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"You keep your eyes open and do the right thing Go to college And trust your friends "

"I do trust Kate "

"So youll tell her the truth?"

"What if I just promise—"

"One of us is going to tell her, Tully It should be you "

Tully took a deep breath and released it Though telling the truth went against every instinct she had, she had no choice, really She wanted Mrs Mularkey to be proud of her "Okay "

"Good So Ill see you for dinner toht Five oclock Itll be your chance to start over "

The next night, Tully changed her clothes at least four tiht outfit By the time she was actually ready, she was so late that she had to run all the way across the street and up the hill

Kates abardine bell-botto, she said, "I warn you, its loud and crazy in here "

"I love loud and crazy," Tully said

"Then youll fit right in " Mrs Mularkey put an are-walled living rooht red sofa, and black recliner A sold-framed photo of Jesus and another of Elvis were the only decorations on the walls, but dozens of family pictures cluttered the top of the console TV Tully couldnt help thinking of the TV in her house; its top was covered with overflowing ashtrays and earette packs, but no family photos

"Bud?" Mrs Mularkey said to the beefy, dark-hairedin the recliner "This is Tully Hart from next door "

Mr Mularkey smiled at her and put down his drink "Well, well So youre the one weve been hearin about Its nice to have you here, Tully "

"Its nice to be here "

Mrs Mularkey patted her shoulder "Dinners not till six Katies upstairs in her rooirls have plenty to talk about "