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"Amen to that," Star said, yet I could still see skepticism lurking in her eyes.

After having heard Star's story, I couldn't fault her for doubting Emma's happiness. I just hoped like Dr. Marlowe that we could have a positive effect on each other.

"Do you counsel her too?" Star asked the question we'd all wondered about.

"Not formally, but we talk a lot. You'd be surprised at how much she helps me."

"Were you close when you were younger?" Misty asked.

"Not as much as I would have liked us to be, no," Dr. Marlowe said. "And Emma got married early."

"How early?" Star asked.

"She was just nineteen," Dr. Marlowe said. By now it was possible for me to read her a little and know when something displeased her. I could hear it in her voice and in the way her eyes shifted quickly as if she hoped to change the subject.

"You didn't think she should get married?" I asked, turning the tables on Dr. Marlowe. Let her sit in the hot seat for a while.

"My father was a very strong man, strongwilled. He thought it would be the best thing for her," she said.

"You mean, he arranged it?" Misty asked with those innocent, wide eyes.

"Let's just say he exerted strong influences on everyone concerned," she replied.

"Everybody thinks they know what's best for everyone else," Star chimed in, but looking pointedly at me. "Giving advice at the drop of a moan. There are Dear Abby's preaching on every street corner nowadays:'

Dr. Marlowe laughed.

"I'm afraid Star's right about that."

"Maybe people think if they fill their heads with someone else's business, they don't have to worry about their own," Star said

"You might have something there," Dr. Marlowe told her. "That's an astute comment, Star."

Star took a bite of her sandwich and glittered with glee at the compliment. I couldn't help but laugh. "What's so funny?"

"Us," I said. "Even thinking for, one moment that we have anything to offer anyone else."

"Don't be so hard on yourself, Jade," Dr. Marlowe said. "You'd be surprised how difficulties in life often make you more of an expert than you think It's why I wanted you all together."

"Maybe she should borrow Emma's glasses," Star said.

Cat laughed so loudly we all turned to her and she blushed.

"You think she's right?" I asked her sharply.

To my surprise she didn't back down. Her eyes looked directly into my own and then she said, "I hope so."

Misty smothered a giggle. Dr. Marlowe's eyes lit like Christmas lights and Star went to the table for seconds.

We'll see how smug and funny they are when they hear the rest of my story, I thought.

And then I asked myself why didn't I want them to be happy?

Was it because misery loves company?

I'd rather be happy and alone.

When we returned to Dr. Marlowe's office I felt like I was coming back to the stage after an