"It's okay ... let it out..." She whispered, and he realized she was crying too."I don't know how to do this Liz ... How do I go on without her? Knowi...g we might have been a family..." He choked out the words, as she softly stroked his arm."You go on because you must, because you have no choice Don ... Because it's what Audrey would want. You do it for her. You will never be the same, and the pain will always be a part of you, but you will learn to rise above it and cope with it each day.". I chose her because she is brilliant. She is brilliant the way Iris Murdoch was on the night she met her husband-to-be, when after hours of conversation they simply knew. I feel that I knew, as well, although I must carry the knowledge alone like some Prometheus. She was one-of-a-kind, thoughtful, poetic, wise, and I dare not do injustice to her by comparing her to a flower, or a bird, or a statue of Venus, because she frankly surpassed metaphor. I skipped the admiration stage and fell directly. Jackie was short and curvy with a quick laugh and an infectious smile. Liz was about Tess's size,(they could probably wear each other's clothes) and had dark hair and full lips like Tess. Carli was a little more "urban", with spiky short blond hair, a few piecing on each ear, and a thin, runner's body.When lunch time came, the "Pool" girls all went out together. The girls insisted on buying, saying that it was a tradition to welcome the new girl. They had a great time talking and laughing, and. "Wait, you mean the whole rent?" I asked incredulously."Why not? I thought you'd want that?" she said. She looked up at me this time. She had a serious look on her face, almost as though I'd insulted her."It's not that ... It's just ... I mean that's a lot of 'service' ... and money. I still have expenses on this apartment, remember? You have to contribute something to the rent." It's just..." she looked down again. "It's just ... like you said ... before," she obviously fought back tears..