A few weeks had passed as I anxiously researched and reread all my notes and books Colton had given me. I hadn't seen Ethan as often as I had knowing he must've been busy with work and his parents lately. I ignored the fact that there was obviously something happening with him at work causing him to only see me one or two hours a day. I hated the fact we were growing apart, but it had given me time to find a way to be accepted within his family.

I was currently on my living room floor as Colton and Daniel watched tv on the couch across from me. "Go easy on the coffee. You're going to start vibrating." Colton joked making me roll my eyes ignoring my hand trembling as I read off my notes. I could feel the caffeine pumping through my veins as I ignored the movie, they watched behind me.

"Rule 5 states that appointments with civilians must be respected. Rule 16 says woman must always be treated with respect. And rule 21 says that when asked a question it must always be the truth." I rambled quickly obviously high on caffeine from my numerous cups of coffee today. "What's your point?" Colton asked making me look up at him away from my notes.

"Who can't be a part of your family?" I breathed in realization as a plan started to form in my mind making him shrug. "Anyone two timing us, someone who behaves badly, and who doesn't hold out moral values." Colton answered as he continued to watch tv making me stand up as Daniel studied my confused features that soon morphed into realization making me smile down at my notes in my hand.

"I remember Lucas saying they had no authority over me. Is that true?" I asked remembering the day he took me to see the council. "Technically. They have authority over the town and the law enforcement within. Not the civilians themselves." Daniel answered making me look away grabbing my forehead to think.

"I think I have an idea." I stated as I stopped pacing to finally look down at them again to see them staring at me. "I make an appointment with them. This time with Ethan and we both explain everything. They have to listen because I made an appointment, and they have to honor it, or they'll break the rule." I stated making them frown before looking over at one another as Colton continued to rest his arm around his shoulder.

"Ethan must also be with someone who is also in a gang. That rule is the only one that truly matters to them." Colton stated making me look away knowing he was right. "Are his grandparents able to change a rule?" I asked making him nod.

"Yes, but they don't live here. They traveled here from California." Daniel answered making me frown. "It won't take long if I drive all night." I said making Colton frown as he stood up from the couch making me look up at him.

"What are you planning, Amelia? What will you gain from talking to them?" He asked making me frown in annoyance at him not putting two and two together. "If I make an appointment with them then I will be able to speak with them also. Hopefully, I will convince them to hear us out and change the rule. Being able for you all to be with civilians will not only help me but Lucas. And whoever else is hiding a forbidden love." I stated sternly making Daniel stand up after him.

"I agree." He stated making Colton and I look at him. "You would be okay with her breaking all the rules just to make another? Do you have any idea what they will do to you if they find out what you are planning? Cynthia will show no mercy towards you." Colton argued as his voice grew making me fill with fear for what he meant.

"But look at the potential. If Amelia is successful, then she will not only help her and Ethan but countless others now and in the future. Including us. And we will go with to make sure she is okay." Daniel replied making him sigh as he raked his fingers through his hair. "You've already asked me to help you with something and not tell anyone. And look how well that turned out." He said to me making me look away knowing he was right.

"You're right. I'm sorry. It was wrong if me to ask even more of you. I can find another way." I stated trying not to sound defeated making Daniel look over at Colton as he raked his fingers through his hair. I began walking towards my stairs to get ready for bed when he finally spoke.

"Okay, okay. I'll help you. But if anyone finds out I am not going to hesitate to tell them you forced me to do this." Colton groaned as he collapsed back onto the couch making Daniel roll his eyes. I smiled brightly as Colton continued to pout making me chuckle softly. "Thank you, Colton. I promise you won't get in trouble for my actions." I stated making him huff in reply as I continued to walk up to my room.

"How was your night?" Ethan asked as I laid in my bed eating pizza as I read. "The usual." I answered smiling as he leaned in for a kiss.

"Yours?" I replied as he began to undress into sweatpants for bed. "The usual." He repeated with his back facing me as he tossed a tee shirt on.

"How's Sarah?" I asked fighting the sadness in my voice for not being able to see her. "She's alright. Misses you." Ethan answered as he turned to face me making me smile weakly looking away.

"She asks how you're doing every time I see her." He stated as he sat on the bed beside me making me look over at him staring at me. "Is there any hope?" I asked softly breaking our silence after we had gotten comfortable in bed.

My arm wrapped around his waist as my head leaned into his chest. Ethan's fingers had been running up and down my spine gently making him stop abruptly at my question. "Hope?" Ethan asked mostly confused making me nod lightly against him.

"Yes." He answered stern after a moment before relaxing back into the mattress. I decided against asking further not wanting to ruin the moment any longer. And his reassurance in having hope for our relationship and his family released some of the worry I had been holding.

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thank you for all the love on here! im so glad you all like it, it really means a lot. leave any questions you may have ❤

-may