" "And?" "They told me that I was to never write them again." "And?" "They told me that I was to never write them again. They never want to hear from me, I'm not their daughter. As if I ever was! It's not fair! Damnit, I never fit there, you know that! But I'm also one of the few people to come through the Great Hall looking the same as I went in. Terra treats me like a traitor, and Pendorians treat me like a Terran! Goddamnit, I never asked for this!" I stood there, absorbing her hatred. For me? No, I think not. "Kitty, why did you wait until now? Why didn't you tell me this morning?" "I... I thought I could keep it in. You know. But everybody's having so much fun. And... and Kurt is up there, having so much fun, and I can't... I can't join in like that. And, and, Chris and Raine, y'know, they're going to have a baby soon, and I... I've never had anyone love me like that." Did she just tell me she's a virgin? I think so. "Ken?" "Hmmm?" "Did you know that I was raped when I was fifteen?" What do you say to a line like that? I waited. "It was... I was with my dad on a trip to Boston, and I was out malling around, and... it just happened. It was so fast. I remember it so clear, too. He was just this guy. They never caught him. And my dad, he kept telling me it'd never have happened if I'd gone back to the hotel early." She smiled wanly. "I think the police interrupted his meeting." There was a long, quiet pause, while I waited. |