"I can't tell you how extremely proud of you I am, Lila," I said. "Amelia told me you didn't get along with her but you could have never proven that t...night. Your mother has done a wonderful job of raising you."I punctuated the sentiment with a small kiss on the top of her head.She seemed to swell with pride."It's because of you," she said quietly. "Mom told me what happened to Amelia's stepfather. As soon as she said the name I was sure it was her. She's right, I really don't like her. But. She felt a touch flattered, at his interest in her, being in her words “such an old bird,” but part of her dismissed the boys interest as just hormones, any woman would do to practise on sort of a passing thing, knowing she was the only woman in his reach. Her thoughts were interrupted by her son`s tractor unit, noisily backing into the side yard. A tired driver, his long week away over, glad to be out of the driving seat at last, soon sitting freshly showered to her table, and eagerly filling. "I am merely proposing the same contest. I will set my wards, and you can attempt to break them. My Great Grandfather gave them three chances. I'll give you the same," I told him."I accept!" he said immediately."NO!" both Sisters shouted loudly, immediately following that. "Before you may challenge our Master, you must face us first," they both added. It was one of the longest speeches they had made so far."You're only Apprentices! How long have you been studying Magic?" he demanded,. The support and encouragement of her friends was all that kept her from walking out on her own."Would it be better if I just moved out?" Lindsey asked when some of the emotion had died down. "If I am going to bring so much shame on the family, wouldn't you be better off without me?" This was a bold challenge, but she had reached the point where she was sure they needed her there more than she needed to be there. She was correct. Mary still could not acknowledge complete parental failure by.