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"Maybe I should try to visit sooner," my mother mused. "I'll try to be there the weekend after next. I might bring Allison and Brody along. I guess it's time you met, although you must promise not to tell them the truth. Do you promise?"

"I promise," I said. I had to admit I was curious about them, but if it wasn't important that they know who I really was, then I wasn't going to lose sleep over it.

"You have my number if you need me," she said.

"Shouldn't I have Victoria's number, too? She's closer," I said.

"That's up to Victoria. I told her why I wanted you living there. She's smart enough when it comes to business. She should be smart enough to give you her telephone number," my mother said.

That ended our conversation. She obviously didn't want to discuss Victoria nor hear any more about her mother. I was hoping Mama would call. I sat down and wrote her a long letter, describing the school, the teachers and the students. I told her about the play, but I left out any of the conflicts and controversy. Mama would hear only good news from me, I decided. She was praying she had done the right thing.

I couldn't wait to hear from Roy. I decided to write a letter to him so I would have it ready whenever I did hear from him. In my letter, I told a little about my fears and problems. It was hard to keep it all inside myself. I had no real friends, no sister sharing a room, no one who had a sympathetic ear. Afterward, I sealed the letter and kept it in the dresser drawer, just waiting for the opportunity to send it on its way.

At school the next day, I discovered that Grandmother Hudson had made preparations for me to be outfitted for horseback riding. The first time I put on my riding clothes and looked in the mirror, I laughed at myself. I though I looked so silly. Nothing terrified me more than having to get up on the horse, but my instructor, Mr. Drewitt, was patient and after a few lessons, I actually began to look forward to equestrian class.

I knew that some of the other girls who were far advanced in horseback riding were making fun of me, but I ignored them and after I began to improve, their smiles wilted. In fact, Mr. Drewitt said I was one of his best beginning students ever.

Rehearsals went well, too. Colleen either avoided me or spoke to me more respectfully, especially when she saw that Mr. Bufurd liked my performances more and more. Audrey grew bolder and talked to me more, but always retreated quickly if anyone else approached. Even when she was finished for the day, she would linger to watch my

performance and then walk out with me, hurrying away as soon as she saw her mother pull up or waiting.

Gradually, the tension I had experienced on the first day dissipated and even Maureen withdrew into the background. She wasn't at as many rehearsals as I was, of course. I had to be there every day and so did Corbette.

On our tenth day, he slipped into the seat beside me as we both waited to go on stage. Up until now, except for some small talk, we had really only conversed through our lines in the play. Since our classes were held on different campuses, we didn't have many other opportunities to see each other.

"You're getting good," he said in a whisper. He kept his eyes on Mr. Bufurd and the stage activity.

"Thank you," I said.

"You pick up on everything quickly. I like that. Most of the girls from Dogwood that I've played with are dimwits:'

"Played with?"

He turned, smiling.

"I mean been in plays with, of course."

"Of course," I said.

"I was thinking about all that we have to do in Act Two," he continued.

"Yes?"

"Anyway, if you're willing, I'm willing to put in some extra time."

"Extra time? What do you mean? We rehearse every day after school," I said.

"I mean a weekend day, maybe this coming Saturday, for example."

"Mr. Bufurd wants to work on Saturdays?"

"No, not with Mr. Bufurd. Just us," he said. "We don't need him to go over stuff and if we come in prepared, he'll be very happy. I could pick you up Saturday, say about two, and we'll go rehearse in my barn."

"Barn?"

"We have this farm and I took over a

barn we don't use. It's sort of my private home away from home, know what I mean?"