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anything was amiss. One thing about Crystal, she was

always anticipating potential trouble. The tragedy of

Sunshine was the best example I would ever have, I

thought. I wouldn't ignore her warnings again. I brought in the Tylenol and she gave Butterfly

two tablets.

"She isn't going to be all that hungry, but we'll

bring her juice and fluids to drink all morning," she

said. "For now, let's get to the restaurant. You go and

I'll follow. I want to make Butterfly as comfortable as

I can before I leave. I want to sponge her down and

see if I can help reduce her fever, too."

"Right, Doc," I said and Crystal smiled and

then looked very serious.

"This could be it, Brooke."

"I know, but Butterfly's health is the most important thing."

Patsy was curious about Butterfly, of course,

but when Crystal arrived, she did a good job of

making Butterfly's problems sound insignificant. "She's been fighting a cold for days. I told her

bed rest, lots of liquids and some hot oatmeal would

help," Crystal said as if she

had already acquired the

medical degree she dreamed of having.

Patsy nodded, looking from her to me and

Raven.

"It's very nice the way you girls look after each

other. It's almost as if you've been together for years

and years," she remarked. "You're more like sisters

than friends."

I nearly gave it away when she said that. I had

to look down quickly.