You've always been my equal, Roza.

You did not just say that. I have a feeling we're on the verge of hugging and coming up with cute nicknames for each other.

Oh, so that's why you're up here. For a pity party." "This isn't a joke. I'm serious." I could tell Lissa was getting angry. It was trumping her earlier distress. He shrugged and leaned casually against the sloping wall. "So am I. I love pity parties. I wish I'd brought the hats. What do you want to mope about first? How it's going to take you a whole day to be popular and loved again? How you'll have to wait a couple weeks before Hollister can ship out some new clothes? If you spring for rush shipping, it might not be so long.

Never thought my biggest cheerleader would be someone who thought I was evil and unnatural.

You're in an awfully good mood," he observed. "Was there a sale at Khakis-R-Us?

We can be together, Rose. Soon. We're almost there. And nothing will ever keep us apart.

It's okay," I said soothingly. "You're just getting your stride back. Once you're up to full power, I'll go crack a rib or something so we can test it." She groaned. "The horrible part is that I don't think you're joking.