Chapter One

     Where did he come from? She wasn't sure. When had she first seen him? That was difficult to remember. They had met a good while back, but their acquaintance only began to deepen about a year and a half ago. It wasn't even clear who had introduced them. But the most important question, why he had come, she could answer. He had come to keep her company.

     "I know you don't want to. You're scared. But you ought to make an effort."

     Of course he did lecture her. But she didn't really mind. If he could be blunt, so could she. There was nothing they disagreed on that they could not make up later.

     "You were flat at the end," the teacher said. "Did you hear?"

     "Just what I told you."

     "Be quiet," she frowned.

     "Don't speak to the teacher like that."

     "I wasn't speaking to the teacher."

     She started the singing exercise over again.

     They were in her world, naturally. She didn't really think she could go to his. Though sometimes it seemed they were in between. On the border, perhaps.

     Laurie Troy was sixteen years old. She liked the autumn, though right now it was a little chillier than it should be. The cold had set in too quickly. But the leaves were still beautiful; she and George both admired them greatly. Although when she was out walking by herself she didn't need George so much. She needed George most when she was with other people. But not when she was with her family. They dispelled the need for George, especially Marta.

     "I don't want you to go away!" Laurie wailed. "College isn't really necessary."

     "Actually it is," laughed Marta. "And in a few years you'll be going to college too. Probably Julliard or something. I'll be so proud of you."

     Marta said this seriously, which was very nice of her, Laurie thought. Laurie was sure she wasn't Julliard material. Because the Troy girls were home-schooled the college applications meant a lot of trouble to their mother. And to Marta, of course. Laurie felt rather left out of things.

     Marta had never met George, and Laurie had never told her about him. None of her family knew of him.

     "You should make friends," her sister told her.

     Of course this was true, but it was much easier for Marta. Laurie wasn't sure why, but it was true. For one thing, she wasn't afraid. Laurie was always afraid, except of George.