She quietly walked up behind her and grabbed her shoulder. Jessie screamed out loud and jumped, she turned in mid air before landing back on her feet,...facing Sally."Don't do that! You scared me half to death." Sorry. Wasn't as funny as I thought it would be." She hugged Jessie, she guiltily felt Jessie's heart, pounding in her chest. Sally concentrated for a moment and willed Jessie back to calmness. "Will you forgive me?"Jessie hugged her back. "OK. Just don't do it again."The girls started. ‘Not much. I still don’t care what 7 billion think of me. Francis is just 1 person. I care what she thinks of me. She’s the real deal. She’s honest and kind. She helped me for months with my fight against Columbia University. She’s just a pure hearted woman.’ Mr. Cadet swallowed the food in his mouth. ‘Good. Maybe she will have a positive influence on you. When is your train?’ ‘It leaves Grand Central in 32 minutes. I bought the ticket yesterday afternoon.’ Benjamin shoved his breakfast into. Lena was in a light green dress of very similar design. I walked toward them and was speechless."Ladies, you look beautiful!" John, you look handsome as usual," Tamara said. "Thank you for the roses. They're beautiful." Yes, I love yellow roses," Lena added."Beautiful roses for beautiful women," I returned.Sam walked up and said, "If you will follow me, your transportation is here."He opened the front door and there was a stretch limousine in front of the house with Roy standing by the back. “If you’re sure…”“I am.”“In that case, I’d love to, and thank you! Showing up with a handsome stud like you will make my friends so jealous… oh, I so hope some of them are there tonight!”I laughed, flattered, as she snuggled happily into my arms. She fell asleep quickly, but I lay awake for a long time.~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~The memories came as they often do late at night, drifting ashore like the debris from a distant shipwreck, sad and painful, poignant reminders of happier.