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Samantha and Prudence waited in the bushes for Wendell to wash hiirls to escort hi that had happened, Sa any chances She helped Prudence onto a rock, where her friend's cheeks reddened "I'm sorry," she said

"For what?"

"I've been jealous You found out about your parents and your best friend and you found your uncle I still don't have anyone"

"You have me"

"Thank you, but this is different" Prudence's shoulders heaved as she sighed "I know s I had are dead too I reat-nieces or nephews out there, but how could I ever explain things to theain"

"Don't be silly When you get old enough, you can get reat randma"

Prudence blushed even deeper "I don't think anyone ant to ly"

"Would you stop that already? I'et older you'll be a beautiful woman, as beautiful outside as inside"

"I doubt it"

"Let me tell you a story-"

"But it's not bedtime"

"So? I can tell you stories whenever I want This one is about a duckling that all the other ducks thought was really ugly because she didn't look like any of theray and fat"

"Like ht All the other ducksand made her feel terrible"

"I don't like this story," Prudence said, sounding for alittle duck like the others, but a big, beautiful swan You see, the 'duckling' was a baby swan all along She only had to get older to realize her true beauty"

"So you're saying I need to just wait until I get older? Then I'll be pretty?"

"Well, maybe not as pretty as Helena, but pretty in your oay"

"Maybe" Prudence ran a hand through her snarled red hair "Thank you"

They hugged loosely so Prudence wouldn't get Samantha's clothes too dirty Then they heard Wendell clear his throat "Are you girls done bawling?"

"We weren't bawling," Prudence said "We were hugging"

"Sao home" Samantha helped Prudence up so they could limp the rest of the way home Wendell led the way, his stick still at the ready Once they got in sight of the ruins of the town, he took off running