We retired to neighboring apartments adjacent to where we entered, glad of the opportunity for a little time to ourselves and a shower. I stood under ...he hot, massaging jets of water for a long time, wondering as to the fate of the ship’s crew, wondering how long it might be before other survivors would happen by. I emerged from the water, patted myself dry and then, in the hallway, I heard voices. I made my way outside, palm of my hand cupping the grip of the pistol. There were more apartments. ”“Boys your age love anything a girls does in the hopes of getting into her panties. You're combing your hair not to impress boys but to not to embarrass your father and me.”Alice stiffened at father. “Fine, Mom. I was going to anyways. You don't have to nag.”“Do I need to talk to your father when he gets home tonight?”“Maybe.” Alice took another bite of her bacon.“Fine,” Mommy said, voice tight. “Wash your plate when your done, too. It's one of your chores, Alice.”Before, I would have been. I tried to be nonchalant about the whole thing, and squelch everyone’s inquiries into what happened, but Principal Haden’s refusal to take our discussion behind closed doors, left far too many witnesses to claim it was all hearsay. I also suspected that my newly acquired six-foot-five-inch, 240-pound military-fatigue-wearing shadow didn’t help to dispel any rumors.I spent the better part of my morning, both during and in-between classes, reciting the words “no comment” to anyone bold enough to. We can prepare for your trip over the next two weeks. We will need to go shopping for your trip. For now, I would suggest that we both get undressed and cure each other of our hysteria!”The next several days were spent in a veritable whirlwind of preparation. Siobhan felt that one or two of my dresses needed modification, and I was perforce required to obtain other supplies as well. In particular, we spent several days in town at the ladies’ shops. For one thing, while I had several lovely.