Sometimes I think Ben is right, that the fantasy world is better because reality sucks...but then I look at Nikki and I believe that we can beat the odds.

It reminds me of myself - seemingly perfect on the outside but inside is all a mush.

Sometimes things are better off forgotten.

I feel so selfish, because I want the best of both worlds. I want to keep the image I've worked so hard to create.

From the moment I told her about my dad, it was as if her whole body sighed in relief. As if someone else’s misery comforted her, made her feel as if she wasn’t alone.

We're actors in our lives, pretendin' to be who we want people to think we are.

I've had more students die than I ever thought possible. My husband urges me to quit Fairfield and teach at some school without gang members who live their lives only to die or end up as drug dealers.