After eating together, Frankie and Daria went into the bedroom they shared on the second floor. It was hard for them to be so close yet have an invisible barrier between them.

Once the door closed behind them, Frankie's restraint dissolved; he pulled her close, his kiss deeper and more urgent than when she'd first arrived. His arms wrapped tightly around her, holding her against him.

"I've missed holding you, kissing you," he whispered, his lips brushing against her neck.

“I've missed you, too,” she said. As she wrapped her arms around him. The familiar scent of his cologne filled her nose and she sighed with longing, yearning for things that felt impossible. Frankie gave her a soft, parting kiss before stepping back. "I'm almost finished with your portrait.”

Daria smiled, her eyes shining with excitement. "I can't wait to see it.” As they sat on the bed together, Daria surprised Frankie with another kiss, and he instinctively kissed her back, his hands wrapping around her as she settled into his lap, straddling him.

"I love you, Daria," he breathed. "I can't wait to marry you.” "I love you too," she softly whispered back. She kissed him again, her voice barely audible as she whispered in his ear, "Let's make love.”

“You know we can't,” he said, despite his body aching for hers. Daria’s expression grew serious. “I’ve been thinking, Frankie…if you took my virginity, my father and my grandparents would insist we marry right away. Grandpa Anton could convince my mother. They’d have no choice.” Frankie shook his head, thumb stroking her cheek even as regret tightened his jaw. “And your mom would hate me and my whole family even more than she already does.”

“I just…I just want to be with you. No hiding,” she said tearfully. “We’re going to be married, Daria. No matter what. Even if it means we have to run away for a while after graduation. Just you and me until things settle. I know how much your beliefs mean to you. I know waiting until marriage is important. I would never ask you to give that up for me.”