Don’t worry, Kathy. I’ll be fine in a few minutes.” I opened my handbag and started to repair my makeup. My reflection’s face was still white,...streaked with remnants of mascara. I cleaned it up and made constructive use of blusher and eye shadow, then combed my hair. My fists were going to be bruised from their encounter with the wall but at least the skin wasn’t broken. The nail varnish was chipped, though, and I hadn’t the wherewithal to mend it. Not that I’d have bothered.“Ken’s concerned. "What I said last night, I meant. And I know you're trying to do the right thing right now. I get that. But ask yourself this: when do I get to make a decision about my love life? If not today, when I'm past my eighteenth birthday, then when? Nineteen? Twenty-three? I think I was mature and self-aware at fifteen, personally, but OK. A hundred and fifty years ago I'd have chosen a husband by now, or had one chosen for me, be married with at least one child, and maybe another on the way. I'd be. ‘ ‘Tis time, my lady.’ I nodded and stood. Pulling at the dress, I wished desperately that it would fit and finally settled for trying to push the wrinkles out of it. When I looked up at Maggie, I gave my best reassuring smile, and knew I failed. I was heading into the lion’s den. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Cien Fraser was sitting in the Laird’s chair at the head of the table waiting for Maggie and the mysterious woman to come down to sup. He glanced around the hall quickly, watching his men. . Yes?!" Sandra said and noticed the stern look on her teacher's face. This made her quickly say, "Mrs. Godair." I asked you a question, could you answer it for me?"Sandra knew that she was in trouble. She hadn't heard anything of the past fifteen minutes, or maybe even longer. So, she had no clue about what question the teacher could have asked her. Sandra looked to her side, and noticed Melinda grinning at her. Sandra knew she wouldn't get any clue from this girl, and Sandra couldn't turn.