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“But it would have helped Vivi to know she wasn’t alone”

Winona thought about that It was true that sometimes the support of only one person could make a difference

For the next hour, they left the topic of Dallas Raintree alone They talked about the debate and next week’s election and the upco holidays Aurora bitched about Ricky’s infrequent and rushed phone calls, while Winona studied her notes

By the time they finally left the house, Winona knew she looked as pretty as was possible Aurora had straightened her hair and done herher brown eyes and pale skin The outfit she’d brought was an unconstructed jacketpants, with a black scoop-necked tank

“Ready?” Aurora asked when it was tio

“Ready”

They went outside and walked down to the high school There, they ducked into the girls’ locker room to await the start of the event

“Thanks, Aurora,” Winona said, hugging her sister “Your support really means a lot to me”

“Knock ’em dead, sis”

Winona watched her sister leave the locker room, then sat down on one of the slick wooden benches to study her notes one last tiures that she was startled when soet her

“It’s time, Winona”

She laughed, feeling nervous and excited Aliddy with anticipation She’d never beenin her life

Maybe she’d even go on from here

Senator Grey

Why not? She followed the council yhbors sat in folding metal chairs on the basketball court In front of them, two podiums with microphones had been set up