I stared out at the stars that shone through the clouds and smoke. "I wonder does he know? Has he ever felt like this?" I thought out loud. I was ready to go back to Germany in the morning, but I wasn't quite ready to leave. I wanted to at least try to make up with my father. He'd probably still disapprove, but it was worth a try.

I looked back down; the protesters were asleep on the concrete steps beside me. Most of them were keeping warm by huddling up in a tangled pile of arms, legs, hair, and metal chains. Regina, however, stayed curled up next to me, using my knee as a pillow as I gently stroked her light reddish brown curls. She had a very serene expression on her face, as if she trusted me, maybe even felt safe with me. The latter was probably merely wishful thinking, as I knew from the first time I met her that she could easily stand up for herself. However, she wasn't completely able to protect herself herself all the time, I noted as I removed my jean jacket and placed it over her after seeing her shiver as a cool breeze flowed past.

For a second, I wondered what my father would think if he knew I had fallen for the person who had given him nothing but trouble ever since we arrived in Los Angeles. Or even worse, what would she think? She didn't seem like the type that would just laugh in my face or anything, but the fear of rejection lingered on. Still, I only had one chance left to tell her. Tomorrow morning. I looked down at her face once again, as if making sure I wouldn't forget any detail, down to each faint freckle that lightly graced her cheeks. Suddenly I was overcome by a feeling of confidence. Bring on tomorrow.