Ezra pulled his hand from hers roughly. His eyes filled with sadness and anger as he looked at her. His mouth was slightly open and his head was cocked to the side. He stared at her a moment unsure if he heard her correctly, or if his mind was just playing tricks. He wasn't sure if he wanted to yell at her or to just let it be. To agree would be the simple thing to do. It would end the tension between him and his parents, and it would settle things for Atalia and him, but the pain in his chest made it more complicated. He'd grown attached to Marta, to her presence and her touch. He shook his head and forced a smile.

"Stop. You're messing with me. Ha-ha, Marta," he said nudging her a little as he turned his head to face the ground, "You're not going to just...to just storm into my life and walk out like no big deal. You wouldn't do that to me...not now," he said his voice shaking a little.

He'd risked his life multiple times for her and he wasn't ready to just let her have it be all in vain. He could feel his chest growing hallow as he avoided her gaze. He'd scooted a little farther away from her, but kept his hand planted between them...willing for her touch it. Regretting that he'd pulled it away so quickly.

"You're not going to abandon me when I need you the most," he whispered after a moment of silence, "You wouldn't do that. I know we've only known each other a short while, but you told me you loved me and I believed your words. Now you're making me the fool. I don't know if I should hate you or just let you do this. Is it because of my parents? They'll come around when you convert. Atalia and I are arranged, but arrangements change. Her father just died, her mother will be packing up and moving with her shortly, back to her family. They'll meet another boy who will gladly take her hand. She's a beautiful girl. I'm here...I'm here because of you Marta."

He looked over at her as a tear rolled down his cheek and he quickly wiped it away. His father had gotten him a way out, but Ezra refused to leave, not just because of the family, but he wasn't ready to let go of the only person who showed him he was worth more than just his skill in baking. He was worth more than the money he would make. With Marta he could follow his passions of writing and she willingly pushed him towards those goals. His mother and father had seen it as no more than a hobby, but Marta encouraged him to pursue it as a career. He would never be Shakespeare, but he could still land among the stars with him.

"Marta...tell me why. Just give me a reason, a real reason and I'll let you go," Ezra said has he hand reached for the necklace that was no longer there. The only form of comfort beside Marta that he had...gone and it appeared that pretty soon she would leave him too.