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Kate worked to keep her voice level, to imply that this was silimpse of the rocky future "The USC drama school is the best around "

"You dont want me that far away "

That was true Kate had gone out of her way to tell her defiant daughter that California was too far away and that drama was not a smart major

"I dont want to talk about college," Marah said, and Kate let it go for now

Their conversation drifted into other ports For the next hour, they just talked Not about It, the big thing on the horizon and hoould change the and the movies that were out

"I got the lead in the su to try out because you were sick, but Daddy said I should "

"I "

Marah launched into a long ue about the play, the costumes, and her part "I cant wait for you to see it " Her eyes widened in realization of what shed said, the subject shed unintentionally broached She slid off the bed, looking desperate to change the subject "Im sorry "

Kate reached up and touched her cheek "Its okay Ill be there "

Marah stared down at her They both knew it could end up being a broken promise "Re my friend and I didnt knohy?"

"Of course "

"You took me out to lunch and it was like ere friends "

Kate sed hard, tasting the bitterness of tears in the back of her throat "Weve always been friends, Marah Even e didnt know it "

"I love you, Mom "

"I love you, too "