Page 8 (1/2)

"Yes"

"I caught her staring at ave a child, in a psych ward, a lighter"

His eyes crinkled at the corners "She seemed trustworthy"

"You’re sick," I said, but smiled

"Nobody’s perfect" Noah smiled back

7

NOAH’S PLAN WORKED THE GIRL WAS CAUGHT setting fire to , actually, but not before the alared to override a full-scale evacuation and in the midst of the chaos, Noah slipped out Just before my mother arrived And she wasn’t happy

"I can’t believe sohter in here" Her voice was acid

"I know," I said, sounding worried "And I orking really hard on that picture" I shuddered for effect

My ht you should stay here for another week, to get your ood candidate for an inpatient program, it’s called Horizons--"

My stomach dropped

"It’s off of No Name Key, and I’ve seen the pictures--it’s really beautiful and has an excellent reputation, even though they’ve only been operating for about a year Dr Kells, the woman who runs it, said she met you and that you’d fit in really well--but I just" She sucked in her lower lip, then sighed "I want you home"

I could have cried, I was so relieved Instead I said, "I want to coed and he’s waiting downstairs--he can’t wait to see you"

My heart leapt I couldn’t wait to see hiet your stuff?"

I nodded, my eyes appropriately misty I didn’t have much with me, so I mostly milled around while my mother filled out a bunch of paperwork One of the psychiatrists--Dr Kells--clicked towardheels She was dressed like my mother--silk blouse, pencil skirt, perfectly applied makeup and perfectly coiffed hair

Her wide red lips pulled back to reveal a flawless s home," she said

"Looks that way," I said back, careful not to sound too s

"Good luck to you, Mara"

"Thanks"

But then she didn’t leave She just stood there, watching me

Aard

"Ready?" Mom called out

Just in time I left Dr Kells with a wave and met my mother by the elevator As the doors closed, it took everything I had not to cheer

"What do you think of her?" Mom asked me, once ere alone

"Who?"

"Dr Kells"

I wondered where she was going with this "She’s all right"