The only discomforting thing was it was only me and two other girls I knew who were put in the advanced chorus class from middle school. Everyone else...was a new face and looked at us as if they could smell the freshman scent from our skin. I sat in one of the empty seats, looking even more like an outcast since most of the other kids were standing, goofing off or huddled in thier cliques. There was no lesson for the day as the teacher was still trying to learn everyones name and make a seating. “You have done good initial research, my darling Frances, so that should stand you all in good stead. Perhaps it is time we got hold of a midwife to help with the preparations, starting with general advice. She should be able to tell you from experience how things are progressing, week by week.”“Sure, but first, we have to get you to your own medical check-up. Is it tomorrow or the next day?”“Gosh, I have lost track. Have you got it written down somewhere, Frances?”“It is marked on a calendar. ”“Sounds like you’re in good hands, Jess,” Kara said.“Now I just have to make sure that I match with the University of Chicago, but there’s also Cook County, Northwestern, and Loyola, so I’ll end up in Chicago for sure. I just hope it works out the way Doctor Barton wants it to.”“Me, too!” I said. “I gave Doctor Barton’s name and number to my real estate agent and they’re working to find a house for him.”“I’m still offended that he told you before he told me!” Jessica grumped, though it was. I looked fantastic and it was the first time in more than a year that I'd dressed up for someone besides Richard. Supposedly that someone was me, like I was looking all hot and sexy just to spoil myself. To bolster my self-esteem and feel good after the degradation of Richard's secret betrayal. I deserved to be beautiful, that's what Sheila had told me and I desperately wished I could believe her, but I soon felt the hungry stares of all those men ... wasn't that the real reason? I wanted to be.