I did a quick 360' with my eyes, and noticed that we were truly alone in this spot, with little or no chance of discovery ... just in case...Bev went ...hru all the motions of a slow dance – which, I thought, was more challenging without any MUSIC, right? Then when she finished, we both clapped softly, and she bowed in appreciation. Now Bev started her presentation – which years ago had been the final step before she offered to strip for me, scaring me half to death,.and sending me running for. Mom and I werehere this morning looking at books with all the different hairstyles. Wepicked your nail color too." Our hairstylist Karen met us and directed Julia to a chair that allowedher head to rest over a small sink, then she set about shampooing it andapplying conditioner. Then she put her hair in large rollers and sat herback up. Another girl came over and started working on Julia'sfingernails and toenails. Soon they were all done in hot pink with cleargloss sealer, and the same girl. "Ian?" a voice asked behind me.I looked up to find Carla standing there, her hand halfway stretched out to me, as if she were hesitant about touching me. I assumed she didn't want to scare me."They're gone, Carla. They uprooted and left behind any trace of me. Why do I feel this way? Why am I crying, Carla? I hated my parents. They must have hated me too, by the looks of it." Oh, Ian... Do you honestly believe that you hated your parents?" Carla came closer and wiped away my tears and showed. "That's marvellous! Thank you so much; I think Mum's in from work — she'd like to thank you too."He was embarrassed, but as a well-brought-up lad, he agreed."Thank you very much, Jim; I'm grateful, and I know Petra's sister and my husband will be too." My pleasure, Ma'am," It's Elaine, or if that's uncomfortable, Mrs. Wilson, OK?" Er, OK, Ma' ... I mean, yes, Mrs. Wilson. Erm, well, I was wondering..." Spit it out, Jim," Petra was saying the Morris needed work ... I ... er, well, I'd love to.