’ I looked at the two women I had gone to for advice for so long and nodded. ‘All right, but the moment has to be right.’ My mother muttered so...ething I didn’t quite catch, but it sounded like ‘just ask her’. ‘I’ll speak to her at the New Years Party.’ The girl’s mother grinned. ‘Oh good, I like fireworks on New Years Eve.’ — All our friends were at the party, including Mel and Pete, everyone was enjoying themselves, except me and Nessie. We were both trying to deal with our demons. It was. So I called May, explained the situation and agreed to allow her to come and pick me up. While I was waiting, fending off the local drunks and junkies, I checked up on my accumulated messages and e-mail.It was interesting stuff.Back in the flat, things were simply embarrassing. I mean, I don't do being supported up the stairs all that often; more to the point I don't live my life in expectation of unexpected visitors if you can deal with the oxymoron ... or whatever it is.As it was, the place. Joan’s birthday party Monday night was pretty reserved with all our parents there. Except for her burning her induction letter. But our New Year’s Eve party was something else entirely. The parents decided Joan’s house was entirely too comfortable to leave six girls and me unattended. I don’t get why. They know most of us are sleeping together. But Brittany’s parents volunteered their house for our party and Sophie volunteered to chaperone. Which is almost like not having a chaperone. The. She was inhaling to retort when the doors to the Council of the Goddess opened and a yellow-green haired girl in a shimmering pale golden silk gown from Lady Shiena’s eldest sister’s line exited with a happy look on her face as she went to her elder cousins. “I am to be wed into House Jeandahl and be schooled to advise the Council, Cousin Shayla! Isn’t that great!”“We are very proud of you Lyla! Well, done. Did they want Sharn next?” Shayla asked quickly, before Ceilia could say something.