There will be plenty of time to relax on the summit, I tell myself as I shrug my backpack over my own light jacket and cinch down the waist belt and c...est strap so that it fits snugly against my body. The weight rests reassuringly on my shoulders and the curve of my hips as I step out of the sunshine and onto the dark, tree-lined trail. There was only one other car in the parking lot today and I’m looking forward to the solitude. I chose this mountain because it tends not to draw crowds;. Since mymom had her shift changed at work, she has been out of the gossip looplately. "Hey Neil, can you be a sweetie and let me and your mom talk for a fewminutes alone?" She said handing him a few quarters. "There are somevideo games by the front of the store you can play." Cool thanks." He said running off to play not even thinking about thefact that he was leaving me alone!!"So, um, what's up?" I said to Mrs. Richards as I put my milk and eggs onthe checkout belt."First let me just say,. He felt a shiverrun up his spine as he contemplated actually leaving the house. He hadtaken the entire day up with his preparations (he would never tell awoman again they took too long to get ready!) So it was almost dark out.I can't start thinking rationally now, he thought, picked up his keys andwallet, and headed into the garage. He checked out the windows to see ifhis neighbors were out in the yard. Of course they weren't. This iswinter in Maine, you fool, and no one comes out until. . run ... whatever it takes...”“I’ll do it,” Echo says ardently. “I trust you.”Grace smiles, she feels warmth radiate through her. Her heart pounds in her chest. She feels elated, like she can take on her family, the Fairchilds, as well as the Kerrigans. “Then we must reacquaint you with your Xenbiod,” she says, lifting the now opened tube above the girl’s head. The contents, an orangish-reddish-black liquid pours down and onto Echo’s chest and belly, turning quickly into a slushy mess.“Argh!”.