We know the way and we hurry because we have not had a good meal lately. We have only had dry jerky for the last few meals. It only takes a few hours ...o get back home.After tying up the dogs, we set down the goat and open up the house. Before I know it, the two women are quickly gathered in front of the stove starting a fire and chatting away like magpies. This holds no interest for the boy.I let the chickens out into their yard and feed them. I grab my ax and head off for some firewood,. " I'm probably that tall too. Maybe you're a quarter inch taller, so what?" No one's going to want me." That's a lie. It's a lie you keep telling yourself, and it won't ever be true. I've wanted you ever since I first noticed you, when you were playing with Jane, Grace, and Denise. I don't know what else I can do to prove it to you." I meant besides you."I felt instantly sick. I'm not sure how I managed to not spew my dinner all over the wall next to the phone. It was as bad as if she'd kicked. Susan would be off-duty on Saturday, the wedding day. She agreed to extra duty, and Carl would pay the force the standard rate through his company. Dex insisted on reimbursing Carl. Carl would stake out the Frankels' home and follow them. He had some walkie-talkies with a reasonable range, and would communicate with Susan that way. Donna would cover for Dex, who was offically an usher, but would make the Frankels his primary task.The church chosen for the ceremony seated about 350 in two. I caught myself but thought a few minuteslonger won't hurt and I don't want to be smelly whether I'm a boy or agirl.I washed and conditioned my hair; I shaved my legs and armpits. I driedmyself off, dried my hair and put it into a long braid that hung over myshoulder before tying the end with a pink ribbon. I did my make up beforeputting away my jeans and t-shirt (they wouldn't go with my hair I'd justspent ages doing). I found myself a cute pink dress, strapless with afull knee length skirt.