Manuela lived for six more weeks, and only the last week was really bad. I probably should have been grateful because of that, but I just could not re...lly see much reason to be. I kept my promise, though, and I was there for Alexa. She had it quite bad. As her newly appointed legal guardian, I sort of had to. I did not know how Manuela and her lawyer had arranged that, but I had agreed and I intended to keep the promise I had made. Emotionally, I was as empty. I had decided that would never. "The Captain and Commander excused themselves and went into the hall to converse. Commandant Sellers left and Capt. McHenry returned and then he turned to Mary and apologized, "I am sorry. I should have thought of the obvious solution. I am just frustrated that I don't have another two dozen like you and Donnelly, Jankowski. I will create a press release from your report, and let Morris and Paulson do the 'media dance' for you, if that is OK." That is fine with me, sir," Mary replied. Then she. “When you say it that way it sounds kind of bad. If Adrienne could get Kate on the line I think I know how I can make this work,” I offered.“This I have to hear,” Rita said.“Adrienne, it’s your call,” I said.“Okay, hang on.”Caryn sat in what I was sure was awe of my skills. Either that, or she thought I was a complete nut. I probably shouldn’t ask her which.“Hey, Stalker,” Kate said.“Hey, Prom Date, I need to know what color dress you’re wearing so I get the right corsage.”Mom leaned over to. 'David's jaw dropped as they read out their names. The same politeapplause that the prior winners got was given to them."We won? How the fuck did we win? The Bunnies and the Avengerettesmust have split the bimbo - nerd vote," David exclaimed with adumbfounded look."That must be it," Veronika whispered back with a smirk, figuring thatthey picked up a lot of votes from those who wanted a drag queen to beone of the 'girl' winners.As they walked up to accept their meager award, David looked over.