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.But I think Iunderstand them better now.They don't scare me as much." She squeezed hermother's hand."Don't worry, I'm going to be fine.""All right, but-" Before her mother could finish the sentence a horn honkedoutside."That's Chess.I'd better run." Hannah gulped down the dregs of her orangejuice and dashed into her bedroom to grab her backpack.She hesitated a splitsecond by the wastebasket, then shook her head.No.There was no reason to take the black rose ring with her.It was his, andshe didn't want to be reminded of him.She slung the backpack over her shoulder, yelled goodbye to her mother, andhurried outside.Page 49 ABC Amber Palm Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcpalm.htmlChess's car was parked in the driveway.As Hannah started toward it she hadan odd impression.She seemed to see a figure standing behind the car-a tallfigure, face turned toward her.But her eyes were dazzled by the sun and atthat instant she involuntarily blinked.When she could see again, there wasnothing in that spot except a little swirl of dust."You're late," Chess said when Hannah got in the car.Chess, whose real namewas Catherine Clovis, was petite and pretty, with dark hair cut in a cap toframe her face.But just now her slanted green cat eyes and Mona Lisa smilereminded Hannah too much of Ket.It was disconcerting; she had to glance downto make sure Chess wasn't wearing a deerskin outfit."You okay?" Now Chess was looking at her with concern."Yeah." Hannah sank back against the upholstery, blinking."I think I need toget my eyes checked, though." She glanced at the spot where the phantom figurehad been-nothing.And Chess was just Chess: smart, savvy, and faintly exotic,like an orchid blooming in the badlands."Well, you can do it when we go shopping this weekend," Chess said.Sheslanted Hannah a glance."We must go shopping.Next week's your birthday and Ineed something new to wear."Hannah grinned in spite of herself."Maybe a new necklace," she muttered."What?""Nothing." I wonder what happened to Ket, she thought.Even if Hana diedyoung, at least Ket must have grown up.I wonder if she married Ran, the guywho wanted to "mate" her?"Are you sure you're okay?" Chess said."Yeah.Sorry; I'm a little brain-dead.I didn't sleep well last night." Herplan for Chess was exactly the same as for her mother.Tell her everything-ina little while.When she was less upset about it.Chess was putting an arm around her, steering skillfully with the other."Hey, we've got to get you in shape, kid.I mean, first it's your birthday,then graduation.Isn't that psychologist doing anything to help?"Hannah muttered, "Maybe too much."That night, she was restless again.The school day had passed uneventfully.Hannah and her mother had had dinner peacefully.But after her mother went outto a meeting with some local rockhounds, Hannah found herself wandering aroundthe house, too wound up to read or watch TV, too distracted to go anywhere.Maybe I need some air, she thought-and then she caught herself and gave aself-mocking grin.Sure.Air.When what you're really thinking is that he just might be outthere.Admit it.She admitted it.Not that she thought Thierry was very likely to be hangingaround her backyard, considering what she'd said to him.And why should you want to talk to him? she demanded of herself.He may notbe completely and totally and pointlessly evil, but he's still no boy scout.Page 50 ABC Amber Palm Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcpalm.htmlBut she couldn't shake a vague feeling of wantingto go outside.At last she went out on the porch, telling herself that she'dspend five minutes here and then go back inside.It was another beautiful night, but Hannah couldn't enjoy it.Everythingreminded her too much of him.She could feel herself softening toward him,weakening.He had looked so stricken, so devastated, when she told him to goaway."Am I interrupting?"Hannah started.She wheeled toward the voice.Standing on the other side of the porch was a tall girl
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