You're better than this. Better than whatever it is you're going to do now.

Was Deirdre right about me purposely wanting relationships that were impossible?

Since...since when?" I finally managed to ask. "Since...forever." His tone implied the answer was obvious.

We take everything for granted, but when I'm with Angeline, I see the world through new eyes. She makes my world better. It's why she's so great.

We take what what we can get.

We?" I asked. Of course. I'm not leaving you alone on this, no matter what. You know I'd never abandon you.

Not at all. I'm saying there's a fire in you that drives everything you do, that makes you need to better the world and those you love. To stand up for those you can't. It's one of the wonderful things about you.'' ''Only one, huh?'' I spoke lightly, but his words had thrilled me. He'd meant what he said about thinking those were wonderful traits, and feeling his pride in me meant more than anything just then.