"So... Natasha, do you want to tell me who you really are?" I asked stillstanding there."What do you mean...?" she said in between sniffles. "I'm who ... say Iam." I know you're not some Russian princess like you claim to be."I must have struck a chord because she turned around and looked at me asif she was ready to hit me."You don't understand me at all! What it's like to be pregnant and allthis other shit..." she yelled, crying harder."No shit. I'm not a little pregnant pipsqueak who puts on. Constance knew the truth of it was likely far from her imaginings. Even the best-kept of sailors, like those on Lord Cuthburt’s ship, were rough men with rough looks and rough manners. She had to find a place to hide herself. Perhaps when the ship was well away from port, she could emerge and seek the aid of Lord Cuthburt. Perhaps he would take her to wherever her father might be rather than return her home. The ship was grand and luxurious. Its aftcastle was a manor unto itself, with cabins. Basketball had finished for the season. Baseball and track were in full swing. It was spring and lust was in the air. I did my best to balance my social life and my school work. I had lost a couple pounds and was feeling really good. More importantly, Mom had shed about ten and was looking great. I think Dad was beginning to notice. I had gone out on a couple of group dates with Joann, her latest boyfriend and about five others. But I made no commitments to anyone. I used the excuse that my. He was too much of an iconic American hero. More than once he risked his own safety to save the life of a friend and stranger. He rarely spoke. At times, hours would pass without so much as a solitary word. He communicated with his eyes, his hands and his smile. He didn’t show it very often, either, but, when he did she would melt. She loved the way he would sit quietly while his best friend bragged on his deeds. She loved the way he would change the subject and give her a wink, as if to soothe.