William noticed Mrs. Brooks walking towards Alys and Danny and grabbed at Mara's splashing arms, pointing towards her mother. "This can't be good, Mara." He slid his hand down the arm he was holding onto until he reached her hand, then entwined his fingers with hers, giving a gentle squeeze.

He happened to notice at that point, since Mrs. Brooks drew his attention to them, that Danny was leaning in to kiss Alys. He actually felt a pang of sympathy for the two when the kiss was interrupted. He watched the conversation unfold, not really able to hear anything. Then she was walking towards them so he led Mara from the water and grabbed them both towels.

When Mara's mother reached the pair, William inclined his head and smiled. "Hello Mrs. Brooks. Everything alright?" He still didn't release Mara's hand. He didn't feel there was anything to hide. He wasn't the deceptive type, unless it involved his father, and he liked the idea of her mother knowing that he liked Mara.

When Mrs. Brooks explained the situation, his smile faded and he glanced over at his sister. A couple of nods of his head as she told him what she had planned and then he sighed in relief, leveling a serious look upon her. "Mrs. Brooks, I don't know how to thank you for caring enough about my sister to help us. I appreciate you." Then he lifted Mara's hand to his lips and brushed a quick kiss across her knuckles before finally releasing her hand and leaning over to pack up their belongings. Once he had the bag packed he walked over to David and Joseph and motioned them out of the water. "Time to go, guys. Father is looking for us Joseph." There was no argument from the two.

All six of these kids knew exactly what Mr. Makayen was like and they all protected the group in whatever way they could. William stopped the two of them before they took off towards the barn. "Danny wasn't with us. We haven't seen him since the game, got it?" He looked from them to where Danny was approaching his mother. Both boys nodded their understanding, grabbed towels from the bag William was carrying and then took off. William walked back to Mara and then over to collect the downcast Alys. He cleared his throat lightly and laid a hand on her shoulder. "Alys, everything will be alright. But we gotta go now. I'm sorry."

"Daniel, you know you have to be careful about her. I know it isn't fair, but so long as she lives under a roof with," Mrs. Brooks paused, trying to find a gentle way to phrase the rest of her thoughts, "that man."

Danny nodded before slipping his shirt back over his head, eyes cast downward with his lips pursed. Chest puffing as he exhaled a sigh; he knew and he was trying to be responsible, especially to avoid causing Alys any more pain, but it was difficult to have someone you desire so close yet still feel as if they were an insurmountable distance apart. It wasn't fair and made no sense. But that was life.

Danny's mother gave his back a light scratch and then ruffled his damp hair into a mess that would still somehow look like it should be worn that way. Then leaving him to his thoughts as she was well aware of the inner turmoil going through his teenage mind. Danny lifted his head to give a faint smile to his mother before she walked ahead of him.

It was just so difficult to reconcile everything. He knew that he felt strong feelings for Alys, he had known her for so long and even before he was aware he liked girls, he liked her. It had grown into something more, but he always had so many things to overcome: his own insecurity, struggling with knowing what those feelings were, her shyness, and of course that man. He wondered why nobody did anything, why he or William or his father never set the man straight. It was always something though, and perhaps the misguided nature of kindness and faith led them astray. All he knew is that if anything was ever done to Alys in front of him, he would do something regardless of the consequences and his family would offer a safe haven.

A shake of his head pushed those thoughts aside. He wanted to focus on the rest of the night, and specifically finding a moment at the dance to share a moment with Alys. Even if he wasn't planning, he knew that something would happen that would allow that moment; some distraction or moment where he could be with her without her having a fear of retaliation. So they could enjoy the moment and each other and explore deeper into the feelings that had finally surfaced tonight. A smile slowly spread on his face as he felt calm and at peace for this moment. At least tonight they would have their time and would be able to forget about the world. Or at least he hoped.