’ He grunted and knelt beside the chair, looking into her face. Lacey patted his cheek with a sad smile. ‘I’m fine, Brutus.’ He arose and step...ed back, holding the flap open and Lance and I took that as our cue to leave. Lance bent and gave her a long hug, telling her how much he enjoyed spending time with her and hoped that she could see him graduate in two years’ time. He gave her a kiss on the cheek and went back to the car, wiping his eyes as he went. I stepped forward now, flipping the. "Tara looked up and smiled. Her eyes were watery. "I'm happy for her. Say hello for me."Jack slapped my shoulder several times as if we, the parents, were the reason the team won. When he walked away, I rolled the window up and turned to Tara."We can't stay here. I need to take you home." Please don't. I wanna talk. Everything's fucked up." Tara!"Her eyes dropped to her lap. "Sorry. I didn't mean to curse. I'm just mixed up, that's all."She wiped a tear off her cheek and I knew I couldn't take. That way he'd fit right in with our other friends." Other friends?" I wailed."Yes, and we don't have time to waste. We're meeting the girls in half an hour." Mom, I won't go!" I cried."Then you'll just have to stay home and help me hand out candy to the children, if that's the way you feel. I do think you're making a mistake, dear. Go ahead, let the girls dress you up and have some fun."I hung my head in misery. What could be worse than being stuck home all night with my mother doling out. " She sighed as she got up from the floor and and faced her sister. "Well I gotta get one today. I barely slept last night because I haven't watched this game yet. You comin' with?"Crystal shook her head. "Nuh-uh. Me and Aaron gotta pick out some paint for the upstairs guest room, and then furnish it. It's gonna take all day." Eff my life!! Fine..." Samantha grunted."You're the super nerd. You already know everything about the tv's. Just go and pick out the one you're gonna get the best quality.