The lie came out so easily it frightened me. I used to feel sick to my stomach when I heard Mother tell a lie. How can you do it? How do you live with yourself? I used to wonder. But here I was, lying to Miss Paulsen and smiling while doing it.

“Sometimes there is such beauty in awkwardness. There's love and emotion trying …”

“Andrius, I'm...scared."He stopped and turned to me. "No. Don't be scared. Don't…”

“Why you frettin', Jo? You not sure?"I inhaled my tears in order to speak. "I'm …”

“Andrius turned. His eyes found mine. "I'll see you," he said.My face didn't wri…”