I gain my composure and make up some bullshit, praying that she will believe me."I, uh. I just needed some down time. A lot is happening before my eye...." I know, but there is nothing to be sad about." I don't want to grow up." I begin to sob again. She holds me."Is that it? Oh honey, I know how you feel. Believe me, as you get older it won't bother you as much."I look at her."Trust me. Someday you'll see. Now, why don't we go back. Everyone wants to sing Happy Birthday to you."She helps me up. I'm really dehydrated. Please?" She seemed to be thinking. "Ok." She finally said. That was easy. Maybe the level of drug she was under could work to my advantage. But I had to be fast. "Please hurry, I'm so thirsty." She filled a cup from the sink and brought it over to my table. "You'll have to raise me up. I can't drink like this." "Ok." She tapped some buttons on the control pad and my upper body sat forward. I was hoping she would put me vertical again but this would have to do. She held. "Aren't they pretty? Here you go." She handed Emma a grande skinny vanilla latte. As Caitlyn spoke, Emma enjoyed the way she hung onto the A just a little. Caitlyn had spent some time in Alabama and had taken home a hint of the accent. Emma would melt little inside whenever she caught a glimpse of it. "It's gonna be another long day." For me too." Caitlyn took a sip of her own mocha latte. Emma's eyes stayed with Caitlyn's cup for a second until she pulled it from her lips. Her eyes closed and. Your brothers were a fair challenge, and I don't get one that often."Christi shrugged - intrigued. "I've got nothing better to do. Why not." I do at the moment, though. Come back about supper time, after I've finished drilling the green horns?" You've got yourself a deal. Want to make it interesting? A wager?"Jorfal let out a great, booming laugh. "I don't usually bet, but I'll wager you a beer."She was hoping to earn a few more coins, but it was something. "Done. I'll be here. You'd better be.