"What do you mean? Everybody in the whole damn school hates me, now! Everybody who I thought was my friend dropped me like I was a leper! How can it N...T be that way?" Two simple words, Gail", I replied. "Start with those. Saying 'I'm sorry' goes a long way, provided you really mean it. Nothing is wrong that can't be fixed. All you have to do is try. Begin by apologizing, then treat people the way you want them to treat you. It will take a while, but it will work. You have to want to change the. Octavia walked in, coming to a stop just inside the door. The Major noticed the blond was dressed in her daily uniform: black tunic, trousers, boots and kepi and a gray shirt. Strangely, she’d braided her hair rather than keep it in her traditional ponytail.He frowned. Humans were creatures of habit. A change signified something larger than just hair. Something had altered in the stability he’d always attributed to Octavia’s universe. He had some idea what it was but surely things hadn’t gone. Mom got teary and I gave her a hug.She blew her nose and patted me on the shoulder. "I know, I know," she sniffed, "These things need to be done. I'm just glad you got this place. I don't think your Uncle George is too happy though."What? Screw my Uncle George! The man was a miserable and bitter old fart and would probably have sold the bungalow at the drop of a hat."Did you know what Aunt Barbra was going to do?" I asked as we sat at the kitchen table drinking coffee.Mom tried to feign. The stares of passersby were mortifying enough, but when a small crowd gathered to watch and even urge on the participants, she wanted to melt into the sand, to disappear, yet she not only continued, but intensified her efforts to please the leering man who was her husband.The following afternoon, Darius had informed her they would be motoring to a small nearby villa. Mioki was in hopes they would be going to enjoy the sites and the relaxed atmosphere of the beautiful French countryside, but.