Rose. Roza. Open Your Eyes." I've Never

Only What?” I Asked. I Could Barely Hear My Own Voice. He Turned His Gaze Back To Me, Firm And Unflinching. “only… More Human.” And That Was It. All The Anger And Sorrow Vanished. There Was Nothing In Me. Nothing At All. I Was Empty. “get Out,” I Said.

That Memory Made A Lump Form In My Throat As I Remembered His Face, Serious And Gorgeous, Those Brown Eyes Intense And Passionate As He Spoke Up For Me And Convinced The Others Of My Value.

Dierdre The Counselor Must Not Have Had Much Of A Life, Because She Scheduled Our Next Appointment On A Sunday. I Wasn't So Thrilled About It, Seeing As It Wasn't Just My Day Off-it Was Also The Day My Friends Had Off. Orders Were Orders, However, So I Grudgingly Showed Up.

He Nodded Toward The Sub. "this Is Going To Be A Blow-off Day." I Dragged My Mind Away From Magical Intrigue. After Being Homeschooled For Most Of My Life, Some Parts Of The "normal" School World Was A Mystery. "what Does That Mean, Exactly." "usually Teacher Leave Subs A Lesson Plan, Telling Them What To Do. I Saw Ms. Terwilliger Left. It Said, 'distract Them.

He Tilted His Head To The Side, Still Watching Me In That Same, Disconcerting Way. “some Things Are True, Drunk Or Sober. You Should Know That. You Deal In Facts All The Time.” “yeah, But This Isn’t—” I Couldn’t Argue With Him Looking At Me Like That. “i Have To Go. Wait… You Didn’t Take The Cross.” I Held It Out To Him. He Shook His Head. “keep It. I Think I’ve Got Something Else To Help Center My Life.