This building wasn't overly secure and the neighbourhood wasn't that great. Jason had spent half his time away missing Melissa, the other half worryin... about her safety.They'd never expected him to be seconded out of state when they took the lease, never dreamed she'd be alone here. Their only concern had been it was cheap and they could save while being together. It had been perfect. Then he got called away. Hell, he'd never even seen it with furniture — she'd had to move in alone, two days. Her brush flew. Sometimes Nick's brush crossed hers to correct a line but more often he grunted approval. He got them some cushions to kneel on, though Susie had not minded the soreness of her knees. The productive work thrilled her almost as much as the presence of this brawny naked man with his curly black beard and fogged glasses and baseball cap.But the heat increased and sweat ran down her arms. She saw that the windows were only partly open. She got up and raised them, then thought, No. If you want." I answered."How's tenth grade so far?" Jon asked."It sucks. Life sucks!" I said, almost whimpering. I felt like crying, but that ISN'T done in high school.Amy put her arm around my shoulder and asked, "What's wrong Will?" I don't want to talk about it. Just leave me alone." Will, we're your friends. Tell us what is wrong." Jon pleaded.I sniff, "I got Tina Mayer pregnant. sniffle... She wouldn't talk to me... Today... she tells me that she... sniffle... she had... an abortion... ". "Oh, Tylea, Honey," Jan said attempting to make soothing overtures, "I believe I know more about you than you might think, now that I realize the connection. I am sorry if I startled you by revealing that I know about Middlebury College; AND about Sigma Lambda Tau." Jan could not help but snicker again now as she realized the absurdity of the whole situation."Honey, would it surprise you to know that I used to have a housekeeper, who was also a really great cook, named Helen Rivers?" Jan asked.