting to let go. “Sure.” she said and the blindfold was taken off. She gasped, a large boat was being held to the beach with a strong stick. The lake was huge and dark, almost black. The sand contrasted it as it was pure white. Pine trees surrounded it and the dock was made of mismatched colors of black and white wood. It was beautiful. The most romantic place she had ever been. He continued to hold her hands and she realized she was digging her nails into his palm. She let it go and walked forward slowly, tears coming to her eyes. “Oh my goodness.” she breathed, feeling the dock's smooth surface. “Oh my goodness.” she repeated as tears fell down her face. She leapt down and splashed in the water, causing water to splash up and get most of her dress wet. “Its spectacular.” she said, feeling the sand beneath her toes. “I know.” said Fritz, coming into the water also. He splashed her lightly with a smirk. She narrowed her eyes. “Oh it's on.” she practically whispered before kicking water in his face. He backed away in shock, his face drenched. She giggled, throwing more water at him. “Oh ho ho! You do not mess with the water king!” he exclaimed, dragging his hand across the black water, causing it to cover her more. She screeched and splashed him back. He scooped her up and got ready to throw her into the water “No!” she shrieked, though she couldn’t stop smiling, he prepared to throw her and her eyes met his. His chocolate eyes were filled with joy and some disappointment. He looked young and in love. So was she. She had known for as long as she had known him. So before he could release her she wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him. At first he was shocked, but he kissed her back and then they broke apart. He had a goofy smile on his face that she was certain matched hers. He grabbed her hand and they sat on the beach, staring at the sky. “I love you.” she whispered, meaning every word. He smiled at her, “I know.”