I did love her. I've loved her from the first time I saw her.

Sometimes you need to make a mess. -Loretta, the Rollinses' hosekeeper

Bridget cried for the leavers and the left. For the people, like herself, grimly forsaking what precious gifts they would ever get.

It was wrong. But it was worth it.

It was probably good you couldn't flip the love switch because sometimes it was what you needed even if you didn't want it.

Carmen sat up when she heard a familiar trill from her computer. It was an instant message from Bee. Beezy3: Packing. Do you have my purple sock with the heart on the ankle? Carmabelle: No. Like I'd wear your socks. Carmen looked from her computer screen down to her feet. To her dismay, her socks were two faintly different shades of purple. She rotated her foot to get a view of her anklebone. Carmabelle: Ahem. Might possibly have sock.

Someday when you're twenty, maybe, I'll see you again. You'll be this hot soccer star at some great school, with a million guys more interesting than I am chasing you down. And you know what? I'll see you and I'll pray you want me still.