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On the way to school, I told Jake what I had done.

"Good for you," he said. "At least someone had the guts to make her do the right thing once. Of course, you may find yourself sleeping in the garage from now on," he joked.

"I don't care," I said. He gazed at me through the rear view mirror and smiled.

"Looks like she got more than she bargained for when she decided to do one more charitable thing and take you in, huh?" He stared at me for a few moments longer as if he knew more and was waiting for me to confirm it. I remained silent most of the way to school. Pretending to be someone I wasn't made me sick inside. I longed to open the window and scream out as we passed these fancy homes and people.

"I'm Mrs. Hudson's granddaughter. My mother is Megan Hudson Randolph. And if you didn't hear me, I'll shout a little louder. I'm Mrs. Hudson's granddaughter..."

For a moment I thought I might have actually done it. Jake had such strange a look on his face.

"You okay?" he asked.

"Yes," I said. I felt like bursting out in tears, but I repeated, "Yes, I'm fine."

I was on pins and needles all day, imagining Grandmother Hudson's wrath like a dark cloud ready to burst cold rain on my head the moment I walked into the house. Jake knew what I was anticipating. When he picked me up after the rehearsal, I could see he was more excited than usual.

"How's Mrs. Hudson?" I asked as soon as I could. "Well, you must have had some effect on her," he replied. "She's agreed to having the pacemaker put in."

"Really? When?" I asked.

"Tomorrow morning. Doctor Lewis isn't taking any chances with her changing her mind. Good work," he added, and I got into the car quickly, more anxious than ever to get back to see what she would say.

As soon as I entered the house, Merilyn rushed out of the kitchen to greet me. She had obviously been lingering near the doorway, listening for my arrival. The look on her face told me she was under some strain and angry at me, too. I suspected Grandmother Hudson took out her frustration and rage on her, whipping her more with criticism and commands.

"Mrs. Hudson wants to see you immediately," she proclaimed with satisfaction. "It looks like you've caused a lot of trouble in the short time you've been here. I'm not surprised," she muttered.

I imagined that she was hoping I would be thrown out now. I didn't respond. I ran up the stairs and to my grandmother's bedroom. She was exactly where I had left her propped up with pillows. I tapped on the open door.

"Come in, come in," she said quickly.

"Hi."

"Hi? Don't put on that sweetness and innocent look your mother has made a classic. You know what you did. I hope you're satisfied now," she began. "You called Doctor Lewis without telling me and he is insisting I get that damn pacemaker or not call him anymore. It's so infuriating. You can't control what happens to your own body these days," she

complained. She fixed her eyes on me. "Everyone sticks her two cents in. Even those you think you can trust."

"I was worried about you," I said, "so I called the doctor."

"Nonsense?'

"It's not nonsense. It's prudent behavior. Adult behavior," I added.

She sucked in her cheeks and tightened her lips as she looked at me.

"You think you're wise enough already to know what's adult behavior for someone else and what isn't?"

"Yes," I insisted.

She shook her head, but her expression softened from one of annoyance and petulance to one of reluctant approval.

"Your Mama, as you call her, must have done a very good job of raising you and your brother and sister, under those dreadful circumstances. Very well, what's done is done. Let's not argue about it. Whatever happens, happens."

"What time are they doing it?" I asked.

"Tomorrow at ten. I have been assured it's a simple procedure nowadays, but that's just a doctor's propaganda. I don't know anything that's simple these days, except some of the people who come to work for me, and, even some who come to live with me," she added looking like a spoiled child.

"I'll stay home from school and go along," I said. Her head jerked up.