Slowly, you work the hair and jewelry loose and suddenly I'm free, rubbing the sore spot on my scalp and smiling up at you. Your eyes are blue-grey li...e Pennsylvania slate, so dark they must turn black with emotion, set in a face that reminds me of every Viking hero I ever read about in trashy romance novels. You're fingering the long curl you liberated, smoothing it between your fingers, and then you tuck it behind my ear with a sheepish, boyish smile."I'm Tomas," you say softly, and offer me. " as a far away look came into his eyes.The group sobered as they remembered Diana's attack and the fact that the bastard Ed Hood had never been found.The morose moments of silence were broken by the arrival of their meals. Everyone got back into a good mood as they enjoyed the delicious food and lively conversations. After their meal, they had sumptuous desserts with coffee or liqueurs. Diana declined dessert; she didn't want to fill her stomach too full before having to sing.They spent the. Frank could only grind his teeth in frustration in the face of such obstinate behaviour on the part of the Council. It seemed like the Council were insistent on keeping us in the dark regarding most matters, offering only that we weren’t prepared to learn all the facts. Such vague responses and an almost hostile attitude didn’t earn them any favours in our eyes. I found myself wanting to leave this place more and more with every passing minute.I couldn’t hold back any longer and asked them,. ”“I’m sorry, Megan, I really am, but Mrs. Wilks is adamant that Robbie is old enough now to be on his own for just a few hours a day after school.” Mike felt a crushing feeling consume him as Megan’s usually sweet, angelic face looked like she was being told a family member had passed away. “We can still use you for long trips when we’re away, and I’ll even talk to Cindy about raising your rate. Does that help at all?”After thinking for a few seconds, Megan bit her lip and her sad-looking face.