Thirteen point fifty four. Numbers clicked off in my head as I looked down out the treehouse window. It was dark outside, just barely past midnight. The streets were dead, dull lamp lights flooding the concrete with dim yellows. 

Her footsteps on the ladder were just barely audiable. "Pheobe," I whispered as she climed through the floorboard door, "You're so late! What the hell happened?" 

Pheobe's small frame was shaking vigourously, watter dripping from her hair. "The Patrols...they were on to me, I had to hide in the lake," She walked into my arms, letting me stroke her hair. "I have to find another way home tonight." 

We found an old blanket shoved in the corner and wrapped it around her, taking away the wet jacket she wore. "I was worried," I told her, "I thought they caught you." 

"Even if they did, I'm the goody-two-shoes, remember?" Her childish grin lit up the small treehouse. "They wouldn't do anything." 

"You're breaking one of the biggest laws, multiple actually, this isn't a meager playground rule. They would take you to the government without any questions asked. You'd be dead before your next breath." 

"Screw the rules," She breathed out, turning towards me, "I have you." Pheobe came closer, closing her eyes and pressing her lips against my own. She kissed me softly, sweetly, adding her taste of strawberries and innocence.

I met her three years ago when she moved into the house three blocks away from me. On the bus to school, the only seat that was left was next to me, or this boy Tommy. That day I remembered a brunette beauty, looking no older then twelve,sitting down and asking to be my friend.

"How are we going to get you home?" I asked curiously, pulling away from her. "If the Patrols were suspicious earlier, they might be looking harder around the area." 

"Who cares? I don't even want to go home." 

"Last time you stayed over without you parents knowing, your dad flipped out."

Phoebe sighed, looking at her  sandals. "I wish I could be with you all the time, this rule shit is really stupid." 

"I know." If we didn't have to hide, everything would be so much easier. The other day, I nearly broke lines and exposed myself, almost attacking one of the Patrols, because he flirted my with girl. "You know if we get caught, you'll be a Violet Eye. Then they'll take you away from me. Who knows what will happen after that?" After becoming a Violet Eye, the Patrols take you, and they don't give you back. We all know they die, or become slaves. It was getting harder to even consider that a punishment with all they take already.

Her silence confirmed the fear that ached inside of her, she was just as terrified as anyone else. There were no second chances to the rules. You could either live under them, or lose everything when you try to be free. 

"I don't have the guts to risk anymore than I do, I'll go home soon, but promise me you won't ever get caught. If we lose each other, I'll lose myself as well. You're the only thing that keeps me from telling them all to screw off." Our hands met, intertwining tightly. "Promise me, Reia."

"I promise," I told her, knowing full well that chances are slim, and that no matter how hard we try. It'll never be enough. With years passing by high school will end, and our parents will find us each a boy to marry and start a new family in whatever home the government thinks will fit us. "I  will always promise you." 

"I love you." She whispered, her head against mine. 

Until the edge of dawn arrived she stayed with me before going home, two girls risking their entire lives.

I couldn't let anything destroy us.