Page 62 of Seeds of Yesterday (Dollanganger 4)

and we were on our way up before Bart could reach

Cindy.

"Learn to keep your mouth shut," said Jory.

"You only make him worse, Cindy--and I regret what

I just said. Did you see

his face? I don't think he's

pretending about religion. He's deadly serious. He

seems to truly believe. If Joel is a hypocrite, Bart is

not." Chris fixed his strong regard on both before he

stepped out of the elevator. "Jory, Cindy, you listen to

me carefully. I want you both to do your best tonight

to see that Bart's party is successful. Forget your

enmity, at least for one night. He was a troubled little

boy, and he has grown into a more troubled man. He

needs help, and badly. Not from more sessions with

psychiatrists, but help from those who love him

most--and despite everything, I know you both love

him. Just as his mother and I love him and care what

happens to him. As for Melodie, I visited her before

dinner, and she's not feeling well enough to attend the

party. She wouldn't let me examine her, though I tried

to insist, and she says she feels too big, too clumsy

and won't be coming out where guests can stare at her

enormous size. I think that might be the best solution

for her. But if you would, look in on her and say a few

kind words of encouragement, for that poor girl is

coming apart from worry . . ."

Jory steered his chair down the hall, turning

directly into his room, ignoring Melodie's closed door.

I sighed, as did Chris.