Martha

Ivan and I walk home, holding hands. Despite the smile on his face, I can tell that he’s a bit anxious. Perhaps he regrets making a promise to me that he knows he won’t be able to keep…Or that he doesn’t want to keep. I don’t really know. My relationship with him is so confusing. I do believe that he likes me but I don’t understand his reluctance to let people know. He says it’s because he wants to keep me safe but I can’t imagine anyone coming to hurt me just because I’m dating Ivan Whitlock. Maybe I’m being delusional. “Why are you thinking so hard?” He asks, snapping me out of my thoughts. “Having regrets?” I roll my eyes but scoot closer to him, my head resting on his arm. “Never. I want this…But how are you going to announce our relationship?” “I’m still trying to figure that out. Maybe I will throw an office party and do it there. I’m sure there will be uninvited journalists who will be pleased to share that news with the rest of the world.” I smile, a little nervous about this.