"I mean, he still should have done more to physically protect you, but I just started to wonder. Then that made me feel like a bitch because I'm supposed to be on your side, but --"

"But you listened to another point of view and then things weren't so simple." Madison sighed.

"I never went to the writing center because I knew that one of the girls in Alvin's posse worked there.

I knew no one would care if I complained, but I should have at least tried. But I really did think that he was being unfair. At least at the time I did."

“Maybe Reichert isn't the enemy we thought he was. Can you handle that maybe I don't want to really hate him but still Like you better?"

“I have no right to tell you who you can and can't like. Unless you decide you like Alvin, then you can just get the hell out."

“Not much chance of that. I've got a scar on my leg that's going to take a while to heal," she said, feeling the tender spot. She was thankful that shifting between forms helped close up wounds.

“And I did some damage to his face and ribs."

"Maybe he won't be able to open his mouth," Madison muttered.

"That would be a nice change. Do you want to go to the medical center?

Seriously, you should get that checked out."

"Too many questions and too many cops over there right now. That's where they found the second victim. Remember that guy who checked you out? Detrius I think? He's the one who found the guy."

“Was it bad?" Madison asked, almost fearing the answer.

"Yeah. A lot worse than Carla."

“What -—"

"I don't want to tell you," Heda said.

"I want at least one of us to be able to get some sleep tonight." She took Madison's hand.

"I am so very, very sorry about earlier. I guess I'm not as grown up as I thought."

"Yeah, and you're nineteen. You should be totally mature and have everything figured out by now," Madison replied. Then she smiled.

"You're nineteen. I'm older than you."

"Really?"

“Yep. I'm twenty. Never thought I'd go for younger women, but hey."

Heda let out a small laugh. It was not much, but it felt so good.

“Have you decided if you're moving in with us? Considering what a psycho I am?"

"I DID try to kick you in the head the first time we met, so you don't have the psycho market cornered.”