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Jade laughed. Star and I joined in, but I didn't feel like we were really laughing. It was more like we were crying. We sipped our drinks, the music rushed over us, the lights spun colors over the crowd of revelers, but that old stub- born and determined demon of depression found its way to our table, casting his shadow. I could see it in everyone's faces and feel it on my own.

"I have to get home," Star shouted into Jade's ear. "I want to help Granny tonight."

Jade nodded, paid the bill, and led us out to her waiting limousine.

Even inside the car and away from the noise, my ears still rang.

"I think I'm going deaf," I moaned.

They all laughed at me.

"I guess it's your first time in a dance club," Jade said. I nodded.

"I usually bring some earplugs," she told me.

Misty leaned against Jade, her eyes closed. Jade put her arm around her and looked at Star and me.

"Girls," she said, "it's time we stopped mourning our dead families. Good times are all we should think about. Tomorrow, at our meeting, let's start presenting some candidates for our first party." Misty perked up.

"Really?" she asked.

"I think we're almost ready," Jade said. "Star?"

"Right," she said. "But remember what Jade said. We're not inviting any other girls. We're being prudent"

"All right, stop teasing me," Jade begged.

"Why Princess Jade, don't tell me you're sensitive after all," Star said. "Don't tell me you're admitting any weakness."

Jade's face grew dark and serious.

"I've already done that, Star. We all have."

She lifted her toy wand.

"Now it's time to wish it all away," she said

Everyone watched her wave the wand like someone trying to hypnotize us. Star started to laugh, but Misty suddenly sat up.

"I think it worked," she cried, smiling as if she really had been touched by something magical.

"Me too," Jade agreed. She looked at Star.

"Absolutely felt it," Star said.

They all turned to me.

"Yes," I said. "It's a new beginning."

We were all quiet. I gazed out the window at the city streets as we wove our way back through the darkness of our troubled thoughts, searching for the promise of tomorrow.

13 New Beginnings

"David Kellerman," Jade began. She had a picture of herself, two other girls from her school, and three boys down at the Santa Monica Pier near the merry-go-round. We were all sitting in the living room for another of what we were now calling our OWP meetings. This one was called to organize our first party.

"This is David," she said, pointing to the tall, dark haired, slim, good-looking boy who stood behind her in the picture. She paused in front of each of us for a moment with the picture and then stepped back, looking very proud and satisfied and obviously expecting us to have an immediate similar reaction.

Star glanced at me and raised her eyes toward the ceiling.