Still, he knew better than to offer her a hand; that stubborn streak of hers had been her salvation, and he knew it. He'd been there to watch.Norm ope...ed the door for his daughter and let her inside. "Sorry the place is such a mess, but I wasn't expecting company," he said.Judy looked around. There were two or three dirty dishes on the sideboard, and a book lay face down on the arm of a tattered easy chair to mark the place. She knew her father well enough that he'd categorize that as a mess.. " For three reasons most likely. First of all, your power is not fully developed, nor are you proficient with it. Secondly, it is harder to act on a target if they're already wary of you," he said before adding, "It may be easier once you master your powers. Finally, last night you were going 'with the grain' with Clausen." What do you mean?" Last night, you flooded him with emotions he already possessed. Since he already had those emotions to begin with, it was easier to intensify his emotions. When I came back Les was packing up, getting ready for our road trip. We ate and I asked her about the special travel supplies. She had ‘em. She also had a very tacky outfit from one of the ho stores on lower Market street. A pink plastic skirt and pale black see-through top. Spike heels. Clothes for Meredith’s new profession. Dress for success. We unstapled her crotch and untied her arms and legs. She couldn’t stand up without help, so I helped her with the little whip. We made her. She puts a hand to my face and makes me. The rainwater is flowing down her nose and cheeks in little rivulets, her short dark hair plastered to her head. She is so very beautiful – that’s part of the problem. Her hazel eyes are full of tears, all her earlier bravado left far behind with the car. This is the real woman, here and now: the lonely lover, the scared little girl. She is giving me her vulnerability to touch. She tells me she still loves me without a word. I put my arms around her neck.