Betty, however, proved to be as inventive as Jake and in fact Shonda had entertained a golden retriever only last week. Now she had begged her friend ...or something new and different.She walked barefoot to the door and opened it, her eyes immediately wide in surprise and fear."Who... ?" she managed to stammer before Betty pushed her back into the apartment and Matt closed and locked the door behind them."You don't know us, but we know you Shonda. We've been watching you for over a week now.. "Good choices. I'll let them know." Mom; what exactly happens during the Rite?" I asked as she got up to go. Mom paused for a moment with a thoughtful expression on her face. "All things in their proper time and place my dear. Some things in life should not be known until their proper time. Your aunts will explain what will happen when it is appropriate for them to do so. You are about to experience the wonder and mystery of becoming a woman; enjoy the moment." She touched my face, smiled and. "Are you this woman's daughter?" Yes I am. Is it time?" I'm afraid so. She is too far past my healing ability." Thank you for getting me, I know what to do."I turned to the guard, "You out. Both of you."They started to object and the one with the sword raised it to strike. I Called my Katana and parried his blow. "Leave, now, why you can."The new lady knelt next to the older one and held her hand. Slowly, almost peacefully, the old lady smiled and breathed her last. The other lady undid the. "I don't remember," I said."That's not unusual," she said. "I mean the not remembering ... not the excessive amount of sleeping. But the doctor said to let the charm do its thing and keep tabs, so here we are. She wanted to see you when you awakened, so I'll be right back.She backed away from me as if she was reluctant to leave, but then she was gone. I could hear her muffled voice through the door. A minute later, the doctor swept into my room. She looked very businesslike in a black A-line.