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"I can stretch and listen at the saht It’s just,You are really … bendy"

"That’s what three dance classes a ill do for you Usually, anyway It’s been a busy week" I shot her a look and felt very gratified when she laughed "On with the story"

"My parents died in an accident To keep it short, I’ve existed in two ti burned horribly in over forty percent of rafts todepression to the point of institutionalization" She cleared her throat "And then there’s the tiht Jack tookto find out how to be all-powerful by using theht and then to the left

"He ht sound small-time, but he’s not Jack’s time line saved me from the accident, but it was so he could use me For his nefarious purposes" Forced hu your life to a"I didn’t know I’m sorry--"

"Don’t apologize, Hallie, please I didn’t explain for sy fro cole with the depression?"

"It’s eable," she confessed "But I have bad days"

"Since we’re being honest" I took the opportunity to lighten things up bymy features First into Lily’s and then into E ht … need to go throw up"

I laughed "I pro that I want people to knohere I’ from, too"

"We were all shocked e found out you and Dune were … um, whatever it is that you are" She took that moment to focus on a pair of Dune’s jeans on ht Okay Well Good, then" She cleared her throat "I like you, and I can see why he likes you, too He’s always been kind and smart, but, Hallie, he’s a different person around you"

"I didn’t think good relationships were supposed to change people" I’d never seen one lass crew

"Who told you that? That’s their purpose You " She lifted her chin "Michael does that forto ask someone, and Emerson was too honest not to dish

"A lot like he is now, but less … in control It’s not that he was out of control at the Hourglass--there just weren’t a lot of opportunities for hi in Ivy Springs?"

"Yup" She sood at it"

"My life has been pretty sheltered I’ve had to learn how to be strong on my own Dune is like … a partner He makes it easier for me to just be"

"How?"

I frowned

"You don’t have to explain, unless you want to"

I couldn’t stop my smile "I think I do"

"Well, then" She dropped down onto the floor and folded her legs into a pretzel shape "Tellhim But he handled it, and I barely shook him Well, maybe I did that time I almost flashed him"

Emerson’s jaw dropped a little

"I’d only known him for a week, so … anyway No one’s ever been able to keep up with me No one’s tried Then there was Dune, and all that--presence--and then he’s so sweet, especially his--"