You don't hurt someone you love, do you?"That took him back. He released her and stepped back, expecting Alice to back away.Alice hesitated for a long...time staring into his brown, puppy-like eyes, before she moved close to him again. This time she did the kissing.For an instant, he seemed to crumple. It took all of her strength to hold him up. She was sure he had fainted.Then she pulled away again and sat down on the couch."Here, Ken, you better sit down, too."With obvious relief he plopped. It was a bitter, frightening sound. One that she had heard a lot of since returning to Eureka.It had been no joke getting Alex here. All the way he had been gray, ill. His skin clammy with a cold sweat breaking out at the hint of a harsh word.They would have helped him. She and Fran were willing. But it was impossible on the crowded railroad car. When they dragged him off the train Renee had been scared for a moment that his first real taste of Montana weather would kill him in his weakened. They’ve been taken to the hospital and…’ ‘I WANT TO GO SEE THEM!!’ Jay shouted. ‘I’m sorry Jay, but you can’t do that tonight,’ Loni said with tears falling down her cheeks again. ‘Tomorrow somebody is going to come see you and maybe they will take you to see your parents.’ ‘Who’s coming to see me?’ Jay asked. ‘A person that’s called a social worker, they are always really nice and their whole job is to take care of kids when they need help.’ Loni said. ‘But for tonight you’re going to spend. " Hello Mom." Alice, where are you? We've been so worried about you." I know, that's why I called." Where are you?" I'm in Palatka." What are you doing there?" I'm staying with a friend." Is it that girl?" No Mom and her name is Barbara. I'm staying with the family of a boy I know." A boy?" Don't get your hopes up Mom, he's just a friend. More like a very good friend, but I'm not attracted to him." You need to come back and see Dr. Akins." Dr. Akins can't change me if I don't want to change and.