“How’s that?”“Come over here” she said, patting the sofa cushion next to her. Darius unfolded his arms, walked to the couch and sat down bes...de her.Heather navigated through a few links before turning the laptop so he could get a better look. Where she pointed, the screen displayed a dollar amount just shy of four digits. “We’ll have at least this much coming in every month from now on. More over time.”“Ok. That’s almost enough to pay our half of the rent, but not the rest of our bills. Where’s. I didn't get it. "Hey, you two don't just stand there, tell me you missed me or something." I said looking curiously at them, and then I saw it. The girls had started a fire outside the hut and much to my astonishment, cooking over that fire on a wood spit were two cleaned and plucked water fowl!"What is this?" I exclaimed with wonder, looking at the birds. Then they were all over me. They pranced gaily into my arms hugging me, both women excitedly chattering at once so that I couldn't. I’d forgotten love, real love. I’d pushed the memories of Mom and Dad and my grandparents and you and my teachers and friends away because I was so angry and bitter. I was wrong. I feel so stupid!”“What else?”“Helping each other. I mean, not just with doing things, but for important things. Like after what I did yesterday, I bet everyone was there for Jen. Helped her. Got angry at me for her.”“Yes, but that anger wound up causing even more problems. Being there and loving her was more. "I blushed, but then giggled a little. "You can look, definitely, and I guess if you can do that, it's better if you like what you see."He grinned again. "You are getting used to it!"He was right! I found myself smiling a lot more through the rest of the day. I blushed just as much, but was getting more able to cope.My next class was biology. Once again, Miss Hooker asked me to come to the front of the class and had me sit on the high stool, facing the class. "Take off your shoes and socks,.