The girls whooped and cheered.It was almost 9:00 by the time we finished eating and cleaning up after ourselves. Jill and I took care of the dogs whil... Mary and Sara worked in the kitchen. They put enough stew in the refrigerator for Mom, then we divvied up the rest for the dogs, mixing it in with their dry dog food. Needless to say, dinner was a hit with all three."Hey, do you want to see the apartment? They got a lot done today."She took my hand. "Sure."We went up the staircase and I told her. Then she embraced the crying girl, hugging her tightly. She didn't remind Alicia that she'd asked her to agree. She hated being on the defense; it was so far beside the point, wasn't it? She saw it might take a while before Alicia would be able to listen anyway. She kissed the girl's hair, rocking her softly."I love you," she whispered.Minutes later, Alicia left Angique in a cloud of sobs and angry accusations. She climbed the stone stairs, got dressed again in Villa and took the elevator down.. The mother wentto the witch, and the witch told her that once her daughter regained herstrength, she would be able to turn back into a human. And the daughterdid, and married a man, and had a daughter, and the same thing happenedagain. And so it has been, for generations upon generations." So Melody will be able to turn back into a girl?" Once she's strong enough, yes." I'm assuming you guys didn't want me to know all this? That's why Iwasn't going to be invited to Melody's birthday?" Yes,. " That was my name before my Mahanilui, Louis. Commander AlexanderFrederich Steinert." But this military ID says you're a Lt. Commander." Admiral Demmit promoted me just before assigning me to Sand Dollar," Isaid proudly. "I never had the chance to get it revised beforeeverything changed." Your uncle knows about all this?" He asked staring at Emily insurprise."Yes, Louis, Uncle Rick knows everything." Alex will you stop calling Daddy by his first name? He's our fathernow so pay him the proper.