I'd be more concerned about Heather and Melinda, actually." Unless this thing with the Darkness is more complicated than we thought," Ned said sourly...."I swear, I need a frippin' manual to tell what's goin' on. Let me know when Darkness for Dummies comes out."Despite the serious intent of Ned's statement, Cassie giggled. Ned offered a tiny smile in return.Susan's breaths came in gasps and short, staccato sighs. She writhed on the bed, her trembling hands clenching and unclenching. Her legs lay. . alive. As I watched one girl with a shining yellow sundress - her face glowing with a pretty flush from the sun - she started fading, the yellow to gray, and her face to black. I had to turn my head until my darkness went away — if it ever would.Angie turned and looked at me, seeing the darkness on me, the color of my life fading. She squeezed my hand and I felt a sudden guilt at the dampness in her eyes. At the same time I felt a faint, disturbing jealousy: the pain was mine and I wasn't. "You look? Well you know dad, his heart?" Don't make excuses for them. I'm happy to see you again Andy. I've missed you a lot." Thisis hard for him. Yes of course it's hard for me, but Andy's never been good with awkwardsituations. Rather than drag this out I decide to change the topic, "Is that your car overthere? I'm shocked it hasn't fallen apart by now. Do you remember when you picked up thosetwo fat hitchhikers?" And the seat broke! Oh man that was great! Well I swear I've glued the. If this craving is that strong maybe we should take care of it before the meeting." She closed the short distance between us and pressed herself to me.I closed my eyes again. I could feel every hair, every inch of her body — in my mind. I knew Erin just as well as Renée and also knew she would be just as willing to receive me. However, I continued to hold onto the sink. "I ... I'm not sure that's a good idea."Erin's voice dropped to almost a whisper. "Would it be worse than if this got out of.